#Alina feeling a little gray

[seiwas]

₊˚⊹。if you're ready (let me) | gojo satoru

wc: 1.3k

summary: you find the other thing to surprise gojo with on his birthday. 

contains: f!reader, 18+ nsfw, reader is in lingerie, lead up to cunnilingulus (mentions pussy once)

a/n: a follow-up to the col lingerie fic, ‘take my time (i’ll spend it all on you)’, might be one of the more explicit ones i’ve written (which i don’t write often! so please be kind!); title inspired by ‘if you let me - alina baraz’; happy birthday to our boy ♡!!

collection masterlist: conversations on love +04a (extra). take my time (i’ll spend it all on you) <- you are here -> 04. these traces of love, they outline you

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT.

There are few things that come to mind when you think about what to get Gojo for his birthday: 

A couple of his favorite sweets (predictable and too frequent—he just bought a box of them last week); something customized and redesigned, maybe his blindfold? (which, you backtrack to realize, you had already gifted him for his 21st birthday years ago); answered prayers—requests that he continuously and ‘jokingly’ hints at (which, you also realize—he’s only really whined about two). 

Two requests, with one he’s already walked in on months ago, spoiling your what-would-have-been birthday gift. 

So, this leaves you with the other one—

The only other request. A repeat of something you did by accident more than a decade ago. 

Except, now, on purpose, you know that Gojo’s asking for something entirely different, far from innocent. 

You take a deep breath, closing your eyes as you bite the inside of your cheek. You hold it—

One.

The lace on the hem of your bra cups tickles your ribcage—it’s softer, but far more embellished than the pink one you’ve been (over)using. A gift from Gojo (“just a little something,” he said, handing it over to you one morning). 

Two.

You rub your thighs together, white suspender straps gliding against your skin; the metal attachments on the lace garters pull taut, holding them in place. 

Three. 

Goosebumps litter your arms, little dots surfacing; it’s hard not to feel nervous when you know what awaits you—your heartbeat racing.

When you open your eyes as you exhale, breath shaky and vision a little hazy, you focus on Gojo—sitting on the floor, back slouched against his couch with an impossibly handsome smirk on his mouth. His lips are upturned, pink and curled at the corner, but bitten, just the lower bit.  

You lock eyes, sleet white framing a darkening blue sky. 

Something stirs in your belly when he shifts in his seat, the sleeves of his shirt tightening as he rests his arms wide open on luxurious gray cotton—an invite towards him.

An invite to—

“Maybe you should sit on my face again.” 

The memory makes your face burn. 

You slipped the first time it happened, tripping backwards over Tsumiki’s books stacked up on the floor. At 20, you were far from rusty, reflexes quick as you caught hold of the edge of the couch—the couch that Gojo also happened to be napping on. 

There was an attempt: to balance yourself, only for your body to sink, gravity acting against your control. So, you landed right there, buttcheek covered by the fabric of your skirt, sitting straight on Gojo’s nose. 

That incident had buried itself so deep inside your mind you were confident Gojo would never bring it up again unless you did. 

But, of course he does, and when you least expect it too—by the counter of a gelato store, licking the dessert on hand while waiting for the cashier to punch the cost in.

And when he wets his lips now, a glimpse of pink swiping over his skin quickly, almost discreetly, you’re reminded of the same feeling you had back then—

—heated up, nervous; shy. 

You move closer, his eyes straying lower, going over the pretty white number you have on; the one he got you. 

And you wonder, if there’s vanity in the hunger he’s regarding you with, how what you’re wearing reminds you so much of him: white as the strands that fall into his eyes, playful but delicate at the same time.

The lace details on this set are more intricate, outlined with iridescent gray—an almost silver that shines blue when light hits; with sheer net as the base fabric, floral appliqués are carefully positioned on the bra and panty fronts, supported by ribbings that go down to the hem. 

It’s a full-set, garters with the suspender belt and everything. Sexy but still soft—just what he likes.

And you’d be a lot less embarrassed walking up to him now if it weren’t for the single, most nerve-wracking anticipation: that you’ll be sitting on his face, for real, later. and maybe from now on.

He pats his lap, motioning for you to settle on it. 

Your knees buckle under you when you reach him, holding onto his shoulders as you go down. And when you settle on his lap, straddling him, he reaches for your bra straps, pulling it off to the side.

The kisses he lands on each of your shoulders are soft, but his lips lay plump against your skin—a faint ‘smack’ sounding with each one. Your breath hitches when he goes lower, lightly sucking on the skin of your chest. It’s not enough to bruise, not yet, but a tightening in your stomach tells you you want it to.

He’s trying to get you to relax, you know—with how he’s gripping your hips, rubbing circles onto the skin underneath his fingertips.

When his mouth crawls up your neck, licking, you throw your head back—a sharp intake of breath as you release it heavily. Your fingers rake through his undercut, grasping onto fists of white. Then you shiver, gasping as trembles ripple through you when his lips glide past your ears.

“Toru,” 

He pulls away, blinking at you, half-lidded; you blink back twice. 

“You ready?” his eyes search for yours, your chin perched between his thumb and index finger—he tilts you to him.

The smile on his face is teasing, but gentle. And if you say no because you’re too nervous, you know he won’t force you. 

(Even if the hardness in his sweatpants is pressing intently against you).  

You try to shake off the nerves, nodding your head as you take in another breath, preparing to push yourself up by his shoulders.  

It’s odd to think about how he used to feel what you do right now; how he used to be led, guided—reassured; how he’s doing what you do when you try to get him to calm down. 

“We won’t do this if you don’t want to,” he bends his knees up, letting you lean on it as he cages you in. 

But that’s the thing, you do want to—you’re just failing to see how this can be more for him than it is for you. That, and what if you get the position wrong? Can’t balance yourself properly? Lean into him too much and knock him out completely? 

“I do, it’s just…” you sigh, running your palms over his chest. You fail to meet his eyes. 

“If you’re shy now, I’ve seen it all before. And I always tell you, you taste de—” 

You hit him before you catch how he’s watching you, chuckling—tender and knowing. He takes your hand, kissing each of your fingertips. 

The fact that he’s being this patient, this considerate on what you want is a testament to his restraint; he has to know that you want this too, if the wet spot on his sweatpants is any indication from you. 

So, you peer back at him, smile growing wide before landing a small peck to the tip of his nose. 

He guides you when you stand, lips grazing your thighs as you let him pass through them. Then he leans back, neck supported by the edge of the couch as he tilts his head up. The moment your knees press into the cushion, dipping as you climb over him, he holds your ankles. 

It tickles when he kisses his way down to the arches of your feet, but it’s a nice companion—a temporary relief—to the heat rising in your belly.

You hold on to the back of the couch, readjusting your knees as you find the right position to sit back down. And when you figure it out, angling yourself until you’re settled right over him—the heat of you is pulsing. 

He looks dazed between your legs, staring straight into you—the see-through net hiding absolutely nothing. Pussy-whipped, as they say. 

You giggle as you stare down at his face, anticipation rushing to your cheeks; it shakes him out of his reverie, prompting him to look at you instead. His breaths are warm against your thighs but cool against your core, and when he trails his lips higher and higher until he reaches it, landing a kiss on the fabric separating you, you think your knees might give out. 

The sight of Gojo smirking while being sat on stirs something within you—the creeping realization of how much it turns you on. 

And he can tell, grabbing hold of your butt and squeezing the flesh, kneading. The fabric separating you is pushed to the side, giving him a clearer view of everything; he sighs then moans, low. 

But before he pushes you down, bringing you closer to his mouth, he smiles cheekily. 

“Best birthday gift, baby.” 

thank you notes: to @stellamancer bc the idea of col reader sitting on gojo's face came up in convo some time ago!! + @augustinewrites for supporting and enabling me ♡

comments, tags, and reblogs are greatly appreciated ♡

[tip-top-cloud-surfer]

Hangman Master List

Back to Main Master List

Multi-Part Stories

THE DANGER ZONE MASTERLIST >

Left at the Altar Part 2 [*] Part 3 Epilogue [*] - Fem!Reader (Ex-Girlfriend!Reader)

CW: Suggestive/Implied Sexual Content (Part 2 and Epilogue), Angst, Exes, Pregnancy and Kids (Epilogue only)

Summary: When you get left at the altar, a familiar face swoops in to save the day.

COMPLETED

Sequel: Stay Away from the Altar

What is L-O-V-E? Part 2 Part 3 - Bradshaw!Fem!OC (Lena) (Ex-Wife!OC)

Summary: Lena Bradshaw (formerly Seresin) struggles once again to keep the peace between her ex-husband Jake and her older brother Bradley for her son's sake. And the uranium facility mission only seems to heighten the stakes of it all.

DISCONTINUED

Prologue To Be a Man Part 2 Part 3 - Wife!OC (Sophie)

CW: Secret Marriage; Non-Traditional Family Dynamics; Marriage of Convenience; Type 1 Diabetes

Summary: Hangman is married. And it’s no one else’s business.

PART 4 COMING SOON

Blood in the Water - Cain!OC (Alina)

CW: Arranged & Political Marriage; Post-Apocalypse AU with a Medieval Feel; Blatant Sexism; Abuse from Family Members

Summary: In a post-apocalyptic world, the livable landscape is carved up by warlords. After a long war with the Dagger Clan, the Cain Empire has been defeated, but peace cannot be brokered without a sacrifice. Hangman assumes that a marriage is that sacrifice. Cain thinks that Hangman’s death is a better trade.

DISCONTINUED

Never Have I Ever Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 - Civilian Contractor! Female! Reader (Dove)

CW: Not Necessarily Healthy Decisions/Coping Mechanisms; Shy! Reader; Slow Burn; Coworkers to Friends to Lovers; Excessive Pining

Summary: Dove is tired of being stereotyped as the nice, quiet girl who's so innocent it hurts. So, who does she call to help her? Hangman.

PART 4 COMING SOON

One Shots

Wedding Day - Fem!Reader

Summary: Hangman falls in love with his wife all over again when he sees her in her wedding dress for the first time.

I'll Carry You - Fem!Reader (Wife!Reader)

Summary: Hangman and his wife attend a naval ball. When her shoes give her blisters, Hangman ensures that she gets back to the car comfortably.

Lunch Break [*] - Fem!Reader (Wife!Reader)

CW: Suggestive Situations/Content

Summary: Jake and his wife are going through a dry spell. Luckily, his secretary Linda is the best wingwoman in all of Miramar.

A Morning Work Out - Fem!Reader (Wife!Reader)

CW: Implied Sexual Content

Summary: Jake goes through his normal morning routine with his son and wife.

Beach Day - Fem!Reader (Wife!Reader)

CW: Referenced Sexual Innuedos/Situations

Summary: Jake and his wife enjoy a beach day with their three kids.

Stay Away from the Altar - Wife!Reader; Fem!Seresin!OC / Male!Bradshaw!OC

CW: (Over)protective Dad!Hangman; Angst; Fighting; Rebellious Teenagers; Crying; References to Previous Pregnancy Scares

Summary: Jake isn't ready to accept that his daughter is growing up. And he's definitely not ready to accept that his daughter seems to have fallen for Rooster's spawn.

A Little Tag-a-Long - Female!Reader (Peach)

Summary: Hangman is excited to finally take out Peach, the woman that he's been in love with for months now. Except Peach gets called into babysitting duty right before their date.

A Happy Fourth - Wife!Reader

CW: Implied Sexual Content; Outdoor Shower

Summary: You and Hangman enjoy your Fourth of July together.

Three Four, That’s the Magic Number - Wife!Reader

CW: (Unplanned) Pregnancy; (Failed) Vasectomies; Threats of Kicks to the Balls

Summary: You thought that three kids was it. But apparently your husband, Hangman, didn't have as successful of a vasectomy as you initially thought.

The Love Game - Fem!Reader (Glitch)

CW: Unrequited Love; Angst; Emotional Angst; One-Sided Relationship; ‘He’s in Love with Someone Else’ Trope

Summary: Glitch has been in love with Hangman for years but he’s getting married to another woman.

A.N. Multiple Pairings: Hangman/Glitch; Hangman/Fem!OC; Glitch /Mystery Dagger

Gray - Fem!Reader

CW: Jake’s Sad; Showering Together; Half-Naked Cuddling

Summary: You try to cheer your boyfriend Hangman up.

Little Seresin - Wife!Reader

Summary: You surprise your husband by putting your daughter in an opposing team's jersey.

[puellamagishowdown]

Round 2 Has Finished!

Hey, no tiebreakers this time!

Not much to say this time. Most of the results were what I expected but I do have some questions about others (please feel free to answer said questions).

If you would like to see the percentages and some commentary, continue reading. If not, I will see you soon for round 3.

Ayame Mikuri (51.9%) vs Miyuri Yukari

Pia Undo vs Tsubasa Hanekawa (75.2%) - I know nothing about Divine Gate, but I do think Pia's outfit is quite cute. A little sad she lost.

Toyo vs Madoka Kaname (84.3%)

Livia Medeiros (50.7%) vs Rena Minami - ... Really? Alright then.

Sana Futaba (78.3%) vs Asahi Miura

Kaede Akino (56.8%) vs Sudachi Suwa

Mikoto Sena (51.7%) vs Hotaru Yura

Saki Asami vs Mikage Yakumo (82.6%)

Sasara Minagi vs Amaryllis (81.1%) - This was a much larger gap than I expected. Is her story that good or do people mostly just like the design better?

Ren Isuzu (76.3%) vs Kokoro Awane

Kuro vs Nanaka Tokiwa (70.9%)

Kagari Hinata vs Alina Gray (85.7%)

Mikura Komachi vs Yu (76.9%) - Please, I am begging someone to tell me why Yu. Why is she so popular? It can't be because she's a serial killer, other serial killer magical girls have lost this already.

Himena Aika (62.5%) vs Sayuki Fumino

Ashley Taylor (70.7%) vs Meiyui Chun

Mel Anna (77.1%) vs Ryoko Natsu

Hazuki Yusa  vs Eternal Sakura (71.2%)

Mayu Kozue (53.4%) vs Kako Natsume

Rui Mizuki vs Kanoko Yachiyo (64.8%) - Aw man, the resident chuunibyou lost...

Masara Kagami vs Juri Oba (57.3%)

Kyoko Sakura (88.8%) vs Tsubaki Mikoto

Riz Hawkwood (75.4%) vs Kanna Hijiri

Chiharu Hiroe vs Mito Aino (59.2%)

Corbeau vs Tsuruno Yui (70.4%)

Yuma Chitose vs Mitama Yakumo (77.6%)

Yuna Kureha (66.2%) vs Riko Chiaki

Ayaka Mariko (74.6%) vs Meguru Hibiki

Momoko Togame vs Ui Tamaki (52.1%) - This was a little closer than I expected.

Ao Kasane (52.7%) vs Suruga Kanbaru - For a while, I really thought Suruga was going to win this.

Gunhild vs Homura Akemi (85.2%)

Sae Kirino vs Nagisa Momoe (74.3%)

Iroha Tamaki vs Yachiyo Nanami (62%) - It feels early to have two major characters face off, but the RNG willed it. And it wasn't that close.

Seika Kumi vs Nayuta Satomi (52.6%)

Karin Misono (56.7%) vs Kanae Yukino

Konoha Shizumi (68.9%) vs Shigure Miyabi

Oriko Mikuni (76.9%) vs Lapin

Olga vs Mifuyu Azusa (59.5%)

Felicia Mitsuki vs Mami Tomoe (72.2%) - Even against another major side character like Felicia, Mami has dominated. All hail Mami.

Rika Ayano vs Sayaka Miki (66.3%)

Mitsuru Inami vs Ikumi Makino (69.5%)

Kirika Kure (63%) vs Konomi Haruna

[pansy-picnics]

How would the tangled kids react to Varian and Cassandra’s villain arc? Also I love your art 😊

AJDJDJDGG OKAY SO. this is SO fucking good but ive been putting it off for so long bc i wanted to draw something to go with it but i’ve just. never figured out what so inevitably i’m just gonna answer it on its own

this subject in particular is SO FUNNY for me to think about bc i think the kids’ reactions depend a lot on how their parents talk abt it and both of them handle it in COMPLETELY different ways. like uknighted dream is pretty open abt it (obviously they give the incredibly watered down kid-safe version) and they kinda use it as a learning experience? like in very vague terms.

its kinda just like

alina: oh why are you and mama cass fighting in your drawing :(

rapunzel: <:) well yknow how if you shake a bottle of soda, when you open it it explodes everywhere?? well sometimes when we bottle up our feelings and don’t do anything with them or talk to someone we trust, they end up getting all shaken up in there, and eventually theyll explode! mama cass and i used to have a lot of trouble talking about our feelings, and because of all those emotions that got bottled up and shaken around in there, we found it hard to properly communicate with each other at all. but then we realized how much we really cared about each other and how we really wanted to make things work, so we learned to be more honest about how we felt and how to communicate with one another without everything just ‘exploding’, so to speak. and thats why we always teach you how to manage your big emotions, does that make sense? :)

on the other hand VARIAN? literally could not care less. at least not with the ud kids. he still has one of his wanted posters that hugo grabbed as a “souvenir” on their trip, and the automaton he used to fight rapunzel? its still in the corner of his lab and he pulls it apart regularly for scrap metal.

ryder will be wandering around his lab when hes like 7 and hes like “uncle vari whats that”

varian: that’s an automaton buddy

ryder: did you make it?

varian: yeah

ryder: what’s it for

varian: well nothing now it’s just spare parts. but i actually made it a long time ago to fight your mom

ryder: which one

varian: both actually. and technically your dad. but mostly rapunzel

ryder: oh

ryder: did you win?

varian: no it wasnt really that kind of fight. nobody won

ryder: oh that’s boring

ryder: can i try it

varian: absolutely not

when emery comes along though varian is like “okay we are Never addressing this again” bc em thinks varian is SO cool and varian actually cares So much about his newfound image. (very stupid of him for that to be his main priority obviously bc emery is like 4 and if she knew what he did she would probably just be like “okay. can i have apple juice”)

anyways yeah ilmari and the twins don’t really tell her anything either because they don’t really see it as anything worth telling her about, especially in comparison to way more important things like the fact that lance will sometimes sneak you dessert before dinner if you can convince eugene he has a gray hair without him catching on. so obviously emery grows up fairly unaware of anything varian has done but the defining factor is that shes constantly hearing about it out of context and is just left to struggle with that enigma.

like you know the experience of being like 14 years old at the family thanksgiving and you get to sit at the grown ups table for the first time and hear about all their weird beef and inside jokes and also hear your aunt mention out of context that hey your dad went to prison once bc that’s LITERALLY what the tangled kids experience in relation to their parents’ pasts. like the twins forgot about most of what varian told them by the time they grew up, they knew the watered down version of what happened with cass but they never knew the little details right. so they’ll just be hanging out playing checkers together while the adults are sitting across the room chatting over drinks and varian jokes “oh man its just like that one time cass kidnapped me” and all the kids immediately whip their heads around like “WHAT?”

this is ESPECIALLY true with emery who’s parents are notorious for having more insults for each other than pet names. em could just be reading by the fireplace late one night and var and hugo come out for a midnight snack and just start talking like

hugo: sometimes i think maybe objectively we should be evil again. like just for fun

varian: honestly. i took over the kingdom once i could do it again no problem

hugo: you’re probably actually strong enough to do it yourself now 🥺

varian: you want to kiss me so bad it makes you look stupid

emery: ….right so are we just gonna brush over the “again” part or did you guys forget i was here

varian also eventually realizes that by doing this he is replicating EXACTLY how quirin used to be secretive of his own past and how like one day varian just suddenly had to grapple with the knowledge that his dad who baked pies and fed the apple peels to his raccoon probably had a kill count. and obviously varian is absolutely distraught over this revelation

“HUGO HELP ME. I think im becoming my dad” “oh. well hey it happens to all of us it could be worse. besides your dad is hot so like i see it as a win win” “What” “what?”

i should probably also mention that ilmari knew about cass’s villain arc long before they even MET and ilmari actively tries to use this against her when they’re like 13. like “yeah well you cant tell ME what to do i’m gonna tell alina and ryder you tried to stab mom when you were in your 20s” (it doesn’t work btw)

[stromuprisahat]

Echoes of Darklina

Six of Crows- Chapter 18

Kaz's chapter became more interesting than expected.

“Why would you care what I think?” He looked genuinely baffled. “I don’t know,” he said. “But I do.” And then he kissed me. It happened so suddenly that I barely had time to react. One moment, I was staring into his slate-colored eyes, and the next, his lips were pressed to mine. I felt that familiar sense of surety melt through me as my body sang with sudden heat and my heart jumped into a skittery dance. Then, just as suddenly, he stepped back. He looked as surprised as I felt. “I didn’t mean … ,” he said.

Shadow and Bone- Chapter 13

“... The people curse my name and pray for you, but you’re the one who was ready to abandon them. I’m the one who will give them power over their enemies. I’m the one who will free them from the tyranny of the King.” ... I gave a single shake of my head. He slumped back in his chair. “Fine,” he said with a weary shrug. “Make me your villain.”

Shadow and Bone- Chapter 21

... The moment his lips met mine, the connection between us opened and I felt his power flood through me. I could feel how much he wanted me—but behind that desire, I could feel something else, something that felt like anger. I drew back, startled. “You don’t want to be doing this.” “This is the only thing I want to be doing,” he growled, and I could hear the bitterness and desire all tangled up in his voice. “And you hate that,” I said with a sudden flash of comprehension. He sighed and leaned against me, brushing my hair back from my neck. “Maybe I do,” he murmured, his lips grazing my ear, my throat, my collarbone. I shivered, letting my head fall back, but I had to ask. “Why?” “Why?” he repeated, his lips still brushing over my skin, his fingers sliding over the ribbons at my neckline. “Alina, do you know what Ivan told me before we took the stage? Tonight, we received word that my men have spotted Morozova’s herd. The key to the Shadow Fold is finally within our grasp, and right now, I should be in the war room, hearing their report. I should be planning our trip north. But I’m not, am I?”

Shadow and Bone- Chapter 14

Why did you go to Alina? Yuri buzzed away. Why seek her out? To reclaim his power, of course. The universe wanted to humble him, to force him to appeal to a pair of pathetic orphans like a beggar on his knees. Why did you go to her? Because with her he was human again.

Rule of Wolves- Chapter 21

“I want you to know my name,” he said. “The name I was given, not the title I took for myself. Will you have it, Alina?” ... “Yes,” I breathed. After a long moment, he said, “Aleksander.” A little laugh escaped me. He arched a brow, a smile tugging at his lips. “What?” “It’s just so … common.” Such an ordinary name, held by kings and peasants alike. I’d known two Aleksanders at Keramzin alone, three in the First Army. One of them had died on the Fold. His smile deepened and he cocked his head to the side. It almost hurt to see him this way. “Will you say it?” he asked. I hesitated, feeling danger crowd in on me. “Aleksander,” I whispered. His grin faded, and his gray eyes seemed to flicker. “Again,” he said. “Aleksander.”

Ruin and Rising- Chapter 9

[with-the-unloved-kids]

let me be beautiful, if only at your feet - an alina gray & karin misono playlist

i. you think i’m someone to be saved, someone to clean up and tame, oh some things never change || ii. stitch by stitch i tear apart, if brokenness is a form of art, i must be a poster child prodigy, thread by thread i come apart, if brokenness is a work of art, surely this must be my masterpiece || iii. you may feel no purpose, nor point for existing, it’s all just conjecture and gloom, there may not be meaning, so find one and seize it, do not waste yourself on this roof || iv. “do not enter” is written on the doorway, why can’t everyone just go away? except you, you can stay || v. just don’t call me indescribable, ‘cause it makes me uncomfortable, i just wanted for you to find your way || vi. she won't leave you lonely, she's gonna make you whole, but how do you know she won't seize control? she ain't worth a goddamn in anyone else's hands || vii. and as the world burns to the ground, oh girl it’s you || viii. makes you wanna do something you can’t take back and be, forever fifteen || ix. i don’t want no lunchbox friends no, i want someone who understands || x. everybody’s looking for love to start a riot, but every time i look in your eyes, the world gets quiet || xi. one word from [them] and i would jump off of this ledge i’m on baby, tell me “don’t” so i can crawl back in || xii. i've come too far to watch some namedropping sleaze tell me what are my words worth, take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die, i don’t belong and my beloved, neither do you || xiii. she’s impatient and i’m complacent with just a little taste of wasting time, looking for honey, but she stings like she means it, she’s mean and she’s mine

[moshi-roulette]

Guided Voice

Name: Guided Voice

Real Name: Katelyn

Nicknames: GV, Katy

Age: 14

Pronouns: She/Her

Likes: Sweets

Dislikes: Feeling like she’s not in control/Being treated like a puppet

Hobbies: Painting, Playing Games, Dancing

Info: She is a friendly, social, and energetic girl who enjoys hanging out with others. She may come off as blunt and reckless at times but is always well-meaning. She is constantly running around and is always ready to be a part of her friends’ shenanigans. She can be very teasing and haughty, occasionally coming off as arrogant. She’s usually seen talking with her little friend, Katie

Power: Manifested Guardian

Theme: “Suki! Yuki! Honki Magic” by Mitchie M

Extra: Her little friend is based on Alina Gray’s doppel

[starsweepers]

OH MY LITTLE STAR SWEEPER…

STARSWEEPERS!  sushi/kylie.  30+.  female.  slow paced and mostly queue run.  selective and independent multimuse blog ft. a variety of muses from original characters to d.isney to d.reamworks and a handful of others.  muse activity levels below cut.

little stars: @storybounded ( heavily connected muses ) @deborahmorgna / @chooseyourfxghter @wishfulmuses

links   -     rules               muses verses overview

                                                   other blogs

cat ( oc )                    alina ( oc )                    xayah ( league of legends )

                 …I’LL SWEEP THE STARDUST FOR YOU.

most active muses currently ( will be faster with replies, more open on starter calls, new threads, asks, and memes ):

cleo

pipp

laila - currently strongest !

dawn

secondary active muses ( will still get to replies, pickier on starter calls and threads, open to asks and memes ):

nari

gray

brent

piper

marinette

toralei

misty

tertiary active muses ( very picky with starters calls/threads but not opposed to them, open to asks and memes but might be slower/shorter ):

mittens

lady

georgette

faith

fei fei

red

ruffnut ( still technically private but feeling more active atm )

“private” muses ( i will specify them first for starters/threads or list them specifically if they are open to things so don’t ask unless i’m willing or it’s an open featuring them.  are open to asks and memes but sporadic on speed and length. activity means that i'm more willing to start things with them tho ):

lottie - low activity

olaf - low activity

chang’e - mid activity

sasha - low activity

faline - mid activity

[countrymusiclover]

81 - Gemini Downfall Wedding

Part 82

Gemini Runaway

@icefrye19 @secretdreamlandmentality

Pushing my hands down the light blue dress I smiled feeling someone staring at me from the doorway. “It would be considered creepy if you weren’t my husband while you stare at me like that.”

“I just can’t help myself, Raelyn.” Klaus smiled when I turned to see he was wearing a black tux and a dark gray tie to go with it. “Honestly if I didn't have to hear the end of it. I would say we just skip the wedding and let me take that dress off you hmm.”

Rolling my eyes at him I draped my arms over his shoulders leaning up on my toes. “As much as I wish that too. Josette wouldn’t forgive me if I missed it. Plus she has assigned the girls to be her flower girls. So we have to go.”

Klaus drove us to the place where they had everything set up for the wedding. My husband sat behind my uncle Joshua while I was off somewhere else with the girls. “Okay so this is very important for cousin Jo. So just throw the pedals and meet mommy at the very end.” Alina, Missy and Hope all nodded in agreement.

My three triplets slowly walked down the row throwing the flowers where everyone turned to see Jo in her long white dress being led down by her father. She smiled at me and I smiled as he placed her hand in Ric’s going to find his seat. “They are so adorable and I’m glad you freed your husband.”

“Yes they are. You’re and Ric’s kids will be cute too.” I grinned standing beside Elena since she had asked us both to be her bridesmaids. “And oh yes I’m happy to have him back.”

The music stopped playing before the Reverend smiled brightly. “Welcome, family and friends, on this magical evening to the wedding of Alaric Saltzman and Josette Laughlin. Josette and Alaric have prepared their own vows.

Alaric held her hands almost making me start bawling at his vows. “Neither one of us should be here right now. We've spent our lives dodging fate and b*ating the odds, but because we did, I got to meet you, the most beautiful, hilarious, and intimidatingly brilliant woman I have ever known. You inspire me. You've shown me that happiness is actually something that I can have in my life. And so...I promise to be with you and love you and to dodge fate with you for the rest of our lives.”

The Reverend looked at my cousin. “Josette?”

Jo chuckled beginning her vows until I smelled blood, saw she stabbed through the stomach and her dress was red. “Oh, God. That's a tough act to follow. Here goes. Alaric Saltzman, you are…”

Alaric caught his soon to be wife collapsing into his arms. “Jo? Jo? Jo? Oh, my God. Jo? Jo? Jo?! Oh, God. No!”

She winced where I vamped from my seat, biting into my wrist drawing blood. “Aah! Aah!”

“Jo drink!” Shoving my wrist over her mouth she attempts to drink but she was losing too much blood too fast.

Alaric began crying, staring at me. “No! No, no, no, no.”

Suddenly before our eyes Kai appeared from being invisible standing beside Elena holding a bloody knife in his hand. “I was gonna wait till the "death do us part" bit, but it seemed a little on the nose. Am I right?”

Uncle Joshua rose to his feet about to do something with Klaus at his side with our girls but Kai raised his hand creating a large pitched sound spell. Everyone in the room dropped on the ground holding their heads in pain. “Miss me? No? Oh, well.” He waved his other hand, smashing the glass and dropping the chandeliers from above.

“Kai!” Uncle Joshua’s voice is the first thing I heard when I woke up. Rubbing my neck I frantically looked around for my husband and kids.

“Klaus! Hope…Alina…Missy!” I hollered getting to my feet gripping one of the seats.

Klaus called out where I rushed over seeing that the girls were slightly bleeding from the glass. “Raelyn! They barely have heartbeats…”

“Get them out of here and give them blood. I’ll stay here and deal with Kai.” I croaked brushing Missy’s hair for her face listening to their tiny hearts still beating. But if he waited any longer they might not make it.

He shook his head where I watched the wound on his forehead starting to heal over. The wound that was in my stomach had already healed so we were both okay. “I can’t leave you here, Rae. I will kill your uncle for this!”

“It’s not his fault now. It’s Kai’s. But we don’t have time to argue. Get them out of here before he tries to kill them.” I barked at my husband watching him pick his three daughters up vamping them out of the building where I turned my head seeing Alaric holding my dead cousin away from me.

Uncle raised his hand, beginning to chant a spell slowly walking towards Kai. “Sanguinem fillio sanguinem effurgarex.”

“Let me guess. Prison world?” Kai could hear the other members of our coven chanting the same spell. “I mean, you can't kill me, or else you all die, too, right?”

Uncle Joshua glanced in my direction calling out to me. “Raelyn, I’m sorry about your girls. We can handle him. I just need you to do your unliking spell that you did on me.”

“And why should I do that?” I spat the question at him even though I wanted to tear Kai limb from limb.

Joshua sent me a sensitive look where I could tell he was actually telling the truth to me for once in my life and he wasn’t screwing me over. “Raelyn please believe me now. Once he’s not linked to the rest of us you can spill his guts if you want. We just need his blood since he’s the leader now….if you help us I’ll never come after your family ever again you have my word.”

“Hey. I'm sorry about your twinsies. I just don't feel like competing for leadership with future Gemini twins.” Kai turned away from his father looking at Alaric holding his dead wife in his arms. “See...When your family decides that you're nothing but an irredeemable piece of trash, well… Guess the best thing to do is prove them right, right?

Raising my hand I drew Kai towards me shoving my hand inside my cousin’s chest. “Don’t try and talk your way out of this, Kai. You just killed the only person in this family I gave a damn about. So you deserve this!”

“If you kill me they die too…” Kai started gasping for breath with my hand wrapped around his heart.

Pushing my fingers tighter around it he gasped sharper when I got in his face vamping over to my uncle grasping his hand in mine since he had some cuts on his hand drawing out his blood. “I don’t give a crap about that anymore. You killed Josette and for that you don’t get to live!”

“Start chanting and I’ll follow you.” Uncle Joshua said, glancing at me where I let Kai’s blood drop at our feet. He squeezed my hand dropping his own blood onto his son’s.

Raising our hands up together I began chanting, never taking my eyes off of Kai. “Phasmatos tribum, nas ex veras. Uenes fes matos et somnos. Phasmatos tribum - agh!” Their blood started to separate until Kai launched a broken chair leg into my stomach causing me and Joshua to break hands breaking the unliking spell.

Kai quickly ran forward tackling me to the ground when I yanked the leg out of my stomach. He attempted to stab me in the stomach again with another piece of wood until I threw him backwards after launching the wooden chair leg with my blood inside his chest. “Ha ha thanks for that, cousin. Now I get to be judged like you.”

“What the heck are you talking about?” I asked getting to my feet looking towards my uncle seeing that he was about to run over to me and try the spell again.

Kai took the wooden piece out of his stomach, swiping his finger over where my bloody was on the other end sucking it off his finger. “This ought to do it.”

Joshua raised a hand screaming the split second that Kai used a glass shard he got from the ground and stabbed himself in the neck. “No!” Kai collapsed dead right in front of Ric and Jo.

“Get out of here, little niece. There’s nothing more we can do….protect your family.” Joshua shuttered when the other members of our coven stopped chanting and started slowly dying alongside Kai.

Vamping from the bloody wedding Klaus was waiting with the girls cupping my face in his hands scanning the blood stained dress. “Shhh I’m okay. I healed over remember.”

“I know, I know. I just….I…thought you were still linked to Kai.” He nodded through tears pulling me in for a tight hug. He gripped my hair in one hand with his other on my lower back.

Burying my face into his chest I gripped his shoulders I sniffed through tear’s finally getting the chance to deal with the fact that Josette was actually dead. “She’s gone…..he freaking murdered her. And I didn’t get the chance to murder him for it. Nik….Jo’s gone!”

Nik’s phone started ringing where we broke the embrace hearing Damon’s voice. “What do you want, Salvatore!”

“Don’t get snappy at me Klaus but I need to tell your siphon wife something she won’t believe.” I heard him say so he handed me the phone. “Whatever spell you tried to use on Kai to kill him before he could take vampire blood from you must have worked. Cause Bonnie Bennett is literally standing in my house.”

Running a hand through my hair I gasped through some happy tears. “You mean I broke her out of the prison world. That’s insane - uh we’re on our way.”

Klaus and I made it back to their house seeing the pair we’re sitting in front of the Salvatore fireplace since Kai had managed to siphon away the barrier spell over the town. Damon was looking at the picture Bonnie brought back from the 1903 prison world. “I don't get it. So you were in my house in a 1903 prison world.”

Bonnie takes out the video camera playing the video she took. “Watch this. I didn't know it was still on when I got pulled out.”

Damon rolled his eyes at the witch.“Congratulations. You shot some walls.”

Klaus and I leaned down closer watching the video when Bonnie told him. “Just wait.”

There was a woman’s voice on the camera that I slightly recognized from somewhere I just couldn’t place it. “Who are you?”

Bonnie's voice was on camera too. “Who are you?”

Damon took the camera from her hands. “Who is this?”

Bonnie instructs him where he hit the pause revealingly a woman with slightly curly raven black hair looking directly at the camera. “There. Stop.”

Damon: mumbles. “Oh, my God.”

Bonnie asked him, “What?”

Damon gasped in disbelief at the woman on camera. “It's my mother.”

“I don’t believe it…” I trailed off thinking back to the day I gave birth to our daughters and I somehow ended up in a prison world I didn’t know about.

Klaus glanced at me, squeezing my hand in his. “What is it, Rae?”

“I have freaking met her before.” I sucked in a breath when Damon shifted around to me on the couch with shock written on his face. “She was in a prison world….meaning that she’s a vampire.”

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[aajjks]

mommy issues!JK

ohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuck: WHY DID YOU TELL HIM THE TRUTH?!!! his reaction is more emotional than angry but he’s definitely not happy. despite the gentle grip he had on your face, his tone is far from gentle. he can’t believe you lied to him about something as important as this and it was straight to his face.

you’ve never, ever lied to him so what made you think keeping this a secret was okay? are you forgetting that you lost your job because of her? the threats she sent him? the pictures? his so-called relationship with her, did you forget that? and now you’re telling him that you’ve considered working with that fucked up family.

it’s like you don’t care about anything he told you regarding the jang’s. it’s like you don’t care about him and what those people have put him through and then you lied about it.

“So… to you my trauma means shit right?”

“what? n-no. of course not—,”

“you actually don’t give a fuck whether she does anything… you don’t care!”

“i do care, jungkook!“

“Y-You don’t care! You don’t care about my feelings or my trauma! Y-Your whole existence in my life is conditional- your care for me is conditional- o-oh my God”

“jungkook, look at me. please? look at me~ i’m sorry, okay? i swear to you i would have told you. i just…i thought it wasn’t that serious and i could finally work again. what i did was inconsiderate and i wasn’t considering how you would feel about it. i didn’t tell you because i didn’t want you freaking out but i made it worse by lying to you. i’m sorry, okay? i’ll do anything to make you forgive me but don’t say i don’t care about you because that’s not true”

you look at jungkook with tear-filled eyes and hope. you’re hoping he’ll forgive you and move on. you’re hoping things will be okay between you two and you guys can move past it but when jungkook leaves the bedroom and slams the door shut behind him, you realize just how bad you fucked things up.

you get up from the bed, ready to follow him to wherever he’s going and beg for his forgiveness but he probably doesn’t want to be anywhere near you and you can’t blame him. you just ruined everything again, like you always do.

you’re up very early the next day since you barely slept last night and decide to go outside and clear your mind a bit. you throw on some gray jogging pants, a gray hoodie, and your new balances before tip toeing out of the apartment.

since everyone’s asleep, leaving was pretty easy. usually, you’d call chaeyoung and ask what she’s doing but you burned that bridge a long time ago. alina is probably still asleep, so calling her would be futile. guess it’s just you, your music, and the morning sun to accompany you on your walk around the complex.

what are you going to say when you go back to jungkook’s apartment? what are you supposed to do? it’s hard to focus on clearing your mind when all you can think about is last night and the consequence of your decision.

after walking for a little while, you take a rest at a nearby bench and remain there for a few minutes, an hour or two. you’ll go back in a little while but right now, you just want to be alone.

~🫧

His head hurts like a bitch, sleeping on the couch was painful, his body was obviously aching last night and then the bomb you hit him with?

And now that he’s awake? You’re not home, he looks everywhere for you and his heartbeat quickens.

“Yn????” He goes to your shared bedroom, but no sign of you. Did you leave him? Oh he scared you away didnt he?

Just as jungkooks looking for you, he feels tiny arms on his legs. “Daddy? What are you doing, where’s mommy?” Seol’s voice brings him out of his panic mode.

“O-Oh just looking for yn.” He turns around to look at Seol, he rubs his eyes and nods and then goes back to his bedroom. “No Seol come on Let’s get ready. you have to go to school!” Jungkook goes to grab his son before he can run away.

Just as jungkook is about to take him to the bathroom to bathe him, he hears the door unlocking.

He tilts his head so fast to look at who’s there and a huge smile breaks out on his face as he sees that it’s you.

“Good morning yn.” He greets you politely and Seol immediately runs to you. “MOMMYYYY!” Jungkook lets him go and inhales a deep breath.

He had a lot of time to think last night, even though he’s still feeling a little angry at you for choosing to lie to him, he can’t lose you.

You are a human being, obviously you’ve always been independent and you need a job, Jungkook can’t hold you back because of his own demons.

“Okay Seol come on let’s bathe.” Jungkook approaches you both as you pepper seol’s face in kisses and that’s when he realizes that you’re his happiness and he can’t rob himself of that.

“Yn. We need to talk. Seol will you go to your bedroom I’m coming okay? Daddy has to talk to mommy.”

Seol nods and runs back to his room, and you look nervous, he’s a little unsure about what he’s going to say, Jungkook takes in a long breath, and looks at you.

“You want to work for the jangs right? You can have the job.”

[poet3ss]

"God asked me out"

A story about God and sapphics

And I said yes. Obviously. I wasn't going to do it at first, but something about her didn't quite make sense to me. The way her eyes seemed to invite you to come back home, but not as a mother, more as a matriarch. The perfection in all of her features, as if carved by hand; the light that seemed to radiate from each of her pores.

She invited me out for coffee before even asking me my name. She started walking as if she knew I was going to follow, and she didn't miss because it didn't take a second for my body to move. I didn't even think about it; it was as if she had put a magnet in my chest or as if an invisible leash had been placed around my neck, because I felt like I couldn't physically be away from her.

The cafe was lovely, although it looked a little pricey. She told me to relax, she said she was paying. I wanted to protest but I didn't feel brave, as if going against her wasn’t something I was allowed to do.

I ordered a black coffee and a croissant and she ordered an orange juice that she didn't touch all afternoon. While we were waiting for our order, God spoke, and I swore her voice echoed throughout the place, but no one turned to see us. She had an enveloping and dense voice, like the voice of a priest. It was warm and loving, but also authoritarian, something that made me shake inside with each syllable. She was simply a beautiful woman. But she made me so afraid.

“So,” she began to speak. "How are you?"

I was surprised that she started with that question. “I’m fine…” I answered with a small voice. “Aren't you going to…Well, I don't know, ask my name? Or something?"

She laughed and pretended to take a sip of her juice.

"I want to know how you are. I realized I don’t ask that a lot.”

"I’m fine, I think. A little nervous if I’m being honest, ” I had to be clear; her presence terrified me. “I don't know why…I guess I've never dated such a beautiful woman”

She raised her head slowly, as if I had made her notice something she hadn't realized before. She murmured “I should have thought about that…” and asked me if it was too much for me, fixing her gray eyes on me. Her gaze didn’t shake not even once, and I’m not sure if I saw her blink at all. I guess handling a body manually for the first time must have been tedious.

I swallowed hard and told her no, that it was a compliment that she even asked me out. At this point I was thinking of telling her that I have a girlfriend and that it had been a pleasure to meet her but that I’m very in love. But almost as if she had read my mind, she interrupted me.

"I want to be your friend. Would you allow me to be?”

I sighed in relief and replied that yes, I had no problem with that. From there on, we started talking more and more; she asked me questions and I was surprised at my ease in answering them. I'm not a person who trusts easily, but she radiated so much comfort that it was impossible for me to hide anything from her. Whenever I answered her, she looked at me like she already knew. She had that thing in her that made me feel like she knew my whole story, from when I was born until now.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting and the cafe was empty. She grabbed my hand and firmly pulled me out of there, not realizing that we hadn't paid. When I told her, she looked at me surprised and replied, “Don't worry; "I'll fix it later." Once outside she asked me what to do, and for a moment I felt like we were two little girls playing together for the first time. So I told her that we could go to the park - where I was initially heading - and drink mate* for a while.

*Mate: An argentinian drink, similar to a tea, made with yerba mate

We spent the afternoon sitting on the grass, chatting as if we had known each other all our lives. Then she asked me about Alina. And I started to tell her everything; our story, how we met, how beautiful her curly brown hair is, how cute her freckles are from her nose to her shoulders. I told her that no one made me laugh as much as Alina, that I had never met a person as brilliant as Alina. Alina, Alina, I could have talked about her for hours. I talked and she stared at me, but this time she didn't seem to know what I was talking about. She looked ecstatic, amazed at everything she was learning about my girl. She seemed so oblivious to the feelings I was expressing, as if she had no idea how humans love. As if she didn't know passion from any other point of view rather than an outsider spectator.

I fell silent eventually, and just stared back at her. I realized for the first time all afternoon who I was talking to, and all the judgmental voices of all the people I had ever met cascaded through my mind. I had learned to not give them importance, but sitting in front of her, the one whom everyone would stuff their mouths talking about, the one who was used as shield to be cruel. Well, sitting there I felt vulnerable. I felt so very small.

With a lump on my throat I asked her if we were going to heaven, Alina and I.

She didn't answer, but smiled at me as if it was obvious and kissed my cheek afterwards.

A light formed between us then, the light that one would believe is formed when two auras come together. It was so big and so white that at that moment I thought we could have been a lighthouse in the middle of a storm. I imagined everyone we could guide.

I’m not sure if God can fall in love, but I think so. I think she fell for Alina.

[theyshareoneheartbeatnow]

Lost Letter from Mal

Found near Ravka’s northern border.

            Alina.

            I’ve been staring at your name for almost an hour. I hate trying to chase my thoughts down this way, hunting for words. The pen feels wrong in my hand. Makes my fingers itch for a bowstring or a trigger.

            But I better get to it. It’s late now, long past curfew, no sounds but snoring, Dubrov muttering in his sleep, and the wind, wrapping itself around the thin walls of the tent, clawing to get in. Supplies are tight, and I’ve wasted most of the oil in the lamp sitting here, staring at your name.

            We’re two, maybe three miles south of the Fjerdan border, deep in the permafrost. I thought I knew winter, but the cold up here is something else entirely. It gets in your head.

            It doesn’t help that we’re tracking a creature no one is sure exists, that no one has ever managed to get a look at. You should have seen our captain when he told us we had new orders, that we were joining up with another unit to track Morozova’s stag. None of us could keep a straight face, and when we finally got back to the barracks, Mikhael laughed so hard I thought he might sprain something. “Are we tracking fairies next? Khitkii? Elves?” No one’s laughing now, not since winter set in.

            The first couple of months weren’t bad. We met up with the other trackers south of Ulensk and followed them east, then back south, skirting the Petrazoi. Some of them took the hunt seriously. Some didn’t. But we saw cropped grass in otherwise untouched fields, tracks that came from nowhere, even trace. (That’s right—we’ve seen magical deer scat. Mikhael thinks we should collect it and sell it as a cure-all. I’m not entirely sure it’s a bad idea. Or maybe the cold really is making me crazy.) But no one has actually seen the stag. Not yet. Apparently there have been units assigned to track the herd for years, depending on how cracked the current King or Darkling is. Now this Darkling wants the efforts stepped up. Rumors are he wants the stag for you. The orders came down and, mad as they seemed, we were happy to march, to get away from Kribirsk and put some distance between ourselves and the Fold.

            No one’s been the same since the attack on the sandskiff. The memory is too clear in my head, too sharp—lying on my back on the deck, my body going numb, realizing the dampness pooling beneath me was my own blood, then your face lit by those last gasps of Grisha fire before everything went white. We don’t talk about it much, but that’s why no one’s moaning at me to douse the lantern. Most of us can’t sleep without one burning. Even in the day, I see people walking around hunched up, cricking their necks like they’re afraid something’s going to come at them from above. Everyone thinks that’s why I keep to myself more, why I toss and turn, why my rations go uneaten. But it’s not volcra I see when I close my eyes.

            I need to sleep. I can’t afford not to be alert tomorrow. This isn’t a place that tolerates mistakes. Old Kovac used to say that you had to have a feel for tracking, that either the land spoke to you or it didn’t. Well, this land speaks—and when it does, it howls so loud I can’t hear myself think. It groans with the weight of snow, the rush of wind. That wind—the moment you step outside the tent, it grabs at you, hungry, snapping at any bit of exposed skin, gobbling up any little warmth and spitting it back out into the miserable gray sky.

            A few weeks ago we got caught in a blizzard. When a storm hits that way, hard and fast, tearing down from the north, the guides call it Gruzeburya, the Brute. We knew it would wipe out any sign of the herd, but there’s no way to travel in something like that, so we made camp and hunkered down to wait. Then Pilkin stepped outside to take a piss and didn’t come back. By then it was dark and the storm was on us. All you could see were sheets and whorls of snow. You’d take one step and suddenly it was like standing in the middle of nowhere, like the camp had just disappeared.

            We tied ropes to each other and waded out, looking for Pilkin, moving from tent to tent. We shouted until our throats were raw. Nothing. Finally we gave it up, pulled each other in, one after another, shaking from the cold, holding tight to that thin, frozen tether. We figured Pilkin had gotten turned around, headed in the wrong direction, away from camp. But the next morning we found him next to the mess tent. He was there all along, probably just a few feet from us, just steps from shelter. We must have walked right by him in the dark, our voices drowned by the shriek of the wind.

            That’s what this place is like. You can feel the cold waiting, patient, for you to put one foot wrong. It starts to wear on you. Each morning Mikhael makes the same stupid joke about which part of him froze off in the night. I can just see you rolling your eyes at that, see you scowl and say, “You’re the only one who would miss it, you miserable oaf.” This is going to sound ridiculous To hell with it—I miss your scowl.

            I need to sleep, but I know I won’t. I can’t stop seeing the look on your face that day in the Grisha tent, the fear and confusion, the blood dripping down your arm. He cut you, Alina. I saw the knife in his hand. How many times has he cut you since? How many times has he hurt you? How many times have I failed to stop him? I know if you were safe and whole you’d write.

            I felt sure there would be a letter waiting for me when we finally reached Chernast, felt it in my gut, but all I found were rumors, each one crazier than the last. People are calling you a Saint or a fraud. They say you’ve been assassinated, imprisoned, betrothed to a Lantsov prince. They say there are cells beneath the Little Palace crowded with dissidents, that the Darkling has a secret group of Corporalki trained in torture that he uses to keep the Second Army in line.

            We passed through a town before we entered Tsibeya. They’d built a little altar there, painted in blue and gold, piled high with gifts for the Sun Summoner, for you. I don’t know what to make of it all. I know what I saw on the Fold, in the Grisha tent, light pouring from your skin, so bright it was hard to look at, you shining like a star. You were one thing and then you were another. You were Alina and then I didn’t know you at all.

            Months gone, and still no word. I’ve made formal requests, informal requests. I tried talking to one of the Grisha in Chernast, a high-ranking Heartrender named Koh. I asked if she’d had any real news, if she could get word to you. She laughed in my face. “I don’t know the Darkling’s business,” she said. “And I don’t ask.” When I petitioned the captain to see if he would write to the capital on my behalf, all he said was, “Keep your head down and do your job, Oretsev.” No, that’s not quite true. Before he dismissed me, he asked, “What is she to you anyway?” I didn’t know what to say.

            I keep seeing that bloodletter dragging you through the crowd while I just stood there like a fool. What would they have done if I’d run after you? Shot me? Stopped my heart? Let me say some kind of goodbye? I’ll never know. Because when I finally got my head together, I didn’t start shouting or throwing punches. I turned to my superior officer and, while they hauled you away, I tried to explain. I made my case respectfully, reasonably, like the good soldier I am.

            That can’t be the last time I’ll see you. When that thought creeps in, when it’s late like this and the lamp burns low and the flame starts to sputter, I feel every empty hollow in myself and the wind just blows through. I feel how flimsy I am, how all the things I thought were strong and whole were just held together by you.

            What is she to you anyway? Here’s my answer, Captain. She’s the thing that made this all okay—the threadbare coats and the old boots and the guns that jam when you most need them to fire, the loneliness of knowing that you don’t matter, that you will never matter, the fact that you’re just another body, another uniform to be sent into the Fold or the frost, another good boy who knows his place, who does his job, who doesn’t ask questions, who will lie down and die and be forgotten. What is she? She’s everything, you dumb son of a bitch.

            Alina. I want to take off walking, to brave the snow and the permafrost and head south to you. Do you know why I don’t? I’m not afraid of the dark or the cold. I’m not even afraid of being called a deserter. I’m afraid of the moment when I stand at the gates of the Grand Palace, pleading to be let in. I know that I could beg and scream and wail all night until the guards dragged me away or put a bullet in my brain just to shut me up, and those gates still wouldn’t open. I could be that close and you’d never know. Like Pilkin, shouting in the dark.

            I did something stupid this morning. (I can almost hear your voice in my ear—“Why should this morning be any different?”) A few days back we got into a skirmish with a Fjerdan patrol. Out here, you can’t tell if you’re dealing with friend or foe until you’re right on top of each other. They had repeating rifles, and all we had were our old muskets. It was a miracle we came out of it with just one casualty, and that was only because we had better numbers. I killed three men—two with the rifle, one with the bow. The captain had us take their uniforms. We stripped their corpses right there in the snow. Even if we’d wanted to bury the bodies, the ground was too hard, so we left them for the wolves.

            It wasn’t hard to imagine what the captain had planned. The herd is moving north, past the Fjerdan border. He wants us to cross over, right into enemy territory, and bring back the stag. This morning he offered double pay to anyone who volunteered, but before he was even finished my hand was in the air. I don’t remember what I said, just the captain clapping me on the back. Then Mikhael was volunteering, and Dubrov. I don’t think they would have said a word if I hadn’t opened my big mouth, double pay or not. You always warned me they were idiots, but I’m glad I won’t be going alone.

            It’s a stupid plan. Just how far into Fjerda does he expect us to go? And even if we do locate the herd, our orders are to sight and capture the stag, not kill it. How are we supposed to get back over the border without being stopped? The captain isn’t thinking straight. He’s desperate to get south, to get back to Chernast and in front of a fire. I guess I’m desperate, too, because tomorrow I’ll put on a dead man’s clothes and make the crossing. The Darkling wants that stag. He wants it for you, so I’ll find it. It’s the one thing I can still give you. The only thing.

            Almost no oil left. The flame is guttering and I guess there’s not much left to say. I’m not sure why I bothered to write this letter. We’re far from any post and I may never have a chance to send it. I don’t know that I meant to. Maybe I’ll step outside and let the wind take it. This wind is strong enough to reach you, to travel south past Tsibeya, to scale the Petrazoi, and wend its way through the streets of Os Alta. This wind won’t stop for gates or guards. It will climb your tower and rattle the window of your room, or slip through a hidden doorway and twist past the bars of your cell. It will lift your hair and brush against your cheek, and maybe you’ll look up and you’ll hear me.

            Maybe that’s why I wrote this letter, Alina. Maybe it’s a promise—that I’ll survive tomorrow and the day after that, and somehow, no matter what it takes, I’ll see you safe again.

M.

[booklovingturtle]

Shadow and Bone Season 2 Rambles (SPOILERS)

S&B S2E7

The episode title made me think of The Hunger Games song

"deep in the meadow

under the willow..."

I want that cloak for my daily life so bad

I just realized they toned down the childhood flashbacks which was a good choice

Jessie is so talented I love her

I don't want Mal to die but I do want him to die for the sake of adding weight to the narrative but I know he won't

Gods the things I would do protect David and Genya

What a fun little loop hole that I don't remember and deifinetely won't work at all

BRING ME BACK THE CROWS...sorry yes inspiring war speech do go on King Nikolai

I love the Fullmetal Alchemist arm

My boy Matthias is looking scruffy I love scruffy a boy

poor david he don't wanna hurt a fly

OH...I wasn't expecting it to go wrong in that way

Why does the Darkling look grey? gray? idk what way to americans spell it I am american but I don't remember

I'm sorry I know she loves Mal but Alina just looks super selfish right now letting EVER MORE PPL DIE TO SAVE THE ONE DUDE

Me personally if I was on her unit I would be dragging that girl across the floor for letting her feelings ruin the lives of so many innocent people

Like the way I would an Alina hater if I was a citizen in their country I would create a one-sided beef with Sankta Alina

YES YES YES INEJ

I love watching powerful girlies kill people (disregard the hypocrisy lmaoooooo)

THE SIBLINGS!!!!! LOVE HOW THEY'RE USING THEIR GIFTS TOGETHER

in my brain Tolya died in the books but I don't remember exactly so I hope I'm wrong I like him a lor

DAVID HAS BE SOBBING UP IN THIS CLUB AGAIN

GENYA'S SCREAMS WERE HEART BREAKING I AM LITERALLY SOBBING

Wylan's cuteness got me to laugh through the tears

JESPER THAT WAS SICK WAIT WHAT

YES TAMAR AND TOLYA REUNION

JUST KILL MAL

GOOD LORD IF YOU KILL THE BOY THEN YOU DONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE DARKLING KILLING HIM FIRST

ITS ALMOST LIKE YOUR PROBLEMS WOULD BE SOLVED IF YOU STOPPED BEING SELFISH ALINA

pls don't take any of what i say srsly y'all these are fictional characters obv but just in case I wanted to throw in that disclaimer

[where-theres-smoak-2]

Shadow and Bone Book Spoilers Ahead!!

Something I can’t help but wonder is what scenes from the books they are going to keep in and what is going to be cut? I keep thinking about the difference in name reveals in the book compared to the show. In the show Alina learns Aleksander’s name very casually in ep 4 when they are about to go horse-riding and he asks her to call him Aleksander. I know some book fans were upset with this because in the books the darkling’s name was this secret that was kept until the last book, like readers literally had to wait until the last book came out to learn what his real name was. The scene is also a very moving one between Alina and the darkling so I do get why some fans were disappointed that they didn’t get to see it on screen the way it played out in the books, here’s an extract of that moment: 

He studied me for a long moment. He had always watched me this way, as if I were an equation that didn’t quite tally. “I want you to know my name,” he said. “The name I was given, not the title I took for myself. Will you have it, Alina?” I could feel the weight of Nikolai’s ring in my palm back at the Spinning Wheel. I didn’t have to stand here in the Darkling’s arms. I could vanish from his grip, slide back into consciousness and the safety of a stone room hidden in a mountaintop. But I didn’t want to go. Despite everything, I wanted this whispered confidence. “Yes,” I breathed. After a long moment, he said, “Aleksander.” A little laugh escaped me. He arched a brow, a smile tugging at his lips. “What?” “It’s just so … common.” Such an ordinary name, held by kings and peasants alike. I’d known two Aleksanders at Keramzin alone, three in the First Army. One of them had died on the Fold. His smile deepened and he cocked his head to the side. It almost hurt to see him this way. “Will you say it?” he asked. I hesitated, feeling danger crowd in on me. “Aleksander,” I whispered. His grin faded, and his gray eyes seemed to flicker. “Again,” he said. “Aleksander.” 

This is one of my favourite darklina scenes in the books just because of how raw it is. Its a surprisingly sweet and vulnerable moment between the two of them at a time where they are both very angry with each other. I do wonder though if we still might get a similar scene between them in season 2, now hear me out, but whilst Alina does now know that his real name is Aleksander, she doesn’t know that he is a Morozova. Thinking more about that interview with Ben, Jessie and Daisy, Jessie mentions that the conflict between Alina and Aleksander happens in Morozova’s workshop. We also see shots in the trailer that suggest Baghra leads Alina to the workshop and I don’t think it would be too much of a leap to assume Alina goes to Baghra to find out where the workshop is because she discovers Baghra and Aleksander are descended from Ilya Morozova. Ben also says in the interview that darklina have been circling each other and trying to navigate different ways of approaching each other. To me this sounds like they do want to talk to each other and do try to talk to each other, most likely during mind palace scenes. My theory is that one of the ways Aleksander tries to approach Alina is by opening up to her about his past and heritage and maybe we get a scene similar to the one above from the book where Aleksander gives Alina his full name. It would be a good call back to the scene in ep 7 of season 1 when Alina challenges Aleksander before he puts the collar on her by saying ‘General Kirigan is it? Or is Aleksander a fake name too?’ Maybe in season 2 we’ll get a scene where Aleksander not only confirms that Aleksander is his real name and he didn’t deceive her when he told her that, but also reveals that he is a Morozova. It could be just as raw, sweet and vulnerable as the scene from the book and you just know that Ben and Jessie would kill a scene like that. I think Alina will then find herself in a bit of a conflict because she now has this secret that she could use against Aleksander but those lingering complicated feelings between them make her hesitant to use this information he has given her in confidence. But eventually something happens that tips her hand and so she goes to Baghra to find out where the workshop is. Aleksander finds out that Alina, with the help of his mother, is heading to the workshop and he realises that Alina is using this information about his heritage that he gave to her in a moment of vulnerability to get one up on him and this makes him feel betrayed and makes him even angrier, similar to how he felt in ep 6 when Kaz tells him Alina ran on her own. It is this that then leads to the conflict between them in Morozova’s workshop where they both let out all the anger they’ve bottled up and the betrayal they both feel towards the other.  

I could be totally wrong about this but I do think it could be a really good darklina moment if they do go that way and after all Alina has to discover that Aleksander is a Morozova somehow, and having it happen this way could be a way of satisfying disappointed book fans who really wanted to see the name reveal scene in the show.  

[curewhimsy]

Rainbow Week 2022

With Rainbow Week coming tomorrow, I felt the need to share the uh, “schedule.”

Rainbow Week is a highly personal time for myself, but if you want to join in, please do, and share it with me!

Every day of November 16 to November 23 is jam-packed with character birthdays (including OCs, my plushies, and characters I have yet to create.) I will focus on those particular characters those days, as well as those themes for that day!

I will also be on vacation for the second half of rainbow week.

———

November 16- Excitement Day!

Birthday list:

Butterscotch lioness (My Webkinz)

Slumber owl (my squishmallow)

Daisy dog (Animal Crossing)

Cosmo alien (OC)

Trixie Pixie (OC)

Carmella (OC)

Aristo Kratt (OC)

Azuki (OC)

Charles (OC I will soon flesh out, named since it’s Charles day.)

Andy (OC)

Isuel (OC)

Shortcake pink horse (plushie)

Simon red panda (Squishmallow)

Jolly the clown (OC)

+

+

(The plus signs stand for two more OCs I will create on that very day.)

About the day:

“Believe in the future, look forward to the excitement!”

National holidays on November 16: Clarinet day, Teddy bear party day, Andy day, Button day, Charles day, Fast food day

Meta: The Owl House day, obscure fandoms day, stuffed animal day

November 17- Compassion Day

Birthdays:

Ruko Yokune (UTAU)

Mallary duck (Animal Crossing)

Soda bunny (Squishmallow)

Pizza Pikachu (Pokemon plush)

Emi Byul (OC)

Ibuki Komatsu (Idolmaster)

Makoto Tachibana (Free!)

Uki clown (OC)

Aster (OC)

Musa (OC)

Diamond snow leopard (plush)

Rolly unicorn (plush)

Blue.wav (OC)

+ Jaden (oc I will make on account of Jaden day)

+

About the day:

“A little kindness can go a long way, and has a profound effect.”

National holidays on November 17: Homemade bread day, baklava day, Jaden day

Meta: Ruko day, fictional shipping day, My Little Pony day

November 18- Wonder Day

Stelle Shimmer (OC)

Lunette Shimmer (OC)

Celestine Shimmer (OC)

Yuki Nagato (Haruhi)

Kuro cat (plush)

Mickey Mouse (Disney)

Minnie Mouse (Disney)

Sowon Moon (OC)

Fangzhi Liu (OC)

Gladys (OC)

Toby (OC)

Cookie birthday bear (plush)

Bread corgi (plush)

Jelly jellyfish (plush

AL.exe (OC)

Tia elephant (Animal Crossing)

+

+

About the day:

“The world is filled with wonder and beauty. Life is mysterious.”

National Holdays: Princess day, Apple cider day, Stand up to bullying day, Married to a Scorpio day, Occult day

Meta: Pokémon SV release date, Love Live day, Princess Tutu day

November 19- Laughter Day

Birthdays:

Josie Bell (OC)

Amelia eagle (Animal crossing)

Risa Matoba (Idolmaster)

Naosuke Izaki (OC)

Pandora Panda (OC)

Todd Hamburg (OC)

Parisa (OC)

Yuzuki (OC)

Pastella monster (plush)

Rosette pink cat (plush)

Wolfgang (OC)

Rui Yashio (Bandori)

Tsubaki Sayama (Anne Happy)

+ Alina

+

About:

“Laughter is the most powerful medicine. It can purify the heart.”

National Holidays: Men’s day, Have a bad day Day, Alina day, Adoption day, Toilet day

Meta: Vocal Synth day, OC appreciation day, Sailor Moon day

November 20- Hope Day

Bdays:

Taya Soune (UTAU)

Sonata Coda (OC)

Daina (Vocaloid)

Dex (Vocaloid)

Petunia cat (Plush)

Cure Egret (Precure)

Tiny gray cat (plush)

Zero (OC)

Amy (OC)

Tangerine cat (plush)

Cyan cat (plush)

Cara cat (plush)

Q-Tea (OC)

Sparro bird (animal crossing)

+ Lucia

+

About:

“It’s okay to feel sad sometimes, as long as you keep hope.”

National holidays: Transgender remembrance day, Lucia day, Peanut butter fudge day

Meta: Drama day, Taya day, Pokemon day

November 21- Miracle Day

Birthdays:

Haku Yowane (Vocaloid)

Bianca Luna (OC)

Flan Flanagan (OC)

Cana husky (plush)

Rio Momose (Idolmaster)

Tails the Fox (Sonic)

Sei Hoshizora (OC)

Dot the clown (OC)

Mira (OC)

Eve (OC)

Xavier (OC)

Ronnie (OC)

Legend dragon (plush)

Nutmeg hedgehog (plush)

Mimo owl (plush)

Grape giraffe (plush)

Artemis (OC)

Flip monkey (Animal Crossing)

Minori Ichinose (Precure)

+

+

About:

“Believe in the miracles of everyday. Keep faith in the world.”

Holdays: Stuffing day, False confession day, Gingerbread cookie day

Meta: Haku day, Cookie Run day, Ojamajo Doremi day

November 22- Whimsy Day

Birthdays

Queen Rainbow (OC)

Momotaro Momone (UTAU)

Guardian of Whimsy dragon (OC)

Daydream cat (plush)

Hayato Akiyama (idolmaster)

Rei Shinohara (Idolmaster)

Icy (OC)

Shiori (OC)

Roy G Biv (OC)

Alvin the elf (OC)

Jubilee pastel bunny (plush)

Gumball panda (plush)

Jumbo dinosaur (plush)

Choco (OC)

Claudia tiger (Animal Crossing)

Sable hedgehog (Animal Crossing)

Kyoya Otori (Ouran)

+ Aaron

+

About:

“You are unique, and filled with a universe of wonder and awe.”

Holidays: Amelia/Amelie day, Go for a ride Day, Aron/Aaron day, cranberry relish day

Meta: Whimsica’s Anniversary, Aron (The Pokémon) day, Precure day

November 23- Light Day

Birthdays:

Yume Hoshine (OC)

Fantasia rainbow alpaca (plush)

Beans dog (plush)

Miki Hoshii (Idolmaster)

Chija Cha (OC)

Sora Naegino (Kaleido Star)

Sirius (OC)

Saga (OC)

Sebastian (OC)

Rin Arasaki (OC)

Pixel unicorn (plush)

Cotton bunny (plush)

Max Potion (OC)

Knox chicken (Animal Crossing

Celestia Ludenberg (Danganronpa)

Kaede Ichinose (Aikatsu)

Cure Selene (Precure)

+ Margaret

+

About:

“Your light is stronger than the darkness. You can make it through.”

Holdays: Eat a cranberry Day, Cashew day, Margaret day, Thankful for dog day, Jukebox day

Meta: Idolmaster day, furries day, Kaleido Star day

[stromuprisahat]

The Little Palace and Grishas’ lives in Second Army, pt. 9

Siege and Storm- Chapter 15

war room's many maps

The cartographer in me couldn’t resist the old maps wrought in animal hide and embellished in whimsical detail: the gilded lighthouse at Os Kervo, the mountain temples of the Shu, the mermaids that swam at the edges of the seas.

Materialki kaftas

... the red embroidery at the cuffs of her purple kefta indicated that she was one of the Alkemi, Fabrikators who specialized in chemicals like blasting powders and poisons. David sat further down the table, his cuffs emblazoned in gray. He worked in glass, steel, wood, stone—anything solid. David was a Durast ...

Siege and Storm- Chapter 16

library

At night, the glass-domed room was lit by oil lamps, and the hush was so deep that I could hear myself breathe. Alone in the gloom, surrounded by books, it was hard not to feel overwhelmed.

summer heat relief

Summer deepened, bringing waves of balmy heat to Os Alta. The only relief to be found was in the lake, or in the cold pools of the banya that lay in the dark shade of a birchwood grove beside the Little Palace.

Siege and Storm- Chapter 19

Alina's large-scale gardening attempts

It was as if someone had taken a razor and lopped off the top of the woods in a clean diagonal cut from the tip of the tree line to the shore. Where the beam had touched down, the ground was marked by a glowing trench that ran all the way to the waterline.

?official? name of the main hall

We charged through the Hall of the Golden Dome and flung open the doors ...

Siege and Storm- Chapter 20

Little Palace's surrounding buildings

We made our way down the gentle slope that led past the banya. Horses whinnied in the paddocks. The stables were dark, but the training rooms were ablaze with light. I heard shouting. The largest training room was little more than a barn with a dirt floor, its walls covered in every weapon imaginable.

one of the maps again

I set the atlas on the long table and crossed to the ancient map of Ravka that ran the length of the far wall. Of all the maps in the war room, this one was by far the oldest and most beautiful. I trailed my fingers over the raised ridges of the Sikurzoi, the mountains that marked Ravka’s southernmost border with the Shu, then followed them down into the western foothills. The valley of Dva Stolba was too small to be marked on this map.

pt. 1, pt. 2, pt. 3, pt. 4, pt. 5, pt. 6, pt. 7, pt. 8