#Blossoms signify new beginnings

[lilacsandpetals]

Frozen Blossoms 

Bi-Han x F! reader

POV: You get pushed into an arranged marriage you didn't ask for, and it's to the heir of the Lin Kuei.

Tags and notes: drabble (for now?), arranged marriage AU, SFW, exploring emotions, Bi-Han can't process his emotions properly, Pre-MK1 or maybe it's an MK1 AU??

Next part here

Your eyes bore into the reflection staring back at you. Your lips were painted red to match the deep shade of the dress that graced your body. A color you found uneasily fitting for the clan you were to marry into. Your hair was neatly tied back with a golden pin to hold it in place. The gems on the pin were in stark contrast to your dress, a shade of blue you had grown familiar with. 

Chatter amongst your mother and relatives had faded into white noise as you yet again tried to grasp the reality of your impending future. 

You were to be married off to secure an alliance with the Lin Kuei. 

Initially, you had thought your parents were playing a cruel joke on you (they were never ones to do so, but you had still hoped). They explained the gravity of the situation. You knew that strife had been increasing in the area and that the Lin Kuei would offer protection that no one dared to rival. Your father shared similar ideals of honor and duty that the Grandmaster was privy to. However, the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei would not be so foolish as to strike up a deal without asking for something in return. Of course, your clan offered resources they found valuable, but it still would not be enough. 

It just so happened that his oldest son was to take over the title soon, and that tradition deemed it necessary for him to take a bride. 

And so you became the prized bargaining piece. 

Naturally, the exchange of your hand in marriage for an alliance weaved its way into conversations between the clans. 

Now here you were.

Your eyes trailed toward the door before a veil was placed upon your face. Could you make a run for it at this point? No, there’d be too many to stop you. 

Your heart began to beat faster. Bi-Han was his name. He was always cold, much suited for the cryomancer. When the marriage talks began he seemed indifferent, you did not blame him; it wasn’t like you were ecstatic either. 

But at the engagement, he didn’t appear happy. You sat across from him, his eyes pierced through you as if he wanted to disintegrate you on the spot. Yet he carried on his duties of presenting the betrothal gifts, which you accepted (it wasn’t as if you had a choice).

You wondered if he would look at you with the same animosity at the wedding ceremony. 

—————

You proceed with the ceremony, ever the dutiful daughter. You repeat the vows like clockwork, as does he. You notice how stoic he sounds and you at least attempt to sound happy, albeit not very convincing. 

Your families both rejoice, pleasantries and congratulations echo through the air. More so directed towards the respective families than they are at you or Bi-Han. 

The rest of the night is spent masquerading under the facade of an eager, happy bride. 

None saw through it, or maybe they did, and you chose to ignore their looks of pity. If they had been concerned, they could have spoken on your behalf prior. 

Your mother would shoot you a sympathetic glance every so often, engulf you in her arms, and hold you for longer than needed, not that you truly minded. Maybe it was her way of attempting an apology. Yet you didn’t blame her for being complacent. She was no stranger to arranged marriages and this one was needed for the overall good. You will miss her at your new home. 

On occasion, you felt as if you were catching the glances of the Grandmaster’s second son. He appeared understanding, his eyes shone kinder than your husband’s. You knew of the Grandmaster’s adopted son as well, he would smile whenever you looked his way. 

His brothers seemed kind, why couldn’t Bi-Han come off that way?

Then again, perhaps you were jumping to conclusions. Who’s to say Bi-Han wasn’t as kind? Maybe his serious demeanor was just a front, the same way you kept up your own. 

You would be able to tell later on. 

Hopefully. 

You don’t notice Bi-Han eyes drifting towards you while you remain lost in thought. 

—————

The wedding concludes just as fast as it began. You were yearning for the end of it, yet dreading it at the same time. 

You exchanged words of gratitude with the guests and said your goodbyes to your family. Reality was starting to hit you at this point. You were going to begin life anew with someone you considered a stranger at heart. 

You tried to shake off the thoughts as you were ushered to your new bedroom. Moonlight shone through the windows onto the bed, sheets fitted a shade of crimson with flower petals decorating it. You bit your lip as you changed into your sleeping attire and sat on the bed. A few candles burned nearby, and you wondered if they were aphrodisiacs. 

Tradition expected you to consummate your union on the wedding night, but surely he’d understand if you were nervous? You barely knew him… although you had to admit he was physically attractive. His eyes were piercing, his physique enticing, especially his biceps. You could feel the heat rise to your cheeks. You couldn’t help but wonder if he was well endowed…

What were you thinking? Perhaps it was your brain’s attempt to calm your nerves,

Time continued to pass by, and Bi-Han still hadn’t arrived. Where was he? Was he even coming? 

You couldn’t stifle the yawn that hit you. Maybe he was busy talking to his brother or father? Or maybe he wouldn’t come. 

Your mind began to wander. Maybe he had a lover he was saying goodbye to? Or maybe he had run away with a lover. You shook your head, 

‘He wouldn’t, not if he’s as responsible and serious as he comes off as.’ 

You found yourself lying down and resting your head against the pillow. Hopefully, it would not come off as disrespectful. You were just relaxing until he showed up; if he showed up at all. 

—————

You fell asleep, you didn’t mean to but the ceremony had exhausted you. 

Bi-Han found you sprawled out on the bed, the blanket residing at your feet. 

Truthfully, he avoided coming inside the bedroom. He had been pacing around in the main quarters before his father found him. The Grandmaster offered him words of advice and congratulations, which he begrudgingly accepted. 

He had also spoken with Kuia Liang and briefly with Tomas. They both seemed to sense his disdain no matter how much he tried to veil it. They advised him to be kind and understanding of how his new bride must be feeling. 

How would you be feeling? What stress would you have? You married into the strongest clan Earthrelm had. He on the other hand, now had one more burden to manage. 

He hated the idea of an arranged marriage. He didn’t want to be tied down nor distracted from his duties as part of the Lin Keui. However, he knew it was necessary if he was to take on the role of Grandmaster after his father.

His mother and father had their marriage arranged as well. Bi-Han had a suspicion that they had feelings for one another before their engagement, at least that’s what his mother would allude to. 

His new bride seemed to be adverse towards him. You barely looked at him, you barely spoke. Why were you so rude? 

Both his father and yours had made arrangements between you two to interact prior to the wedding, yet you seemed out of touch. At clan banquets you were indifferent.

He had seen you with others. He had watched you before, prior to the public proposal of an engagement between you two. His curiosity had gotten the best of him so he had kept an eye on you at meetings and other affairs. You were lively, a smile could be found on your lips more often than not. You would speak with passion. You found enjoyment in training with your fellow clan mates. You had a habit of cracking your knuckles when nervous. 

He tells himself he only became interested in watching you to better assess the situation; to see what he was getting himself into, or rather what his father had gotten him into. 

Why were you so different with him compared to the others? He saw how you interacted with Tomas and Kuia Liang. Did you prefer them over him?

Bi-Han clenched his jaw. What did he lack that made you so apprehensive? He is second in command to his father, he maintains his form, and he fulfills any duty that is required of him. What more could you want in a partner? 

Either way, this was an arrangement, he need not be so concerned with the actual ‘happiness’ of this marriage. He would fulfill his duties and he would expect you to fulfill yours. 

Yet here you were, already failing at that. 

Did you not want to consummate the marriage? Were you so careless towards tradition? 

His eyes narrowed at your sleeping form. Did you have a lover? Is that why you were being so distant? If you did he would find out sooner or later, and he would deal with that nuisance swiftly. 

He stepped closer. Your eyes were closed and the rhythm of your breathing was steady. 

Now, he would be lying if he said he didn’t find you visually appealing. 

Your lips looked soft and supple, your eyes warm yet inquisitive, your hands delicate compared to his.

Bi-Han scowled, what was he thinking? Was he already so easily distracted? 

He groaned as he prepared himself to sleep. He had an early morning tomorrow, as were most mornings. His father and brother offered him the chance to stay in with his bride, but he wouldn’t bother. His duties towards the Lin Kuei stopped for no one. 

As he gets into his side of the bed he notices you shivering and pulls the blanket over your sleeping form. He is able to do that much. 

He doesn’t bother to cover himself, why bother when he is accustomed to the cold. 

He maintains a noticeable distance between you two and turns his back away from you before he allows himself to fall into a slumber. 

———— 

You wake up the following morning. The spot next to you is empty. 

[gghostwriter]

The Language of Flowers

Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Summary: Spencer prepares a personalized gift for his first date with you Trope: Fluff! Just fluff! w.c: 1.02k a/n: It’s been a while and I’ve been very much under the weather lately but I wanted to finally let this out of my drafts to make way for new ideas! Not proofread. Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated! masterlist

Spencer could feel his calloused fingers shaking from the weight of making a mistake that would put him back to square one. He had been hunched over his dining table since the ungodly hour of five am—grateful it wasn’t a work day. He wanted to get this right. 

No, he needed to get this right. 

There was a sheen of perspiration that started to cover the crevices of his tightly wound body making him briefly wonder if this was what bomb squad members felt when faced with the choice of cutting between a blue and red wire.But instead of wires, he was cutting papers with such precision that only a Doctor would have during surgery. 

A single bead of sweat made its torturous way down from his temple to his chin, hanging on the precipice as if threatening to leave its’ teardrop mark on the colorful sheets scattered around the table.

He sighed, uncurling his hunched form, as the back of his palm wiped away the built-up sweat, eyes roving the crafted perfection laid in front of him. 

When the concept formed in his expansive brain, he had entered research mode on which specialized papers would be best and, with the help of Garcia’s complied instructions via the web, he had started test run a week before this very special day. 

Everything had to go right—be perfect for his very first date, one of the many, he hoped, with you. 

The grandfather clock tucked between his bookshelves chimed—a quarter past four. He jumped from his musings, hurriedly rushing to change into his carefully selected outfit, all the while muttering a series of affirmations under his breath to ease his nerves. 

He never thought he’d ever get the chance to ask you out. When he first ran into you, literally, you had this magnetic pull to his very being, as if you were his very source of gravity on Earth rather than Earth itself. 

It was unlike anything he experienced before and if Spencer had to describe a best representation of smitten at first sight, it would be that exact moment when he spilled his coffee on you and you, head thrown back, laughing before flashing a sweet, saccharine smile that made him tongue-tied and bumbling. 

That was a few years ago and you’ve been a constant figure in his life ever since—always lovely and radiant and him, always pining for a future he thought could never be.

He spritzed himself with the perfume you’ve gifted, peppermint and cedar wood, before grabbing his personalized gift to commemorate the first date. 

An origami bouquet of purple Morning Glory.

———

“Hi,” you opened the apartment door. There was a hint of breathlessness behind your words—an effect of your ceaselessly pacing while waiting for him to arrive. 

“You look beautiful,” he dazedly whispered, cheeks coloring a shade of bright red. “I—uhm, these are for you—” he conjured the bouquet behind his back.

You gasped, warmth blossoming from your chest. “For me?”

He nodded. “You love flowers but you—” he cleared his throat. “—mentioned you get sad when they wilt so I made you eternal flowers. Is, is that alright?”

The corners of your gloss painted lips lifting up to a smile. The same exact one that got him hooked from the first look.

Your lack of reply did little to ease his trepidation, causing him to ramble. “Uh, they’re these flower called ‘Morning Glory’ and they signify affection and new beginnings. They’re also one of your birth flowers—September and actually in Chinese folklore, they represent ‘a single day for lovers to meet’ not that we’re lovers, yet I mean, at all but yeah—they remind of you.”

“That’s so sweet of you, Spence,” you step away from the entrance to let him in. “Why don’t you come on in, I’ll just place them on a vase.”

He shuffled inside after you, taking in the warmth and life your apartment evoked. The sunlight streaming in through the thin, almost translucent white curtains that light the place with softness. The precariously stacked books, half of the authors he had never heard of, beside your worn out beige sofa and a lively green plant that threatens to grow out of its pottery.

Everything felt homely.

Every piece reflected you.

“Sorry it looks a little bit messy right now,” you rambled on, placing the origami bouquets on top of the living room table—effectively making it into a center piece.

He shook his head and laughed. “No, no. It looks lived in, homely.”

“That’s good to hear. So—” you rocked back and forth on your heels. “Should we get going?” 

“Yeah,” he opened the door and gestured with his arm. “Ladies first.” 

The hallway was filled with giggles and shy glances as you went ahead and locked the apartment behind you. Life felt surreal ever since you uttered the word ‘yes’ to his ramblings on going out on weekend market date. He briefly wondered if he had to clarify his invitation as a ‘date’ between two individuals that would like to broaden their relationship and not as a ‘date’ between two platonic people. But your cheeks turned this candy pink in color before your sweet voice spelled out that it will be a romantic one and, in which case, he vigorously nodded. 

“So,” you started.

“So,” he mimicked.

You laughed before slowly moving your hand towards his. The backs of your palms gently rubbing against each other, creating friction that sent his beating heart into overdrive. You bit your gloss pillowy lips before intertwining your pinky with his. 

“I’m glad you asked me out,” you breathed out. 

He tried to steady his breath, all of his fingers now intertwining with yours. “I’m glad you said yes.”

“As if I could ever say no.” 

And when he let go of your hand to help you get in his vintage faded blue car, he reached out over the console to tangle it back together, finding the solace and comfort that he had hopefully and finally, found his forevermore partner. 

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated!

[bunnyrafe]

a new kind of love

𓊆ྀིBUNNYRAFE’S 2024 KINKTOBER !𓊇ྀི — OCTOBER 23RD mean!jj -> restraints, filming, blackmail.

content / other warnings -> 18+, MDNI. DARK & TABOO f!reader, spoiled!reader, kook/pogue, strong language, crying.

Your obsession with JJ Maybank blossomed over the summer.

Maybe because he’s rough around the edges, albeit pretty with his blonde hair and sweet features. You wanted a taste from the second you laid your bambi eyes on him— the way your friends teased you about your little crush didn’t matter to you. You’re only a girl. A girl who’s in love with a boy who hates her kind. Kooks.

Yet that didn’t stop you from making advances.

“Hi, JJ!” You call out from across the crowded beach, waving all innocently as if you aren’t in a skimpy bikini top and little shorts, desperate for even a sliver of his attention. You watch a grin tug at the corner of his lips as he meets your gaze.

If only you knew that look more or less signified the beginning of the end for your perfect, cushy life.

“We have to be quiet,” you say through your pouty lips, unlocking the front door to your house. Your house— it might just be the biggest one JJ has seen on this side of the island.

“Mmm— no promises, princess.” He whistles the words out, squeezing your hips beneath his digits whilst you open the door and start dragging him to your room with a scoff.

At least he’s honest.

JJ takes in the scenery. High ceilings, modern art on the walls and decor to match the huge furniture, a beautiful view of the beach beyond the crystal clear windows. You really have always been a princess tucked away in a castle. Lord only knows what you see in him… aside from his dick, of course.

That's evident in how needy you are the second he presses you down into your floral duvet, pinning you against the soft bedding and taking any control of the situation he can get. Your denim short-shorts are a forgotten memory as he pops the useless button open— you gasp, feeling the cool air in your room hit your cunt through the sheer material hiding it away from him. It only fuels your desire, tossing gasoline directly onto the embers that his attention has teasingly been fanning for hours.

“I can see right through this thing, baby,” he muses, running a rough finger along the waistband of your panties. Light blonde bangs fall into his line of sight as his eyes flicker back up to your heated face, “what’s the point of even wearin’ them?”

“JJ—” You huff, fully running out of patience now. You squirm beneath him, your legs kicking a bit so you can secure your thighs around his waist as he hovers over you, “Are you gonna fuck me or are you gonna run your mouth the whole time?”

After that, those same panties he was teasing you over become tied around your wrists in a haphazard knot. Tight enough for them to dig into your skin and give you a proper burn, but you don't have the time or the sense to focus on that. Not when JJ has his forearm pressed to the back of your knees, giving him the perfect angle to keep stuffing you full of his thick cock while your bound hands twitch helplessly against your lower tummy.

"'S this good enough for you, princess?" JJ spits out condescendingly— you both know he doesn't care about your needs. You wouldn't be surprised if he leaves the second he gets his nut. "Looks pretty fuckin' good t'me considering you can barely speak."

It’s then you realize his phone is in his freehand— seconds before the flash assaults your bleary vision, and JJ nearly coos due to the way your pretty eyes twinkle in the light.

“What’re you doing, JJ?” You sniffle, “Stop playing!”

You can barely get the words out, hiccuping the entire time due to the movement of his hips. And now that you know every single lewd sound is being caught on camera, you suddenly want to cry even harder. Instead of giving in to your request, he silences you with a sloppy kiss. It’s drooly and heated— like your saliva is molten as it mingles with his own. Your tits bounce in time with his thrusts— in your suggestion of a top that’s slowly but surely coming undone at this point— all while your tongues swirl around one another, enough to make you forget about the stunt he’s currently pulling.

When he backs away, there’s a string of spit keeping you two intertwined, and he’s looking down at you with a boyish grin��� his button nose nudges your own as he speaks directly to you, forcing you to hang off of every word.

“Nah, baby— go ‘head and tell me how good this pogue dick feels in your princess cunt, and maybe I won’t send this lil’ video to your friends…”

♥︎ my taglist ( wanna join, pretty ??? )

@nemesyaaa @starkeysprincess @wearemadeofstardust0 @xoxokitie @berrybeca @drewsarms @fae-of-prey @kenzgraceluv @daydreamrafe @mrs-riddlexo @cxrrodedcoffin @rafey-baby @vogueprincess @dndsibu @cherrypiecrumbles @fentyxmalik @littlelamy @nervousladywombat

[oraclesblog]

Sakura Blossoms

One of the most significant character moments for Sakura Haruno in the original series of Naruto remains one of the most misunderstood. This can, no doubt, be attributed to the fact that a large portion of shonen fans are incapable of understanding any form of writing that isn’t surface-level and doesn’t have to be spoon-fed to them. Many view this scene as an example of illogical decision-making by Sakura because she had an “opening” to stab her opponent, as shown here:

However, Masashi Kishimoto goes out of his way to provide two specific reasons as to why this approach wouldn’t work: a practical reason and a symbolic one.

Practically speaking, it is explicitly stated that had Sakura attempted to stab the Hidden Sound shinobi, it wouldn’t have worked.

It was also established very early on that there was a massive power imbalance between the two and that, no matter what Sakura did, the Hidden Sound shinobi would always have a counterattack because they were more skilled and had more experience. Hence, instead of using the Kunai to stab her opponent, as this particular Hidden Sound shinobi expected, Sakura decided to cut her hair—not only to catch her opponent off guard but because Sakura herself knew that stabbing her wouldn’t work; she’d simply be overpowered.

Symbolically speaking, the reason Kishimoto had Sakura cut her hair (the most important reason and the entire purpose of the scene in the first place) was to signify the beginning of her character arc. To understand this, we need to look at Sakura’s initial character traits and the perceptions she carried at the start of the series.

Initially, Sakura is introduced as a superficial, appearance-obsessed, boy-crazy girl who has a no real understanding of what it means to be a shinobi.

She even outright admits to already considering herself a full-fledged ninja despite having done nothing to earn that title.

This false self-perception is what leads Sakura astray compared to her teammates. She becomes disinterested in the idea of training to become stronger and doesn’t work for the skill she so desperately needs at this point in the story. In her mind, there’s no point in training if she’s already graduated the academy and become a “full-fledged” shinobi. Her own arrogance and naïveté on the subject even lead her to believe that she’s fully superior to her teammates on Team Seven.

However, as the story progresses, we see Sakura’s inexperience in battle and taijutsu, combined with her misguided priorities (particularly her obsession with Sasuke) and her arrogance regarding her own self-perceptions, make her overly reliant on her teammates. This not only makes Sakura a burden to her team but shows the consequences of her actions, behaviours, and beliefs.

The forest of death arc is so crucial for Sakura‘s character, as it pushes each member of Team Seven into moments of growth. For Sakura, it where she learns the true meaning of being a shinobi and the trials and tribulations that come along with it. Sakura is put in a situation where she’s forced to fight on her own for the first time in her life to protect her two teammates. As she does, her enemy grabs her by the hair, trapping her. With no escape, Sakura takes her Kunai and cuts her hair.

In this moment, Sakura is physically cutting off an aspect of her identity that aided in the superficial virtues of her character, both physically and emotionally. She is unbinding herself to the girl she used to be, freeing herself of her negative qualities and traits, and most importantly, her false self-perception regarding the identity of a shinobi. The act of haircutting within literature can carry various meanings, but the most common symbolism behind it is to mark a character’s transition into a new stage of life. In Ancient Greece, it was tradition to cut one’s hair as a sign of mourning, symbolizing a positive or negative change for the character. In Sakura’s case, she is “killing” her past self and mourning this loss through the act of cutting her hair, while also stepping in to a new sense of self with a clearer understanding of what it means to be a ninja and the harsh realities that follow it. That’s why this line:

Is so important because it serves as a representation, both figuratively and literally, that it’s Sakura’s turn to step into the role of a true shinobi—to be someone her teammates can count on and, most importantly, to say goodbye to the girl she once was.

What’s more is that we actually see how this character development impacts Sakura’s throughout the series. The Forest of Death scene is more than just words; it marks a transition she carries forward, not only becoming someone her comrades can rely on but also becoming someone who understands the deeper nature of things and people rather than viewing them through a superficial lens. This growth is especially evident in her desire to become stronger, seeking out training from a Sanin, and in the way she begins to see Sasuke after the Forest of Death. Instead of viewing him merely as an attractive classmate she has a crush on, she starts to see him for who he truly is—a traumatized boy falling prey to his own pain and going down a dark path. This new perception makes her want to help him, both physically and emotionally, rather than simply wanting to make him hers, as she did initially.

Ultimately, this scene is what gave Sakura the development to become the character she was at the end of the series—a strong kunoich and a true, full-fledged shinobi, as well as someone who can genuinely understand the pain and trauma of others.

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: For Introverts. Pick an Affirmation

Left to Right= Pile 1-> Pile 3 [Bonus: Sailor Moon Gifs]

Introduction

This reading is dedicated to all the introverts out there. In this loud world here, this reading gives you some encouraging messages as to how to appreciate your quiet persona. Remember that with your introversion there is much strength that could be observed and used for an improved life. This reading is for anyone who has either chosen the introverted lifestyle for the time being or for anyone who has naturally always been that way.

P.s : Check in if you are an INFJ/ INFP/INTP/ INTJ/ ISFJ/ ISTJ/ ISFP/ISTP

================================================================================================

Pile 1

The Ace of Cups card that you received symbolizes in here the abundance, nurturing, and connection with nature. As an introvert, you have a rich inner world that attracts love and promotes good health. Your calm and nurturing nature draws people to you, creating meaningful connections that are essential for your well-being.

Secondly, you have also received the Two of Cups. This represents deep connections and meaningful relationships. Your introverted nature allows you to cultivate profound and genuine relationships. When you maintain necessary connections, you create a fertile ground for love to blossom and for your emotional health to flourish.

Furthermore, the Star Card signifies hope, inspiration, and a sense of peace. Your ability to find tranquility within yourself makes you a beacon of calmness for others. This inner peace contributes significantly to your overall health and well-being, as well as to those around you.

Reasons to Love yourself more: You are someone who exudes a serene and calming presence. Your ability to listen deeply and connect on a soulful level makes you incredibly attractive. Your nurturing spirit and gentle demeanor make others feel safe and valued in your company.

================================================================================================

Pile 2

Having received the High priestess card it represents intuition, mystery, and inner knowledge. Your introverted nature allows you to tap into your subconscious and draw inspiration from within. You have a deep well of creativity that is waiting to be explored.

Additionally the Hermit card that showed up symbolizes introspection and solitude. Embracing your introverted side gives you the space to develop your artistic talents. Solitude is your creative sanctuary where your imagination can flourish and your unique artistic voice can emerge.

You got the Page of Cups and this card signifies creativity, intuition, and new beginnings. Your introverted nature nurtures your artistic side, leading to bursts of creative inspiration and innovative ideas. Engaging with your artistic endeavors will bring joy and fulfillment.

Reasons to Love yourself more: You possess a quiet allure and an enigmatic presence that draws people in. Your introspective nature and thoughtful demeanor make you captivating. Your artistic expression and unique perspective add depth and richness to your beauty.

================================================================================================

Pile 3

You have got the Magician card. This card represents skill, resourcefulness, and the power to manifest your goals. Your introverted nature allows you to focus deeply on your projects. You have all the tools you need to succeed in your educational or career endeavors.

There is further the Eight of Pentacles. This card symbolizes dedication, hard work, and mastery. Your ability to concentrate and work diligently on your goals sets you apart. Your introversion helps you to hone your skills and develop expertise in your chosen field.

The Chariot Card that has been drawn signifies determination, willpower, and success. Your introverted nature helps you stay focused and driven. You are on the path to achieving great things, and your ability to concentrate and persevere will lead you to success in your career or educational pursuits.

Reasons to Love yourself more: You have a determined and focused aura that is incredibly compelling. Your dedication and drive are evident in everything you do, making you an inspiring figure to those around you. Your inner strength and resilience enhance your overall beauty and presence.

================================================================================================

[fell-e]

Im not good at words-ing but

Koharu Sakurada and Aki Tamaki

Sakurada means "Cherry Blossom field"

Aki roughly translates to "Autumn"

Cherry Blossoms are not only associated with love, but their short lived blooms also signify the fleeting nature of life.

Autumn is the time of the year where trees shed their leaves, and is associated with grief in some cultures. But at the same time, it signifies new beginnings.

Koharu died young. Too young. Unlike Aki who had loved her since she was only nine years old, Koharu never had a chance to experience falling in love. And i think Aki feels guilty for that. For not confessing sooner, for not confessing later, for confessing at that place, at that time. Maybe then, she would still be alive, she would still have had a chance at experiencing love. And maybe she feels guilty for surviving the accident, for not being the one who died instead, for not being able to save her.

But she has to move on.

And moving on doesn't mean she didn't love Koharu any less, it didn't mean she didn't love her anymore. In fact, its the opposite.

Even years after her death, Aki still loved her.

She loved her for six years, and continued loving her for five more.

Aki loved her, and though that love and grief may not fade away anytime soon, she has to move on. For herself, and for Koharu.

Those cherry blossoms will bloom again one day, and though those flowers aren't the same as the ones from before, they are just as wonderful.

[psychics4unet]

PAC: Is Someone Crushing on You? Find Out Now! 💖🔮✨

Instructions: Look at the 3 images of the piles below. Choose the pile that you feel most drawn to. Trust your intuition and select the one that resonates with you the most. Once you have made your choice, scroll down to read the description for the pile you selected.

I put a lot of effort into this reading, so please show some love by leaving comments, likes, reblogs, and follow me! ❤️💬✨

Paid psychic reading (7 questions for just $7) is available here:

Pile 1:

The Moon 🌙 – This card represents mystery and the unknown. It suggests that there may be someone in your life whose feelings are hidden and not fully revealed. Their admiration might be subtle, but it’s definitely there! 🌌

The Page of Cups 🥰 – This card symbolizes new emotions and the beginning of romantic feelings. It indicates that this admirer is likely a gentle, sensitive person who may be trying to express their feelings through small gestures. 💌

The Seven of Swords 🕵️‍♀️ – This card can indicate secrecy or someone keeping their feelings hidden. It implies that your admirer might be acting in a stealthy way, perhaps out of shyness or fear of rejection. 🔍

Together, these cards suggest a secret admirer who feels deeply but hasn’t yet found the courage to express their feelings. There is an air of mystery surrounding this person, making your situation intriguing and exciting! 💖✨

Pile 2:

The Lovers 💞 – This card signifies strong connections and choices in love. It suggests that someone has feelings for you that are more than just casual admiration; there may be a meaningful bond that they wish to explore! 🌈

The Knight of Cups 💌 – This card represents romance and charm. It indicates that your admirer may be someone who is willing to pursue you with sincerity and passion, wanting to sweep you off your feet. 🌹

The Four of Wands 🎉 – This card symbolizes celebration and harmony. It suggests that there is potential for a joyful relationship to blossom from this admiration, possibly leading to a happy connection filled with love. 🎊

These cards together indicate that you may have a secret admirer who feels a strong connection with you and is considering taking action to build a romantic relationship. The potential for happiness and joy is definitely present! 🌟���

Pile 3:

The Hermit 🧙‍♂️ – This card represents introspection and self-reflection. It suggests that your admirer might be someone who is currently taking their time to understand their feelings and the best way to approach you. 🕯️

The Ace of Pentacles 🌱 – This card symbolizes new beginnings and opportunities. It indicates that your admirer sees a promising future with you and is interested in developing a grounded and stable relationship. 🌳

The Three of Cups 🥳 – This card represents friendship and celebration. It suggests that your admirer may be part of your social circle, making their feelings more complex, but also hinting at the potential for a joyful connection. 🎉

Together, these cards suggest that your secret admirer is someone who is taking a thoughtful approach to their feelings, seeing potential for a real relationship while also valuing the friendship aspect. Their feelings are genuine, and they are considering the best way to move forward! 💞🌼

Love this post? Spread the positive vibes by reblogging with your favorite pile number! Remember to like, comment, and follow me for more tarot insights and spiritual guidance. By sharing this post, you'll invite positive energy from the universe into your life. Let's journey together towards enlightenment and fulfillment! 🌈💖✨

Attention! This reading is for entertainment purposes only. This tarot reading does not give a 100% guarantee that all the described situations will occur or being ultimate truth. You build your own life and destiny and only you know yourself best. Remember to reblog, like, comment, and follow for more cosmic guidance and positivity! 🌌💖

Paid readings (7 questions for just $7) are also available for more in-depth insights and personal guidance! 🌟💫

[cinnamostar]

lotus

pairing : seungmin x gn!reader

summary : how do you save a failing relationship?

wc : 921

cw : established relationships, angst, sadness, a touch of fluff, not proof read

a/n : hehehe ok i ended up getting inspired again! let me know what you guys think!!!! also hehe lotus flowers can represent rebirth/new beginnings btw >:3

wilted petals laid across the counter, the color they once held greying out as the dried edges chipped away over time. the flowers that once blossomed beautifully in its porcelain vase had long died out, the life that once coursed through it left without a trace, leaving behind the depressing, unsightly death of a flower. the few petals that remained clung onto the stem of the flower in a desperate attempt to hold onto life, yet their grip would eventually loosen as it weathered its painstakingly slow demise, signifying the end of its life cycle. their reluctance to let go was pitiful, yet it felt like the bouquet of dying flowers now only mocked you and served as a cruel metaphor of the state of your relationship.

months had gone by, the fiery passion that once ignited the love story you and seungmin wrote had been put out, leaving behind only a trail of ash and soot that covered every inch of your hands. the pages of this novel was slowly ripping at its seams, the book thinning out as you desperately thumbed through it, praying to find a clue on how to rekindle this dying romance. except your touch would leave behind cinders on each page, the words you hopelessly searched through now becoming illegible.

you both had become complacent, completely forgoing the smallest details of maintaining a healthy relationship which ultimately whittled down the foundation of your love. the cracks had become more apparent, the soullessness behind each action was undeniable, and you were both becoming exasperated as you tried to keep up appearances to one another, not willing to admit there was a growing issue that needed to be addressed. they say ignorance is bliss, but the tension between you two hung heavily and was gradually drowning you, and it was about time for one of you break to the surface to catch your breath.

tonight, you and seungmin were sitting across each other at the dinner table, quietly eating the take out food you ordered. it was upsettingly silent, not a single exchange of words and only the sound of your utensils scrapping against your plates could be heard.

what was the point of this anymore? why had you both accepted this new norm without a fight? had you both become use to each others presence? were you both too afraid to face the possibility of loneliness? did he even still love you?

these questions had occupied your mind for months, the number of them growing as the aching feeling your heart once suffered from had slowly become numbing.

should you say something? right now? interrupt the faux peace that you two had become accustomed to?

maybe, maybe not. it was all too daunting to not know where that conversation would leave, but you also no longer wanted to live with never ending misery. something had to be done.

“do you still love me?” you whisper, your voice quivering with trepidation, bracing yourself for his response.

seungmin looks up from his meal, his piercing gaze meeting yours, uncertainty and fear in hiding behind his stoic expression. he lets out a heavy huff, nodding his head as he took in your words, “of course i do. do you still love me?”

“yes, always,” you respond, your face softening at his confirmation, “but… what happened to us?”

he didn’t need you to further explain yourself, the few words you spoke carried the weight of your sadness as he reflected on the state of your deteriorating relationship. “im not sure,” he sighs, “im sorry.”

you swallow thickly as a lump of your emotions manifests in your throat, “im sorry too,” tears begin to prick your eyes, “what do we do?”

“i don’t know.”

“i don’t know either.”

the uncomfortable, familiar silence returns in its place as you each gaze longingly at the other. what was there to do? there was no guide book on how to salvage the skeleton of a relationship, the tendrils of love thinning out as they weakly held your hearts together.

seungmin clears his throat, as if to disperse the tensity in the atmosphere, “do you want to keep trying?”

you bit the inside of your cheek anxiously, “i do, but what if it doesn’t work out?”

“then at least we can say we tried our best,” he hums, mindlessly poking his food with his fork, “i wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if i didn’t try.”

“okay,” you nod meekly, “let’s try again.”

“when was the last time i took you out on a date?” he asks, pain evident in his voice upon making this realization.

“i don’t even remember,” you tearfully answer, looking away from seungmin’s eyes as his began to glaze over with anguish.

“i see,” he whispers to himself with a sniffle, “let’s start there then.” he forces a weak smile, feebly holding onto the bit of hope he rediscovered, “let’s remember why we fell in love in the first place, okay? let’s go to the ice cream shop we went on for our first date tomorrow. how does that sound?”

you look back at him, a touched smile that sent butterflies down seungmin’s abdomen, a smile he didn’t realize how much he missed, “i’d like that very much.”

the very next day, when you woke up to get ready for your date, the withering flowers had be replaced with flourishing lotus flowers. a small note scrawled with seungmin’s handwriting laid next to it:

here’s to a new beginning. i love you.

[kwanisms]

Under the Cherry Tree — c.san

❀ ateez masterlist ❀

➮ bff!San × fem!Reader wc: 2.1k summary: Y/N has something important to tell her best friend San and asks him to meet her at their favorite cherry tree on campus. genres/themes/au: fluff; friends to lovers; non idol au, college au warnings: adult dialogue, female reader, slightly suggestive content, mention of alcohol consumption

permanent taglist: @yoonguurt @wonderfulshinee @candidupped @dejavernon @violagoth @tigermoonbiss @katsukis1wife @luvsooby @thesolarplanetarysystem @salty-for-suga @devilsmatches @dmnspiit @simeonswhore @yangracha @seonghwalover @atinypurr @aikyubi @labyrinthonmymind @bintificreads @toxic-babexe

ateez taglist: @2hodefender @cixrosie @pyeonghongrie-main @flowerboykun @sanjoongie @anyamaris @stardragongalaxy @kpop-stories-21 @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @mlysalt @cinnamoon-belle @briannabk22 @is4b3ll3s @hyukssunflower @vampiirose @0325tiny @ateezstanforever @justiny @jeongwangjessmina @lacie220900 @aaaaajonghooooo @dementedaly

join my taglists! Strikethrough means I cannot tag you. MINORS WILL BE BLACKLISTED & BLOCKED.

a/n: part of the 2023 Meet Me Under the Cherry Tree event for @cultofdionysusnet. I'm sorry this is so late. I meant to have this done and up way before the deadline for this event but other events wnd collabs got in the way and took up more of my time. Writing this one was easy. When the randomizer paired San with fluff, I knew I wanted him to be the reader's best friend. After that, it practically wrote itself lol thank you for reading and as always, this is a work of fiction and all characters are not reflective of their respective irl counterparts. for entertainment purposes only. banner and line breaks made by me. Creator reblog banner template by @cafekitsune. I do not allow reposts, translations, or continuations of my works. All my writings are ©️ kwanisms.

For most people, cherry blossoms signify the start of something new.

New beginnings.

For you, cherry blossoms have always made you think of your best friend.

Choi San had come into your life when you least expected it.

He’d been a stranger you ran into on the playground and again on the first day of junior high. He’d been an awkward, thin, shy, and quiet boy and to an extent, he still was.

Well, except for the thin part.

Late into senior high, San had filled out, spending more time at the gym than at home reading or playing video games with you. Not that you were complaining. San used his new found strength to keep unwanted attention off you.

Of course, it also meant he had a gaggle of giggling girls following him, constantly asking him out and to be their boyfriend. San never took any of it seriously. Always preferring to spend his free time either in the gym or with you, studying so you both could attend college together.

When graduation came, you were ecstatic to finally be free from the confines of high school and onto the upgrade that was higher education. Your parents hadn’t been on board with a co-ed dorm at first until San promised to keep an eye on you which was made even easier when you were assigned to the same floor but unfortunately not as roommates.

Your roommate ended up being a girl who you befriended well enough but she was no replacement for San. For you, no one could compare to your best friend. No one could ever replace him.

You soon learned that it wasn’t the case for him towards the end of your freshman year of college when San finally gave in to one of the girls in his class and agreed to go out with her.

One date turned into two and then into three and soon he was introducing you to his new girlfriend, Hanna. You tried to be happy for him, you really did. After all, college was all about new experiences, right?

That’s what you kept telling yourself as San spent more time with Hanna and less time with you. Your roommate, Bee, decided enough was enough and took you out with her one night. A very rare night out where you met the man you would both later dub as “trouble.”

Wooyoung was kind enough, albeit a bit loud and boisterous. He took an instant liking to you however he wasn’t the one who ended up turning your life upside down. That was Yeosang, Wooyoung’s best friend.

Yeosang was a lot like San in that he was quiet, a little shy, studious, loved to work out and always had a group of girls fawning over him. The only difference was where San was spending more time with Hanna, Yeosang, wanted to spend more time with you.

Winter break brought with it a visit back home where you spent a lot of time at home, seeing your family and only seeing San a couple of times. When you went back to school, it was like you and your best friend had become strangers. The movie nights you usually held in your dorm room had been replaced with date nights with Yeosang, your first official boyfriend.

The second semester brought with it Valentine’s season and with that, San got his first dose of heartbreak when Hanna broke up with him.

The night it happened, you woke up to your phone vibrating on your nightstand and that was the first time you spoke to San in months. You listened to him rant, cry, and vent until eventually you both fell asleep.

You weren’t sure how but San managed to reintegrate himself into your friend circle. He got on very well with Wooyoung surprisingly but the real issue was with Yeosang. The two, despite being so similar, did not get along at all.

You tried to keep the peace, mediating and keeping them physically separated when the circle was together. It became exhausting until you finally put your foot down, telling both of them to grow up and stop acting like babies.

San seemed to handle this as he normally would have but Yeosang didn’t handle it as well. A lot of fights were had between you and Yeosang and thus began the long, complicated on and off again relationship with him.

It was clear San didn’t like this but out of respect, he never said anything. For an entire year, Yeosang and you fought, broke up, made up, and got back together. It seemed like every two weeks, you were making up.

You’d be lying if the fights and breakups weren’t exhausting but the makeups always seemed worth it until the final explosive fight that ended things for good.

It was junior year at a house party at one of the frats. You were enjoying yourself, drinking and having a good time. You and Yeosang had just gotten back together and he promised for good this time. Your finals had gone well and you were riding on cloud nine. Nothing could have prepared you for what was to come.

Ever since your last makeup with your boyfriend, San had seemed distant and indifferent. Perhaps he was just upset that he hadn’t found anyone to occupy his free time like you had, or perhaps finals week hadn’t gone as well for him.

Whatever the case, he had been sulking all week and it was starting to get on your nerves. You had come with San and Bee and met up with Wooyoung and Yeosang and almost immediately, Yeosang had pulled you onto the dance floor.

Unbeknownst to you, San watched the two of you bitterly as he sipped on whatever punch the hosts had prepared. You weren’t sure how many cups he’d had but someone later told you about six.

When Yeo had disappeared to get drinks for the two of you, San made his move. He swooped in, pleading with you that he needed to talk to you. You could immediately tell he was drunk and had told him he needed to go home but he refused. He had to tell you something important before the moment slipped away forever.

It was then that San drunkenly blurted out that he was in love with you and had been for a while. It was the reason he and Hanna broke up. Uncertain what to say, you had told San that it wasn’t the time to discuss this but he insisted, saying he’d been in love with you since before college.

It was that moment that Yeosang overheard the conversation and decided to step in, telling San to back off. Drunk and fueled by his overconfidence, San blurted out that Yeosang was sleeping with another girl the whole time he and Y/N had been off and on again.

A scene had formed and soon it turned into a scuffle in which Wooyoung and one of the hosts who you later learned was named Changbin broke up the fight, pulling both men apart while Yeosang warned San to stay away from you.

Changbin managed to get San outside the party while Wooyoung managed to calm Yeosang down while you made your way to the bathroom, having had the drinks Yeosang got for you spilled all over you when San lunged at him.

Bee had spent part of the night helping you try to get the smell of booze out of your clothes but you knew the only way to really fix it was to go home and wash your clothes.

As you left the bathroom, you were confronted by a girl you’d seen a few times before. She confirmed San’s story that Yeosang had been sleeping around while you were off and on. She apologized, being under the impression that what you and Yeosang had was casual.

You decided to confront Yeosang and break up with him once and for all.

He put up more of a fight than you expected but when you left, pulling from his grip one last time, he seemed to get the message and let you go.

San remembered everything from that night from the fight to confessing to you. He promised that you didn’t need to reciprocate his feelings he simply wanted you to know how he felt and he wanted you to know the truth about Yeosang.

Your friend circle fell apart shortly after the party, Wooyoung being Young's friend after all. Bee stuck by your side as did San. You focused on your school, making time only for your friends between classes and studying.

It had been almost a year since the party.

You hurried down the steps, careful not to trip as you pulled out your phone and shot a quick text to your best friend.

You: the cherry blossoms are blooming

You sent the text and hurried across the lawn, ignoring the stares from your classmates as you did. Your phone vibrated in your hand and you came to a stop to read the text.

Sandwich 🥪: big deal? We see them every year Y/N

Big deal? It was a big deal! Since breaking up with Yeosang and focusing on yourself and repairing your friendship with San, you’d come to realize three things.

No matter what, your friends would always be there for you

Boys were icky and men weren’t any better

You were in love with your best friend.

You sighed heavily as you typed a quick response.

You: oh whatever sourpuss, just meet me there!

Sandwich 🥪: 🙄 aye aye captain 🫡

You pocket your phone and continued, running across the lawn huffing as you reached the top of the hill. On the other side stood the south lawn which was home to a cluster of cherry blossom trees which were in full bloom. Pinks, whites, and everything in between decorated the branches, the blossoms swaying gently in the breeze as you started down the hill.

Running downhill was much easier than uphill and you reached the cluster in record time, gazing up at the delicate flowers as you walked past many of your classmates as they took pictures of the trees and each other.

You continued walking until you reached the furthest tree. It was your favorite one. It had clearly been there longer than the others and was much larger. In fact, it was large for a cherry blossom tree to begin with. Blossom covered branches hung down, shielding the trunk from view.

Pushing one of the branches aside, your eyes widened as you took in the sight of your best friend standing under the tree, phone in his hands as he snapped a couple pictures. It only took a moment for him to notice you, quickly hiding his phone as you approached.

“You got here fast,” you said, slightly out of breath. San shrugged. “I’ve been here the whole time,” he admitted softly, pocketing his phone and moving to sit at the base of the trunk, setting his bag next to him.

You moved to sit beside him, shrugging your own bag off and setting it down before taking a seat beside him. You looked up at the blossoms blowing in the breeze, a smile on your face.

Next to you, San watched you with a fond smile. When you turned to look at him, he didn’t look away like he had over the past year. He held your gaze. “What?” you asked with a shrug. San shook his head but reached forward, picking up one of the blossoms that had fallen from the branches.

“Nothing,” he murmured, inspecting the flower before reaching up and swiftly tucking it behind your ear. Your cheeks burned as you glared up at him but he merely smiled back at you. “Pretty,” he said simply.

Your gaze softened before looking down at the ground. “Shut up,” you murmured before leaning into his side. San accepted the gesture, draping his arm over your shoulders. “You are,” he said simply. “Pretty,” he added.

“I’ve always thought so.”

Your cheeks burned even more. “So are you,” you whispered, hoping he wouldn’t hear you but when he shifted to look at you with wide eyes, you knew he’d heard you. His shocked expression morphed into a smirk. “You think I’m pretty!” he teased only to stop talking when you leaned in to kiss him quickly.

“Yeah, and?” you replied, puffing your chest indignantly. “So what if I think you’re pretty? I think lots of people are pretty! I just happen to think you’re the prettiest and I’ve also always thought you were pretty and—”

Your rambling was cut short as San cupped your cheeks in his hands, pulling you into another kiss, this one much more tender and longer. When he finally pulled back he nuzzled his nose against yours.

“You think I’m prettier?” he asked, smiling when you nodded.

“Well, I think you’re the prettiest.”

[monratarot]

Tarot cards combinations - Fool and The Lovers

Please REBLOG if you find this information useful! 🌸🎀💕

//don’t claim it as your own on other platforms//

The combination of The Fool and The Lovers in a Tarot reading can be quite intriguing. The Fool signifies new beginnings, innocence, and spontaneity, while The Lovers card represents relationships, choices, and harmony. Together, these cards can suggest a pivotal moment where one is faced with a major decision that could significantly impact their relationships and life path.

The Fool and The Lovers together may indicate a time of fresh starts in love or a new relationship blossoming. It could also signify a need to make a choice that aligns with one's values and desires, emphasizing the importance of following the heart and intuition.

This combination could also symbolize the union of opposites or the balancing of different aspects of oneself. It encourages embracing love, harmony, and authenticity in all relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or with oneself.

Remember, interpretations can vary, so trust your intuition and personal connection to the cards when exploring the meaning of The Fool and The Lovers in your Tarot readings.

The combination of The Fool and The Lovers in Tarot indeed carries profound messages about new beginnings, love, and important decisions. It emphasizes the need to embrace spontaneity, trust your instincts, and be open to the possibilities that come with taking risks in relationships and life journeys.

This pairing encourages listening to your heart, making choices that align with your true desires, and fostering communication and understanding in relationships.

The Fool and The Lovers together signify a transformative period where growth, harmony, and self-discovery are key themes. By approaching this combination with an open heart and mind, you can navigate through challenges, build solid foundations in relationships, and embark on a path towards personal and emotional fulfillment. Trusting in your intuition and being willing to take courageous steps can lead you to a brighter, more authentic future filled with love and harmony.

[wintermelonbear]

Just Another Picture to Burn

Summary: Just a cute little friendship between Jon, Damian, and Marinette. Can be read platonically or with some romantic inclination. Just two friends who want the best for each other and will celebrate each other’s milestones 

Sidenote: I haven’t written anything in years, but dragged my butt to write this for the MGI civil war so proceed with caution.

Sharp green eyes open up to the world moments before the buzz of a phone alarm signals the need to get up. Out of an abundance of caution stemming from his tumultuous upbringing the young teen scans the room for any signs of an intruder, most days this is a fruitless endeavor, but Damian could never find himself to drop this habit. He notes an envelope on his desk and reaches for the compressed bo staff under his pillow. As he approached the desk the only sound that could be heard was the light creak of the manor’s floorboards and low mumblings coming from the kitchen. A sigh of relief breaks this silence as Damian recognizes the gentle script sprawled across the front of the pale pink envelope spelling out “To Dami”. 

Cautiously he flips the envelope checking for signs of tampering. While the sentiment is nice, the choice to send a handwritten letter rather than a text was out of left field from his companion. He notes with a slight grin that she had used the wax seal he gifted her after the defeat of Hawkmoth. Sliding a batarang out from the underside of his desk he slices open the top of the envelope to reveal a piece of thick cardstock. At this Damian’s brow moves into a sharp arch, what could have been so important, yet so minimal that she had to portal over to his place in the middle of the night. Pulling out a piece of pristine white paper, he reads, "You, me & Jon. 7 pm CET. I already checked with your dad, so no excuses. Love, Mari”

Picking up his phone –the latest from Wayne Tech– he taps out a message to his top contact, “Spotted Menace”. A bright blue message populates the screen reading out, “An invite? To what exactly?” For emphasis, he adds in a raised eyebrow emoji then after some contemplation adds in a thinking emoji. Following that text, he quickly snaps a picture of the note to Marinette to confirm he received her letter before preparing for the day. 

Before leaving his room he picks up the envelope again, this time to admire her handiwork instead of ascertaining its threat level. Turning to the back of the envelope his chest puffs out a bit as he dons a victorious smile he takes in his handiwork. She had used the wax seal stamp he had gifted her on her 16th birthday. He hand-carved the image of a ladybug resting on a branch of plum blossoms, to signify her new beginning as a hero by choice and not by necessity after the defeat of Hawkmoth.

As Damian slipped into the driver’s seat of his sleek sedan he mused that 12-year-old Damian would be utterly baffled by the person he is today –apart from being the stronger member of the new generation of heroes, that has always been a given (Somewhere Jon is rolling his eyes). Honestly, when Damian first met Marinette he found her pathetic. She was just a worthless little girl who was gifted powers beyond her capability to wield, and he never hid his disdain for her. Thus, to young pre-teen Marinette the youngest Robin was just a massive dickhead who had no feelings apart from his superiority complex. He was an embodiment of torment; the worst parts of Felix and Chloe combined. Not to say that Damian is perfect now, but at the time he lacked the perspective he gained from his travels to and return from Lazarus Island. Now he has spent more time learning from others’ experiences, has gone through his first heartbreak after Flatline decided that time spent with him was distracting her from her personal goals, and all of that has taught him to care and have some level of empathy. He may not be like Marinette and Jon, ready to do what is right solely because they blindly believe in the goodness of others, but he understands that even if he may not find value in someone, that does not mean their life is worthless. 

The first time Robin acknowledged that despite Ladybug’s lack of technical combat skills, she had plenty of other skills that other heroes would be envious of, Nightwing attempted to give him a “bear hug” and Superboy nearly fell from the sky. What Robin to this day doesn’t know about that night is that his comm was connected to Ladybug’s and the reason she fell off the roof was not the attacker’s sharp jab to her ribs, but rather the shock of Robin giving her any form of praise. From then on Marinette decided maybe Robin was capable of growing a heart, and while it may have started as one-sided conversations with her rambling on about herself and basic topics of conversation – how’s the weather in the Gotham? It’s been warm in Paris! Did you see the new Mecha Strike game launch? What’s your favorite dessert? –  eventually, Damian started warming up to her. 

By the time the youngest Wayne snaps out of his reverie, the bell has rung signaling the dismissal of his second-period and the start of the school’s 20-minute break. Fishing through his pockets, and quickly unlocking his phone he finds several missed messages from Marinette, Jon, and their group chat “Talk Shit Get Hit”. After skimming through their private messages, Damian bites the bullet and opens up “Talk Shit Get Hit” to begin tackling the growing number of messages. Scrolling to the top of the chain of unread messages he sends Jon spamming the chat with unintelligible keyboard smashes followed by “MARI HOW DID YOU GET US OUT OF LIZZIE-SITTING DUTIES???”, Damian swears that the capslock on Jon’s keyboards must be worn down with his overusage. He reacts to the message with a set of eye emojis because there are very few people Diana trusts with her fussy toddler and he knows for a fact that she’s in the midst of an investigation into a rapidly expanding crime syndicate. As he scrolls further he is dismayed to find out Marinette cashed in this free day in exchange for a date night babysitting gig in addition to normal babysitting duties. Damian loves Lizzie like a younger sister and of course, wants her to be in the care of someone befitting of her status. Still, he has been yelled at one too many times for taking her on patrol with him, and sometimes bringing a 3-foot-tall sidekick with a tutu (courtesy of Marinette) kills his intimidation factor. Once he makes it past a wall of crying emojis and gifs of betrayal from Jon, the chat goes back to its normal contents, filled with reels shared between Jon and Mari, and complaints about their teachers. Jon eventually asks Marinette what she has planned for tonight that is worth the extra babysitting duties, but Marinette declines to answer and instead tells him to be patient.

After school Damian carefully considers his outfit but sticks with his classic black turtleneck and a pair of khakis, Marinette will call him boring but what does she know? She used to have a crush on a guy who exclusively wore a striped shirt with an open button-up and bright orange Converses. Once they became comfortable with one another Marinette made it VERY well-known that while she wished his civilian wear had more diversity and color, she found his original Robin suit to be a “crime against fashion and most people’s eyeballs”. Stating that only traffic lights would appreciate sharing a color palette with him. Damian argued that it’s tradition, while Marinette replied with “It’s fugly and you know it. Y o u! ditched the design in the first place”. Rolling his eyes, he heads to the window and yells out “Jon! I am ready!” and with a flash of blue and red Jon shows up at his window clad in a red hoodie and blue jeans. The Super family really needs to consider their civilian “disguises”. 

Swooping Damian up into his arm Jon bolts out the window and into the sky towards Paris until they reach a familiar flowered rooftop. After two taps to the trap door beneath them, the door abruptly gave way and Damian was met with a loud POP and confetti raining down onto him. Quickly Marinette busted out the door cake in hand and in unison started singing with Jon. While it was not a rare occurrence for Marinette to provide them with sweets at her residence, what was on the cake was the strange part. It was a picture of one of his earlier Robin outfits? One that after many earfuls from Marinette knew to be her least favorite, why would she put it on a cake?? 

“Happy outfit death to you! Happy outfit death to you! You no longer look like a traffic light! Happy outfit death to you!” Out of seemingly thin air, Marinette pulled out a lighter and lit the top layer on fire revealing a picture of his new outfit underneath. “You do not know how relieved I am that I do not have to be with someone whose color palette matches a kindergarten classroom rug, and not a cute one”.

Damian with a puzzled expression questions her, “Is this something to be celebrated? Besides that I changed outfits months ago”. Marinette looked at him mouth agape. “Close your mouth you will catch flies at this rate”.

Almost as if rehearsed Jon and Marinette reply in unison “What are you my maman/ma”?

After clearing her throat Marinette went to explain, “There are plenty of things to celebrate for your outfit change! You’re finding out the type of Robin you’re going to be, and I personally believe that is a worthy cause for celebration. Besides, after Monarch’s downfall, I was really struggling to figure out what to do myself. My whole world felt like it splintered into pieces, but you and Jon were there to help me figure things out when the consequences of my actions™ struck. I want you to feel empowered too, even if you don’t need it the same way I did”. With a smile Marinette brought out some forks, “Now let’s dig in”! If it made him uncomfortable how quickly his friends stabbed his frosting face with their forks, he didn’t let it show.

[yizhou-time]

ANEWZ RADIO [PREVIEW]

MASTERLIST | RELEASE DATE: TBA

Synopsis: Watch the friendship between your schools news anchors and radio broadcasters, Yunho and Y/N, blossom as they begin working together. Neither thought much of each other until meeting so this unlikely friendship has their school stunned.

STUDIO A: ANEWZ BROADCAST #2 [14:18]

“If you’re wanting the highest amount of extra credit feel free to speak to our prized fighter himself, Choi San, and sign up! As stated previously due to the nature of the club the extra credit is high so don’t miss out!” You read from the script in your hand, dropping the paper once you were done and leaning back.

Yunho picks up his own before continuing on smoothly, “Can’t find San? His right hand man Jung Wooyoung will be available Tuesday lunchtime and after 2pm on Thursday’s.” He says before dropping it on the soundboard, the rest of the desk filled with other parts of the script you’ve both already read.

He looks over the script and muffles a laugh as he realises what he said, Wooyoung specifically asked not to be called that. ‘IT’S A MANAGER!’ You both hear him in your head, imagining him point a finger at you accusingly.

As Yunho finishes you sit up once again, glad this broadcast is almost over. “Any other club sign up sheets will be on the bulletin board outside our office, sign up if you have the time! It’s 2:25pm and lesson starts at 2:30, get to it people.” You lean over the desk to read.

“We’ll see you at the end of the school day with bus times and detention notifications but up until now it’s been your hosts Jeong Yunho and Na Y/N.” He says.

You both look outside the booth and wait for Hongjoong to give you the signal to say your final line, it takes him a moment but he eventually sticks his thumb up.

“Anywhere, everywhere, ANEWZ! Have a nice day!” The pair of you say before you hear a switch click, letting you know the broadcast is over and you can both relax.

Simultaneously you guys take off your headphones and slip down further into your chairs, letting go of any tension you had in your body. The two of you just looked at each other with nothing to say. This had become a routine for the two of you at the end of every broadcast. Sinking and staring.

The dim lighting and black sound proof sponge made the room so cozy until you really took in the state of it. Wires tangled, annotated scripts everywhere, a trash can almost overflowing, empty water bottles dotted around and all of it signified your hard work. Hours upon hours were spent in this room and sometimes you had to stay overnight due to the work load. This was much more than the school board told you about however it was too late for you to stop now.

Yunho’s eyes wandered around the room, his face changing to one of disgust after fully taking in the room. Your shared office was much more cleaner than this so there was no excuse for the state of this studio (you both spend more time here than there, you’re both aware and have done nothing to change that). Soon enough you were back looking at each other, silently agreeing to clean it up when you had the chance.

The silence was soon broken by Hongjoong opening the door to the recording section of the studio, “You guys shouldn’t preach people getting to class on time and not going yourselves. Come on.” He states, encouraging you to get up.

At the same time you both fix your posture before standing up. “Ah, here.” You say to Yunho, passing him the blazer that he let you borrow. You straighten out your skirt as he puts his jacket back on. Hongjoong takes this as his sign to also pack up, closing the door behind him.

“Bring your jacket next time. You don’t usually forget things, I never have to remind you of anything.” He replies, picking up his back and throwing it over his shoulder before picking up yours and handing it to you.

It was true. You had to remind him of everything (that you applied to) from meetings with the school board to making sure he showed up for events you were needed at, sometimes even getting him to come to the studio was a task, but you never had to be reminded.

Both of you walk to the door, Yunho opening it and waiting behind allowing you to go first. In this time Hongjoong had clearly packed his items too, this allowed the boys to leave together for their lesson while you went to your own. “Thank you for today Hongjoong, and for the next few days. Let us know when Bumjoong will be back and you’ll be free to go.” He says and you all laugh.

Once again Yunho reaches for the door, this time you also step back to allow Hongjoong to walk back first. He thanks both of you and you follow, thanking Yunho for holding the door twice and letting you go before him. Since he’s last out you pass him the studio key.

“I’ll keep hold on this, that way I’ll know to come.” Yunho exclaims as he locks the door, following with a shake of the knob to make sure it’s really locked. Once he’s sure it is Hongjoong wraps his arm around his friends shoulders to hurry him up.

“See you, Na.” He waves, beaming.

“See you in a bit, Y/N.” Hongjoong does the same.

Quietly you wave back to both of them with a small smile.

When you see them reach the end of the hall you turn around yourself to go to your lesson. You put your hands together, that timid personality creeping back as you walk away from the studio. Host Y/N was an extrovert, student Y/N is an introvert.

You look back down the hall once more and sigh. “I don’t know Yunho, I don’t know why you’re reminding me of things I already know. Just, please, do it again.” You mumble before reaching your classroom door and pushing it open.

[tamelee]

Hello Tamelee! 💜 Hope you are having a wonderful day, and that you had a nice christmas if you celebrated it

We all know that Naruto and Sasuke are designed to complement each other. Orange/Blue, Yellow/Purple. But I also noticed something about Sakura’s Genin design. In some manga illustrations, Sakura’s pants, shoes and headband are black, but in others they are green… Her chakra is green in the anime, and I don’t know if it has a color in the manga. And of course she has green eyes.

So I wondered if Kishimoto made Sakura being linked to red/pink and green in order to highlight how separated she is to Naruto and Sasuke? She complements herself in some way. Or maybe it’s to signify she’s pretty self-centered? What do you think? Am I just crazy?

Hi Nonee 🧡! Nothing too special this Christmas but it was nice ^^ Hope yours was as well!!! 🎄 Ah yeah, I checked it again;

So I'm not too sure about consistency, but her coloring makes a lot of sense. Her childhood version even has the green/pink dress, the other has the green pants and then of course the red headband she got from Ino. Part 1 Sakura has the blue headband and so what they did was make the green a lot more blue and desaturated so it looks better (I tried it with the part 2 green, but that's a no from me), but in Part two, the green is completely complementary to the red and pink while even the "black" from her shoes and gloves are a desaturated purple to match it. It's actually thought out so well. (They are all analogous, contrasting the green, which wouldn't have worked had they used the same green from part 1.) It's true that Naruto and Sasuke match even in design, coloring and everything else and that Sakura.. well, doesn't. But I doubt the design is meant to say much about her real self the way Kishimoto told it. Sakura, her name is derived from the Sakura tree, right? 🌸 And those cherry blossoms are most often pink. In Anime, the color is often used to denote Spring seasons and in storytelling for new beginnings and something happy to look forward to. Considering 'team' 7 it makes sense why they'd pick colors for her that match with pink, but also contrasts Naruto and Sasuke in order to create a more cohesive color combo including Kakashi. (Green, blue, white- and all have hints of red and blue in part 1.) We could take it steps further and even think about other ways she stands out with these colors.. Naruto's colors are very bright and saturated because he wants to be acknowledged and always appears to be 'like the sun'- radiating hope with his fluffy mop of hair alone. He wants to stand out, whereas Sasuke doesn't. But Sakura's 'happy, youthful' coloring also contrasts their childhoods and the way they look at life in general or especially as Shinobi. And with that, their goals in life. Sakura's coloring represents the way she shows off her femininity (as the color pink is often used in shows for that especially in Japan) which really fits the practiced personality in order to appeal to Sasuke. To become someone she thinks Sasuke would like... Had she been completely like her inner/true Self, she may have looked different. It's genius actually the more I think about it 🤔 But look at the other teams as well, they're all complimentary and fitting as a whole and even though the outfits have changed, the main colors stay in place. You're not crazy, definitely onto something, but I can't say whether that is true or not. It could be 🤷🏻‍♀️

[kyuziipon]

wait I feel like I missed something what is the promise of the cherry blossoms im so curious

EHEHEHE I LOVE THIS QUESTION…

Ok so the promise of the cherry blossoms is my oc story about a highschool basketball club!! I named it that because cherry blossoms are a huge signifier of change and new beginnings, and I want a big part of the overall theme of the story to be that there’s always hope, there’s always room to grow, and you’re never stuck where you started, you can have a new beginning. I haven’t made any actual materials for the story (yet) mostly because I struggle with which format would be best to tell it in.

The story itself focuses on each member of the club, as well as the two managers and their coach. Every character has their own personal story, usually intertwining with some of the others in some way. The other main theme of the story is the idea that what you see on the surface isn’t always everything to a person, and there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

The characters:

Starting with the players on the team, we have the captain, Soga Umeno (his surname is subject to change cuz I don’t like how it flows). He’s in his third year, and cares very deeply about the other members of his team, but struggles with how at home he was practically forced to become a parent to his three much younger siblings.

After Soga, the vice captain is a third year named Seki Matsuda (aka Matsu). While Soga is very warm and caring, he is extremely cold and harsh. He believes putting 100% of your effort into everything you do is the best way to be, to the point of it being extremely detrimental to his well being. He is extremely sleep deprived, extremely exhausted, and extremely stuck in his own head. He’s very autistic and has ocd. He’s also (fallen out) childhood friends with the next character.

Onto the other two third years on the team, Kazuha Yumeno (aka Kazu) is the token pretty boy. He’s spectacularly gorgeous, but also spectacularly self centered and vain. Similar to Matsuda, he strives to be the best, but instead of in everything, it’s specifically in beauty. He has an eating disorder and hates himself so so much, and he sacrifices a lot of his life in the name of his beauty, which was a major factor in his and Matsu’s falling out.

For the final third year, we have Akihito Tsukimori. He was one of the first characters I made, when I still didn’t know what I wanted the story to be, and he’s not as fleshed out as the others. He’s a really laid back, cool type, who is a passionate musician who is stuck under his parents’ thumb and cannot pursue his dreams due to their desire for him to follow in family tradition and have some boring normal job, like a doctor or something (I never decided lol. He’s not my fave tbh). He plays trumpet.

For second year, let’s start with Yuta Ito. He was originally the main character before I got rid of the concept of a protagonist in this story. He’s a (mostly) pre transition trans guy who just transferred to this school and has always dreamed of being a professional basketball player, and goddammit he will stop at nothing to be allowed on the boys team and prove he’s just as good (if not better) than all of them. Spoiler, he is better than all of them, not for special reasons, everyone else just kind of sucks.

Next is Kiyohiko Suzuki (or, later in the story, Kiyoko). She was the second character I made and I LOVE her. Upon Yuta’s arrival in the club, she’s introduced to the idea she may not be as cis as she thought, and begins experimenting, only to discover she is in fact a girl. She really struggles with her family in this regard, but especially her relationship with her two older sisters, and the fact that her family favored her for being the “only son”. There’s a lot more to the sisters but that’s too much for this little blurb lol.

For the final second year (there’s supposed to be a fourth but I just… have never made him), we have Hideyoshi Akazuma (aka Hide). He’s pretty much a shoe-in to be the next captain, and he’s essentially perfect at everything he does. He and Yuta don’t get along, especially due to Yuta’s similarities to his twin brother. Hide is extremely pressured by his parents and teachers to uphold this perfect persona, and it puts a lot of tension between him and his peers, but more importantly, between him and his brother.

The first years are arguably my favorite, so let’s start with Daishi Edogawa, as he’s the easiest. Daishi is by far the tallest on the team, and is extremely awkward and nervous. He grew up raised by his mom and grandma, alongside his little sister, Tsuna. Due to this, he never really had any male role models in his life, and now is struggling with his relationship to being a man and his masculinity, and what all of it even means. He also has a crush on the following character, Madoka.

Madoka Kume is everything. He is my boy. I love him. He’s the second smallest of the cast, and matching to his appearance, he has a very strong childlike innocence (for the most part) and naïveté. He was raised by his older sister Utaha, after his mother decided she hated him and severely neglected him. Utaha could have her own section with all this stuff… anyway, Madoka is very aware that his disposition can make it a lot harder on his sister, and desires to become stronger and more independent to ease her burden, but throughout this develops an avoidance to asking for help. He is also autistic, dyslexic, and possesses some other ambiguous learning disabilities.

Following on to my ACTUAL favorite, Hotaru Ibe (previously known as Haruka). He is a former child model who was extremely talented and beautiful, but also very lonely and desperate for human connection. Due to this he experiences some of the horrors of the industry with a photographer acting as his friend and taking advantage of him. After a particularly bad incident, Hotaru quits, decides he’s never doing this again, changes his name and his entire look, and does his best to repress all his trauma with the desire to be “a completely normal kid”. He’s got a lot of shit going on.

And the final player, Ryuunosuke Itori (aka Ryuu), Hotaru’s best friend (Ryuu has a hella crush on him btw). Ryuu is the top of his class, and is extremely similar to Hide and Matsu. He works hard and is is very smart, but the stress starts getting to him. When his delinquent cousin moves in with him, Ryuu finds himself becoming friends with some unsavory types, and soon finds himself spiraling out of control after getting involved in some drug related shit and becomes more and more apathetic and less and less of who he was before. His and Hotaru’s stories (which are actually very intertwined) are probably the heaviest topics.

Onto the two managers, let’s start with Shunichi Itori, a third year, and Ryuu’s older cousin. He’s a delinquent involved in some gang stuff, and after getting detained overnight, his parents are finally fed up and tell him he’s not welcome in their house anymore. His aunt and uncle offer to take him in, if he agrees to put all of that behind him. He takes the offer, and at first he keeps doing bad shit behind their back. They force him to join the basketball club so Ryuu can keep an eye on him, but after he accidentally gets Ryuu involved with his friends, he seems to realize what he’s doing is kind of fucked up, and starts to work on becoming a better person and putting all that stuff behind him, with the help of the other manager.

Aiko Tachibana is a first year, and she’s the third character I made! Her story has shifted a lot, and I have yet to find one that works perfectly. She’s similar to a lot of other characters, she’s very childish but hates being seen this way, has strict parents with high expectations for her, and struggles with her identity. She has anger issues and hates when people don’t take her seriously and struggles with her self image over this. She also has a crush on Suzuki, and believes she likes “mature women”, which factors into her desire to be less childlike.

And of course we have the coach. Her name Maki Ikegami, and she’s an ex professional basketball player who’s career was ended prematurely after an injury. She’s a relatively new addition to the cast and I haven’t worked on her much yet, but she struggles with the new route her life has taken and the way she’s been completely displaced. There’s also supposed to be a club advisor, but I haven’t made them yet oops.

We also have a ton of side characters, such as Utaha Kume (she could have her own section she’s probably the most fleshed out side character), Kiriko and Kaoru Suzuki, Tsuna Edogawa, Ryuu’s currently unnamed prostitute friend (I can’t think of anything that fits her), and many other siblings and family members.

I’m also just now realizing how major a role sibling and family dynamics play in most of these plot lines (unmentioned is how Kazuha and Yuta’s respective brothers are major parts of their characters, among other things).

Sorry for rambling so much I just. Love this story so much and I get excited when anyone asks about it hshdhdjdh

[psychics4unet]

Pick a Pile: Love Life developments in the Next 6 Months🌟💖✨(Free Tarot Reading)

Get 24/7 Psychic Readings Starting at Just $10!

🌟Click here now!

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

Instructions: Look at the 3 images of the piles below. Choose the pile that you feel most drawn to. Trust your intuition and select the one that resonates with you the most. Once you have made your choice, scroll down to read the description for the pile you selected. 🔮🃏🔮

I put a lot of effort into this reading, so please show some love by leaving comments, likes, reblogs, and follow me! ❤️💬✨

Pile 1:

Three of Cups 🍷🍷🍷 Ace of Cups 💧💧💧 The Lovers 💑💑💑 The Three of Cups signifies joyful celebrations and gatherings, suggesting that social interactions will play a key role in your romantic developments. The Ace of Cups indicates new beginnings in love, an overflowing of emotions, and the potential for a deep emotional connection. The Lovers card emphasizes choices and the possibility of a significant relationship entering your life. 💞🎉💓 Together, these cards suggest that the next six months will be filled with social opportunities, new romantic beginnings, and significant choices that could lead to a deep and meaningful relationship. 🌹💘✨ Love this post? Spread the positive vibes by reblogging with your favorite pile number! Remember to like, comment, and follow me for more tarot insights and spiritual guidance. By sharing this post, you'll invite positive energy from the universe into your life. Let's journey together towards enlightenment and fulfillment! 🌈💬👍💫

Pile 2:

Nine of Cups 🍀🍀🍀 The Star ⭐⭐⭐ King of Cups 👑💧👑 The Nine of Cups is the wish card, indicating that your desires in love are likely to come true. The Star brings hope, healing, and inspiration, suggesting that your romantic life will be guided by positive energy and divine timing. The King of Cups represents emotional maturity and stability, indicating that a nurturing and understanding partner may enter your life. 💖🌟💫 Together, these cards indicate a period of emotional fulfillment, healing, and the arrival of a loving and stable partner in your romantic life over the next six months. 🌹💝🕊️ Love this post? Spread the positive vibes by reblogging with your favorite pile number! Remember to like, comment, and follow me for more tarot insights and spiritual guidance. By sharing this post, you'll invite positive energy from the universe into your life. Let's journey together towards enlightenment and fulfillment! 🌈💬👍💫

Pile 3:

Four of Wands 🎉🏡🎉 The Empress 👑🌺👑 Two of Cups 💞💞💞 The Four of Wands signifies celebrations, stability, and the potential for a harmonious relationship. The Empress represents abundance, fertility, and nurturing energy, suggesting that love will blossom in a nurturing environment. The Two of Cups indicates a deep emotional connection and mutual partnership, highlighting the potential for a soul-deep relationship. 💑🌸💕 Together, these cards suggest that the next six months will bring stability, abundance, and the formation of a deeply connected and harmonious romantic relationship. 🌹💘✨ Love this post? Spread the positive vibes by reblogging with your favorite pile number! Remember to like, comment, and follow me for more tarot insights and spiritual guidance. By sharing this post, you'll invite positive energy from the universe into your life. Let's journey together towards enlightenment and fulfillment! 🌈💬👍💫 Attention! This reading is for entertainment purposes only. This tarot reading does not give a 100% guarantee that all the described situations will occur or be the ultimate truth. You build your own life and destiny and only you know yourself best. Remember to reblog, like, comment, and follow for more cosmic guidance and positivity! 🌟💖✨

Get 24/7 Psychic Readings Starting at Just $10!

🌟Click here now!

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

[wareagleofthemountain]

What Do You Know of Love? (Part 2)

A/N: I’ve decided to do a part 3 as well from Tauriel’s pov. Coming soon. Enjoy!

See parts 1 and 3

Tags: @sotwk, @coopsgirl

The cause of the maryment resounding through the normally somber halls of the Mirkwood king was Yenearsira, the Winter Solstice. Marking the elvish new year.

Thranduil spent the rest of the morning seeing to his appearance, taking more care than usual to soothe every wrinkle from his robe and comb every freshly washed strand of his hair into place. He looked at his reflection approvingly in the mirror as he slowly adorned his legendary headpiece. The branches framing his cheekbones were now barren save for patches of tiny blue and white blossoms sprouting spontaneously throughout them. It was why his people treasured the crown so much, as it allowed them a small glimpse of the former beauty of their homeland.

Now, the trees were too sick to change in the seasons, and the forest had become too hostile for the migrating birds and elk to make it their haven in the Spring. The only creatures who dared take up residence in his dying land were the black ravens that cawed from the tree tops and the foul, massive spiders who made their webs in the dark caves. Even so, the snow still fell in thick sheets upon the ground.

After taking a moment to gather himself, the Elvenking deposited the necklace into the deep front pocket of his robe and strode out of his chamber to bless the festivities, signifying their beginning. Feren met him at the closed double doors that were the entrance to his throne room. For holidays, the space was cleared out to make way for the long banquet tables filled with food and a small stage that held the minstrels. At the end of the meal, the tables would be pushed back and the floor would be given to the eager dancers. At exactly midnight, the elves of Mirkwood would all gather out in the gardens and release fireworks high into the dark Winter sky.

Thranduil fixed his guard with a disapproving stare as he noticed Feren’s hands shaking as he passed Thranduil his ceremonial staff. “nervousness is not a good look on a soldier who bears the crest of the Woodland Realm.”

“Your grace…” Feren tried, but Thranduil pushed the door open before he could finish. All chatter in the room stilled, and heads bowed respectfully to their monarch. But Thranduil was not looking at them. His eyes were narrowed at the steps leading up to his throne in the distance… and at the smaller seat just to the left of it. Gifts and flowers had been left upon it by the festival goers. It was a tradition, he knew, to honor late members of the royal house at holiday gatherings, especially those following wartime such as this. It helped keep their spirit alive in the hearts of their subjects, and the gifts acted as a sort of offering to the deceased royal so they may aid the spirits of the recently fallen soldiers on their journey to the Halls of Mandos. The same tribute had been paid to his father long ago, during the dinner of Thranduil’s coronation. He recalled his wife herself had even placed a pearl necklace atop the former king’s throne for the safe passage of her older brother Ailwe, who perished on the fields of Mordor in Thranduil’s arms. Though he was a dear friend and loyal soldier, Thranduil did not cry. Nor did he shed a tear for his father. Thranduil never cried.

However, seeing that seat, void of the smiling elleth who had held his hand to calm him in fits of rage and sent amusing images through ósanwe to help break up the dullness of back to back council meetings made an insurmountable lump appear in his throat. He loved their bond. How, even when it seemed to outsiders like the two hardly spoke to each other in public, they’d take every opportunity to find rest in their private mental sanctuary where the troubles of the world could not get to them. Without her warm presence running over his fae, it felt cold and hollow like the hole left in the ground by a tree that had been pulled out by its roots. Continuing his slow strides up to his throne, eyes purposefully avoiding the seat to his left, the Elvenking gave the ancient prayer of goodwill and took the first sip from the first glass of wine poured that night, signaling the official start to the Elvish New Year celebration.

Only staying as long as was customary, Thranduil slipped out of the secret back exit of his throne room to be met by an apologetic Feren.

Eyes blazing, the king tried to keep his voice neutral. “I thought I ordered that throne destroyed years ago.”

“My lord, we tried, but the council insisted we keep it on hand for these occasions. It’s tradition…”

“Last I checked, it is I who gives the final say. Now get rid of it!” Came Thranduil’s retort.

“You’re not the only one who lost her, sire…”

The words escaped his lips before his mind could think better of it, and the next thing Feren knew his back was roughly pinned against the stone wall. Thranduil’s hand encircled his throat and pressed down with just enough force to let this insubordinate know that his words would not be tolerated. For a moment, Feren feared the king might actually strike him, but instead Thranduil shattered his empty wine glass on the wall right above his head. Without another word, he strode away, leaving a wide eyed Feren to stare at his retreating back.

Perhaps the biting cold should have bothered Thranduil more than it did, but his thick robes and knee-high boots proved capable of warding it off. That and the blazing anger he felt running through his veins. How dare he? How dare that lowly foot soldier tell him how to deal with his wife’s passing? He did not know her even a fraction as well as Thranduil did! If he had, he would understand how impossible it is to let such a light go. Thranduil loathed the idea of sharing her memories with his people. They were all he had left of her.

Without giving his direction much conscious thought, Thranduil looked up to find himself standing at the entrance to his realm.

“Your majesty, I did not think to see you here.” Came the voice of Cardon, one of Mirkwood’s border guards, as he leapt soundlessly from a tree and bowed low to his ruler.

Thranduil granted the young elf a polite nod and motioned him to return to his feet. “Take leave of your post for about an hour. You are dismissed.”

Cardon was no doubt curious as to why Thranduil would request such a thing, but knew enough about his king’s ill temper not to argue. Giving a shallow bow, he took his leave.

Once he was sure he was alone, Thranduil began searching for the object of his Winter escapade. It took him a while to find the statue, it having been covered up by decades of overgrown vines and now the falling snow. He hurriedly removed his sword from his belt and began cutting away the obstructions to reveal a beautiful face of marble. Tears froze on his lashes at the sight of his wife’s memorial being utterly forgotten in such a way. He gently caressed the statue’s cheek with his fingertips.

“I am so sorry, my love. I did not intend for it to be so long between visits…” He gave pause. It truly had been a long time since he had ventured this far away from his palace, and even longer since he had dared to gaze upon the statue. Thranduil had it built shortly after his queen's death. It was not a true grave, but a symbol of all she was to him and their people. Guardian of the realm and his heart.

Reaching into his pocket, Thranduil slowly, reverently, clasped the white diamonds around the statue’s neck. Standing back, he smiled.

It was a poor compensation for the moment that was stolen from him… but it was enough.

He still recalled the night, not at all unlike this one, when having the necklace created for her first graced his mind. She had dragged him away from the warmth of the palace into the cold forest, an action he found rather treasonous at the time.

“Where are we going that’s so important? We’ll miss the fireworks.” The young Prince grumbled, pulling his thick cloak tighter around his frame.

“To the stars!” The elleth walking in front of him turned her head to give a playful wink. Thranduil tried to be annoyed, but he secretly loved her ability to make life an adventure. Her smile disarmed him and he couldn’t help pulling her to him and kissing her firmly.

“How much further? I fear if we’re gone any longer your brother will think I’ve thrown you in prison.”

She giggled. “What reason would you have for doing that, my Prince?”

“Exposing me to the elements for one. And for two, making me leave my wine glass behind. It is a very expensive vintage and I doubt there’ll be any left upon my return.”

“I promise it’s worth it.” She clasped his hand, still somehow warm, and her voice was sure.

He followed her to a snow covered field that was empty save for the trees with blue blossoms on them. There was a look of wonder in her eyes as she caught tiny snowflakes in her palm, only maintaining their shape for a moment before melting away on the heat of her skin. Thranduil hummed in slight amusement, stepping forward and gently brushing the frost from her lashes with the pad of his thumb.

“You are like the changing of the seasons; vexing and untamable. But each aspect of you lovely in its own way.” He looked down at the moisture spreading on the sleeve of his cloak from the snow. “What is your fascination with the cold, dear one?”

“Mm…” She thought for a moment before meeting his eyes. “The earth hibernates under her armor of snow every Winter. The death in Autumn, when the trees give their final show of gracefully letting go of that which no longer serves them, is concealed from view to be reborn in the Spring. A new beginning. That is why we celebrate the turning of the new year.”

She turned and smiled off into the distance. “Until then, we get to live in a world covered in white light as bright as the eternal stars themselves.”

“Where are you going?” Thranduil called after her as she began climbing a nearby tree.

The elleth smiled down at him as she grabbed hold of a vine and swung over his head, reaching her hand out to him. “On our wedding day, I said I’d give you the stars if I could, and the falling snowflakes are the closest thing we’re going to get on earth. Come!”

Thranduil, amazed, took hold of the vine and they swung amid the falling stars there in the calmness of the seemingly mundane forest clearing. Laughing, Thranduil pulled them up into a tree and they caught snowflakes on their tongues.

“Look!” He pointed out the fireworks visible from the palace, their vantage point granting them an excellent view. They entwined their fingers and Thranduil pulled her under his cloak to keep her warm.

“You’ll own the very stars. I’ll see to that meleth nin.”

He was pulled from his reverie as he sensed a presence behind him. It was Tauriel. King and subject briefly locked eyes, if only long enough for some unspoken understanding to pass between them, before walking silently back to the palace side by side. Thranduil chanced one last look at the statue, the gems now glowing as they caught the moonlight. Indeed, it was beautiful… but lifeless. Her true memory was living. Living in the hearts of their subjects, in the falling snow that came every year, forever in his soul, and in the eyes of their son…

Methrandir’s words came crashing back to him, “Those gems were not all your wife left you, my friend. She left you a son. Tell me, which would she have you value more?”

After all this time, Thranduil finally knew he’d figured out the right answer.