#BUT THANK YOU!!!!!! I'm genuinely surprised (and delighted) by how much interest I'm getting for the AU 🥹🥹

[numbuh424]

in my defense, I did not think I would get this far

[allgoodnamesrgoneee]

Heyyyyyyy. I love your imagines. I was wondering in honor of Kylian joining Real Madrid today, Can you make an fluff imagine where you go with him to his Real Madrid presentation with his family and friends to support him and it’s cute behind the scenes moments leading up to his presentation ? An already established relationship .

Thank Youuu ❤️

I'm so excited about Kylian joining Real Madrid. So proud of him. I wish him success in his future, and may he accomplish all his goals💛

Sorry if this one is a little wonky, wrote it on my lunch break.

Presentation Day

Masterlist

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — You support Kylian on his presentation day.

𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 — Kylian Mbappé x you

𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 — 3.2k

Warnings! FLUFF, supportive reader, Kylian is playing for Madrid y'all!!!

Today is the day.

The day that Kylian had been waiting for his whole life. The day that would mark a significant milestone in his career. The day that he would be presented as a Real Madrid player.

You're so proud of him. You can't even put it into words. You've seen him work so hard for this. How much he's sacrificed to get here. It's a day that he deserves to celebrate and you can't wait to do just that. By his side.

You still can't believe that you're here for this. You can't believe that he picked you to be here with him for this special day. You can't believe that you've been able to be a part of his life these past three years.

You remember the day you met him. You had just started working at a popular news company and your first assignment was to attend a Paris-Saint Germain game that he was playing at. You were doing some interviews with some of his new teammates and he walked by and you couldn't help but stare at him. He had this air about him, this confidence, this spark in his eyes that made you just want to know him.

When he walked into the room where you were doing the interviews, you almost dropped the microphone in your hands. He was so handsome up close, so charming. You introduced yourself to him and you couldn't help but stare at him. You were nervous as hell but he made you feel at ease. He made you feel so comfortable in his presence and you found yourself laughing and joking with him.

After the interview, Kylian offered to show you around the stadium. You couldn't believe it. Here you were, walking beside one of the most talented footballers in the world, chatting like old friends. He was easy to talk to and genuinely interested in your work. Though the conversation was very surface level you were surprised at how down-to-earth he was.

By the end of the tour, he asked for your number. To your delight, you exchanged numbers, not entirely sure if he would actually reach out. But he did, later that evening, and from that day on, you started texting each other regularly.

It wasn't long after that he asked you to be his girlfriend. You said yes and you two became inseparable. The chemistry was undeniable between you two. You couldn't get enough of each other.

You went to his games, you were there for him when he needed you and you were his rock. He was your everything.

You never could have imagined that three years later, you would be standing in the bathroom of your new home, getting ready for his presentation at the Santiago Bernabéu.

You're wearing a black jumpsuit with a gold belt that accentuates your waist. You've curled your hair and did your makeup. You're even wearing the gold necklace that he bought for you last week. You want to make sure that you look good for him. You want to make sure that he knows that he deserves this day. That he deserves everything that he's worked for.

You're slipping your shoes on when you feel a tap on your ass. Without even looking up you know who it is. You roll your eyes at his antics but can't help the smile that creeps onto your face.

Even after all these years together, you still get butterflies in your stomach when he touches you.

"Kylian," you scold, but the playfulness in your tone tells him you're not really mad, "do you have to do that every time?"

He grins, his touch lingering a moment longer before he steps back, hands in his pockets. "Sorry, couldn't resist," he replies, his tone light but his eyes betraying a hint of nerves. You know he's trying to keep it together, trying to stay calm for what lies ahead.

"Tu es magnifique," he says, his voice softening as he steps closer, his hands finding your waist. His French accent is as sexy as ever. Sending child down your spine as his hands continue to hold you close. His eyes raking your figure in the mirror.

You look perfect.

You blush, your eyes meeting his. "Thank you."

"I mean it," he whispers, his gaze sincere, his grip on your waist tightening. "You look so beautiful." He meets your eyes in the mirror again. "I'm so lucky to have you." He pulls you flush against his chest. "Tu es la femme de mes rêve." His lips brush against your ear. "I couldn't imagine being here without you." He finishes his words with a gentle kiss to your neck.

Your heart melts. Your heart beats faster. You've heard him say these words before. You've heard them more than once but each time still gives you butterflies. Each time makes you love him even more.

You lean back into him, wrapping your arms around his around your waist, savoring this intimate moment with him before you have to share him with the world.

"You ready?" he asks softly, breaking the peaceful silence.

You turn to face him, his hands still holding you close, your arms finding their way around his neck. You bury your face in his chest. You take a deep breath and breathe him in. You smell the cologne he's wearing.

"I should be asking you that" you whisper, your hands resting lightly on his chest. You can feel his heartbeat under your palms, steady but perhaps a beat faster than usual.

"I'm a little nervous," he admits with a small frown, his fingers tracing absent-minded patterns on your waist.

You know how much he's worked for this. You know how much pressure he's under. You know how much he wants this. But you also know that he's going to do great. You know that he's ready for this.

You reach up to cup his cheeks in your hands, your eyes soft and encouraging. "It's okay to be nervous," you assure him with a reassuring smile. "But you're going to do amazing. You're Kylian Mbappé You're going to rock this. I know you will. You've worked so hard for this." You tell him, your hands finding their way to his neck, your thumbs rubbing gentle circles against the skin there.

He's silent for a moment before he pulls you into a tight hug, his head burying in your neck. You wrap your arms around him, holding him close, letting him take comfort in you. You let him hold you like this for a few seconds, feeling him breathe you in.

"I love you, thank you for doing this with me. For being here." he mumbles into your skin, his voice so soft and so sweet.

You smile. Your heart racing at his words.

"I love you too," you whisper back.

He pulls back, his eyes meeting yours. "Seriously bébé," he says, his voice soft but full of conviction. "I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you for being with me every step of the way. You've sacrificed so much to move here with me. I will never be able to thank you enough for all the things you do for me. I promise to always be there for you, to support you, to make you happy. To be the best boyfriend I can be. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me." His hand rests gently on your cheek, his thumb brushing against your jaw.

Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you look at him. You're so in love with him. You can't believe that this man is all yours, that he wants to be with you, that he loves you just as much as you love him. You can't believe that you found each other.

You want to say so much, want to reply to his little speech but you can't find the words to express how much you love him. So you kiss him instead.

A soft kiss, one full of love, one full of affection. One full of hope. Your lips linger on his for a few seconds before he pulls back. You're both smiling at each other.

"We should head downstairs," he whispers softly, breaking the silence again. "We don't want to be late"

You nod and you step back. He lets go of you, letting you walk out of the bathroom first.

When you walk into the living room downstairs, his family is there waiting for you two, chatting animatedly. They look up as you both enter, smiles lighting up their faces. His little niece and nephew are sitting on the couch with their mom when they see you come in. Without waiting a moment they stand up from their spot on the couch and run up to Kylian.

"Uncle Kylian! Y/N!" They squeal in unison.

He bends down and picks them up. One on each arm. He swings them around and they giggle in glee. You watch as his face lights up with a bright smile. His eyes meet yours over his niece and nephew's heads and he grins at you.

"I missed you guys so much," he whispers in their ears.

They're still laughing when they land back on their feet. He sets them down and gives each of them a kiss on the head before they turn to you. "Y/N!" They greet you with equal enthusiasm.

"My babies," you coo, bending down to pick them up. "I missed you two so much too!" You give each of them a hug. You give them each a kiss on the head before you set them back down. The second you set them back down they're on Kylian again, completely enamoured with their uncle.

"Be good for your mom and dad today," he tells them softly. "I want to see you after the presentation." His eyes light up with excitement.

"We will," they reply in unison, giggling.

He pulls away from them, giving each one another kiss on the head before he turns towards everyone else. Kylian's mother approaches you with open arms, pulling you both into a hug. You were in the shower earlier when they arrived so she hadn't seen you yet.

"Mes bébés," she said, tears shining in her eyes. “I'm so proud of you, Kylian. And you, my darling,” she adds, embracing you in turn, ”thank you for being here with us today." she coos, kissing both your cheeks.

Kylian's father pulls him into a tight hug next. He pats him on the back. "Fier de toi, mon garçon," he says, his eyes shining with pride. "

The other family members join you, each expressing their admiration and support for Kylian. His father squeezes your shoulder affectionately, his siblings exchange jokes with him to lighten the mood.

Silently without anyone noticing you sneak a picture of Kylian and his family gathered together in the living room. It's candid, raw, real. Capturing the support and love surrounding him on this monumental day. Kylian's smile is wide in the picture, the kind that radiates insumontable joy. You feel tears prick your eyes as you look down at it, happy to have frozen this moment for him.

As the final hugs are exchanged, Kylian’s agent steps forward, checking the time on his watch. "It's almost time," he announces, his voice calm but firm. "We should get going."

You all head outside, where a convoy of sleek black cars waits.

You would be riding with Kylian. Because today was also the day you would come out to the world as his girlfriend.

Even though everyone knew by now that Mbappé was off the market it was still a hush on who he was dating. At first, you guys had done it for the sake of your job. But now that you would be staying in Madrid with him, the both of you decided not to keep your identity a secret anymore. So this was technically your first appearance together. All the more reason to be nervous.

The plan was to arrive together at the stadium, walk in with him, then get separated to go to where his family would be sitting while he gave his speech.

You two slip into the car together. He pulls you into his side, his hands holding yours. You both sit there quietly for a second, the only sound being the driver's voice talking through the intercom.

He's fidgety, his eyes darting out the window to the passing buildings. You squeeze his hand gently, reminding him of your presence. He looks at you, his eyes meeting yours for the first time since the car started moving.

"Are you sure you're okay?" You ask him softly, his hand squeezing yours in reassurance.

"I'm good, trésor," he assures you. "Just excited and a little nervous."

You nod, your hand rubbing circles into his wrist. "I'm so proud of you," you tell him sincerely, your free hand reaching up to cup his cheek. He closes his eyes briefly at your touch, breathing in deeply before turning to face you fully. His lips meet yours for a brief kiss. He smiles against your lips, his hands finding their way to your waist as he pulls you into a tight hug.

The rest of the car ride is silent.

You're pulled out of your comfortable bubble when the car stops.

The stadium.

You're here.

You both sit in stunned silence for a moment, your eyes wide as you take in the sight. The stadium is already packed with thousands of screaming fans, each holding a white Real Madrid jersey with his name on the back.

Kylian is silent beside you, his eyes wide, his hands resting on his thighs. He takes a deep breath. He looks at you, his eyes locking with yours.

"Ready?" he asks softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

You nod, a smile on your face.

You two slip out of the car together, Kylian holding your hand tightly in his. They don't notice you at first since you're hidden behind him, out of sight, but he pulls you beside him and wraps an arm around your waist. The cheers from the crowd grow louder as the realization of who you are girlfriend sinks in.

You smile shyly, trying to hide your face in his shoulder.

He laughs, pulling you closer to him.

You both walk towards the entrance of the stadium, the screams of the fans reaching an all-time high. Kylian smiles brightly at the cameras flashing in your faces, his free hand waving at the crowd.

You both stop walking for a second, posing for pictures together. You're conscious of the cameras flashing around you, of the fans screaming his name. The whole situation is a little overwhelming but nothing you can't handle with him beside you, holding your hand.

You both pose for a few pictures, then you walk inside, the crowd quieting as you leave them behind.

You're led to a room backstage, where you'll wait with Kylian until it's time for him to go on stage. The room is buzzing with activity – staff members are rushing around, checking last-minute details, and ensuring everything is perfect.

You find a quieter corner of the room where he can take a moment to collect himself. He sits down on a plush leather chair, his eyes scanning the room but his grip on your hand never loosening. You can tell the nerves are killing him.

“Do you want some water?” you ask softly, your thumb rubbing soothing circles on his skin.

He nods, and you quickly fetch a bottle from a nearby table. When you hand it to him, he takes a long sip, then leans back, exhaling slowly. “Merci,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper.

You sit beside him, placing your hand on his knee. “Remember, they’re all here for you. They believe in you, just like I do.”

He turns to look at you, his eyes softening. “I know. It’s just… a lot.”

You nod, understanding completely. “It’s okay to be overwhelmed. Just take it one step at a time.”

He nods, his eyes locking onto yours, drawing strength from your calm presence. The door opens, and one of the staff members steps in, clipboard in hand. “It's time miss Y/N,” he announces, waiting for you at the door.

That's your cue.

You stand up, offering Kylian your hand. He takes it, rising from the chair, his grip firm and warm. He pulls you into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around you with a strength that speaks volumes about the emotions coursing through him.

“I’ll be right there in the audience,” you whisper against his ear gently stroking his back “I’ll be cheering the loudest.”

He pulls back just enough to look at you, his eyes searching yours. “Je t'aime fort,” The tone of which he says it is the most endearing you've ever heard from him. It makes your heart swell. You wish you could go with him.

“I love you too,” you reply, placing one last peck on his lips.

With a final squeeze of your hand, he releases you and you follow the man to the section reserved for his family.

As you enter the stadium, the roar of the crowd is deafening. The energy is electric, every person present filled with anticipation. You find your seat next to Kylian’s mother, who greets you with a warm smile and a comforting squeeze of your hand.

The lights dim, and the stadium falls silent. The anticipation is palpable. The lights dim slightly, and the murmurs in the stadium grow louder. The large screens display a montage of Kylian’s best moments, a tribute to his journey and accomplishments.

Then, the announcer’s voice booms through the speakers, introducing Kylian. The crowd erupts into cheers, the noise almost overwhelming.

You're crying as you watch him walk to the stage, grateful that you get to witness this moment with him, a moment he's been waiting for a long time.

Kylian steps onto the stage, his presence commanding yet humble. He looks out at the sea of faces, his gaze searching until it finds yours. You smile at him through your tears, giving him a small nod of encouragement. He smiles back, gesturing at your crying.

The jumbotron pans to your face as you laugh at his antics and everyone in the stadium realizes who you are immediately. They start cheering even louder.

The warmth of the moment envelops you as you watch Kylian take center stage. His speech is emotional thanking his fans, his teammates, and the club for believing in him. He speaks with passion and sincerity, his words resonating with everyone in the stadium. When he finishes with his "Hala Madrid", the applause is thunderous, echoing through the massive arena.

You and Fayza hold on to each other as you cry your eyes out, Kylian's words of thanks to you echoing in your ears. You both hug each other tight, both of you overwhelmed with emotion.

It's such a powerful moment one that sends shivers down your spine. The beginning of a new era. The start of your new life together with him.

-Bianca🌻

[larluce]

Merlin as Arthur's familiar/Arthur's shapeshifter falcon AU

@dsabian , @theplatanitosqueal , @stressed-but-chill , @gregre369 , @chaosofbelievers , @thelordofabsolutelynothing , @another-tblr-fangirl , @aceauthorcatqueen , @smileytrinity , @tiny-and-witchy

LINK TO THE OTHER PARTS: PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5 , PART 6 , PART 7 , PART 8 (You're here) , PART 9

Arthur: (makes a space on the table and places the nest with his chicks in front of him)

Uther: (whispers) What do you think you're doing?

Arthur: (whispering back) You told me to come no matter how.

Uther: (whisper yelling) That doesn't mean you had to bring them!

Arthur: Father, the chicks are very young, I can't be away from them.

Uther: Merlin isn't.

Arthur: He can't either, he's the dad.

Uther: They are not even really his!

Merlin: (chirps sadly lowering his head) 🥺

Arthur: (To Merlin, brings his little head closer to his, comforting him) No, they are yours, you are his dad, of course they are yours. (To Uther) Father, I understand that you are angry with me, but you didn't have to hurt his feelings.

Uther: (almost yelling) I didn't- (controls himself and whispers again) I mean you could have entrusted them to some servants if they need that much care.

Morgana: Oh, they wouldn't be able handle them. (Affectionately patting the chicks on the head) These merlins require very specific care and are afraid of strangers.

Uther: And may I know how you are aware of that information, Morgana? 🤨

Morgana: Oh… 😅 Suddenly I really want to dance! If you allow me, Your Majesty. (stands up, bows and goes to dance)

Rain: (watches with interest as Morgana dances)

Uther: (sighs and turns to Arthur) You should dance with the guests too, Arthur.

Arthur: I can't.

Uther: Why not?

Arthur: (thinking) Because I have a jealous merlin watching me. (Says) I already told you, I can't be away from my chicks.

Uther: Your chicks?

Merlin: (Chirps) 😠

Arthur: Our chicks, they are ours.

Merlin: (Chirps, nodding) 😊

Uther: ...

Uther: Your obsession with merlins is worrying me, son.

Lady Elena: (approaches) Your Majesty, Your Highness. (bows to both of them) I hope I'm not being too forward, I just wanted to tell Your Highness that you have some wonderful birds.

Arthur: (smiles, genuinely pleased by the compliment to his family) Thank you very much, Lady Elena. And they are merlins.

Lady Elena: Yes, I heard. (Giggles) They are beautiful, can I touch them? (extends her hand to the chicks)

Merlin: (Chirps threateningly) 😡

Arthur: For the sake of your fingers, I'd rather you don't, Lady Elena. My Merlin is very jealous of his chicks.

Lady Elena: I understand. Do they have a name?

Arthur: Yes, this one is-RAIN! 😨 (almost shouts when he sees Rain out of the nest) Rain, go back to the nest right now 😠.

Lady Elena: (very surprised) Oh, my Gods! Is it doing what I think it's doing?

Arthur: What? (he looks over the nest, thinking that maybe Rain pooped on the table, worried)

Lady Elena: (exclaims out loud, dying of tenderness) It's dancing! 😍

Rain: (imitating the ladies' dance steps, spinning around and sometimes raising her wings)

Lady Vivian: (Getting closer) What? Really? (Watches Rain) Awww how cute! 😊

Other guests: (Come closer to see Rain too, making similar comments, delighted with Rain and they applaud)

Guardian and Brave: (also wanting some attention, leave the nest and start dancing)

Guests: (more heartfelt exclamations and applause)

Uther: (thinking) When did this become a street show? For Gods' sake!

Arthur: (watches his chicks dance with a smile)

Merlin: (pecks Arthur's ear)

Arthur: Ow, (whispers) What's wrong?

Merlin: (just looking at him) 😑

Arthur: I already told you it's not that kind of dance. It's harmless.

Merlin: 😑

Arthur: Leave them, they're having fun. (To Wary who is still in the nest) Don't you want to dance with your siblings?

Wary: (shakes his head and gets comfortable on the nest that he now has all for himself)

Arthur: Wait... (Looks around the nest, panicking) Where's Blizzard? (stands up and shouts) Blizzard? BLIZZARD!

Merlin: (just as worried, chirps loudly and starts flying around the place)

The ovation stops and the musicians stop playing due to the prince's reaction.

Uther: Arthur, by the Gods, don't make a scene!

Morgana: (puts a comforting hand on Arthur's shoulder) Don't worry, he always gets lost, we'll find him.

Arthur: In my chambers, not here! The room is very large, there are many dangerous objects. And the table! Did he fall off the table? What if someone stepped on him?

Morgana: Arthur-

Arthur: (raises voice to everyone) No one! Absolutely no one here move! And close the doors! If someone hurts that chick even by accident I'll kill them myself!

Uther: (shocked) Arthur!

Guests: (freeze and look at the ground in fear)

Morgana: Uh… And whoever finds him will have a reward! 😄

Guests and servants: (start searching immediately, being careful where they step)

Lady Vivian: (to Elena, complaining as she searches) What kind of feast is this? What a lack of property. 😒

Lady Elena: Are you kidding? This is the most fun feast I've ever been to! 😊

Rain, Brave and Guardian: (they chirp, looking around confused and afraid without knowing what is happening) 🥺🥺🥺

Arthur: You, back to the nest, now!

Rain: (returns to the nest)

Brave: (chirps in protest)

Guardian: (pecks Brave and chirps, pointing at the nest with his little wing) 😠

Brave: (pecks him back, but goes to the nest)

Guardian: (goes to the nest once his siblings are there)

Uther: (impressed, to Arthur) Did you train them?

Arthur: (absentmindedly) No, they obbey me when they want. (gives the nest to Morgana) Don't let them out of your sight.

Morgana: Got it.

Arthur: (To Guardian) And you take care of your siblings.

Guardian: (chirps, raising his little wing)

Arthur: (calls, looking around) Blizzard? Blizzard!

Merlin: (chirps as he flies around)

Servant 1: (shouts while putting his hands into a punch bowl) Sire, I found it! (Takes Blizzard out of the bowl)

Blizzard: (All purple and soaked, shaking, chirps) 🥺

All the guests who drank punch: (throw their drink and make gestures of disgust)

Arthur: (Runs to Blizzard) My baby! (grabs Blizzard and brings him close to his face) Thank the Gods! You are alright.

Blizzard: (chirps)

Arthur: Don't scare me like that again! (He snuggles him next to his chest, relieved)

Merlin: (landes on Arthur's wrist and pecks Blizzard, scolding him) 😠

Blizzard: (chirps crying) 😭

Arthur: Merlin, don't peck him, he learned his leason.

Merlin: (pecks Blizzard again) 😠

Blizzard: (chirps crying louder) 😭

Arthur: Merlin! 😠

Servant 1: Uhm... Sire? My reward?

Arthur: Oh, right. (puts the hand that is not holding Merlin and Blizzard into his pocket and takes out a couple of gold coins) Sorry, it's the only thing I have on me right now. (gives Servant 1 the coins)

Morgana: (adds a jewel) Here. I hope it's enough.

Servant 1: (more than happy, without being able to believe it) Th-thank you, sire, my lady 🥲🤧 (bows)

Uther: Alright, enough show. Someone take these merlins.

Arthur: But-

Uther: No, Arthur. I think they will be able to survive without you for a couple of hours and it's clear this place is not safe for them.

Morgana: He's right, Arthur. Also Blizzard needs a bath. And Merlin will be with them. Right, Merlin?

Merlin: ...

Arthur: (sighs and whispers) I'm not going to dance with anyone, I swear.

Merlin: (he looks at him warningly, but eventually nods and pecks Blizzard again)

Servant 1: (wanting more gold) I'll bathe your bird, sire!

Gwen: (gives servant 1 a bad look and also approaches to help) I will gladly carry the nest and take care of them, my lady (carries the nest with the chicks)

Morgana: Thank you, Gwen. (to Servant 1) Call Gaius to the prince's chambers. He will tell you both how to care for these little ones.

Uther: (exasperated) Gaius knows about this too, of course.

Arthur: (Looks at his chicks unsure, but finally puts Blizzard in the nest)

Merlin: (goes to the nest with his chicks)

Chicks: (chirp crying) 😭😭😭😭😭

Arthur: Sssh, No, don't cry. (Caresses their little heads) I'll come with you in a moment. (Kisses Merlin on the head goodbye)

Servant 1 and Gwen: (bow and leave with the nest)

Arthur: (watches them leave, sad)

Uther: (coughs and raises his voice) Well, let's get back to the celebration.

Time skip. Everyone is dancing and having fun, while Arthur sits at the table, uneasy .

Uther: Son, it's your party. Go and have some fun.

Arthur: (talking to himself, worried) How long was he in that bowl?

Uther: What?

Arthur: What if punch got into his little lungs?

Uther: (sighs) Arthur-

Arthur: And how much of that did he drink? Is sugar poisonous to birds? What if he gets sick?

Uther: Oh, for Gods' sake! Go. Go with your merlins.

Arthur: (surprised) Really?

Uther: There's no point in you being here if your mind is elsewhere. I'll see what excuse I give to the guests. Now go.

Arthur: (very happy) Thank you, father! (Bows and leaves)

Uther: Yeah, you're still going to be grounded after this 😒

In Arthur's chambers. Servant 1 and Gwen feed Wary, Guardian, Rain, and Brave with pieces of a dead sparrow Merlin brought, while Gaius examines Blizzard after being given a thorough bath.

Gaius: Everything seems fine. (To Blizzard, who is sitting on a mattress on the table) You were a very naughty bird.

Merlin: (Tears off a piece of the dead bird and flies to Blizzard)

Gaius: Look, your father saved your dinner for you.

Blizzard: (Chirps in protest and shakes his head)

Servant 1: Why doesn't he want to eat?

Gwen: Maybe he doesn't like that part of the sparrow? You know, like when you prefer the leg of the chicken instead of the breast.

Servant 1: How fussy.

Merlin: (leaves the meat on the table, pecks Blizzard and chirps annoyed) 😡

Blizzard: (chirps and reluctantly eats his meat)

Servant 1: Suddenly I remembered my mother...

Arthur: (enters)

Gaius: Oh, sire. You're back early.

Merlin: (flies to Arthur and lands on the wrist Arthur immediately raises)

Arthur: (brings him closer to bump his nose with Merlin's beak, affectionately) I missed you too.

Rain, Wary, Guardian and Brave: (they walk quickly to Arthur, moving their wings and chirping excitedly)

Blizzard: (jumps from the table to the chair to the floor and goes to Arthur chirping happily too)

Arthur: I missed all of you. I told you I'd be back soon. (approaches them and sits on the floor with his legs crossed)

Chicks: (climb on Arthur's legs and snuggle)

Arthur: (To the servants) Thank you for taking care of them, you can leave now.

Servant 1: Any time, sire (bows and leaves)

Gwen: Rest well, my lord (bows and leaves)

Gaius: Call me if you need me, your highness (Bows). Merlin (bows again). Little merlins (last bow and leaves)

Merlin: (he flies from Arthur's wrist to the floor and changes into his human form while sitting on the ground next to Arthur) Gaius already checked Blizzard, he has nothing.

Arthur: Despite the pecks you gave him?

Merlin: (rolls his eyes) You're too soft on them.

Chicks: 😴😴😴😴😴

Arthur: (says softly) They fell asleep.

Merlin: (Just as softly) It must have been an exhausting day for them (He takes Rain, Wary and Blizzard gently and cradles them in his arms) So… (makes the nest appear with magic on his lap and affectionately places the chicks there) Did you have fun?

Arthur: Actually, no. (cradles Brave and Guardian) I was too worried about my family to do it. (He places them in the nest too)

Merlin: (smiles at the use of the word "family" without being able to help it)

Arthur: And I didn't dance with anyone.

Merlin: You better 😑. I thought you'd stop going to those dances after we mated.

Arthur: Wait… All those times I went to balls, you thought I was trying to… 'mate' with the ladys?

Merlin: (confused) Weren't you?

Arthur: No! That's what I was trying to explain. Dancing for humans is not the same as for birds. Yes, it can be a form of courtship, but that's not necessarily what it's for. We humans do it to have fun or just to pass the time more than anything.

Merlin: Oh... Well, that explains a lot. It was strange they rejected you so many times.

Arthur: (incredulous) You thought they rejected me? The prince of Camelot? Literally the best match there is?

Merlin: That's why I said it was strange! I mean, you're very attractive for human standars too and, while you act like an idiot, a spoiled brat, and have too much pride and little imagination most of the time-

Arthur: Don't defend me so much...

Merlin: You also have a big heart and are brave and strong. More than you give yourself credit for sometimes.

Arthur: Really?

Merlin: You took care of me when I broke my wing, you kept protecting me and Morgana after you found out we have magic and you helped me with the chicks before you wanted to be their father at all. What kind of female doesn't want those qualities in her mate? I was very offended that they rejected you, though I was also relieved.

Arthur: (blushes, but laughs softly) Merlin, honestly, if you believed all this time that I was dancing with other women for that purpose, why did you make such a fuss just now?

Merlin: (pouting and crossing his arms) We weren't mated before. (Thinks for a moment) Wait, so our dance was just for fun? 🥺

Arthur: No, that was a flying dance. I knew how valuable it was to you and that's why I did it. (Takes Merlin's hand) I wanted to make it clear that I want to be with you and only you.

Merlin: (smiles, blushing) It was the most beautiful dance, we flew together without flying, I had never experienced anything like it. (his smile falls) But it really didn't mean anything, did it? I'm not a bird, I'm not human either and to others I'm just your pet, and that's okay, that's how we decided it would be from the beginning and I accepted it.

Arthur: (His heart breaking) Merlin-

Merlin: I know what you're going to say. That for you it's not like that, that you love me, that you don't care what others think, but if our situations were reversed, if you were the one who had to constantly hide who you are, pretend that you are my pet in front of others, something less than a person, when you are really my mate, that wouldn't give you that much comfort, would it?

Arthur: (sighs) I guess not. (Cradles Merlin's face) But it won't always be like this. When I'm king everything will be different. You won't have to hide anymore and neither will Morgana. And I'll show you off all the time.

Merlin: (sheds a tear) And until then?

Arthur: Until then… (Looks in his pocket for something) You can have this. (Gives him his mother's sigil)

Merlin: (confused) What is this

Arthur: It was my mother's. It has her sigil.

Merlin: (looks at it, delighted) It's a bird! 😄

Arthur: (smiles) Yes, that was the symbol of my mother's house. In royalty, giving the royal sigil to someone is practically an engagement.

Merlin: (confused) Huh?

Arthur: Let's say the proposal to mate for humans.

Merlin: Oh! (Blushes)

Arthur: Again, there is no rush for that, (Laughs softly) but it's a promise, not only of our love, but that I will give you the kind of relationship you deserve one day.

Merlin: (Gives him a brief kiss on the lips) I believe you and I'll treasure this with my life. (uses magic to make a chain around his neck and puts the sigil there) And now... (stands slowly carrying the nest) Time to put them on top of the wardrobe.

Arthur: (stands up too) I still think it's too high.

Merlin: I've seen nests in trees higher than this. Or do you want to chase them around the room again? 🤨

Arthur: What if they fall? 😨

Merlin: They're not going to fall. 😒

Arthur: They leave the nest more frequently now.

Merlin: But they're not idiots. They are not going to jump from that height.

Arthur: Blizzard wanted to jump out of the window when he was only a week old!

Merlin: Because he didn't have the awareness he has now, he has grown up since then and even he isn't that dumb to do that.

Arthur: That was just a week ago!

Merlin: You said it yourself, they grow fast.

Arthur: But-

Merlin: (done) Fine! I'll put a magic barrier around the nest, happy?

Arthur: Very.

Merlin: (he rolls his eyes, but smiles and puts the nest on top of the wardrobe) Sleep well, my chicks 😊.

...

Just so you know, this is Merlin in his bird form:

Male merlins are grey or blue ish and female merlins are brown ish. However, Merlin's feathers are more brown and just a bit grey ish. That's why most merlins think he's a female at the beginning and when they realise he's a male later they kind of don't care xD. Even as a bird our Merlin is a charmer 😎

Also here more pictures of our chicks:

[missrosiesworld]

Heartfelt Connections

Here are some sweet headcanons for NakedToaster when they are in a relationship:

Soft and Gentle: Despite their sarcastic exterior, Toasty is incredibly gentle and caring. They love to give soft, comforting hugs and often stroke their partner's hair while they cuddle.

Toasty, pulling their partner closer, softly stroking their hair: "You know, I could stay like this forever."

Partner, snuggling deeper into their embrace: "Your touch is so soothing. It's like all the stress melts away."

Toasty, smiling softly: "I'm glad. I just want you to feel safe and loved."

Creative Surprises: Toasty enjoys creating thoughtful surprises, like coding a special app or game just for their partner, filled with inside jokes and sweet messages.

Toasty, excitedly showing their phone: "I made something special for you."

Partner, intrigued, takes the phone and sees a custom app: "Is this... a game? With our inside jokes?"

Toasty, grinning: "Yep! It’s filled with little things that remind me of you. I hope you like it."

Supportive Listener: They are always there to listen, offering thoughtful advice and support. Toasty values deep conversations and is genuinely interested in their partner's thoughts and feelings.

Toasty, attentively listening, holding their hand: "Tell me about your day, I want to know everything."

Partner, sighing, sharing their thoughts: "It's been rough, but talking to you helps."

Toasty, squeezing their hand gently: "I'm always here for you. Let’s figure it out together."

Flustered but Affectionate: Toasty gets easily flustered by their partner's playful teasing and flirting, often turning red and stumbling over their words. However, they never fail to express their love, often through small gestures like leaving cute notes or preparing their favorite snacks.

Partner, teasingly: "You’re blushing again. It’s adorable."

Toasty, turning red, fumbling with a note: "I-I am not! I just... wanted to leave this for you."

Partner, finding the note with a sweet message: "This is so thoughtful. You always find a way to make me smile."

Toasty, smiling shyly: "I just want you to know how much you mean to me, even if I get flustered saying it."

Protective but Respectful: Despite being protective of their partner, they respect their independence and support their decisions. They love seeing them shine and encourage them to pursue their passions.

Toasty, serious but caring: "I want you to be happy, and I’ll support whatever you decide."

Partner, smiling gratefully: "Thank you. It means a lot knowing you have my back."

Toasty, nodding firmly: "Always. I believe in you and your choices."

Tech Savvy Romantic: Toasty uses their tech skills to enhance their relationship, like setting up virtual dates when they're apart or creating a digital scrapbook of their memories together.

Toasty, pulling up a shared screen: "I set up a virtual date night for us. Look, it’s our favorite movie and snacks."

Partner, surprised and delighted: "You really went all out. This is perfect, even if we’re miles apart."

Toasty, smiling: "Distance doesn’t matter when we can still share these moments."

Playful Banter: Their relationship is filled with playful banter and inside jokes. Toasty loves making their partner laugh and often uses their wit to keep the mood light and fun.

Partner, laughing: "Is that your way of challenging me?"

Toasty, smirking: "You know it. I’m just saying, I’d win in a trivia match."

Partner, playfully rolling their eyes: "We’ll see about that, mister trivia master."

Nervous Romantic: Despite being in a relationship, Toasty still gets nervous and giddy when planning romantic gestures. They always want everything to be perfect for their partner.

Toasty, fidgeting slightly, presenting a homemade meal: "I tried cooking your favorite dish. It might not be perfect, but..."

Partner, touched, tasting the food: "This is amazing! You put so much effort into it."

Toasty, relieved and smiling: "I just wanted to do something special for you."

tags: @camistheone

[phoebepheebsphibs]

CROSSOVER NEXT PART WHEN please

So this next update is the BIG FINALE and as such it is... uh... really long. There's a lot of extra characters in the story (because I am DEAD SET on having an Avengers Endgame moment lol) so that means extra introductions and explanations for a few and etc. etc. etc.

Remember the last really long update I gave? The one that was over 7000 words? I crossed over that mark a while ago, and I'm only ONE THIRD OF THE WAY THROUGH.

yeh,,,

It's a big update, so it's taking a while.

Snek pek! ↓↓↓

"...Very well, then," rhg!Donnie exhaled, finally admitting defeat. "In that case, I'm not sure I know how to tend to 'mystic' injuries."

"I got it," Ghost volunteered, searching in the first aid for anything especially sparkly or glowing. That would be a good sign. After some rummaging, he managed to procure some mystic cream and began to salve the cuts and sores.

rhg!Donnie watched with interest and concern. He studied the label for future reference. He memorized the patterns in which Ghost anointed the child. He took internal photographs of the angles and shapes of Mikey's scars... and prayed that he would never have to see them on his baby brother back home. He had been concerned that this was the same Mikey he'd met earlier... they looked very much alike upon first glance. But after closer inspection, he saw that they had some differences. The scars were obvious. But this one was younger, and much smaller. Not just shorter, but skinnier too. He looked a lot like his brother in that sense. As for the Leon beside him -- the one that kept giving rhg!Donnie dirty side glances -- he looked like his twin brother. Except bald. No sign of the beautiful and soft hair that rhg!Dee used to braid and style for him before he'd left. He was frightfully thin, too. A thick scarf surrounded his neck to help insulate the miniscule amount of warmth his body could provide. rhg!Donnie happened to glance over at him when he didn't expect it, and saw him pocket a few extra medical supplies, subconsciously stuffing them into his pants. There were quite a few things already in his pockets, rhg!Dee realized. This kid was a thief. Not that it bothered him, he and his Leo had been sneaky like that on more than one occasion. District 12 wasn't a very generous place to live.

rhg!Donnie found himself reaching for his hand the next time he went to snatch something. Not so much to stop him as to simply just... hold something that was so similar to his brother. He knew he wouldn't get a chance like this again for a long time. If ever. It might be stupid, but for a moment he wanted to pretend that this was his Leo. It worked for half a moment, he could almost see his brother here in the room with him.

Leon turned to him as he grabbed his hand, wide-eyed in surprise before realizing that he'd been caught.

"Oh... Old habits die hard, I guess," he explained, sheepishly dropping the tube of ointment he'd taken.

"Next time, try it like this," rhg!Donnie whispered, showing him how to take the tube with better efficiency, while simultaneously distracting the victim while you repurposed their possessions. But he got the feeling this teen already knew all the tricks of the trade.

Leon smiled weakly at him.

"Thanks, but... well, there's not really supposed to be a 'next time'," he explained, while looking back at DvD and 'Phael. "I kinda have a family now... and a home."

"Congratulations," rhg!Donnie said, hoping the genuine delight that this Leon had his family all around him came through, despite the monotonous tone in his voice.

"The kleptomania just sorta... flares up when I'm stressed," he mumbled. "When I feel like I'm not safe. I take stuff so I can pretend that I have everything I might need in an emergency." He laughed as he pulled out all the band-aids and alcohol wipes and gauze from his pockets. "I don't even know what I'd do with half of this stuff!"

"It's better to have most of this than not," rhg!Donnie mentioned, taking half of the pile and stuffing them into his own pockets, despite knowing that if he were to be portalled home again the items wouldn't be going with him. "Just in case..."

@daboyau @boots-with-the-fur-club @amevello-blue

[shmowder]

Hello Mr Shmowder

Could I request some hcs for Daniil if the reader is afab and taking T shots? If Daniil would help them getting the testosterone and maybe even administering it himself

I’m not sure if that would be possible in the time era of pathologic but also if the reader had bottom growth how would he react to it

Also I really love the way you write everyone especially Daniil cause I just can’t help loving the prickly prick so I’m really happy there’s you making xreader content for us!

Thank you! you're so kind <33 I love writing for you guys, everyone has been surprisingly supportive and such a delight when it came to my x reader content. I was afraid of the backlash when I started posing patho x reader but I'm so happy I did!

-

Both trans Daniil and cis Daniil would be fully supportive of a trans reader - If you meant trans reader. But if it's simply an afab reader taking T shots, then that works too!

Thanatology was still a new science at the time, it was anyone's guess what goes on in that field.

Combating death is a rather broad term for any medical research facility, which is why no one questions Daniil when he keeps requesting monthly orders of hormones, you're going to tell the most infamous doctor in Thanatica "No"?

Good luck if he doesn't chew your head off with his insults first.

While he tends to be a bit prudish, Daniil has shown complete neutrality when it comes to queer people. He doesn't blink twice at Yulia confessing her infatuation of Eva to him. He has known Andrey before in college, who is an open bisexual.

He'd fully support his partner wanting to transition or take hormones.

In the worst case scenario, where he doesn't understand why you want this, it doesn't take much explanation for him to get where you're coming from. He's intellectual first and foremost. Your argument is completely sensible and fair to him.

If anything you'd open cis Daniil's eyes to read more about gender as a construct and research into the subject, while trans Daniil would fully relate and understand you without you having to say much.

People take for granted, looking the way they feel inside. While others have to continuously put in effort in order to reach a point where they're comfortable and happy with their bodies.

His only requirement is that you let him be the one to register the hormone shots to you, especially if you have no experience in the medical field.

He has a rather light hand, don't worry.

Daniil would keep a journal to observe your progress, note down the details in a file he keeps about you.

Act as your personal doctor and entrusted confidant; it's too risky to go to any other doctor about this during this conservative time period.

Your bodily changes, the hair growth, your vocal cords adjusting and thickening. The bottom growth is especially interesting to him, he's genuinely curious and finds the human body ability to adjust and change so beautiful.

This is honestly new grounds for him, even if he is trans, no two experiences are the same and your body could react in ways different than his.

Still, Daniil would try his best to answer your questions and reassure you about any concerns you may have. His medical degree isn't just for show. You'll be safe, he promises.

Your mood shifts are expected, and he isn't surprised when they arrive, alongside your drastic change in libido. Acne and everything that follows after regularly taking testosterone is completely normal. Your body is changing, and the hormone balance is shifting.

Daniil would be there by your side, both as a loving partner and a trusted medical expert.

While you might be a little shy or embarrassed about discussing these topics so openly, Daniil has had much more embarrassing conversations with other patients in his career.

He's jaded to the average person coyness, if anything he'll be the one insisting to check on your progress each week. Measuring your bottom growth, noting any other changes as he examines you over.

Daniil takes notice of how happier you seem these days, how you stare at yourself in the mirror more, how every milestone seems to send you over the moon.

He'd be lying if he said seeing you this happy and confident in your own image didn't make you instantly more attractive to him. The self-assured expression on your face as you look yourself over in the mirror after a shower, clearly enjoying what you see.

The first time he saw you wearing his clothes and filling them out nicely in all the right places, broad shoulders, and a masculine build.

Feeling his heart swell in his chest when you start wearing his cologne while going outside, watching you reestablish yourself and sense of style. Witnessing you coming nicely into your own person after so many years together.

The trips he took you on to act as your fashion advisor when it came to establishing a new wardrobe. Bringing you to his favourite tailor to get measured for a fitted suit.

Like a proud peacock, Daniil flourishes under the attention when you ask him for fashion advice. Puffing his chest and fluffing his feathers as you go through the selection of clothes he picked out from the men's section. How nicely they drape over your body.

And if your taste didn't happen to fall under the masculine umbrella? Daniil has no qualms about whichever style you decide on.

Wear it with pride. That's his advice. Walk with confidence no matter what article of clothing you end up deciding on.

Daniil's been there with you through thick and thin. This experience just reaffirms the strong bond between you two. No matter what happens, what petty arguments or mood clashing you two go through, at the end of the day, you will always find solace and acceptance in one another.

Because he'll come back into the room on his own accord when it's time to administrate the T shots for you, even as he's still giving you the silent treating for calling his new snake-skin shoes ugly.

He's careful, remaining diligent no matter how many times he has done this before. Wiping the area with a disinfecting cotton pad, measuring the content in the needle, and pushing it slightly to get all the air pockets out.

He wasn't lying when he said he has light hands, you barely feel anything but the small prick of the needle tip before it's over.

Feeling his warm body standing so close to your own, you stare at his unbuttoned vest as a way to distract yourself from the sight of the needle going into your skin.

"It's done," Daniil's voice held a soft edge to it, cupping one side of your face with his hand, moving his touch downstairs as he grips your chin, coaxing your head up to meet his eyes.

"You did well."

You realise one thing in that moment. Daniil needed to be the one to personally administrate the hormones to you, not just out of precaution and safety, but for his own comfort of mind.

The complete trust you have in him to keep showing up, to keep putting the effort and never complain or rush it. The deliberate care, the genuine need to be of service to you, to share your burden of responsibility too and not merely be supportive from the sidelines.

Daniil needs to act, he feels the need to be involved in some way to prove how useful he can be. To lessen the weight on your shoulders, to spare you from the mundane chores.

That nothing will push him away or steer him off this path he is determined to walk with you every single step.

Even as the mood shifts and emotional irregulations reach their peak. He might comprehend the scientific explanation behind it but that doesn't change the fact he is still mere human, the two of you are. And his hurt can still be hurt, his ego can still be bruised.

But his resolve will never shatter. That is the one thing he is sure of.

[preseriesdean]

ahhh, you’re so nice Svenja 🥰 your tags always make my day. I want to thank you for the fic recs, I went with anon because I didn’t want to impose or pressure you. That list is so thoughtful, thank you! Some of them are new to me so yay. I haven’t read dean/cas yet but I’m going to give them a try :)

i love your gifs and edits so much ❤️

and thank you for asking me about fics, truly!! i hadn't read any in so long and going through my bookmarks was a lot of fun. i was surprised how many i still remembered quite well even about a year later. and if you like a particular theme or trope or kind i would be genuinely delighted to find more for you ☺️ when i returned to spn fandom i spent a few months absolutely devouring as much new fic as i could find, but the sheer mass of what's out there can be quite daunting i think

as for deancas: i think it's worth a try, really!! i was hesitant at first because i dislike the tropey cheesy sort of destiel and so many fics are AUs which i don't enjoy, but i do have a soft spot for certain dark-ish ideas. the possession fic was exactly what i was looking for and the casifer fics were delicious (i have more of both of those tropes bookmarked if anyone is interested)

i actually remembered two more deancas fics i liked so i'm just taking this opportunity to link them dhsbdvdv (absolutely no pressure to read my recs ever, by the way!!)

Dark Side of the Moon by imogenbynight (2013, 37k, E, horror, astronaut au) Five months into his six month mission, an accident leaves Flight Engineer Dean Winchester stranded on the moon. It comes down to a man he has never met to bring him home.

Broadway Musical by Griftings (2014, 12.5k, M, humor) The romantic comedy where Dean Winchester and Jo Harvelle are destined to get married, Castiel is given the task of playing matchmaker and fails terribly, the entire Heavenly Host becomes a sitcom audience, God warns against male pregnancy, and Jimmy Novak is incredibly unimpressed with angels in general.

[catiuapavel]

I completed every main mission and sidequests in Cornia (excluding the forbidden level 40 area)

This game is so fun and refreshing to play. When I played Ogre Battle March of the Black Queen a few years back, I dreamt of a game in the same vein that could grant you more control over how battles play out and Unicorn Overlord is a far more layered iteration of the timid concept I imagined. Going through all these menus and setting all these conditions, testing them out, doing it all over again to optimize them... This is so thrilling. I love micromanagement.

The more gameplay devices are introduced (like watchtowers, catapults, balistaes, rams, units to rescue in the middle of nowhere), the more fun it gets. Thanks to these elements coming into play one at a time, the stages never feel dull or the same.

I'll say Cornia on expert mode was hardly that difficult. It provided fun challenges so I don't mind. I'm just surprised that the highest level of difficulty feels like a normal mode. That being said I'm not a good judge of strategy games difficulty because I'm pretty much like that:

The presentation of the game is sooo beautiful. The hud, style and environments all fit so perfectly together. So few games seem to understand the value of these things nowadays and it's refreshing playing such a well-crafted one. I just wish there were more parity in character design: men with sillier outfits and animations and (a handful more) women with... let's say more pragmatic ones.

The soundtrack has been alright so far but I'll say: BOY am I glad to get out of Cornia. I think the area could have used 1 or 2 more songs for diversity (even if they kept a similar style or leitmotiv). Drakenhold is delivering in terms of music already!

Unfortunately the only tar so far is that the story is just so very... mid. At best, It's simple and serviceable even though you feel like you've seen it a hundred times before. At worst it's... mind control to handwave morality and responsibility away. However, I don't want to judge it too hastily and I hope to be surprised eventually.

Mostly, I'm genuinely, desperately, hopeful that recruiting everyone merrily will have dire consequences at one point or another. As much as I enjoy collecting every little guy on the continent, defeating a boss set on murdering you and/or terrorizing the countryside and having Alain choose between executing them or recruiting(/releasing) them after hearing their tragically lukewarm backstory (and everything ends well and fine) is becoming jarring. I want to feel regret, I want to feel pain. I want my decisions to come back to haunt me. I want to be crushed under the weight of my actions.

(DON'T tell me whether that's the case or not)

But so far the characters are just bad until they're good and once they join your ranks, they are unconditionally loyal. It lacks conflict and makes everyone far less interesting as a result.

(side note: this one isn't recruitable (thankfully) but Gaston in "Province of Famine" was one of the worst parts so far. You've got a tyrant pillaging his subjects' reserves, depriving them of food while bragging he's enjoying several lavish meals in a row with the most episodic cartoon villain presentation, but when you defeat him suddenly he wasn't actually that bad and was just keeping a reserve in case of famine. Surely... There was a way to write this with a bit more nuance and with less contradictions. The worst part? I called that one as soon as the stage began so it wasn't even shockingly bad, just disappointingly so.)

Still, the characters themselves feel engaging enough. The writing is decent when it comes to interpersonal relationships. I've set one foot in Drakenhold and I was delighted to see Travis and Aubin come into the picture once again. It makes me hopeful the greater cast will develop outside of rapport conversations. And if the narrative truly doesn't deliver later on... I will have these lively and diverse characters to fall back on at least.

[viilpstick]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNELIESE🎉🎉🎉🎉

I low-key lost track of time and idk when her birthday is but happy birthday regardless go queen!!!!!

•••

Anneliese sniffled, trying to dry her tears even if they just kept falling. She had ran away from Pomefiore, ran away from the attention that she knew she’d get there. She was already ugly, crying would make everything worse, and she didn't want people looking at her like this.

Why did it have to be her birthday? If it was any other date she wouldn't have run away from the festivities at campus. She wouldn't have to hide from the people who were constantly trying to get a look at her horrific face.

She didn't understand why her mother decided to be especially cruel today. Telling her such harsh things, making her feel like she didn't matter… she didn't even remember it was her birthday.

“Get yourself together, Annie. You're even uglier when you cry…”

“I would very much disagree with that statement, mademoiselle.” Anneliese jumped, quickly running behind a tree in a worthless effort to hide herself. “Ah, I apologize, have I frightened you?” She peaked behind the trunk, her eyes widening at the sight in front of her.

Anneliese had never seen such a man before. His blond hair was a mess tied in a ponytail, a weak attempt at trying to force it to behave. He looked dirty, his cowboy hat seemed old and his school uniform looked very worn down.

The complete opposite of Pomefiore.

“W-who are you and what do you want?”

“I was merely passing by and heard your soft cries. I came close out of curiosity.” He explained, his smile wide. He seemed to shine like the sun, contrasting his appearance, his eyes looked at her with interest and delight, as if she was a rare animal to be studied.

She guessed she was just as ugly as one.

Anneliese frowned, turning away and resting her back behind the tree. She dried her tears and sniffled one last time.

“Then go. You already saw this hideous girl cry, you should be satisfied by now.”

“Hardly!” The boy said, walking closer to the tree and peaking behind it. Anneliese turned away, not wanting him to look at her face. “Ah, just as I thought.” Anneliese laughed sarcastically, feeling her eyes sting. Of course. She didn't need a random stranger to remind her just how ugly she was, she already– “you're truly beautiful.”

Anneliese flinched.

What?

She slowly turned towards him, her head tilting as her cheeks went pink. She frowned.

Did he– no. What? Was he insane?

“You're cruel for saying that.”

“How so? I’m simply stating the obvious, mademoiselle!” The blonde expressed, a radiant smile on his face. She couldn't hear a single ounce of lie in his words. It was as if he was being genuine. “I’ve never seen such deep purple eyes before, and with those tears they shine so wonderfully!”

“You… think I look beautiful like this?”

“Oui! A lover of beauty such as myself knows how to recognize the beauty in everything. Especially on a crying woman.” His eyes seemed to follow his lips as he grinned. “It is a sight to behold.”

The ginger girl held back a smile. She didn't fully believe in him, but regardless of if he was lying or not, his compliments certainly warmed her heart.

Maybe that's what she needed today. A simple compliment.

“I… don't quite believe you… but thank you.” She looked down at her feet. “I appreciate it.”

“I'm merely saying the truth! Oh, how rude of me–” he held out his hand. “what would your name be?”

“...I’m–”

“Anneliese!” A fellow dorm mate spoke, making both of them flinch from surprise. “Our housewarden is looking all over for you, hurry up!”

“Oh, uh– I'll come!” She said, then, she quickly glanced at the boy near her. “Thank you again. I'll see you around, uh…”

“Rook Hunt at your service, mademoiselle.” He grabbed her hand, gently kissing her knuckles and making her blush. “I look forward of seeing more of your beauty around.”

She giggled, a horrible sound coming out of her mouth. She covered her lips as her cheeks reddened and Rook widened his eyes at it, but instead of being displeased by it he smiled, a gentle laugh leaving his lips.

“Anneliese!”

“Coming!!” With that, the ginger slightly bowed and ran off with her dorm mate back to Pomefiore.

Now, back to the present, Anneliese was brought back from her thoughts as Rook, the now 3rd year, the face she’d never say would belong to Pomefiore, lit up the candle on her cake.

“What is it that you wish, mademoiselle beau?”

Anneliese smiled, blowing out the candle.

“It's a secret.”

i am not crying you are

you all are

omg

i am

I SWEAR TO GOD

THIS IS SO CUTE AND

AND SILLY

AND THE WAY HE COMFORTS HER <333

ROOKLIESE

ROOKLIESE MY BELOVED <33333333

breaking news: his future wife used to thinks he stinked, understand the case

i want to hug her so bad :((( baby you are gorgeous (i was the one who gave her trauma)

ALSO,,,,,

I NEED TO WRITE THAT 5+1 SCENARIO OF THEM KISSING

THIS IS AN ABSURD LIKE

I NEED THEM TO KISS INSTANTLY

[serpulalacrymans]

//so... I was thinking a lot recently about my blog, and honestly, there's some things I do not like and am aiming to change. Mainly in the way Lawrence is portrayed in his relationships.

//Let it be known that Law is a very selfish man, and if you're willing to give, he's willing to take. This isn't to say he doesn't care about who he's taking from, but most romantic reciprocation is not as it seems. He simply likes the attention and finds it too hard to let go of. (If you want to know what genuine romance looks like, it's intense infatuation and obsession. He will go the extra mile to stay in touch, to talk often, to interact as much as he possibly can for his person of interest, so much so that he feels entitled to their attention, and may even demand it.) Also, putting things to rest after I was cheeky and mentioned it in tags, I hate to "ruin the surprise" or anything, but I feel like it's important? Law, at this point in time, only sees potential in Ren, or in "Lamb." Good ole 🌫 Anon. I can go into detail why if anyone would like, but it's kind of complex and this is getting long as it is. But there ya go. I hope this makes it easier to navigate his interactions nonetheless.

//Next up is reminding everyone that this is an in-character blog. It's Lawrence typing, Lawrence posting. What he writes is not always what he really means or feels. He could be attempting to cater to a friend, to avoid an awkward discussion, or he could be overly mean because he feels like he needs to be- but, just saying, as an Oleander, like any other flower, he too can be a liar.

//Lastly, on the cutting board is Lawrence, and sexual activity. I don't have a problem with asks. I think those are fun! Finding what makes him tick is absolutely delightful- but actual sexual contact was not comfortable with me from the get-go, and I really should have just said something instead of wishing to throw my RP partners a bone. The doll-thread does NOT apply to this, as that is something Lawrence himself actively invited for his own selfish benefit, but for like.. "Canon" incidents where he has laid with other muses? I don't think I'm comfortable with that anymore. That kind of thing is very sacred to him and by bending the rules too much to cater to my partners, I have lost the plot and I'm sorry- but I think I'm excluding those from this point on. We can always discuss and actually plot, but, it's a long shot. Sorry...

//I will do my best to play the best Lawrence I can, but some very minor things need to change for that to happen. I'm sorry if I let anybody down somehow by posting this, but it's how it's gonna be. I will be going back to normal indefinitely after this is posted, so nobody has to worry about that.

//Have a good night everyone !! Thanks sm for reading if u bothered !!

[dragonmasterhiccup]

(HICCUP IS NOW IMAGINING THAT FIRST KISS?? 💀💀😭HAHAHJA CAUGHT IN 4K...sort of)

Glancing back out at the water, she meant to speak in a sarcastic tone, but her response came out much softer than she intended: "I think that day took us both by surprise.."

Sharply turning her head at Hiccup, she took a small step closer and pointed at him, a stern expression taking over her features, "No, nuh-uh. If we somehow get caught, then I'll very much be there for the consequences too. I'm not gonna cower away from it; we both decided on this, not just you." Her face remained the same for a moment, backing away before she continued, "And, aren't you the one who said you didn't want me to cower away in the first place? So, no, it won't just be you taking the blame, Mr. Nice Guy."

Shrugging lightly at his question, Freya tapped her arm as she considered what either of those outcomes might be like, "I'm being completely honest here, Hiccup... I don't even know if you're gonna end up sparring against him or just train the group with us... But I would just say to be prepared for whatever happens. If you manage to win against him, I'll tell you right now that I will be more shocked than I was today. If you choose to let him win, it'll help his ego and he still might approve of you.. because you were willing to try.."

She was getting ready to take a step towards her weapon that still laid on the ground, but as Hiccup turned and continued what he was saying, she immediately felt a warmth crawl onto her face, slightly stumbling over her own feet as she struggled to say a coherent response - which she chose not to give as she tried to appear like nothing happened while she grabbed her sword. Why she couldn't handle genuine compliments, she didn't know, but she sure did not like fumbling over her words because of it.

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

Ayla continued to lightly jump in her spot, quickly answering Hiccup's questions, "I'm doing really good, I just got back from gathering herbs with my mom, she's at Gothi's right now and she told me to come home because she's gonna stay over there for a little while longer!" She carefully handed him one of the jars, leaving only one in her arms, which gave her more room to hop in place.

Tilting her head, she gazed at him with a questioning stare, "What? Isn't that what couples are supposed to do?" Shrugged, she let him off the hook as she turned towards her older sister, "I just wanna know who does it first."

Freya, for one, did not know why she was so interested in that for her age, but she brushed it off for once, too focused on sharing the details of their new plan. She reluctantly agreed with Ayla's idea, though, figuring that was as good of a plan as it could get. As she waited for her response to Hiccup's question of whether or not she'd help them, she sighed out in relief once she gave her answer: "Yeah, of course! You guys are my two favorites!" She lowered her tone of voice as she continued, "Don't tell anyone I said that!"

Finally noticing how late it was getting, Freya suppressed a yawn, looking to her younger sister with a tap to her shoulder, "Alright, we'll need to get our rest if we want this to succeed.." She closed her eyes in irritation when Ayla was quick to complain, rambling out excuses of: "But Hiccup just got here!" And "I'm not even tired yet!"

"Just give me five more minutes!" She pleaded, purposefully staring up at her older sister with widened eyes to make her give in, which she begrudgingly did, much to her delight. She gave Freya the other jar she was holding, not fazed in the slightest as she nearly stumbling by how she practically forced it into her hands. "Can you put that inside for me in Mom's special cabinet? Thanks!" She ran next to Hiccup as she continuously tugged on his arm, ignoring Freya's annoyed groan while she trudged up the steps into the hut, slamming the door shut behind her as she left to do what was requested of her.

"Hey, hey, hey! Can I ask you something?" Ayla remained in her spot while she gazed up at him with a curious tilt of her head, "Why did you choose to be with my sister? I really, really, really like you as my best friend but I wanna know how in the world you made Fey like you!"

She glanced down at her boots, feeling a bit..sad that her older sister would spend more time with someone else other than her for once, "Just make sure you take care of her, okay? I don't want her getting hurt.." In Ayla's ten year old mind, she was only thinking about her physical protection, not fully understanding the emotional side of things, but as she returned her focus on Hiccup, she knew that nothing bad would happen.

Blaze quietly listened to the two, silently wanting to reassure himself that Hiccup was okay with being around his best friend, slightly wanting to deny how he sensed a big difference in how she treated and acted around the Chief's son. He was used to being the one that filled most of her time, alongside Ayla, but he became even more happier when he noticed his rider smiling more often, although he was a bit jealous that it wasn't only because of him anymore. But at least he got to play with Toothless.

Without any warning, Freya abruptly opened the door, stomping down the steps as she finally allowed herself to yawn, flicking a stray piece of her hair away from her nose. "Okay, folks, we need to get some sleep. I can't be on my best performance if I don't get my proper amount of sleep in." She strode over to Hiccup, tapping Ayla on the shoulder before she continued, "Get your butt inside. Dad is already sleeping and he, thankfully, didn't wake up when I..shut the door the first time.."

Ayla pouted but agreed nonetheless, finally feeling the exhaustion from the day catch up to her as she mumbled: "Okay... goodnight, Hiccup..!" She went to give him a brief hug, waving her goodbye once she was up the steps and disappeared into the hut, lightly shutting the door behind her.

Once she was gone, Freya motioned for the jar her younger sister had forgotten with her hand, "She completely missed that.. sorry."

Freya's soft tone of voice took Hiccup by surprise. He blinked at her, wondering just what she meant when she said that.

He had to admit, he found her determination charming. "Did I say that?" Shaking his head, he insisted, "I can't let you do that..." But he caught her eye, and he realized it was useless to argue. "...Find. We will both share the blame, equally... except for when it comes to my dad. If the truth comes out, then I will make sure he knows that it was my idea. Deal?" His expression was serious, jaw clenched, eyes hard. He would not waver on this.

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

Taking the jar, he tucked it under his arm.

"Uh...well, yes, couples...they do that, but we're--we're just taking it slow."

His face felt like it was burning, and he knew that wasn't just because he just choked on the water he was drinking. He just hoped that no one would suspect the real reason he was so red.

Relief came when Ayla agreed to help, and Hiccup felt himself relax a bit more.

At her comment of them being her favorites, he couldn't help but grin.

As Ayla tugged at his arm, his eyes were on Freya, feeling bad that she was getting sidelined like this.

Turning his attention to Ayla, he tilted his head, registering her words.

"Oh, why did I choose Freya?" There was that warm fuzzy feeling again. His eyes were on the door that she had disappeared through as he answered. "... because...she's amazing. Strong, determined, capable of just about anything. I've...I've really enjoyed getting to know her better over these past few weeks, and...I don't know, I just...find myself wanting to know more."

Looking back at Ayla, he shook his head. "No one makes Freya do anything. I'm not sure what I did, exactly, that changed her mind, but...I'm glad she chose me, too."

Hiccup's eyes softened, hearing Ayla's request. "I'll do my best, Ayla. I promise."

Seeing Freya return, he hoped she hadn't heard his brief exchange with Ayla. He wasn't exactly sure how she would've taken that...

Returning her hug, he said, "Goodnight. See you tomorrow!"

Giving a quick wave, he watched as the door shut, leaving him alone with Freya once more.

"Hm?" He chuckled. "Oh, I forgot about it, too, actually..."

Handing her the jar, he stepped closer.

"It's fine. She...she really cares about you too, you know."

Running a hand through his hair, he said, "Uh, I...I should probably get going, get some sleep, too..." Looking at her, he gave a small smile. "Thanks. For, you know, the fun time in the Great Hall...our sparring session. It was, it was a lot of fun."

[dmagedgoods]

3, 14, 21, 37, 44 for Rowley, if you'd like? (I hope that's not too much 😔)

Aaaa not too much at all! Those are great! Thank you! 👀💗 3. Has your Character been using their illithid powers? (3) Every now and then he did, but more sparsely than one might assume. Rowley likes to provoke people to get an angry or annoyed or embarrassed (or surprising, if he's lucky) reaction out of them. So if reading their mind comes in handy for this purpose or brings an actual advantage or leads to an interesting solution to a problem, he goes for it. But usually, it's more fun for him to just pick an outrageous or very direct approach or to deceive with a creative little lie to see if they will believe it. All in all, he's not highly interested in people's private matters, unless he's paid to uncover their secrets or someone strongly catches his attention. He wants to know more about Astarion for example, and he's quite aware he's lying to him almost all the time (except for the moments when he's so stressed he can't hide his genuine reactions). Well, he doesn't mind. But it spices things up to get something real here and there, and while he hopes he'll give it to him freely eventually, I'm afraid for the time being, he doesn't hold back with his illithid powers when he gets the chance to use them to catch a glimpse of his life. 14. Do you have another NPC you loved from a faction not mentioned above? What about your Character? (14) Rowley had lots of fun with Auntie Ethel. He loved to be an annoyance to her and was endlessly amused he managed to get that skill point and the silly girl both. He hopes Ethel will be back to try and take revenge on him and looks forward to round two. 21. What are your Character's thoughts on the strange artifact that was in Shadowheart's possession? Did it jump to your pack because you changed her out of your party? (21) The first thing he did after finding himself on that beach, was trying to steal that thing from the unconscious Shadowheart. - Just because it looked like an interesting little toy people use to keep their fingers busy. He likes those. It ended up in his bag when he left her in the camp for a while, yes. 😂 By now he's very curious what it might be. I'm not sure we get more content in act I than Shadowheart fumbling with it and refusing to tell what it is because I'm not fully done with the act yet. 37. Did your Character find the Necromancy of Thay? How are they handling it / planning to handle it? (37) He did! And he already had the stone in his bag he needed for it because he can't resist climbing into any hole he spots. 😩 (Though this spider was the most challenging enemy to him he encountered so far.) Astarion looked very interested in the book, so Rowley threw it over. Nice gift for him. And it's not like Rowley is good at refusing his little whims and wishes. Worth it, he found it highly delightful to watch him with his new reading material and to see the excitement in his eyes. It was one of those rare valuable moments Rowley felt he showed him something genuine. Astarion already started going through the pages and succeeded with the first challenges the book offers. 44. Asker wants Blogger to choose a question from the list. (44) Any of the questions? Well, how about 20. then? No one asked it yet and it's connected to something I wondered. 20. How did you deal with The Artist - Oskar Fevras? Did you even encounter him? (20) Rowley had thought a lot about Astarion not being able to see his own reflection and even his best attempts to describe his face to him would stay an insufficient substitute. That he found that artist not much later (and that he's supposedly great with portraits) seemed like a great opportunity to him, so he was willing to free him by paying the money (after teasing him of course) and even gave him some more to make it back to Baldur's Gate. Funnily enough, Astarion disapproved. While Rowley was grinning. "Just you wait." Well, and I'm wondering if his little plan will work out.

[the-writer1988]

Hey there! Just wanted to drop by and gush about how much I adore your tangled fics! I've been a reader for quite a while, and I've noticed a delightful shift in your style and character focus lately—totally loving it!

It's genuinely refreshing to witness writers evolving and trying out new things within the fandom. I'm genuinely thrilled that you're still in the game. Hoping you stick around for the long haul!

On another note, I'd love to know what's cookin' in your creative kitchen. What's on your plate in terms of current works in progress or any future fics you're plotting? I remember you posting about it a while back, but, alas, my search skills failed me.

Major kudos for being such an incredible wordsmith! Can't wait for the next chapter (of literally any of your fics).

Wow! Thank you so much!

I think it has helped working with @tangledbea for Between the Kisses and my writing has slowly begun to improve from reading through her edits of BTK and then incorporating my new knowledge into other stuff I am writing to improve my own writing skills.

I have always enjoyed getting into characters and sometimes I can find it very difficult to get into the heads of certain characters!

I have no intention of leaving this fandom - at least not for a long time! (It will be three years in 2024 since I fell deep into Tangled fandom!)

What's cookin' in my creative kitchen? Oh, I have lots of ideas... First and foremost will be Tangled: Between the Kisses and my solo project of The Lost Prince. I am thoroughly enjoying writing TLP and I have quite a few spin-off fics in the works for that universe! I will be revealing more of those ideas closer to Christmas! I will reveal though that the series itself will be called: The Dark Kingdom Twins!

Myself and @twotangledsisters are working on a ModernAU of Tangled called Our Undying Dream which isn't your usual ModernAU rewrite. It will hopefully be surprising and interesting and it does start in the Tangled film timeframe. We hope to be able to share this fic soon but we want to completely write it first before we publish it. Due to our other projects, we work on it when we can.

My other works is a Team Awesome camping fic where Eugene and Varian are caught by bandits and when the bandits learn who Eugene is... well... he's in trouble and its up to Varian to save him! I hope to post this fic early next year. It should only be three chapters and the first chapter is drafted.

I am also working on two other stories.

The first is titled Uprising where Varian and the villagers of Old Corona rise up against the royal family at the end of season one! There is a twist in this fic which I hope will be surprising. At the moment, I'm not writing it due to other commitments, but it is on my list to write. Once the ModernAU and the Camping fic is done, Uprising will become a fic I will begin to focus on as I am really excited about this idea!

The second fic is one I have an idea for but no progress has been made yet. This is titled The Letter in the Lantern. What if Rapunzel had found the letter addressed to her during the Lantern ceremony? During 'I See The Light' I noticed that the lantern Rapunzel launches back into the air is the one her parents launched from the balcony! We know from the series that Frederic always wrote letters to Rapunzel. What if she found this letter? This fic will roughly be about 10 chapters and is on my list to write!

Thank you so much for the ask!

[ashtoberr]

ASHUTA IS SO COOL OHHH MYYY GODDD •□•!!!!!

Hi hi I loveeee your csm oc / insert ♡♡ THEYRE SO COOL Her lore is so interesting 💭💭 At least. The lore that I've seen so far is so interesting. AND HER DESIGN IS SO CUTE I ADORE IT SM 🏂🏾🏂🏾🏂🏾

I always love it when ocs break the "norm" of their universe (idk if that makes sense but her being a vampire when most, if not all of the supernatural entities are devils/Devil adjacent is so swag and cool and based I LOVE SEEING CHARACTERS LIKE THAT 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽)

Her and Aki seem so cute too :3cc I don't think you understand how STOKED I was to see them in the selfship tag. Saw it and ran around my room screaming (in spirit not in action) because YES !!! FINALLY!!! IM STARTING TO SEE MORE PEOPLE W/ CSM SELF SHIPS / OC X CC SHIPS !!!!

I wanna know all ur thoughts about Ashuta 💭💭 She genuinely seems like such a cool character they're so epic and awesome n cool n swag ((o(^∇^)o))

OMG HI!!!! IM SORRY I JUST SAW THIS Ahhh thank you so much!!! It's super exciting to met another CSM selfshipper!!!! :DDD I'd love to hear abt ur self insert omg I'm so glad you like her!!!!!!! It actually means a lot, she makes me really happy to work on :D

And trust me I will provide on Ashuta lore >:3 Here is The Food For Today. I didn't include art this time bc I have been eepy. I have ideas for long after this, but this is the general gist. I plan to eventually draw a lot (if not all) of this out. Here's her concept for her first appearance and mission (Chapters 14 to 20, or up to episode 7 in the anime):

So, after being found by Makima:

She is added to the team briefly after Denji and Power. I'm currently undecided at which point she should enter the story; I'm thinking about prior to Chapter 14.

Makima helps her find a place (up until this point, she's been homeless since becoming a vampire) near Aki's apartment, encouraging her to make friends. She suggests Denji could use a friend since he's similar to her (not fully human, rough background).

Ashuta believes that since she'll be on a team of devils and humans, she would be more likely to make friends since they should be more accepting, right? She shows up to the Hayakawa apartment with some food, trying to introduce herself as a new member of the team (and not disclosing herself as a vampire yet- Power can tell, but doesn't care enough to point it out).

Denji thinks at first she's friendly, but a bit too polite and wonders how someone like her got chosen by Makima. Power doesn't initially feel strongly about her either way, though she's delighted to meet Meowy.

Aki thinks she's polite (and finally someone easy for him to get along with on his squad), but questions why she became a devil hunter after a couple hours of them hanging out. She briefly explains that she's a vampire, and that her life was ruined by the Vampire Devil. Aki's tone quickly changes knowing she's not human, and the night is sort of abruptly ended.

CHAPTER 14:

She's integrated into the group with Chapter 14's mission in the hotel being her first (could be retconned later.)

She's a bit hurt with the talk of Aki and Arai not trusting "non-humans" and saying they don't have human rights, so she's quick to become very quiet since she assumed Makima's team of devils and humans meant she was more likely to be accepted.

Himeno can quickly tell that she looks upset and comes over to strike up a conversation, and the two make small talk throughout the mission. She tells her to not mind Aki, that he's just had bad experiences with devils. Ashuta protests that she's not a devil, but a devil makes an appearance before Himeno can respond.

Himeno discusses with Aki later in the mission that she's surprised Ashuta is so conscientious for a vampire- Aki shrugs and believes it's her being deceptive. Himeno goes to suggest he give Ashuta a chance.

CHAPTER 15:

Ashuta does bond a bit with Denji over the mission, both of them asking each other questions about their respective species ("So are you allergic to garlic?" and "Does it hurt when your chainsaws come out?")

CHAPTER 16:

In hopes of winning Aki's approval, Ashuta offers to help Aki hunt for the devil. She explains that since vampires don't really need to sleep much, she could help him all he wants.

Aki, unimpressed, asks why she's so hellbent on trying to please him when he doesn't care about wether she lives or dies as a non-human.

CHAPTER 18:

In the hysteria of facing the eternity devil, Ashuta finally snaps at Kobeni after trying to keep everyone calm the entire mission, telling her she's going to be a shit devil hunter if she freaks out at the slightest inconvenience. Kobeni yells back that it was easy for her to say, that she'd been calm and collected the entire mission because she can't die. Ashuta yells at her that pussying out and turning on her teammates made it more likely for all of them to die, and to shut the fuck up and help if she was going to stay a devil hunter. It certainly doesn't make Kobeni like her, but it shuts her up.

CHAPTER 20:

Ashuta joins the newbie welcome party. Denji questions how she can eat if she's a vampire, and she shrugs and explains that it's the same way devils eat- the only difference is human food isn't of nutritional substance to her and she doesn't retain any energy from it, she eats it for nostalgia purposes and the taste.

Ashuta lightens up when Makima joins the party, glad to see someone familiar- she considers Makima a friend, being the first person who was nice to her.

During the party, Makima asks Aki how Ashuta's first mission was, and wether she had done satisfactory. Aki admits that she did well, and Ashuta can't help but be a little happy at his approval.

As the night progresses, she gets drunk enough where she feels less afraid to approach Aki again. The two actually end up talking some. While drunk, Aki apologizes for the way that he had regarded her earlier in the night, and that she handled her first mission well, remaining composed in such a stressful situation .

Ashuta shrugs, and says it's fine- when she was turned into a vampire, she'd been shunned by everyone she once knew. She explains she still considers herself the same person she was before, but she fears rejection from humans more than she fears injuries from devils. He suggests she come stop by their apartment again sometime (more out of drunken guilt than actual like for her, but it's a start to them becoming friends).

[acacia-may]

Hi Acacia! Got some Omori ships for the game: what are your thoughts on Sunburn, Cotton Candy, and (naturally) HeroMari?

Hey friend! What a pleasant surprise ^^ Welcome to my main. It's kind of messy & all over the place here with a ton of different fandoms, but I like to think that keeps things interesting. 😁

Thank you so much for this ask! 💖 I don't think I've ever written an actual, serious discussion about my OMORI ship opinions, so this will be fun. To avoid OMORI spoilers though, I'm going to put all this under the cut.

(Warnings: MAJOR Spoilers for OMORI. Mentioned heavy themes related to the game such as trauma and grief)

Sunburn

Aww it's cute. I think it makes sense, and I like it well enough. I love their friendship, their dynamic, and their interactions a lot. Sunny admires Aubrey and her strength so much, and Aubrey really shows off this delightful soft side in her interactions with him. The scene on the swings is very sweet, and I love that Aubrey finally managed to ask Sunny to keep in touch on One Day Left (even if it was a little awkward for her). When some of my friends came over to play the game, they actually audibly "Aww"ed during that scene, and I think that's very telling because Sunburn is a wholesome and feel-good ship. I can definitely see the appeal of it, and I enjoy a lot of content made by its passionate supporters.

That said, for me personally, I find it personally difficult to vibe with the idea of pairing Sunny off with anyone who was close to Mari and, therefore, is entangled in his trauma. For that reason, I much prefer to think about and enjoy his relationships with his friends in a platonic sense. This feeling extends to pretty much every ship involving any main cast member of OMORI to varying degrees, as I'll admit I still really enjoy some ships even if I personally, genuinely believe that after Mari's death, everyone would probably be better off just pairing off with random people we aren’t introduced to in the game if they wanted romantic relationships. (A/N: It goes without saying that HeroMari is not included in this because they were just flawless until they were doomed and brutally torn apart by the narrative through no fault of their own {Yes I am still bitter about that} and that if Mari had lived they would have gotten married & lived happily ever after, I have no doubt in the mind about that (more on that later...), but we are, unfortunately, talking about the world after Mari's death here).

I think especially for Sunny, the degrees of separation from Mari and his trauma are probably really important and a natural safeguard for him to avoid codependency in a relationship and his romance turning into “free therapy” in a way, if that makes sense? I feel like any ship with Sunny in it has the potential to go to a kind of unhealthy place if he hasn’t healed and gotten the help he needs before he tries to enter into that kind of intimacy and romance with that other person, but it’s just exasperated the closer that person is/was to Mari and the trauma. There’s a lot of healing that would need to happen before Sunny would be ready for any relationship with anyone, in my opinion, but especially one like that which, I think, personally gives me reservations about Sunburn as a pairing.

All of that said, my younger sister is a huge Sunburn enthusiast so, thanks to her, I have definitely thought about this pairing a lot more than I would have just left to my own devices and personal tastes. I can vividly imagine how and when they would get together. In my mind, they go to the same university and start spending a lot of time one-on-one together and really deepen their relationship there which eventually leads to love, marriage, and kids. I've never written in this Sunburn End Game universe, but it exists in my mind.

I will also admit that there is something really intriguing about Sunburn in the Neutral Ending (where Basil dies and Sunny moves away). Yes, it would be very dysfunctional, but I think there would be something so compelling and poetic in an incredibly depressed Sunny meeting up with a very jaded Aubrey years later and after rebuilding a relationship finally confessing the Truth to her and getting to reassure her that Basil's death wasn't her fault. I would read the heck out of that, but even though I can sometimes have a morbid curiosity with dysfunctional pining and broken relationships, I do like to think of Sunburn (in the good ending) as a functional and happy pairing for the both of them which is what they deserve after everything they've been through.

And I think the idea of Sunny and Aubrey being happy is the big selling point of this ship, and I can definitely vibe with that because I want good things for them. It's just not my personal favorite. But that is, of course, only my personal opinion and I am very supportive of the pairing and respectful of people who love it (like my sister). I certainly see the appeal because they really are very cute together and should they decide to pursue a relationship with each other in the future, I'd support it.

Cotton Candy

To be honest, I really don't personally vibe with any romantic pairings with Kim in them. I have nothing against shipping Kim, and I can certainly understand why people do, but for me personally, I think I really just perceive/headcanon Kim as someone who is just not at all interested in that kind of relationship with anyone.

In my mind, I like to imagine that Kim just kind of throws herself wholeheartedly into her future career as a paleontologist and that her one true love in life is dinosaurs (and possibly candy is a close second lol). I think she has very meaningful platonic relationships with her friends and her brother, and that's fulfilling for her so she doesn't have a want or interest for anything more than that. But that's just my personal headcanon about her, and I have nothing against anyone who sees or who wants to see Kim in a more romantic way. That's the fun thing about media--we can all have different perceptions, headcanons, and opinions. And I have a lot of respect for that and for the fact that we can all love the same story and characters while having our own perceptions and opinions about them and their relationships. I've enjoyed content that portrays Kim in a more romantic way than how I personally imagine her, but in general, it's really hard for me to imagine my personal perception of Kim in a romantic relationship or even wanting one, so I personally think of all of her relationships as strictly platonic.

And in that way, I do love her relationship with Aubrey as a BROTP. They have so much in common while also having these great differences because I think Kim is very abrasive whereas Aubrey is rough around the edges but honestly a lot softer than how I imagine Kim is. I'm also so glad that they have each other, especially for Aubrey to be able to have a close friend after her childhood friend group fell apart after Mari passed away. I like to think that they really connected and had a deep sympathy and understanding for each other having both come from homes where their parents had divorced. I think we get to see that Kim is very devoted to Aubrey, and given that Aubrey has a lot of abandonment issues, it's really nice to see how fiercely loyal Kim and the other Hooligans are to her. My sister and I make jokes a lot about the Hooligans (and especially Kim) kind of just adopting Aubrey's grudges towards Kel and Basil without any explanation. They're so ride-or-die, and I love that about them, especially Kim. I'm so weirdly fond of Kim, honestly. I actually have this (sort of wild) dinosaur plushie wearing cat ears and a flower crown that I named after her, and I really do love her relationship with Aubrey in a platonic sense but that's just me.

HeroMari

What can I say? It's objectively the best one! I think about them all the time and have actually cried real, genuine tears over how tragic this pairing is and how they deserved so much better. (Seriously I can't count the times I've put on BANNERS' "It's Gonna Be OK" and just bawled thinking about them).

Unfortunately, I don't find a lot of comfort in Mari Lives AUs (though I'll admit had way too much fun writing one for HeroMari week this year). They make me feel better for a little bit, but then I'll just start thinking: "It's not real. She's dead, and Hero is super miserable" so Hero finding healing and learning to be happy after Mari's death really became my niche which I've always been really worried about because I don't want to give the impression that I don't like HeroMari and don't wish that they had ended up together.

Obviously, without question, my favorite pairing for Hero is hands down HeroMari, and my ideal ending for him would be a world where she had lived and they had gotten to live happily ever after together. There is no doubt in my mind that they would have eventually married each other, probably had a bunch of kids, and grown old together in a world where she had lived, and I honestly can't imagine either of them with anyone else in a world where they are both alive. Unfortunately, that isn't an option anymore which is the only reason I even consider other pairings for Hero. The thing about Hero is that we know he had so many of these domestic dreams of settling down & having a family that he essentially gave up on when Mari died, and I wouldn’t want to see those be lost to him forever, if that really was something he wanted. So long story short, my desire for Hero to be happy even in a world without Mari tends to win out over my intense passion for HeroMari as a pairing and the fact that I can't imagine them with anyone else in a world where both of them are alive, if that makes sense? But I digress and that could probably be the subject of it's own super long, meta post so I'm cutting myself off...

Anyway, I've always been a huge HeroMari shipper. I actually kind of knew about it before I started the game, but I had misinterpreted some of the bits and pieces my sister had mentioned to me offhand and thought it was one of those situations where Hero had been in love with her but hadn't ever expressed it and/or that it hadn't been returned. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I finally played OMORI and learned this ship was the most obviously mutual, canon, and wholesomely in love pairing of all time. It's kind of a funny story because my sister (who is even more of a huge HeroMari shipper than me) was actually getting kind of worried because I hadn't mentioned the pairing at all while we were playing the game. When I finally made an offhand, shippy comment about them, my sister was so relieved and revealed she was worried I hadn't shipped them because I hadn't mentioned it. I said, "I thought I didn't have to. It's like saying 'Water is wet.' They're in love. What else is there to say?"

And that's HeroMari to me. They're in love. It makes sense and is extremely compelling, especially getting to see the heart-wrenching way Hero grieves for her after she is gone. To be honest, as much as I want them to be happy and wish they had gotten their "forever," the angst of this ship elevates it and gives it a depth that I find incredibly interesting and that has really stuck with me long after I finished the game.

I would also be amiss if I didn't mention how much I just adore their friendship, their devotion to one another, and the way they respected, admired, and understood each other. I think the fact they were best friends and (arguably) knew each other better than anyone else often gets overshadowed by the fact that they were in love, and I feel like there should be more discussion about how their relationship went so far beyond just the romantic feelings they had for each other which really makes that loss so much more devastating for Hero. Not only did he lose the girl he loved but he also lost his best friend in the world, and there is an added dimension of grief to that which I wish was explored a little more often.

Overall, Hero and Mari together whether in love or in friendship was just perfect. They truly brought out the best in each other, and I don't have words for how much I wish they had gotten to be together in the end. 💙💜

[shmowder]

read all of them.

oh

my

GOD.

i Loved absolutely all of it. kept reading it in middle of my breaks as if it were a newspaper.

my favorite one is well. well i love them all LOL but there are specific moments about each of them that i like specially.

the character study / the ideal reader. i have so much adoration for each of your writtings i cant even put it into words. the entirety of it describes peter perfectly.. . as in. . its basically as if you had pathologic programmed in your brain... i absolutely adore the last line about being human and showing him that he's one too. GOD. GGOODODDD YOURE SO RIGHT. ITS. the way you describe in the poly andrey / reader / peter fic how the feelings are beyond sexual means a lot to me because of how much i like . non sexual adoration? as in i like sex as much as the other guy but i love when sex feels more passionate rather than pornographic per say. or when its more artistic than anything... or simply when love is beyond sex, is simply enough sometimes. being so in love with someone that those feelings feel so raw, so emotional so.. potent... its beyond words... is. portrayed. flawlessly.

fuck !!! even im running out of words already to describe how much i adore your work??? you could say im feeling exactly that rn LOL

and the birthday one... its so sweet.... i read both peters and andreys but as in to not make this ask any longer im just going to say i really like how peter reminds you of death in such a blunt way but. also how personal everything he does for you feels. art, as an artist, being portrayed as a love language, is. yes. absolutely. its just. perfect. all your work is beyond perfect.

anywho.

i dont... exactly have a very speficic request in mind... but im brainrotting horribly over the twins so ill eventually creep in with something... hope its not much of a bother

-🌈 anon

YOU'RE SO KIND AAAA

Writing for the twins is always a delight! Their dynamic is super interesting, codependent yet each one is still their own separate individual.

In every pair, one of them will always love the other more, and in this case, Andrey clearly cares more about Peter. Which makes an x reader dynamic very special, these two only had each other for so long, do they still hold the capacity to love another person?

Peter is the one tethering on the edge of reality, one match strike away from insanity. So much so that Alexander Saburov actually does consider him clinically insane which is why he wasn't charged with the murder of Farkhad.

Yet Peter is aware that him and Andrey are extensions of each other, which is why despite Andrey being the one to kill Farkhad, Peter describes it as if his own finger was the one who pulled the trigger.

If anything I'm surprised I've been getting more requests about Peter than Andrey, but I guess I understand. Andrey is more intimidating, not monogamous neither is he willing to settle or water himself down. While Peter is more obsessive with his love, almost consuming.

With Andrey, you'll always clearly be the second choice. With Peter, there's an off-chance he will love you so much he'll forsake his own brother.

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You noticed all the details and personalisation I've given each person in the birthday gifts! Mhm! Peter's intention was to remind you of death on your birthday but not in a malice way, he genuinely thought it would be beautiful. One of the gifts I had scrabble was a tombstone he designed for your grave himself, a rare smile on his face as he shows it to you with faint excitement.

One of Andrey's scrapped gifts was lingerie actually, noted down how the gift remains the same no matter the gender. It wasn't a joke lingerie either but a very expensive and intricately designed set... which fit your measures suspiciously well.

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I'm so happy you liked the Ideal reader!!! I had to rewrite Peter's section twice bc the first time was deleted by tumblr- Thank you so much for all of your praise <333 and for sharing your thoughts, I'll cherish each one of your words and read them whenever I feel down.

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It was a deliberate choice to make the love in that fic nonsexaul, as in it transcends both romantic and sexual love. Something so intense yet so familiar, heavy in your chest and light in your brain.

Peter accepts it without question and lets these feelings consume him, while Andrey eyes you with reprehension and scepticism.