#* ── to embrace eternity. : verse.

[zestials]

" i needn't remind thee of the peril. " spoken as a warning but void of the threat that often twined with the words. zestial's seated across from his fellow overlord , cards fanned out in a clawed hand. he wouldn't indulge his gambling habits , far too calculating to chance being bested by conditions outside of his control --- so he'd implored him to play a different game. the prize ? loser bought the next round of drinks. when asked for threes , a sharp tug of lips is the only tell he gives in the low light of the hall. zestial had all but cleared the other players with his very presence. lime green eyes rise to lock onto his companion , " go fish , @gamblins . "

[deciessomnia]

@party-of-rpg-muses :: Frederic did say that he was a pianist before arriving in this "dream world" as he called it. But at this gathering, he truly got a chance to show his aptitude. His fingers moved and flowed upon the keys, as if he was dancing with the music itself. The entire time, Frederic had a look on his face that seemed to be a mix of enjoyment and calm focus, all while his eyes remained closed, as if he himself were one with the music.

Following a very successful performance, the young man stood from his bench and removed his hat as he gave a bow to the applauding audience before removing himself from the hall. A soft, warm smile appeared on his face as he met with Crescendo and Serenade.

There was a strange if not awkward calm between the once engaged couple Baroque and Forte. The formerly engaged would subtly steal subtle glances from the other from across the room. Once they sensed the tiniest of hints of the other turning their head, attention would immediately divert elsewhere. This happened every now and then during the banquet that followed the peace treaty and alliance signing.

Those who did notice, though few how it was, would give a disheartened or amused sigh. It was hard to tell between Crescendo and Serenade who missed the other more. While there was a mixed eye roll amongst the crowd that resulted in said person getting pinched hard by their partner. To those who were close to Crescendo, bet it was he who missed Serenade more than the once princess did herself for him.

There was a special performance for the banquet that was scheduled. Though both Crescendo and Serenade had planned it together, it was someone else who had invited a musician. Despite questioning Jazz repeatedly on who it was, Jazz remained tight lipped. It only served to annoy Crescendo and annoyed him more so with that knowing smirk on his friend’s lips.

❛ I’ve never heard this piece before… ❜ Crescendo thought upon hearing a piano play. Head turned towards where a group of musicians once were to see a familiar man behind ivory keys playing. Eyes widened at the sight as a smile began to form on his lips. ❛ How long has it been since I last saw him? ❜ Crescendo wanted to laugh, but held it in. ‘No wonder Jazz had that knowing look in his eyes. ❜ he made plans to punch his friend in the shoulder later.

Feeling the piece soon come to an end Crescendo started heading in Fredrick’s direction. Glancing out of the corner of his eyes he saw Serenade do the same. So they had the same thing in mind with how long it been since they’ve seen the man.

❝ Fredric, how long has it been~? ❞ Crescendo greeted the man with a genuine smile on his lips, happy to see him.

❝ Hello Fredric. It was quite a surprise to see you were the one someone spoke about inviting. ❞ Serenade said with a chuckle. Jazz could be quite the sly one when he wanted to be. Perhaps surprising was more fitting in this case. Serenade was quite amused with how much it annoyed Crescendo that Jazz would not tell him. ❝ How has time been treating you? ❞

[yeslordmyking]

Romans 8:23 — Today's Verse for Friday, August 23, 2024

[sakurarisen]

Just a heads up to some edits I’ve been working on the past few days:

I’ll be running this blog a little differently going forward! Sera is now what I call a Tri-Main in her primary settings; I’ll be focusing less on solely Final Fantasy with a crapton of AUs, and more on FF, Genshin Impact, and the original setting Spellbound as the main and primary verses! All the other AUs and the like are staying intact as AUs, nothing is changing in regards to relationships or threads - I’m just making this a dual-fandom and original setting type of blog! <3

Edited Sera’s carrd in regards to the above; GI and Spellbound are now their own sections in full with room to grow, rather than crammed into one space.

In regards to the carrd: I’ve split it up a big better into FF/main info, GI, and Spellbound. As previously mentioned, the later two have their own full sections - Anything in them pertains to their verses only (i.e. Sera’s snow leopard features at GI only, fox goddess is Spellbound only, etc.), but the main carrd was a little harder to split up. Thus, ‘FF/Main Info’ contains the overall personality, appearance, and the like that applies to everything regardless of verse, and anything noted to be FF related, like mentions of Midgar and Gongaga and so forth, are FF based *only*. The same applies for the AUs in the misc section.

There’s a new blog as a side to this one: @risingstarcatcher​, a semi-private multimuse for GI! <3 Things there are still being ironed out in regards to muses and their abouts, so expect some changes if popping in!

The rest of my blogs will be following suit with Sera in the Tri-Main style in coming weeks as I figure out what to do with things around here.

I’m slowly catching up on things and have been for the last several weeks, but between stress and my health, focus hasn’t been my strongest ability, and I’ve been doing a lot of gaming instead to try and keep my mind off it. Apologies for the long waits, and a ton of thank you’s for the patience with me TWT <3

~Pom

[nonbinoclard]

>>> TUNES TO LOSE YOUR MIND TO <<<

KEEP IN MIND: This is a living playlist! Songs may be added and removed at times to further curate the vibe I'm going for. I'll try to keep this post updated, but you can just check out the link for an up-to-date track list.

(EDIT: Song discussions are not finished! I have a lot more to say. I'll reblog when I've updated.)

This is set in a sort of nebulous time between Harry's life right before Martinaise and the night before he lost his memory. I wanted this playlist to feel erratic-- full of manic energy one second, then slow and bleak the next, dreamy, unreal, then right back to ridiculous.

(In no particular order. Shuffle for full emotional whiplash effect.)

I Don't Like My Mind - Mitski

I don't like my mind, I don't like being left alone in a room [...] And then I get sick and throw up and there's another memory that gets stuck / Inside the walls of my skull waiting for its turn to talk / And it may be a few years, but you can bet it's there, waiting still

The days before cleaning out the rooms... also, eating an entire cake and throwing it all up again feels very harry-esque... Overindulgence

A whole cake, so please don't take / Take this job from me

End Of The World - Hether

I mean, I could just post the entire set of lyrics as evidence, tbh. Struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life in the wake of heartbreak (5 year old heartbreak, but who's counting anyway)

I wake up in the morning and I wonder / Why everything's the same as it was I can't understand / No I can't understand / How life goes on the way it does

Cane Shuga - Glass Animals

Baby, don't go / I'll stop breathing coke / No more bloody nose / No more John Does Burn through my love / Just like your drugs / I've had quite enough / Or lack thereof

This is about the last moments of Harry and Dora's relationship to me. The chorus (a kind of circular, endless, self-aggrandizing internal monologue likely fueled by stimulants, implied in the song) continuing after the second verse kind of reflects the solution for Lonesome Long Way Home.

"11 Voyager Road. You no longer live there. Those times are gone, and so are those people. Why did you come here? Why are you still here? And where’s the dealer? You have to get back to work. That’s all you have now."

Hot Venom - Miniature Tigers

Hot venom is mixing with my blood / I can feel it on my fingers and taste it on her tongue / It feels so good to fall in love with you

I've heard a lot of people say this song is about heroin addiction, which is thematically appropriate for this playlist, but also. Harry's unhealthy obsession with Dora/Dolores Dei. Adoration (and hatred) so strong it's killing him.

Her venom makes me strong / Stronger than I am on my own / Before too long, I'll wake up to it gone / Wondering how I ever was happy [...] You can't go back now; that's not how this works / And as long as she's gone, I can never be happy

Who Is She ? - I Monster

This is just straight up about Harry's recurring dream to me. Just. Gestures at the lyrics.

Oh, who is she? / A misty memory / A haunting face / Is she a lost embrace? Am I in love with just a theme? / Or is Ayesha just a dream?

I feel like it falls in line really well with the idea that Harry's mind has been affected by the Pale-- a lack of memory, or maybe mixed memories, in a misty haze beyond the boundaries of reality. (and maybe Dolores Dei has started haunting him via Pale? Like some theories I've read.)

Somewhere across the sea of time / A love immortal such as mine Will come to me / Eternally

I Don't Miss You at All - FINNEAS

Dummy - Portugal. The Man

F the World - The Northern Boys

You Stupid Bitch - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (TV Show)

These shards are a metaphor for my soul Won't stop the self-pity 'cause I'm on a roll

This song perfectly captures the inherent melodrama of a mental downward spiral imo. Catastrophic and all-encompassing. This is what I think it sounds like in there (Harry's head).

You ruined everything / You stupid bitch / You ruined everything / You stupid, stupid bitch / You're just a lying little bitch who ruins things / And wants the world to burn / Bitch / You're a stupid bitch / And lose some weight

Oleander - Mother Mother

Intermission - Scissor Sisters

Skit #2 - Kanye West

Self explanatory. He's got no money. He's got no clothes. He has no car and he has no hoes.

We broke, broke broke phi broke We ain't got it Broke, broke, broke phi broke We ain't got it Don't spend no money, ain't got no clothes Ain't got no cars, ain't got no hoes

Nobody - Mitski

My God, I'm so lonely, so I open the window To hear sounds of people, to hear sounds of people

This one is more about the feeling of the song itself rather than the lyrics specifically; I love the upbeat tempo that continues through the song (trying to remain steady, continue working), how the beat is simple at first then builds into a kaleidoscope of sound by the end of the track (overwhelmed by the world), then ending in a distorted loop (trapped in a cycle). This song has always felt really authentic to my own experience with mental spirals. The themes of loneliness tie it all into a nice bow.

I'm A Broken Heart - the bird and the bee

Not Allowed - TV Girl

Party Time - The Northern Boys

Comfortably Numb - Scissor Sisters

(Do The) Act Like You Never Met Me - TV Girl

Novocaine For The Soul - Eels

Basket Case - Green Day

Do you have the time / to listen to me whine About nothing and everything all at once? I am one of those melodramatic fools / Neurotic to the bone, no doubt about it

I just think this one fits him well during Martinaise... just shaken up and unloading trauma onto unsuspecting strangers like a can of soda (bad analogy lol), depending on the dialogue you choose.

I went to a shrink to analyze my dreams She says it's lack of sex that's bringing me down I went to a whore, she said my life's a bore So quit my whining 'cause it's bringing her down

Sometimes, I give myself the creeps / Sometimes, my mind plays tricks on me It all keeps adding up / I think I'm cracking up Am I just paranoid, or am I stoned?

Also it's just a little pathetic, which just... it fits. Sorry Harry.

Labyrinth - Miracle Musical

[aphroditelovesu]

Hey, i'm also from brazil and i love the way you write! Taking advantage of the fact that I saw you talking about yandere apollo pjo, could you do some headcanons about what he would be like due to the differences? like, in today's world. Would he look at your phone or something?

❝ ☀️ — lady l: it's a headcanon, in a way, but also an imagine, a combo of both! I ended up geting excited and focusing more on the platonic part and I hope everything it's! I hope you like it and forgive me for any mistakes!

❝tw: obsessive and overprotective behavior and fluffy.

❝☀️pairing: yandere pjo!apollo x gender neutral!reader.

❝word count: 742.

Apollo is the god of poetry and will always be writing the most beautiful poems for you. All of his hymns will be dedicated to you and any pop influence he will use as inspiration to worship you. Apollo dedicates each verse to you, each word carefully thought out in the overwhelming love that the god feels, transforming pop influences into hymns of worship.

In the intervals between his divine exploits, Apollo is captured by the passion of modern melodies. Transforming pop influences into passionate songs, his lyres resonate in heavenly places, echoing the immortal feelings he has for his earthly muse.

Apollo as a divine father is smothering and protective. He doesn't give a damn about the rules that govern the gods, not when it comes to his favorite child. He will distribute gifts, presents and will help and support them in everything he can. Apollo will always make it clear that they are his greatest pride.

As you face challenges and monsters, Apollo protects you, interfering in divine destinies when necessary. The sun god becomes a constant presence, guiding and encouraging his favorite child to embrace its heroic nature. Apollo, the divine father, defies heavenly rules in the name of love for his child, doling out divine gifts and guiding them along the path to greatness.

One day, while you were facing a particularly difficult challenge, Apollo decided to intervene in a more direct way. He descended from Olympus, enveloped in golden light, and appeared at your side. His presence was warm and comforting, like the rays of the sun emanating from his divine form.

"My dear child," Apollo said with a beaming smile. "The time has come for me to join you on this journey. Together, we will face the challenges that present themselves, and I will guide you with my divine light."

Apollo watched with beaming pride as his child flourished under divine tutelage. He guided the mortal steps with the light of knowledge, shaping the favorite's destiny as a sculptor carves a masterpiece. Each of his child's deeds was a glorious echo of the pride Apollo felt, reflected in the rays of sunlight that illuminated his celestial face.

Apolo is very connected to modern technology, oddly enough. He would have a cell phone, the best and most expensive, and it would be full of photos of you. His music playlist would have all genres, an eclectic god, after all, he is also the god of music and appreciates all types, honoring his essence as the god of music.

He wouldn't touch your cell phone unless you allowed it or if he had some kind of suspicion. In this case, you can be sure that the god will search your cell phone in search of something. And he will definitely take selfies of himself to leave for you.

During moments of rest, Apollo shared divine stories and ancestral teachings with you. His words were like ethereal songs, dancing in the air and penetrating your heart. Each narrative was filled with wisdom and profound lessons, like the notes of an eternal melody.

On a starry night, after an especially epic victory over a colossal beast, Apollo gathered the gods and goddesses for a divine celebration on Olympus. Heavenly music filled the halls as everyone rejoiced in their achievements and the union between the divine and the mortal.

At the height of the party, Apollo raised his golden lyre and began to sing a song that transcended the limits of Olympus. His melodious voice resonated, telling the saga of his favorite child, full of courage, triumph and divine love. The song inspired tears of joy in the eyes of the gods and goddesses, witnessing the success of his protégé.

At the end of the performance, Apollo looked at you with pride in his eyes. "My child, you are a masterpiece that surpasses any divine song. Your heart is a melody that enchants the gods and transforms Olympus into a more radiant place. May your journey continue to shine like the stars that adorn the night sky."

Since that day, the bond between you and Apollo has only grown stronger. The god's blessings continued to guide you, while the teachings shared under the stars became a beacon of wisdom on his journey. And so, under the protection and love of Apollo, the heroic epic unfolded, marking destiny with the eternal light of the god of music and poetry.

[holyspiritgirl]

Study a bible verse with me 🤍

John 12:24 (NLT) says:

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.”

• Through scripture, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat to illustrate a deeper spiritual truth. In agriculture, a single grain of wheat must be buried in the soil to grow into a plant. So technically, it’s “death” is essential for new growth and multiplication.

• The "death" of the kernel symbolizes the necessary sacrifice and transformation required for new life. For Jesus, this metaphor directly points to His impending crucifixion. His physical death is essential for the spiritual renewal and salvation of humanity. Just as the seed must die to bring forth new life, Jesus must undergo His death to bring about the promise of eternal life.

• This verse emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrificial death will not be in vain but will result in a "plentiful harvest of new lives." This indicates that His death will lead to the growth of many new believers and the establishment of a new spiritual reality. The “new kernels” represent the new lives and believers that will emerge from His sacrificial act.

• This principle extends beyond Jesus’ own death. It serves as a broader teaching on discipleship and sacrifice. As followers of Christ, we are also called to embrace the idea that personal sacrifice and self-denial are often necessary for spiritual growth and fruitful ministry. The idea is that through sacrifice, individuals can contribute to a greater spiritual harvest and the spread of God's Kingdom.

• The verse highlights a counterintuitive truth in the Kingdom of God: true success and growth often come through sacrifice and loss. This perspective challenges worldly views on success and encourages us to embrace sacrificial love and service as pathways to spiritual fruitfulness.

• In summary, John 12:24 uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat to show why Jesus’ death was necessary for a great spiritual harvest and crucial for our salvation. He died for our sins out of immense love, so we wouldn’t have to face death ourselves. His sacrifice leads to new spiritual life and growth, not only for Himself but also for those who follow Him and are called to live selflessly.

Have a blessed day 👼🏻🙏💕

[zestials]

there were always enemies , those beneath that could profit from him falling from power , but rarer still were those zestial formed some level of trust with. it was a mutually beneficial arrangement , having friends in high places provided unspoken structural support in the hierarchy of hell ( something zestial heavily invested himself in. ) & he is far too talented at weaving threads , piercing them together until a picture's entirely revealed to not be of use to most. the information had been spread before @xluciifer , zestial opting to make himself at home with a goblet of wine held betwix clawed fingertips. a looming silhouette off to one side , sliding in a mass of shadows to lucifer's other side like the flip of a serpent's tail. lime eyes illuminate the curious look on his features , " hast thou discovered what thou sought with the tidings i gathered ? "

[sleepingdiaryzzz]

"No matter the storm,

I’ll always turn toward you,

Rose,

offering my bright loyalty,

even if I’m lost in the

shadows of your thorns."

INTRODUCING!

Starfire – her love for you would burn like an eternal flame, soft yet all-consuming. She'd weave around you like a warm, fiery breeze, her every touch a promise, her every word a verse of devotion. In her eyes, you'd be the sun, and she, the star who could never let you slip away.

Nightwing – love would be the quiet night, cloaking you in its gentle embrace. He’d guard you with the grace of a shadow, his presence a whisper in the dark, steady and unwavering. In his heart, you’re the pulse that keeps him alive, the one he’ll protect, even if the world falls away.

Together, Nightwing and Starfire weave a love as fierce and quiet as a storm, their hearts beating in the same rhythm. Nightwing’s gaze is the moon, steady and watchful, while Starfire’s touch is the sun, radiant and all-consuming. They are two stars, bound by the same sky, each with a claim on you that no force could ever tear asunder.

In their embrace, you are both sanctuary and obsession—safe, cherished, and theirs forever. Their love is a song, sweet and haunting, sung in whispers and fire, a promise made not with words, but with every heartbeat.

The Book of Love

😹 - drabble 😻 - oneshot 😽 - series

😺 - request

Once upon a time "Dick and Starfire, flustered by the reader's appearance, gently invite them to dinner, subtly showing possessive affection." 😹

Once upon a time " Dick and Kory’s love bloomed quietly, hidden in glances and smiles, hoping [name] would see them as more than friends. " 😻

Once upon a time "Dick and Kory share a close, possessive moment with their shy darling, teasing gently while savoring the warmth of togetherness." 😺

Once upon a time "Dick and Kory tease the reader about a romance novel, leading to an overwhelming, possessive confrontation filled with desire." 😺

Once upon a time "Dick and Kori care for a sick reader with intense devotion, blending affection, protectiveness, and a quiet, obsessive love." 😺

Once upon a time "Dick and Kori bring their love to a remote cabin, fostering closeness while addressing occasional resistance with quiet persistence." 😺

Once upon a time "A protective, loving duo obsessively cares for their growing family." 😺

Once upon a time "A united pair reshapes love, persistence, and affection to claim you." 😺

Once upon a time "The reader struggles against Kory and Dick’s hold, but their resistance fades under manipulation and subtle affection, growing inevitable." 😺

╌TAGLIST!

@lilyalone

[tarotwithavi]

Some random things your FS will say to you (poetic edition)

How to choose a pile?

Close your eyes and take a deep breath and ask the angels to show you the right pile for you and open your eyes. The first pile that catches your attention is the right pile for you.

Piles : 1-2-3

Masterlist

Paid services

Let's check their poetic rizz 🤪

Pile 1

"Every moment with you feels like a new chapter in our love story."

"You are the poetry my heart never knew it could write."

"In your eyes, I found my forever."

"I'll be your shelter in the storm, your anchor in the chaos."

"Even in a world of millions, my eyes are drawn to you alone."

"Your laughter is the music that fills my soul."

"I'd travel through time and space just to be with you."

"You are the missing piece that completes my puzzle of life."

"Every day with you is an adventure, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"No matter where life takes us, my love for you will always be a constant."

"Your love is the canvas upon which I paint the masterpiece of my life. And my life is a masterpiece because of you"

"You are the serendipity I never knew I needed."

Pile 2

"In your presence, I find my peace and my passion all at once."

"With you, even ordinary moments become extraordinary memories."

"You are the star that guides me through the darkest nights."

"My love for you is like a fingerprint, unique and indelible."

"In a world of fleeting moments, you are my eternity."

"Like a compass points north, my heart always points to you."

"You're the reason I believe in love stories that last a lifetime."

"With every beat of my heart, I choose you, over and over again."

"You're not just my love; you're my favorite adventure."

"Your laughter is the melody that brightens my darkest days."

"In your eyes, I see a reflection of my best self."

"Loving you is as natural as breathing."

"You're not just a chapter in my life; you're the whole story."

Pile 3

"Your love is a garden, my heart the willing seed."

"In your eyes, I find constellations of dreams."

"Love is the ink, and you are the poetry written on the pages of my soul."

"Your love is the lighthouse that guides my ship through life's turbulent sea."

"In your embrace, I've found the warmth of a thousand suns."

"We are two souls entwined in the delicate dance of love's eternal waltz."

"You are the whispered secret of my heart, the answer to all its questions."

"Every word you speak is a verse in the sonnet of our love."

"In your smile, I see the reflection of a thousand beautiful tomorrows."

"With each sunrise, my love for you blooms like a radiant flower."

"Our love story is written in the stars, a celestial epic of two souls bound by destiny."

"You are the moonlight that guides me through my darkest nights."

"With you, every moment is a stanza in the epic poem of our love."

I made this a long time ago as you can see I don't dress my posts this way anymore lol.

Remember to Reblog lovelies 💗

[fangsandfracturedhearts]

Fangs and Fractured Hearts

Summary: After embracing eternity as a vampire spawn under Astarion's wing, the Crimson Palace becomes a haunting symbol of the man he once was. As his personality unravels into a dark abyss, you flee. A year of hardship unveils the harsh reality of existence as a vampire spawn.

Just as all hope seems lost, a twist of fate reunites you with Astarion, revealing a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows. As you navigate the complexities of your relationship, you must confront the unsettling truth behind the Rite of Profane Ascension and the devilish secrets it holds.

In a race against time, you embark on a daring quest to save Astarion from his descent into darkness. With each choice you make, the stakes grow higher, testing the limits of your courage and determination.

Will Astarion find redemption, or is he destined to succumb to his own inner turmoil?

Pairing: Softish Ascended Astarion x female!Tav Spawn Note: It is/will be mentioned Tav is a draconic sorcerer

Rating: Explicit 18+ [Slow Burn]

Setting: Post End-Game Please note: Written before epilogues were added, so may not be congruent with that content

Warnings [more will be added] - expect mature content/read at your own risk.

Blood drinking. Sexual Themes/Tension. Slow Burn. Eventual Explicit Smut. Pining. Suicidal Thoughts. Biting. Violence.

Small Notes:

I am not well-versed in DnD 5e and it's rules as it pertains to this world, so although I'm going to try and keep it as accurate as possible, some aspects may not align or may be completely made up for story reasons.

Mentioned of in-game content that I've made resolve a certain way for this Tav.

Fabricated camp events.

Tav is named in later chapters (15 +), will have her own backstory, which we may explore eventually.

Details of Tav's appearance have been made up, but I've tried to keep details to a minimum so you can imagine your own Tav.

Otherwise, I hope you all enjoy!

Big thank you to everyone who reads and/or comments/follows/likes/reblogs - it truly does make my day to know you're finding some enjoyment in my story :)

Chapter 1: Lost Between Night and Dawn

Chapter 2: Reunion

Chapter 3: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Chapter 4: Little Lamb

Chapter 5: Rebellion

Chapter 6: Dancing with Darkness

Chapter 7: Rogue Desire

Chapter 8: Free Fall

Chapter 9: Beneath the Veil

Chapter 10: Soulbound

Chapter 11: 'Till Death Do Us Part

Chapter 12: Catharsis

Chapter 13: The Fallacy of Power

Chapter 14: Devil's Ploy

Chapter 15: Reclamation

Chapter 16: Riddles

Chapter 17: Unearthed

Chapter 18: Unleashed

Chapter 19: Hark Thy Plea

Chapter 20: I Forgive You

Chapter 21: Preparations

Chapter 22: This is Our Sanctuary

Chapter 23: Way Down We Go

Chapter 24: His Hands Hold My Heart & He Won't Let Go Until It's Scarred

Chapter 25: Darkside

Chapter 26: The Edge of Erasure

Chapter 27: Sin and Shadow

Chapter 28: Blurred Lines

Chapter 29: A Lonely Kind of Love

Chapter 30: A Brand, A Tether

Chapter 31: Ice Meets Fire

Chapter 32: Adrift

AO3 [cross-posted]

If you're interested, I also write a spawn Astarion x Tav fic - Shadows of the Past

I also write a much darker fic for named Durge and AA that I post to A03 exclusively. It's dark, gory, and not about fixing AA but about them becoming an evil power couple if you're interested - Lie to Me

[mrsbuckybarnes1917]

Request from @talesofreading: Hi dear ☺️ could I ask for an imagine with Bucky where you can't sleep, so you walk around through the compound enjoying the silence. Just as you find a wide awake Bucky as well. You then just talk about senseless stuff till you find yourself in each other's embrace on the couch where he finally gets the guts to kiss you and tell you how much you mean to him. Eventually you fall asleep and the others find you both tangled together the next morning and are very happy for you 🙊

Word Count: 1,895

Warnings: mostly fluff with a dash of angst at the beginning.

Midnight.

1:00 AM.

2:00 AM.

2:30 AM.

It was too much. The thoughts. The dread. The guilt. All too much. 

You fought to throw back the covers which had wrapped around your legs as you'd tossed and turned for the last three hours. The last mission had been a disaster. So many people had died. You felt responsible. Here you were, safe and sound while the people you'd left in the remnants of their broken homes, mourning their lost loved ones.

What gave you the right to be surrounded by comfort? By warmth? By luxury? Who were you that you deserved to walk away without taking responsibility for your shortcomings?

Your mind raced like a little toy car set to spin around the same tiny track for eternity. You were well versed in the pain that came with the setting sun. This wasn’t the first night you’d chosen to pace the corridors of the Compound, choosing to use your body rather than your mind. Your autopilot carried you down the corridors, down past the Olympic sized swimming pool that Tony had insisted was necessary, and outside under the stars where you felt a sense of freedom. Freedom from your worries, from your responsibilities and freedom from your guilt. The vastness of the stars above you reminded you of how small your problems were in the grand scheme of the universe. The weight of your decisions seemed miniscule out here in the wide open space, far from anyone-

You were winded by the force of your impact with a very solid object. It wasn’t until a strong pair of hands were wrapped around your arms that you realized that the solidness belongs to another human being. In fact he was a very strong, very beefy human being. Sergeant Bucky Barnes, formerly the Winter Soldier, was holding you upright, well, just about.

“I’m sorry,” you wheezed.

“Are you alright, Buttercup?”

“Peachy,” you breathed out, finally getting some air back in your lungs. “How are you so … solid?”

Bucky huffed out a laugh, albeit a short lived one. You never failed to bring a smile to his face even if he was feeling miserable, in the depths of despair, plagued with guilt and confusion, it was you who was always there. You were a ray of sunshine in the melancholy that filled his life. You reminded him of the color yellow, which is why he had chosen to call you Buttercup. Not that he had ever told you the reason he had chosen this nickname. But you liked it, so it stuck.

“What’re you doing out here? It’s 3am!” You always worried about your friend.

Bucky shrugged. “You can see the stars out here.”

“Yeah, you can’t see the Milky Way from anywhere in the city. It makes me glad to be out here.”

“And why are you out here at 3am?” Bucky knew the exact reason you were out there.

You sighed. “Morpheus forgot to swing by my room tonight.”

“How inconsiderate of him.”

The two of you stood in silence, looking up at the stars until a cool wind picked up around you and you shivered. Your thoughts hadn’t involved dressing for the weather as you tried to escape from the prison of your own mind.

“Maybe we should go back inside.”

“Why?” Your stubbornness knew no bounds.

“I’m cold.” Bucky knew your obstinacy far too well.

You rolled your eyes but didn’t object, it was really rather a nippy night. Bucky started walking back into the facility, so you follow. You’d follow him to the ends of the Earth if he asked you. The amorous feelings you harbored for Bucky were something you kept well hidden for fear of them being unrequited. Sometimes you’d catch him looking at you with an intensity which made you feel like there was the potential for more between you, but the fear of losing his friendship had always held you back.

He led you to the small common room which had a kitchenette attached to it. It was your favorite because of the large windows which gave you a magnificent view of the dense tree line around the Compound.

“Sit,” he told you as he made his way to the counter.

“Yes sir,” you made a small face but did as you were told.

Bucky filled the kettle and set it to boil and popped two teabags into mismatched mugs. It gives you time to curl up on the couch under a throw blanket and you go back to admiring the stars. He joins you with two steaming mugs of your favorite herbal tea.

“Thanks Buck.”

“I know a story about the Milky Way.” You smiled at the fact that your words were basically a quote from a story you’d read as a young girl but it had stayed with you. You proceed to tell Bucky the story as best as you remember it.

He sat down close to you, close enough that you caught the scent of his shower gel. Sometimes, it was hard, being in his orbit. There would be times it frightened you and other times you grew bold, almost taunting with your affections. You wished from the depths of your soul that one day he would tell you that he cared for you the same way you did for him. 

“Once there were two angels in heaven, named Zerah and Zulamith. Zerah and Zulamith loved each other, just as we mere mortals fall in love with each other. But their love was forbidden by God.”

Bucky sighed. You took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

“Unfortunately, because the two angels had broken God’s law, they were banished to the furthest corners of the universe. Now, if God had banished them together, it wouldn’t have been a punishment at all. But sometimes God can be cruel-”

“You got that right,” Bucky muttered under his breath.

“-so he sent Zerah to be exiled to a star on one side of the universe, and Zulamith was sent to a star right on the other side of the universe. Between them there was an incomprehensible abyss, darker than the black of midnight which even the closest star couldn’t brighten. But for the two angels, the strength of their love surpassed the boundaries of the universe and even though they were worlds apart, they yearned for each other.”

You laid your head on Bucky’s shoulder as you spoke, unable to look at his expression as you told the tale. “Zerah’s longing for Zulamith was so strong and pure that she began to create a bridge made of light from her star. And Zulamith, who had no idea this was happening on the other side of the universe doing the same. For thousands of years they ached and suffered. But eventually their bridges of light met!”

Bucky squeezed your hand. You couldn’t see the way he looked down at you as though he understood exactly how those angels felt.

“As their bridges finally came together, they sprang into each other’s arms. All the anguish and loneliness they had endured was over because this bridge built by their love spanned the gulf between their stars of exile.

“But that’s not the end of the story, is it?” Bucky asked.

“No, because when the other angels found this bridge of light, they went to God and-”

“They ratted out Zerah and Zulamith,” Bucky broke in bitterly.

“Pretty much. They went to Him crying ‘see what these rebellious angels have done!’ But God hushed everyone who spoke in heaven. And through the silence he said, anything in this universe that is built with true love is not even something I can destroy. The bridge will stand forever. And it still does.” You looked up at the Milky Way from the window, lost in the romance of your story.

“You’re quite the Story Girl.”

Bucky’s words made you snap your face back to look at him. His face was so close to yours, it was unnerving.

“The Story Girl? You know the book?” you asked curiously. The Story Girl was the book where you’d read the story of Zerah and Zulamith.

“I remember reading it,” Bucky admitted.

An image of a young Bucky sitting and reading formed in your mind and it made you smile. You were surprised to notice that he hadn’t let go of your hand and was in fact rubbing small circles over the back of it with his thumb. He was looking at you with such tenderness that you felt a little flustered.

“I love that we share stuff like this. Even though we grew up with lives which feel like we're on opposite ends of the universe, we still shared these small things. Even if we can't share the bigger stuff.”

“Hey, thanks for not pushing too much on the reason for the midnight wandering.” Bucky’s voice was soft and sad. “I know I’m not the easiest person to talk to.”

“What? Bucky, don’t be absurd. I love talking to you, even in the middle of the night. I love spending time with you. I lo-” You cut yourself in time, maybe confessing your love when he was so vulnerable wasn’t the best idea. You decided to go back to looking at your stars.

Bucky didn’t miss the catch in your voice, or the blush on your cheeks. “What was that, Buttercup?”

“You're my best friend. Did you know that?” You felt like some kind of confession was due. “I mean I know Steve is yours. But you're mine.”

Bucky put an arm around your waist pulling you closer than you ever dreamed possible. “I am you know.

You looked at him a little quizzically. “What?”

“Yours.”

His voice was barely audible, but it sent shivers down your spine and his grip on your waist tightened. You are completely paralyzed with shock. Did he mean what you think he meant? Or did he just mean that you were his best friend too.

Your silence was too much for him, Bucky withdrew his arm from the embrace he had you in, afraid he had said too much.

“Bucky!” you grabbed his hand, not letting him move any further. “Please?” You didn't even know what you were asking him for.

Bucky sighed, sitting back down but not as close as he was before. He was silent and still, like he was waiting. He knew how to be patient. He would wait an eternity for you if it meant he could have you. But he dared not say any more.

It was your turn to move closer to him. You crept forward, until your hands rested on his thigh. Every movement was slow, scared. But something in his eyes drew you forward, until your face was inches from his. Finally you threw caution to the wind and pressed a slow sweet kiss against his lips. Gentle and innocent but filled with promise.

His hands found your face, pulling you back for more. Embodying the yearning that Zerah and Zulamith had felt. It drew you closer until you were wrapped in each other's arms.

The embrace is how sleep finally found you and it was also how Sam and Steve found you later that morning. They smiled at each other, tiptoeing away to give you the peace you very much deserved.

[zestials]

zestial refused to be prey , a driving force that had kept him alive over the course of the last few days. even without poisons , he'd learnt claw & maw could be just as effective. if survival required him to be a brunt force weapon , so be it. he would bend , not dare break. this was a second chance of sorts & zestial would not fail.

he acclimated as best he could , too cautious ( or is it the paranoia , the trust issues ? ) that kept him from making any offered deals. it wasn't hard to talk his way out of & if he could not speak his way out , he'd tear his way out. in mere days , his hands were bloodied with sins far beyond his time on earth. hadn't they deserved it too ? devouring any piece of information offered in an attempt to understand this new life he'd been cursed with. t

zestial would hardly consider it luck , not when he ached to rest but couldn't yet dare to. it was hard work , a hard fight. that eerily polite smile remains , a rumbling laugh echoing through him. " who's to aver they did not ? " he quips in response , tempted but not quite desperate enough , they'd simply chosen the wrong sinner to assume a quick meal to devour. this stranger wasn't like the others that had approached him , far too composed. though she didn't resemble any of the descriptions of the ... what were they --- overlords ? ( another tidbit of information he'd picked up throughout the days. )

" & what might i hight thee ? " inquired as he rises back to his full height , gaze flickering towards the reddened skies as if he might know how long had past. he believes it to have been days --- but was that entirely true ? how did time work here ? there was no sun to rise & set. zestial's truly not sure how to answer that & it unnerves him more than he'd dare to admit aloud , or show for that matter.

a flash of neon green as his smile grows , he'd play it off as seamlessly as possible even in the admittance. " i trow it be a span of days , though mayhap it draweth closer to a span of weeks. time hath a curious nature. "

E . ― THE SINS OF HER CREATIONS WERE PLAIN FOR HER TO SEE. From the very beginning- perhaps only an added punishment, it had taken her a small glance for the sins to begin crowding around a human soul ( refusing to release for an afterlife of damnation ) - she knew well of what many which walked the RING OF PRIDE had done within their shortened l i v e s. Even still, she has seen many of new residence ... every century it feels the rate in which people would f a l l has increased. she soon began to fear what would occur should the limit of HELL ever be reached. HEAVEN didn't give a forgiving glance towards her way, they would continue to show their indifference until it became their problem.

It was well aware to her that appearing in front of recently l o s t could cause commotion- either through the sheer instinct of wishing to preserve oneself. The need to s u r v i v e despite their life being the end. And yet ... to what was another human soul towards the MOTHER OF HUMANITY ? Even now, her views have changed ... the beginning of her own indifference had nearly frightened her before. Perhaps now she simply wished to indulge in whatever kindness that could still bloom in her heart. Pale gold eyes looked over the individual, he towered over her. And with an appearance that reminded her of the creatures that prefer the safety of the night sky. a PREDATOR and not PREY. It would do them good in a place like this.

His tone of speech had nearly brought a smile to her face, the style of speech has changed many centuries. Once being simply and to the point, the next the addition of words to express oneself began to follow. In a way, a sense of pride still flourished, humanity would continue to evolve and grow despite the misfortunate of sin. " I see, l u c k follows you, most would've pounced on the arrival of a new soul. " She has seen it plenty of times before ... the souls now conducting their own society, a way of living that revolves around giving and taking. contracts for souls. Many new arrivals were brought into such horrid deals, forever bound to a contract they no longer wish once they find their feet.

However, she was lead by surprise. The rarity which brought her arrival towards a soul leads into an attempt of a t t a c k- either out of FEAR, DENIAL, LUST, or GREED- never before was someone so quick to conduct themselves. introductions in such a proper manner, that she finds herself unable to stop a smile of appreciation. she had a good feeling about this one,

" Zesital, " she tested the name of the lost generation of humanity, finding herself pleased, " the pleasure is all mine, prey tell- how long as your s o u l been wondering this hellish plane ? "

[kayyeshhaa]

— "Will it be a bad ending for us two, gone astray?"

In the twilight of a dying world, where shadows clung to fractured skies, two souls intertwined in a dance of love and despair. Echoes of melancholy whispered through desolate landscapes as they embarked on a journey, hand in hand, chasing fleeting moments of solace.

Amidst the ruins, where concrete skeletons stood as silent witnesses, their love unfolded like verses in a forgotten poem. The moon cast its silver glow on the remnants of what once thrived, and their footsteps echoed in the haunting emptiness of an apocalyptic ballet.

Through fields of wilted roses, they ran, hearts pounding to the rhythm of an impending demise. He, a painter of dreams, brushed strokes of hope on the canvas of her weary soul. She, a poetess of the forsaken, wove verses of passion and rebellion against the encroaching darkness.

As the crimson sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that reached for their entwined silhouettes, they found refuge in the embrace of dilapidated cathedrals and forgotten libraries. Love blossomed like ivy reclaiming the walls, defiant against the crumbling reality.

"Far away in the universe, my love, Will you join me, like stars above?"

To a place unseen, where dreams take flight, "With you, my dear, in the eternal night."

In the final crescendo of chaos, as the symphony of destruction played its relentless tune, they faced the inevitable hand in hand. Their eyes, windows to a shared eternity, reflected the kaleidoscope of memories forged in the crucible of chaos.

And so, under the indigo canopy of a fading sky, they surrendered to the inevitable, embracing the cataclysmic finale. In the echo of their last breaths, a poetic silence enveloped them, and their love transcended the boundaries of a world spiraling into oblivion.

"Go to the end with me, my lover"

"Crush me in your arms. Give me a lovelier kiss, lover."

Together, in a final embrace, they whispered vows into the abyss, becoming cosmic dust entwined for all eternity. In the symphony of an apocalyptic swan song, their love story etched itself into the annals of a forgotten universe, a tale of passion that defied the very fabric of extinction.

[thechanelmuse]

My Top Albums/EPS of 2025

It's that time again where I give y'all my end-of-the-year music list and take over your dashboard. Hopefully some of these projects or artists will be new to you.

I would love for y'all to tell me your faves this year.

Here's my list:

JAZZ

Charles McPherson - Reverence

Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer - But Who's Gonna Play the Melody

Christian Sands - Embracing Dawn

Immanuel Wilkins - Blues Blood

Jazzmeia Horn - Messages

Jeremy Pelt - Tomorrow's Another Day

Joel Ross - nublues

Kamasi Washington - Fearless Movement

Keyon Harrold - Foreverland

Lakecia Benjamin - Phoenix Reimagined (Live)

Miles Davis - Miles '54: The Prestige Recordings

Miles Davis Quintet - Miles In France 1963 and 1964 - The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8

New Brass Band featuring Trombone Shorty - Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Nubya Garcia - Odyssey

Samara Joy - Portrait

SOUL/BLUES (ROCK)

Baby Rose with BADBADNOTGOOD - Slow Burn (EP)

Brittany Howard - What Now

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram - Live in London (Expanded Edition)

Jerron Paxton - Things Done Changed

Jovin Webb - Drifter

Lizz Wright - Shadow

GOSPEL

Cory Henry - Church

Karen Clark Sheard - Still Karen

Ricky Dillard - Choirmaster II (Live)

Tamela Mann - Live Breathe Fight

COUNTRY/AMERICANA

Beyoncé - Cowboy Carter

Brittney Spencer - My Stupid Life

Caitlyn Smith - I Think of You (The Heartache Collection)

Elles Bailey - Beneath the Neon Glow

Gabby Barrett - Chapter and Verse

Lainey Wilson - Whirlwind

Luke Combs - Fathers & Sons

Mickey Guyton - House On Fire

Rvshvd - It's Rashad

Tanner Adell - Buckle Bunny (Deluxe) — 2023 album

FOLK

Bessie Jones, John Davis & The Georgia Sea Island Singers - The Complete Friends of Old Time Music Concert

Jessica Pratt - Here In the Pitch

Yasmin Williams - Acadia

ROCK

The Black Keys - Ohio Players (Trophy Edition)

Lenny Kravitz - Blue Electric Light

Linkin Park - From Zero

Olivia Rodrigo - Guts (spilled)

Sum 41 – Heaven :x: Hell

BLENDED GENRES

Amythyst Kiah - Still and Bright

Boney James - Slow Burn

Charlotte Day Wilson - Cyan Blue

Eva Cassidy - Walkin' After Midnight

Gallant - Zinc

Judith Hill - Letters From a Black Widow

Madison Ryann Ward - Purified Love

Marsha Ambrosiuos - CASABLANCO

Matthew Whittaker - On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute

Tank and The Bangas - The Heart, The Mind, The Soul

Victoria Monét - Jaguar II: Deluxe

Willow Smith - empathogen

R&B

Andra Day - CASSANDRA (cherith)

Avery*Sunshine - So Glad to Know You

BJ The Chicago Kid - Gravy (Deluxe)

Derand Benarr - En Route

Kenyon Dixon - The R&B You Love: For the '99 and the 2000s

Kyle Dion - If My Jeans Could Talk

Lalah Hathaway - VANTABLACK

Ledisi - Good Life

Lucky Daye - Algorithm

Muni Long - Revenge

NxWorries - Why Lawd?

Ravyn Lenae - Bird's Eye

SiR - HEAVY

Usher - Coming Home

RAP

Big Sean - Better Me Than You

Common & Pete Rock - The Auditorium Vol. 1

Doechii - Alligator Bites Never Heal

Kendrick Lamar - GNX

LL Cool J - The Force

MC Lyte - 1 of 1

Rapsody - Please Don't Cry

ScHoolboy Q - BLUE LIPS

POP

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

Billie Eilish - HIT ME HARD AND SOFT

Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want To Turn Into You: Everasking Edition

Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

Christina Aguilera - The 25th Anniversary of Christina Aguilera

Gavin DeGraw - Chariot 20

James Bay - Changes All the Time

Sabrina Carpenter - Short n' Sweet

Teddy Swims - I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1.5)

Tori Kelly - TORI.

HOUSE/ELECTRONIC

Durand Bernarr & Charlie Vettuno - Charlie Vettuno Presents… Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?

KAYTRANADA - TIMELESS

HOLIDAY

Boney James - Soulful Holiday Sax

Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong - Ella & Louis Wish You a Swinging Holiday

Jennifer Hudson - The Gift of Love

Kelly Clarkson - When Christmas Comes Around...Again

[zestials]

◟ ﹔ starter call from here.

like clockwork eventually she'd come back , a time zestial always looked forward to during the years between. he'd find himself tucking back bits of information , snippets to tell @rottine upon her return to this plane of fire & misery. the presence on his doorstep is quickly ushered in , an unwavering grin upon the overlord's face. staff scurries about , chairs tugged up to a table by simpering little shadows --- where tea's already being poured !! as if he'd been expecting the company.

four eyes are crinkled into happy crescents , long lithe limbs tucked away as he sits. it wasn't often he got to enjoy her company , zestial wouldn't play coy ! so many in hell were distasteful * especially as of late , they made for horrible company ! " margot , it hath been too long. may i presume that thy business thrives ? did the tidings i dispatched reach thee in good order ? "