#I always get so happy when I see the little blue dot on the letter

[moon--bites]

How do you know if you're a therian/kin?

While I'm probably not the best person to answer this question I'll do my best 😅

First I feel like I should explain what therianthropy is so we have a base point to start off of. Therianthropy is a term for human-bodied people who identify as non-human animals (on a non-physical level) they do not choose their identity consciously (that's to say subconsciously there could be other things at play to make them identify this way) I'll link a good resource for you to look further into and into other terms as well -> here

Now for some that definition will be enough "Oh this is what I'm feeling!" but for the sake of being very extra I'm going to keep talking about it! The way I 'found out' I wasn't fully human was very simple: I just didn't feel much like a human. Yeah sounds easy right? Well, look deep inside yourself and ask yourself, "Does this feel right? Am I (blank)?" and answer honestly. No one else can tell you if you are a therian (or otherkin!) but yourself because no one can experience what you feel as you feel it! That's not to say they can't relate though so I would also recommend looking at other people's experiences! Truly at the core of everything is simply identifying as something other than human. You don't have to get it right the first time you are allowed to try labels and see if they fit or not

And if sometime in the future you realize you aren't a therian/otherkin? Who cares! You were trying things out and seeing if it felt right no one should shame you for taking a journey of self-discovery.

Really all I can say is research research research! I'll give you some other (definitely more equipped) blogs and info pages to look through and hopefully they'll be a bit more helpful than me at 11 PM at night lol I really do hope this helped at least a little bit! Have a great day/night anon and good luck :>

Blog 1! Wiki 1! Super helpful masterpost!!!

[theglassofmiddleearth]

Can I please request Sirius Black being comforted when he's depressed and being looked after by his wife, the reader, during the events of Order of the Phoenix? Can be dot points, a fic, i don't mind! thanks xoxo

Y/N has always been the mother figure of the group, even before she was dating much less married to Sirius. Always coddling the boys, making sure they drank their water and had all three meals. Also their homework. Oh my DAYS Remus was good with due dates but Sirius and James? Y/N needed some anti aging cream for her stress lines early.

Sirius was always getting into trouble and needing Y/N to bail him out be it detention or Azkaban.

Y/N is used to having to cheer him up, taking care of him but that doesn't mean she doesn't feel the same amount of pain whenever she sees him down. He always gives her those sad puppy wet eyes and she coos at him every single time. Kissing away his tears and pressing her forehead to his, reminding him how she would always be there to be the gentle wind that would push away the clouds to bring back the crystal blue skies.

Never feels like a burden, Y/N always reiterates how much she wants to take care of him. How much she doesn't care that he's been whiny and pouty. Y/N always holds his face firmly before kissing his face all over, making him smile before chuckling. She loves his smile, so charming and full of hope. Something she always looks forward to seeing.

Baking him cookies, his horrid mother never did that for him. He loves the ones you make, he says you put something special in them! (It's just a pinch of salt in the chocolate chip cookies.) Also baking WITH him. He's been trying to make pistachio cookies but he just can't make them green enough. (Need to blend the pistachios to make a paste)

Cooking with him. He loves all the domestic things. Feelings he could never get from his old home. Pasta, steaks, soups? Soups are your favourite to make in the Autumn and winter. Especially pumpkin soup during the Halloween season? (We're all just a little basic sometimes) In the spring, toss some salads together and sear some steaks. Maybe even make a nice roast on Sundays.

Washing his hair for him! Y/N running her fingers though his hair, gently massaging his scalp. Very particular about his shampoo and conditioner. He only trusts Y/N with his hair. Well Y/N and his barber. But Y/N has to be there if he's cutting his hair. Just in case!

Silent cuddles or small chatter. He's so comfortable with Y/N to the point where silence can be just as comforting as words of affirmation.

Allowing him to hold her. He's always afraid she'll be taken away from him. Just like James and Lily. He can't lose Y/N too. it would break him completely. Being away from Y/N was already torture enough. Sure enough, he also wants to be held sometimes, his head in Y/N's chest or tummy. Something soft for him to lay his head on while she plays with his hair? A sure fire way to get him to calm down and lull him into a happy state.

Get him to write letters to Harry! Harry always has some silly story to tell. especially with the DA being established. Loves hearing about his nephew's terrible love life.

Remus will always be down for a cup of tea and a chat, after all.. he did get fired ☠️ (Just not during the full moon, he can get quite grumpy)

Allowing Sirius to shift into his Animagus form, giving his dog form a wash and he can lay in the bed with Y/N. MAKE IT CLEAR HE NEEDS A BATH FIRST. Fleas are unacceptable in bed. Or in the house anywhere really.

Allowing him to be clingy and Y/N being clingy back, they may be codependent but hey, he's rich, she doesn't care, they don't need to work. They can spend all day together or helping The Order. But knowing The Order, he probably gets let off easy if he needs time.

Taking long naps, and I mean LONG. Three of four hours MINIMUM. Waking up at Merlin knows when and watching some TV with each other and falling asleep all over again.

Sorry this took so long?!! I won't lie, I forgot I HAD an inbox since I use Tumblr on my phone. I HOPE THIS WAS OKAY. SORRY FOE THE MASSIVE DELAY ❤️❤️

[awesomelittleprincessjess]

Emily's Letter Diary: Part 3

23rd June

It’s hard to call you by your old name anymore. You are Lily now, fully transformed. Today you wore a light blue sundress with tiny white polka dots and matching sandals. Your hair was styled into two adorable pigtails, each secured with a pink bow. You looked so happy. I know I should feel more conflicted, but seeing you smile like that fills my heart with joy.

29th of June

We’re packing to leave the resort, and you’re excited about starting school. I dressed you in a comfy outfit for the journey home—a soft pink t-shirt with a glittery unicorn on the front, paired with comfy denim shorts that had a frilly trim. On your feet were light-up trainers that flashed with every step you took. You clutched your newfound favourite cuddly toy—a plush bunny with long, floppy ears and a cute little bow around its neck. You looked up at me with wide eyes and said, "Mummy, I'm scared of the plane. Can Bunny sit with me?" You held my hand so tightly, and I felt an overwhelming sense of love and protection.

30th of June

When we got home, there was a surprise waiting for us. EternaLife Solutions had arranged for everything. They had redecorated the spare room into a perfect little girl's bedroom. It took my breath away. The walls were painted a soft pastel pink, with delicate white butterflies stencilled around the edges. There was a white canopy bed adorned with fairy lights, and the bedspread was a patchwork of soft colours and textures, perfect for a little girl.

A white dresser stood against the wall, topped with a mirror framed in pink. Inside, it was filled with adorable clothes—tiny dresses, skirts, and tops, each more charming than the last. They even included a section for school uniforms. Your new uniform was already hung up, waiting for you. It consisted of a pleated navy skirt, a crisp white blouse with a Peter Pan collar, and a navy cardigan with the school's emblem. The shoes were shiny black Mary Janes, and beside them were neatly folded white socks.

When I led you into the room, I saw a flicker of confusion in your eyes. For a moment, you seemed to struggle with a distant memory, a life that felt familiar but out of reach. You looked around, almost as if expecting to see the master bedroom. I held my breath, wondering if you’d remember. But then, your confusion melted away into a smile as you saw the pretty dresses and the soft pink decor. You ran into the room with wide eyes, touching everything with delight. Then, as if something clicked, you started to act like this was the room you always remembered. You turned to me with a look of pure joy and innocence, excited to try on your new uniform. I felt another feeling of overwhelming love and pride.

2nd of July

We’re back home, and I’ve enrolled you in school. I don't think you remember your old life anymore. You’re just my daughter, Lily, happy and carefree. I know what I’ve done is controversial, and maybe even wrong, but seeing you thrive makes it all feel worth it. I love you more than anything.

4th of July

As you get ready for your first day of school, I can’t help but reflect on everything we’ve been through. I hope one day you’ll understand why I made these choices. I did it out of love, a deep, desperate love for you, my beautiful daughter.

With all my love,

Emily

[fireemblems24]

Azure Gleam Ch 13

Alright guys, we're getting close to finishing this thing - like 10 years later, but still here.

MAIN STORY

Ok, guys, the hard battle is over. Dimitri stomping everything is all I have left to do, I hope.

I wonder if I dislike Claude now. He's here and on our side, but I think "ew" and "ugh" when I see him now.

Claude suspects stuff.

Seteth is lecturing Hilda for whining lamo.

Seeing Claude, Rhea, and Dimitri all fight on the same side is cool, even if I find Claude annoying as fuck right now.

I wish Rhea would lead the knights herself, but instead she just gets sidelines so hard in AG. Hopes as a whole tgh.

Oh! No side battles! Not all that mad. Bc that means this'll speed things up a bit lol.

MAP/SIDE BATTLE

Sylvain is admiring Dimitri and Felix and how good of leaders they are. He's hoping he gets his act together soon too lol.

It's cool seeing Byleth and Jeralt around. Rhea's here too. The camp is packed with little blue and yellow dots.

There's a letter from Glenn on the table :(

Seems a bit cheap that Byleth only supports Jeralt and Shez, but can reach A with everyone. Like a cop out.

Honestly, neither of them have a ton of supports (Jeralt or Byleth). A bit bummed, but I guess you get them kind of late. Too bad this game never got a DLC. Byleth/lord supports would've sold that.

ANNETTE & DEDUE B

Annette needs help using Crusher. It's too heavy for her.

Annette thinks she needs to gain weight, but Dedue says that's not everything and is willing to help her out.

He helps her train with a bag of rocks and credits him with the motivation to try.

Dedue hesitates a bit when replying to her though, making Annette curious.

Pretty much a set up for part 2.

ANNETTE & DIMITRI B

Their only support this game.

Annette creates a disaster in the kitchen (or training grounds, unclear). With Dimitri's help. So . . . they tried cooking together? Yeah. That was never going to end well.

Dimitri and Annette both blame themselves. Dimitri "wins" though.

Dimitri wishes he were better with magic, but it runs in the family. He wanted to be a mage when he was younger.

"An old friend of mine would give magic demonstrations." - probably Edelgard?

Annette is willing to help Dimitri learn magic. She wants to get better at teaching. Dimitri really wishes he could learn magic.

Annette really wants to be a teacher.

She encourages him not to hold back. I think he made another explosion. Poor Annette has her work cut out for her lol.

INGRID & MARIANNE B

Horse girls final support.

Ingrid's been trying to figure out what her horse is thinking/wants based on behavior but is struggling.

Unlike Marianne, but, you know, she has help lol.

Ingrid's horse doesn't want to move again, so Marianne comes to help.

The horse/pegasus doesn't want to go to the battlefield because she's worried about Ingrid (and remembering Scarlet Blaze, that sucks, Fuck SB for killing Ingrid)

Ingrid is getting better connecting with her horse, and now will go get to save her friend.

When Ingrid's leaving, Marianne starts wishing for something but doesn't say what, Ingrid guesses horseback riding together and guesses right.

Ingrid credits to spending time with Marianne and getting to know her.

So Ingrid and Marianne are friends now. Good for both of them.

SHEZ & RODRIGUE A

Rodrigue is looking for a book on mercenaries.

When Shez asks why, Rodrigue skirts around it and Shez calls him out.

After a tough battle with Jeralt and co, Rodrigue wants to read up on mercenaries to make sure he understands their tactics better and avoid potential disaster.

Shez is impressed with Rodrigue for still studying after so long.

Rodrigue says he's not as smart as Gautier or courageous as Lambert, so he has too.

Shez says Rodrigue and Felix are close alike than either would admit - they both always want to improve themselves.

(and that Dimitri and Sylvain are like their dad's too)

Rodrigue still feels he doesn't measure up to the other two though :( But I'm happy Shez had such nice things to say about Rodrigue.

MERCEDES & ASHE B

Ashe turned pale while training. He plays it off as nothing, but Mercedes calls him out.

He got a minor injury, which reminded him of seeing a ghost.

Oh, poor Ashe, Mercedes starts playing 100 questions with him - wanting to know what it was wearing lol.

Ashe tells the story - he went looking for herbs to help his sick brother and saw a ghost in the fog. While running away, he got a similar injury.

Mercedes isn't scared of his tale. She's heard it before. In her tale, it wasn't a ghost though, but a shadow. Making Ashe think he saw his own shadow too.

Now Ashe thinks he lived in fear of his own shadow, lamo.

Ashe is like, you should hear this guy's story, and there's no one there.

But this isn't Ashe pulling on Mercedes, but him thinking he found another ghost because there was never anyone else around, lol.

FELIX & RAPHAEL A

Raphael wants to work out. Felix yells at him for being loud and giving him away.

Felix is boar hunting lamo.

Raphael talks about how Petra taught him a special technique. So now we have a Deer and Lion training, talking about an Eagle.

The boar they're hunting is wounded, but Felix is still weary of it.

Felix failed to hunt a boar before.

Dimitri once hunted so many animals that they couldn't fit them all on the sled lol. Felix struggled to get one.

Raphael gets confused when Felix is talking about boar, if he means a real boar or Dimitri lol.

Raphael wants to help Felix get revenge for the boar that got away.

And he attacks head-on, much to Felix's dismay, but he got it. Felix is a bit stunned it went down so quickly.

Felix admits that maybe working with friends helps sometimes. And Raphael is happy Felix called him friend.

This was actually way more entertaining than I thought it would be (Raphael supports can be . . . you know . . . dull or amusing, this one was amusing)

Plus I love hearing the story of Dimitri being an apex hunter as a child and Felix grumbling off trying to bag his own boar and failing lamo.

RODRIGUE & FELIX A

Rodrigue wants to talk. Felix tried to brush him off. And Rodrigue's like shut up and sit down, boy. But nicely.

He wants to talk because neither know when they'll die and don't want lingering regrets. Which, knowing what happens in Azure Moon . . . :(

Rodrigue apologizes for what he said about Glenn. Which I find a bit stupid because he was a grieving father so . . .

Thankfully, Rodrigue gets to explain his thoughts behind it. Acknowledging Glenn's agency in his decisions too.

Felix denies Glenn's agency and can only get Dimitri to say he caused Glenn to die :(

Rodrigue acknowledges that, but asks Felix what he would've done. Let Dimitri die and run away to save himself or do what Glenn did.

Felix gets angry at the idea that saving your own life is cowardice and that, when the time actually comes with something like that, you don't think - only act. So . . . he walked into Rodrigue's trap lol, who'll say then Glenn acted and choose to act that way.

Felix is such a dunce, saying "we'd both survive." Rodrigue rightly accuses him of wanting it both ways lol.

Felix says he understands Rodrigue's way of thinking, but dislikes Glenn's death being glorified.

Felix apologizes too, for his own bad behavior. For hitting Rodrigue.

Felix can't stand dealing with feelings anymore and leaves lol.

I'm sooooo glad this game let Rodrigue have a voice. It was always obvious to anyone with a shred of media literacy what Rodrigue meant, but Hopes let him spell it out.

DIMITRI & YURI B

Yuri's staring at Dimitri. Same. Same.

Yuri's impressed/confused at how quickly Dimitri blended in.

Dimitri's now thinking about the best way to help the poorest (we stan a good king, guys). It's something he's thought a lot about.

He thought medical facilities or investing more in the church (who do more to help the poor than anyone else in this game) would be best, but being around them made him realize that they should get the chance to take charge of their own "destiny."

He wants rulers to actually listen to what the people need best and actually do it rather than what's best for himself.

Yuri says education for everyone is necessary. Dimitri agrees.

But then Yuri makes the point that people won't care about education if they're starving or homeless. (so really, his earlier goals of building medical facilities where people get free/cheap healthcare isn't too far off).

So Dimitri wants to improve quality of life, then build educational reform on top of that.

But of course Edelgard's warmongering is draining money, so Dimitri can't make lives for the common folk better and needs to end the war fast so he can focus on helping people and not keeping little miss imperialist away.

Yuri says if money's the problem, he can use Yuri who can connect Dimitri to merchants and hitman lol. Dimitri's like "no working evil in my name!" He's also cautious about working with Yuri because he's backstabbed people in the past.

Yuri says he promises to honestly work with Dimitri, even protect him, because working with Dimitri will help his dream come true too. So he believes in Dimitri's leadership and vision.

Dimitri says he's grown to trust Yuri too.

Man, I need a sequel game where Yuri and Dimitri work on improving Faerghus together.

SHEZ & FELIX B

So . . . I had no idea I hadn't seen this support yet. I have their A unlocked for a while now too, though, I'll wait to see it since I'm getting support fatigue at the moment.

They're training. Felix insults Shez's footwork. What a typical Felix support lol.

Shez says she has a lot on her mind. Felix calls her a worthless partner if she's training distracted.

And then explains how Shez can't afford to do that on the battlefield (like a mercenary needs telling that lol).

Shez is surprised how much Felix has a read on her.

Felix wants to know where Shez learned how to fight because it's not like a knife or a mercenary.

Shez had a lot of teachers and just picked up stuff here and there. She doesn't use the playbook that knights or mercs usually use.

Shez says she has her unique style which is to her benefit. Felix wants her to teach him. But Shez thinks it's too reliant on the sword Felix can't use. Felix is like try me.

I can agree or refuse to teach him. Obviously I'm agreeing. (I would totally be an ass if it was character I didn't like lol).

Shez comments on Felix's style too - reacting to the say things are playing out.

Shez thinks she'll get stronger too.

I seriously can't believe I let these two sit at B for so long.

ANNETTE & DEDUE A

Annette comes across Dedue training. She insists he takes a break, but he insists on training still because he's not strong enough.

He feels inadequate because he can't use a hero's relic.

He admits he's jealous that others can use such powerful weapons.

Annette's surprised that he opened up, and appreciates that he opened up around her after he tried to dial back and apologize.

Annette talks about how impressed she is with him - his ability to cook and sow where she can't, and his sheer strength despite not using a relic. She thinks he'd be too good if he could use one lol.

Dedue talks about her strengths too - her optimism and how that lifts everyone up around her. Annette is happy if she can help anyone even a little.

Annette made dinner. The bottom of the pot fell out, but she insists that dinner still tastes great.

Someone tell Annette she's not destined to work in marketing lol.

Dedue still goes to eat dinner after hearing that. Brave man.

BYLETH & JERALT B

Definitely one of the supports I was looking forward too.

Byleth has a lot of blood on his clothing and is trying to wash it out and is failing.

Jeralt says washing blood out is more work than it's worth. Proof that man's never had a period.

Jeralt says Byleth reminds him of Sitri when they first meant. She had the same quiet composure and would rather clean a handkerchief she was cleaning than throw it away.

She never laughed or cried either, like Byleth, not at first at least.

Byleth asks why Jeralt is talking about all this now. Jeralt says he's feeling guilty of the lifestyle he's given Byleth - no home, no friends, always battles.

He says life would be different if Sitri was still alive.

Byleth doesn't regret his life and likes having Jeralt around.

It's nice to learn more about Sitri.

JERALT & SHEZ C

Jeralt comes across Shez fishing. Shez is weary. Jeralt tells Shez to relax, but Shez isn't used to it.

Jeralt is like, we're mercs, life happens, it's not personal.

Shez brings up the beginning where Jeralt's Mercenaries wiped out Shez's old company. Glad they're addressing this.

Shez is still upset about it. Jeralt understands now.

He asks if Shez has a grudge. I can choose yes or no. I'm gonna choose yes. I think this Shez would admit to attachments to other people, plus the conflict is more interesting, I think.

Shez talks about how much she liked that group and shares her goals of defeating the Ashen Demon.

Jeralt's like, you just have to let that go now.

Shez admits she's partly relieved because she couldn't defeat Byleth. Jeralt is like, that means you think you could beat me? Shez is like, well, I'd have to try first.

Then Shez helps Jeralt untangle his fishing string and comments on his lack of dexterity.

Jeralt then apologizes about what happened to Shez's mercenary company, especially since it was just too minor lords spewing.

He says he didn't originally plan on killing them, but she (the old captain) came charging in trying to use Jeralt to make a name for herself.

Shez understands, but still seems regretful.

Def hope I can unlock their A in time to see how this resolved (they don't have a B support).

MAIN BATTLE

No side battles this chapter. Onto the showdown at Ailell. Which means fire ground. Ugh. Gonna make everyone a flier that it makes sense for.

They're run into the Black Eagles. The Emperor's personal force.

Claude is there. Man, I gotta play Three Houses again. Every time I see him I'm like "ugh." I did NOT used to think that way.

Wait, is Edelgard actually here? I thought she was some kind of zombie whatever.

TWSITD is there (or mysterious dark mages). Claude is like "you know these people?"

Man, why is Dimitri trusting Claude. Telling him "don't let your guard down." Dimitri wants Claude about the mages. I wouldn't count on Claude's support if he was the only person left.

Even though this IS the only route where Claude's actions make any sense lol. It's definitely in his best interest to put a stop to the Empire's warmongering.

Arval's like, maybe we can learn something this time!

Arval's not upset if they never learn the truth and promises to be with Shez always regardless.

I gotta defeat Duke Aegir and Edelgard. Interesting that she's actually there.

Ohh, persuade Death Knight. They were setting him up to be here, but I didn't know I could recruit him. Makes way more sense than in Houses where you can't. Not surprised you need Mercedes to do it. I always bring her anyways.

Dimitri took out Ladislava right away lol.

Death Knight showed up. I'm beyond seeing him as a scary opponent though lol.

Mercedes defeated the Death Knight as an NPC. Is that automatic or just funny coincidence?

Aegir and Edelgard ran away. Really wish I could've killed Aegir. Killing Edelgard would stop the war too.

I killed Caspar and Bergliez so fast the dialogue didn't even finish lol. Dimitri too strong. They both ran away. Honestly, couldn't care less about killing this version of Caspar.

Oh, cool cut scene. And, ok, it's cool to see Claude and Dimitri fighting back-to-back.

Claude tells Dimitri to run after Edelgard while he holds off the Empire here. Not sure I trust him at all, but like I said, this is the only route where his choices make any sense.

Dimitri has 74 strength lol. No wonder he kills everything so fast.

Cool to get Jeritza though.

xxx

[azrakaban]

Masked Pt 3 - Draco Malfoy

Part 3 of a 5 part mini fic, hope you enjoy <3

Previous Part Next Part

Summary so far: you've danced, kissed, broken rules and gone against your parents with him... but what will happen with your forbidden romance? 

A/N: DON'T HATE ME FOR THIS, I PROMISE IT WILL GET BETTER 

...

You waited in your room, having just released Draco's owl through your window to carry a letter back to him.

Over the past three months, you and Draco had exchanged hundreds of letters. Each time Draco wrote to you, he put a white rose in the envelope. You felt bad for the owls, but the roses were always beautiful.

As you watched the owl fade into a dot on the horizon, you wondered if Draco waited for your letters like you waited for his.

...

A week passed, and practically an entire essay was sent back. Reading the letter, you found your smile growing. You weren't sure when you had started smiling, but that was the effect his letters had on you.

But then your face froze. He asked to meet you again, to see you in person. You considered for a second. He asked to meet you in Diagon Alley, at a lesser known restaurant called The Locket. You folded up the letter, smiling to yourself and locked it in your beside cabinet.

Grabbing parchment, you immediately wrote back, confirming that you'd be there. You waited until his owl was rested, before tying the note to it's leg and sending it on it's way.

...

A week later, you entered The Locket, and your eyes spotted a flash of bleach blonde hair. Heading toward the person, you turned the corner and walked straight into a figure.

Looking up, your eyes met ice chip blue ones, and you recognised the person to be Draco. You instantly wrapped him into a hug, and his arms snaked around your waist, holding you to him. (BLACK SUIT DRACO)

"I missed you too darling." He chuckled, looking down at you with a smirk. "Don't get too cocky Malfoy, I haven't seen you in four months, I'm a very needy human." You laughed, pulling back and letting him kiss your forehead.

Your eyes slid to his mouth, and he leaned down and brushed a kiss to your lips. Both of you smiling, he pulled back and led you to your seat. 

You both ordered, and ended up talking and laughing for so long that the food nearly went cold.

The two of you left the restaurant, still talking and laughing. Draco had insisted on paying, and to be honest, you weren't about to object. (I mean same 💀) 

Walking down the street, the two of you looked in shop windows, Draco happy to go into whichever shop you wanted, wistfully eyeing Quality Quidditch Supplies.

You looked in the window of a jewellery shop, and your eye caught on a particular necklace. It wasn't big or fancy, just a small chain with a little feather charm hanging from it. It was however, far beyond your budget.

"Which one are you looking at?" Came from behind you, a smile easy to hear in the voice. You turned to meet Draco's voice, and guided his line of sight to the necklace.

"That one. It reminds me of us, constantly writing to each other for the past months. Unless of course, you're writing to some other lover?" You joked.

He laughed with you. "There's no one else, of that I can assure you. Nobody listens to me like you, nobody knows me like you, and nobody is as easy to love as you."

He winked at you, then led you into the shop. You were completely speechless, still registering the last sentence.

You brought your mind back to the present, in time to hear Draco request the necklace from the window.

"You don't have to do that Draco, really." You said, squeezing his hand.

"I want to. I want you to have something to look at and think of me by. So that you don't forget your poor old boyfriend over here." He said, pressing a kiss to your temple.

"Boyfriend? Is that what you are?" You asked, needing clarification.

"I'm whatever you want Princess. If you want to call me your boyfriend, I'm your boyfriend. If you want to call me your best friend with a lot of benefits, then that's what I am. We are whatever you want us to be." He stated, pulling you into him and engulfing you with his scent.

He wiped away a tear you didn't know existed and handed over money for the necklace, spinning you around and clipping it around your neck.

"But no matter what, you're mine, okay? You don't belong to your parents, you don't belong to Riddle, you don't belong to anyone. But I want your heart, because you've got mine. And it doesn't seem like a fair exchange if I don't get yours in return." He said as you two exited the shop.

"I don't even know what to say to that Draco." You managed, still trying to process all his words.

"You don't have to say anything right now. I just unloaded a lot onto you. But if the words don't come to you before I have to leave... then I'll be waiting for your letter." He kissed your forehead, and brushed another kiss to your lips. You returned the kiss, letting him pull you closer to him and smiling into the kiss.

And then it all went wrong.

"EVERTE STATUM!"

Draco was thrown backwards, away from you, and your father and brother came running. Your father was livid, smoke practically coming out of his ears.

Your brother wasn't quite as mad, but was mad enough to jump on Draco and land him a punch to his left eye. Draco didn't even fight back, just pushed him off, clutching his eye.

"WHAT THE FUCK?" you yelled, running to stand infront of Draco. You clutched at his hand, looking back at him with fearful eyes.

"I'll write to you. Every day. I don't think I'll be able to see you for a good while, so it will be the only way for us to talk." he whispered to you, looking back to meet your father's murderous gaze.

"You get away from my daughter, or there will be consequences." Said your father, twirling his wand.

"I'll take whatever 'punishments' you can give me if it means I can still see her." Said Draco, glaring right back.

Your father just laughed. "Not consequences for you. I have no desire to start a second war between our families. I mean consequences for her. She hasn't felt the cruciatus curse in a while, have you my dear?" he said.

You both froze in your motions. "No.. please..." you whispered, fear limiting your vocabulary.

"come over here yn, or I'll have to envoke those punishments." Your father said, a demeted smile on his face.

You walked over there, head down, refusing to look back at Draco. You reached your father's side, and his hand gripped your wrist.

"Good to see you Lucius. Would you mind keeping your son's filthy hands off my daughter? I don't appreciate his involvement with us." your father snided.

"It is none of my business what my son does, and quite frankly I couldn't give a shit if he puts his 'filthy' hands on your daughter Nikovos." replied Lucius, putting a hand on Draco's shoulder.

"I suggest you start to give a shit then Lucius, or there will be consequences." Said your father.

"And I suggest you don't threaten me. it didn't end well for the last person who tried." said Lucius, walking away with Draco at his side. 

... 

For the next seven weeks you were confined to your room, with only Draco's letters as solace. Your body was still recovering from the effects of the cruciatus curse, and your anxiety was through the roof because of it, flinching away from everyone. 

You kept his letters locked away in your bedside cabinet, preventing them from being destroyed. But then, the letters stopped. You wrote back to him, and then there was nothing. Not a single letter.  

You kept hoping, willing one day a letter would come but nothing came. It was like Draco had just given up. Givin up writing to you, given up sending his white roses... given up on you. 

And maybe he had. Months passed, and the seasons slid into each other, Autumn to Winter, Winter to Spring, and Spring to Summer again. 

...

It was almost a year since the ball that you met Draco at. A year wasted in your house, the isolation broken up only by your few meetings with Draco. You had mentally separated the year into two sections: months with Draco, and months with silence.

 As August rolled in, you found yourself once again thinking of Draco. What had caused his sudden silence? The most believable explanation was that he couldn't deal with the pressure his family was giving him to drop contact. Of course, you could understand. 

The pressure was huge, and family would have won out over you, naturally. His family had loved him his entire life, whereas you... hadn't even had the chance to return his 'I love you'. To pick you would have been irrational, crazy, and socially suicidal. Well to be honest, given the rivalry, it probably would have been actual suicide. 

An owl came through your window. It was big, tawny, and carried a wax sealed envelope in it's beak, looking rather pleased with itself. You hurried over and took the letter from its beak, smiling your thanks to it before offering it some owl food. 

You returned to your bed, sinking down and turning over the letter to open it. It was sealed with red wax, a crest stamped into it. 

Your heart froze, then started beating double time. You knew that crest. 

Your brother wore it every time he returned to school, the crest of Hogwarts. Hands shaking, you slit the envelope open, letting the letter fall out. 

Scrawled across the parchment in perfectly neat handwriting was an invitation to join Hogwarts. To be with witches and wizards of your own age.   To join your seventh year at Hogwarts. 

You weren't stupid - you knew there would be catch-up work, that you'd be behind most students.  

But you could do it - you had had education, just alone. You knew how to do spells, you could catch up. 

And then you realised - this was it. You would be out of your house, for months on end. If only you could get your parents to approve you going there...

End of Part 3! If you enjoyed, please leave a like, reblog or comment <3

Previous Part Next Part

[phoenix-downer]

Souvenir Sweets

~850 words. As Roxas and Naminé look for clues about how to bring Sora home, they buy some sweet souvenirs for everyone. Naminé POV. Romance, Fluff, Sweets, Souvenirs. Happy RokuNami Day!

Quadratum Station had to be the most crowded place Naminé had ever seen. There were people everywhere, and if you stopped walking for a moment you became a human obstacle, a pebble in the endless stream of humans diverting the flow of people moving around you. Brightly color-coded signs for each train line were on the floor, on the walls, on the pillars, and yet she still felt so lost. Everyone else seemed to know where they were going but her. 

“Naminé,” Roxas called, his familiar voice cutting through the din surrounding them like a life preserver in the ocean of people. She relaxed and turned around. He had his bag slung over his shoulder, and his hood was over his blond spikes in a pointless attempt to hide them. The fashion here was very different from Twilight Town or Destiny Islands—very loose and baggy, but of course Roxas could make anything look good. 

“Did you get the tickets?” she asked, and he nodded and handed her hers. It was printed on seafoam green paper, the markings indicating their destination was a different city. They were going on a short, weekend-long intel-gathering mission about this reality to figure out how to get Sora home. The rest of them could go home anytime…but getting Sora back, given the whole “he broke a nature taboo” thing in order to save their lives, was proving to be tricky. 

“We’ll have to go through a special set of gates over there,” Roxas said, nodding towards them.

“I’ve heard the…what were they called, bullet trains? Run really smoothly,” Naminé said as they wove their way towards the gates, holding hands because otherwise the crowds would easily separate them. The technology here was miles above just about every world she’d ever been to except for San Fransokyo.

“Same, yeah. Guess we’ll see if the rumors are true.”

As they got closer to the special gates, Naminé’s eyes landed on a stand nearby with lots and lots of yellow in its advertising. QUADRATUM BANANA was written at the top of the stand in big, bold, letters next to images of little cakes in the shape of bananas. On display were boxes after boxes of the little banana cakes in a variety of flavors, and there were even a few boxes of something called THE STRAWBERRY CAKE from GINZA. They were cream-colored cakes in the shape of strawberries with little pink polka dots, and the packaging was so cute.

Her stomach rumbled a little, and she blushed. They needed to eat something proper for dinner, but the little cakes looked so nice. Surely it wouldn’t hurt to get a couple of boxes of them. They could even share any leftovers with their friends when they got back. Souvenir treats like this were always individually wrapped so you could easily share them with others. 

“Roxas? Can we get some?” she asked. 

“Of course. Let’s get the strawberry ones and then a couple boxes of the banana ones.” He gave her one of those Roxas half-smiles she adored. “My treat.” 

Together they selected two of the most delicious-looking boxes of the bananas and then one box of the strawberries, and Roxas paid by putting several crisp en bills onto the little blue tray next to the cash register. The shopkeeper dutifully took the munny and counted it, then placed Roxas’s change on the blue tray. They both thanked her for their goodies and continued on through the bullet train gates. 

“Thank you, Roxas,” Naminé said, clutching their prizes to her chest. “They just looked so cute. I can’t wait to try them.” 

“And then draw them too, right?” he teased as they located signs for their platform and stepped onto the escalator leading up to it. 

“You know me too well. I have to document everything about this reality.” 

“Does drawing me eating them count?” he joked.

She giggled and flipped through her sketchbook. “I think most of my drawings are of you as it is…”

“Well,” he said, very seriously, “you need to document me eating every train station bento box we can get our hands on. Speaking of which, what would be your pleasure?” he asked as they stepped off the escalator. On the platform was a little shop with bento boxes, snacks, drinks, and other treats.

“Let’s take a look.” 

When Sora had disappeared, they’d never imagined their journey to find him would lead to this place. A completely different reality, and yet the people really weren’t so different. They were living their lives, commuting back and forth to work and school, buying bento boxes for train rides, picking up QUADRATUM BANANA and THE GINZA STRAWBERRY souvenirs for friends and family and coworkers back home. It was comforting in a way that despite being so far from home and thrown into a completely different culture, people were still just…people.

As they boarded the bullet train and found their seats, bento boxes and souvenir sweets in tow, Naminé smiled at Roxas and he returned the smile. They were on another adventure together, and despite the circumstances, she knew they’d make the most of it.

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

A/N: For anyone curious about what Tokyo Banana sweets look like, and ditto for The Strawberry Cake from Ginza. 

Happy RokuNami Day everyone, and thank you for reading ❤️ 

[moonbeamwritings]

of salt water and curious gazes

Summary: Following your grandmother’s death, her seaside home fell into your care, deemed the only one she could picture inhabiting it. Things were simple enough, tending to the garden and making frequent trips to the beach as you adjusted to life in the small town. It all changed, however, when you spent a night under the full moon with a rather peculiar blue eyed companion. (Merperson AU)

Author’s Note: Hey everyone! This is definitely different from what I usually post, but I hope you guys are just as interested as I am! Let me know what you think! Also, buckle up! This is a long one and might end up being a part one 🤪

sequel: “of salt water and loving gazes”

Your grandmother’s home had always been your safe space, a place in which you were free to run around and spend your time as you saw fit. After her death though, it seemed as if all of the joy had been sucked out of the small, seaside cottage. Your heart broke just a little bit more as you turned down the all-too-familiar street and pulled into her, now your, driveway.

She’d left the house to you, explaining that she could see no one else living there but you. You had been itching for change, growing tired of the hustle and bustle of your daily life, so perhaps with fate’s guiding hand you would find solace along the shoreline, in your happy place. I know you’ll treat it well, the letter she had left assured you. P.S. The ocean works wonders for the soul. Don’t forget that. 

You gripped the steering wheel as you stared at the front of the house through the windshield. It was just as you remembered, bright blue hydrangeas dotted the garden, flowers fat and stems long, the doormat was perfectly centered, the mailbox the same faded green as it had always been.

With one final sigh, you willed yourself out of the car, keys jingling in your hands as you went. The house was much quieter now, lacking the bubbles of laughter and soft music that were staples of your childhood visits. The sweet smell of baked goods no longer wafted through the kitchen, her shoes no longer resting by the door. Most of her belongings had already been cleared out, handed off to friends and family, but what was left was yours. The house was yours. The thought that what once belonged to her was now left entirely in your care made your heart swell with both sadness and pride. You would make the best of this, if not for yourself, then for your dear grandmother.

Unloading your car was simple enough, taking only an afternoon to get everything completely organized. That night, you watched the sunset from the back porch, warm mug in hand as you looked out at the seemingly endless sea. Your eyes drooped as the vibrant colors of the sun were replaced by the pale yellow light of the moon.

Adjusting to life in the quaint little town was difficult. The townspeople who had known your grandma could only seem to muster pitying glances when they saw you out and about, treading lightly as they asked about you and your move. You stuck to the house most days to avoid them, cleaning things up and shifting things around.

Something about the beach had an uneasy feeling settling in your stomach though. As you traveled down the path, a bag slung over your shoulder and a towel in hand, you couldn’t help but feel eyes on you, carefully tracking your every move.

Your grandmother’s neighbors were kind and friendly, no doubt willing to approach you if they were to see you sitting out. The beach itself was private, reserved for residents like yourself, so it’s not like wandering strangers lingered about. This feeling was different. It was as if the waves themselves were peering back at you, just as mesmerized by you as you were with them.

One day as you munched on a sandwich, legs pulled close to your chest as you stared out at the ocean, you could’ve sworn you saw curious blue eyes staring back. You stopped going to the beach for a few days after that.

The morning you finally returned to the beach left much to be desired. The beautiful blue sky and relaxing ebb and flow of the waves were replaced by thick fog and dark gray skies, waves rocking against the shore with more force. You had no idea what had compelled you to make the trek down to the beach that morning, but you had felt as though you were being pulled there, tugged along by a thin red thread, like you were supposed to be there.

The wind bit at your face as it rustled the fabric of your coat. You were thankful that it had yet to kick sand up into your eyes. As the water sloshed against your bare ankles, you could barely see three feet in front of you, fog completely obscuring the horizon. Your grandmother’s voice sounded in the back of your head, “I know you don’t like the beach when it’s foggy, but I’ll have you know, I’ve seen some of the cutest seals on days just like this one.”

Deciding that the waves weren’t as bad as you had expected and wanting to know if her words would ring true, you ventured down the jetty, carefully calculating each step so as not to stumble. 

On your way down the jetty, you caught sight of a familiar pair of blue eyes, just barely visible over the surface of the water. Why would someone be out swimming in conditions like these? Eyes scanning what little area you could see, you halted all movements, eagerly waiting for the person to resurface. Were you imagining things? Soon enough, a head popped out of the water, showing off broad shoulders, black hair, and… Was that a star tattoo?

Raising your voice to be heard over the wind, you called out, “Hey, dude! It’s not safe to be out swimming with all this fog! I’ve heard there have been sharks in the area recently!”

The person wheeled around at the sound of your voice, eyes widening in surprise. You watched as his mouth opened and closed, but no response came. Before you could get another warning in, he was dipping back below the surface, disappearing into the murky water. Without thinking, your feet carried you to the very tip of the jetty, searching for any sign of the solitary swimmer.

“Hello!? Hello!? Is anyone out there?”

You felt crazy as your head swiveled back and forth, ears tuning in to the gentle way the waves struck the rocks. It was quiet, deathly so. Was that just another trick of the eye? A manifestation of the loneliness you’d felt in your little seaside dwelling? The result of feeling like you were being watched for the past few weeks? You couldn’t tell.

You’d seen those eyes before, you’d assured yourself as you walked back to the sand, right? Surely they were the same ones you’d encountered during early morning sunrises or all the lunchtime meals you’d eaten on the beach. They were too familiar to be nothing more than a host of different, swimming strangers.

After the whole incident, you kept a close watch on those around you when you went into the grocery store and the other local shops. Did anyone’s eyes match that deep, unrelenting turquoise? Did anyone have that star tattoo on the back of their shoulder? You searched high and low, but reached no feasible conclusions, no answers that allowed you to sleep better at night.

In one of your more desperate late-night deep dives, no pun intended, you toyed with the idea that perhaps you’d seen some sort of siren, a merperson exploring the waters near your home. The melodrama of Twilight’s Bella Swan frantically searching the internet for answers to her vampiric questions flashed through your mind. You laughed out loud at the thought. That would not be you.

Weeks went by and things returned to relative normalcy. You still occasionally felt curious eyes on you, but you hadn’t seen any flashes of blue since that foggy morning. You ate your lunch, you cleared your head, all without any distractions from the mysterious man.

Your mind raced as you watched the sunset from your kitchen window, suds covering your hands while you worked a sponge over the dirty dishes in your sink. Earlier in the day, you’d received a phone call from a friend, essentially admonishing you for your move to your grandmother’s old house. They had completely ignored your feelings, only working from their own experiences as they ranted and raved. The call left you feeling drained and desperate to get down to the beach. Maybe dipping your toes into the salty water while you watched the full moon rise would ease the ache in your heart.

Pulling an oversized hoodie over your head, you made the walk down to the beach, taking your time to look for shells and sea glass as you went. Having no luck, you moved down the jetty, a pep in your step as you hopped from one rock to the other. At the end, you carefully shuffled out of your shoes before sitting down to let your feet and calves slip into the cool, dark water.

The moonlight left the ocean in front of you sparkling, like the stars themselves had fallen into the sea, shining brightly as they bobbed with the waves. You were thankful you had the beach to yourself.

To release some of your energy, you began swishing your feet back and forth beneath the surface, relishing in the soft movement of the water against your skin. Losing yourself in your thoughts, you’d hardly realized you were being watched until you heard the gentle sloshing of water off to your right, ripples traveling up against your legs.

You snapped your head away from the moon, scanning the glassy surface all around you. Your eyes widened, breath hitching in your throat when you finally saw them. 

Blue eyes.

“You.”

The stranger’s eyes mirrored yours as you stared at one another. The droplets of water caught the light of the moon, bathing the man in the rolling starlight of the sea. Your heart fluttered.

“What the hell are you doing? Have you not heard about all of the shark sightings or do you just not care? Night swimming like that is so stupid.”

He waded closer, still beyond arm’s reach, but inching closer with the movement of the waves.

“I don’t need to worry about sharks.”

“What are you? Some kind of whisperer?”

He examined you carefully, mouth dipping below the surface only to reappear as he replied, “You could say that.”

The man’s body was entirely submerged save for his head and shoulders. You eyed each other as silence fell, punctuated by the crashing of waves in the distance. With his eyes on you like this, you felt as if you were being stalked, kept under a watchful glare for any signs of weakness.

“You know,” you spoke, attempting to diffuse the tension, “you can come sit up here with me, if you want.”

“No, thank you.” His reply was immediate, but your words had him closing some more distance. The closer he came to the jetty, the more you realized just how large he was, all broad shoulders and defined muscle. Imposing.

His eyes flickered down to watch your feet where they moved in the water, head tilting curiously as he followed the exposed skin up to the curves of your knees, eyeing them too. It’s like he’s never seen them before, you thought.

You floundered thinking about any way to continue the conversation with the handsome stranger, to attempt to distract him from the gentle sway of your legs. With a wide sweep of your leg, you unconsciously sent your foot towards the stranger, but instead of skin meeting skin, your toes brushed against the rigid surface of scales.

Scales!?

Your eyes shot open as you yelped, scrambling to pull your feet from the water and up onto the jetty, “What the fuck was that?”

Your knee jerk reaction sent the man in front of you reeling back as well, splashing back below the surface of the waves.

Your mind spiraled, forcing you to through your own Twilight movie moment. It was as if all the pieces were steadily falling into place: always swimming at odd hours and in adverse conditions, never seeing him in town, being unfazed by the presence of sharks. 

Your heart pounded against your ribcage. He couldn’t be… Could he?

Throwing caution to the wind out of sheer desperation for answers, you gently placed your feet back into the water, calling out for your potential new companion. You waited for any sort of response, resolving to sit for hours if you had to. Unexpectedly, you saw his eyes breach the surface once again, keeping his distance.

“Hey,” you spoke, keeping your voice as soft as possible, beckoning him closer with a wave of your hand, “Come here.”

He swam up to you, positioning himself in front of you. The man looked almost… cute like this, eyes wide and cautious as he stared up at you from the water.

“So, are you, like, a merperson or something? A merman?”

He nodded in lieu of response.

“Can I see?”

It took a long moment for him to move, eyes locked on yours as he thought over your tone of voice. Finally nodding, he leaned back, treading water with his arms as he exposed his tail to you.

It was breathtaking, the full expanse of it decorated with deep purple, almost black scales, like he had entire galaxies trapped within each and every one. The fluke glittered, iridescent under the beams of the moon. You gasped at the sight.

“It’s beautiful.”

Without thinking, you brushed your fingertips along the fluke, taking in the smooth, silky texture. In an instant, his hand shot out and took your wrist in its grip, removing it from his tail. Your eyes widened at the action, fear taking hold of your lungs at the feeling of his pointed nails against your skin.

“That tickles,” he quietly told you, loosening his hold on your wrist. You could’ve sworn you saw his face flush at the admission.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay,” came his grumbled response.

You fell silent for a moment, mind still racing with the thoughts that you were actually in the presence of a merman, that your stupid midnight thoughts had actually been correct.

“Can you tell me your name?” You finally settled on asking, deciding that if this whole thing was going to continue beyond tonight, you should at least learn his name.

“It’s Jotaro.”

You parroted the name, testing it on your own lips, memorizing the sound. Jotaro placed your hand back in your lap, moving to place his elbows up on the rock beside you instead. “What’s yours?”

You shared your own name, smiling at his proximity. He followed your lead, repeating your name as he looked up at you.

You sat with Jotaro until your toes pruned, goosebumps rising on your skin as the night brought lower temperatures along with it. You smiled to yourself as you watched his eyes roam over the flesh, fascinated by your body’s reaction to the cold.

After shivering for what felt like the hundredth time, you bid Jotaro a goodnight, promising to meet him again the following night at around the same time. He nodded in response, sending one last, long look in your direction before disappearing back below the waves.

Curling your hands into the sleeves of your sweatshirt, you began the walk back to your home. The phone call with your friend had completely slipped your mind, instead replaced by the warm feeling Jotaro’s presence settled in your heart. With the scent of sea spray still lingering on your clothes, you washed the sand from your feet and turned in for the night. As you laid your head back against your pillows, you wondered if your grandmother had been right all along. Maybe the ocean truly did work wonders for the soul.

[shivada-jade]

how to be a good friend

characters: childe (the wingman), zhongli ➡ mentions: ningguang warning(s): literally just one swear

read this first: (zhongli's pov)

childe's point of view in helping zhongli get the person of his dreams.

Tartaglia is not one for romance either. He definitely knows of it, but never acted on it. Every person he walks by either fears him because of his Harbinger status, or worships him for the same reason. It's tiring.

You on the other hand, don't fear him, nor worship him. For Tartaglia, you will always be that undeniably attractive person who ran out of mora to pay for Grilled Tiger Fish.

He met you at one of the side vendors at the closed off places in Liyue and he offered to pay for you. You were skeptical at first, but you took on the offer and enjoyed your meal.

Childe remembers that day clearly. When he leaves after paying your food, he walks along the docks of Liyue Harbour, watching ships come and go.

He sits on the edge, letting his boots glide on the water.

The sun casts a glow over The City of Contracts, making the place look heavenly. Clouds dots the sky with pinks and purples. The people on the boats started to unload and head to their own homes.

Home.

That's a foreign word for Tartaglia after spending so much time away from it.

Despite his charming, confident aura, he never felt so unsure in his life. Is it right to work under the Tsarista? Childe wishes to drop his job and flee, exploring with the traveler. He wishes to live in happiness. He wishes to be home. He wishes to be lucky enough to have someone that makes goodbye's so hard.

You settle on the crate next to Childe, observing and trying to figure out why he payed for your food. He does not seem to notice you yet, but you're sure he does, after all, he is a Fatui Harbinger.

You clear your throat, taking out a small box laced with ribbon from your bag.

Blue eyes look at you, so somber and bleak.

Wordlessly, you get off the crate and drop off the box next to him and take your leave.

Childe looks at you, then to the box in confusion. His fingers weave through the ribbon, untangling it to open the box. He sets the ribbon aside and opens the box.

Mora gleams inside and shines a bit brighter from the sunset. A note stuck on one coin, making him laugh quietly.

To the hottie with the most mesmerizing eyes (you look dead in the inside),

I present to you, a haiku.

Thanks for the mora I am not a broke bitch, 'kay Have your money back

xoxo,

Richer than Ningguang

...

He always sees you by the same vendor at the same time, and every time he sees you, he pays for your food. He would hide in many places in Liyue like alleyways, under bridges, and even on roofs, but you would always find a way to give the money back to him.

Soon, he finds himself talking to you on one of the roof tops and pouring out his emotions. You stay silent, just listening under the sunset.

The next time you meet, he apologizes for dropping his rants to you, but you smile and hug him, telling him it's alright.

Home.

He feels at home in your arms. In his mind, he lists many things that make him feel at home with you: your smile, your playful banters, the warmth that you make him feel.

He feels at home when you're around, but so does someone else.

He looks at Zhongli giving the same admiration to you. Wind chimes play music against each other, contradicting the pain in his chest. The world around him seems so happy when he couldn't, but nonetheless, he continues to smile.

"So, you're interested in [Name?]" Childe says with a carefree attitude, accepting the fact he will never have a chance with you. Especially with Zhongli around.

Tartaglia records how the tip of Zhongli's ears turn red when he says your name. He notes how Zhongli's speeches turn a tad bit disoriented when he's around you, like he's excited to say everything about anything.

Maybe it was a mistake inviting his two closest friends in Liyue to meet.

Zhongli is everything Childe is not. Zhongli has time to love, he has time to spend time with you in the future. Zhongli won't put you in danger, unlike Childe who fears on putting you in danger because of his Harbinger status, so he set you two up.

...

Tartaglia never thought of himself to be a romantic, but when you came he imagined all these things he would like to do with you.

A nerd date, is what he wrote down on the scroll. He wanted to take you to beaches to show you his excitement on marine life. He wanted to explore so much with you.

He wanted to show you the animals and make shell necklaces with you.

60 little ideas he pitched in a scroll. 60 little ideas he wanted to do with you, but instead gave those ideas to Zhongli, hastily writing a title to make it look like a romance guide, because he knows Zhongli suits you much better.

...

The last day you saw him, was the same day he wrote Zhongli's love letter to you. He knows this is his only chance to say anything, but how can he when you suddenly tell him how smitten you are with Zhongli. That is when he knows it's time to let go.

Writing Zhongli's letter is easy enough when Zhongli describes what he loves about you, because everything that Zhongli lists, is what Childe loves too. He loves that stupid humour of yours when no one can understand the joke; he loves your voice when you speak to him; he loves the warmth you give when he's around you; he loves your musings on the world; he loves it all.

...

To Richer than Ningguang,

Here's my haiku. It's better than yours.

Happiness is first Make sure that nerd treats you well Five syllables here

Your friend,

Childe (who looks dead in the inside)

With one look at you and Zhongli's silhouettes dancing in your living room without music, he knows he did the right choice.

To you, the most he will be is a good friend, but to him, you're his home.

You are his love.

He folds the haiku in a thin square and slips it under your doorstep. A bag of mora is placed behind a plant and he smiles with traces or tear stains on his cheeks, boarding the docks to Snezhnaya.

How lucky is he to have something that makes goodbye so hard.

note: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)

[nony-bear]

Mission Birthday (Steve Oneshot)

This blog and ALL posts are for people 18 + ONLY.

Gif By: @zimski-vojnik // Dividers Found Here

Parings: Steve X Reader

Warnings: Kissing (I don’t know if that needs a warning but just incase.)  

Word Count: 1779

Summary: It’s your boyfriends birthday... the only problem is, he didn’t tell you. 

A/N: Hi everyone! I know it’s been a hot second since I’ve posted any actual writing, but I finally was able to write this request I got a while back! I think I like how it ended up turning out even though it’s on the shorter side for a oneshot, but anyways, I hope I did an okay job, and everyone likes it! As always, thank you all for your support and everything. You all are truly amazing, and I can’t express how grateful I am for everything. My inbox is always open and has anonymous mode available, so please feel free to drop in anytime about literally anything (even requests!) I’d love to hear from you all!

Sitting at the kitchen table at the Avengers compound, you sip your coffee carefully, trying not to burn your mouth but still get a taste of that magical caffeine. Nat is sitting across from filling out some mission reports while eating her breakfast, Bruce is next to her reading some physics thesis, and Bucky is over at the stove cooking up some eggs. While making himself some breakfast, Bucky chats with you about work and the weather and other normal stuff. The conversation is by no means awkward, but your brain is still waking up, not used to being up this early. Usually, after your boyfriend (and fellow avenger) Steveleaves in the morning for his workout session giving you a soft kiss goodbye, you fall right back to sleep. But this morning was different. No matter how hard you tossed and turned, you couldn’t sleep. There was this weird nagging feeling in the back of your head that you were missing something. Still, you were sure that you didn’t have any meetings except for a quick one this afternoon, and besides that, you had the day completely free. But you still couldn’t shake it, so instead, you got up and dragged yourself out into the common area.

“So, what are you and Steve doing tonight?” Bucky asks, walking over to the table with his plate in hand.

You shrug nonchalantly. “Not sure, probably just go catch fireworks somewhere. Why do you have plans?”

In the midst of hungrily shoveling the food in his mouth, he looks up at you, confused. “But it’s -”

You chuckle at him a little, looking shocked before answering the question for him. “Buck, I know it used to be really big when you and Steve were young, but usually people now only do like cookouts and fireworks. Independence Day just isn’t as big of a deal.”

“Oh my god, you don’t know…” He says, dropping the fork on the table making a clinking sound that causes Nat and Bruce to look up at him in just as much confusion as you.

With a nervous laugh, you look between him and the others. “What don’t I know?”

“Nope, nothing,” Buck announces, his demeanor changing suddenly, before standing up and walking back towards the counters in the kitchen.

You’re suddenly much more awake and quick on your feet, following after him. “You can’t just not tell me now!” You say, grabbing his arm lightly as if you could really ever actually restrain his movements.

“You obviously don’t know for a reason, so I’m not going to be the one that tells you.” He laughs, using his hand to push your head, and subsequently, your body away from him playfully.

“Nat! Bruce!” You whine, looking at them for help.

Bruce sighs, taking off his glasses. “You know she isn’t going to leave you alone until you tell her.”

Bucky huffs in annoyance, knowing how persistent you can be. “Okay fine, but you can’t tell him I told you…”

Your heart starts beating faster; you figured it was something about Steve, but now you’re worried, what if this is something serious. “I promise.” You tell him before taking a deep breath in.

“Today is Steve’s birthday.” He says cautiously.

“What?!” You, Nat, and Bruce all say at once.

Bucky puts down his plate and rubs his hands over his face frustratedly. “He’s going to kill me.”

“Not if I kill him first!” You say immediately. “I can believe he didn’t tell me! I’ve been trying to get it out of him for months! He said he didn’t want me trying to analyze his birth chart, said his mom thought that kind of stuff was for witches.” Bruce shrugs with a chuckle, and Nat swats him with her papers.

“Y/n, please, don’t make a big deal about today. Steve doesn’t like celebrating his birthday. He hates it, actually,” Bucky explains, glancing at the doorways worried Steve may walk in at any moment.

You shake your head and put your hands on your hips, confused. “But why? Obviously, the astrology thing wasn’t true.”

“I mean, that does sound like something his mom would have said, but still, Steve just doesn’t like being the center of attention, didn’t want you to go to the trouble probably.” Bucky shrugs. “Now, speaking of trouble… don’t get me in it.”

After talking to Bucky, you tried not to dwell on the fact that it is your boyfriend’s birthday, and you literally have nothing prepared. But that quickly proved to be impossible. So mission Birthday commenced.

You got yourself ready as quickly as possible to avoid Steve on his way back from the gym before his meetings and then ran out into town. You picked up everything you would need; decorations, food, some cupcakes, and of course, his gift. You had reserved this present for your anniversary, only three months away, but with this new information, you couldn’t help yourself.

Making sure to discreetly slip back into the compound after Steve had already left for his meetings and drop everything off before attending a meeting of your own. Thankfully it was short and sweet, and you were able to dash back to your shared suite in no time.

You set up everything perfectly. Simple blue streamers on the ceiling, a few silver balloons here and there, and his go-to order from his favorite take-out spot and cute little cupcakes from a local bakery presented nicely on the delicately set table, while the gift rests hidden in your bag for later.

Having a bit of time left, you put on one of his favorite records, lit some candles, and changed into one of his favorites of your dresses. You are finishing up fixing up your hair when you hear the jiggle of the knob on the front door.

“Uh, baby? Are you in there? Did you lock the door?” The confused man calls out to you from the other side of the door. Considering the Avengers Compound is one of the secure and safest places in the entire world, you tended to rarely keep the doors locked.

Giggling, you rush over and smooth your dress out one last time before unlocking the door and opening it slowly. “I’m sorry, I’m actually waiting for someone. Can I help you?” You tease him trying not to open the door too wide, and let him see in.

“What’s going on with you, my little minx? Let me in.” He chuckles, confused, trying to wrap a hand around your waist to move you.

You follow his lead and move to the side. Once he enters the room, you close the door before coming up behind him and wrapping your arms around his torso. “I know your secret.” You say softly, unable to contain your giddy smile.

“Baby, you didn’t have to do all of this…” He sighs, turning in your arms to get a better look at you. “You didn’t have to go to all the trouble just for me.”

You shake your head and frown. “Steve, it’s no trouble at all. I love you, and you deserve to be celebrated. I can’t believe you weren’t going to tell me.”

His features soften as he leans down and kisses you wiping the frown off your face. “I love you so much…. And thank you, I’m sorry for not telling you, even though I would have been just fine with leftovers and going to see the fireworks tonight.” He chuckles.

“Don’t worry, we’ll still go see the fireworks tonight still, but after dinner, now come eat.”

Steve and you talk over dinner, enjoying the quality time together, and him continually thanking you and telling you that you didn’t have to do all this for him.

After eating, you pull him out of his seat and head towards the garage. You ignore his repeated questions about where you are going, simply telling him to be patient. About fifteen minutes later, you pull over to the side of the road and get out of the car, Steve following closely behind.

Still asking you a million questions, you lead him out to a field where you can see a handful of people in the distance setting something up.

“Baby, what the hell are we doing out here?” He asks you, confused and starting to get nervous that you guys may be trespassing.

“Wanted you to have the best seats in the house.” You say, making Steve connect the dots that the men in the distance must be setting up the annual fireworks. “Now sit so I can give you your present.” You laugh, pulling him down to the grass with you.

“A present, really baby? I swear you really -”

“Didn’t have to do this, I know, I know.” You cut him off while pulling the small wrapped object out of your bag and handing it to him. “I wanted to. Steve, really, I love you; I couldn’t let your birthday be just another day. You deserve better than that.”

Steve stops trying to argue and leans forward, kissing your forehead lovingly before taking the gift from you. Carefully he unwraps the simple blue paper revealing the clear box containing an old dirty baseball with tiny letters scrawled across it in blue ink.

“I know how you always said you wish you could have played baseball as a kid and how you and bucky would always try to go catch foul balls at the Yankees games but never did. So I got one for you, even got the player you liked from all the way back then…” You explain nervously, hoping he’d like it as much as you thought he would.

“This is an amazing baby. I don’t even know what to say. Just thank you, so, so much.” He says, closely examining the ball until he looks up to you, pulling you in close for a hug and a kiss.

You smile at his happiness, proud that he liked the gift. “Happy Birthday, old man.” You giggle teasingly.

He chuckles, giving you an eye roll.“Can’t even be mad at you. You have made this the best birthday ever.”

Soon the two of you cuddle up close with your back against his front and his arms wrapped around you, leaning up against one of the trees bordering the field. Waiting for the fireworks to begin, a comfortable silence falls over you both while he presses soft kisses to your cheek, and you play with the fingers of his that is held by yours. And as you lie there together, Steve thinks of why exactly he didn’t like his birthday, but suddenly he can’t remember.

Taglist: @angrybirdcr // @cloudystevie // @dadplease // @doozywoozy // @patzammit // @selfcarecap // @steebsbabygirl​ // @velvetcardiganbucky​​ // @worksby-d​

If you would like to be a part of my taglist for future writing, let me know! (If you would like to be tagged for only certain characters and/or only specific types of writing (like only fluff or only smut), I can do that too!)

[stiltonbasket]

(Is this where you submit prompts? I really dont know ^^💧) Prompt for the renouncement au: I don’t know why i love when gossip is involved, so maybe something about people’s opinions on wangxian’s marriage and how it slowly changes to a better perspective to the point that anyone who doubts their feelings for each other gets immediately shut down. And you could add some juniors shenanigans to make wangxian have that good of a reputation because i miss them </3. Thank you for your time and effort! (And sorry if this is not the place for the prompts, i will submit it again if you say so ^^’ )

(author’s note: please please reblog if you can, since that’s how we get prompts for future chapters!)

Lan Siyong considers himself one of the more moderate elders among the Lan sect. 

He has been close friends with Lan Qiren from childhood, and he saw Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji grow up into the fine, upstanding men they are today. When the two of them were boys, he even had fond thoughts of attending their weddings, and watching them take on the most sacred of duties with glad, willing hearts. 

Learning that Xichen would never wed had been a disappointment, but Lan Siyong rallied again when Lan Qiren confided the reason why the boy rejected marriage—chastity in an upstanding cultivator was to be lauded, especially in an age where Jin Guangshan had once demanded such high respect, and there could still be children born to Lan Huan if he decided to cultivate them. And of course, Wangji was there, and Lan Siyong knew from the first that he would be the kind of youth to fall in love deeply, at first sight, and remain passionately devoted to his mingding zhiren until he drew his last breath. 

But then Lan Siyong had Wangji’s own sword turned upon him at the Burial Mounds, because the one that his many-times distant nephew loved so dearly was none other than Wei Wuxian. 

“Qiren,” he says hoarsely, when the lotus-scented wedding invitations arrive from Lotus Pier. “You cannot let this happen—an unrighteous cultivator, one who spurned orthodoxy without remorse and led Wangji down such a dangerous path—”

“What has been done has been done,” Lan Qiren replies. “We have sent the bridewealth, and the marriage was contracted between Xichen and Jiang-zongzhu. All their terms have been agreed upon, and the date set.”

And then, after a brief pause: “He makes Wangji happy.”

Lan Siyong nearly cries. He does not attend the wedding, for fear of shaming Wangji with the open despair that appears on his face whenever he sees Wei Wuxian, and sends the newlywed couple the most expensive gift he can afford in an effort to do something useful. 

Wei Wuxian is the one who writes him a letter in thanks. Lan Siyong almost has a qi deviation.

__

“You know,” one of the other elders mutters after the second wedding ceremony: namely, the ceremony held in the Cloud Recesses, since Jiang-zongzhu demanded that his brother should be married at Lotus Pier first. “Wei Wuxian refused to have a blessing for children spoken at the an chuang ceremony.”

“Gossip is forbidden,” Lan Haiyang says tranquilly. He stopped caring about practically everything after his son’s wife gave birth to the whirlwind that calls himself Lan Jingyi, so Lan Siyong has long since given up relying on him to fix any kind of sect turmoil. “And they already have two children. I have not seen a finer Lan disciple than Lan Sizhui in all my days.”

Lan Siyong is forced to concede this last. Wangji has two good children, even if the Yiling Patriarch is perhaps the most unsuitable person alive to raise them with him, and a couple’s choice to expand their family is up to them, and no others.

“He should at least have let the blessing be spoken, though.”

Lan Siyong does not disagree with this. Traditions are traditions, and surely even Wei Wuxian should know to respect them once in a while. 

__

“It’s worse than I thought,” Lan Siyong murmurs, on a summer afternoon about six weeks after Wangji’s wedding. He passed Haiyang’s grandson and his friends on his way to the refectory that morning, and heard them discussing how heartbroken Wangji had looked upon hearing that Wei Wuxian did not return his love. “I ought not to have eavesdropped, but—poor Wangji!”

“Poor Wangji what?” Lan Haiyang asks, as if their little Lan Zhan being in trouble was all in another day’s work to him. “What’s happened to him now?”

“Wei Wuxian disavows Wangji’s love at every opportunity,” he replies dismally, going over to the refreshment table to drown his woes in chestnut cake and tea. “I fear for him, Haiyang. To love for so long, and to wed his beloved, and have children with him, and still…”

Lan Haiyang snorts into his tea. 

“What do you mean by that?” demands Lan Siyong, more than a little offended. “Wangji is in distress! We must do something!”

His friend does not reply. Honestly, it’s as if no one remembers what Wangji suffered for Wei Wuxian’s sake. Lan Siyong even tries raising the issue with Lan Qiren, and then with Xichen, but all he gets in return for his pains is a tray of fresh-baked red bean buns from the hanshi and another cryptic comment about Wangji’s supposed happiness from Qiren. 

Yet again, he is forced to leave his worries for another day, and try his best to follow rule three thousand, one hundred and sixty-two: that the affairs of a married couple should not be discussed by outsiders, even if they happen to be close, concerned family. 

Lan Siyong thinks his hair might be turning white by now.

__

And then, in early winter, Lan Siyong is roused from his bed one night and told that Wei Wuxian has gone missing. He joins the search party that Wangji leads, and follows him to a dark house in the woods with the Ghost General leading the way—and then he watches as Wangji kills at least a dozen men in an effort to reach his husband, whom they find unconscious in a cave beneath the house with corpse bites dotting every visible inch of his skin.

Lan Siyong nearly weeps as he hears Wangji’s desperate whispers to his beloved on the way back to Gusu, and watches him hold Wei Wuxian close while refusing help from anyone who offers.

Let him live, Lan Siyong prays silently, when Wei Wuxian is carried into the infirmary with Wangji at his side. Please, for Wangji’s sake, let Wei-gongzi live. 

__

“Qiren?”

A few days after the news about Wangji’s soon-to-be-born daughter is made public (public being a subjective word, since ceremony preceding the birth of a third child is unnecessary, and Wei Wuxian had said that he would rather wait until the baby arrives to make a formal announcement) Lan Siyong discovers Lan Qiren in one of the common rooms, sitting at a writing desk with his head buried in his hands. It’s a strange thing to see his friend do, since Lan Qiren has not looked so distressed since those three dark years after Wangji’s sentencing, and he hardly even looks up when Lan Siyong lays a hand on his shoulder. 

“It was just four weeks ago that Wei Ying was kidnapped and confined in that dungeon,” Lan Qiren says blankly, after he registers Lan Siyong’s presence and turns around to greet him. “If he—oh, heavens—”

Two weeks later, Lan Siyong requests a week’s leave from teaching to attend the trials of Wei Wuxian’s kidnappers, who are being held under Nie-zongzhu’s jurisdiction in the Unclean Realm. He has always believed himself to be a gentle man, but when the only sentences dealt are life imprisonment and execution, Lan Siyong’s heart is strangely devoid of any pity. All he can think of are the corpse bites he saw on Wei Wuxian’s face and throat, and a baby girl who nearly perished with her father before she had the chance to take her first breath. 

On his way back to the Cloud Recesses, he purchases a bolt of thick cream-colored silk with fine sky-blue embroidery and brings it to Wangji as a gift after the next monthly sect meeting.

“Xinhua-jun will need wider-cut robes before long,” he says, when his nephew gives him a curious glance before bowing low in thanks. “Zewu-jun has told us all that he and the child are in good health, and that the little one is growing well. All of our good wishes go with them both, and we pray that you should not hesitate to rely on us in the months to come if it should be needed.”

Wangji’s eyes go soft. “Thank you, San-shushu. It is much appreciated.”

__

Lan Siyong gets his first chance to hold Wei Shuilan at the baby’s full-moon ceremony, while Wangji and Wei Wuxian are running back and forth through the banquet hall to greet the arriving guests, and seize the first trusted elder they can reach to watch little A-Lan for a moment. At first, Lan Siyong merely stands by her cradle to keep an eye on her, but then she seems to sense her parents’ absence, so he picks her up and jogs her up and down to keep her from crying; and then he begins to hum softly beside her tiny ear, soothing the baby back to sleep by the time Wei Wuxian returns. 

“My good Lan-bao,” Wei Wuxian croons, cradling the child to his chest before rearranging her crumpled swaddling clothes. “Such a good baobei, to take your nap even with so much going on! Just like your A-Die, thank goodness, and not like your A-Niang.”

Curious, Lan Siyong clears his throat. “What do you mean, Wei-gongzi?”

Wei Wuxian laughs. “I never sleep properly at night, but Lan Zhan always falls asleep at hai shi, even if he isn’t in bed yet,” he says, with his voice so full of love for the newborn child in his arms and the husband who gave her to him that Lan Siyong feels strangely humbled. “A-Lan’s just like him that way.”

At that moment, Wangji appears with a plate of cut fruit and lotus cake before presenting it to Wei Wuxian. “Here, Wei Ying. Give A-Lan to me, and eat your lunch.”

“Lunch?” Wei Wuxian asks, confused. “But we’re having the banquet in just an hour.”

“You have been having your luncheon at this time for the past six months,” Wangji says stubbornly. “I will not have you going hungry even for a minute, xingan.”

“Lan Zhan, sweetheart…”

Thank heaven they found each other again, Lan Siyong thinks, slipping away to find Lan Qiren with a rising lump of tears in his throat. I do not think anyone else could have ever made Wangji so happy.

[havenoffandoms]

Shrimp (Eskel/Geralt/Lambert/Aiden)

Pairing: Eskel/Geralt/Lambert/Aiden

Summary: 

“Hey, what about this one?” Aiden suddenly exclaims, pulling a stuffed seal from the back of a shelf and holding it up in triumph, a cheesy smile plastered on his handsome face. “Remember last week when Eskel almost cried watching that nature documentary where the baby seal almost got eaten by a killer whale?”

“A seal?” Lambert and Geralt parrot at the same time, exchanging a dubious look. “Look how cute it is. The big blue eyes.” Aiden points at the blue dots sown into the fluffy white seal’s head. “I know exactly what Eskel will say when he sees them. They remind me of Lambert’s eyes.”

Warnings: none, this is pure fluff

Eskel always takes care of his lovers.

Geralt, Lambert, and Aiden all know they are lucky to have someone like Eskel in their lives. For one, Eskel is a feeder. His boyfriends are always the first to sample his new baked creations, though you will never catch Geralt, Lambert, or Aiden faulting Eskel’s baking. The man is simply a genius with his hands, double entendre intended, but Eskel is his own harshest critic despite the years of hard work and continuous on-the-job training he endured to get where he is today. Even though his online bakery only recently started taking off, people are crazy for his baked goods, and some of Eskel’s more elaborate creations can go for a few hundred dollars apiece.

Eskel is not only a god in the kitchen, he is always attentive to his three partners’ every need. When Lambert works late at night on a case and forgets to eat, drink, or even sleep, Eskel is there to remind him to take care of himself. He will bring up dinner, chilled bottles of water, and even drape a blanket around Lambert’s shoulders when it becomes apparent that his hard-working boyfriend won’t come to bed, too invested in a difficult case to find sleep that night. When Aiden’s old war injury plays up, causing his right leg to seize up, Eskel will make Aiden sit in the chair by the radiator, and bring him cups of steaming tea and buttery strawberry tarts - Aiden’s favourite - to cheer him up. When Geralt experiences one of his anxious days, Eskel will tolerate having his lover stuck to his hip all day, delighting in the needy kisses Geralt seeks from him and returning the affections in kind.

Eskel is, hands down, the best man either three of his boyfriends have ever known, and they all love him to the moon and back. Even so, they tend to forget that under the soft and loving walls Eskel puts up lies a man who has struggled far too many hardships in his life, a man who is still plagued by many unhappy memories that occasionally come back to haunt him with a force. Eskel rarely shows this weaker, more vulnerable side of himself, instead focusing all his energy on making sure his partners are taken care of and happy, often at the expense of his own well-being.

Today is one of those days, where Geralt, Lambert, and Aiden can just tell that Eskel is not in the right headspace, but refuses to speak to them. Only today, unlike their usual tendency to simply let Eskel work through whatever dark thoughts are taunting him on his own, his three lovers decided to grab the metaphorical bull by the horns. This is why they all decided to drive to the mall in Lambert’s Camaro on a bright Saturday afternoon, leaving Eskel to stress bake in their shared kitchen and work off some of the pent-up frustrations weighing him down. The mall is heaving, which does precious little to appease Geralt’s social anxiety, but having Lambert and Aiden walking at either side of him, shielding him from the crowd, helps a little.

“You alright?” Aiden asks softly, bumping his shoulder with Geralt’s. “If you’d rather wait in the car…”

“I’m fine,” Geralt mumbles in response, keeping close to Aiden. Lambert’s hand on his elbow is an added comfort in the general chaos of the shoppers pushing past them in a hurry.

When they reach their destination, Geralt reminds himself why they came here and why he is enduring the mob of people. He glances up at the sign above the store, blue letters against a yellow background reading “Build-a-Bear Workshop”. It was Geralt’s idea to come here, and he felt foolish for suggesting it, and yet here they are. Will Eskel even like getting a teddy? Will he laugh at them? Or worse, fake his excitement when they present him with his gift?

“Hey,” Lambert squeezes Geralt’s elbow firmly, but with an underlying softness in his tone that undermines the stern gesture, “I can hear you panicking from here. Stop that. He’ll love it.”

“He’s not a child,” Geralt objects weakly, feeling his confidence waning by the minute, “what if he-”

“It’s Eskel we’re talking about,” Aiden interjects all the while leading Geralt and Lambert into the busy store, “big, fluffy, cuddly Eskel who coos at baby goats and always bakes treats for his clients’ kids which he gives out for free . That Eskel will be ecstatic with this gift.”

“If anything, he’ll be upset that we didn’t take him with us to pick his favourite teddy,” Lambert adds wisely, looking around the store with wide, nervous eyes. “Shit, there are so many options. What’s Eskel’s favourite animal?”

“That’s like asking Geralt to pick a favourite horse,” Aiden jokes, gently reassuringly nosing Geralt’s cheek.

“My favourite horse is Roach,” Geralt deadpans, raising a challenging eyebrow and his lips quirking slightly at Aiden and Lambert’s exasperated groans.

“See what I mean?” Aiden tells Lambert while pointing demonstratively at Geralt.

“I’m sure we can think of Eskel’s favourite animal. How hard can it be?” Lambert picks up the nearest stuffed animal in the shape of a chocolate lab, eyeing it suspiciously. “Does he like dogs?”

“Who doesn’t like dogs?” Geralt picks up a stuffed horse from one of the shelves to his right, “this one looks like Roach.”

“Which one?” Aiden asks sarcastically, pointing his words with an eye roll, “besides, we’re not here for you. We’re here for Eskel.”

“Being around people makes me anxious, I need an emotional support teddy,” Geralt pouts, holding the stuffed horse close to his chest, “it looks just like Roach.”

“Jesus Christ,” Lambert huffs in exasperation, “Geralt, I promise to buy you this stuffed teddy tomorrow, but today is about Eskel.”

“Hey, what about this one?” Aiden suddenly exclaims, pulling a stuffed seal from the back of a shelf and holding it up in triumph, a cheesy smile plastered on his handsome face. “Remember last week when Eskel almost cried watching that nature documentary where the baby seal almost got eaten by a killer whale?”

“A seal?” Lambert and Geralt parrot at the same time, exchanging a dubious look.

“Look how cute it is. The big blue eyes.” Aiden points at the blue dots sown into the fluffy white seal’s head. “I know exactly what Eskel will say when he sees them. They remind me of Lambert’s eyes.”

Continue reading here.

[thatslikely]

we - g.w.

we - george weasley x fem!reader

warnings: mentions of food, tooth rotting fluff

word count: 1.3k

a/n: ok... this was meant to be 800 words ish but I guess I just can’t write blurbs?? i think my shortest work ever was 800 soooo

“Hey, Georgie,” you said hesitantly, tapping him on his broad shoulder, “we need to talk.”

The laugh that quirked his lips and crinkled the edges of his chocolate eyes you weren’t shy of adoring fell as flat as the icy Black Lake during the harsh winter months. The slightest wrinkle formed between his eyebrows, nonchalant concern seeping through his pores.

The phrase you just uttered never led to anything remotely good. Those four dreaded words are what ended his juvenile relationship with Katie Bell all the way back in fourth year. Bill had stated the four words as he sat down a ten-year-old George so many years ago, who loved his older brother dearly, and broke the news that he would be indefinitely moving to Egypt. 

It was safe to say he didn’t have a great history with the phrase.

With worry wincing his features, he agreed. “Sure, darling. Everything all right?” You nodded, grabbing his wrist and dragging him away from the group of Gryffindors that he had previously been enthralled with in conversation.

He sat on your curtained dorm bed with a creak uncomfortably, as if he were a guest visiting your house for the first time. “You look like you’re about to explode Georgie, relax,” you meekly smiled. “I just have something to tell you.”

The heel of his shoes lifted up and down, causing his knee to bounce every so slightly, a habit that was only expressed when fear truly racked his body. With a dry mouth and averted gaze, you said, “you see, after Hogwarts, there’s been a little change in plans.”

“I want to attend a Muggle college.”

“The Muggle world’s a lot bigger than I thought,” George said thoughtfully as his tongue licked vertical stripes up the scoop of ice cream in his palm. “No one ever told me there were so many places to go and see and do.”

“Yeah, they never did talk about its expansiveness back at school. Even Muggle Studies barely scratched the surface.” 

As your mind swam through the previous school year, which was packed full with laughs, pranks galore, romantic dates with your titian-haired boyfriend, and an awful case of senioritis, George swiftly lurched to steal a bite from your cone with a mischievous smirk.

However, you were too quick for him, you always had been, and your treat was safe from his stomach. “Not today, Weasley.”

“Bummer. I regret not getting that flavor, ‘looks delicious.”

“I guess I’ll let you have one bite.” You turned your cone in his direction, and unsurprisingly, he snatched it from your grasp, dashing away from you, laughs interspersed with joking taunts escaping his strawberry cream-coated lips.

“Get back here!” you shouted at the lanky, retreating figure, moving your legs swiftly after him.

The sun had risen tranquilly to the center of the dreamy, blue sky above, and its golden beams were trickling down from overhead. The weather fostered the perfect atmosphere to tour one of the college campuses you had been accepted into, accompanied by no one but the doting, red-haired boy you could call your’s.

The brilliant idea of attending Muggle college had stemmed from Hermione, who one day in the library, when stacks of yellowing books and dusty pages crammed with research enveloped the two of you in a world of strictly academia, mentioned in passing that it was on her list of possible things to do post-Hogwarts.

Before you had learned that the blood coursing through your brains contained traces of magic-harnessing abilities, university had seemed some distant end goal expected from you after graduating high school. That notion had been quickly swept aside when you learned of your wizard ancestry and you received a letter informing you that you would attend Hogwarts first thing the next fall.  

But now, observing the cliques of college students sauntering around the open-aired quad, you realized that this was the next step for you. The only next step for you.  

“Hey, Y/N, I have a question,” a sixth-year George asked as his thumb lovingly caressed your skin, leaving warm, tingly patches in its wake. “When me and Fred open the shop the moment we’re out of here, will you come live with us? Me?”

“There’ll be a homey flat above the shop, perfect for us. Fred’ll be there too, of course, but I reckon we’ll have plenty of time just the two of us.” George’s umber eyes scanned your face in an attempt to know what thoughts and opinions ran through your mind. He meant what he said: he couldn’t imagine not seeing you after the both of your educations concluded.

“I’ll live anywhere as long as you’re with me, Georgie,” you replied with a grin.

A small chip of guilt flaked off your heart when you knowingly broke the promise you had sworn by not even two years ago. You outright refused to attend any universities not within the UK, as part of your internal compromise for leaving George.

George was beyond happy for you, though, and he was not shy of showing it. He’d unabashedly boast around the Great Hall or common room practically every day, saying with a smirk oozing with pride and joy, “I’ve got the smartest girl ever. She’s going to college.”

You and George strolled along the brick-pathed sidewalks and trails, admiring the different buildings with elegant architecture. When you two walked past the dorm rooms, varicolored flags could be seen draped from the windows; in the patches of well-groomed green that dotted the landscape, students were tossing frisbees and eating sandwiches on picnic blankets.

It was like no school you had ever attended, and you were undeniably enamoured by it.

As the afternoon faded away, conquered with a sweeping tsunami of darkness, the silver moon encroached closer to the pinkened sky. You and George treated yourselves to a nice dinner on the river, at a restaurant that you wouldn’t dream of dining at again if you chose to enroll.

You and George had covered all the logistics of college: how it worked, where you would live, when he could visit. 

“Maybe Fred and I will open a shop down here someday,” he said, forking a bit of the food before him. “You think college students (or to-be college students in your case) would like pranks?”

“I wouldn’t put it past them, by the looks of campus so far.”

He gave you a genuine, innocent smile (his mouth still full of food, not unlike a squirrel’s), as if to say ‘it’s settled then.’ “You never were the neatest eater,” you giggled.

“I can be sophisticated if I want to!” he rebutted.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Definitely. One-hundred percent. No doubt about it. I’ll take you to another nice restaurant one of these days and watch me have the best manners ever!”

The string lights illuminating the patio looked great, the beads of contained golden light highlighting every detail about him that you love so much. It shone on the faint, near indistinguishable scar on his eyebrow from a failed prank when he was six. The glint of pure love in his eyes that he held ever since he laid eyes on you back in fifth year. The way one specific tessel of his soft ginger hair would never sit quite right, no matter how many gels and spells he’d apply.

The boy opposite you was so easily tempted to simper and tease you for so blatantly staring at him, every inch of him it seemed, as it was a trait him and his twin could never rid. But instead, a fuse in his brain finally clicked; the final piece of a undeniably complex and breathtaking puzzle fell into place, and he finally made up his mind.

He smiled warmly, his eyes prickling with joy. It wasn’t a grin of the same nature as one derived from one of his pranks, or a clever jab Fred would crack: it was an expression of ultimate contentment, resulted from the pure emotions that sputtered through his chest like a firecracker. 

“You think we should apply here?” He’d accepted the fact that he had been grappling with for so long: there was no way he’d live without you, and if that meant leaving Fred the shop for a while, or even delaying its construction, then so be it.

“We?” 

“We.”

general taglist:

@amourtentiaa @anchoeritic @accioweaslcy @theweasleytwinsgirl

twins/george taglist:

@horrorxweasley @hufflepuff5972

send me an ask or dm to be added!

[lgwifey]

Can I get a hp match up, please? Either era is perfectly fine!

I have light blue eyes and dirty blonde shoulder length hair. I’m 5’3 and chubby, she/her, straight, and white.

My mbti is INFP-T

I play piano and love to read. Music and books are like my home away from home and I’m either listening to music or reading literally any type of book (classics and mystery are my favorites). I have some insecurities issues that I try really hard to overcome, but I still struggle a lot. I love to bake when I have time, but now I spend most time on school. I love my animals, especially my cat. I try to be as kind as possible and I’ve been told a lot that I’m way too nice. I’m pretty shy normally and have trouble speaking up for myself. I have sort of a mom/pre-school teacher style mixed with college student.

My house is either slytherin or gryffindor, I’ve taken the test a few times and I always get one or the other. Most of my friends think I should be hufflepuff though. I don’t really care what my blood status is.

Sorry for the long request, thank you so much!!

𝐈'𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲

Righty-o hun

• So, the start of your relationship isn't really the most romantic thing in the world. You're one of Molly's friend's daughters. He meets you on one of his very few trips back in England and neither if you where expecting to see each other ~ "Hi Molly, mum asked if I could bring these 'round for you." *freezes awkwardly after noticing that there's another person who isn't Molly in the livingroom* "Aw, thank you darling. Oh, you've met our Charlie before haven't you dear." ~

• You ended up getting on really well, much to both your mums happiness. Molly's whole plan for you to calm Charlie down and convince him to settle down, hopefuly in England completely backfires when she finds out that after a year of youse dating you're moving to the Dragon Reserve in Romania to stay with him.

• Charlie is literally the most romantic Weasley. Like he's your No 1 confidence hype man. Because he leaves before you in the morning, you wake up to find little notes dotted around the house. Just little things like 'youre literally so gorgeous' 'id tap that' y'know, stupid little confidence builders.

• Dates baking cookies or cupcakes or smthing in the kitchen of your home and just ahwaafszaf. You're the cutest couple.

• Every year you drag Charlie back to England for christmas. Partly because Molly sends you letters in August to remind you. Anyways. You get Weasley jumpers, yours in your favourate colour thanks to being Molly's favourate. Charlie'll get you a first edition of your favourate classic alongside a little necklace or something cute like that.

• You're just really cute together and everyone on the Dragon Reserve is proper jealous of how adorable your relationship is.

[mischief-marauders]

Modern Marauders: Remus’ Birthday

December 23rd, 8:24 pm

Sirius took a small sip of his tea and forced himself not to make a face. Hope liked her tea the same way her son did, more sugar than tea. He took one more sip to be polite and then set it down in front of him. James chugged his down and set it down as well.

“Great” Sirius thought to himself. It was an amazing idea to give a teenager with ADHD a shit ton of sugar.

Hope sat down across from them and gave them a grin.

“I thought you boys were spending Christmas at Hogwarts with Remus since he can’t come home”

“We are” James interjected politely, his hands slightly shaking. Sirius mentally groaned at the sight of it.

“We told Remus we had to go pick something up from my house but in all honesty, we wanted to see you and talk to you about something”

Hope (she refused to let anyone call her Mrs. Lupin) raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“And what is that?”

“Remus’ birthday. It’s coming up in two months, we have no idea what to do for his birthday this year, and we refuse to let it pass without something special. I’m sure you’ve heard of the past celebrations”

Hope coughed on her tea and laughed.

“If you’re referring to Remus writing to me about you boys setting off fireworks in the great hall during breakfast last year, then yes, I am aware”

Sirius gave her a sheepish grin.

“He made us promise not to do anything too big this year but we aren’t sure we can do that. We promised no fireworks, explosions, or school property damage. We actually wanted to hold a surprise party for him. But we need something to give it that extra oomph, ya know?”

Hope looked thoughtful and then carefully said “Why don't you have a theme for the party?”

James sat up in excitement. “Yes! A themed party. We can plan the party around that!”. Then his face scrunched up in confusion. “The only problem with that is that Remus doesn’t really like anything enough to hold a party around”

Hope sat back and looked deep in thought. “Give me two weeks and I’ll send something via owl that can help”

January 14th, 2:30 pm

Lily looked startled at the pile of books that fell on the table in front of her and then up at the boys that dropped it.

She scowled at a smirking James Potter and a smiling Sirius Black.

“Can I help you?”

Sirius’ grin grew at her offering help, unaware that it was complete sarcasm.

“Yes! As I’m sure you know, Remus’ birthday is coming up in a few weeks. He made us promise nothing big. No fireworks, no explosions, no coordinated dance numbers. But he didn’t say we couldn’t throw a party. We just didn’t know what theme to have a party so we visited his mother and today, she sent these back. We’re not exactly sure what they are, only that they’re muggle and neither of us knows what the hell it is. She said he absolutely loves them, the blue one is his favorite and that he would kill her if he knew that she sent them to us”

Lily peered at the books and a grin replaced her scowl. "Comics? I love the Avengers! I didn’t know Remus liked reading comics!”

James nodded. His mother mentioned that he always loved them but when he was a kid, the neighborhood kids gave him shit for liking comics. They bullied him because of it, so he doesn't want anyone else knowing. So you know what these are?

Lily laughed and arched an eyebrow. ‘Know it? Please, I love the Avengers!”

She flipped through a couple of pages and looked deep in thought.

“How much are you willing to do to make Remus happy?”

James and Sirius looked at each other and responded in unison. “Anything. We’ll do anything for Remus”.

Lily laughed and grabbed a blank piece of paper and a pencil from her bag and started sketching. “Okay, since Remus doesn’t want a lot of people knowing, it’ll be just us. I’ve been working on my charms and transfiguration so I know I can make these. I’ll go as my favorite Avenger and then you two can go as the other two. You guys handle the decorations, cake, and getting Remus there” She paused thoughtfully.

“We need one more person to join us. No group of heros is complete without a villain. And from the number of times he pops up in these comics, he is Remus’ favorite for sure”.

Sirius slapped the table. “I know someone who owes me a favor and loves cake. I’ll get him to come"

Lily grinned. “Great!”

March 10th, 5:55 pm

Remus looked suspiciously at the note in his hand. Sirius slipped it to him during lunch and then disappeared all day. James also disappeared and he couldn’t find Lily during lunch. The note said to come up to the dorm room at 6 pm on the dot. Remus sighed and prepared himself. His friends took everything to the next level. He couldn't predict whether there would be fireworks, a hippogriff, or the whomping willow in his room.

Remus paused outside of the door carefully, preparing himself before he twisted the door open and stepped into the dark.

“Hello?” he murmured cautiously before someone flipped the switch and a group of people screamed “Happy Birthday!”

Remus looked around in shock at the dorm room. The beds and dressers were gone, replaced with tables laden with his favorite foods and a huge multi-colored cake. He blinked as he tried to process what his friends were wearing. No. It couldn’t be. James whooped in a very realistic Iron Man costume. Lily smirked at him in her Scarlet Witch costume. A tight-lipped Regulus glared at him from the corner, dressed as Loki. Finally, Sirius ran up and pulled him in a hug while wearing a Thor costume.

‘Happy birthday Re!”

Remus was speechless. His friends dressed up as the Avengers. For his birthday.

“H-How did you know I liked the avengers?”

James gave him a conspiratorial wink. “A little birdy told us”

Remus looked around in confusion.

“Where did you get these costumes?”

Lily laughed and pulled her wand out. “C’mon, we have magic. Just a bit of charms and transfiguration, and voila!”

Sirius grinned at him. ‘Do you like it Re?”

Remus opened and closed his mouth a few times while tears pooled in his eyes as he looked around at each of them again.

Sirius' felt himself grow nervous and anxious. Maybe they had gone too far. Hope did say he was bullied for liking comics. Maybe they shouldn’t have done this-

Remus’ face broke open into a grin and he laughed as he wiped away his tears.

“Like it? I love this! What the hell, this is amazing. I can’t believe you went through all this trouble for me. And you?” Remus beckoned to a bored looking Regulus.

Regulus shrugged at him. “I owed Sirius a favor and he promised me I could have cake.” Then his blank face was overtaken by a small grin. “And happy birthday Remus.”

Remus laughed as he pulled his friends into a group hug. Even Regulus let himself get pulled in.

Lily broke away and pointed to the bathroom. “I think there’s one more costume in the bathroom for the birthday boy. I heard it’s your favorite”

Remus ducked into the bathroom to get changed. As Sirius laughed and pointed his hammer at the ceiling, a large roar of thunder shook the room and lightning hit the quidditch field. Sirius looked in shock at his hammer.

Lily cringed as she took it from him. “Maybe I shouldn’t have given a charmed hammer that creates lightning to the person with the least amount of impulse control.”

March 11th, 2:00 am

Hope sat up quickly in fear. There was a scratching at the window and a beat of wings.

“Lyall”, she whispered as she shook her husband awake, "there’s something at the window"

Lyall grabbed his wand from the nightstand and stood up quickly. He inched quietly to the window and opened it.

A large, white owl flew into the room and dropped a letter on a terrified Hope Lupin before flying out. Hope cautiously opened the letter and grinned as a photograph fell out. It was a picture of Remus grinning wildly in a Captain America costume next to Lily, Sirius, James, and a boy that looked like Sirius. On the back, written in her son's messy handwriting, were the words "Thank you -R.J.L.”

[missjaystone]

Familiar Faces

Summary: Sam sets out to find his soulmate after his dream life wound up being just that, a dream. He just wants to find his happy ever after. Word Count: 3,930 Pairing(s): Sam Wilson x Reader Warnings: Death (mentioned), Smut, Rough(ish) sex

(This is the sequel to ‘Old Faces’, please read that one first)

Sam didn't tell anyone what happened in his dream if you could call it that; now that he was awake and knew none of that ever happened, it felt like a nightmare or a cruel joke. He dug through old boxes for close to two hours before he found what he was looking for; a box with a handful of pictures from the time he spent with you and Riley before they shipped out. You'd sent the pictures to them not long after they left, he kept them along with the letters you wrote them in a little lockbox. He always kept the key for it on his keychain. He scrambled to look at different letters and pictures for your address, he knew it was on there somewhere.

Half an hour and a dozen groans of frustration and he finally found it! '3197 N 10th St, Washington DC', it was written clear as day and he could recognize your handwriting from a mile away; it was always a little slanted to the side and it was usually smudged in at least three places because your hand always ran across it when you wrote or went back to dot your i's and cross your t's. "FRIDAY, can you look up the owner of 3197 North 10th st in Washington, DC? And their contact information?" He called out to the AI. There was a confirmation sound before it answered in 20 seconds "it's owned by Richard and Owen Johnson." He frowned some "can you look up anyone named y/f/n y/l/n in DC?" Another sound before the AI answered him "there are two thousand four hundred thirteen people with that name." He groaned "how many of them went to the FBI academy in Quantico?" "None," the AI said almost immediately. "Open the search nationwide-no, global, then crosscheck it with anyone who served or actively serves as a special agent with the FBI or any of America's agencies," he ordered, he was getting nervous. His mind started to wander; what if something awful happened to you? The AI's voice broke him out of his thoughts "there is one person in the United States that fits that criteria."

"Where? Where is she?" Sam asked excitedly. "Records indicate she lived in New Haven, Connecticut the past year but a rental application for an apartment in Greenwich Village can be found as well, both dated within the past two weeks." Sam's hopes were quickly rising as he wrote the new address down. "Where's the closest VA office to her apartment?" Sam finally asked after debating. He couldn't just show up on your doorstep out of the blue, but showing up at the VA in the hope you'd go there like any other veteran wouldn't be so weird would it? He'd look the place up online and find a meeting schedule later, now he just wanted to go back to sleep for a bit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After visiting the VA for two weeks, and no sign of you, Sam was beginning to lose hope and get worried again. Steve encouraged him to go out for a drink with him and Bucky if only to distract him for a night. Bucky all but dragged him with them when Sam said he'd rather not. On the car ride to the bar, Sam figured a couple of drinks wouldn't hurt, what's the worst that could happen. He took a seat at the bar and ordered a beer, looking around the crowded bar curiously. He'd only been there for ten minutes when he decided to get out for some fresh air, slipping away from his friends while they were briefly distracted. He didn't know where it was taking him but he followed the part of his brain that told him to walk down the street. Maybe he followed his mind, hoping the pull would somehow lead to you. He wanted nothing more than to believe that soulmates had a special bond that pulled them together, maybe that's just what he needed to think to stay sane.

He needed to believe all the stories he heard growing up about soulmates being pulled together, about how nothing could keep them apart from one another. He may have denied it initially but he was well past that. No other woman he saw made him feel the way you did; he knew they never could. He started walking past a park but stopped, not giving it a second thought when his mind told him to go in. With it being almost 9 on a weeknight, he wasn't surprised the park was devoid of kids and adults. Then he saw the figure sitting on top of the monkey bars and he smiled to himself.

"Little late to be out isn't it?" He asked when he stopped a couple of feet behind the figure. "Says the man who's also out at this time," was the reply, accompanied by a quiet laugh. "I had a dream you were here, you know," Sam admitted sheepishly. If it wasn't so dark out and he wasn't behind you, you would've seen his blushing face "I mean, not here exactly, I had a dream you were in New York. I've been looking just about everywhere for you." "Work keeps me busy, I've technically lived here for two weeks but I've only spent about three days in town," you answered. "Understandable," he said with a quiet, nervous laugh. A silence filled the space around you both. Sam knew what he wanted to say, what he needed to say. He sighed quietly and bit his lip "I'm sorry I disappeared on you after we lost him. You needed someone to lean on and it should have been me. I shouldn't have let my own emotions consume me and leave you in the dust," he finally said.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Sam, losing him was as huge for you as it was for me. I was never mad at you; your feelings were your own and you did what was best for yourself. I can't be mad at you for taking care of yourself," you told him, finally looking over at him. He started to argue but you knew what he'd say "I mean it, Sam. I don't ever want you to feel bad for taking care of yourself. You knew what you needed, I knew what I needed and that's that." "I thought you blamed me for his death though, I should've-" he started to argue. You shushed him "people always want to find someone to blame when things go wrong, even if that person is themselves, it's supposed to make it easier to accept I think, because if someone is to blame, then a bad thing didn't just happen, it had a reason behind it. There's nothing you could have done to save him, you were both doing your jobs. I know you think it's your fault but it isn't, Sam, and I never thought otherwise."

Sam smiled, he felt like a weight he didn't even know he carried had been lifted. He'd heard it before but it only ever took away part of the blame he felt. Hearing it from you made it feel true, you saying it made him believe it. He felt like he could breathe again. "You know, I didn't want you to be my soulmate," he said, eyes widening immediately in embarrassment. That's not how he wanted it to come out. "Ouch," you mumbled but held back a laugh. You'd seen him nervous before, it was usually a little entertaining. "I mean I did! Don't get me wrong, god I wanted it but I always worried I'd be too old for you, you know. I didn't want you to get stuck with someone old enough to be your young dad, I thought maybe you'd be able to find someone closer to your age, someone who wasn't friends with the guy who basically raised you," he rambled quickly.

You rolled your eyes and let out a laugh before leaning over the edge of the monkey bars until you were hanging upside down, face to face with him "why would I do that? I didn't have a bond with anyone else the way I did with you. Age be damned, I was an adult when we met, and I was and am more than capable of making my own choices." "Maybe I was just too scared of being rejected then. Do you know how much it's supposed to hurt when your soulmate rejects you?" He asked with a small hum, his hand gently coming up to cup your cheek.

"Oh please, who in their right mind could reject you?" You asked and flashed a small smirk. "God you're a pain," he said jokingly before stepping forward and planting his lips on yours in a gentle kiss. It had a passionate, longing feel to it, like it was something you'd both been waiting for ages for it. Your hanging upside down made it a little awkward but that didn't deter either of you. You tried to pull him closer, only to struggle; you lightly shoved his chest when he laughed. "So, I'm not getting rejected right?" Was the first thing he said when your lips separated. His tone was joking but even in the dark, you could see the nervous look on his face. "I'd never reject you, Sam; I love you," you told him, looking directly into his eyes so he knew you meant it.

He beamed a bright grin, rubbing his thumb over your cheekbone softly "I love you too, I wish it hadn't taken so long for this to happen, for us to finally end up together." "Me too, Sam," you were grinning from ear to ear as you looked at him. "Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?" He asked happily. "I'd like that a lot, maybe you can tell me what you've been up to and why two men are staring at us," you stated with a grin. When he gave you a confused look, you nodded past him where two men were stood at the park's entrance, trying (and failing) to look nonchalant and acting like they weren't trying to eavesdrop. "Shoo!" Sam yelled when he looked back at them. He let out an exasperated sigh and an embarrassed chuckle "just a guy who ripped my steering wheel out of my car while I was in it and another guy who likes to show off by frequently running past me. Don't worry, they're just lonely old men, I promise they won't always be around to watch like that." You laughed and grinned "well I can't wait to hear those stories."

When the blood rushing to your head became too much, you finally got off the monkey bars and stretched. You didn't hesitate to kiss him, this time wrapping your arms around him. His own arms were around your waist in an instant, drawing you close until you were flush against his chest. This one was sweeter than before, it was calm and comforting. "How about we go grab a bite to eat right now? There's a pretty good burger place open until midnight a block and a half away," he offered. "Then what're we still doing standing here?" You asked sarcastically, a teasing smile on your face as you took his hand in yours and laced your fingers together. "That's my girl," he laughed to himself and begin walking with you. "By the way, was that Captain America watching us?" You asked after walking in comfortable silence for a couple of minutes. "Yup, unfortunately," Sam chuckled. "So you're either a superhero or some kind of terrorist now?" You teased. "Yeah, but if I tell which one I'd have to kill you," he said with a playful nudge to your side. "Right," you said sarcastically, both of you immediately bursting into laughter. Life felt right. You felt happy for the first time since your godfather's death.

The walk was quick and since it was almost 9:30 at night, almost nobody else was there so you got your food quickly. "So, we're fighting this guy in an airport, and I swear I don't think he's ever been in a fight before because he is so damn talkative. I mean it, he won't shut up. Anyway, he shoots this white substance at us, which in and of itself is unsettling and we're stuck on the ground. He's still talking and it's like a villain's monologue except it wasn't terrifying, it was annoying. I call in Redwing and he just launches this guy out the window and then Bucky says 'you couldn't have done that sooner' and I so badly wanted to smack him or at the very least send him flying through a window," Sam explains, rolling his eyes dramatically while you laughed, having to put down your burger so you didn't take a bite and choke. "And Bucky's the one who ripped your steering wheel out, right?" You asked, just to be sure. "Yup and every day with that dumbass is a test," Sam laughed and grinned. "Well, it's a good thing you have experience with dumbasses, huh?" You asked jokingly. "You know I do, baby."

You and Sam actually wound up staying at the place until they closed at midnight. Once you left, you two just began walking around, savoring each other's company and getting close again. "You wanna go back to my place? It's not that far from here," you offered with a smile. "Really? I thought you lived in Greenwich, I saw the apartment application online," he admitted before coughing and clearing his throat; he really didn't want to mention how much information he looked up online. "I applied to it but found a place here in Manhattan I liked better," you'd question him later about that little tidbit of information he had.

True to your word, the walk to your home was only fifteen minutes tops. "Sorry about all the boxes everywhere, I'm still unpacking everything," you apologized with a sheepish smile as you closed the front door behind you. "I've seen worse, baby, don't worry about it," he said with a casual shrug and a smile. Another silence fell upon you as you looked at each other. Even being together, there was still a pull and you both felt it. He gently pulled you to him and kissed you. This time, the kiss was desperate and hungry, consuming both of you. He held you by your hips, keeping you as close as physically possible. Your arm wrapped around his neck while your free hand cupped his cheeks as the kiss became more heated. It was like you suddenly couldn't get enough of each other.

When Sam finally broke away from the kiss, a small groan leaving his lips as he looked down at you with lust-darkened eyes "where's your bedroom?" "Down the hall, last door on the left," you mumbled, already dragging him down the hallway as you spoke. You'd taken two steps into the room when he picked you up and semi-gracefully tossed you onto the bed. He quickly moved to cover your body with his, caging you beneath him as he attacked your neck with kisses and a few soft bites. There was an urgency in both of your movements as you each hurried to undress the other while trying to keep as little space as possible between your bodies.

Soon, clothes were strewn across the bedroom; your bra was thrown over the lamp on your bedside table, his boxes landed in front of your dresser with his pants not far away. His fingers delved deep into your core and moved slowly, the little moans and gasps of pleasure spurring him on. The way his fingers repeatedly grazed over those spots you had trouble reaching even with your best toys had you melting underneath him. He watched with a proud, adoring smirk as he brought you right up to the edge before stopping and pulling his fingers out. He chuckled when you groaned in frustration, looking up at him pleadingly "Sam!"

"Hm?" He asked, a small teasing smirk on his face as he slowly licked them clean. You narrowed your eyes for a second before returning a teasing smirk of your own "either fuck me yourself or I'll use one of my toys while you sit in a corner." Sam tried to hide the way his eyes widened briefly "you wouldn't dare." You nodded with a smug smile on your face "well, my friend got me a new thrusting vibrator as a joke gift and I haven't had time to use it yet." You looked at each other in a silent staring contest, daring the other to do something. "God damn it, I can't tell if you're bluffing," he mumbled before crashing his lips to yours in a fervorous kiss which you were more than happy to return.

Sam haphazardly wrapped your legs around his waist and after impatiently lining his member at your entrance, he slowly thrust into you. You both let out groans of pleasure, your head falling back onto the pillow while he buried his face in the crook of your neck. He started dragging his hips slowly, just savoring the feeling of being with you in a way so intimate he thought he'd only dream it. Once he got more comfortable, he set a slow pace, savoring the feeling of each slow drag of his hips. Your soft moans were music to his ears, and knowing that he was the cause made his heart swell. "I love you so much," your voice was soft and breathy, he could tell you were right there with him on cloud 9. You looked so peaceful as he slowly fucked into you and if he could take a picture, he'd do it in a heartbeat. Your eyes closed and lips slightly parted from the pure bliss you felt. If only your eyes were open, you'd have seen the switch that flipped in his mind when you softly moaned his name.

When he got comfortable, he slowly pulled his hips back until the tip was just barely in before slamming back into the hilt, smirking at the loud moan you let out. He moved his hips fast now, making sure to reach the innermost depths of your cunt with each stroke of his cock. "F-fuck, S-sam!" You almost screamed when he started roughly playing with your clit. He smirked down at you, eyes completely dark now as he asked: "yeah, you think a toy can do this? Can a piece of plastic fuck you this way?" He pinched your clit when you took too long to answer him, making your words hitch in your throat, his hips pistoning into you brutally. You quickly shook your head while your nails dug into his shoulders, a quiet 'no' leaving your lips as you shook your head. "Louder, I want everyone to hear it, I wanna hear you tell everyone who fucks you this good," his voice was becoming husky and his thrusts came harder, punctuating every few words.

"You, Sam! No-no toy can fun me like this!" You shouted, body beginning to shake as your orgasm quickly crept closer. "Yeah? Who's girl are you, huh? Don't you dare cum until I say so," He demanded, grabbing your jaw and making you look directly into his eyes. "Yours, Sam! I'm yours!" You choked out, a low whine following your words while a few tears of pure pleasure ran down your cheeks. "Who owns your cunt, baby? Scream his name so all of New York knows and then you can cum all over my dick," he demanded again, squeezing your jaw slightly. His own hips were stuttering as he did everything he could to hold back. "Sam!" You screamed his name like a prayer before being blinded by white-hot pleasure as you came undone beneath him. A strangled groan escaped his throat as he came, his face falling to your chest as his hips rolled slowly. He could hear your heart pounding in your chest before he reluctantly pulled his softening member out of you and collapsed next to you.

He watched your panting form for a few moments before he got up and went to the bathroom. When he returned with a damp rag, he moved the covers away and gently cleaned your combined arousal from between your legs, frowning some at the way your body jolted at his touch. "I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked nervously. You shook your head, sending him a lazy smile "no, no I'm fine, Sam." "Are you sure? Because I know I got a little rough. I have no idea where that came from, I just-when you moaned my name it set something off I guess," he rambled with a nervous frown still on his face. With a quiet groan, you made yourself sit up so you could look at him. You cupped his cheeks and smiled "that was the best sex I've ever had, I'm fine, just a little sore because it's been a while." "How long?" He asked curiously before he could stop himself. You laughed some "three years, like I said work keeps me busy." He smiled and laid down, carefully pulling you with him "that makes both of us, baby."

The way he slowly rubbed your back made you melt in his embrace, sighing happily. He planted a soft kiss to your temple and yawned "I love you so much, (y/n). There's no place I'd rather be in this moment, or ever again." "I love you too, Sam, so damn much," you whispered, eyes falling shut as you snuggled close to him. A comfortable silence filled the room but only for a minute before Sam spoke again "wait, are you on anything?" You shook your head "we'll deal with that in the morning, I don't have the energy right now."

He fell silent but you could feel his eyes on you. When you opened your eyes again to look at him, you couldn't quite read the expression on his face "what?" He bit his lip in thought, debating on whether to say what was on his mind "well, what if we didn't deal with it?" "What?" You asked him, your confusion evident. "I'm just saying, what if we didn't deal with it, y'know. What if we just let whatever happens happen?" He suggested sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck as he spoke. "Sam, are you suggesting that we-?" You asked, your brain unwilling to find and utter the words. "Look, (y/n), I spent all these years without you and now I feel like I have to make up for lost time. Don't worry, I'll respect if you aren't ready or don't want that. I just want you to know that's where I'm at," he said softly, absentmindedly playing with your fingers.

You'd never given much thought to family life but thinking about it with Sam, having children and raising a family together, it sounded appealing. It suddenly felt like something you couldn't live without. You pecked his lips softly before resting your head back on his chest, closing your eyes "let's just go to sleep and see what happens in the weeks to come." You could hear the fondness in his voice when he spoke "if it's a boy, can we name him Paul after my dad?" "Obviously, now turn the light off and go to sleep," you mumbled tiredly, earning a tired, quiet laugh.

[wincore]

summertime | wong kunhang

pairing: hendery x reader, side xiaocas

words: 4.5k

genre: childhood friends to lovers!au, first love, hs reunion, practically idiots to lovers, fluff, angst

warnings: none

a/n: warmup-ish fic. i don’t know why it’s so long either. loosely inspired by this. also hendery sweetest boy so i had to write something cute for him !! 

When Wong Kunhang had hit you in the face with a volleyball coated in sand, you knew it was one way or the other with him. You were either going to fall in love with him or hate him for the rest of your life, and nothing in between.

It’s a little more complicated than that, you realize at twenty-one.

The neat asphalt is now a cool grey, not as pretty and dark as it used to be when you were in eighth grade but still clean and maintained. The stone walls on either side are certainly better off, marking the houses of the beachside town your school trip led to every goddamn year. Not that you were complaining, shining blue seawater has always been a favourite sight of yours. Kunhang was just the smiling bonus you held on to.

The road slants uphill till you can see the sunlight shimmering against the vast blue of the ocean across the horizon, dotted with the tops of palm trees and pastel buildings. It’s mostly at this point you realize that Kunhang’s been talking the entire way, and that you should nod along to add to the pretence, that you’re listening to him and not the loud drumming of your heart against your chest.

But Kunhang’s not here today. You don’t even know if he’s coming.

“Hey, (name), are you listening?” Yukhei asks, steadying the surfboard in his arms when you stop. “Are you thinking about Kunhang?”

The tone of his voice is teasing, but it’s as if you’re still thirteen, trying to come to terms with the first crush you’d ever had. Your cheeks grow hot and you scoff at him, snatching your tote bag from his arms and striding faster down the road. Kunhang can come, not come—you don’t care. For all you know, he’s enjoying his new life out there, as curious and fun-seeking as he is—was. He might even have found himself a lover, you realize as the bitter taste grows on your tongue.

Kunhang has always been special. Summer after summer, he’s only grown better at that.

Your parallel lines started growing distant somewhere in the first year of college. The daily facetime calls to describe the baffling wonders of adulthood slowly turned into weekly phone calls about the strain of assignments and projects and eventually, into faded texts you still look over on your phone. He’s just a friend, so you shouldn’t be expecting any more, right? It’s only ordinary that friends will grow apart. The city downpour that was slowly erasing his voice made you long for summer even more.

When you were twelve, Wong Kunhang had hit you in the face with a volleyball at the beach you always visited as part of the school trip. Somehow, with his weird sense and cutting enthusiasm, he’d offered the corner of his shirt to rub the sand off your face instead of a towel he’d find lying just about anywhere at the beach. (“The towels were definitely covered in sand! There’s no way beach towels aren’t sandy.”) And somehow, with your poor foresight, you’d felt an audible thump in your ribcage, the kind that only comes once. It was fitting, almost.

When you were thirteen, the thump grew into an entire orchestra. They settled in before you knew, and you realized you could neither accept them nor reject them. You suddenly couldn’t comprehend sitting beside him in class without nervously bouncing your legs, or laughing a little less enthusiastically at his jokes. You felt the turbulence of your pulse every time your hands touched as he passed you an eraser or a pen, or when his face split into a grin at you struggling to unscrew the bottle cap—it’s almost as if it were the end of the world whenever he breathed near you. You were painfully honest, so easy to see through and even Yukhei caught on to the fact that you had a thing for the weird yet lovable kid and his ridiculous smile. Kunhang, however, was probably in need of prescription glasses. 

When you were sixteen, Kunhang learned how to play the drums and if anything, it made the heat bloom in your cheeks even faster. When you saw him play at the summer festival before the school trip, you wanted to stay there forever, just watch him do what he loves. Focused in the way he breathed and looking incredibly handsome for a stupid crush, you’d wanted to tell him then and there. 

You’d made up your mind, or at least part of it, that this summer trip wouldn’t go to waste. Even the short-lived love of a young boy, you wanted to see it reflected in his eyes. That summer, just like every school trip, Kunhang had passed a volleyball to you in the outline of an inside joke that doesn’t get old; and you’d swallowed harshly, choking suddenly only for him to rub his hand over your back in the same gentle manner he did most everything.

When you think about it, you can’t seem to get over how much of an idiot you were back then. Kunhang was almost an even bigger one.

“I wish I’d get better at the drums quickly,” he’d said beside the campfire, tapping his foot impatiently. 

It was only the two of you immersed in the night and if that weren’t reason enough for your incoherent thoughts, his knee was touching yours in a way oblivious to him—and the look of complete serenity over his face made you rethink your confession.

“You’re already good enough,” you huffed in disbelief.

“I can play two, er, three songs!” His voice was enthusiastic in the beginning but it hummed out to a mellow ending. He’d added in a determined whisper, “I need to practise so I don’t embarrass myself.”

Before you knew it, you’d let out a short laugh. Wong Kunhang, afraid of embarrassment? It was almost unheard of. You’d never met anyone so open before, so happy to share even the rougher, less tangible parts of himself.

Kunhang only gazed at you wordlessly, and when you met his eyes, the butterflies were let out of the cage in your stomach again. You wanted to lean in a little, kiss him right then and there, the image itself slowly curling around your head in haunting wisps as if something taboo. It didn’t make sense to you, to feel so immensely submerged in adolescent feelings—yet be comforted by his presence oh so easily. You know you weren’t the only one harbouring clandestine feelings. You’d seen them confess, you’d seen the few perfumed letters in his locker asking to meet after class.

Kunhang had turned down all of them. It didn't take solving quantum physics to realize he’d probably do the same to you. And you’d both end up losing a friend.

You’d swallowed whatever garbled confession that might have come out of your mouth that night. It’s better off this way, you told yourself, and you believed it for quite a while.

You wanted to hate him when you turned eighteen. You were going away to start a new life all on your own, and yet there he was, pretending that everything was going to be the same. Did he have to treat you so special? It wasn’t real, after all, the full wave of attention he gifted you, the adoring laughter and the occasional awkward head pats. 

(And yet, every time you close your eyes, you wish it was.)

You wonder if Kunhang knows summer the way you do—sand against bare feet, having ice cream under a beach umbrella and most importantly, the scent of young love coating you in a thick layer of nervousness. Knowing him, he probably didn’t even notice the way you struggled to keep your wide grin secret every time he offered you the coconut flavoured ice cream. You wonder if he’s forgotten summer by now.

Yukhei catches up to you just before the narrow stone steps that end in the beach sand. You stop for a second, careful of the rock you always trip over (and the memory of Kunhang there to steady you with a laugh, unless he was the one who tripped face first into the sand) as you breathe out heavily. This is your high school reunion. You don’t have to think of your awkward  teenage love right now. You can enjoy the coconut flavoured ice cream all by yourself.

You step onto the sand, taking a sharp breath at the full strength of heat that hits you. The towels and umbrellas are spread across the area, candy blue stripes everywhere your eyes visit, till your name is called by a frantic Dejun trying to get your attention. Summer feels hotter than any year you’ve visited and even sunscreen can’t protect you from the inevitably dazzling view you face.

After all this time, you thought he’d go away but the waves come crashing after all.

Kunhang has grown into a messy sort of handsome. His hair is longer since the last time you saw him, unkempt in the way it falls over his forehead yet still strangely neat. Even under the shade of the giant umbrella, there’s an unmistakable calm over his features—the look he often had on his face and no one would be able to tell what he was thinking, his own respite in broad daylight. The contrast between him and the blue around is crisp, like a sunlit field of pink tulips floating atop blue ocean water. It’s hardly been three years and he looks older, a bit more mature. 

Kunhang beams when he notices you, the effect of it almost crushing as you try not to acknowledge the tidal wave of pent-up emotions.

“(name)!” he grins wide, jogging up to you. “I didn’t know you were coming. You didn’t reply to any of my texts!”

They vanished. Your words vanished again. Fidgeting with your fingers, you abruptly clear your throat before you can respond.

“Yeah. I, uh, I changed my number.” You bite your tongue softly at the lie.

He frowns. “Oh. Well, give me your new one.”

“I- I- I forgot my phone. At the- the hotel.”

You feel yourself cringing at your voice. It’s so...so embarrassing, every rise and fall. Kunhang blinks a few times before shrugging.

“Ah. I’ll get it later then.”

You almost immediately excuse yourself and beeline to Dejun sitting by the cooler, trying hard to hold a coconut larger than his hands as he raises a suspicious eyebrow at you. Of course it’s natural you’d go straight to the guy you see everyday at university instead of visiting the boy of your unrequited affections. It’s completely normal. What’s the point of a reunion anyway?

What you don’t expect is to be sandwiched between Dejun and Kunhang, the latter enthusiastically summing up each and every point of his life at university, the lack of control over facial expressions still prominent and you try not to let your heartstrings pull too hard. Dejun hums in intervals beside you, sipping at the coconut water he so struggled to get as Kunhang skilfully ignores the growing tension. 

God, he really is an idiot. You feel like telling him you’ve been in love with him for eight years just so he’d shut up.

But after all this time, Kunhang has managed to remain himself. You smile. The sand in your hourglasses might not be flowing so differently after all. He’s still talking about most everything he finds fascinating through the smallest of details and you’re still willing to listen to the sound of his voice for hours. The scent of the ocean breeze that made you think of him, so you kept it safe—it’s overwhelming now.

Your vision is suddenly blocked by a pink paper cup, the spotless white ice cream in it already starting to melt. You turn your head to Kunhang trying hard not to make a face at you, biting onto the edge of an empty paper cup.

“You didn’t listen to anything I said, did you?” he asks with a click of tongue, after taking his cup in his hand. 

You can’t help your sheepish laugh. “I lost you when you started talking about the campus cats.”

Kunhang scratches the back of his head, smiling. “I couldn’t get a volleyball today. They increased the rent rates by ten!”

“What, you were planning to rent a volleyball just to hit me in the face with it?”

Kunhangs face breaks into a grin, positively glowing from his eyes to the line of his nose to his lips. Maybe you don’t hate this feeling so much. 

Dejun suddenly clears his throat beside you, springing up. “I’m- I’m going to go help Yukhei,” he declares, discarding his coconut somewhere over the sand.

“Help with what?” you ask, furrowing your brows.

Dejun coughs uncomfortably before shrugging and speeding off to Yukhei trying very hard to plant the wet surfboard in the sand. Somewhere in your mind, you already know the reason why he ran off. 

You turn to Kunhang with a worried look, but there’s no sign of realization over his face. You almost sigh but catch yourself in the moment. Is it pitiful? He probably can’t even imagine you that way, maybe that’s why he hasn’t caught on. 

Is it bad that you hate it? That you’re not satisfied with the friendly touches, the innocent smiles. You don’t want to keep it so pure after all—you want to run your hands through his hair, you want to twine your fingers through his, you want to feel the touch of a kiss with him.

Your gulp nervously once Kunhang’s features come into focus, still talking about something vague and nodding along to it at an uncertain rhythm. The sound of the waves come gently crashing, just as they do to the shore and the buzz of this place reminds you of all the time you spent here. What has been, what could have been.

“Kunhang,” you interrupt and he whips his head to you, eyes curious. You take a deep breath.

What value is there to words that you’re desperately trying to throw away?

“I- I’m going to go to the water,” you say, trying to cover up your nervousness. If it wasn’t any other summer trip, it’s not going to be today. It’s not going to be, at all.

If you can’t put it into words, will you be alone? You’re only chewing over your memories hoping they fade.

Kunhang springs up just as you stand, his sudden movement surprising you. 

“I…” He begins but shakes his head with a subdued smile. His voice comes out softer than you expect. “Yukhei’s that way, if you’re looking for him.”

You blink back your confusion. “Ah, um, thanks!”

The more you try to lie to him, the less you understand yourself. But if you stay any longer, you might just spill the archived secrets, the words you should have burned in the campfire that night. You can fall out of love. It’s easy, it’s easy, you tell yourself—then why couldn’t you have done it earlier? Can you even do it now?

“What are you doing here?!” Yukhei asks, furrowing his brows as he gets up from the sand. “Where’s Kunhang?”

“I- I don’t know! Why would I know everything about him?” you grumble, hugging yourself.

“You are so stupid,” he states in response.

“That’s- That’s not something you should be telling me!”

Yukhei grabs your shoulder, shaking you hurriedly. “You should go back to him! The beach is one of the top ten romantic places, come on.”

“What makes you think I still like him?!” you hiss, trying to get his hands off your shoulders.

Yukhei stops abruptly, tilting his head to greet Dejun, who makes you jump out of your skin. You move apart from Yukhei, facing him with a sigh.

Dejun tries hard not to pull a face, notifying that your other classmates are here, and it’s a lot more likely some of them are still heart-eyed for Yukhei. The two of them seem to share an inside joke as they laugh and you raise an eyebrow, not even bothering to decode the situation. 

The brunch idea was probably Dejun’s, considering how smoothly things run. The whole renting out half a bar idea was probably Yukhei’s, considering how much of a wild mess it is. The place is perfectly snug, warm and just enough for a former high school batch, right by the beach where the sand meets asphalt. The laughter and conversations overpower the low jazz undertones of the music playing through the speakers and you find yourself smiling when someone or the other reminds you of all the high school ventures you’d had under the teachers’ disapproving eyes.

“Remember when Yukhei stole the rabbit from our school garden?”

“That wasn’t even worse than when he accidentally fired the water hose at Mr. Liang!”

“Oh my god, you remember putting on makeup in between classes without getting caught?”

“Or trying to steal lunch from me, you big bully?”

Really, seeing old faces after so long and then the same faces hammered only a few hours later might just be another one of the ‘fun’ things you’ve been missing out on.

There’s Shuhui, Lunmei and Linlin—girls you didn’t get to talk much with during school, but you remember Shuhui’s face from middle school. There’s Yukhei’s friends, Shihao and Taishun, who you think you exchanged a whopping total of sixteen words with throughout high school. Yet now, with everyone gathered here, it feels like some sort of a haven of reminiscence, like you’d known each other all your life (which, to an extent, you did). It’s comfortable and warm, the blanket of old connections.

You take another sip of the punch. It’s not enough to get you drunk but it's enough to shift the gears in your ribs to begin the steam engine you can’t find the brakes on. Your face is hot, Kunhang finally not the reason behind it, and you sigh as you glance around the room slowly.

It would’ve been quieter if Yukhei somehow hadn’t started this chain of confessions. Dejun is still struggling to keep him seated, a warm blush over his face when he has to wrap his arm around Yukhei yet again while the others continue chanting “confess! confess!” to the next unlucky victim guilty of harbouring an unspoken teenage crush.

You shake your head at the whole scene, sighing once again as you lazily swirl the remnants of your drink in the glass. The night will be over soon, and you’ll go back to your own paths. For now, you can pretend it’s all just another summer adventure.

Yukhei clears his throat, everyone’s eyes turning to him instantly. “I’m sure there’s one more confession left!”

There’s a bunch of cheers and you feel your heartbeat quicken when Yukhei shoots you a knowing smile. Your eyes widen, your throat suddenly feeling dry and you turn your head to meet Kunhang’s eyes. He looks at you with no hint or clue about the reality and you look away before it fries your nerves out.

“You’re going to thank me after this, Kunhang,” Yukhei calls, a teasing lilt to his voice and the boy in question simply shakes his head, grinning in polite confusion. 

You look around in panic, from Yukhei to Kunhang and wonder if you should open your mouth. You take a breath before a roar of cheers interrupts you.

Shuhui stands up, rosy-cheeked and wobbling at the knees. You catch Yukhei blinking with furrowed eyebrows but nodding anyway, as if the decisive president in a heated debate. 

“Wong Kunhang!” she calls before coyly confessing. “I like you! I’ve liked you since eighth grade!” 

Is it the alcohol? Or the cruel realization that your mother was right when she said summer makes people fall in love? There’s another round of cheers and applause as you get up discreetly, sneaking out the door a few steps behind you. You don’t think you can stomach the sight of someone else’s arms around Kunhang, his loving attention drawn to them. 

The night air is cool, the bushes lining the sidewalk buzzing with cicadas as you step over onto the soft, warm sand. The campfire has been reduced to blazing embers, no one there to kindle it as the night progressed. You hug yourself as you walk, the calm over you strange, uncharacteristic. 

Even if it’s not you and him after all, you should have said something. You’re only a coward, slow and naive in a world too fast-paced, unable to face a reality that’s your own. You couldn’t even stay in that room a second longer. If only your chest didn’t waver so easily, your heartbeat didn't grow erratic.

You walk closer to the water, waves lapping quietly against the sand, a hush over them as if they do not know what to say to you. What do you say to someone on the verge of heartbreak? Consoling your friends at university taught you next to nothing, your own seeming beyond your help.

“(name)!”

You feel your breath hitch, hesitant in turning around. There’s a moment’s pause and when you don’t turn, Kunhang tugs at your wrist, pulling you to him.

It’s getting so that your heart can’t even flutter anymore.

Gentle and kind, and so willing to give, Kunhang could never really leave you alone, could he? He looks at you with wide eyes, almost like a puppy lost on the streets. His pale pink overshirt is hanging loosely over his shoulders, unbuttoned all the way over his white T-shirt, his hair tousled by the wind and words yet resting on his lips. You forget to breathe for a few seconds and when you inhale sharply, the onslaught of your feelings comes toppling over you.

“I hate this,” you choke on the words. “You should be in there.”

“They’re still celebrating. And drunk.” He shifts nervously.

“I hate you,” you say, not finding meaning in the words. “I hate you so much because of how stupid I was- how weak I was.”

Kunhang’s eyes shimmer with something unfamiliar, lips quivering before he steadies himself, drawing nearer.

“That’s not fair,” he whispers, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. 

You purse your lips. It isn't fair—who are you to blame him? He doesn’t deserve the vomit of emotions from your popped balloon of a heart. You bite your tongue before you can spit out the poison-infused words. 

“I’m sorry,” you whimper, voice hoarse and still angry, “I wish I told you earlier. How much I liked you. How much I wanted to be with you.”

Kunhang stays quiet, hand not ready to leave your wrist yet, the part where his thumb rests searing hot.

“I thought I could pretend I never liked you at all,” you say, biting your lip. “I thought that if I faked it then it would go away but Wong Kunhang, I- I’ve liked you for so long that I don’t know what it’s like if I don’t.”

Why are you crying? It’s like the emotions you’ve hoarded all these years have somehow found an opening to burst through, in a stream of colours that paint you in embarrassment. You feel the blood rush to your cheeks and nose, as you vigorously rub at your eyes so the tears don’t escape in so obvious a manner.

“I- I tried going on dates, I tried- I tried all those stupid blind dating apps, I tried to focus on my major and making new friends and- and still…”

Doesn’t the rain fall in times like these? Yet there’s only the hot blanket of summer, with its swaying sea wind and calling cicadas resting in the vibrant bushes.

“I didn’t want to force all of this on you. I’m so—”

It’s only fitting that the stupidest sequence of words would leave his lips.

“I thought you liked Yukhei,” he says quietly.

You pause, uncertain of what to do and breathe out in annoyance. “Kunhang, for the love of god, where did you even come up with that?”

His cheeks colour ever so slightly and he clears his throat. “I don’t kno- I just- I kept giving myself excuses too. I’m sorry.”

The wind makes his hair sway lightly by his eyes, the stars glowing cool blue in them. Whatever the ebb and flow of your feelings were, they’re crashing against the sand, violent and sorrowful at first till the moon tames them into something warmer.

And then it happens again. Kunhang smiles, shoulders relaxing. There’s a moment’s pause.

“I- I’m not good with this.”

When Kunhang presses his hand against your jaw and leans in a little, eyes waiting for confirmation, the drumming in your veins is so loud you can barely comprehend the movement of his actions. You shut your eyes almost instantly but Kunhang accidentally bumps your noses a little too hard. The two of your wince, your hand flying to your nose as a muffled cry of pain escapes your lips and he looks at you worriedly, his fingertips pressing against your cheek softly.

You choke back a laugh but it bubbles up anyway, his own following after an embarrassed pause. 

“I think- I think I was a little nervous,” he admits, looking down and then back up to you.

“We can...we can try that again,” you hum, biting back a smile.

Kunhang’s hair is in fact softer than you’d expected, and when you run your fingers through them, he smiles into the kiss, his hand at the small of your back pulling you closer. Nothing’s like you daydreamed of and yet everything is in place, the shared warmth growing with each passing second. 

It’s blissful for a few moments before you’re interrupted by a drunk Yukhei to “get it” and you jump apart from each other, flushed hot in the cheeks. Dejun apologizes for his boyfriend, waving at you guys to continue whatever the hell you were doing before tugging Yukhei along with him.

You clear your throat awkwardly before plopping down on the sand, face buried in your hands. Kunhang follows slowly, legs outstretched towards the ocean. You peek to see him smiling at the sky, leaning back on his hands and the look you love seeing on him.

“Kunhang?”

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t- I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Even if you didn’t like me back then.”

Kunhang turns his head to you, eyes earnest as they trail across your face.

“You don’t have to be brave.”

He reaches out to fix the hair from your eyes, a gentle touch to them as ever, but this time there’s a stronger meaning to it, almost as if he’d kiss you again right then. The two of you smile, twining your fingers somewhere along the night as he tells you to rest your head on his shoulder. The waves sing softly to accompany Kunhang’s chatter, the feeling almost unreal when you feel his pulse against your thumb. 

What has been, what could’ve been—they’re barely a breeze to what really is.