#Declarations Of Love

[ineffableaddiction]

For those who wanted to hear declarations of love from Crowley and Aziraphale, you may have missed this:

This was the first time they were nominally free from their respective sides and were able to be an us.

[waltzreprise]

Day 5 of Wolfstar Comfortfest: First Date ✨

I hope you like it ❤️

[atths--twice]

The Pull of Poetry

Mulder has a fun little surprise in store for Scully.

Happy Fictober everyone!🎃 Today kicks off the first of many stories that I'm excited to share with you all.

Hope you enjoy!

January, 2010

“What’s that?” Scully asked, pointing to a small plastic bag on the table. 

“Oh that? Nothing,” Mulder answered, picking the bag up and pocketing it. 

“Nothing?” she answered, smiling with an eyebrow raised. 

“Yup.” He nodded and winked at her as she shook her head. 

“Fine. Keep your little secrets.” 

“I plan to. For the moment anyway,” he said, smiling again. 

“Alright. You have fun with that. I have to get going.”  

“Yes, dear. Have a wonderful day.” 

“Goodbye, dear,” she said, rolling her eyes as she stepped closer and tipped her head back for a kiss. He smiled as he bent his head, meeting her halfway. 

“You want anything special for dinner?” he asked and she pulled back in surprise. 

“You’re gonna make something?” 

“I could. Or I could pick something up.” 

“That might be safer. And more edible.” 

“Hey,” he said, pulling her to him and locking his hands around her back, keeping her close. “I’m not a bad cook.” 

“Hmm,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist and looking up at him with a smile. “I think the pan we had to replace, and that one pot, would like to have a word about that statement.” 

“It didn’t catch on fire.” 

“No,” she laughed. “Just burnt to the pan and wouldn’t come off. And then no matter what was done to it, any food cooked in the pot still tasted burnt.” 

“Huh. I’ll pick something up,” he said, making a face at the memory of the burnt pot taste. 

“Good idea,” she said, patting his back and chuckling softly. 

“Any preferences? Or should I surprise you?” 

“Hmm,” she hummed, closing her eyes as she raised an eyebrow. “Surprise me. You know what I like.” 

“Hmm,” he hummed back in response, as she opened her eyes, rocking them gently. “That I do. In so many aspects.” 

“Yes. You do,” she said, bringing her arms from around his waist and placing her hands on his chest. “But, let’s leave it at food for the moment as I have to get going.” 

“Yes, dear,” he said, smiling as he bent to kiss her again. 

“Okay. I have to go.” 

“So go,” he said, making no move to release her. 

“Mulder!” She laughed as she squirmed in his arms. “Don’t make me kick your ass.” 

“But you know I like that,” he said, nuzzling her neck and growling softly. 

“Mulder… I have to go.” She laughed again as she moved to the left and he let her go, smiling as she shook her head. “You always do this right before I have to leave.” 

“Do what?” he asked innocently, knowing full well what she meant. 

“You know, Mulder,” she said, shaking her head again as she smoothed her hair down. “Your timing could be better.” 

“I’ll remember that,” he said and she chortled. 

“You won’t.” She stepped away and he followed her to the door, helping her with her coat. Handing her her bag, he kissed her again. 

“Goodbye, my darling,” he said and shook her head. 

“No. Darling, will not be tolerated.” 

“Okay, sweetie pie,” he said as she opened the door and stepped through it. 

“Nope,” she said, shaking her head. 

“My main squeeze?” 

“Mulder,” she said, laughing as she walked down the stairs. 

“Baby doll?” 

“Mulder, I will make myself vomit,” she said, looking back at him over her shoulder. He chuckled as he followed her down the stairs. 

“My one and only?” 

She opened the back door and put her bag inside. Closing it, she looked at him and he smiled with a shrug. 

“Your constant? Your touchstone?” she asked and he hummed as he stepped toward her, pulling her in for a kiss. He dipped her, his hand tangling in her hair, as she held onto his arms, laughing against his lips. 

“That will never change,” he said, kissing her once more, righting her and making sure she was steady on her feet, before letting her go. 

“Hmm,” she hummed, patting his chest with a smile. “And you are mine. Always.” He grinned, nodding as he stroked her cheek. 

“You need to get going.” 

“Yes, I do.” 

“Well then,” he said, stepping back and away from the car. “You have a good day… my touchstone.” 

“You too,” she said, opening the door and getting inside. She smiled as she closed the door and started the car.

Rolling the window down, she beckoned to him with her finger. He stepped forward and leaned down, placing a hand on the open window space. 

“Yes?” 

“I love you,” she said, squeezing his fingers as she smiled. 

“I love you too,” he said, smiling as he squeezed back.  

“Just wanted you to be absolutely sure.” 

“Thanks,” he said, kissing her once more before he stood up and stepped back. She nodded and put the car in reverse, watching him as she backed up. 

“Goodbye, my darling,” he called to her and she laughed as she shook her head, putting the car in drive and waving as she drove down the driveway. He grinned, waiting until she was out of sight before heading back inside. 

Taking out the small bag from his pocket, he smiled at the words he could see. He walked to the kitchen table, set the bag down, and then stood in front of the refrigerator, looking at the magnets upon it. 

While there were not many, the ones they had were from places they had bought when they had been on the run. Not having space for bulky items, magnets were easy to slip into a pocket or a bag. 

They had one shaped like a Ferris wheel from a harvest festival in Wyoming. Three ponderosa trees clumped together with an orange tent beneath them from Montana. A Bigfoot in the forest in Washington state. Two smiling cactuses wearing sunglasses from Arizona. A covered wagon and old fashioned windmill from Oklahoma. An idyllic village encapsulated within a snow globe from Wisconsin. And his favorite was an alligator, onto which Scully had carefully written Big Blue upon its back, from Florida. 

Things were held up with the magnets- a shopping list. An article he saw in the paper that he knew would make her laugh. A picture he had taken of her as she stood on the porch early one morning, staring out at the yard. A couple of restaurant menus. Ticket stubs to a sci-fi double feature they had attended on his birthday. 

He sighed as he began to take them all down, laying them on the table. They would be going back, but he had something else to put up first. When it was all cleared, he opened the plastic bag and dumped out its contents. 

Spreading out the small rectangular words, he smiled as he began to figure out what he wanted to create. 

Happy love with you 

My heart skips 

Thoughts are bright 

Me us forever 

Burn

Soft skin taste 

Touch 

Frantic whisper worship 

“Hmm,” he hummed, suddenly finding himself aroused by the thoughts in his head. “Gotta keep this PG or I might find myself in trouble.” He cleared his throat, trying not to think of the way Scully whisper-moaned his name as she approached climax. “Goddamn man…” 

He spread out all of the words, his thoughts still on Scully- her smile, the feel of her lips, the softness of her skin, her taste, the way her breathing increased, and the feel of her breaking around him. 

When he had arranged and then rearranged the words, he stood back and looked at what he had created. 

Smile

Laugh 

Skin 

Soft and light 

Kiss like a cloud 

Touch taste whisper 

Love burn red hot 

Slow body worship 

Heart mind soul symphony 

You me tonight 

Forever  

My darling 

He nodded, happy with the result. Especially with the last word, beyond ecstatic when he had seen it. 

Moving the words from the table and to the refrigerator, he lined them up in the center of the freezer door, spacing them apart in places. He smiled at his handiwork, nodding as he then replaced the other magnets and the items they had held. He kept them on the refrigerator door, the poem he had made front and center. 

Putting the remaining words into a stemless wine glass beside the refrigerator, for the moments when inspiration hit, he glanced repeatedly at the poem, smiling each time. 

Deciding to straighten up the house, he started with the laundry, rotating a load from the washer to the dryer. He hummed as he went about his tasks, running the vacuum when he was done. 

Hours later, the pizza from Giano’s warming in the oven as the salad chilled in the refrigerator, he heard the car door shut, announcing Scully’s arrival. Grinning, he turned off the light in the laundry room, the next load tumbling in the dryer. 

Walking into the living room, he waited for her to come in, glancing quickly at the refrigerator, anticipating what she would say when she saw it. 

The door opened and she walked in, carrying her bag and sighing as she rolled her neck.

“Hey,” he said and she raised her eyes to his, sighing again. 

“Hey,” she replied softly. Taking a deep breath, she smiled. “It smells good in here.” 

“Giano’s. Pizza.” She tilted her head and he smiled. “And a salad.”  

“Good man,” she said, setting her bag down and taking off her coat. “I’m really tired. It was busy today. Had some unexpected meetings and long conversations with some parents. I didn’t eat lunch and that pizza smells delicious.” 

“Well, perhaps I could interest you in a couple of slices, some salad, and a glass of wine?” 

“Yes,” she said with a nod, her eyes closing briefly. “Let me wash my hands and I’ll join you.” 

“You got it, hon,” he said and she gave him a look as she passed him. 

He smiled, walking into the kitchen and taking out plates, bowls, and silverware. He opened the wine and poured her a glass, glancing at the refrigerator again. 

“Sometimes I wonder how we ran on little to no sleep and skipped meals for days at a time,” she said, coming into the kitchen. “I feel drained from one shift these days.” 

“We were younger then,” he said, handing her her glass. 

“We’re not that much older,” she said, frowning slightly as she raised the glass to her lips. 

“Hmm,” he said with a shrug. 

“You’re older,” she stated and he grinned. 

“By three years,” he said with a small chuckle. 

“Well… older is older,” she said, raising an eyebrow as she shrugged. 

“Hmm,” he hummed again, licking his lips. 

“It looks nice in here,” she said, taking another drink as she looked around. 

“I did the laundry too.” 

“Did you-”

“Yes, I hung your delicates.” 

“Good man,” she said to him again. “I don’t see any pizza on my plate.” 

“Let me remedy that,” he replied, stepping toward her and staring at her lips. She smiled and raised up, kissing him softly. “You get the salad.” 

“Okay.” 

He stepped to the oven, watching her out of the corner of his eye as he took out the pizza and set it on the stovetop. She set her glass down, reached for the refrigerator door handle and pulled it open. She took out the container of salad and set it beside her glass of wine before taking out the bottle of salad dressing. Closing the refrigerator, she sighed as she shook the bottle. 

Opening his mouth to ask her how she missed it, he watched her look at the refrigerator and then at him. 

“What?” 

“What?” he parroted back, trying not to smile. 

“What is this?” she asked, setting the bottle of dressing down. 

“What do you mean?” 

“Smile. Laugh. Skin. Soft and light. Kiss like a cloud,” she read, glancing at him again. He smiled and nodded, encouraging her to keep reading. “Touch taste whisper. Love burn red hot. Slow body worship.” Looking at him again, he saw her breathing increase. “Heart mind soul symphony. You me tonight. Forever. My darling.” She laughed at the last word, looking at him and shaking her head. “Is this what you were hiding from me this morning?” 

“Maybe.” 

“I love it. Heart mind soul symphony,” she read again. “Forever.” 

“My darling,” he said, stepping closer to her. She laughed again as she looked at him.

“Did you know that was in that bag this morning?” 

“Nope. What a crazy coincidence, huh?” 

“One could even say spooky,” she said, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around his waist. 

“One could. But should one?” he asked, pulling her close. 

“You crazy, crazy, spooky man,” she said as he smiled. 

“There’s a glass of words just there,” he said, nodding to it and she looked at it with a nod of her own. “In case you felt inspired to create something as well.” 

“Perhaps after I eat,” she said, looking up at him. “And have a couple of glasses of wine.” 

“Drunk poetry is always better than sober poetry.” 

“I don’t know. I like what you came up with. Especially touch taste whisper.”

“Is that right?” 

“Mmhmm,” she said with a nod. “But I’ll need a rain check to show you how much I liked it.” 

“Rain check given.” 

“Thank you… darling.” 

He threw his head back and laughed as she laid her head on his chest and hugged him tightly. 

“Oh, Scully,” he said, kissing the top of her head as they swayed gently. 

Dinner eaten, her eyes closing from time to time, revealing how tired she truly was, he smiled when he suggested she take a bath while he cleaned the kitchen. 

“Thank you,” she said, brushing her hand across his back as she went upstairs. 

He brought her a cup of tea and her wine when he went upstairs, giving her the option. She took both with a tired smile and he chuckled, bending to kiss her head. 

Not wanting to go straight to bed, he suggested a movie and she agreed, though he knew she would most likely fall asleep before it made it further than the first few minutes. 

She laid on the couch with her head against his leg, his fingers running through her hair, when he heard her breathing even out and he knew his thoughts had been accurate. He smiled as he continued watching the movie, rubbing her scalp gently. 

When the movie was over, he woke her and helped her stumble up the stairs to bed, covering her and kissing her goodnight. 

“Hmm, night… darling,” she mumbled and he chuckled, kissing her again. 

“Love you,” he whispered and she hummed, putting her hand under her pillow. 

He went back downstairs, double checked the locks, and brought their cups of tea to the kitchen sink. Stepping to the refrigerator, he did a double take at the words he had put up. 

Four of them had been taken out and placed below his poem. He did not know when she had done it, but the sight of them made him smile, knowing his purchase of the poetry magnet words would be worth every penny. 

Love you forever 

Darling 

[minxchester]

Fourth Wing Reread~ Declarations

The parallels of them declaring themselves to each other are magnificent.

~Violet, Fourth Wing

~Xaden, Iron Flame

[yara011]

Charlotte

I am bisexual, no shit sherlock, as soon as I knew there was a label for what I felt I immediately embraced it.

at school nobody knows, only a friend of mine in another class and others outside school.

at school every time I look at carlotta everyone thinks I'm jealous, that I would like to be her, to have her golden hair, her perfect face, her elegance.

No.

I don't want any of that. I want her.

I just want to know what she thinks of "the likes of me" is pro? is she an ally? or would she hate me if she knew. i don't know.

I barely talk to her. she's popular, I'm not, she has boys (and indeed girls) after her, I don't.

but when she talked to me she was nice.She likes to read, like me. She likes to study but not too much, like me.

once she asked me where I bought a sweatshirt that I was wearing, I told her, but I don't think she knows that I could have given it to her as a present to talk to her again.

I call her the angel, because she's beautiful... but also unattainable.

[seokiepout]

help me hold onto you

“I don’t need your pity or everyone pretending that it didn’t happen. Call me out to my fucking face, Minho.”

“Call you ou—? Okay, sure I’ll do that,” Minho scoffs. “I’ll tell you how you’re being an absolutely fucking menace to yourself over something so small and using that to push us—push me—away.”

It’s a bumpy road, and even amongst all the love-stricken glances and confessions, Jisung navigates through fights just as often in his relationship with Minho. It’s only a blessing that the other understands him better than his own self.

posted on ao3.

fandom: stray kids

ship: han jisung / lee know (minsung)

status: completed

tags: general audience, 5.6k

[wolfstarshipping]

I'll Be Yours In a Landslide (8464 words) by MoonCat457 (@mooncat457writing) Rating: Mature Relationships: Sirius Black/Remus Lupin

Lie Low at Lupin's Summary: You are to alert Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher —the old crowd. Lie low at Lupin’s for a while, I will contact you there.

Coming together again in the summer of 1995.

Comment: I've been really into Lie Low at Lupin's-fics recently and this one was wonderful! I loved reading about their slow reconnecting, how they reluctantly start to create intimacy again between each other, and I especially loved Remus taking care of Sirius's hair and may or may not have cried a bit at the end!

[hellcheerficdatabase]

Reach

Author: @bumblehumblebee

Rating/Warning: Explicit

Chapter Count: 1/1

Description:

Eddie ties his bandana around his hair, a frown on his face but eyes far away. They all have a part to play, it’s agreed, but that doesn’t mean he’s happy about it. He’s playing a decoy, but Chrissy? Chrissy is bait. Along with Max, she’s putting herself right in the line of fire and he can’t stand it.

Because what if he never gets to tell her…

Clearing his throat, he crosses the room to her side, Max making herself scarce.

“You ready?” She asks him. There’s a cheery smile on her face, but those eyes are haunted. Scared.

“Hell no,” he answers, shaking his head. “This is beyond fucked but what choice do we have?”

Eddie deals with the aftermath of surviving Vecna and returning to Hawkins with Chrissy

Tags: Alternate Universe- canon divergence, alternate universe- everyone lives/nobody dies, angst, hurt/comfort, post-vecna, protective Eddie, mutually pining, they're in love, declarations of love, smut, emotional sex, Eddie POV, one-shot, status: completed

[fabulous-fic-quotes]

I’m going to marry you someday.” 

James topples over, crashing down hard onto the carpet, for the words that were just spoken didn’t come from his mouth, but Regulus’, and surely that was a mistake because Regulus would never–he wouldn’t–he just…wouldn’t. 

Into the Dark - @constellationsinaglass

[danlaw1991]

Only Us

General Audience / 775 Words / Originally posted to Ao3 on 18/10/21

Summary: Something surprising but long overdue happens when the 118 go out for a karaoke night.

Inspired by the song Only Us from Dear Evan Hansen. For reference the following version on YouTube is my preferred: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJkwjrFbmIs.

Things between Buck and Eddie had been heading in a certain direction ever since they met. All of their friends and family could see the connection between the two but they seemed to be oblivious to it themselves.

The 118 had arranged a team night out at the karaoke bar. They felt that it would do Buck and Eddie good, given that they’d both split with their girlfriends within the same week. No one knew why their respective relationships had ended though.

The rest of the team had bought their partners and Albert had tagged along since he hadn’t hung out with them much since getting assigned to a completely different station.

It was part way into the night after they’d all had a few drinks that Eddie suddenly took to the stage, which he had never done before. A couple of the 118, Chim and Hen specifically, were quick to pull out their phones and start recording.

Eddie took a deep breath to calm his nerves and as the music started to play, he locked eyes with Buck. He started to sing and he was really good. He had a rich and warm voice.

“I don't need you to sell me on reasons to want you I don't need you to search for the proof that I should You don't have to convince me You don't have to be scared you're not enough 'Cause what we've got going is good”

As Eddie was singing, Buck got up from his seat and crossed the bar to the stage, all the while maintaining eye contact with Eddie.

“I don't need more reminders of all that's been broken I don't need you to fix what I'd rather forget Clear the slate and start over Try to quiet the noises in your head We can't compete with all that

So what if it's us? What if it's us And only us And what came before won't count anymore or matter? Can we try that?

What if it's you And what if it's me And what if that's all that we need it to be And the rest of the world falls away? What do you say?”

Buck had taken a mic from the sound technician next to the stage whilst listening to the other man sing to him. And then Buck started singing whilst getting on stage with Eddie. He wasn’t as good a singer as his sister Maddie but he could still hold a tune. He had a bright voice to match his bright personality.

“I never thought there'd be someone like you who would want me So I give you ten thousand reasons to not let me go But if you really see me If you like me for me and nothing else Well, that's all that I've wanted for longer that you could possibly know.

So it can be us It can be us And only us And what came before won't count anymore or matter We can try that.”

Then they started singing together. The pair’s voices blended so beautifully, it was like they were made for each other.

“It's not so impossible Nobody else but the two of us here (Buck) 'Cause you're saying it's possible We can just watch the whole world disappear (Eddie) 'Til you're the only one I still know how to see”

“It's just you and me” Buck sang as he held out his hands to Eddie, who took them without hesitation before continuing the song himself.

“It'll be us It'll be us And only us And what came before won't count anymore”

Everyone stared wide eyed between Eddie and Buck. The adoration in each of their eyes shined brightly and the sexual tension between the pair was palpable. Was it finally happening? Their voices melded together once more.

“We can try that You and me That's all that we need it to be And the rest of the world falls away And the rest of the world falls away

The world falls away The world falls away And it's only us”

As the music came to an end their friends and the rest of the crowd went wild with applause. Eddie gently cupped Buck’s jaw and pulled him down into a searing kiss. Their friends started cheering louder. Maddie started crying, she was just so happy for her little brother.

Eddie and Buck couldn’t hear the din of the bar, they were so lost in each other that the world had fallen away and it was only them. Buck pulled Eddie closer and deepened the kiss further. They were more than happy to stay in that moment forever.

[daniwib]

Eddie has never told anyone, not even Buck, that he can sing and play guitar. No one finds out until they're watching America's Got Talent and see him walk out onto the stage.

Read on Ao3 here

Reblogs appreciated and comments adored!

[atths--twice]

Letters of Love

A feeling leads Scully to an Internet café, hoping to hear from Mulder, praying that he is safe.

The other day, I was on TikTok and I saw a video with a poem being read. It was so beautiful and I couldn't help but see it relating to Mulder and Scully, as I do almost everything, and so I had to write a story.

I love the emails that Mulder and Scully send to one another, the love that is held within each of them, and so I thought what if we saw another one?

February 20th, 2002

“I won’t be long,” Scully told her mother, who had come over to visit, bringing dinner with her. “I didn’t realize I was in need of milk. I’ll just pop to the shop real quick.”

“I can go for you,” Maggie said with a smile, drying her hands on the kitchen towel she had been using to dry the dishes.

“No,” Scully said forcefully and her mother looked at her in surprise. She smiled and touched her mother’s arm. “I just meant… I don’t mind going. I could do with a walk, on my own. I don’t get that chance too often. That is, if you don’t mind staying for a bit longer.”

“Of course I don’t. But, it’s cold out, Dana. You should drive.”

“No, that’s okay. The walk will do me good. It’s not very far. Thanks, Mom.”

She grabbed her coat and hurried out the door before any further discussion could take place.

Not sure if her mother was watching her from the window, she began walking in the direction of the little convenience shop around the corner, then doubling back when she knew it would be safe. Heading in the opposite direction, the need for milk a complete fabrication, she checked both ways and then crossed the street.

“Please,” she whispered as she walked, the cold winter air filling her lungs as she took deep breaths. “Please let me be right.”

A few more streets over and she paused in front of Cyber Cafe, the internet cafe near her apartment. Closing her eyes briefly, and pleading with the universe once more, she continued on and pushed the door open.

“Welcome,” a barista said to her as she walked in and she nodded, making only quick eye contact with him.

It was not overly crowded, but many of the computers were in use. Choosing one near the back of the cafe, she passed by others in order to reach it.

Sitting down, she swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. Her hands shook slightly as she typed in her information and waited, her heart racing.

Tonight was not the first night she had come in, desperate to see if Mulder had replied to her last email after their planned meeting had been thwarted. Part of her hoped she would not see a message waiting for her. But the other part of her ached to know that he was safe and had found a way to contact her, even as she knew he should be taking precautions to remain hidden.

All through dinner tonight, she had felt an odd sensation in her stomach, an excitement bubbling up. The way a drop on a roller coaster makes you feel, nervous and happy all at once. She could not explain how she knew it meant coming to the cafe, but she did.

Follow the white rabbit. The yellow brick road. The path she had been meant to take even before she had known herself.

The computer beeped, her information entered and received successfully.

Letting out a long, silent breath, she moved the mouse, clicked open her email, and licked her lips.

There were three messages. Two were inconsequential and she barely gave them a glance. But the last one was from an address she had not seen before and tears filled her eyes as she clicked to open the email with no subject, from georgehale@mail.com.

Blinking her eyes and exhaling quickly, she drew in a breath and covered her mouth with her hand to hold back her sobs as she read and then reread the single paragraph.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Breathing brokenly through her nose, she closed her eyes and bowed her head, too many thoughts suddenly crowding her mind.

Nearly four years ago, in a small town ironically named Honey, women had been disappearing. Lines of poetry, from different poets, had been found in their homes, written on paper left on desks, with lipstick on mirrors, and in one case, with rose petals on a bed.

The last one had creeped Scully out more than she had been willing to admit, causing her to triple check her motel lock every night, even going so far as to place a chair in front of it and using a couple of clothespins she had begun to keep with her to keep her curtains shut tightly.

She had not slept well during the entirety of that case.

Without much of a lead, and feeling as though they had hit a brick wall, Mulder had suggested visiting the local library. Asking to see all the books of poetry they had on the shelves, the librarian soon had a table filled with them.

They had been silently reading through them for a few minutes, looking for a pattern or anything to help, when Mulder had begun to read random passages aloud. Scully had sighed and tried to ignore the uneasy feeling in her stomach, when familiar words caused her to tense up and her breath to catch.

“I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz, or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off,” Mulder had read quietly. She had closed her eyes for a moment before raising her head, her brows furrowed, and stomach clenching. “I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.” He looked at her and smiled before looking back at the book. “I love you as the plant that never blooms but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers; thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.”

“Mulder,” she had said, shaking her head as she pictured the bright rose petals that had been arranged with meticulous care on the dark blue comforter.

“Wait, it’s nearly finished,” he had said, holding up one finger, not aware of her reaction. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. Hmm, that’s really beautiful.”

“Is it?” she had whispered, shivering slightly as she imagined those words left behind by a possible murderer.

“You don’t think so?” he had asked, looking at her. “It’s Pablo Neruda, Scully.”

“Yes, I know. And I can also see that for myself,” she had said, nodding toward the book and he had smiled as he too looked at the cover.

“You didn’t like it?”

“Not in this context,” she had said, gesturing to the books around them. “I like poetry, I really do. I always have. Just…” She had shaken her head and sighed as she had picked up another book and began to look through it. “It feels more disturbing than romantic at the moment.”

“Oh. I… I suppose I wasn’t thinking about it that way. It just… I thought it was…” he had quietly replied. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

She had felt his eyes on her and she had looked up at him.

“It’s okay,” she had said again, smiling tightly.

“It’s not,” he had said, shaking his head and looking down at the book.

“It is a good poem and one that I actually really like,” she had said softly.

“You do?”

“Yeah. We studied poetry for a few weeks when I was in high school and Neruda became one of my favorite poets.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Well, I don’t think we’ve ever really discussed it.” She had shrugged and turned a page in the book she held. “I like that sonnet, but it’s the last part of it that I like best.” She had looked at him and drew in a breath, reciting it from memory. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.”

He had stared at her as she forced away disturbing thoughts, instead thinking of how she had felt when she read that poem for the first time, her gaze becoming unfocused and faraway.

“Straightforward. No complexities. Not existing without the other. Falling asleep in sync,” she had whispered as she had shaken her head, remembering the rather juvenile dreams she’d once had. “Does anyone ever really find that kind of love? Is it even possible?”

Inhaling, she had blinked and then met his eyes. He had not said anything, and as she had shrugged and exhaled, her attention returned to the book in her hand as his had returned to his own, no further words spoken.

Months later, after the mentally exhausting days spent with Daniel, thoughts of her past blending with her present, she had lain warm and naked with Mulder in his bed. Sleep had nearly claimed her, when she felt his fingertips gently caressing her forehead.

“I love you because I know no other way than this,” he had whispered and she had opened her eyes tiredly, his thumb rubbing softly at her temple as he stared at her intently, his eyes dark. “Straightforwardly, without complexities or pride.”

“Mulder,” she had breathed. Closing her eyes again, she had shifted closer to him and he enveloped her in his arms, her hand resting above his heart.

“So close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep,” he had spoken in a low tone against her ear and she had hummed, his scent and the warmth of his body making it nearly impossible to form coherent thoughts. “I love you, Scully. Without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mulder,” she had murmured against his skin, kissing his neck as she exhaled and he had held her tighter, kissing the top of her head.

“Excuse me, is anyone using this computer?” Scully heard someone ask the person to her left and she opened her eyes as she raised her head, almost confused to find she was sitting at a table in front of a computer and not in bed with Mulder.

She drew in steadying breaths and looked at the screen. Reading the paragraph again, she smiled through her tears.

He was safe. Alive.

Quickly, she opened a new message and began to type. Knowing the likelihood of him risking his safety again to check his email was nearly nonexistent, she knew she had to at least try.

To give to him what he had given her.

Sending it, she reopened her email from him and selected to print it. Logging out of her account, she hurried to the printer, picked up her paper, and walked out of the cafe.

Folding the paper, not wanting anything to happen to it, she placed it in her pocket, where she kept a hold on it. Needing a second, she stepped into the mouth of an alleyway and leaned against the wall with a deep sigh.

“Thank you,” she breathed, lifting her face to the sky. “Please continue to keep him safe.” Quickly making the sign of the cross, she stepped back onto the sidewalk and continued home.

“They didn’t have milk?” her mother asked when she walked through the door and Scully froze, completely forgetting the reason she had given for her need to leave the apartment.

“Oh… no. There was a mix up with their shipment and uh… they’ll have it tomorrow.”

“I could go to the other grocery store and get you some now if you’d like…”

“No. That’s okay, Mom,” Scully said, her thumb caressing the piece of paper in her pocket. “I’ll be alright. I can get it in the morning.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. You head on home and I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Goodnight, Dana.”

“Night, Mom. Thank you for dinner. And thanks for staying.”

“Of course.”

They embraced and her mother left, zipping her coat as she walked out. Scully sighed as she locked the door and took off her coat, removing the paper from her pocket.

She checked in on William, smiling at his rosy cheeks as she watched him breathing deeply. Not wanting to risk waking him, she refrained from touching him and quietly left the room.

Once she was in bed, she propped the paper up against the pillow beside her, staring at the words until her eyelids began to droop.

For the first time in weeks, her sleep was peaceful and undisturbed.

_____________

Three days later, entering a busy Internet café, timing it perfectly to blend in with the crowd, a rather disheveled looking man in a beat up Dodgers cap, sat down at a computer. He watched the room as he logged in to his account, wary of everyone around him.

He had four emails. Three of which were spam and meant absolutely nothing to him.

Clicking on the bottom one, the one that made his heart beat almost painfully, he read the single sentence and he grinned as eleven words caused him to feel more loved and less alone than he had in a very long time.

Without knowing how, or when, or from where… I love you.

[sociallyawkwardfoxwriter]

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply Category: M/M Fandom: Critical Role (Web Series) Relationship: Orym/Dorian Storm Characters: Dorian Storm, Orym (Critical Role) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon, Drinking, Getting Together, Friends to Lovers, Pie, Blood and Injury, Love, Declarations Of Love, Canon-Typical Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff, Bathing/Washing, 5+1 Things Series: ← Previous Work Part 3 of Dorym Week 2023

Summary: Orym could be stubborn when he wanted to. When he sets his mind to it, Orym would dig his heels in and refuse to back down. It was one of the things Dorian loved and admired about him.

Fic Preview “You think you and your little friend here can drink us under the table?” The beefy human that had introduced himself at some point during their conversation eyed up Dariax and Orym, then looked to his equally muscular aasimar friend. “I'd like to see you try.”

“Want to bet on it?”

“You're really that confident?”

“Why wouldn't I be?”

[camelliasinensis81]

Rating declarations of love (for anyone who for some reason wants to declare love)

"I would die for you" -> boring. cliche. you're not special.

"You are everything to me" -> whoa there buckaroo that's a lot of pressure

"I would drink a mixture of shitty iced coffee and decaf black tea for you" -> pushing your human boundaries for true love. romantic. adorable. no notes.

[raointean]

Day 5 - Love Languages

IT’S THE BROCCOLI FIC!!!!! Y’all don’t UNDERSTAND how long I’ve been waiting to post this! Inspired by this tumblr post.

@ringsofpowervalentinesweek

Bronwyn turned as she heard Arondir clear his throat behind her. They had made camp for the night, not far from the banks of Anduin, and Arondir had wandered off with Theo nearly an hour ago. They had been whispering all day but wouldn’t say anything when she questioned them about it.

Now, Arondir was back, holding- “Is that broccoli?”

Arondir shifted from foot to foot looking almost nervous and in his hands, he held a head of broccoli. “I know that there has been something between us for quite a while, but I thought, with all we have been through together… I wish to court you properly. I know it is custom among your people to begin a courtship with flowers, but, well, the fiery mountain has destroyed most of them. Theo has told me that these are, in fact, flowers, although I do not know their name so… here. Please receive them with the intent they were given.”

He offered her the broccoli and she took it with a radiant smile. She was glad beyond measure that Arondir and Theo were beginning to get along so well. Theo would always be the most important person in her life, but still. She was glad she would not have to choose between them. 

“I can’t believe Theo helped you with these…” Arondir certainly wasn’t lying. Broccoli was one of Bronwyn’s favorite vegetables and Theo was one of the few people who knew that. It warmed her heart straight through.

Arondir brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear with a touch as gentle as a breeze. “Yes, well, if he is important to you, then he is important to me. Though I must admit, he has grown quite dear to me as well, by his own merit.”

Bronwyn teared up a little. She could not help it. Never before in her life had two things come together so neatly. She blinked away her tears and, studying the broccoli in her hands, changed the subject. “You know, broccoli actually has five meanings in our flower language.”

Arondir looked interested so she continued. “It can represent simple love, a beautiful expectation, the hope that the receiver will always be happy, that the giver cares only for the receiver’s feelings and,” she looked deep into his eye. “And that the giver shall love the receiver for all of his life.”

Arondir drew nearer, cupping her face in his hand. “Then my heart has chosen well and my gift has spoken truly. I will love you. Both here and now, and a thousand years from now when you are gone beyond the bounds of this world. When even the stones have forgotten your name, I shall remember you, and my love will never cease.”

Bronwyn nearly forgot how to breathe. “No matter where I go after my death, no matter what I become, my love for you will endure. I could forget my own name, but still my soul would remember yours. Arondir.”

Their lips met at last.

[jajafilm]

How is it possible that WISE's best spy doesn't even notice, who he actually married? Yori and her abilities are pretty obvious, right?

Well, maybe we need to think about it and look at it from Lloid's perspective.