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florencemtrash · 11 months ago

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The Shadowsinger & The Inkbird: Chapter Ten

Azriel x Day Court Librarian Reader

Summary: Y/n's clairvoyance is a gift from the Mother, but it feels more like a curse. With the power to gain knowledge through touch alone, Y/n holes herself up in The Alcove and hopes her powers and parentage will remain a secret. But things will change after the Summer Solstice ball and a chance encounter with a certain Shadowsinger.

Warnings: Mentions of cannon-typical violence. Azriel and Y/n have a late night conversation. Fluff and other stuff.

The Shadowsinger & The Inkbird: Masterlist

Masterlist of Masterlists

“Gwyn says hi by the way.”

Azriel choked on his coffee, bitter flavor rising in his throat. Nesta sauntered into the kitchen, cool eyes glaring at the back of his head. Your familiar silhouette was nowhere to be found.

Not here. His shadows whispered. With Rhys.

“Calm down you idiot.” Nesta’s voice dripped with unrestrained contempt as she poured herself a cup and sat. His tan skin glistened with sweat after his morning training session, inky tattoos splashing across his bare chest and trailing over his shoulders, down his back, and up to his neck. In the cloudy afternoon light it was difficult to tell where his shadows ended and where his tattoos began.

“Y/n’s not here. You’ll have to walk around half-naked some other time.”

Azriel winced. “That isn’t what—”

Nesta brushed him off with a wave of her hand, eyes narrowing over her mug. Azriel felt like a bug pinned down under a microscope. A crushed butterfly about to hang.

“How is Gwyn doing?” he asked gingerly, casually.

“She’s fine. Believe it or not, the world did not end when you broke up with her.”

Again he flinched. “I’m sorry, Nes,” he whispered rather pathetically.

“I’m not the one you need to apologize to. But you already know that.”

There seemed to be no shortage of people he needed to apologize to: Elain, Mor, Emerie, Gwyn, even Lucien — especially Lucien. His cheeks burned to think of the absolute mess of things he’d made. Feyre had been the quickest to forgive him for the debacle with Elain and Gwyn. But as Cassian had mentioned at dinner, there was a reason everyone was staying away from the River House, and the reason was him.

Two years ago he’d challenged Lucien Vanserra to a blood duel for Elain’s hand. It had felt so right at the time, so obvious: three sisters for three brothers. But it was only when their deaths had loomed over her head with shocking reality that Elain realized what a horrible mistake she’d made. The mistake they’d made together.

“Call it off,” she’d commanded him, blocking Lucien’s bloody, heaving body. The son of Autumn’s sword had been kicked away, scraping across the rock with an eerie scream and disappearing over the cliff edge. But Elain had stayed, soft brown eyes begging, “Do this and I will never forgive you. What we did… it wasn’t right. It was a mistake.”

A mistake, she’d called it. Years of silent longing and bare bone brushes of their hands in dark hallways. All a mistake. Those words had haunted him. They’d chased him into Gwyn’s kind arms where he once again mistook the friendship he felt towards her as love and broke her heart in the process. Add that to his lackluster response to Mor’s coming out and… well he had a lot of work ahead of him.

He hoped he would be forgiven in time, but that didn’t mean he’d twiddle his thumbs until that day came. He scoured Prythian’s publishers for new releases of adventure, mystery, and romance books — the raunchier the better — and they showed up every month at Cagniv Library like clockwork. The priestesses still thought it was part of a trade bargain with the Day Court. He’d sent Elain and Lucien plenty of letters and gifts, but either they weren’t being opened or they weren’t bothering to respond. He wouldn’t blame them either way. As for Mor and Emerie, they were gone with the wind, too busy infiltrating lands and enjoying an extended honeymoon on the continent to bother with him.

That cold stillness in Nesta’s eyes transformed into pity. It was hard not to be reminded of her own failures when she looked at him. Seeing him angry. Watching him crawl into the darkest corners of himself and burn every bridge he crossed had been a shock to Nesta’s system. A plunge into freezing waters that brought pain and clarity.

She sighed, rubbing her temples. “Just give them time, Az. They’ll come around. If they did it for me, they’ll do it for you.” “I think our situations are rather different.”

“I don’t.”

“You didn’t try to kill anyone.”

She grimaced. “I came close.”

He stayed silent for a long while. He washed his cup. He dried it. He put it in the cupboard.

“Can you—can you please not tell Y/n?” he begged. His voice was small and quiet. He’d been a fool in the past and made terrible decisions in the name of love. Mor, Elain, and Gwyn. They’d all lived more in his mind than in his heart — people he could never fully grasp, and therefore never lose. They’d been safe. Easy.

It didn’t feel that way with you. You felt solid and warm, even if he’d only touched you once. You felt more real to him than anyone else. You felt like someone he could actually have. Which meant he could lose you before you’d even become his to lose.

“You can’t keep her in the dark forever. Not about your history, not about the bond. If you’re going to learn anything from your brothers, learn that.”

“I know,” he whispered. “I just want to get it right this time.” He had to get it right this time. “I want her to fall in love with me because she wants me, not out of some sense of obligation. I want…” I want to be worthy of her.

Nesta shook her head, a laugh escaping despite her best attempts to stifle it. Azriel looked at her like she’d gone mad.

She giggled again. “It’s funny. For a male as handsome and desirable as you, you have the worst fucking luck with women. The Mother must have a twisted sense of humor.”

Maybe she did. But Azriel was still enough of a romantic to hope that he had learned from his mistakes, and that his bad luck would end with you.

You shoved the notebook off Rhysand’s desk, loose papers flying out like uncoordinated doves.

“I told you notetaking was a futile effort.” The High Lord didn’t even look at you, too busy searching for invisible dirt beneath his manicured fingernails.

You groaned and dropped your head against the book he’d handed you two hours before.

Rhysand had to smile at your frustration. It was a wholly different experience teaching you magic compared to teaching Feyre. With Feyre, her greatest barrier had been her lack of knowledge (and her hatred of him at the time). She’d been thrust into the world of fae without preparation, but it had left her malleable and adaptable. It was like teaching a newborn how to walk — a mind that could absorb more because it knew so little.

But you knew too much. You could spout off magical theory at the drop of a hat. You were a pedagogical master with a thousand mnemonics to your name. You were the first to wake in all of Velaris, making your way to the Library before bodies could fill the streets, and you only returned when the crowds had either turned in for the night or gone out to drink until daybreak. You swallowed every history book on the Night Court, Clairvoyants, daemati, and death gods until you felt untethered from the earth — until your mind began to float outside your body, buzzing with thoughts that never went away.

But none of that mattered. Your power was an immovable object that couldn’t be controlled by logic or studying.

You shoved against that power now.

“Good,” Rhysand nodded, leaning against the window, “You’re getting better at it.”

He lingered in your mind, hovering over the depths of your emotions and memories like a bird ready to break water. It had taken some time before you felt comfortable with the intrusion. Your first lesson together, Rhysand’s presence in your mind had made it impossible to focus. Panic had seized your mind and your body until you could do nothing more than brace your hands and feet against the chair’s leather upholstery. You could have sworn you saw a head of silver hair to your left. The gentle pitter patter of rain had sounded like dripping blood.

It wasn’t like that anymore. Henna had left you with a useful skill — you could wind your consciousness around Rhysand and keep him there, suspended in that indescribable space where your thoughts lay so he could do no more damage than you permitted him.

Through your mind he felt the narrowing of your power. You imagined it like a blanket wrapped around your body, suffocating but familiar. It was this power that laced your skin and made contact with others so hard. You imagined the fabric shortening, creeping up your arms and legs, curling around your torso and squeezing like a snake. Inch by inch you tightened it around you, burying it within your chest instead of carrying it openly like a wound.

You held a music book between your hands — Nyx’s to be exact. The little Lordling showcased a certain aptitude for the piano his father could only dream of, and being as young and protected as he was, the worst kind of emotion imbued within its pages was agitation. You could hear one of the ballads written within it as clearly as if Nyx was sitting beside you plucking out the melody.

Tighter. Tighter. Tighter. You swallowed your power. Pulled what was outside inwards. Slowly but surely the music faded away until the book was as all books should be — silent.

Sweat beaded your brow. This was the most difficult part — not tuning out the music, but keeping the volume at zero.

Rhysand checked his watch. Waited. Checked it again.

You lasted thirty minutes before your power burst out along your skin once more like a thousand prickling needles. You shuddered, half-disappointed, half-grateful that you could hear the melody again.

Rhysand clapped his hands, slow and proud. The grandfather clock in the corner of the room was dangerously close to five bells. Rhysand nodded.

“Perfect timing. We’re done for today.”

“I can go for longer,” you pleaded.

“I know you can.” Rhysand pushed off the wall, polished leather boots gleaming. He was wearing his Illyrian leathers this time, the scent of wind still clinging to his skin after a visit to the northern war camps.

Old Illyria lasted thousands of years. The clans used to flow up and down the Steppes, following the tundrabeast that lay claim to those mountainous regions and were said to speak for their god Ramiel — Starbreaker, Night Herder — after whom the mountain is named. They don’t move with the cold winds anymore, even if they’ve kept their names: Ironcrest, Bloodborn, Windhaven, Seawhip, Hawkseed, Timberbane, and a dozen others. And they don’t make sacrifices, although the Blood Rite might be a close—

Rhysand rapped his knuckles on the desk to grab your attention and splayed his fingers wide. “I also know that the moment I dismiss you, you’ll scamper off to the Library to work until you can’t see straight.”

You shifted in your seat. “I like it there.”

“That’s besides the point. If you keep going at this pace you’ll burn out. Then you won’t be able to help anyone. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

Your eyes widened ever so slightly. You hadn’t thought he’d noticed. “I know what it feels like to burn out and it’s not going to happen anytime soon. I promise.”

Rhysand suppressed the urgent need to roll his eyes as you gathered your things and walked out the door. “And here I thought I worked too much,” he muttered beneath his breath.

You carried Henna’s journal tucked within your new Librarian robes — black with ivory detailing and wide sleeves that narrowed at the wrists. You kept a hand on it during late nights at the Library. You ate with it propped open, black splotches swimming across the page like worms. You slept with it beneath your pillow.

But alas, it would seem the book was going to make you work to wring meaning out of every odd symbol.

You were muttering to yourself as you walked back and forth in front of the fireplace. You’d effectively commandeered one of the reading rooms on the seventh floor, leaving the library only when required for Rhysand’s lessons. Helion’s most recent letter lay open on the table with Cherp’s resting just beneath it. A map hung crooked on the wall, four athenaeums circled in bleeding red ink alongside a list of books that had gone missing — the ones that people knew about at least.

The Alcove, Ares House, Folkmen’s Bard, and most recently, Argot’s.

Three Librarians dead. Their throats slit. Blood dribbling down their burgundy robes as they’d sat hunched over their desks. The week before it had been two from Ares House caught swaying from the third floor balcony.

No one has any idea how it happened. The wards were never set off. Nothing in the Library was disrupted. I tell you this only because you deserve to know what’s happened to your people. Continue your training. Continue your research. Do whatever you need to do. But leave the court business to me, dear. I’ll write to you again when I can.

~ Helion

“It doesn’t make sense,” you mumbled, drumming your fingers against your hip where the book remained silent. “None of this makes sense.”

You’d used every ounce of Rhysand’s training on the book. You’d imagined your power sliding over it like water, fire, needles shooting through cowhide, a hammerstrike, every metaphor imaginable. You’d glared at it with an intensity that would have disintegrated a lesser object.

When that failed, you had moved onto solving the murders and thefts at your father’s court. You couldn’t content yourself with sitting in one of the cushy, high-backed chairs in Rhysand’s office sipping imported tea in porcelain cups while athenaeums were on lockdown.

The pattern was shockingly simple — Koschei was going after books that could be traced back to him. Books that might give his enemies the upper hand: folktales alluding to him and his siblings, translated texts from old Bauldish that might have proved useful in deciphering Henna’s book, secondary accounts of the age before High Lords ruled.

If you were Koschei you’d go after Godswoods next — the collection of athenaeums dedicated to religion. Then on to The Gallows — the athenaeum on death and dying. The two were intricately tied to one another, but people tended to write books on dying before coming up with explanations for what comes after. You’d spent a great deal of time there following your mother’s death, and you could picture it now — solemn black bookshelves looping around a circular room that tapered up into a point like a blade pointed to the sky.

You finished writing your letter to Helion, along with the list of books you wanted pulled from the archives. Cagniv Library may have been a glowing beacon in the Night Court, and a place of sanctuary for the priestesses, but it was nothing like you were used to.

You held the paper out in front of you, Helion’s glimmering pen tucked behind your sharp ears, and blew. The black letters lifted off the page and faded away like a breath in cold air. The message was already writing itself back into existence in Helion’s office.

“It doesn’t make sense.”

You scribbled out another note, this one for yourself with another pen. You ripped it to pieces and fed it to the fire.

What was Koschei looking for now? Was he still looking for the book that now rested against your hip, or had he turned to some other prize? And why kill the Librarians and set all of Day Court on high alert?

Henna had been careful. She’d stayed hidden until she was forced to tear down the Alcove to get the book. Whoever was causing the killings now was either a showman or a fool. They left bodies hanging from rafters. They carved smiles into throats. They let the Librarians know what they were stealing whether they meant to or not. They left patterns scattered among wreckage for someone like you to figure out.

It all felt… juvenile for lack of a better word. Someone young. Someone who wanted to prove themselves in a loud way. Someone whose ego hadn’t been tested yet and wasn’t listening to Koschei’s commands in their entirety.

Azriel.

You couldn’t help but think of him.

Azriel was nothing like that.

He wasn’t loud. He didn’t vy for attention. He didn’t seek the light in a room. His confidence was quiet and true. His kindness took the shape of the shadows that lingered by your ankles. It took the shape of the robes you wore now. He was the only one who’d seen them at The Alcove. He was the only one who could have requested the court seamstress to make a copy and leave it hanging in your closet.

No. Azriel was nothing like that.

Azriel’s eyes lit up like embers when you slid through the front door, weary but bright-eyed and cradling your journals against your chest. The shadows he’d left behind with you slithered across the floor like mist.

She’s been in the Library all day. Working. The shadows whispered in his ear. She thought about you.

Azriel smiled. He’d thought about you as well. “I was wondering where you’d gone.”

You gasped, closing the door louder than you intended. You’d developed a talent for sneaking in and out of the River House unnoticed to the point where Cassian considered hiding bells in your pockets. Nyx had tried to do it as a joke, but you’d caught him giggling too loudly in your bedroom.

You brightened immediately, a broad smile appearing on your face. Azriel felt his heart leap, then quiet as he caught the scent of parchment paper.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to be back until tomorrow?” You whispered, tip-toeing through the dimly lit hallway to where Azriel was in the sitting room. You sank into the couch with a groan. The hardwood desks at the Library had not been kind to you.

He shrugged and brushed back his wind-thickened hair, shifting to face you better. A crumb-coated plate lay on the table and he still wore his leathers. He must have just arrived home.

“I flew as quick as I could. I wanted to be home.” With you.

He’d gotten so used to the feeling of you sleeping across the hallway that he’d flown the last three days without sleep. It was worth it to see you again. From the looks of it, you’d not fared well in his absence either. Your eyes had that glassy, half-there sheen: a perfect mixture of exhaustion and mind-crackling clarity.

“And how were the Mortal Lands?” You tucked your knees beneath you and leaned against your hand, fighting the sleep that seemed to grapple for you now that Azriel was home. His wings were spread wide and you resisted the urge to close the last few inches between you and the talon that glimmered in the faelight like obsidian glass.

You’d never been that far south. You’d never had reason to. But Azriel flew far and wide. The Continent was now Mor’s domain, but the secret goings of Prythian and the Mortal Lands belonged to him and him alone. The Spymaster of the Night Court. The Shadowsinger.

Azriel shook his head. “Quiet. Koschei hasn’t touched them yet as far as I can tell, and the Mortal Queens don’t care. They seem to think that they can handle Koschei because he’s agreed to bargains with them in the past.”

You made a noise of disapproval. “Like they handled Hybern? The only reason they’re still standing is because fae fought their war.”

The scattering of human armies that had arrived on that battlefield had belonged to no crown. They’d either fought for the bloodlust or the money. You could respect them for that.

Azriel tipped his head to the side, following the curling of his shadows around his shoulders. “But they are still standing. They don’t know what we sacrificed to keep them safe. That’s the problem with humans. They forget too quickly and get complacent”

“It would seem we have the opposite problem. We can’t help but remember everything,” you said, with no small amount of bitterness.

He wanted to keep you talking. He wanted your thoughts. Wanted to fall asleep to the sound of your voice after three weeks of silence. You weren’t aware of it, but the bond had felt thin the further he’d traveled away from you. Like a tightrope stretched to its snapping point. Now that he was back, and you were here, his heart didn’t feel like such a strenuous burden.

He smiled. “I think that’s just you. I know plenty of fae who are forgetful and empty-minded.” He leaned back, stretching his wings out to the side, and winced. They were whipped raw and tender from the flight.

Without thinking you got up and moved to the fireplace, feeding wood to the flames until it crackled happily. There was a reason Cassian and Azriel loved to bath their wings in sunlight every chance they got. The heat helped the soreness and eased the wind’s rough edge.

It also drove color into your cheeks and set your hair alight in a soft golden haze. You were a marvel. An angel with a halo to match and Azriel drank in the sight.

“Like who?”

“Cassian.”

You smirked and chucked the last of the wood into the flame’s gaping mouth.

Cass was far from empty-minded, but after decades of being feared as the Lord of Bloodshed he was grateful that people loved him enough to be just a little mean. He gave and received friendly blows like kisses on the cheek and smiled all the wider for it. To threaten his life was the same as saying I love you. It must be why the Mother had made Nesta his mate. She said I love you to him all hours of the day.

Azriel asked you what you were thinking, and when you told him he felt some of that pain slide off his shoulders like rain. He threw his head back and laughed until his chest started to hurt again and you thought about how rare that sound must be, and how much you loved it.

“How are the others? Rhysand told me Feyre’s sister is down there along with your friends.”

Azriel sobered up quickly and cleared his throat. “Yes. Elain, Lucien, Jurian, and Vassa.”

His voice caught on two names: Elain and Lucien, and it didn't escape your notice. He sounded... nervous.

“And? Are they alright?”

He rolled his shoulders and looked out the window to the inky black sky. Vassa would be sleeping now in her human form, and if she was lucky, she’d wake up in the morning still within the manor’s grey stone walls. Safe. Home.

He shook his head gravely. “They’re nothing short of terrified. Koschei has Vassa under a spell that would normally keep her tied to his lake. He let her go during the war against Hybern and he’s been allowing her to stay, but… everyone’s just holding their breath and trying to prepare for the day he’ll take her back.”

You shivered and wrapped one of the spare blankets around your shoulders. You couldn’t imagine a life where every waking moment held the risk of being torn away from everything you held dear. The anticipation would have broken you more than the act itself.

“I’ve heard of her. The firebird.” You murmured softly. You imagined a creature with glowing eyes, blue-red feathers streaking behind like ribbons set on fire. Azriel narrowed his eyes in confusion, and you explained, “Ares House records all wartime information. I read the reports. We’re very thorough.”

Azriel smiled. “I would expect nothing less.”

Silence passed in comfort, and you couldn’t stop thinking about Vassa.

“Do you think they’d be able to stop it if Koschei did make her go back?”

“I don’t know, Y/n.” And it was driving him mad to have Koschei hanging around like a forgotten word at the end of his tongue.

“I hate this,” you spat out, “The not knowing. I hate it.”

Azriel stared at you, hazel eyes silently begging you to continue. Shadows curled around your body, gently tugging you closer to him until your knees were a whisper away from touching.

You both sighed softly into the quiet air. Even the River House seemed to be at rest for the night. The usual background hum of cooking and cleaning were absent. It was just you and the Shadowsinger.

“How are things going? With the book?”

You slipped your hand through the slit in your robes and pulled it out. The gold chain rustled, glowing faintly from your touch.

“It’s going.” You shoved the book back out of sight. You couldn’t even stand to look at it after the hours you’d spent agonizing over its pages. “Rhysand’s been teaching me to contain my power better. I can actually touch some things now.”

But not him. Still not him. And it was killing you.

Azriel gave another one of his small smiles. The ones that never failed to make the world a smaller, more manageable place. “That’s good.”

“I just… this may sound silly but, I’m not used to things being this hard. With my powers a lot of things just sort of came naturally for me. But now people are dying and I’m just sitting here on this very expensive couch and I can’t do the thing I was brought here to do and I… I don’t like feeling this useless.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Azriel murmured. He closed the space between you even more, shadows hovering over your face in silent permission. When you didn’t pull away they brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen over your face with a cool, silky touch.

Azriel was all calm darkness and you imagined that if you reached out to touch his chest your hand might just slip through him like he wasn’t there at all. He seemed too good to be real.

But he was real, and he was sitting close enough that you could feel the warmth of his breath fan your cheeks.

“You’re not useless. Never believe that. Not even for a second. And even if you were useless, it wouldn’t matter. You’re worth more than the things you can do, remember?”

“I remember.” Your voice was quiet and thick.

You rested your cheek in the crook of your arm as you gazed at him wearily.

Azriel kept his hands out in the open, one hand reaching across the couch cushions before stopping mere inches away from yours. His shadows closed the remaining distance, slipping in between your fingers to mimic Azriel’s touch.

“Did you uncover any more secrets of mine while I was gone?” Azriel asked as your eyelids began to droop.

“I confess I forgot to look. But maybe now that you’re here, I’ll start again,” you mumbled into the encroaching dark.

“I look forward to it,” were the last words that filtered through your ears before you fell asleep to the untranslatable whispers of shadows.

Nyx bounded down the stairs, leaping the last six steps before landing soundlessly on the floor with a soft bend of his knees — just like Azriel had taught him. Feyre gave a proud nod before ruffling his ebony hair and Rhysand beamed.

Let me. Feyre adjusted the wrappings around Rhys’s chest that kept Velaria’s plump body swaddled and comfortable. Her pink lips opened in a yawn that had both mates sighing.

“Uncle Az!” Nyx raced forward towards the sitting room and then froze, mouth opened in a surprised oh.

Azriel slept like the dead on the floor, chest rising and falling with the beat of his gentle breath. You lay stretched out on the couch, one arm propped beneath your head and the other dangling over your waist and off the cushions. Your fingers swayed an inch above Azriel’s chest, shadows swimming over his torso and creeping up your arms so that even in sleep you were connected to one another.

Feyre gasped softly at the picture. The sunlight blanketing the both of you in peach fuzz. The faint uptick of Azriel’s lips and the smoothness of his brow. The way you looked like you were bleeding into him. The black of his shadows and your robes.

Rhysand rubbed Nyx’s shoulder and kissed Feyre’s cheek.

Let them sleep, Nyx. We’ll get breakfast at Huth’s today.

Nyx let his parents lead him towards the door without protest. He’d never seen Uncle Az sleep so soundly in his life.

<- Previous Chapter Next Chapter ->

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Author's Note:

Yeah... this slow burn is burning... but I just love it so much and I love writing all the sweet little moments they have and their conversations with one another and I hope you're enjoying it as well.

#azriel x reader #azriel x reader slowburn #azriel shadowsinger #azriel x y/n #azriel x you #everyone deserves a person who'll help them relax enough to fall asleep #late night conversations and barely there touches and longing and asdfbaefnaks #AZRIEL FREAKING MADE HER NEW ROBES SO SHE WOULD FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE #He's trying to grow and do right by his exes so he will feel more worthy of Y/n and I just ugh #i'm giving him Mr. Darcy energy I don't give a shit

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numbersandstars · 2 months ago

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Nakshatras Paranormal Abilities List- Part 2

Here is a list of paranormal abilities of each nakshatra. It is a short list and needs to be more complete. I'm working on it but feel free to share any other abilities with your nakshatras in the comments or via pm. Thanks.❤️

Svati: Herb knowledge, growing plants that brings healing energy, Vastu/Feng Shui mastery, enlightenment, fighting demons. Connection with a sword or a weapon. Vishakha: Occult traditions, spiritual initiation, celibacy leads to spiritual powers, rituals. Connection with tigers, fire rituals, lightning strikes. Anuradha: Numerology, astrology, tantra, sufism and any other occult science, keeps secrets, occult gifts, devotion/bhakti. Connection with lakes, Krishna, Radha. Jyeshtha: Talismans, occult power, magical items, involved in secret societies. Connection with elder gods/goddesses. Mula: Herbal healing, exorcism, occult power, astrology, intuition, omen reading. Connection with Kali, ancient temples, cave temples, holy mountains, volcanoes, ruins. Purva Ashadha: Invigorating energy, using pendulum. Connection with goddesses, waterfalls. Uttara Ashadha: Snake charming, powerful position in religious institutions, setting up new beliefs, challenging the divine. Connection with elephants, Ganesha. Shravana: Clairaudience, clairvoyance, past life memories, strong intuition, magical music, prayers are heard. Connection with Vishnu. Dhanishta: Vastu/Feng Shui mastery, magical music, alchemy, healing (pulses), magick, controlling the elements. Connection with dolphins, warrior gods/goddesses. Shatabhisha: Herbal (flowers) healing, shamanism, discovery of secrets on nature, occult knowledge, astrology, all-seeing eye, keeps secrets, involved in secret organizations. Connection with the ocean, Varuna. Purva Bhadrapada: Alien and other entities contact, astrology, magick, tantras, extreme spiritual practices, prayers are heard. Connection with gurus, saints, graveyards, fire, fire breathing dragons. Uttara Bhadrapada: Brings rain, shamanism, deep spiritual practices, devotion/bhakti, astrology, magick, prayers are heard. Connection with water dragons, lightning, Lakshmi. Revati: Contact with the dead, astral traveling experiences, psychic, prophecies, devotion/bhakti. Connection with oceans, elephants, lighthouses.

See Part 1: from Ashvini to Chitra here.

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ddarker-dreams · 1 year ago

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play fighting — chrollo lucilfer.

Hot cocoa is a staple when cooler weather starts setting in.

By your reckoning, it could find a place on every tier of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. A warm, decadent cup with wisps of steam rising from the swirling surface. This mouthwatering mental image is what led you to the kitchenette. Dutifully following the package’s instructions, you rip into the chocolatey package by the serrated edge and get to work.

All the while, a pair of inquisitive eyes track your every movement. You can’t imagine why the sight of you in fluffy pajamas pulling milk from the fridge has Chrollo’s rapt attention. He’s leaning against the counter, sipping on his own concoction. Earl gray tea, if the scent is of any indication.

Your masterpiece is almost complete. Now, for the finishing touch — marshmallows.

Alas. You’ve encountered a problem. The marshmallows are stored in a cabinet that evades your reach. To make matters worse, Chrollo has perched himself right where you’d need to climb up. Should you list clairvoyance among his many capabilities? Logically, you know that feat eludes him, but your suspicions remain.

“Is something the matter, dear?”

Ah, you forgot that you’ve been silently squinting at him while the gears in your head spin. Round and round they go, never producing a viable solution.

“No, not at all,” you dismiss. His gaze never leaves yours, even as he takes another sip of his drink. You can see it in his eyes, that ‘oh, really?’ look. You don’t appreciate that look, for you receive it often, thanks to your shenanigans.

“Your drink’s getting cold,” he points out.

Very astute of him.

The way you see it, this can go a few ways. One, you could ask for his help in procuring your garnish. You could, but… he regards you with such bemusement, finding pleasure in every little thing you do. You’re tired of the court jester role. Asking him for something almost always guarantees that you’ll be putting on a metaphorical cap and bells.

So you cling to your pride. You stand close enough for your shoulder to brush against his, as your target necessitates such sacrifice. Straining while on your tiptoes, your fingertips brush against the damnable cabinet handle, gold and mocking. Vigilant as your efforts are, they’re ultimately fruitless. Your prize remains just out of reach.

Huffing, you turn to face Chrollo, who has no right to look as innocent as he does.

“Could you…” you trail off and shoo him with your hands. You hope that gets the message across.

“Can I ask why? I feel perfectly content here.”

Of course he does.

You’re unsure what spurs on your next action. Pettiness? Irritation? Righteous anger? Who knows. You rest both your palms flat against his bicep and push, as if he were nothing more than an inconvenient obstacle, which, in truth, is a fitting description. He doesn’t so much as budge. The full weight of your body and strength combined amounts to nothing. You can’t comprehend how hard his muscles feel beneath his shirt, it’s like you’re touching a wall.

Although it’s quiet, you hear it. A breathy chuckle escapes his lips.

Your equilibrium is thrown into chaos as you go from your nice, secure spot on the floor to being lifted high. Two large hands settle right above your hips, holding you in place. Your reflexes kick in and you squirm. Fortunately, Chrollo’s grasp doesn’t falter. You realize what he’s getting at and make quick work of opening the cabinet and getting your stupid marshmallows. He brings you down. You only relax when your soles touch solid ground.

Chrollo gives your hips a playful squeeze.

“Try again,” he whispers near your ear.

You want nothing more than to scamper off, but his body envelops you, cutting off any escape. You’re caught between a rock and a hard place, clutching a bag of marshmallows, your Hello Kitty slippers askew.

You sigh.

Life certainly has its challenges.

Should you start with elbowing him or stomping down on his feet…?

#this isn't even play fighting. darling is ready to throw hands for real #yandere chrollo x reader #hxh x reader #chrollo brainrot #scara and blade will be next .#my stuff

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anonymousewrites · 8 months ago

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A Not-So-Disastrous Romance (Book 1) Chapter Seven

Kusuo Saiki x Reader

Chapter Seven: New Year's Day

Summary: Saiki's parents invite his friends to celebrate New Year's, and that leads to disastrous realizations.

Let (Y/N) continue to be my friend, prayed Saiki.

“Hey, Saiki!”

I should have prayed for a quiet New Year’s Day.

“Hi, Saiki!”

You’re fine.

“Hello! I’m Kusuo’s dad!” Mr. Saiki leaned in to Kaidou, who he hadn’t met yet.

Mrs. Saiki hadn’t either. “I’m his mom! Wow, you’re such a cute boy! Thank you for being friends with Kuu!”

“What? Uhm…Well…Er!” He stuttered and leaned back nervously. “N-Nice to meet you! I’m the Jet Bla—I mean, I’m Kaidou! I really appreciate your son’s camrader—err, help.”

(Y/N) pretended to cough as they chuckled at Kaidou’s near-slipups.

“Well, I didn’t realize Kusuo had friends other than (L/N) and Nendou,” said Mr. Saiki.

“Nendou’s not my friend,” huffed Saiki. Then, he added, “Neither is (Y/N).”

“Do you think if you tell yourself that enough you’ll actually believe it?” asked (Y/N) playfully.

Saiki declined to answer since he actually did consider (Y/N) a friend.

“To think someone like Kusuo actually made three friends,” said Mr. Saiki.

“I prayed that Kuu would have lots of friends!” said Mrs. Saiki. “And it came true.”

So it’s her fault.

“You haven’t gone to pray yet, have you two? You should go!” chirped Mrs. Saiki.

(Y/N) nodded. “Yep!”

“Ah, yes! I should! Indubitably,” said Kaidou nervously. He walked up and rang the bell. I hope I’ll have lots of friends.

(Y/N) rang the bell and clapped their hands. I wish for the people I care about to have a wonderful year! Especially Saiki…

The pair returned to the Saiki family.

“I never expected to engage in a battle with God,” said Kaidou, back to his usual self.

“What did you pray for, Kaidou?” asked (Y/N) curiously.

“Ah, well, it’s a secret!” squeaked Kaidou, blushing out of nerves.

Yare yare. At least he’s getting over what that fake clairvoyant said.

“What about you, Saiki?” (Y/N) looked at him.

He shrugged in answer. (Y/N) nodded in understanding.

“And you, (L/N)?” asked Mrs. Saiki.

“I want my friends to be happy!” answered (Y/N).

Saiki blinked. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised anymore at their good heart.

“Oh, hey Kaidou, (L/N),” said a new voice. Hairo had arrived. “You’re here, too, Saiki? What a coincidence. Happy New Year!”

“Y-Yeah,” said Kaidou.

“Are you all visiting the shrine to pray? To tell you the truth, I—Hm?” Hairo noticed the adults behind Saiki who looked ecstatic. “Saiki, who are you with?”

“My parents.” Unfortunately. I don’t want you all to meet.

“Oh, so you’re Saiki’s parents!” exclaimed Hairo. “Nice to meet you! My name is Kineshi Hairo! I’m Saiki’s Class Rep! Saiki is always helping me out!”

Mr. and Mrs. Saiki were crying in happiness about how good a kid Hairo was as the boy walked up to the shrine.

“To think you have this many friends!” sobbed Mrs. Saiki. “I’m so happy I’m about to cry!”

“Since when do you have such good communication skills?” cried Mr. Saiki.

“They all just follow me around on their own.”

“You know you like us!” teased (Y/N). Hopefully at least me. It’d be weird if you didn’t like me as a friend. Their heart clenched at the “like me as a friend.”

You, maybe.

I pray for a good rival that I can passionately challenge with all I’ve got, thought Hairo as he bowed at the temple. A formidable rival is also like a good friend. I hope I’ll find someone like that.

“What did you pray for, Hairo?” asked Mrs. Saiki as the redhead returned.

“Well, it’s a secret,” said Hairo.

What’s the deal with everyone wanting friends? Saiki’s eyes wandered to (Y/N). Not everyone is like them.

“Oh? Hey, guys!” greeted Nendou, walking up to the group. “What’re you guys doing here?”

“Hiya, Nendou!” (Y/N) waved.

“Oh, hey, look! My pal’s mom and dad are here!” observed Nendou.

As Saiki heard Hairo’s astounded “realization” that Nendou might be his rival and Kaidou’s excitement at having friends, he couldn’t help but think about how people’s prayers were coming true. Even his own. (Y/N) seemed pretty happy as usual. Though their parents were probably on another business trip, they were still cheery. Saiki was glad about that.

“By the way, Nendou, have you gone to pray yet?” asked Hairo.

“Oh, you mean ringing the bell and stuff? Okay then, I’ll go do it,” said Nendou. He rang the bell hard. “All right! Let’s go get some ramen.”

“What type of ritual is that?”

“The Nendou ritual,” answered (Y/N), amused.

Mr. Saiki laughed. “You only rang the bell. Here, I’ll show you how to do it.” He and Nendou walked back up to the shrine. “Now, you first throw money in here, and then you ring the bell. After ringing the bell, you bow twice. And then you clap your hands twice and say a prayer.” I hope Kusuo finds a nice significant other! “After that, you bow one more time to finish.”

Nendou repeated the ritual before they returned to the group.

Yare yare. What a wish my dad had… Saiki glanced at (Y/N) unconsciously.

“Oh? Could it be?” said a sweet voice. “Ah! Saiki, what a coincidence!” Teruhashi had appeared in her glowing glory. I ran into him here! How lucky! I mean, lucky Saiki!

Mr. Saiki noticed her, and his mouth dropped open in shock (a normal reaction for those meeting Teruhashi). Could it be that my wish from earlier has already—?

No!

But it ticks me off that it would be someone this cute! thought Mr. Saiki.

There’s only one person here I actually like to be around, and that’s (Y/N). Not Teruhashi.

“Oh! T-Teruhashi!” stammered Nendou.

“Hiya, Teruhashi!” (Y/N) waved.

“Wow!” Mrs. Saiki clapped happily. “Who is it this time?”

“Hi, Teruhashi,” greeted Hairo.

“What’re you doing here?” asked Nendou.

“I’m Kusuo’s father! Nice to meet you!” said Mr. Saiki.

“I’m Kuu’s mom,” introduced Mrs. Saiki.

As everyone crowded around her, Saiki and (Y/N) stood off to the side. Saiki was annoyed that so many people were interrupting his chance at a peaceful day. (Y/N) was standing there like a personified ray of sunshine. They were rocking back and forth happily, humming lightly to herself.

“Let’s leave before they notice we’re not with them.”

(Y/N) grinned. “I’m a terrible influence on you! Let’s do it!”

They turned and took a few steps before Mr. Saiki noticed.

“Oh? Are you going home, Kusuo?” asked his father. He turned suddenly to the other teenagers. “Oh, that’s right! If you like, you’re welcome to come by our place! We have customary New Year’s dishes, too.”

“Yeah, come join us,” invited Mrs. Saiki.

“Yeah, let’s go!” cheered Nendou as the others agreed.

Poor Saiki had become black and white and blank.

“Saiki? Saiki?” (Y/N) waved a hand in front of his eyes. Oh, man. This really did a number on you!

“Whoa! These mashed chestnuts totally rock!” said Nendou as he ate.

“Go ahead and have as much as you like!” said Mrs. Saiki.

Saiki sat in a corner, trying to avoid the festivities. (Y/N) was sitting in the sun next to him. Like a cat, they were almost napping in the warm light.

“It’s very delicious! Please teach me how to make it sometime,” complimented Teruhashi.

“Of course! It would be my pleasure!” said Mrs. Saiki.

“You’ll make a good wife, Teruhashi,” commented Mr. Saiki.

“I’m flattered!” gushed Teruhashi.

That is not the option I want anyone to consider.

…Not that there is any option.

“Everyone, thank you for being good friends with Kuu,” said Mrs. Saiki honestly.

“No need for thanks!” Hairo grinned.

“We’re his friends because we want to be,” said (Y/N), stretching and smiling.

Saiki liked that idea, strangely. He could make people do whatever he wanted, but to know some people just wanted to be around him was nice.

“Yeah, you’re right, sorry,” said Mrs. Saiki emotionally. “I’m just so happy. He’s always had very few friends because he’s a psychic.”

Everyone froze after that statement. Silence fell over the room.

Yare yare.

Saiki’s eyes immediately darted over to gage (Y/N)’s reaction. They tilted their head in confusion and glanced between him and his mom questioningly. However, there didn’t seem to be any hostility or fright on their face. Saiki was thankful for that.

“Honey, you probably shouldn’t have said that,” said Mr. Saiki.

“What?” Mrs. Saiki clearly hadn’t planned to say that.

“He’s a…psychic?” asked (Y/N). “What do you mean by that?”

Mrs. Saiki paled as she realized what she had revealed.

“Honey, you should say something,” said Mr. Saiki.

“O-Oh,” stammered Mrs. Saiki.

Calm down. This is nothing to panic over. Nobody is taking this seriously. Well… Saiki glanced over at (Y/N) who was looking intently at him as if realizing something. Most of them aren’t. They may be a problem. As usual, (Y/N) was observant at all the wrong moments.

Mr. Saiki coughed awkwardly. “Well…” He attempted to change the subject. “Do you guys know the logo of Shonen Jump?” he asked nervously. “You know, the pirate symbol?”

“Yes, I do know it,” said Hairo, slightly confused.

“If you turn it ninety degrees, it looks like the profile of a girl,” said Mr. Saiki. “Well…I just thought I’d point that out.”

The teenagers still looked awkwardly at him and his family. Finally, Nendou looks at a manga.

“Oh! Whoa! Cool! It really does!” exclaimed Nendou. “Here, look at this!”

“You’re right! It does!” realized Hairo.

“It looks like she’s wearing a skull hairclip,” remarked Kaidou.

“I guess it does look like a girl,” said (Y/N). They remained distracted, however, and kept glancing back at Saiki questioningly. They weren’t as mollified as the rest of the group.

Yare yare. I have no choice. I need another distraction. Using his powers, he knocked over a water glass and made it seem like Hairo had done it.

“Oh, no! I’m sorry,” apologized Hairo as the water soaked the tablecloth.

“Oh, no! I’ll bring a dishcloth!” cried Mrs. Saiki.

The night ended with the incident, finishing any talk of Saiki’s psychic abilities. After dinner, the teenagers said their thanks and began to walk back to their houses together.

“I didn’t expect Saiki’s parents to be so cheerful,” said Kaidou.

“Yeah,” agreed Nendou.

“At any rate, have you no manners?! You sure made yourself at home,” said Kaidou.

“What?! Hey, you were the one talking all funny! What was that about?!” cried Nendou.

“Now, now. It’s New Year’s. Let’s not ruin it by fighting,” admonished Teruhashi angelically.

“More importantly…” (Y/N) suddenly spoke up after thinking hard. “I wonder what Saiki’s mom meant about him being a psychic.”

“Oh, that…I wonder what that was about,” said Hairo. “That made things kinda awkward, didn’t it?”

Saiki teleported behind a telephone pole. Yare yare. They couldn’t undo the damage after all.

“She was probably just joking,” said Kaidou.

“But they did suddenly change the subject…” pointed out (Y/N).

“Yeah, it definitely was a little strange,” said Hairo.

“But Saiki’s mom is a little unusual, so…” said Nendou cheerfully.

Don’t say that about my mom.

“But they really dodged the subject,” remembered (Y/N).

You really become observant at the most inopportune times.

“I thought it might be true for a second,” admitted Hairo.

“That’s silly,” scoffed Kaidou, acting tough.

“I was just kidding,” said Hairo.

At the next crossroads, they all split up to head to their respective houses. Each teenager was now alone.

As (Y/N) walked, they continued to ponder on what had happened at dinner. Especially the incident with the water spill. (Y/N) knew it had seemed that Hairo knocked the glass over, but…his elbow never touched it. Could it be possible? It seemed outlandish, and yet…(Y/N) couldn’t help but think it made sense. Could Saiki really be a—

Thwack.

Sorry, (Y/N). I can’t have anyone know. Saiki sighed as he watched (Y/N) walk away. He could only hope that their germanium earrings wouldn’t negate his Nanana stick and memory altering.

Saiki was half-pleased. His memory altering had been successful on Nendou, Teruhashi, Kaidou, and Hairo, but now they all had annoying misconceptions of what Mrs. Saiki said. The only person he was unsure about was (Y/N). He couldn’t read their thoughts, so he had no idea what she thought. As (Y/N) waved to him as he sat down for school, however, they clearly “remembered” what Mrs. Saiki said.

Saiki’s never had many friends because few people understand him.

(Y/N) smiled to themself. Saiki…You’re an enigma incarnate, but…I want to be your friend. Through thick and thin, I want to be by your side. I want to try to understand you, if you let me. I hope you’ll let me…because I really care.

Those sentiments had been hidden quite deeply before, but as (Y/N) thought them, they took root, and something new bloomed in their heart.

Oh dear, thought (Y/N) as that something new grew unbidden. Their eyes widened, and they touched their heart. I have a crush on Saiki.

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peppertoastuniverse · 5 months ago

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more than a late night snack: – gojo satoru chapter 2: pocari sweat

contents: geto suguru & reader, gojo satoru x reader, tw!ptsd, suguru being a good friend, shoko cameo, satoru being down bad and not knowing it yet, you and geto basically bully gojo lol summary: sparring with geto is always difficult, but with gojo’s new found interest in you, it’s proving to be a different challenge all together.

wc: 3.2K

“here, for beating this animal.” he offers the bottle of pocari sweat to you, ignoring geto’s eye roll behind him. gojo shakes the bottle slightly when you hesitate. “c’mon take it.” “… uh thanks, gojo,” suspiciously eying him. that was strangely… thoughtful of him. what’s his deal?

previous chapter ll master list ll next chapter

once again you were lying on your back, panting, his wide frame leaning over you with a small taunting grin on his face.

god, he was good. so fucking good – it almost infuriated you. he always knew what to do to get you into this position. geto was undoubtably strong and skilled, you couldn't help but call on him every chance you got – embarrassingly sometimes even twice a day. at first he was too gentle and hesitant with you until you practically had to beg him to show you no mercy – which is how you landed on your back for the millionth time that day. you groaned, feeling little annoyed, humbled and sweaty. a part of you thought he liked the extra cardio, but deep down you knew that there was a competitive part of him that just liked to win.

“ready to go again?” he asks slightly out of breath. geto gracefully unties his long hair from his messy bun, before combing his fingers roughly through his hair to redo the knot. a few months ago you shyly asked geto if he could help you improve your hand-to-hand combat and you were grateful when graciously he agreed. you needed the practice. so a few times a week you met geto at the school gym. he was a good teacher, giving you pointers here and there, encouragingly suggesting adjustments to your technique. you were improving, slowly but surely. you winced still on the ground, a frustrated hand passing over your face. “i know i pinned you last time, but today it seems impossible.”

“well, you’re more distracted today and a little more .. impulsive,” he thoughtfully hums, hand over his mouth. “what’s been on your mind?” “I.. uh..just – ” you exhale, hollow eyes looking to the ceiling of the gym. a part of yourself was still back in shirakawa were you could hear the distant screaming, smell the mutilated bodies and the blood pooled at your feet – “…hm?” geto prompts you patiently, crouching down to lay beside you on the gym mats, still looking into your eyes. geto was two opposites at once, a soft contradiction. he had an intense stare but a gentle way about him that made you feel heard and reassured but simultaneously you knew that if he really wanted to, geto would be able to coax absolutely anything from you without any real effort. his domineering strength matched his silent resilience and you weren’t sure what to fully make of him just yet. you stared into his amethyst eyes hesitantly, debating on if you trusted him enough for this yet. it’s not that you didn’t like geto, you were probably the closest to him in your year – but that wasn’t really saying that much – like everyone else you kept him at a safe distance. but you weren't sure if you were ready yet.

sensing your reluctance, geto joins you in looking up in at the ceiling, hiding his almost clairvoyant stare ".. i'm only asking because i've been a little worried.” you hummed quietly in acknowledgement fiddling with your fingers that rested on your stomach, unsure of what to say or where he was going with this.

“…you've be more quiet, like in your head a bit more, you know? shoko asked about you the other day and even satoru noticed." he continues thoughtfully. geto wasn’t sure what was going on with you, but he felt as if you were slowly slipping away. retreating into some cruel sanctuary where no one could follow. he could almost see through you, a shell his words would go through, disappearing into the void that occupied your seat. you weren’t joining them in the kitchen for meals anymore and you seemed to be even more reserved than before, even skipping sparring practice with him using a thinly veiled excuse of fatigue. your eyes were clouded and were weighed down by the dark rings that hung around them.

you sighed unsteadily, focusing on specific a beam on the ceiling.

you were growing more and more aware of the weight that you were carrying for two weeks. the burden almost suffocating you pressing against your lungs, squeezing so deeply that you were nearly drowning from the inside out. you were certain there was deep scarring left behind. the scars of regret, guilt and fear that reverberated in your cavity, in the voice of the little grandma that made you udon, the young girl you let braid your hair, the man who gave you some daikon just because, the woman with the short hair who- dead. all dead.

geto’s honeyed tone calls your name, tethering you back to reality. throwing you a buoy to keep your struggling mind above the rapids. geto’s presence was calming, and his smooth voice was helping chase away your racing thoughts. with him you felt comfortable, safe even … maybe he had the potential to be someone that you could fully trust. you reluctantly rolled over on your side to finally look directly at him, making a decision.

“i’ve been.. having these dreams.” “...dreams?” “mhm… of shirakawa.” voice trembling, hands curling into fists, voice shaking slightly.

a pregnant pause of realization. geto’s eyes widen in understanding. he chastises himself – that would make sense, why didn’t he see it earlier? your strange behaviour started after that mission, your face paled when ieri casually asked about it the other day. nightmares were an unspoken byproduct of the job of being a sorcerer. even geto had lingering thoughts of certain missions that have gone astray and was often disgusted with what he saw on the battlefield. overtime he was starting to grow saddened with how other sorcerers – his friends– were being affected by the horrors of the job. duty. a choice to suffer for the greater good – a necessary sacrifice. it was a sobering realization.

his hand taps antsily on his stomach he turns his head to you feeling your shy stare. geto rolls over to his side, mirroring you, studying your struggling expression. gently he inches closer to you and reaches over. he engulfs your shaking fist in his larger warm hand. lightly squeezing, geto successfully easing your shaking. the rough waves of guilt within you calmed to the rhythm of his slow breathing. his quiet reassurance and acknowledgement of your struggles simultaneously squeezes your chest, protecting you from your intrusive thoughts. you shut your eyes as you feel his thumb moving back and forth – a sympathetic reminder of his understanding. after some time, you open your eyes. "...thanks geto," you say faintly, not trusting your voice for much more, you already felt too vulnerable.

“hm? for what?”

“for.. for this.”

withdrawing his hand, his violet eyes soften as you see the beginnings of a small smile forming, "y'know you can call me suguru, right?"

“…I can?” “yeah! ‘course you can. we’ve known each other for like – what like almost 6 months now?”

“yeah, something like that...”

“yeah so, we’re friends right?”

friends.

“i.. yeah. yes. i guess we are friends.”

“so, my friends call me suguru –” he says easily, like being kind was the simplest thing in the world. he amazed you. "hmm, i dunno because gojo calls you baby. so… i wanted to be sure," you tease. "oh? you can call me baby too if that's what you're comfortable with." geto says amused, elbow upright to support his head, his bangs falling over his eyes. your surprised face carves out a chuckle, a rusty sound to even your own ears. pleased with himself, geto grins wider. he hasn’t heard that sound in at least a week or two but he had a strong suspicion that there a certain person was dying to hear it. geto liked that you were smiling again. “careful,” you warn eyebrow quirked, “gojo might get jealous,” eyes looking livelier, body bending into a seated position with a stretch.

geto snorts. “i’m sure satoru can deal.” “I think you overestimate gojo's maturity. just don’t blame me if he starts moaning and groaning for the next year about this…” “alright, just say he’s a little shit..,” you grin at his honestly, feeling lighter than you had in the last week.

“hey… c’mon let’s see if you can get me this time,” geto says rising to his feet challengingly. “oh, don’t worry – I definitely will.”

footsteps echoing, gojo walked through the halls. he carded his long fingers through his hair mindlessly, sighing. it was a rare day when he didn’t have a mission or class and he was bored beyond reason. he was restless - the accumulation of bottled energy within him swirling, brewing dangerously, threatening to bubble over any minute now.

he had already been kicked out of ieri’s room for complaining too much.

“ – but listen, i don’t really understand what the big deal is. suguru goes on and on about it like god’s greatest gift to man but it’s literally just soba and you dip that shit in a sauce. you even have to dip it yourself – like if im paying for that shit I’d want someone to dip it for me. why do I have to put in the effort when im paying to have an experience, y’know? and don’t get me started on the temperature, why the fuck is it col–“ “holy shit, gojo. give it a rest oh my god.” yikes. last name. “but shokooooo,” his voice going up in pitch gratingly, “these are very important thoughts from a very important person!” “and who would that be? you’ve been talking about zaru soba for like 20 minutes!” ieri counters, head leaning on her closed fist, not even bothering to look at gojo as she flipped through a magazine at her desk. gojo huffs, lip jutted out. “no one appreciates me here.” “dude, i told you, im in the middle of something!” “you’ve been reading for hours! you said you’d be done a billion years ago.” gojo whines lying on floor of ieri’s bedroom, foot tapping out an impatient rhythm on the leg of the chair that she was currently sitting on. she scoffs, half amused and half annoyed, light brown eyes flickering to blue. “go bug the others, then! they’re probably still sparring in the gym.” “ehhh? sparring, what now?” “mm? yeah. suguru’s helping with their hand to hand combat. they’ve been meeting up pretty frequently.” not bothering to look up at what she knew was gojo’s dramatic pout.

he scoffed at the memory. they could’ve asked me to help them with sparring. why didn’t they ask me?

subconsciously he found himself at your door, his feet carrying him without his mind even realizing it. gojo found that his mind wandered to you a lot more than usual after that night. he couldn’t get your hollow expression out of his head, or your soft, gravelly voice when you were about 2 seconds away from slumber, or the way your warm body felt when he carried you back to your room, or how you would rock back and forth while waiting for the udon to cook. there was just something about you, he just couldn't help it. he was starting to see parts of you in places where he least expected it and it always bewildered him.

halting suddenly, chuckling as he decides to stop by the gym just to see if geto would want to go with him to the arcade and if you happened to there too, so what? but maybe he could convince you both to go… turning around with a new plan and a mischievous smile, gojo hesitantly stops by the vending machine.

you definitely couldn’t get him. once again you were on your back, sweating but this time panting heavily. geto’s figure towering over you. “this time was better. but you gotta remember to watch your left – “ before he could even finish that thought, you sweep his legs from under him with your left leg. geto lands on the mats beneath with a surprised grunt as you quickly pin him, throwing your legs on either side of his abdomen, sitting on him triumphantly.

“how’s that for my left leg?” leaning your face slightly down to his, grinning cheekily.

geto groans, shifting slightly “…this doesn’t count you know.” annoyed at the injustice.

you giggle breaks your annoyed facade, “what?! how does this no-“

you’re interrupted by an echoing thud. two cautious heads whip to the source of the intrusion. a cold bottle of pocari sweat curiously rolls towards you, the explanation following behind: a mop of unruly white hair. gojo runs his hand through his hair messily. a flicker of an indescribable expression flashes on gojo’s faltering face at the position he finds you and geto in. a mask of a grin paints his pale face – it doesn’t suit him. “ooOOOooooh fun! sparring looks like fun. can I join?” eyebrows wriggling suggestively. “ugh. grow up gojo” you say with a frown. gojo starts making his way to you both while picking up the abandoned bottle and placing it upright on the mat. “what? if you wanted to straddle someone as a friend you could’ve just asked me, babe. sugu never lets me straddle him and i’ve even ask-” “satoru. ” geto’s eyes narrow in warning.

“fine baby, fine. our little secret then.” gojo grins widely, smile not reaching his frosty eyes. geto scoffs shaking his head, no doubt mentally running through his arsenal of curses trying to decide which one to unleash on gojo first. geto delicately pats your upper thigh to motion you to get up, easily taking the hint you rise to your feet. geto doesn’t miss blue eyes narrowing at the contact, fist tightening slightly, causing an amused smile to break on geto’s face. you stick your tongue out at gojo, already annoyed. geto had an increasing suspicion that gojo was interested in you regardless of what the blue eye boy said. he saw how gojo’s body would unconsciously angle towards you whenever you were around or the way gojo would stare when you’d talk to ieri with a small smile on your face during class or how gojo would act even more insufferable when you were within a 500 foot radius. “they got you again, eh suguru? looks like you’re losing your touch!”

geto exhales through his nose, smile gone, “i didn’t think that they would play dirty,” shaking his head.

“a pin is a pin, regardless of the situation. you said that you always have to be ready, right?” you say pointedly as you reach down to offer geto a hand to help him up. but before geto could accept, gojo rushes towards him effectively knocking your hand out of the way roughly. you tsked, annoyed at gojo’s brazenness.

“oh no, suguuuu! are you hurt? did they – what did they do to my baby?!” gojo wails dramatically, clutching geto’s arm before moving behind him to fuss his shoulders.

“what the hell, dude? mmpffffff get off of me, you–“ gojo’s two hands squishing geto’s face from behind attempting to climb onto the dark haired boy’s back in a makeshift piggy back. geto tries to shake his best friend off by grabbing gojo’s arms and attempting to pull him into a headlock, knocking off the dark glasses of his pale face in the process.

“what do you mean? last night you didn’t say that – “ gojo whines beneath the rough housing, grabbing at geto’s torso, barking out a cackling laugh.

“you were the one who – “ geto counters, efficiently grasping gojo’s arms. gojo lets out dramatic high pitch squeal. gojo tackles the dark haired boy roughly causing geto to brightly burst out laughing. the two boys roll on the mat with fierce energy, a chaotic tangle of long limbs, grunts and mocking shouts. “babeee, help! suguru’s bullying m-“ he shouts at you, his lanky legs twisting to wrap around geto’s frame.

the assault stalls when gojo hears your bright laughter – the first sighting of water in the desert of his heart, unknown yet if it was a mirage. sensing gojo’s hesitation, geto slowly eases his hold on gojo, eyebrows raised, head turning to see the cause.

ah. of course.

panting, geto dusts himself off while watching gojo. his blue eyes watch your head thrown back, laugher etched even in your eyes. the smallest spark, the soft sunrise after two weeks of rain.

“you’re ridiculous,” you comment, head shaking.

“i’m ridiculous? you didn’t help me at all!” gojo counters childishly. you bend over to pick up gojo's dark glasses – a casualty from the boys’ recklessness. geto smacks gojo’s arm as he notices the obvious gawking at your backside. geto cocks an eyebrow judgementally, dude. gojo rolls his eyes exasperatedly in response, his palms splayed out, what?! I wasn’t looking!! gojo smacks him back.

obliviously, you open up gojo’s dark shades, inching closer to put them onto gojo’s surprised face, fingers grazing his flushing ears. he could smell the slight vanilla and lavender scent that he remembered lingered on your skin when he carried you from the kitchen table to your room two weeks ago. his mind drifted to the memory of how you felt against him that night. soft and warm. so close that if he dared he would be able feel your steady heartbeat against his skin contrasting against the fluttering of his. you were so close and yet not close enough. holding you, he wasn't sure who was dreaming.

hiding his uncharacteristically bashfulness, he makes no mention of your singeing touch as he bends down and picks up the energy drink, condensation building on the outside of the plastic bottle.

“here, for beating this animal.” gojo jerks his head in geto’s direction while offering the bottle of pocari sweat to you, ignoring geto’s eye roll behind him. he shakes the bottle slightly when you hesitate. “c’mon take it.”

“… uh thanks, gojo,” suspiciously eying him.

that was strangely… thoughtful of him. what’s his deal? you untwist the cap and take a small sip. cool and refreshing, slightly sweet but smooth and hydrating.

“seeee? aren’t you glad I thought about you? huh, huh?” he tapping at your cheek, cheeky grin on his face. you slap his hands away from your face with an exasperated sigh. “this is when you say, thank you satoru! you’re so thoughtful and wonderful and handsome and kind and so, so sexy–“

nevermind, he’s an idiot.

“hm, suguru, you want some?” you call out to geto, turning away from the white haired menace to offer the bottle over to him.

gojo whips his head to your face, narrowed stormy blue eyes darting between you and geto. he felt a foreign feeling take over his chest. it surges within him, breathing hard to burrow its claws along the bottom of his tense stomach, green eyed, hot tempered and absolutely ravenous.

he mentally makes a note to stop by ieri’s room again, he wasn’t feeling like himself – must be some strange after effect from that last curse back in Osaka the other day.

..wait were you looking at.. suguru like that? why are you always thinking about him when he was right her– wait one fucking second. suguru? why’s he called suguru when i’m –

he whines your name “since when do you call him suguru?” furrowing his white brows.

“… isn’t that his name?" you question, moving slightly closer to geto as he takes the bottle from your outstretched arm thankfully before taking a swing.

“yeah but you call me gojo!!” you and geto exchange a look.

“oh here we go…” you hear geto mutter under his breath, recapping the bottle before handing back to you. “uhh…. isn’t that your name?” “i thought we were closer than that, babe.” gojo eyes you, glasses down his slender nose, crystal eyes theatrically watery.

“well the difference is that I actually like suguru,” you deadpan, stretching out your back.

“hey, don’t joke like that!” he pouts as he moves closer to you. hand over his chest like you’ve gravely wounded him. and you have.

“it’s only what you deserve, gojo,” you say lightly patting his shoulder before walking past him to go address geto.

"you’re so mean to me, babe!" gojo yells at your retreating figure. “anyway, same time next week?” you say glancing at geto, swiftly walking across the gym, holding the half full energy drink in your hand. geto chuckles, waving to you, ignoring gojo's annoyed mutters, cursed energy dangerously swirling.

"thanks for today, baby." you say over your shoulder, eyes bright. before crossing the threshold of the gym. you hear an incredulous shout:

“BABY!?!”

a/n: my love language is bullying gojo this chapter was very geto-centric but i can't help but love a princess -- head image credit: unknown! credit goes to the rightful artists dividers from: @/adornedwithlight

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queenpiranhadon · 7 months ago

Text

You were a scholar, and a traveler, traversing the lands for scrolls, books, stories, anything that acted as a tome of knowledge for your studies.

Today however, was different. Usually when you went on your journeys, you searched for a specific title, a single book. But after months of research, you decided to set your sights bigger.

You were looking for a library.

Months upon months of rummaging through cartographs, you wondered if you'd ever find the rumored Library of the Clouds, allegedly located in a forest shrouded in mist so thick, it resembled that of the clouds in the sky.

Many said the library was magic - though the books would've been damaged beyond repair due to the heavy moisture, the magical aura surrounding the building said to be so powerful it preserved thousands of books for centuries.

But no one had found it ; until now, at least

The forest was thick - you found its location after seeking the guidance of the clairvoyants that resided in the north. The amount of moisture in the air was suffocating, making it hard to breathe, every gust of stray wind sent a chill straight to your bones.

But you had to keep going.

Through the haze, you see the faint outline of a building - was this it? Your heart leapt in your chest. Months of tireless work all accumulated to this exact moment.

Dashing to the entrance, your hands find their way to the weathered wooden door, ornate carvings decorate the border - they were barely recognizable, you could only make out a few of them. You saw a frog, maybe, and was that glass shoe? You were puzzled at the odd assortment, but brush past it, opening the door and stepping inside.

Creeaak.

Lighting the wick in your lantern, you step inside the dark library, noticing all the shelves were empty.

Your heart sinks.

Was all of this for nothing?

Suddenly, you see a faint light in the corner of your eye.

A ray of light shines onto a podium in the corner, with a book lying on it, sparking your curiosity. Maybe not all was lost...

You make your way over, your breath caught in your throat as you read the title.

It was your name.

With a jarring realization as you skim the table of contents, you realize that all the different stories in the book are about you.

With trembling fingers, you flip and page, and begin to read.

「𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖝𝖊𝖈𝖚𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖗」 - @queenpiranhadon

Pairing: Katsuki Bakugou x Reader

Syn: You are screwed. After falling into a seemingly endless rabbithole, you find yourself in the world of Wonderland. In a moment of desperation, you accidentally eat some tarts, unaware they belonged to the Queen. You now await your execution in a cell, unaware that someone is considering providing you aid.

「𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖗」 - @cashmoneyyysstuff

Pairing: Shoto Todoroki x Reader

Syn: You're finally on break from work and plan to spend it lazing around at home, there isn't that much to do in your small beach town anyway. However, your plans are disrupted when you find a mysterious mute man washed up on the shore during a beachside walk. Well who said you had to spend your vacation alone? Especially since he seems strangely familiar with you...

「𝕿𝖗𝖚𝖊 𝕷𝖔𝓿𝖊'𝖘 𝕶𝖎𝖘𝖘」 - @tootiecakes234

Pairing: Kento Nanami x Reader

Syn: Kento’s wife finds out he’s been hit by a curse and turned into a frog. Only true love’s kiss can cure him.

「𝖂𝖍𝖎𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕾𝖓𝖔𝖜 」 - @starieq

Pairing: Shota Aizawa x Reader

Syn: In a modern retelling of the classic Snow White story, Aizawa, a stoic yet compassionate prince, finds himself drawn to you, a kind-hearted individual with a love for animals and nature. So what like Snow White, possesses an innate charm that captures Aizawa's attention. However, their budding romance is not without its challenges. Aizawa's duties as a prince and your ordinary life collide when a jealous rival, envious of their connection, tries to sabotage their relationship. With the help of Aizawa's friends and allies, including his fellow students from U.A. High, they navigate through trials and tribulations, ultimately proving that love conquers all. Amidst the backdrop of modern-day Tokyo, Aizawa and your love story unfolds, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and heroism in a tale as timeless as Snow White herself.

「𝕬 𝕿𝖍𝖔𝖚𝖘𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝕸𝖎𝖉𝖓𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖘」 - @sweetnans

Pairing: Ejiro Kirishima x Reader

Syn: Pro Hero masquerade dance. The new theme of the annual gathering between Pro Heroes, where all of the Heroes in Japan were invited to spend a great night, putting aside their violent and dangerous duty. You were eager to go. You've never attended these kinds of parties because you always volunteer to cover anyone's shift only to not assist. Now your boss was on your heels, making it a mandatory part of the job just for you. The anxiety you felt upon going to these parties was something that got you bouncing your legs for weeks, but it was a relief that this time you could hide yourself underneath a mask. You had your dress and your masquerade already folded and tugged in the back of your car, waiting for you to decide to grow a pair of ovaries and get changed to go inside. You never thought that you could loosen up a little in the company of that mysterious red-head man who couldn't keep his eyes and hands off you. But damn, a call from reality snapped your senses that were fully clouded by the man himself when your beeper started to sound obnoxiously because of an emergency. You had to run off even if you didn't want to, leaving no trace behind except for one thing...your hero ID

「𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕸𝖆𝖋𝖎𝖔𝖘𝖔’𝖘 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊𝖘𝖘」 - @seonne

Pairing: Chuuya Nakahara x Reader

Syn: The mission was simple: Go undercover at the mansion of a rich Indian businessman and steal his most precious gem... his daughter, his princess. All was going well until Chuuya had to go and fall in love with the little troublemaker and the problems start when Mori notices the lag in time of the completion of the mission...

「𝕰𝖒𝖕𝖎𝖗𝖊'𝖘 𝕯𝖚𝖘𝖐」 - @lovelyiida

Pairing: Tenya Iida x Reader

Syn: In modern day, Tenya Iida is the heir to his family's multi-billion dollar company. As the horizon shines bright for the young hero's future, a deep envy sings within the depths of the shadows. Suddenly, the hero is cast into a deep slumber. It is up to you, an average girl, to wake him up from his destined eternal beauty sleep. Will you meet the task?

「 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕻𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖍𝖊𝖈𝖞 𝖔𝖋 𝕺𝖟 」 - @lady-ashfade

Pairing: Percy Jackson x Reader

Syn: Three champions choose their next grand quest, the journey to an unknown island to speak to a wizard. Enemies lying at every twist and turn, but all they have to do is follow the yellow brick road.

「𝕱𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖍 𝕭𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖉 𝕲𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖘」 - @4evapika

Pairing: Satoru Gojo x Reader

Syn: A trip to treat your ill grandmother ends up getting you treated instead.

「 𝕴 𝕾𝖊𝖊 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕷𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 」 - @angels-fantasy

Pairing: Keigo Takami x Reader

Syn: When you're locked inside of a tower for your whole life, the thing you wish for the most is freedom. Luckily on your 18th birthday, your tower is intruded by a charismatic man who's able to grant you that wish.

「𝕿𝖆𝖑𝖊 𝕬𝖘 𝕺𝖑𝖉 𝕬𝖘 𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊」 - @2melamoo2

Pairing: Dabi/Touya Todoroki x Reader

Syn: All you wanted was to finally get back to your village with your little library, however, it seems like the world has different plans involving a castle, a rose, and maybe finding your true love disguised as a beast.

「𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕻𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝕿𝖍𝖎𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖘」 - @vexis-world

Pairing: Mirio Togata x Reader

Syn: Mirio's mission: help those in need. He was good at this. This is what he did! He promised himself that he would help as many people as he could. He, day in day out would, selflessly. - putting himself at risk to help his community. One day however, he meets a young maiden. A woman who he just can't seem to get off his mind..

A/N: Hi everyone!! I’m super excited to be releasing this event- these super talented writers have been working hard since mid June, others later, to bring this event to you and I am ecstatic to be able to post the masterlist :) This is acting as my 500 followers event as most of my followers are here to enjoy my writing and it means the world to me that so many people enjoy reading something I love to do :) I sincerely thank all of you to the clouds and back <3 And an extra big thank you to all the writers in this event- you all took time out of your busy schedules to help bring this all together- I am in awe of all of your talents and I’m so grateful to have you all apart of this. Just a side note- Some of the story bios are incomplete, I am aware of that, and they will have information when I can receive it. Posting for the stories will start around the first or second week of July- dates aren’t out yet, but they will be soon :) If you want to join the taglist, let me know!! I’m giving extra time before stories are released so people can be tagged for the stories they want :) You can contact me through DMs, ask, or through reblogs and replies. I love you all, have a great day/night <3

- Kae

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erosastro · 1 year ago

Text

Astro Observations🧡

🏵️ I don't know what it is about air signs (particularly Aquarius) that are so attracted to water signs.... like yall know it's not gonna work but yall will still go after them and even the water signs, I think they see the air signs as you know the "I can fix him" type

🏵️ Saturn in 7th house natal indicates getting married at a later stage in life because saturn is a planet of challenges/obstacles in the relationship house (also look at good/bad aspects that may help or delay it even more).

🏵️ Libras are all about balance, yet they're the most indecisive mfs I've ever met especially Libra Sun/Moon and Venus.

🏵️Cancer Suns/Moons and Libra Sun/Moon and sometimes Capricorn Suns are some of the best dressed people I've met, even going to the grocery store, they gotta look good.

🏵️Inconjunct signs can either work really well together or they're the worst of enemies. I've noticed with these couples that things are good in the beginning and as the relationship goes on, things can get really sour between them. But a lot of these signs are so attracted to each other and I think it's because they're so different from each other. (Particularly Leo x Capricorn, Aries x Scorpio, Aquarius x Cancer and Libra x Pisces)

🏵️ A lot of tarot readers/clairvoyants I've noticed have fire placements, particularly Aries.

🏵️Uranus transiting your 7th house can bring you a lot of weird relationships and very off and on relationships/situationships.

🏵️People with air sign stelliums (no matter the house ~ to an extent) tend to be very disconnected to their emotions but also their love is very unique, particularly Aquarius stellium. They'll be in a five year relationship but will move on very quickly. Don't take it personally it's just in their nature.

🏵️Mars in Sagittarius men are very well built down there if you catch my drift and the women are very... uh mesmerizing down there let's just say that

🏵️Everybody thinking Scorpios are the kinkiest mfs and they are kinky af but yall dunno about how kinky virgos are.... 👀 I see you Virgo

🏵️Some of the most beautiful people I've met have Sagittarius Suns or Risings. Idk how or what it is about them but they're all so gorgeous (or maybe my gemini sun is very attracted to my sister sign go figure but I feel like this is objective too)

🏵️Gonna go back to air signs being detached when it comes to love specifically romantic love. It is true but like I said before, their love is also one of a kind. Air sign placements are just very protective of their heart because deep down they're emotional mfs (Airs signs are after all ruled by the heart Chakra)

#astro notes #astro observations #astro placements #astrology

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frodothefair · 2 months ago

Text

The United States of Fanfiction vs. Project 2025

Hello, friends!

I happen to be passionate about free speech, and fandom in particular, and since I've been seeing a number of posts to the tune of "Project 2025 is going to ban (and potentially criminalize) fanfiction," I’ve decided to take a deep dive into the issue over the last 24 hours. I’ve done a decent amount of research between other tasks, and I've asked my spouse – who is more politically aware than I am – to explain an embarrassing number of things to me like I'm five. The following is a result of my efforts, and it pertains to Project 2025 as it may affect freedom of speech as well as fandom.

This is not a diagnostic, or a clairvoyant look. I will get some things wrong, and so will anyone else who attempts to predict the future. But feel free to conversate with me, correct me, and contribute your own takes.

The tl/dr version of this article is as follows:

Project 2025 is an ethos and a "wish list" put out by a conservative think tank. It is not a law, a bill, or any kind of concrete action.

No content will become illegal that isn't already.

The IS a concrete law called KOSA that's been making its way through the federal legislature for the last 2-3 years. It is meant to require for-profit platforms (aka not AO3, but yes Tumblr) to funnel certain "harmful" content away from their users who are minors. If you support free speech and the actual safety of kids online, you should OPPOSE this bill. That is a concrete thing you can do. But again, no content is suddenly being outlawed or banned.

For those who want to know more, without further ado... Brace yourselves, this is going to be long.

Unsurprisingly, there seems to be a decent amount of misinformation on this issue.

I'll say right off the bat -- Project 2025 is a huge problem and it is scary, because it aims to dismantle a lot of the freedoms and government structures we take for granted.

But here is what Project 2025 ISN'T.

It is NOT a law, and it is NOT a bill.

Rather, it is a broad, 900-page "wish list" put out by an ultra-conservative think tank called The Heritage Foundation, which has existed since the 80's. A lot of actual conservatives consider it frankly crazy.

There are a number of staff from Trump's first administration who have joined The Heritage Foundation over the past several years. At least one of those people, Trump has hired back. Outside of that, he has gone back and forth about his views on Project 2025, as he does on most things.

Now, what are think tanks? They're exactly what they sound like. They think. And they put out really long documents aimed at influencing policymaking. They do not actually make the policies, but they aspire to carve their ideological pathways into the minds of those who do.

Now, how are laws actually made? Laws are proposed in the House of Representatives or the senate. By representatives and senators. They then take a really long time and a lot of back and forth to pass. The president, his cabinet, and various other stakeholders such as think tanks and lobbyists (people with lots of money who make it their business to hassle lawmakers) can influence the legislative process. Then, once laws get passed after much trial and tribulation, they may get challenged in various courts as unconstitutional. Trump in particular can influence the legislative process by appointing judges who will make decisions aligning with his ideology. (Think what he has done to the Supreme Court).

Now, back to Project 2025, the section everyone in fandom seems to be worried about runs as follows:

"Pornography, manifested today in the omnipresent propagation of transgender ideology and sexualization of children, for instance, is not a political Gordian knot inextricably binding up disparate claims about free speech, property rights, sexual liberation, and child welfare. It has no claim to First Amendment protection. Its purveyors are child predators and misogynistic exploiters of women. Their product is as addictive as any illicit drug and as psychologically destructive as any crime. Pornography should be outlawed. The people who produce and distribute it should be imprisoned. Educators and public librarians who purvey it should be classed as registered sex offenders. And telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate its spread should be shuttered."

Take note of the language. Its tone is that of incendiary rhetoric, not law. It tells its readers (which it assumes are Trump loyalists) that the end-goal is a total crackdown on pornography – whatever it decides that is. But these pie-in-the-sky discursive acrobatics simply don’t land. They are a what without any semblance of a how. And while that vagueness is inherently terrifying (because a lack of firm definitions always suits those in power), please do not lose sight of the fact that the Project 2025 lays out Napoleonic plans without any hint at how they will be accomplished.

Law, and actual legal documents go into excruciating detail as to who, what, when, where, and how will be affected. They make at least some attempt to describe what is and isn’t under a law's jurisdiction.

While Project 2025 indeed sets an frightening ethos, it does not give a blueprint. What is lost in the terrifying vision it proposes is how hard it would be to implement their ideas on the mass scale they are proposing.

That being said, we absolutely need to be vigilant for any initiatives that align with those views. Because chances are, if we do nothing, the freedoms will erode gradually, similar to a "frog in the pot" phenomenon, where the temperature goes up one degree at a time until the frog is cooked.

There are concrete things to worry about. And some of them are lost in the blinding Mercury effect that is Project 2025. One of them in particular already has a head start.

I am talking of course about KOSA (the Kids Online Safety Act), which is making its way through the federal legislature and has been... for the last 2-3 years. Many people have identified it as a "Censorship Bill in Disguise" that mandates for-profit websites to "protect" their underage users from certain "harmful" material.

What does this mean in practice? That is tech companies are aware that a user is a minor (there is some info floating around that this will be done by government ID's, but that's not actually written into the law), then they will be required to funnel certain material away from them. ***Specifically, algorithms and other design elements will not be allowed to suggest certain content to minors, though that content will still be hostable and searchable.***

The obvious problem is that what's "harmful" may be broadly defined, and there is concern that kids will not be able to access information about LBGTQ+, mental health, reproductive rights, etc.

But again, here's what NOT happening. Unlike the language of Project 2025, nothing is being criminalized for creators. In other words, no, you will not go to jail for writing fanfiction, and fanfiction will not be illegal, no matter what it’s about. Nothing that is of an "adult" nature will actually be illegal that isn't already. The law is a mandate on the tech companies to funnel it away from their underage users. ***Importantly, they are not required to delete or "block" any content -- they just can't suggest it or push it to underage users via algorithms or other "design features." Of course, this is easier said than done, and the tech companies may in fact short-circuit compliance by changing their TOS to avoid hosting certain material to begin with, and they may still delete content, and no, none of this is good or even "not that bad," but this does not translate to an automatic, blanket ban.***

Critically, as the proposed KOSA law is written now, nonprofits like AO3 are exempt. But tumblr is not, tiktok is not, instagram is not. So fandom will be affected, but not universally.

(That is, AO3 is exempt for now. There is a bill in progress called HR 9495 that would allow the government to strip organizations of their nonprofit status without any due process - that's scary too).

But here's the other thing. KOSA has been around since 2022, and it keeps getting blocked and rewritten in Congress. It was endorsed by Joe Biden himself -- way before Trump, before Project 2025, before all of it! In the most recent session of the House of Representatives, it stalled again before the House went on recess for the election. There is a decent amount of opposition to KOSA from the tech lobby (unsurprising) as well as from Republicans themselves, who fear that it will block kids from seeing anti-abortion rhetoric (ironic).

However, the KOSA example gives an idea of how slow the legislative bodies are to get things done. It also highlights the difference between Project 2025's extremist and incendiary language, and what is actually happening and how it happens.

So: what can we do?

The most concrete thing you can do right now is to work to stop KOSA. Part of the reason why it didn’t pass the first two times was because people protested. To this end, you may call your representatives, email them, write to them, protest peacefully if you want to. This bill is actually dangerous, and a wolf in sheep's clothing, because "protect the children" is always an easy sell to someone who's not looking closely. And you can click here to fill out a form opposing it: https://www.stopkosa.com/

But there is more!

KEEP CREATING!! We are all fundamentally creative people. Creativity awakens the senses. We will not find victory by being numb and leaving creative energy on the table. So draw. Compose. Hit publish. Hit send. And hit one another up when you’re feeling down, or when you think that your friends might need a good hello. And to my fellow writers, KEEP DYING! KEEP WRITING IT DOWN! (That’s the words of CK Williams, by the way). We are the multitude, and the more we make our voices heard the harder it is for those who would silence us to pretend it will be easy.

I’ll leave you with a few quotes from a famously bizarre French philosopher whose works Mr. Nisilë and I I ran into in college. His name was Gilles Deleuze, and he very much believed that corrupted power only works when the people on the bottom give up by giving way.

“A concept is a brick. It can be used to build a courthouse of reason. Or it can be thrown through the window.”

“If you're trapped in the dream of the Other, you're f-cked.”

“Bring something incomprehensible into the world!”

“Writing has nothing to do with meaning. It has to do with land-surveying and cartography, including the mapping of countries yet to come.”

@possiblyreallyme (You wanted to get tagged, I believe?)

#ao3 #fanfiction #project 2025 #kosa #politics

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mydayswithtarotbystella · 7 months ago

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Choosing the Good Side

Hey everyone, I’ve got a lot on my mind, and today I’m sharing some deep, raw thoughts. Recently, I had a moment of clarity after a rant years ago in my kitchen. I had to choose between standing on the good side or the bad side, and I chose the good. It was as simple as that. This choice has kept my powers intact and my spirit strong. Choosing the Good Side Despite the chaos around me, I’m…

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rooshroomsims · 29 days ago

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⚠ Dead by Daylight Legacy Challenge ☠︎︎

Dead by Daylight Legacy Challenge: Survivor Edition

General Rules:

Complete all goals for each Survivor before moving to the next generation.

You obviously don't have to name your sims after the characters or play AS the characters, these are just the themes for each gen! But you can if you'd like to!

You may move on once all goals are met, or maintain them until the next heir becomes a Young Adult.

Each heir must embody the traits and roles of their corresponding Survivor, but there’s room for interpretation.

Heirs can pursue careers or hobbies that fit their Survivor's lore or personality.

Generation 1: Sable – The Survivor

Sable is resilient, resourceful, and thrives under pressure. They are the foundation of the legacy, with a natural ability to endure tough situations.

Aesthetic Colors: Dark Gray, Forest Green Traits: Brave, Handy, Athletic, Loner Careers: Firefighter, Self-Employed Inventor, Military

Goals:

Master the Handiness and Athletic skills to represent adaptability and endurance.

Build a small, rugged home as a "safe haven," then expand it as the legacy grows.

Save at least one Sim from a fire or dangerous situation (using the Firefighter career or another rescue-related event).

Form close friendships with 3 other Sims to symbolize a Survivor's group.

Have one "trial" moment: survive a house fire, robbery, or other in-game disaster.

Generation 2: Claudette – The Botanist

Claudette is empathetic and intelligent, with a passion for healing and nature.

Aesthetic Colors: Deep Green, Yellow Traits: Loves the Outdoors, Green Thumb, Genius, Nurturing Careers: Gardener, Scientist, Self-Employed Herbalist

Goals:

Master the Gardening and Science skills.

Create a large, lush garden and rely on it for most of the household’s food.

Befriend 5 Sims and offer them "help" by improving their lives (gift plants, teach skills, etc.).

Marry a Sim who shares her passion for nature or science.

Generation 3: Dwight – The Leader

Dwight starts as an underdog but grows into a capable leader.

Aesthetic Colors: Blue, White Traits: Coward, Charismatic, Workaholic, Friendly Careers: Business, Politician, Education

Goals:

Start at the bottom of a career and rise to the top (symbolizing Dwight’s leadership growth).

Build strong relationships with coworkers or group members.

Host a gathering or party every week to maintain connections.

Help one Sim improve their life significantly (e.g., turn an enemy into a friend or boost their career).

Generation 4: Meg – The Athlete

Meg is driven, fearless, and thrives in high-pressure environments.

Aesthetic Colors: Red, Black Traits: Athletic, Brave, Hot-Headed, Daredevil Careers: Athlete, Military, Acrobat

Goals:

Master the Athletic skill and win at least 5 athletic competitions (e.g., sports games or sparring matches).

Travel to a new world (representing Meg’s running background).

Woohoo in 3 unique locations to symbolize her daring personality.

Have only one child, whom Meg raises with strict discipline and encouragement.

Generation 5: Kate – The Free Spirit

Kate is an artist with a deep love for music, nature, and life.

Aesthetic Colors: Orange, Turquoise Traits: Artistic, Virtuoso, Loves the Outdoors, Charismatic Careers: Singer, Guitarist, Painter

Goals:

Master the Guitar and Painting skills.

Perform music for tips in public spaces and build a fanbase.

Live on a large lot surrounded by nature (with minimal electronics).

Adopt a stray animal as a companion.

Generation 6: Feng – The Gamer

Feng is competitive and strategic, always planning her next move.

Aesthetic Colors: Neon Purple, Black Traits: Genius, Ambitious, Technophile, Rebellious Careers: Video Game Developer, Professional Gamer, Hacker

Goals:

Master the Logic and Video Gaming skills.

Win at least 3 gaming competitions.

Befriend a Sim from each social group (Nerd, Rebel, Jock).

Never marry, but have one child via a close friend or a one-time relationship.

Generation 7: Mikaela – The Clairvoyant

Mikaela is creative and mystical, with a deep connection to storytelling and the supernatural.

Aesthetic Colors: Teal, Lavender Traits: Supernatural Fan, Bookworm, Artistic, Good Careers: Fortune Teller, Writer, Alchemist

Goals:

Master the Writing and Alchemy skills.

Write 3 best-selling novels, with at least one in the Mystery or Fantasy genre.

Own and frequently use a crystal ball (Fortune Teller career or just for roleplay).

Befriend at least 3 Supernatural Sims (e.g., witches, fairies, or vampires).

Host a “spooky gathering” (a costume or themed party) once per generation.

Protect and support other Sims by creating and gifting elixirs.

PLEASE TAG ME IF YOU DO THIS CHALLENGE I WOULD LOVEEEE TO SEE IT! (also pls dont judge this IS a work in progress!)

#sims3cc #the sims 3 #sims 3 #sims 3 screenshots #sims 3 gameplay #sims 3 legacy #sims 3 simblr #ts3cc #4t3 conversion #sims 3 build #sims legacy #sims legacy challenge #sims 3 challenge #dead by daylight #dead by daylight challenge

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raymantogether · 4 months ago

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Rayman Together Community Spotlight #3 - Clairiphi

Introduction:

Have you ever made your own Rayman comic book series? Growing up, I spent thousands of hours outside of playing the Rayman series creating comics and drawings, making my own adventures for Rayman and his friends. However, I never could create something as captivating and truly unique as the Rayman Nightmarish Series. Rayman Nightmarish stole my heart and is something that I have followed since 2020. Every few weeks to months, I eagerly anticipate the next chapter. There is something so personal about the art style and original characters, which I fell in love with. Every strip is full of personality and charm. I had the pleasure of meeting Clairiphi, AKA Chiara, during my visit to Ubisoft Milan. In person, Chiara is just as amazing as her series. So when I decided to make this Community Spotlight Series, I just had to make a segment on Chiara and her Rayman Nightmarish series.

1. Please introduce yourself.

"My name is Chiara; I go by Clairiphi on the web, and I'm a storyteller from Sardinia (Italy) who dabbles into drawing to accompany her stories. I hope one day, not too far from now, to become a professional comic writer if the comic industry in Europe gives me the chance. For now, I sadly remain an enthusiastic hobbyist."

2. What are you currently working on in the Rayman Community?

"I’ve been publishing my fan comic Rayman Nightmarish for a few years with the frequent help of my partner Francesco (@thepinna on Instagram and Cara), who is a professional illustrator and studied as a comic artist as well. Without his teaching, I would be nowhere near where I am with my skill level. He taught me how to storyboard, how to efficiently use a drawing tablet, and helped me train my writing skills. He also offers his direct artistic input from time to time, when work hours permit him (for example, while I did the storyboards and pencil sketches for chapter 11, he did inks and colors)."

3. What is your inspiration behind Rayman Nightmarish?

"One December evening I was particularly bored and haven’t been writing since the beginning of high school, but that evening I was coming from a long period of frustration regarding the school path I chose, and coincidentally, I was also back on my Rayman obsession because I was playing Legends and Origins. I had this fairy character (Waaty) and a horrific, almost lovecraftian villain (The Lighteater) in mind for a while, and all of a sudden I said, “You know what? Let’s stop daydreaming and write an actual story!” I took a huge empty notebook from my desk drawer, and a bunch of years later, here we are!"

4. For any newcomers, what is the story of Rayman Nightmarish about?

"With Rayman Nightmarish, I aimed to narrate a classic Rayman adventure, with the humor, the combats, the voyage across fantastical places... And zombies! Yeah, I love horror, and of course there was going to be a twist. But no worries! This is still a story for all ages, like Rayman always was after all. An ancient evil called The Lighteater is rising from the depths of the sea and is going to bring a dark plague that will soon turn The Glade of Dreams into The Glade of Nightmares. Of course it is Rayman's job to save the day once again, with the help of Globox and a few unexpected friends, like Waaty, the livid dead fairy with strange clairvoyant abilities...and many others along the way! Will he be able to do it this time? Very likely knowing his records, but this could actually be more challenging than he thought."

5. Is there anything new or unreleased you can share?

"I’ve actually been working on a new original fantasy series for a while. The story is already all planned, I'm in love with the characters and every process I came across during the planning of the plot. I hope with all my heart that I'll be able to bring it to life, not as a webcomic but as a fool-blown series for comic stores’ shelves."

6. What made you fall in love with the Rayman series?

"When I was a little girl, I didn’t have much social skills, and my first ever playmate, before my brother was born, was my dear cousin, who one day came to me with a copy of Rayman 3; his parents got him somewhere during a trip. That game changed my brain chemistry because as soon as I saw the fairy council level, I was hypnotized, and I wasn’t even the one playing! The music, the scenery, the jokes—I don’t know, but every time we played it, I came home wishing I was still in that world. Then a few years later, my cousin got a PS3 and gave me and my brother his PS2, Rayman Raving Rabbids, and Rayman 3. I was so happy! My first ever “comic” was a very cringy Rayman fanfiction I wrote in middle school, kind of an ancestor of Rayman Nightmarish in a way, haha! I thank my cousin every day for showing me that game that evening, and if he were still here today, I bet he would think Rayman Nightmarish looks pretty sick (especially in comparison to his middle school predecessor)."

7. What is your favorite Rayman game?

"I think it’s pretty clear by now that it’s Rayman 3 since it comes with so many dear memories, but I really liked playing both Origins and Legends in co-op with my brother when they came out. They were really fun to play with others! While I’ve always considered Rayman 3 like an intimate journey to take alone in a fantasy world, as silly as it sounds. Haha!"

8. Who is your favorite Rayman character?

"I’m going to be very unoriginal and say it’s Rayman because it’s true."

9. Tell us about your time at Ubisoft Milan.

"It was better than Disneyland! I felt like a kid again being able to hang out with a team of professionals behind a whole videogame. Not only was I happy, I felt seen, like, “Woah! These guys know I exist and even asked me to come here, hello???” Pretty surreal experience!"

10. Other than playing Rayman, what are your favorite things to do?

"I’m going to be completely honest; I haven’t been playing a Rayman game since the dawn of time. Haha! Back when I was a little girl, I wasn't much of a gamer and only played Rayman games because I didn’t care for the others. Now I love my switch, and I found many more games I love to spend time with. Rayman still has a special place in my heart, because it’s thanks to it that I found out I was actually meant for writing stories. Two of my other favorite things to do (besides writing and drawing, which are obvious) are reading books and watching movies, and in both cases, my favorite genre is horror. I also like to play fantasy TTRPG games like D&D or Pathfinder from time to time; they are very stimulating for the imagination."

11. Tell us something interesting or funny about yourself that we might not already know.

"I’ve actually graduated (both bachelor’s and master’s degree) from a music conservatory in classical piano and never taken a single class in any art school. Sometimes I feel stupid about my past choices, and sometimes I’m glad because learning to play an instrument on a professional level has helped me build discipline and time management skills that helped me greatly in the writing process."

12. Do you have any hidden talents?

"I don’t know much about "talent,” but I do love to sing in my car, and I can memorize the entire script of a movie if I like it a lot. Haha! I remember when I was in elementary school, I used to recite Madagascar to myself when it was past bedtime, but I didn’t want to sleep."

13. What is one thing you can’t live without?

"Besides my air conditioner, I think I would go insane if something happened to any of my writing devices. I keep all my notes scattered between my computer, my iPad, and many physical journals. While clouds are essential, sometimes I just need an actual piece of paper and a pencil to figure out a scene or a plot point."

Want to discover more about the Rayman Nightmarish series? This is my link tree where new readers can find the best social media platforms to either catch up with the story or stay tuned for any exciting news:

#rayman #ubisoft

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zorosangell · 2 months ago

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⛥ﾟ・。 protector: chapter twenty-six

synopsis: " you were supposed to stay a crewate, just another back to watch, " he tightened his hold, " i didn't even notice the change until i woke up one day and realized i'd take a bullet for you "

cw: violence, gore, fighting, mature themes, profanity, MAJOR/MINOR ANIME SPOILERS, follows the plot of the anime, slowww burn.

a/n: reposting from another account

If things went from bad to worse during the argument, then things went from worse to shit during the fight.

Usopp challenged Luffy to a duel for the Merry, which, of course, ended in his defeat.

Though Luffy let him keep the ship anyway.

But beyond that, the crew had gotten word that Robin was the prime suspect for the attempted murder of the mayor.

And now the whole town was after, not only her, but the entire crew.

Sanji and Chopper had ran into her while in town, but she started talking about a situation getting worse and never seeing the crew again before disappearing.

So Zoro devised a plan to capture her during her second attempt on the mayor, hoping to get some answers.

But with Usopp gone and Sanji nowhere to be found, you, Zoro, Nami, Chopper, and Luffy, knew that you would have to go at it on your own.

And as the five of you perched in a large tree outside the mayor's mansion, you couldn't help noticing the looming sense of doom in the air.

Aqua Laguna would not be the only storm coming that night...

"There sure are a lot of people out there," Chopper reported, looking down at the lawn through his binoculars.

"It's a little far, too," Luffy agreed.

"It'll be fine if you rocket through the window, right? After Robin shows up, I mean," Nami asked.

"That's right. If we make a commotion first then they'll just sneak in while we're dealing with the guards," Zoro stated, leaning against the trunk of the tree, "Let's be patient."

You sat yourself a little ways off to the side, criss-crossed, with your eyes peacefully shut, trying to meditate some clarity into the situation.

This overbearing sense of disaster had been following you ever since Usopp left the crew.

And before your little display clairvoyance on Skypiea, you had never been so fined tuned with auras like you were now.

The fluctuations and shifts, all dependent on where you were and who you were with.

It was too much for your one head.

And being able to sense impending doom, while not knowing how, when, where, or why it was coming, is a power you wouldn't wish on your greatest enemy.

But luckily, your swordsman noticed your distress, resting a hand on your shoulder to snap you out of it.

"You alright?" he asked, voice low so he didn't alert the others.

Your mind was off somewhere else, thinking, quite intently if he took the tightness of your face as any hint.

But being distracted like that, especially with your lives on the line, would be a death sentence.

"We need that head down here."

An easy guess would be it was about your powers, and how you could be doing more to help.

But there was no time to pry, so a guess is what it would have to stay.

You spared him a small smile of thanks, giving a firm nod and focusing back on the task at hand.

'She didn't answer my question...'

But the sounds of shouts from below pulled him away from his thoughts before he could act on them.

"Sounds like something's going on down there," he stated, turning to Chopper, "Whaddya see?"

"They're all kinda standing around now. But..." Chopper sighed, pulling the binoculars away from his face, "they're all huge, and armed, and angry."

"We need to be careful. Those guys have a reputation for being able to handle themselves when push comes to shove. We don't wanna rush in and do anything we're gonna regret later," Nami reminded.

"Yeah, if we try to barge in swingin', we'll just be askin' for trouble," Luffy agreed.

"Says the guy who charged-in in broad daylight..." you scoffed.

"Anyway, don't take your eyes off 'em, Chopper," Zoro instructed, eyes trained on the lawn, "We don't want any kind of surprise down there."

"Right."

"Anything happens, you let us know."

"Okay, you got it."

"I think we're gonna have a really long night ahead of us," Zoro sighed, "But if we blow our opportunity, it's over. We can't let our guard down no matter what happens."

Silence fell over the air, and the wind's sorrow filled wail was only a hint of foreshadowing to the night ahead.

"If we wanna know the truth about Robin, then it has to be tonight, or never."

"Yeah," Luffy agreed, his tone low, "I got a feeling we'll be talking to her real soon."

And as if on cue, a huge explosion went off right on the lawn, blowing most of the carpenters away.

"Whoa! Something blew up!" Chopper exclaimed.

"Yeah, no kidding..." You winced.

An entire section of the house was now on fire, and the workers were buzzing like bees around a hive trying to put it out.

"They all seem pretty worked up," Chopper noted, a little nervous.

"Yeah. There is definitely something going on right now," Zoro stated, eyes scanning over the destruction, "Alright, then. When are we gonna make our move?"

You and Chopper turned to where Luffy once was, only for him to be nowhere in sight.

'For the love of God...'

"Hey, where's Luffy?" Chopper asked.

Zoro and Nami quickly whipped their heads over, eyes going impossibly wide at the captain's absence.

"THAT IDIOT! WHAT ABOUT THE PLAN?! I THOUGHT WE WEREN'T GONNA RUSH INTO ANYTHING!" the two shouted in unison.

You sighed, resting your cheek in your palm as you looked back down at the lawn.

"Too late."

Things had gone wrong fast.

After the four of you, though really you and Zoro, fought through the hordes of Galley-La workers, you eventually made it to the hallway leading to the mayor's bedroom.

Zoro had managed to cut down the door, coincidentally, at the exact same time Luffy burst in through the wall.

Robin, along with workers Lucci, Kalifa, Kaku, and Blueno, were all standing over Iceberg's body.

They went into a long explanation of how they pulled everything off, then attacked a man named Paulie and told Robin that her job was complete.

Though Luffy wasn't too accepting of the woman's farewell.

But Blueno, the fake bartender, blocked his path, and seemed to be able to combat each and every one of Luffy's moves.

"AGH! I said out of my way!" Luffy started, using his Gum-Gum Gatling to attack the large man.

But he dodged each and every hit with ease, as if he was a piece of paper billowing in the wind.

"Whoa! Even though he's big, he sure is fast!" Chopper exclaimed, wide eyed at the sight.

Past the large man's figure, Luffy noticed Robin still making her way to the window.

"Robin!" he called, trying to run after her.

Blueno blocked him once more, distracting the boy by beginning to hop on the air.

'He can fly?!'

"Tempest..." Kalifa and Kaku wound up a kick, before using it to send Luffy flying into the hallway, "Kick!"

But the gust of wind behind it was sharp, almost as if they had swung a very large blade.

You and Zoro's eyes shot wide at the same time.

"Get down! Hurry!" the two of you shouted in unison.

All of you hit the deck together, and narrowly dodged the gigantic slash sent over your heads.

"Luffy!" you exclaimed, turned behind you to check on him.

He had been thrown pretty far.

"They did all that with a single kick? No way!" Nami muttered, examining the huge slash mark left in the wall.

"Technically, it was the sharp gust of wind that followed it," Kalifa corrected, "We call it the Tempest Kick."

Zoro broke into a dash for Kaku, the two of them clashing weapons, Kaku's being a shipbuilding tool.

Taking that as a signal, you went after Kalifa, your mace and her heel clashing as you swung.

"Such an archaic and barbaric weapon," she taunted.

You furrowed your brows, pushing off and swinging your foot instead, which had a sword coming out of it.

She backflipped out of the way, landing in a handstand and sending a kick straight to your face, but you instant formed a shield and blocked it.

"That's a very interesting devil fruit you have," she smirked, flipping upright and starting to hop on air, like Blueno did.

"God's Messenger: Army and Point!" you exclaimed, forming a whip as your feathers popped off, all going to attack her.

She was surprised for a moment as the feathers blocked her vision, and you used the whip to grab her by her ankle, ready to pull her down.

But just as you were about to, you glanced at Zoro, only to see him get punched full of holes by Kaku's finger.

"ZORO!" you shouted, eyes shooting wide as his mouth spat up a ton of blood.

'SHIT! GOTTA GET OVER THERE AND HEAL HIM! QUICK!'

"Eyes up here, darling," Kalifa smirked, using your whip to yank you up to her before turning on Iron Body, making you smash your head directly into hers.

A sickening crack echoed throughout the room, and a single stream of blood poured from your scalp as you dropped to the ground.

"(y/n)!" Nami and Chopper cried, eyes wide and fearful.

It hurt like hell, but you weren't going down without a fight.

You weakly lifted your head, the speech Lucci was giving going in and out your ears until he suddenly began to turn into some sort of leopard monster.

'This just went from shit to fucking shit-storm.'

"No! He's a Carnivore Zoan-type!" Chopper gasped, terrified, "They're the most brutal of them all!"

"Lucci, the workmen are making their way up the stairs," Kalifa warned.

"They won't make it that far..."

With a single kick, the man completely destroyed the ceiling below, sending it crashing down.

"Stupid pidgeon jerk!" Luffy shouted, managing to land a punch on the man's face while he was distracted.

Lucci glared, and swung his arm over faster than you could see.

"Finger Pistol!"

Within seconds, you captain was impaled by the cat-man's claw.

"Luffy!" Zoro shouted, eyes wide.

"No!" you gasped.

Nami's tears could be heard throughout the entire room as Luffy struggled to breath, Lucci grabbing him by his face.

"Have a nice flight!" he spat, throwing the boy straight out the window and clear across town.

"Luffy!" Nami screamed, shaking with fright.

You were at a loss for words.

This couldn't be happening.

Luffy was one of the strongest people you knew.

If he couldn't fare against these guys, what did that say for you?

"Damn you!" Zoro cursed, making a run for Lucci, sword drawn.

"Iron Body."

The swordsman went for the arm, trying to slice it off, but it clashed as if it were metal, and Lucci roundhouse kicked him through the ceiling, dropping one of his swords on the way.

"Protect Nami!" you shouted, ordering all of your feathers to her, "Get her and Chopper out of here!"

They quickly detached, and scooped up the navigator and the doctor, zipping off far away from the scene.

And leaving you as the last domino standing.

You grabbed Zoro's sword and held it close as Lucci yoked you up by your neck, glaring at you so sharp that his eyes would cut down boulders if they could.

You knew he wouldn't be able to go after them.

The risk of being seen by one of the workers was too great, and their plan was already way behind schedule.

So if he couldn't get the other two, then he was going to take out all his anger on you.

"What would you say if I made you feel the most pain you've ever felt in your life?" he asked, his tone icy.

You scoffed, amused by his attempt to intimidate you.

"I'd tell you I'm into that," you smirked down at him, punctuating your sentence by spitting in his face.

He growled, throwing you up and kicking you out the window, sending you careening through the town.

You crashed into a building at full force, knocking it over and landing with the debris on another roof.

"SHIT!" you growled in pain, tightly clutching your shoulder.

You had heard a wet pop the second it collided with the concrete.

It was dislocated for sure.

"Dammit! I don't have time for this!" you hissed through gritted teeth, "I've gotta find Luffy and Zoro!"

Weakly, you pulled yourself up, trying to take a quick survey of where you were, despite the unforgiving wind.

And it seemed to be you were somewhere in the backstreets, the allies below you already completely flooded.

'The boys got thrown pretty far. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up back here, too.'

You looked down at your arm, its limpness reminding you of the task at hand.

"First things first," you grunted, shutting your eyes and allowing you angelic glow to come over you, healing your arm, head, and neck.

And once your power was finished, the glow left, leaving you as good as new.

"Next," you sighed, turning to glance at your featherless wings.

Waiting for them to completely grow back would take a day or so, and you didn't have that kind of time.

So you'd have to go for the painful, last ditch option.

You dropped to your knees, bracing yourself for the oncoming torture.

'Take deep breaths...'

You began the process, forcing your body to grow more feathers, your grip on your skirt nearly ripping through the fabric.

The pain was similar to that of forcing your nails to grow.

...

By ripping each of them out one by one.

Slowly, but surely, the first few rows had regenerated, but they were not nearly enough for flight.

"Come on! Your friends are counting on you!" You slammed your fist down, your teeth nearly biting through your lip.

You pushed harder, beads of sweat rolling down your temple as more and more feathers grew.

Your breaths were deep and controlled, hoping to breath yourself through it.

'One more push! Almost done!'

You gave your final push, your last few feathers sprouting before your body finally collapsed.

"Done..." you panted, relieved, "Now I gotta... find the others."

Standing up, you grabbed Zoro's sword, only to turn and see a wave almost as tall as the clouds.

It was headed straight for you.

"CRAP!" you exclaimed, unfurling your new wings and jetting off.

You were originally going to head back a little closer to town, but out of the corner of your eye you noticed a familiar pair of boots sticking out a chimney.

'ZORO!'

Without a second thought, you zipped over, the looming tsunami providing a whole lot of motivation.

But as you drew closer, you realized you wouldn't be able to hold Zoro's sword, and give a full-forced bash at the same time.

'Fuck it...'

You closed your eyes and rammed head first through the chimney, completely destroying it.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Zoro exclaimed, wide eyed as the chimney seemed to explode around him.

"Zoro!" you cheesed, catching him bridal style before doing a hard one-eighty, "Hold on!"

"(y/n)?! Did you break that with your head?! The hell were you thinking?!" he realized, noticing the steady stream of blood running down your forehead.

"I couldn't use a weapon 'cause I was too busy holding your sword," you panted, handing it to him, "I snagged it from Lucci before getting thrown out here."

He gratefully took it from you, his face serious as the events started coming back to him.

He and Luffy had been thrown out of the window, leaving you to protect Nami and Chopper all by yourself.

The man could only imagine what you had gone through to keep them safe.

"Are Nami and Chopper alright?" he asked.

"Yeah," you nodded, "I had my feathers fly them to safety. And CP9 didn't seem to go after them. They should be good for a while."

"I see," the swordsman nodded, looking down at his blade.

He should've been there.

"I'm sorry for not being there to help you."

You cocked a brow, a confused look on your face.

"You don't have to apologize, Zoro," you assured, looking down at him with a relieved smile as you landed on the bridge.

You put him down, and threw your arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug.

"If I'm being honest," you sighed, resting your face in the crook of his neck, "I'm just glad you're safe."

Zoro's breath hitched, and a tinge of crimson graced his cheeks.

'Fuck...'

It shouldn't make him happy to hear how worried you were about him.

But you were so soft, and so warm.

And the way you were looking at him was making something buzz in his chest.

He knew he shouldn't indulge in this.

He knew that this was a line that once crossed, would never be the same again.

Yet he couldn't stop his arms from looping around your waist.

Couldn't stop himself from pulling you closer.

Couldn't stop himself from breathing you in, accepting his new reality.

"I'm glad you're safe, too, (y/n)..."

#one piece x reader #one piece #op #op x reader #roronoa x reader #roronoa zoro x reader #roronoa #roronoa zoro #zoro #zoro x reader #zorosangell #zorosangell--protector

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