#I already prepared the gifts and the speech for you.

[blueberries-and-willows]

Happy birthday @raddogakito. Everyone go wish my partner a happy birthday too.

[animeshotsh]

Them as Husbands | HCS |

Summary: Dating + Getting married

Warnings: Mentions of Alastor tendecies, grammar mistakes.

☆ LUCIFER

Best Husband ever.

He gives off the husband of the year.

Will open doors for you, will get you gifts because of a very simple reason (ducks)

Never lets you go away alone, he knows no one would dare hurt the S/O of the king of hell but still...he prefers to be sure.

Will buy whatever you want, even if you were looking at something out of curiosity, its yours.

Is going to introduce you to Charlie and hope you two get along well. Probably Charlie already knows about you since her dad was worried she would see him trying to remplace her mother. But Charlie is actually happy to see her father moving on and being happier!! She is fully supportive.

proposed to you in a wold yet amazing way. This man is down bad for you. Will get the perfect place, music, set up, get on one knee and ask you to be by his side for the eternity.

☆ VOX

He never expected himself to be a husband...with how fast the world progress and how relationships seems well just a thing to past time, he was sure he was out of the game.

Then he meets you, and he glitches because now all these romantic dramas he sees at 1am make sense to him. How everything slows down when he sees you, how the sounds are muffled when talking to you.

He does so many virus and hacks checks on himself to be sure what he feels.

Then is a nervous tv head. This man knows how to flirt and sleep around, not date. Its going to be akward but sweet. He falls first and hard. No one could ever make him dream on getting married.

The ďay he finally proposes is away form cameras, he prefers privacy for this (and is afraid you will say not but he also does not want to social pressure you).

Oh and when you say yes...the news are all about it. He is so dam happy, no one has ever seen him this happier (well unless is Alastor losing).

As a husband he is a gentlemen. He makes your house/aparment all last generation, so you only have to worry over sleeping and doing your hobbies.

Has the best emergency and security in your home/aparment. He is away most of the day so he likes to be sure you are safe and ok.

Yes, will spy you using cameras.

☆ STOLAS

Baby Owl wants a S/O who will respect him and love him for who he is.

Its going to be very and i mean very wary of your intentions with him. He may sleep with you and kiss you but wont fall fast. He is too hurt for that.

Once he feels enough confidence he will ask you to date him directly, no fooling around, you and him.

Will introduce you to Octavia and will be in cloud nine once you two start to bond.

His proposal is well, in space itself. Will take you to your favorite planet, to see the born of a star (signaling the start of your marriage with him) and ask you getting on one knee.

As a husband he is very sweet and tender. Always making sure you are happy with him and with your life. He does not want it to fail so he gives his best. Will need your support on it. Its not shy to cry to you about his fears.

Wants to have another kid with you, by adopting or impregnating you. Its your choice.

☆ ALASTOR

He comes from a time of change but believes once two peopel are dating they must get married sooner or later.

Well, getting him to date you is hard. It takes a lot for the idea to even pass by his head and stay. But somehow you end dating him.

He is someone who prefers quiet dates, you two and thats it. Will take you out if you ask him.

Since he pretty much has the idea of marry you since he accepted you as his S/O he will prepare something more special. Probably a dinner and a sweet speech with jazz in the background.

Letting aside his tendecies and him being a murder he is another gentlemen with you. Opens doors for you, dances with you. If you are from his same period of time he may expect you to make him food, but dont worry if you dont want to he will understand.

Is protective. Knows he has enemies, thats why he has one shadow with you all the time.

[thollandsgirl2013]

𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝

Parings → Peter Parker x Reader

Warnings → embarrassing situation

Summary → Peter and you get caught by May.

Peter’s sixteenth birthday had been awkward, to say the least.

May had tried her best to make it memorable—she’d baked his favorite cake, gifted him a new Lego set, and even made sure his friends came over earlier to celebrate with him. Everything seemed to be going fine, that is until the last gift came, when everyone left and it's just May and Peter.

“Happy birthday, Peter!” May beamed as she handed him a small, neatly wrapped box. Peter furrowed his brow, curious, looking up at her suspiciously.

“Uh, thanks, May,” he said slowly, already a little concerned. He tore open the wrapping paper and lifted the lid, only for his face to instantly turn beet red.

“Oh my God, May!” He groaned, his eyes wide as he stared down at the contents of the box—condoms. His whole body felt like it was on fire from embarrassment.

May, leaning casually against Peter's study table, had the audacity to smirk. “What? I just want you to be prepared, Peter,” she said, entirely too calm for his liking. “You’re sixteen now, you’re growing up, and I’m not dumb. Boys your age—”

“May!” Peter flailed, waving his hands as if he could physically stop the words from coming out of her mouth. “Please! I don’t even have a girlfriend!”

May tilted her head and gave him a look, one of those all-knowing, teasing looks that made Peter feel like she could read his mind. “Really? You don’t? So, what about Y/n? Weren't you crushing on her? I literally saw you stutter in front of her when she came over at the party.” Her eyebrows wiggled, and Peter wanted to sink into the floor.

Peter’s face turned an even brighter shade of red—if that was possible. “That’s different! I mean… I haven’t even asked her out yet!” He stammered, shuffling his feet awkwardly as he tried not to make eye contact with May. He glanced at the box in his hands and quickly shoved it behind his back, as if doing that would make it all disappear. “This is... so weird.”

May chuckled, walking over to him, and affectionately ruffling his curly hair. “It’s not weird, Peter. It’s called being responsible.” She softened her tone, looking at him with sincere eyes now. “I just want you to be smart about these things when you’re ready. You’ll thank me later.”

Peter groaned, turning away from her as he tossed the box into the drawer of his nightstand like it was a hot potato. “Yeah, yeah. But for the record, I’m not using them anytime soon. Seriously.”

Exactly one week later, Peter found himself standing beside your locker, nervously shifting from one foot to the other as he finally worked up the nerve to ask you out.

---

Now, five months had passed since that nerve-wracking moment when Peter had stammered his way through asking you to be his girlfriend. His hands had been clammy, he couldn’t stop fidgeting, and the carefully rehearsed speech he’d prepared had completely fallen apart when he saw your smile. Somehow, though, despite his stumbling words and flushed cheeks, you’d said yes.

He was convinced his heart had exploded when he heard your response. But there was just one problem.

He still hadn’t told May.

Peter wasn’t actively trying to hide it from her—well, not exactly. He just hadn’t found the right time to bring up the fact that he has a girlfriend. May was great, but he could already imagine the look of teasing glee on her face once she found out, and that thought alone made his stomach twist into knots. So, for now, sneaking around felt… easier. Plus, it wasn’t like he was lying. Well, not much. May thought he was out on patrol today, but instead, he was spending the afternoon with you.

Meanwhile, May was blissfully unaware of Peter’s real plans for the day. She was lounging at home, sipping coffee, when she decided she might as well tidy up his room. After all, Peter was always too busy with school, work, and Spider-Man duties to keep up with it himself. Humming to herself, she stepped into his messy room.

“That boy never cleans,” May muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she picked up discarded clothes from the floor and tossed them into a laundry basket.

As she straightened his bed, something caught her eye—something dark and out of place, sticking out of his closet. Frowning, she walked over to investigate, pulling the item free from the shelf.

A black lacy bra.

May blinked. “What the…?” She stared at it in confusion, her mind racing. When did Peter start collecting bras? No, that can’t be it. Does Peter have a girlfriend? She squinted at the bra, trying to piece things together.

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, but as she processed it further, her eyes darted toward Peter’s nightstand. A sudden memory surfaced—the box of condoms she’d given Peter on his sixteenth birthday. Slowly, almost hesitantly, she pulled the drawer open, her stomach in knots.

There it was.

The box, which had once been full, now contained only two condoms. May stood there, staring down at it in disbelief.

“Oh boy…” she muttered to herself, exhaling sharply. She didn’t know whether to be angry that Peter hadn’t told her or relieved that at least he was being safe. Either way, her emotions swirled between concern and amusement. He’s really growing up, she thought, but her protective instincts kicking in.

May sat down on the edge of Peter’s bed, running a hand through her hair. “We’re going to need to have a talk,” she whispered to herself, trying to think of how to approach the conversation. She didn’t want to embarrass him more than necessary, but she also couldn’t ignore this.

Just as she was about to step out of the room, she heard the front door creak open. Voices, low and hushed, floated through the hallway.

Peter and you stumbled inside, locked in a heated kiss. Peter’s hands were wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer as you giggled into his lips. You barely broke away long enough to whisper, “You sure May isn’t home?”

“She’s at FEAST, don’t worry,” Peter reassured you, his voice rough and breathless as his lips moved down to your neck.

You chuckled, running your fingers through his curls. “Good, because I’ve been waiting all day for this…”

Suddenly, a voice boomed through the house, cutting through the heat of the moment like a knife. “PETER BENJAMIN PARKER!”

Both of you froze in place, your lips barely an inch apart. Peter’s eyes widened in horror as he recognized the voice.

“May,” he whispered, his blood running cold. You quickly pulled away, your face flushed with embarrassment.

May stood at the doorway to Peter’s room, her hands on her hips, her expression a mix of fury and disbelief. The bra dangled from her hand like a smoking gun.

Peter gulped. “I-I can explain.”

May raised an eyebrow, stepping into the room. “Oh, I’m sure you can,” she said, her voice dangerously calm. “But first, care to explain this?” She held up the bra, her gaze shifting between you and Peter.

You winced, your cheeks turning bright red as you avoided eye contact. Peter, however, was already spiraling into full-blown panic mode.

“Okay, okay, listen, May! It’s not—it’s not what you think!” Peter stammered, holding his hands up defensively. “We didn’t… I mean, it’s not like… we just…”

May crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. “Oh really? So you’re telling me this bra just magically appeared in your closet? Why didn't you tell me?”

Peter sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I… I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to make things awkward. Y/n and I have been dating for five months, but—”

“Five months?” May interrupted, her eyes widening. “Five months, and you didn’t think to tell me?”

You finally found the courage to speak up. “It’s not Peter’s fault, May. We just… wanted to keep things low-key.”

May’s expression softened, but only slightly. “Low-key doesn’t mean sneaking around behind my back.” She sighed, rubbing her temples. “And don’t think I didn’t notice this either.” She motioned to the condom box.

Peter groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Oh God, this is the worst day of my life.”

May shook her head, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite her frustration. “It’s not the worst, Peter. Trust me, I’ve seen worse. But we’re going to have a conversation about this.”

Peter’s head shot up, his face paling. “Oh no, not the talk. May, I’m almost seventeen, please—”

“Exactly, you’re almost seventeen, and that’s why you need this talk.” May’s tone was firm but caring. She turned to you with a sigh.

You shifted awkwardly on your feet, glancing toward the door, clearly wanting to flee. But before you could make your escape, May held up a hand, stopping you in your tracks.

“Y/n, stay,” May said firmly, though her voice softened a little. “You’re a part of this too, and I need to make sure you’re okay as well.” She glanced between you and Peter, concern etched on her face.

Peter shot you a helpless look, his eyes wide and pleading. You swallowed nervously and nodded, stepping back to Peter’s side, feeling the heat rush to your face.

May took a deep breath, pulling out the desk chair and sitting down. “Alright. First of all, Peter, you should’ve told me about you two. I’m not mad you’re dating Y/n. What I’m mad about is the sneaking around.”

Peter winced. “I know, I should’ve… I just didn’t know how to bring it up, and I thought… I thought it might make things weird.”

May shook her head. “Peter, I’m your aunt, not your enemy. I’m not here to make things difficult for you. But sneaking around, lying about where you’re going… I’m not okay with that.”

Peter hung his head. “I’m sorry, May. I didn’t mean to—”

“I’m not done,” May interrupted, raising a hand. She then turned to you, her expression softening. “And Y/n, I hope you understand that you’re important to Peter—and that means you’re important to me, too. I’m not mad at you either, but I do need to talk to both of you about… boundaries.”

You felt your face go hot again, but you nodded. “I understand. I just didn’t want to make things awkward with you.”

May gave you a small, understanding smile. “I appreciate that, but what I really care about is that both of you are being responsible. I see you found a way to use those condoms I gave Peter.”

Peter made a noise somewhere between a groan and a whimper, covering his face with both hands. “May, please, no,” he muttered, absolutely mortified.

May ignored his protest and pressed on. “Look, I get it—you’re teenagers, you’re curious, and you have feelings for each other. But I need to know that you’re both being careful and not rushing into anything you’re not ready for.”

Peter peeked through his fingers, his face still flushed. “We’re being careful. I swear.” He shot a glance at you, making sure you were okay with what he was saying.

You nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we are. We didn’t… it’s not like we’re rushing into anything. We’ve just been… taking our time.”

May looked between the two of you, nodding slowly. “Okay. That’s good to hear. But just so we’re clear, I’m always here if you have questions or concerns. I’d rather you talk to me about things than hide them.”

Peter dropped his hands to his sides, his shoulders sagging in relief. “Okay. We get it, May. No more secrets.”

May’s expression softened further as she stood and approached the two of you. “Good. I trust you, Peter. And you, Y/n.” She gave you a gentle pat on the arm before turning to Peter, raising an eyebrow. “But if I ever find something like this again without knowing what’s going on…” She held up the bra, waving it slightly. “…we’re having another talk. And it won’t be as nice.”

Peter winced, his face burning with embarrassment. “Got it. Loud and clear.”

May sighed and placed the bra back into your hands. “Here, you should take this with you, Y/n. I don’t think Peter needs to be holding onto it any longer.”

You let out a nervous laugh, grabbing it and stuffing it into your bag as fast as you could. “Thanks, May. I’ll… uh, make sure it doesn’t end up here again.”

Peter groaned, rubbing his face. “Please, can we stop talking about the bra now?”

May chuckled, shaking her head. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop torturing you.”

Just then, the sound of May’s phone buzzing broke the tension. She pulled it from her pocket and glanced at the screen. “Looks like I’ve got to head back to FEAST. They need me for something.” She looked back at the two of you, her tone softening. “Just… think about what I said, okay? Be smart. Be responsible.”

Peter nodded quickly, clearly eager for this conversation to be over. “We will, May. Thanks.”

With one last look at you both, May gave a nod and headed toward the door. “I’ll be back later tonight. Don’t get into any more trouble while I’m gone.”

As the door closed behind her, Peter let out a long breath, slumping down on his bed in defeat. “Oh my God,” he groaned, staring up at the ceiling. “That was the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to me.”

You giggled softly, sitting down beside him and nudging his shoulder. “Well… at least she wasn’t that mad.”

Peter looked at you, his lips twitching into a small smile. “Yeah, I guess. But seriously, how am I ever going to look her in the eye again?”

You laughed and leaned over, kissing him gently on the cheek. “You’ll survive. Besides, now that she knows, we don’t have to sneak around anymore.”

Peter’s eyes lit up at the thought, a mischievous grin forming on his face. “That’s true. We could… take advantage of that.”

You raised an eyebrow, playfully nudging him again. “Oh really? After that talk we just had?”

Peter chuckled, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you closer. “Well, maybe not right after,” he teased, pressing his forehead against yours.

You laughed, resting your head against his chest as you both lay back on the bed. For a moment, everything was peaceful, the tension from earlier melting away. Peter stroked your hair gently, his breath steady and calm.

“Thanks for staying,” he murmured, his voice soft.

You smiled, your hand resting on his chest as you looked up at him. “Of course. We’re in this together.”

Peter pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “Yeah. Together.”

“Oh no,” Peter muttered, his face paling.

You blinked, sitting up beside him. “What? What’s wrong?”

Peter groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Did she take the condoms?”

You raised an eyebrow, confused. “Why?”

Peter bit his lip nervously and looked at you, cheeks flushing. “She’s out… so, maybe we could c-continue what we planned.”

You couldn’t help but laugh softly, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. “Peter…”

‎∗ ࣪ ˖༺ 𓆩☆𓆪 ༻˖ ࣪ ∗

[2amriize]

˚⟡˖ when you are both idols — RIIZE | hyung line.

shotaro, eunseok, sungchan, wonbin

ᡣ𐭩 masterlist

note! hi hi! i want to start doing also one shorts of individual members, so if anyone has an idea or an scenario to write about let me know! ♥

genre fluff

pairing idol!riize x idol!reader

click here to see maknae line ver.!

ᯓ★ SHOTARO

You and Shotaro already knew each other before he debuted, since both of you have been dancers from a young age, and you had taken dance classes together more than once

When he debuted, you didn’t lose touch and continued talking through messages

Everyone around you knew how close you were—you even congratulated him on your Instagram stories for his debut!

Just a few months after Shotaro debuted, the company you were with decided to add you to the next group that was set to debut, and you finally debuted at the end of november as the main dancer

You and Shotaro would often meet up whenever you had the time

Since it was the end of the year, you were able to meet several times at year-end award shows and festivals, and you even had to practice together because you had a collab stage together.

Oh my god, everyone could sense the tension between you two.

You just weren’t officially anything, or rather, you had never talked about it.

After the collaboration, people started shipping you two. too much

And then screenshots of the stories from your old account surfaced, and people began to speculate whether you were a couple

Neither of the companies said anything, and you both continued acting as usual

ᯓ★ EUNSEOK

You met because you were both chosen to be MCs together on a music show.

You couldn’t help but be surprised by how handsome he was in person.

At first, both of you were quite shy, but during the rehearsals for the special stage you had to prepare, you started talking more and becoming closer.

In truth, you had a lot in common, so it was pretty easy to find things to talk about. You wouldn’t stop talking until they called you back for practice.

After a few weeks as hosts, people began to notice how good your chemistry was, and you even started joking with each other during interviews.

It was no surprise when you won the award for Best MCs of the Year.

But after a few months, the contract as hosts ended, and your last day as hosts had arrived.

You were quite sad and even started crying during your final speech.

When you returned to your dressing room, you were still crying, so Eunseok came over to try and make you laugh, saying some joke as he always did, which worked.

“You know we’re going to keep seeing each other, right?”

ᯓ★ SUNGCHAN

You had heard that Sungchan from RIIZE was tall, but when you saw him in person in the company hallway, you didn’t expect him to be THAT tall.

He had debuted recently in RIIZE, but you had already been an idol for a few years, so when he saw you, he greeted you with a slight bow.

You found him too cute to just see him in the company hallways, so one day, you asked some mutual friends to give you his number so you could talk to him.

What surprised you was that you didn’t need anyone to give it to you, as you received a message from him just before you could send one.

“Thanks for the snacks you sent us! We enjoyed them ^^!”

A few weeks later, you were already having dates inside the company, in hidden spots so people wouldn’t catch you.

But the secrecy didn’t last long, because when asked in an interview who your ideal guy was, you didn’t take a second to perfectly describe Sungchan.

“I like tall men, very tall. And ones who work out regularly. But not serious ones, they have to make me laugh and have an angelic smile.”

Although there were some rumors, no major news broke out.

Whenever you were promoting at the same time, you always visited RIIZE’s dressing room to give them gifts and cheer them on, as well as to see your boyfriend.

ᯓ★ WONBIN

oh wonbin... Among all the idols, Wonbin is famous for his looks.

And that’s exactly what you did when you saw him in person for the first time.

You had to do a challenge for your comeback together, so you met in one of the hallways of the music stations to film it.

Wonbin had a very soft voice and was very respectful, and you could tell how ambitious he was since he didn’t mind recording as many times as needed until both of you were satisfied.

You couldn’t stop sneaking glances at him whenever you could.

But you refused to ask for his phone number—it was too embarrassing.

After finishing the recording, you simply said goodbye and went back to your respective waiting rooms.

To your surprise, you bumped into him again at the cafeteria.

And what surprised you the most was that as he left, he placed a piece of paper on your table.

His number.

Oh, your face turned red, and you couldn’t help but smile.

You didn’t hesitate for a second to text him, and to your surprise, you got along quite well.

It didn’t even take a week before you arranged to meet up to learn some dances together since you both loved it.

He was the perfect dance partner!

click here to see maknae line ver.!

[icedoatlatte29]

in which you are a fontainian noble young lady and zhongli is said to be a cruel emperor

Diplomacy is a dealbreaker in the mighty world of royalty. Calculated steps, calculated sentences, calculated glances – there is no room for accidents that might cause the annihilation of an entire nation. In this sense, banquets are an important part of dealing with delicate matters between kingdoms, where often the lives of millions of people are on the line.

In the course of history, the lack of proper etiquette had caused numerous unfortunate situations, let that be a kind gesture, mistaken for a threat or some questionable phrases uttered at the worst time possible. Having dealt with many unpleasant situations, the Viscount of Fontaine made it his priority to educate his only daughter, preparing her for the cruel world of nobility. From the tender age of two, she received lessons upon lessons on how to act as a lady of nobility. This made (Y/N)’s early life quite a hassle. Of course, as a dutiful daughter, she would absolutely, under no circumstance, defy her father, but this does not mean that the endless etiquette lessons were her favourite pastime activity. Unlike the young ladies of the aristocracy, she was not all that interested in appearances. Of course, beautiful things and people always caught her attention, but the urge to submerge in this was lower than in the average person. The young maiden’s interest nested in the arts, especially literature. She was notorious for spending her free time in her father’s enormous library, completely forgetting about what was happening around her.

‘Lady (Y/N), have you decided on what ballgown you desire to wear tonight?’ the maid curiously asked the young woman. Usually, the young lady would pay no mind to inquiries like this, simply because the matters of clothing are of no importance to her. However, this was no simple occasion.

‘Yes Edith, I would like to wear the birthday gown I got as a gift from my mother’ (Y/N) answered while standing up from her desk. As per usual, books upon books scattered across the surface, the scent of paper and fresh ink from her fountain pen lingering in the air.

‘The dress from the Viscountess? Oh my, that is an excellent choice Lady (Y/N), I will get it ready right away!’ the maid explained happily and quickly left the room to arrange everything. The moment Edith left the room, the young lady let out a big huff of air. She hated all of this, but there were some occasions where duty rises above personal preferences. Balls are, in (Y/N)’s opinion, quite a drag, although they can be quite interesting. For example, watching the young bachelors, drunk on dandelion wine, trying to woo the ladies with their slurred speech is quite entertaining. But this ball would be very different from the ones she had attended before. For the first time in ages, the emperor of Liyue had finally accepted Monsieur Neuvillette’s invitation for Fontaine’s annual Winter Gala.

The righteous ruler of Fontaine had been trying to arrange a meeting with the Lord Morax, but the emperor was relentless. Unfortunately for Monsieur Neuvillette, the ruler of the Kingdom of Liyue had no interest in meeting with the Fontainian alone, but after months of constant persuasion, Lord Morax finally gave in. This would give the rulers of all nations the opportunity to talk about the situations the war has created.

The current war, which has already taken the lives of numerous people, is yet to stop. Nations trying desperately to stop the bloodthirsty killing sprees, but to no prevail. The moving force behind the unfortunate string of events is none other than the ruler of the Kingdom of Liyue, Lord Morax himself. He is rumoured to be a ruthless emperor who leads his nation with an iron fist to preserve order and justice. But those who came across the brutal sovereign on the battlefield, tell stories of a savage and barbaric commander who spares no lives within his sight. Wielding a spear made from the core of a meteorite, the enemy stands no chance against him and his infamous warriors.

Nations across the globe are terrified, they do not wish to get on the wrong side of the notorious Lord Morax. Many have tried to seek alliance with him through different methods, such as offering a fair maiden’s hand in marriage, however he has rejected every single one of them.

The stern gaze of the Liyuan emperor scanned the enormous ball room, carefully studying the crowd. Only his most trusted soldier, Xiao, stood beside him with his emerald spear tightly sitting on his back. No one dared to approach him, although it was evident that he was the topic of hushed conversations. As he was looking around, his eyes fell upon the figure of a young maiden talking to a young man. The colour of her dress reminded him of garnet, the golden accessories and details emphasizing the red hue of the gown – it was simple, yet elegant. Morax wondered who the person might be, but to his luck, the owner of the dress revealed themselves. As (Y/N) turned around, she locked eyes with the Liyuan man, then her attention was focused once again on the young man conversing with her. In that moment, Morax felt something that he might have never felt before.

The night continued on seamlessly, soft orchestral music and subtle chatter filling the ballroom as the nobility enjoyed their time. However, one young maiden grew more and more restless as she felt the burning gaze of someone on the back of her head constantly. Even when she tried to tone her uneasiness down, the lingering sensation of being watched never left her.

‘I feel like I might actually be going insane.’ sighed (Y/N) as she engaged in conversation with her childhood best friend, Navia Caspar. ‘This is why I despise these gatherings, they are awful!’

‘Oh, come on (Y/N), it’s not that bad.’ Navia tried to encourage her friend in this time of need. ‘At least the food here is delicious, which should be no surprise since Lady Furina is responsible for these delicacies.’ the blonde said while enjoying a strawberry cupcake. ‘And most importantly, this is the first time in ages since Morax had shown himself outside of the battlefield or negotiations. I don’t know about you, but I am hoping for some progress in the peace talks. Hopefully Monsieur Neuvillette will be able to have a decent conversation with him.’

‘Yes, you are right. I just wish that things would soon change for the better.’ With a sigh, (Y/N) grabbed a piece of cake from a nearby table. ‘At least the food is delicious’.

‘Maybe you should take a stroll in the garden, to get away from the crowd for a while.’

‘Hmm, I could really use some fresh air, that is true. And the moon looks beautiful tonight.’

The carefully maintained gardens of the Palais Mermonia were even more fascinating in the moonlight. Even though the air was quite cold, as the wind blew peacefully, the young girl did not mind the weather at all. For compensation, the view was more than enough to make her forget about the cold or the bustling of the ballroom inside of the palace. In this moment she was alone, finally being able to have a quiet moment to calm her nerves. This, however, did not last long when she heard footsteps coming right up behind her.

‘It is very sweet of you to come and check on me Navia, but I really do need some time alone.’

‘I reckon that you were not expecting me, but alas, let me speak a few words with you.’ An unknown male voice spoke behind her. When she turned around, the looming figure of Morax stood right in front of her. Mentally cursing herself, she quickly tried to gather her more noble self, because she cannot be speaking to the Emperor of Liyue as if they were childhood best friends.

‘Oh, I sincerely apologise for my rude behaviour, Lord Morax!’ she explained apologetically. ‘I did not mean to be so blunt. I thought that my friend was trying to come and see whether I was doing okay or not.’

‘Please,’ Morax said as he walked past her to sit on a nearby bench. ‘You did no wrong, there is nothing to worry about. I gather that you do not enjoy these kinds of events, am I correct?’

‘They are rather enjoyable.’

‘You do not need to lie; no prying ears are around us.’ This comment made (Y/N)’s eyes wide, as if she just witnessed the appearance of a ghoul. ‘To be sincere, I myself am not a big fan of these gatherings, I find them rather pointless. It is merely a pastime activity for spoiled aristocrats who know nothing better to do.’

‘If you feel this way Lord Morax, then why have you come here? As my father works in the government, right under Monsieur Neuvillette’s command, he’s told me that it is rather hard to invite you to these social gatherings. Excuse me, if I was rude, but I am genuinely curious.’

‘Well,’ the man started while looking up to the sky ‘I felt like accepting Monsieur Neuvillette’s invitation might bring us closer to coming to terms in certain cases.’

‘I see, Lord Morax. I will not bother you any longer.’(Y/N) flashed a polite smile at the foreign man, but the latter did not want the conversation to end.

‘Would a young lady like yourself spare some time to engage in conversation with me? Truly, I do not wish to idly stand in the ballroom while people whisper about me.’ he explained, resting his gaze on the full moon that lit up the night sky, along with the blanket of stars.

With hesitation, the young girl turned to face Morax, who was still looking up at the night sky. She found it rather odd, how such a man like him would rather be sitting outside peacefully in her company, instead of trying to have a chat with the important people of Fontaine, maybe coming up with a solution for the situation that’s been lingering around for years.

‘I know what the mass has been saying about me,’ the Emperor started, now his eyes resting on the girl beside him ‘but I do promise you, I am not as hostile as the tales portray me.’

‘If that is the case Lord Morax, then why are there such tales told about your cruelty on the battlefield?’ genuine curiosity laced (Y/N)’s voice as she carefully examined the man’s face.

‘People fear what they do not know.’  his voice, like the gushing of the wind, answered. ‘I try to be a righteous leader to my people, devoted and fearless. I do not tolerate any danger that could harm the people of Liyue.’

‘That is an amazing thing, Lord Morax. The people of Liyue are lucky to have someone as capable as you as their leader.’  the Fontainian girl offered Morax a gentle smile. She thought that the man from all the rumours would be a bloodthirsty maniac who enjoys nothing more than killing hundreds upon hundreds of people.

‘I am also worried about the state in which we have found ourselves in.’ a heavy sigh left his mouth. ‘I have given up on my beliefs about these social gatherings and came here today to finally find a solution that benefits all nations in this conflict. I hope that none of the effort will be in vain.’

(Y/N), moved by Lord Morax’s motives, softly put her hand on his shoulder. She could feel that even though he shows strength and resilience, the heavy weight of the wellbeing of his people pain his shoulders. This subtle act of care ignited a sense of warmth within Morax, a feeling which put him at ease. Having gone without affection for long, the Liyuan man felt the hardships of the past years disappear with this simple touch.

‘To be fair,��� the girl spoke after the long pause ‘I am also not a great fan of such balls. While the other ladies are more than delighted to attend these gatherings, I find myself drawn to more… mundane pastime activities. Reading has been a great passion of mine, but as a daughter of nobility, I could not indulge in the world of literature as much as I would have wanted to. Duties call, I am sure you are familiar with this, Lord Morax.’  shared the young woman. ‘Tonight, I am here to help my father to end this suffering.’

He felt like the world has stopped spinning. At first, the simple thought of this ball caused nothing more than a headache to the emperor, nothing but a drag to him. But instead, he stumbled upon this magnificent young lady, who shared the same sentiments as he did. Truly, he felt blessed for once.

‘Oh, I am delighted to hear this. I also enjoy reading, of course, when the time allows me. I would love to send you some Liyuan literature, only if you allowed me to.’

‘Thank you, Lord Morax, I would love to discover more Liyuan literature. I have read some and let me tell you, I am quite fascinated by how your people craft stories. Truly remarkable.’ she felt very happy in this moment. Finally, she could talk freely about the thing she loved the most, without having to worry about not looking lady-like.

‘Well then…’  he stood up, towering over the girl. ‘It was lovely talking to you, Lady (Y/N), I wish we could continue our conversation, but alas, it is time for me to return to the ball. Would you do me the honour of accompanying me back?’  he asked the girl, extending his arm to her. Now, without hesitation, she accepted his offer and walked back into the palace, arms locked.

Upon their entrance, the entire ballroom looked at the two figures, both amazed and confused. How come that the fearless and bloodthirsty emperor is walking arm in arm with the daughter of the Viscount of Fontaine? Hushed speculations filled the grand hall, overpowering the lovely music of the orchestra. The pair slowly walked to the side of the hall, but before parting ways, Lord Morax gently kissed the gloved knuckled of (Y/N).

‘Until next time, Lady (Y/N).’ he gently smiled and released her hand. ‘I promise you that I will be a man of my word.’  And with that, he took off to find Monsieur Neuvillette and the rest of the highly important and esteemed guests.

[mariacallous]

This is a gift article

“In normal times, Americans don’t think much about democracy. Our Constitution, with its guarantees of free press, speech, and assembly, was written more than two centuries ago. Our electoral system has never failed, not during two world wars, not even during the Civil War. Citizenship requires very little of us, only that we show up to vote occasionally. Many of us are so complacent that we don’t bother. We treat democracy like clean water, something that just comes out of the tap, something we exert no effort to procure.

“But these are not normal times.”

I wrote those words in October 2020, at a time when some people feared voting, because they feared contagion. The feeling that “these are not normal times” also came from rumors about what Donald Trump’s campaign might do if he lost that year’s presidential election. Already, stories that Trump would challenge the validity of the results were in circulation. And so it came to pass.

This time, we are living in a much different world. The predictions of what might happen on November 5 and in the days that follow are not based on rumors. On the contrary, we can be absolutely certain that an attempt will be made to steal the 2024 election if Kamala Harris wins. Trump himself has repeatedly refused to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election. He has waffled on and evaded questions about whether he will accept the outcome in 2024. He has hired lawyers to prepare to challenge the results.

Trump also has a lot more help this time around from his own party. Strange things are happening in state legislatures: a West Virginia proposal to “not recognize an illegitimate presidential election” (which could be read as meaning not recognize the results if a Democrat wins); a last-minute push, ultimately unsuccessful, to change the way Nebraska allocates its electoral votes. Equally weird things are happening in state election boards. Georgia’s has passed a rule requiring that all ballots be hand-counted, as well as machine-counted, which, if not overturned, will introduce errors—machines are more accurate—and make the process take much longer. A number of county election boards have in recent elections tried refusing to certify votes, not least because many are now populated with actual election deniers, who believe that frustrating the will of the people is their proper role. Multiple people and groups are also seeking mass purges of the electoral rolls.

Anyone who is closely following these shenanigans—or the proliferation of MAGA lawsuits deliberately designed to make people question the legitimacy of the vote even before it is held—already knows that the challenges will multiply if the presidential vote is as close as polls suggest it could be. The counting process will be drawn out, and we may not know the winner for many days. If the results come down to one or two states, they could experience protests or even riots, threats to election officials, and other attempts to change the results.

This prospect can feel overwhelming: Many people are not just upset about the possibility of a lost or stolen election, but oppressed by a sensation of helplessness. This feeling—I can’t do anything; my actions don’t matter—is precisely the feeling that autocratic movements seek to instill in citizens, as Peter Pomerantsev and I explain in our recent podcast, Autocracy in America. But you can always do something. If you need advice about what that might be, here is an updated citizen’s guide to defending democracy.

Help Out on Voting Day—In Person

First and foremost: Register to vote, and make sure everyone you know has done so too, especially students who have recently changed residence. The website Vote.gov has a list of the rules in all 50 states, in multiple languages, if you or anyone you know has doubts. Deadlines have passed in some states, but not all of them.

After that, vote—in person if you can. Because the MAGA lawyers are preparing to question mail-in and absentee ballots in particular, go to a polling station if at all possible. Vote early if you can, too: Here is a list of early-voting rules for each state.

Secondly, be prepared for intimidation or complications. As my colleague Stephanie McCrummen has written, radicalized evangelical groups are organizing around the election. One group is planning a series of “Kingdom to the Capitol” rallies in swing-state capitals, as well as in Washington, D.C.; participants may well show up near voting booths on Election Day. If you or anyone you know has trouble voting, for any reason, call 866-OUR-VOTE, a hotline set up by Election Protection, a nonpartisan national coalition led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

If you have time to do more, then join the effort. The coalition is looking for lawyers, law students, and paralegals to help out if multiple, simultaneous challenges to the election occur at the county level. Even people without legal training are needed to serve as poll monitors, and of course to staff the hotline. In the group’s words, it needs people to help voters with “confusing voting rules, outdated infrastructure, rampant misinformation, and needless obstacles to the ballot box.”

If you live in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin, you can also volunteer to help All Voting Is Local, an organization that has been on the ground in those states since before 2020 and knows the rules, the officials, the potential threats. It, too, is recruiting legal professionals, as well as poll monitors. If you don’t live in one of those states, you can still make a financial contribution.

Wherever you live, consider working at a polling station. All Voting Is Local can advise you if you live in one of its eight states, but you can also call your local board of elections. More information is available at PowerThePolls.org, which will send you to the right place. The site explains that “our democracy depends on ordinary people who make sure every election runs smoothly and everyone's vote is counted—people like you.”

Wherever you live, it’s also possible to work for one of the many get-out-the-vote campaigns. Consider driving people to the voting booth. Find your local group by calling the offices of local politicians, members of Congress, state legislators, and city councillors. The League of Women Voters and the NAACP are just two of many organizations that will be active in the days before the election, and on the day itself. Call them to ask which local groups they recommend. Or, if you are specifically interested in transporting Democrats, you can volunteer for Rideshare2Vote.

If you know someone who needs a ride, then let them know that the ride-hailing company Lyft is once again working with a number of organizations, including the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Council on Aging, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote, and the Hispanic Federation. Contact any of them for advice about your location. Also try local religious congregations, many of whom organize rides to the polls.

Smaller gestures are needed too. If you see a long voting line, or if you find yourself standing in one, report it to Pizza to the Polls and the group will send over some free pizza to cheer everyone up.

Join Something Now

Many people have long been preparing for a challenge to the election and a battle in both the courts and the media. You can help them by subscribing to the newsletters of some of the organizations sponsoring this work, donating money, and sharing their information with others. Don’t wait until the day after the vote to find groups you trust: If a crisis happens, you will not want to be scouring the internet for information.

Among the organizations to watch is the nonpartisan Protect Democracy, which has already launched successful lawsuits to secure voting rights in several states. Another is the States United Democracy Center, which collaborates with police as well as election workers to make sure that elections are safe. Three out of four election officials say that threats to them have increased; in some states, the danger will be just as bad the day after the election as it was the day before, or maybe even worse.

The Brennan Center for Justice, based at NYU, researches and promotes concrete policy proposals to improve democracy, and puts on public events to discuss them. Its lawyers and experts are preparing not only for attempts to steal the election, but also, in the case of a Trump victory, for subsequent assaults on the Constitution or the rule of law.

For voters who lean Democratic, Democracy Docket also offers a wealth of advice, suggestions, and information. The group’s lawyers have been defending elections for many years. For Republicans, Republicans for the Rule of Law is a much smaller group, but one that can help keep people informed.

Talk With People

In case of a real disaster—an inconclusive election or an outbreak of violence—you will need to find a way to talk about it, including a way to speak with friends or relatives who are angry and have different views. In 2020, I published some suggestions from More in Common, a research group that specializes in the analysis of political polarization, for how to talk with people who disagree with you about politics, as well as those who are cynical and apathetic. I am repeating here the group’s three dos and three don’ts:

•Do talk about local issues: Americans are bitterly polarized over national issues, but have much higher levels of trust in their state and local officials. •Do talk about what your state and local leaders are doing to ensure a safe election. •Do emphasize our shared values—the large majority of Americans still feel that democracy is preferable to all other forms of government—and our historical ability to deliver safe and fair elections, even in times of warfare and social strife. •Don’t, by contrast, dismiss people’s concerns about election irregularities out of hand. Trump and his allies have repeatedly raised the specter of widespread voter fraud in favor of Democrats. Despite a lack of evidence for this notion, many people may sincerely believe that this kind of electoral cheating is real. •Don’t rely on statistics to make your case, because people aren’t convinced by them; talk, instead, about what actions are being taken to protect the integrity of the vote. •Finally, don’t inadvertently undermine democracy further: Emphasize the strength of the American people, our ability to stand up to those who assault democracy. Offer people a course of action, not despair.

As a Last Resort, Protest

As in 2020, protest remains a final option. A lot of institutions, including some of those listed above, are preparing to step in if the political system fails. But if they all fail as well, remember that it’s better to protest in a group, and in a coordinated, nonviolent manner. Many of the organizations I have listed will be issuing regular statements right after the election; follow their advice to find out what they are doing. Remember that the point of a protest is to gain supporters—to win others over to your cause—and not to make a bad situation worse. Large, peaceful gatherings will move and convince people more than small, angry ones. Violence makes you enemies, not friends.

Finally, don’t give up: There is always another day. Many of your fellow citizens also want to protect not just the electoral system but the Constitution itself. Start looking for them now, volunteer to help them, and make sure that they, and we, remain a democracy where power changes hands peacefully.

[peppermintquartz]

The views in Sydney would be great if it would just stop fucking raining.

Seriously annoyed, Rocker strides back to the lobby. He nods at a handful of Aussie cops from the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) that led the seminar today and spies Deacon scrolling through his phone.

"Deac, hey. It's still pissing out there and I'm already starving," Rocker tells him.

Deacon sighs. "Room service?"

"Can we charge it to LAPD?"

"They already cut costs with us sharing a hotel room," Deacon says, smiling, "so they better cough up the money for a proper meal."

There are other officers from the States, but Rocker isn't all that into socializing at the moment. He is still jetlagged to hell after four days of workshops, presentations and demonstrations. Tomorrow is the last day, full of speeches and thank yous, and Rocker is bored just thinking about it.

At least it's Deacon out here with him. Hondo can be preachy and that gets on Rocker's nerves, while Luca is a horrible person to share a room with. Tan, Rocker's first choice, is currently preparing to take the sergeant's exam.

And back home, what does Rocker have to look forward to outside of work? His apartment, his painting, and his Russian literature. God, life as a divorced man is depressing.

Deacon is someone Rocker wants to become: steady, calming, assured. Sure he has his flaws, but Deacon doesn't try to talk down to Rocker even if he has every right to do so.

Besides, Rocker knows that he's 50-David only because Deacon dropped out of consideration, and ever since then, Rocker has actively sought out Deacon's advice whenever he can. It's created a strong bond between them, the two former 2ICs to a couple of SWAT legends. He doesn't like having to follow Hondo's orders sometimes, but Deacon? He'll follow Deacon right into hell if Deacon asks him to.

Rocker doesn't want to think about what that says about him.

---

They had dinner at the tiny table in the room, and then they open up the bottle of wine they were given by one of the sergeants here as a welcome gift.

"I'm just saying, if they make me ride that horse again..." Rocker says, about three-quarters through the bottle, while Deacon laughs at the memory of the Mounted Police picking Rocker to try a couple of horseback riding maneuvers. Despite Rocker's best attempts, the horse just did not have any respect for him.

"Oh, you didn't have any dreams of being a cowboy?" Deacon teases.

Rocker scrunches his nose. "I'm a city boy through and through. Sure, kid me wanted to ride a bucking bronco, but I'm not four years old anymore."

The image of Rocker riding one of those mechanical bulls flashes into Deacon's mind. And he keeps his mind there for a moment.

"You'll look good doing it," he says at last.

"That's because I make everything look pretty," Rocker says, grinning, his cheeks pink from the wine. Deacon can't disagree; Rocker is stupidly attractive with his dark brown curls and strong features and that buff body. Unaware of Deacon's train of thought, Rocker sighs. "I like getting out of LA for these sort of trips, but the jetlag sucks."

Deacon agrees. "I'd like it more if we could go around the city or maybe venture out further. Seems such a waste being stuck indoors." He thinks about it. "No, I take that back. Running around the city means I'm actually on a case."

"Ha, I heard about Thailand. You guys have the worst luck."

"It's all Hondo, I swear."

Rocker raises an eyebrow. "But you're loyal to him."

"I'm loyal to my team," Deacon corrects. "No matter who leads it."

"Even if it's me?"

Deacon narrows his eyes. "Are you trying to poach me over to 50-squad?"

"Stevens would kill me if I swapped him out for you," Rocker says, and then he sighs. "I like working with you though. You're so... graceful. Contained."

"You're not too bad yourself," says Deacon. He reaches over and squeezes Rocker's biceps. "I mean, all that beef on you. And you're very easy on the eyes. Plus, don't tell anyone I said so, but I like when you smile so wide your whole face scrunches up."

"Really?" Rocker asks, smiling in that exact way now, as if he's been given a gift he wanted all year.

Deacon doesn't remove his hand. He likes the way his tanned skin contrasts against Rocker's paler complexion. As if looking through a screen, he sees his thumb rubbing over the patch of skin, and Rocker's muscle jumps under the caress.

"Deac?"

"Sorry," he murmurs, about to draw back his hand when he looks at Rocker again. And he stops moving. Stops breathing.

The downpour outside becomes louder. The heavens seem to want to drown out everything other than this room, render the passage of time meaningless.

Rocker swallows and licks his lips. Deacon's gaze snaps to the tip of the pink tongue peeking out, and everything in him screams for him to taste it.

The next thing he knows, he's got one hand in the back of Rocker's head, his fingers digging into short hair, and his mouth is locked over the other man's lips.

Rocker doesn't even resist, tilting his head as his thick arms go around Deacon's waist and back. He actually whines when Deacon pulls away briefly, but Deacon doesn't leave him for long; he straddles the younger man and resumes the kiss, one hand tangled into the short, damp curls of Rocker's hair and the other cradling his lightly-stubbled jaw. When he settles his weight on Rocker's lap, he encounters a heated hardness.

Gasping, Deacon pulls back from the kiss. What am I doing?

Below him, Rocker's blue eyes are blown dark, his fair cheeks pink and rosy, and his lips swollen and wet. He blinks up at Deacon, a soft, inquiring sound emerging from his throat. His hands - massive hands, always so sure and confident - tremble where they're placed on Deacon's body. He licks his lips again.

Deacon's pulse races in his chest while his own cock thickens with desire. He's done this. He's done this to Rocker, who's always, always confident. As if to test his theory, Deacon rocks his hips a little, and Rocker moans, lips parting, his broad chest heaving.

"Please," Rocker whispers, his voice so quiet and broken that Deacon can't tell if Rocker meant to say it at all.

He pulls off his own shirt and then removes Rocker's. A dull pink flush spreads over Rocker's chest. Deacon rubs his thumbs over the erect nipples, making Rocker whimper and rock up. The sensation causes every single nerve in Deacon's body to feel like he's been shocked with electricity.

He wants more of it.

"Just this once," he finds himself saying. "Just once."

"Okay," Rocker agrees too readily, and pulls Deacon close.

[vikspretty]

message in a bottle

you and spencer are best friends, but you both want more

masterlist

pairing: spencer reid x reader

tags: intern tech analyst! reader, no use of y/n, literal taylor lyrics as speech, academic inaccuracies (im british), rushed ending (and all throughout tbh), not proofread (it's 4:35am), season 5 reid, boyband hair reid, fluff!!!

notes: bro. the amount of times i rewrote this before i finally settled on the idea i actually liked. and as i write these notes before actually writing out the fic listning to this song im getting more ideas. hopefully this one is quite a bit longer.

wc: 1,550

"I'm reachin' for you, terrified, 'Cause you could be the one that I love, I could be the one that you dream of, Message in a bottle is all I can do, Standin' here, hopin' it gets to you" - Taylor Swift's 'Message in a Bottle (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

It was clear to everyone that there was something between you and the BAU's resident genius. So clear infact, that even the two of you knew it. Many times your brain had danced on the idea of confessing, or even just going up to Spencer and asking for sure if he liked you, but you already had that confirmation from Morgan through a voice message he had sent you of Spencer admitting his feelings one time when they had gone out.

At first, the thing you had found frightening was the fact that your best friend liked you. You didn't know what you were supposed to do with that information. But the more you thought about it, the more you realised that what actually frightens you is the fact that those feelings are reciprocated ten-fold, you just weren't sure on how you felt about them being out in the open to him -- and so, you found other ways to show your feelings. You wanted to ensure that Spencer knew you cared for him more than a normal friend did, but you also wanted to make sure that it could still be played off as a friendly gesture if anyone asked or if he was to find someone else.

You always thought Spencer was beautiful, both in the way he acted and especially the way he looked. When he had come in slightly late to a briefing with a brand new hair cut, it's safe to say you were hypnotized. Then when Hotch made his comment about Spencer's new haircut making him look like a boyband member, you could see Morgan's face waiting for your comment, as you had many times mentioned about how certain boyband members were attractive. But you couldn't pull your eyes from Spencer. He hadn't noticed, but when it was your turn to make a comment on the case, you were tongue-tied, stumbling over your words. This then prompted Spencer to later pull you to the side to ask if you were okay because for you to stutter in front of people like that was an extremely rare occurrence.

Realising you definitely wanted more out of yours and Spencer's relationship, you went for leaving him more obvious hints. You wanted to make sure he knew what you meant by your gifts so you'd write flirty notes and leave them on the front pages of books you'd give him, or attach little comments to the cups of coffee you'd buy him. You were sure this would work, but then work took over.

As an intern, you had certain times when you weren't in the office helping Garcia out and were instead in classes and study sessions to prepare for exams. Usually, you would try your best to help Garcia and the team from her office while also studying there, however, you had your biggest, most important one coming up, and Hotch had given you the time off to allow you to focus on it, ensuring you that the team would be just fine without you for a few weeks.

At the beginning of this break, you'd study in your apartment and Spencer would come over with take-out to help where he could and to just keep you company, you studying while he read on your couch. However, the team had been called to Las Vegas on a gruelling case, so times for you and Spencer to talk were very limited. Even when they got back, Spencer had vaguely mentioned that he had seen his mother while in Vegas and wanted to see if he could get her into another programme. You still had about a week to your exam so studying became more frequent and time to talk and hangout with Spencer became very sparse, sometimes going days without talking at all.

Eventually, your exam had passed and so came the long wait for your result. You were back at the BAU, and even though they had hit a dry spell of cases, paperwork and training did not. The mornings would drag, but when it would come to lunch, you and Spencer had decided to take it together everyday, often heading to a local cafe for an hour to talk and just have a break.

On a seemingly endless workday, a day where you didn't get a chance to stop for lunch, there was a knock at the door of yours and Garcia's shared office.

As the door opened, you both looked up, your smile immediately widening at the view of your best friend holding a tea and a bag of what you assumed was something from a bakery the two of you had found a while back.

"To what do we owe the pleasure Doctor?" Garcia's teasing tone was unmissable as she gave you a side look with a smirk, knowing exactly what had prompted the visit.

"Well, someone, skipped out on me for lunch today so I decided to bring it here, and don't worry I got you some too Garcia."

Garcia took her food and made it seem like she went back to work but in reality she was watching as you and Spencer chatted.

Spencer soon left to get back to his own pile of paperwork and you watched the door a few seconds too long after he left, your daze only breaking at the sound of Garcia's voice. "Girl. You need to tell him, I know you said you were leaving him hints but I don't think he got them, I think you need to be clear and just tell him."

The only word going through your head was 'disaster'. Not in the terms of your relationship, but in the terms of you knew you were going to go through with it and risk everything.

At the end of the work day you made sure to be ready to leave for when Spencer also would be leaving. Running a little to catch up to him by the elevator you shouted his name. "Spence, hey."

"Hi, you didn't have to run, I would've waited for you." He said, laughing a little as you regained your breath now on the elevator.

"Yeah yeah, anyway, movie night?"

Spencer's smile grew even wider than it already was as he nodded and followed you to your car when you got to the parking lot.

It took a while for you to finally gain the courage to confess. In your head as you left the BAU, you had told yourself to do it as soon as you arrived at your apartment, but that nagging part of your brain told you to be a little selfish and enjoy what could be the last few hours of normalcy between the two of you if this were to go downhill.

Two movies later and Chinese take-out on your coffee table, you turned to Spencer.

"You could be the one that I love."

There was silence.

You weren't sure why you had phrased it like that, knowing Spencer would be confused, and this was evident in his face: his eyebrows scrunched in confusion as he finished chewing his food, turning to you.

"And I could be the one that you dream of."

You cringed inwardly at yourself again, willing yourself to just express your feelings normally, but just as you went to speak again, Spencer beat you to it. "You're already the one I dream of. My every thought is consumed by you. I've noticed your hints, pretty girl, all of them, the notes, the extra gifts, which by the way, I love but you really do not need to be spending that much on me, I know how much limited book editions cost and you've bought me five in the past two months. Anyway. I am in love with you and I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier but you seemed to have a lot of work and I wanted to make sure I wouldn't add to that if those 'hints' turned out to just be friendly."

You were stunned, and your lack of response seemed to invite Spencer to continue.

"You are the one that I love. You have been for a long time. I think I've spent more time being in love with you than I have just thinking of you as a friend."

Stupidly, instead of saying anything, you just looked down at your lap. You didn't know what to say. You weren't entirely sure what you were expecting to come out of your 'confession', but Spencer's words were not an expectation in any of your many thoughts of how this would play out.

"Please say something, if I've got it wrong, please let me know so that I can leave-"

The idea of him leaving seemed to pull you from your stun. "No! Please don't leave. I'm sorry, I just never expected you to say anything like that. I played this all out in my head so many times but I never expected you to think of me that way. I am so unbelievably happy and in love with you Dr. Spencer Reid."

Cringing at the use of his full titled name, he muttered out a "Shush you," as he cupped your cheek, pulling you into his lips.

Your message in a bottle got to it's destination.

i won't lie, this is so rushed and i actually kind of hate how it turned out, but it is 4:31am and i am tired but i just really wanted to get this out. at least it's longer than my last two fics. i might come back and edit it but for now, here it is. either way, i hope you enjoyed and please send requests, the people i can write for are in my masterlist!

dividers by @cafekitsune

thank you for reading!

[cottonlemonade]

hi!! I'm gonna take menu b with strawberry and matcha roll and im gonna sit next to tsuki!😊 thank you!!(⁠｡⁠･⁠ω⁠･⁠｡⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♡

Don’t Call Me That

request: fluffy, jealous crush Tsukki, as manager

Kei set up the net, caught in a conversation he wished he hadn’t started. Hinata was going on and on and on about a new technique he was dying to try, while Yamaguchi thankfully indulged him and asked questions, leaving Kei the opportunity to throw glances at the entrance of the gym.

Originally, he had meant to wait close to the door, just in case you needed help carrying something. He wouldn’t have offered his help readily, of course, but you were usually quick to ask one of the team members to jump in when things got too difficult to balance.

To be honest, he didn’t even know why he bothered. Sure, your smile made him think of a sunrise over a field of wildflowers in late summer - but god, you were annoying. Always bright, always prepared to build up the team with an inspirational speech that rivaled Takeda sensei, always eager to support wherever you could, as if this wasn’t just a stupid club.

The other first years started following you around like puppies after their initial introduction, while Nishinoya and Tanaka were extra protective of their fellow second year. You finally arrived, closely followed by Ennoshita and Narita. For quite some time now, Kei had tried to figure out if Narita was maybe more than a friend to you, but you were probably just being nice, right? He was too bland for you. But an image began building in his mind of the other middle blocker pulling you into an empty classroom, one hand on your plump hip, the other cupping your chubby cheek, leaning down to-

“Tsukki, are you there? You gotta pull the string to-“

“Don‘t call me that!“, Kei snapped at the idiot tangerine, but did as he was told, “How many times do I have to tell you I hate that nickname!“

“Geez, fine, calm down - Suckyshima.“, Hinata mumbled and ran away screaming a second later when Kei threw him a murderous glare.

The next moment the team was called to assemble for a pre-practice pep talk from the coach and Kei was actually much more interested in the way you played with your necklace than paying any attention. For a split second he wondered if it might have been a gift from a boyfriend, Narita or otherwise and his already sour mood turned even darker.

“So, that‘s our goal for today. Tsukishima and Hinata, are you ready to try this block?“, the coach asked and Kei did a double take upon being spoken to directly. Even though he had no idea what had been discussed, he nodded and turned to get started on the warm up when you said, “Good luck, Shoyo-kun! You too, Tsukki-kun!“

Kei froze for a second, then continued walking, feeling his legs beginning to wobble slightly.

“Hey, she called you “Tsukki”, Tsukki.“, Hinata said, catching up to him and bouncing along.

“Sharp as ever.“, Kei muttered.

“Why isn‘t she getting yelled at? You said you were going to make sure my bloodline ends with me if I called you “Tsukki“ again! Why isn‘t she getting threatened!? Hm? Tsukkiiii~“

a/n: Tsukki going for a girl older than him - scandalous! Thank you so much for the request 🌟 I hope you enjoyed it!

[borgialucrezia]

The tragic disconnection between Lucrezia Borgia and Juan Borgia::

What I find sad and compelling about Juan and Lucrezia's relationship is that every time he genuinely makes a gesture to make her happy, it inevitably ends up being misguided, resulting in her getting hurt in some way. Like the debauched play he had prepared for her as a surprise at her wedding to make her smile, not realizing that it would anger her husband and cause him to hate her and her family even more. The Paolo situation is where their dynamic changed forever. Juan, as someone who was assigned as the protector of the family by his father and is already feeling inadequate and incompetent in his position, already saw Paolo as a threat. A guy who could expose his sister, calling himself the father of her child, making demands to see her? Had Juan known what Sforza did to her, the hell she was living, and how she found solace in Paolo, most probably, he would've let Paolo live. He legitimately believed getting rid of him (and he was motivated by jealousy as he has incestuous feelings for Lucrezia)—was the right thing to do—and expected applause for his misguided notions of protecting his family's honor. He didn't realize how much he hurt Lucrezia and tried to make her understand that he did it to protect her honor and didn't mean to hurt her. When he realized that she tried to avenge Paolo and kill him, he made a speech about how their family triumphed because they weren't dysfunctional when they came to Rome, that they should always stick together, and that he's motivated by wanting safety for all of them. After he came back from Spain a changed man, he gifted his sister something that positively represented her—a stunning rare panther in a gilded cage—a genuine gesture to reconcile with her and earn her respect. However, it bites her, and they're unable to make peace. And after Cesare betrayed him at Forli, he spiraled once again, and he realized that no matter what he did, he would never earn his siblings' respect, specifically Lucrezia's. This realization hurt him and made him act on his impulsive as by lashing out at her and dangling her baby from the balcony, which also gave Cesare the motivation to do what he always wanted and justify his jealousy by murdering him.

"I had an amazing personal journey to go on with that character and hopefully I presented it with a sense and reality and hopefully you will feel a bit sorry for the guy. I don’t think he’s useless. Everyone says he’s a useless coward. He’s just placed in some shit situations. He’s not afraid of dying in that sense, he’s afraid of not being liked or loved and being left by his family. Whether they know it or not, they have been ganging up on him from the very beginning of the first season. What’s the problem with him? I think he’s lovely. I think he’s really kind and compassionate and cuddly." — DAVID OAKES

[carmillascrusade]

Jealousy, Jealousy | Larissa Weems x f!reader

Summary: Larissa misinterprets an interaction between you and Morticia, only to reject you when you ask her to the Rave’N. She comes to regret it but can you find it within yourself to face her after such a recent heartbreak?

Young!Larissa AU.

Word count: 2,311

A/N: Hurt/no comfort. Something quick I wrote on the bus so please excuse any mistakes as this has not been proofread.

Nevermore’s air buzzed with uncontrollably excitement. The Rave’n was fast approaching, with only a few hours left to prepare. Perhaps you had left it too late. What if somebody else had already asked Larissa? What is she said no to you?

Snapping fingers and waving hands brought you out of your thoughts. Morticia stood in front of you, smiling at the dazed look in your eyes. “You’re going to be alright, you know.” She stated, kindness beaming from her eyes. A stark contrast from her usual blank, if not bored, facade.

“What if she says no?” You huffed. “Or what if somebody else has already asked her? What if I mess it up so terribly that she doesn’t want to speak to me ever again?”

You brought your nails to your mouth, chewing the skin roughly until it bled- an awful habit you had picked up in childhood. Morticia pulled your hands away from your mouth gently and pushed them down so that you couldn’t abuse your skin any longer. Her hands cupped your face, forcing yo to look into her eyes as you fretted.

“Practise your speech on me. That way you can make it perfect, so nothing will go wrong.”

“Are you sure? It’s really embarrassing.” You murmured , cheeks tinted red at the thought of showing Morticia just how much you loved Larissa through the words you were about to speak.

“Of course I am sure.” She beamed, stepping back and gesturing for you to begin.

You gaped at her for a moment, willing yourself to muster just enough courage to perform your Rave’N proposal to her. You exhaled slowly, subtly picking at your cuticle so that Morticia wouldn’t notice. “Okay,” you spoke, ever so quietly. “I’m ready.”

“Yeah?”

A shaky nod of approval was given, your eyes flickering to every possible spot in the room; desperately trying to find something to settle on in hopes it would make this interaction less awkward than it already was. Every single word in the English vocabulary seemed to dissipate into thin air as you tried to call upon them. Your love for Larissa so overwhelming that mere words wouldn’t do it justice.

Morticia stared at you as you squeaked out a “Will you go to the Rave’N with me… please?”

She barked out in laughter, loud and boisterous as she processed your pathetic attempt of asking a girl out. Her obnoxious laughing the only sound in the room as you narrowed your eyes at her, your glare only causing her to laugh even more. Not impressed in the slightest, you stood with your arms crossed, an ‘are you being serious right now?’ expression painting your face.

It felt like you were waiting years before her laughter subdued into quiet giggles, a chocked ‘I’m sorry’ escaping her as she looked over at your disgruntled form. “Is that all you got? Good lord, you may as well have thrown yourself down to her feet and begged her for her attention.

“Yeah, laugh it up Morticia. It’s hilarious, truly. ” You spat, seething silently, lamenting at your inability to express your emotions in speech properly.

Morticia took pity on you and ceased her amusement for the time being. She reached out for you, rubbing her hands up and down your arms in an attempt of comfort. “You know, maybe you should just get her a box of chocolates and some pretty flowers. Every girl loves flowers.”

“Yeah. Good idea.” You smiled slightly, ideas whiting in your head as you thought of the perfect flower combination to gift Larissa.

Larissa stood on the opposite side of the door, just out of view from you and Morticia. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop but the conversation you were sharing with Morticia piqued her interest.

She stood, crestfallen, as she overheard you asking Morticia to the dance. Her hand reached up to cover her mouth as tears blurred her vision, the last thing heard from the room being Morticia’s cruel laugh. How could she be so stupid? To think that you, or anybody, would look at her instead of Morticia. Why was she subject to this awful fate of existing only in Morticia’s shadow? It wasn’t fair.

Larissa took herself to her room, mascara ruined by tears, eyes puffy and red. Accepting the fact that she would never be better than Morticia, she took herself to her bed she laid there for a moment, simply staring at the ceiling as her whole world crumbled around her. Your carefully crafted memories tainted by the lick of flames, charring them a sulky black.

She wouldn’t let this get the best of her. No. She would go to the Rave’N regardless of whether you wanted her or not.

She would make you as insignificant to her as she was to you.

Pressing eyes and curled lips followed you as you made your way through the centre. Head hung low and feet which you pressed onward to the flower shop, the townsfolk had always had abysmal views on outcasts and today was no different. Children stopped playing, their faces stricken with fear as you passed, parents glaring in contempt. You knew it would all be worth it however as you thought back on Larissa. No feat would be too difficult to pass as long as you were doing it with her in mind.

You walked up to the desk and patiently waited for the cashier to come back; flowers already paid for and ordered in advance, all that was left to do was pick them up. Your fingers drummed nervously against the countertop, weary of the suspicious glances being thrown your way.

The cashier was nice enough, though, as she handed you your bouquet. You smiled and thanked her softly before making your way to the chocolatier down the street. Larissa had a terrible sweet tooth; whether she liked to admit it or not.

Your trip, albeit short, was something you were glad to get out of the way. The townsfolk would never be welcoming to an outcast like you and, unfortunately, it was just something you had to take with a pinch of salt. Larissa was worth the risk.

By the time you had arrived back at Nevermore the busting day to day life had lulled to a stop. Scurrying along to Larissa’s room, wanting to catch her before she would undoubtedly be asleep, you skilfully avoided the teachers on walk around duty, meandering your way up the wide staircases and through the narrow corridors until you reached her door.

Your breathing was irregular as you stood outside Larissa’s door. Whether that was from the minimal exercise you did to get here or the nerves overtaking your body, you weren’t sure. Larissa would be awake at this time. Wouldn’t she?

You muttered a quick ‘You can do this’ to yourself before taking the plunge and knocking in the door. You jumped slightly as the door was forcibly swung upon. If you weren’t in love with Larissa already, you certainly would be after seeing her in nothing but her silk slip.

Words evaded you as you gaped at her like a fish. How could somebody look so beautiful in nightwear? Her curvy figure was only accentuated by the lilac slip she had on, drawing your eyes to her hips. Heat creeped up your neck as you shamefully ogled her.

“Can I help you?” She drawled in the bored tone she used when speaking to people she didn’t like very much.

Her tone snapped you out of your, very inappropriate, appreciation of her in all her glory. “Oh, yes. You can actually.”

Perfectly manicured nails tapped against the door impatiently, the cherry red a striking contrast to the burnt umber of the doorframe. Had you done something to upset her?

“Well?”

Yes. You definitely had.

“I bought these, for you.” You muttered, avoiding all eye contact as you did so.

“Why?” She questioned with a furrow brow as she observed you from where she stood.

“Well. I was sort of hoping that you’d like to go to the Rave’N… with me?”

You shifted from side to side, anxious under Larissa’s unusually stone cold glare. A soft pitter-patter rang out in the silence, the ceiling not yet fixed and still leaking. Larissa barked out a laugh, startling you in the process.

“Do you think I’m a fool?” She snarled, jabbing you in the chest with her pointer finger.

“No?”

“It’s pathetic really. You coming to my door, begging for my affections.”

“What? Larissa, where is this coming from?” You were beyond confused and hurt at the way she was rejecting you. Why couldn’t she just say no?

“Listen here. I will not subject myself to the torture of being a rebound. So, no. I will not got to the Rave’N with you.”

And with that she slammed the door in your face. You were stunned to say the least. What did she mean rebound? What had you done to warrant such cruelty?

A small, barely audible, defeated sigh sounded out in the corridor. The bouquet drooping miserably as it hung loosely in your hands. Morticia would be asleep by now so you couldn’t even go to her for comfort.

Dejected and heartbroken, you headed back to your dorm. Stumbling into things as you went, vision blurred by the tears you refused to let fall.

Obnoxiously loud music shook the foundations of the academy, letting you know that the Rave’N was in full swing. Your outfit sat forgotten in the wardrobe. There was no point in going if you couldn’t go with the person you wanted.

Morticia had came by before, asking you about how it went, so she knew you would not be present tonight. Instead, you had chosen to snuggle up in bed and read; desperately trying to get Larissa’s brutal rejection as far out of your mind as you could.

Larissa has gone all out with her outfit. She wanted to show you what you were missing, that she was far better than Morticia and you were a fool not to see it. Only she hadn’t seen you yet and she’d been here half an hour already.

Her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she surveyed the room. Had you already left with somebody? Raven black hair caught her eye. Morticia. Surely she would know where you were.

Sidling up beside Morticia, Larissa smiled at her, saccharine sweet as she asked about your whereabouts. Morticia gave her a sarcastically friendly grin in return before answering her.

“What’s it got to do with you?”

Larissa stuttered a little. Slightly taken aback at Morticia’s subtle aggressiveness towards her. “Well, I- I would just like to know.”

“You don’t get to know where she is.” Morticia sneered back.

“And why is that?” Larissa was beginning to get defensive. She could ask about you if she wanted to. What has it got to do with everybody else?

“What did you say to her?”

“What?”

“Look,” Morticia sighed. “You have every right to reject people but she wouldn’t even let me in her room. So, I’ll ask again, what did you say that has her refusing to come here?”

“She’s not here… because of me?” Larissa questioned quietly.

“Why else wouldn’t she be here?” Morticia was getting snappy with her and Larissa knew she had done something wrong.

“I don’t know.”

“Let me spell it out for you. She wanted to come to the Rave’N with you, and only you, but you rejected her so she isn’t here.”

“What?” Larissa’s smile faltered ever so slightly before she managed to school her features.

Her world came to a stop as she mulled Morticia’s words over. Continuously rolling them around her head. Again and again. Over and over.

Her vision swirled as the room spun around her, Morticia reduced to nothing but a blur. She felt sick. Swiftly turning on her heel and fleeing the dance, Larissa set out to find you, intent on fixing her mistakes before it was too late.

It wasn’t too late… was it?

You were in your room, hidden under a mountain of blankets and pillows in a pitiful attempt to drown your sorrows. Reading had failed- your mind being too preoccupied to truly focus on the words of the page. A sharp knock, brief and to the point, made you peak your head above your fortress. Who would be knocking on your door instead of going to the dance? You sighed as you left the comfortable embrace of your duvet and braved the chill night air of your room.

“Morticia,” you shouted. “I’ve already told you I’m not going to-“

“Hello.”

She stood in your doorway; her flushed face a rosy red, her breathing slightly irregular and her normally pristine hair tousled. You went to shut the door, not wanting to deal with the emotions you had failed to bury under your pile of blankets right now. Her foot stopped the door from closing and she forced herself inside your room, carefully as to not damage the goods in her hands.

“Wait! Please, just listen to me.” She begged.

“Why should I?” Were you being petty? Yes. But she deserved it.

“I bought these for you.” She whispered, extending her lithe arms towards you. “I know that they’re your favourite.”

You sighed agitatedly as you tossed up the idea of letting her in or shutting the door in her face. Although it would bring you great satisfaction to leave get stranded on the hallway, you knew the feeling would only be momentary. After a silence that stretched for hours, you finally decided that you couldn’t see her right now and shut the door in her face.

Leaving a stunned and heartbroken Larissa on the other side; much how she had left you earlier the same evening.

[yanderes-galore]

Hey there! It’s me, the 1% of people who reblog your posts.

Anyways, I was watching “Lucario and the Mystery Of Mew.” yesterday, and during that time, I went onto Tumblr and saw your post about requesting, and I thought “Hey. Lucario can telepathically speak, why not send that in as a request?”

Onto my point, may I please request a Platonic/Animal Pet-like concept with Lucario? Really, you may decide the scenario or if it’s a concept, I don’t mind. I mean, it’s just an overprotective talking blue dog.

Still, thank you for reading this, I really appreciate all the effort you put into your work, and I hope you get a nice break after all these requests.

Hello! Nice to see you put in a request ^^ I haven't watched the anime so I am taking your word for it. The most I got from Pokedex entries was it can read thoughts and emotions from beings.

Overprotective! Lucario Concept

Pairing: Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Overprotective behavior, Clingy behavior, Jealousy, Violence implied, Possessive behavior, Dubious companionship.

Pokedex Entries say Lucario can read the thoughts and emotions of living creatures.

They can understand human speech and evolve from Riolu with high friendship during the day.

Pulling from an old idea... Pokemon evolving through high friendship no doubt get the most attached to their trainers compared to wild Pokemon.

Perhaps you originally had a Riolu and evolved them into a Lucario.

Lucario is a fiercely loyal Pokemon who trusts you as their trainer.

They remember you taking care of them as a Riolu, right up until they evolved.

We already know your Lucario can sense your emotions and thoughts.

But speaking through telepathy? Perhaps they can do that too.

An overprotective Lucario would want to keep their trainer happy at all times.

The moment your Lucario senses you're upset... they want to cheer you up!

Something stressing you out? Your Lucario's there!

Seeming sad? Your Lucario presents you a gift!

Seem scared? Someone bothering you? Your Lucario can fix it.

Loyal and dedicated, your Lucario rarely, if ever, leaves your side.

If you seem upset your Lucario tries to use telepathy to speak with you.

They aren't that skilled at it while learning... but they do it enough to hold conversations with you.

At some point your Lucario may not like you around your friends or other Pokemon.

Why do you need them anyways?

Clearly you and your Lucario are best buds!

I think a Lucario would get easily jealous.

They cross their arms and pout when you're focused on another human or Pokemon.

You can practically hear their disinterest in your head.

Even more so when they growl at times.

Your Lucario is clingy, always feeling like they are the best companion for you.

You can't hide anything from your Lucario... they know your thoughts.

They don't want to do anything to harm you.

However... their jealousy may be too great.

They frequently try to make you ignore your other companions.

They try so hard to keep you to themselves.

Soon enough they'll snap... barking and growling at others while preparing Aura attacks.

You try to keep them in the ball, they don't want to stay...

You try to keep them away from others... they never leave your side...

You try to release them...

Your Lucario doesn't leave.

Your Lucario will never leave.

You can't get rid of them now... you're too close...

Your Lucario plans to stay by your side...

Even if it means it has to get rid of all those you care about to have you back.

[formulapookie]

Under the stars

rosquez

they aren't good, not even on speaking terms as of now, not been on fucking terms for a while, but the lingering presence of vale is something heavy to Marc right now.

Of all people it was his side of the garage the one glued to that neon yellow monstrosity of Bezzecchi's garage.

And Vale wasn't fucking shutting up, constantly talking to his rider and telling him how to correct or change a certain something in a certain corner.

He was sick of it, hearing that pointy voice on the other side of the thin wall and not being able to see him.

For how much of a shield or shell he ould build there would have always been a little crack that let Vale through his armour into his chest.

Nestled there like a virus, ready to attack.

He gets up and exits the garage, he needs space, air, quiet.

There's a place where he could go, and even if it is, was, their place it's not like Vale is going to go there.

They didn't even look at eachother earlier in the morning at breakfast.

Or well, Vale didn't look at him, Marc's eyes glued themselves to his curls more than once, always looking away before being spotted.

He breaths in the humid air of the ring, the smell of fuel and the sound of engines managing to calm his mind, untaunted by Vale's voice.

"Where you listening to my tips as well? Could benefit you after the stupid mistake you pulled yesterday in the sprint"

Oh fucking hell. Can't he just have ten minutes to himself?

"I think I manage well for myself Vale, I remind you I have eight Championships, how many does your kid have?"

"No need to insult my rider thank you"

Marc doesn't answer, he doesn't want to, they shouldn't even be talking, let alone discuss.

"You don't talk to me for two years and the first thing you tell me after all this time is an insult, what a way to do things Vale"

"More of a provocation than an insult"

"Oh fuck off Vale what do you want? Me not to fight your precious champion too much next year? To let him win if he wants? To gift him the championship like you think I did with Lorenzo?"

He shouldn't be like this on front of Vale, it's too much skin exposed, too many thoughts said.

He knows Vale compared him to a shark that bites harder if he smells blood, but right now Vale would be much more adequate to the metaphor than him.

"As I already said Pecco doesn't need you in the garage to show he's a Champion, so no, didn't come here to talk to you about him" "Then what do you want? I came here to not hear you talking and you managed to disturb me anyway" "You came here and didn't think that maybe I could come here too?"

Marc's heart skips a beat, a breath gets caught in his throat. Why does it have to happen to him? Why does Vale manage to always sting him when he's not prepared?

"I don't see why you would" "Don't act like an idiot Marc, you know why"

No he fucking doesn't, because Vale has not uttered a word to him for two whole years, they haven't woken up in a random motel together in a year and a half, so he doesn't fucking know why he would.

"No"

Vale scoffs, walking closer to him, now there's roughly a meter between them.

"It's our place no? You called it like this after the first time we came here, you told me we should've had an 'our place' in every track"

Marc didn't think he remembered, words spoken by a lovestruck kid between the sheets of Vale's motorhome, words that still cut too deep even now.

"I agreed that we should've because we couldn't spend too much time in my motorhome and not raise suspicions. And then we went there again for the whole weekend, you sat on that edge and told me you wanted to see the stars, so I shut off the lights on the building and you watched them"

Why is Vale doing this? Why is he talking about that night with that fondness in his voice? Marc doesn't like this, he hates it he - he can't hate it.

He's caught in a trap of lasers and blades and he doesn't know how to get out from the maze that is Valentino's speech.

"I still don't understand why you would come here"

Somehow Marc manages to keep a steady and neutral voice, despite his will is to cry at the memory Vale just revived.

"Because I knew you'd be here" it's the first time tonight, this year actually, that they make proper eye contact, staring into each other's souls for a seconds which seems and eternity.

Marc feels like drowning in the ocean Vale's eyes are, Vale feels like he's wondering in an ancient forest if he looks long enough.

"And I feel like I owe you an apology. Fuck ok more than just an apology, I owe you so much more"

After years. Years. He spent wondering if he would ever hear these words they're finally here.

"I was wrong. About a lot of things, especially those regurding you and your - you saying you were a fan of mine, that I was skeptical whether or not you had posters of me at your house, despite I went there and saw them. I was an asshole. I wanted to hurt you as much as I could and I said the most stupid and hurtful thing I could think of, I knew that if I publicly doubted of you then you would’ve let go”

“You’re apologising?”

Marc doesn’t believe it, can’t believe Vale is actually saying these words to him, in reality, right here right now.

“Yes. And don’t get me wrong, I’m still angry about the 10th, but I was a dickhead about it and a whole other bunch of things”

There’s a tension in the air, uneasiness between them.

It’s not normal to be in this situation, both vulnerable and bare in front of the other.

It’s like they’re saying “my heart is here, if you want to stab it do it now, i’m defenceless”

“Marc I don’t expect you to forgive me. I just needed to say I’m sorry because I’ve been sorry for a long time but I didn’t want to tell you. I was scared to look stupid or weak. I don’t care now, I just had to make sure next year there’s no resentment in the garage”

Marc has tears in his eyes.

He wants to let them all out, wants to curl up in a ball and let himself be consumed by years of torment and suffering.

“I was a kid Vale. I - fucking he’ll I was Celestino’s age. What would you do to someone if they did what you did to me to Celestino?”

“Probably I’d punch them. Probably I’d keep them as far as possible from him and tell him to never interact with them again. I am not an idiot Marc I know I have no right to expect you to forgive me. But I just ask for no resentment”

“I forgave you already. I forgave you the week after you said those things about me. A week after you called me a liar I had already forgiven you. I just wanted to hear these words back then”

Vale is honestly dumbfounded. Because yeah he knew Marc didn’t hold the type of grudge he held for him but.

Forgiving him after a week? That was just insane.

“You have really zero self preservation sense eh? That’s why you race like that still”

“I forgave you because I was in love with you Vale. I hoped that if I just loved you enough, that’d be good for the two of us, I thought I could love enough for both. Thought I could get over you going me those nasty looks and just calling me when you wanted to fuck. Because I had enough love for two”

And Vale didn’t think he could feel more shitty than he did when he had that mental trip months ago when he realised how actually cruel he had been, and how he had to apologise.

He hadn’t told Uccio, obviously.

Or Pecco. Or Luca. Or any of the people he knew.

“I thought you felt - ok not the same as me but I thought you hated me at least a little bit. I am sorry. Really. I know I should’ve apologised long ago, that this I’m doing now it’s basically useless but you had to hear it from me”

And now tears just can’t be held by Marc anymore.

He’s not crying desperately but tears stream down his face, quietly, like a mountain river.

“I know I should tell you to fuck off and go back to you garage and tell you I don’t give a fuck about your apologies”

Now Marc is breathing normally again, eyes locked with Vale’s, there’s not a layer of lies in it.

“But I just can’t. I want to be honest with you, I was - still am - hurt by what you said. But I am so fucking stupid and still love you so much and I forgive you”

Vale wants to cry too now, Marc hasn’t changed a bit. He’s still that lovestruck kid he fell in love with ten years ago. And it sickens him, because he can see who he hurt.

“Can” Marc’s voice gets interrupted by a sob, light now completely down at the track, just the moon making its appearance.

“Can we watch the stars Vale? I miss them”

“Si. Ill go turn the lights off, you stay here and we watch the stars ok?”

Marc nods, he’s scared, of course he’s scared.

He’s scared Vale will run away again, that he would leave him alone up there, that he will make fun of his helpless reaction with his friends.

But Vale takes 5 seconds to shut off the buildings lights, leaving just the many stars to light up in Marc’s eyes.

“Im sorry. I will go away if you want. When you want”

“No Vale no please. Please don’t go. Not again I don’t want you to go away again. Watch the stars with me”

And Vale does just that, sat beside Marc, heads touching, thousands of words still to say, millions of apologies still to be done.

But now, in this fragment, it’s just them.

Them and the stars.

[lovelynim]

Reasonable funding

Honkai: Star Rail - Yanqing & Jing Yuan

A/N: Happy birthday @otomiyaa!!! I'm not really sure if this will be a good gift, but I know you've been feeling in the HSR mood lately so... I hope you like this! ~

Wish you the very best and many, many years!

Summary: Yanqing tries to convince the general to fund him another a new sword.

Word count: 1752 words

“General, I’d like to ask for- no, that’s not going to work,” Yanqing groaned, walking from one side of the room to the other. He had his arms crossed in front of his chest, his foot tapping at the wooden floor while he tried to come up with a better phrasing for his… request.

It wasn’t like it was unreasonable or absurd, Yanqing thought to himself, of course not. He just needed to find the right arguments, but Jing Yuan would understand him. Or so he hoped.

The young swordsman sighed, going through the little script he quickly made up in his mind again. “ahem, general, I want to ask you- I mean, need to… hmm, maybe I should start it in some other way?” He talked to himself out loud, holding his chin while drifting into further contemplation of that matter.

Just how hard could it be?!

Yanqing had went through the same lines at least 10 times in the last hour, explaining to his imaginary picture of Jing Yuan how important it was for him, as the Cloud Knight Lieutenant, to keep an updated arsenal and, above that, the benefits that acquiring the newly-released sword - the Sunset Pierce - would bring to his training and development as a whole.

Of course, it would cost a bit more money that he currently had in hands, but as his mentor, it fell on Jing Yuan’s responsibilities to help him fund that sword. Right, Yanqing nodded to himself, this made sense, yes.

Still, why did it feel so hard to find the right words to talk to the actual general?

No, he could make it. The first defeat is the one that comes from within your own mind, Yanqing reminded himself. He could do it, he just needed to prepare himself a bit more and Jing Yuan would, surely, agree to fund his reasonable request.

Taking a deep breath, the lieutenant slapped his own cheeks before stare into an empty corner of the room - now full of determination. “General,” he started, fixing his posture and holding one hand behind his back while gesturing with the other - just like Jing Yuan himself would do during his speeches, “I’m sure you’re aware of the approach of the Luminary Wardance Ceremony-”

“Yes, I am,” Jing Yuan mused with a smile on his face while making Yanqing squeal and jump like a scaredy cat. The general chuckled, continuing to slowly walk into his office. “What’s the matter about it?”

“G-General, I- ahm, I wasn’t expecting you… to be back… so soon…” He stuttered, his voice only going quieter and quieter as all his planning was turned into shambles before his very own eyes. 

Jing Yuan cocked his head, watching his apprentice with curiosity, “the meeting didn’t take as long as it usually does this time. Anyway, I heard you calling me. I suppose there is something that needs my attention?”

“No- I mean, yes, there… is,” Yanqing nodded, coughing to fix up his voice tone and try to look more presentable - and convincing - before the general and, hopefully, future sponsor. “I’d like to talk to you about the preparations for the Wardance.”

“I’m listening,” Jing Yuan smiled, amusing himself with how Yanqing spoke.The lieutenant nodded, continuing with his report while taking random steps around the office.He already had Jing Yuan’s attention and a good excuse to bring up his personal collection arsenal. He could do it!

“To have a better performance and proper execution of my techniques - which will be representing not only your teachings, but the whole Luofu - I believe we should…”

“We should..?” Jing Yuan continued, taking his seat in the office and resting his elbow on the chair’s armrest.

“R-review my current equipment. After all, I-I can’t fight with swords in a poor state, yes?” Yanqing stopped, looking at his general with expectant eyes. As approval sparked up in Jing Yuan’s face, the lieutenant took it as a sign for him to go on with his rambling reporting. “So, knowing you have a tight schedule and other important affairs to take care of, I went ahead and checked the condition of the swords in the inventory myself.”

“Oh, how productive. And what are your conclusions?” Jing Yuan asked and leaned back in his seat. He could already see where this was going, but he’d still like to hear the arguments Yanqing made up this time.

“O-of course, ahem, most of the swords are in good - i-if not excellent - condition, but-”

“But?” Jing Yuan almost gasped, feigning surprise, “did you encounter a problem within your arsenal?”

“I-it’s not really a problem, but… one of the swords isn’t in as good condition as the other five…”

“So?”

“So, well…” Yanqing stopped in front of Jing Yuan, taking one last deep breath to gather enough courage to utter his request, “Ineedmoneytobuyanewswordandreplaceit!”

Jing Yuan blinked, stunned. He shook his head, chuckling, “I beg your pardon, lieutenant Yanqing. What did you say? I couldn’t understand it.”

Ugh!

“I… need- I mean, I’d like to ask- no, I’d like to count on you funding its replacement.”

There it is, Jing Yuan thought. The general closed his eyes and hummed softly, pretending to be deeply contemplating Yanqing’s request. If he wasn’t exactly sure, but he could swear he “funded” a new sword not long ago and, honestly, couldn’t help but doubt about the actual needs of a replacement. Wasn’t Yanqing’s room filled with dozens of swords already?

“I understand, lieutenant Yanqing,” Jing Yuan sighed, peeking at the boy’s reaction through half closed eyes, “I agree with your line of thought. It’s, indeed, important to make sure all the equipment is in good shape before the Wardance.”

“R-really?!- ahem, I-I’m glad you do, general,” he nodded, trying to contain his excitement and stop a silly smile from spreading on his face, “about the value-”

“But,” Jing Yuan interrupted him, lifting a finger in the air, “I’d like to test you. Your resolve on this matter, to be precise. If you fulfill my expectations, then I’ll ‘fund’ the replacement.”

“S-surely, general. It’s… a reasonable condition, yes,” Yanqing nodded and watched carefully as Jing Yuan got up from his seat and walked around the room, stopping in front of one of the shelves.

Jing Yuan hovered his hands over a couple items before grabbing a Devastator Glaive - one of the standard weapons of the Cloud Knights. As he walked towards Yanqing with the weapon in hand, the lieutenant couldn’t help but wonder what kind of test the general had come up with. A spar? A mission?

“I want you to hold the glaive,” Jing Yuan ordered, handing the weapon to his apprentice who eagerly took it and held it close to his chest.

“L-like this?”

“Not quite,” Jing Yuan chuckled, grabbing the weapon on the spot between Yanqing’s hands and lifting it above the boy’s head, “up here. Yes, this should suffice. Now, ready for the test?”

Yanqing was a bit confused, truth to be told. What did holding a glaive had to do with his new sword? How could this be a test of anything?

“You need to hold the glaive above your head for… a minute. If you can do so, I’ll pay- ah, pardon me, fund your sword replacement. Understood?”

“Yes, general,” Yanqing nodded again, clenching his hands around the glaive’s pole. His training used to include ten thousand sword’s swings, this was a piece of cake. “Whenever you are read-AH!”

Before he could even finish his line, Yanqing was caught off guard by a finger swiping down his armpit. “G-general?”

“Don’t worry, I already set the timer,” Jing Yuan chuckle, reaching out to Yanqing again and wiggling his finger over the exposed spot again, “remember, you can’t drop the glaive or lower your arms.”

“B-but- aHAHaha, g-geheneral this is- hehehey!” Yanqing whined through shy giggles, stomping his feet and twisting left and right - nearly knocking a few things down - as he tried to evade the tickling. This was the test?!

Jing Yuan couldn’t help but to laugh along. “You didn’t complain when I explained the terms, what’s the matter now?” He teased, admiring the way Yanqing battled against his body’s reflexes and tried to stick to the rules. “If you can’t ‘protect’ a simple glaive, I don’t think I can trust you with a new sword.”

“I-I cahAHAhan, i-it juhuhust tihihickles!” Yanqing protested, pressing his face into his arm while trying to contain the smile in his lips. “H-how muhuhuch time leheheft?!”

“It’s been barely 20 seconds. We can stop if you feel like giving up,” Jing Yuan said as if trying to comfort his student, but his hands continued to tickle those unprotected armpits and ribs - not with his life, but rather his wallet on the line.

“NOHohohoh! I cahahan’t do it!” The boy nearly roared while more panicked giggles poured from his lips. Despite trying to keep his arms stretched out above his head, Yanqing couldn’t help but to arch his back and move around in vain attempts to make Jing Yuan’s assault tickle any less.

30, 40, 45… the seconds went by one after the other and Yanqing was already feeling like he would collapse at any moment. His arms threatened to falter, with his elbows trembling and the glaive’s pole already pressing against the top of his head. Still, he was so close, just a little more..!

“EHEhe- g-gehEHenerahal!! Tihihime’s uhuhup!” Yanqing giggled, his voice probably being heard on the other side of the Seat of Divine Foresight’s hall. “St-stohohop it!”

“Oh, has it been a minute already?” Jing Yuan mused, poking Yanqing one last time before checking the little timer. “A minute and ten seconds, indeed. You even overdid it, lieutenant. I’m proud of you.”

“H-hahh… d-don’t tease me like t-this again, please,” Yanqing wheezed, using the glaive’s pole to support himself and keep his body on his feet. Despite the tinglish feeling still running over his body, the sense of achievement was the actual reason behind his smile at that moment. “S-so, can I count on your funding?”

“You earned it, it’s only fair,” Jing Yuan chuckled, ruffling the boy’s hair, “you may contact the smith in charge of the project and send me the receipt, ok?”

“T-Thank you, general!” Yanqing beamed, hurrying to the shelf to retrieve the weapon used in his trial, “I won’t disappoint you!”

You never do, Jing Yuan thought… Now, how should he explain the new expenses to Fu Xuan? Sigh, this was a problem for another time…

[typicalopposite]

tease tidbit (turned tadton... lol) tuesday

thank you so so sooo much @theotherbuckley & @bangpop91 for the tag <3

take me back - Tommy amnesia fic (from ch 2)

Tommy nods, finally understanding what happened. Except–

Except… he doesn’t actually understand at all. 

Tommy thinks about his gift to Buck– the Lakers tickets. Amazing tickets to an amazing game– a game that Tommy knows Buck doesn’t even care about. Tickets he hadn’t even bought. Tickets he had won and decided to use as a ploy for a deeper purpose.

Tommy thinks about Buck telling him that he had made the joke ‘he could even take Eddie instead… and die’. Such a silly, teetering into being a selfish request, in hindsight. But then he thinks about the reason he didn’t just want to be the one with Buck– with Evan… it was still Evan then– at the game, he had to be; and it actually had nothing to do with basketball at all. 

After Billy Boils eulogy they went back to Tommy’s house to spend the rest of their day off tangled up in each other… in every way imaginable. At some point they migrated to the couch, Tommy fully prepared to watch hours of documentaries– paused periodically so Evan could load on even more information than was already being given. “No you pick,” Evan had said, then went on to insist Tommy pick out the cheesiest, sappiest, most rom-comiest (“That one hundred percent is a real word, Thomas… thank you very much.”) flicks for them to watch together as payment for Tommy not even thinking twice about going along to Billy’s makeshift funeral. 

It was during one such movie that a couple were at a football game– it was on the tail end of a big fight, near break up, and she was only there because he said his friend couldn’t make it and he didn’t want the extra ticket to go to waste. The girl clearly only agreed to go because she seriously cares for the guy, but the “date” felt tone deaf… He was having the time of his life, and she was just there. Tommy spent the majority of the scene with his face scrunched up in disgust. It all came to a head when she got a drink and nachos spilled on her by some fans jumping up to cheer. She was humiliated and started to leave but the guy begged her to stay for half time. “You won’t regret it, I promise,” he said. 

In true romcom fashion… he was not wrong. To the girl’s – and Tommy and Evan’s as well– surprise during the half-time game the guy had set it up to go out on the field and propose to her. By the end of the scene Tommy had teared up, which he had expected to do– it was Evan sniffling next to him that surprised him. 

“I mean, come on, think about it Tommy…” he cried. “The whole movie the guy went above and beyond for her, but he was afraid of commitment so everything he did always seemed to fall short. But she loves him so she sticks around… and he finally realized she was it for him when he almost lost her… so he decides to step out of his comfort zone and tell her in what had to have been the most terrifying way because, he's in front of all theses people... what if she says no, you know?” he rambled on and on, wiping tears away as they steadily fell… and Tommy could hardly focus on what he was saying because all he could think about was how much it reminded him of them. 

Tommy sits in the awkward silence across from Ev- Buck– it’s Buck now, he guesses… and thinks of what he was planning on doing at that Laker’s game. He had been falling in love for those past six months– reckless and impulsive as it may have been of him to do, he couldn’t help it. He had to tell him– he was going to tell him… He had called in and ordered a personalized spot on the Kiss Cam, he had a whole speech ready (written out and everything)… he was even planning on ditching the rest of the game after to take Evan home and show him just how in love he was.

Tommy wonders if that fire Evan– or Buck… no back to Evan– had ignited in him still burned a year later. Before his amnesia, did he still love Evan like his life depended on it? Was he still the person he thought about before he went to bed, and when he first woke up… Was he still very much the center of Tommy’s entire world?  

He wonders if he ever tried to move on. 

Mostly he wonders what could have changed his mind so drastically from their anniversary date to the day they broke up, because the Tommy that Tommy is in his mind at the moment… would not have ended things just because Evan— Buck— whatever he is to be called now— asked him to move in. 

Tommy’s heart aches to say this out loud, instead of sitting quietly and letting it go unknown. A part of him wants to spill that whatever he was thinking back then he isn’t thinking now and if he could go back and do it all again they would be spending a different kind of anniversary— a year of living together (preferably in Tommy’s house and not squeezed into that tiny loft… but hell, just to be together… he might have made the sacrifice).

But a year has passed. Buck– His Evan has moved on. Tommy has no right to say anything now… so he doesn’t. 

“I- I should go,” Buck says, more tears slipping down his cheeks. Tommy wants to stop him, to say he doesn’t want to part ways on painful terms… again. He doesn’t speak… he doesn’t move. 

Evan stands up and sulks out of the kitchen, and Tommy’s skin is crawling with the want to chase after him. Get up, get up, get up!! His heart is starting to pound so loud he almost doesn’t hear when Evan opens the door. He’s almost out of time… 

.

.

.

“Wait!”

<3<3<3

throwing out some no pressure tags for those who want to join in and those just following along! @30somethingautisticteacher @sunnywithachanceofbi @nine-one-wanton @judymarch15 @herrmannhalsteadproduction

@bidisasterevankinard @onthewaytosomewhere @kinardsevan @beanarie @quintessenceofdust88

@unhingedangstaddict @hyperfocusthusly @lavenderleahy @sierrarreads @rubydaiquiri

@somethingaboutfirefly @silversky9 @marvelousbuckley @leashybebes @saibowtie

@portinastorm @ladyeyrewrites @mmso-notlikethat @a-mel0n @rdng1230

@fenrirscarsback

(and if you want to be added or removed just let me know <3 the fic wont be posted until i finish it! but I am making pretty good progress!)

[sassenach77yle]

||COUNTDOWN ||SEASON 2 EPISODE 08 || THE FOX'S LAIR ||

#83daysofoutlander☆

I snuggled deeper into the comfort of the goose-down bed and turned toward sleep again, hearing with half an ear the baby’s whining, interspersed with hiccuping sobs, and Jamie’s deep, tuneless humming, the sound as comforting as the thought of beehives in the sun.

“Eh, wee Kitty, ciamar a tha thu? Much, mo naoidheachan, much.”

The sound of them went up and down the passage, and I dropped further toward sleep, but kept half-wakeful on purpose to hear them. One day perhaps he would hold his own child so, small round head cradled in the big hands, small solid body cupped and held firm against his shoulder. And thus he would sing to his own daughter, a tuneless song, a warm, soft chant in the dark. The constant small ache in my heart was submerged in a flood of tenderness. I had conceived once; I could do so again. Faith had given me the gift of that knowledge, Jamie the courage and means to use it. My hands rested lightly on my breasts, cupping the deep swell of them, knowing beyond doubt that one day they would nourish the child of my heart. I drifted into sleep with the sound of Jamie’s singing in my ears. Sometime later I drifted near the surface again, and opened my eyes to the light-filled room.

The moon had risen, full and beaming, and all the objects in the room were plainly visible, in that flat, two-dimensional way of things seen without shadow.

The baby had quieted, but I could hear Jamie’s voice in the hall, still speaking, but much more quietly, hardly more than a murmur. And the tone of it had changed; it wasn’t the rhythmic, half-nonsense way one talks to babies, but the broken, halting speech of a man seeking the way through the wilderness of his own heart.

Curious, I slipped out of bed and crept quietly to the door. I could see them there at the end of the hall.

Jamie sat leaning back against the side of the window seat, wearing only his shirt. His bare legs were raised, forming a back against which small Katherine Mary rested as she sat facing him in his lap, her own chubby legs kicking restlessly over his stomach.

The baby’s face was blank and light as the moon’s, her eyes dark pools absorbing his words. He traced the curve of her cheek with one finger, again and again, whispering with heartbreaking gentleness.

He spoke in Gaelic, and so low that I could not have told what he said, even had I known the words. But the whispering voice was thick, and the moonlight from the casement behind him showed the tracks of the tears that slid unregarded down his own cheeks. It was not a scene that bore intrusion. I came back to the still-warm bed, holding in my mind the picture of the laird of Lallybroch, half-naked in the moonlight, pouring out his heart to an unknown future, holding in his lap the promise of his blood.[...]

~~~

“He and his niece seem to have got on well together.”

The picture of them came back to me, Jamie talking in earnest, low tones to the child, tears slipping down his face. Jenny nodded, watching my face.

“Aye. I thought perhaps they’d comfort each other a bit. He doesna sleep well these days?” Her voice held a question. “No,” I answered softly. “He has a lot on his mind.” “Well he might,” she said, glancing at the bed behind me. Ian was gone already, risen at dawn to see to the stock in the barn. The horses that could be spared from the farming—and some that couldn’t—needed shoeing, needed harness, in preparation for their journey to rebellion.

“You can talk to a babe, ye ken,” she said suddenly, breaking into my thought.

“Really talk, I mean. Ye can tell them anything, no matter how foolish it would sound did ye say it to a soul could understand ye.” “Oh. You heard him, then?” I asked.

She nodded, eyes on the curve of Katherine’s cheek, where the tiny dark lashes lay against the fair skin, eyes closed in ecstasy. “Aye. Ye shouldna worrit yourself,” she added, smiling gently at me. “It isna that he feels he canna talk to you; he knows he can. But it’s different to talk to a babe that way. It’s a person; ye ken that you’re not alone. But they dinna ken your words, and ye don’t worry a bit what they’ll think of ye, or what they may feel they must do. You can pour out your heart to them wi’out choosing your words, or keeping anything back at all—and that’s a comfort to the soul.” She spoke matter-of-factly, as though this were something that everyone knew. I wondered whether she spoke that way often to her child. The generous wide mouth, so like her brother’s, lifted slightly at one side. “It’s the way ye talk to them before they’re born,” she said softly. “You’ll know?”

I placed my hands gently over my belly, one atop the other, remembering.

“Yes, I know.”

She pressed a thumb against the baby’s cheek, breaking the suction, and with a deft movement, shifted the small body to bring the full breast within reach. “I’ve thought that perhaps that’s why women are so often sad, once the child’s born,” she said meditatively, as though thinking aloud. “Ye think of them while ye talk, and you have a knowledge of them as they are inside ye, the way you think they are. And then they’re born, and they’re different—not the way ye thought of them inside, at all. And ye love them, o’ course, and get to know them the way they are … but still, there’s the thought of the child ye once talked to in your heart, and that child is gone. So I think it’s the grievin’ for the child unborn that ye feel, even as ye hold the born one in your arms.” She dipped her head and kissed her daughter’s downy skull. “Yes,” I said. “Before … it’s all possibility. It might be a son, or a daughter. A plain child, a bonny one. And then it’s born, and all the things it might have been are gone, because now it is.” She rocked gently back and forth, and the small clutching hand that seized the folds of green silk over her breast began to loose its grip. “And a daughter is born, and the son that she might have been is dead,” she said quietly. “And the bonny lad at your breast has killed the wee lassie ye thought ye carried. And ye weep for what you didn’t know, that’s gone for good, until you know the child you have, and then at last it’s as though they could never have been other than they are, and ye feel naught but joy in them. But ’til then, ye weep easy.” “And men …” I said, thinking of Jamie, whispering secrets to the unhearing ears of the child. “Aye. They hold their bairns, and they feel all the things that might be, and the things that will never be. But it isna so easy for a man to weep for the things he doesna ken.”

35 MOONLIGHT~DRAGONFLY IN AMBER

... tha obair agad. 'se an obair sin, a chaileag, gum fàs u làidir agas sona. Na diochuimhnich......

...have a role to play. Yer role, wee lass, is to grow. strong and happy. Ne'er forget...

... gu bheil do theaghlach timcheall ort, fad na tide, fiù 's nach bith sinn ri fhaicinn. Do sheanar 's do sheanmhair, mo bhràthair Uilleam, mi fhéin, Sorcha. Tha sinn san fhiodh, sa chloich agas ann an gach fuaim's fàileadh an àite seo..

... yer family is all around ye, all the time, even when ye canna see us. Yer grandsire and grandmother, Uncle Willie, me, Aunt Claire. We're in the wood and the stone, and the sounds and smells of this place...