#I know exactly what I'm doing and yet I am seeing progress

[heartsforjh]

I'm back!! and requesting "(making an attempt at) braiding their hair" with jack 😁 (him getting his hair braided)

not me acting like we literally weren't just talking about this

- cait🌻

you know i am ALWAYS down to think, yap, and write about jack !!

main masterlist | 100 follower celly masterlist

“Babe, you serious?” Jack asks, his mouth tugging up into a smirk. “I’m not doing that.” 

You scoff and your shoulders slump, looking at him with your best puppy dog face. “Please, J. Please? It’ll be so good, I promise.” 

Jack watches your expression turn into a sad one, and of course, he feels bad. He’s convinced. He’ll do it. He’s just not exactly sure how. 

“I don’t think I even have enough hair for a braid,” he says, trying his last excuse. 

You sigh again, not wanting to push him if he’s actually just really not into the idea. “I could make it work, but just… let me know if you change your mind.” 

You get up to go put your brush back into the bathroom because you won’t be needing it anymore, but Jack puts a hand on your waist, stopping you. 

You look down at him as he sits on the bed, causing you to raise your eyebrows. “No, no. It’s okay. You can do it. Come braid my hair.” 

“Are you sure? It’s fine, babe, really not that serious,” you say with laugh. 

Jack just shrugs in return. “Yeah, so, not a big deal. Come do it. I just didn’t understand how you were gonna do it.” 

“It’s easy! It’ll just have to be a tiny braid,” you explain with a giggle as you sit back down, and motion for him to turn away from you. 

He shifts his body to be facing away, so that you could get to his hair easier. “A tiny braid? Don’t have me looking crazy, baby.” 

“It’ll be fine! Lots of girls pull off the small braids,” you say while fluffing out his hair a bit, sitting up on your knees for a better view of what you’re doing. 

Jack can’t help but smile at your logic. “Oh, lots of girls?” 

“Mhm!” you confirm simply, starting to brush through his hair. 

The first brush through gets stuck, and he hisses, instantly pulling away to look at you. “Hey!” 

“Hey, what?!” you ask, looking back at him just as confused. 

His brows furrow slightly when you don’t understand what his problem is. “Why did you do that?!” 

“Do what exactly? Try to tame this mess?” you argue. 

Jack scoffs. “Excuse you! It’s not a mess! It just… needs a little help sometimes!” 

“Okay, so shush and let me help it,” you tell him, pressing a quick kiss to his lips to shut him up, then gently turning his head back around. 

You immediately get back to work, brushing through his hair. Of course, you can’t get through it without his dramatic little whines or telling you you’re hurting him when you’ve barely done anything yet. He’s honestly glad you can’t see his expressions, knowing you’d probably find them way too funny for his liking. 

You finally finish, running you fingers through his hair proudly. “Your mane is finally tangle-free.” 

“Mane? Really? Was that called for?” he asks, but in reality he’s holding back a laugh at your random quips. 

You just shake your head and go on to part his hair. As you pull it together, it starts to look somewhat like a braid, but it needs to be tighter! And once again, Jack’s got a lot to say about that. 

“Babe! You’re killing me!” he winces, pulling away… again. 

You desperately hang onto the progress you’ve made as he jerks away. “Jack! Sit still, dude! You’re gonna mess it up!” 

“Dude?!” he repeats. “So you don’t love me? I’m just a dude now?” 

You shoot him a glare, completely unamused. “J… I do love you. Now please, turn back around. I’m almost done, okay?” 

“Fine. I’ll let you continue to torture me,” he says with a huff as he turns back around and crosses his arms. 

You’d be shocked at the pure sass of this man if it was anyone other than Jack. But, it is Jack, so the pouting and smart comments are on brand. Your boyfriend is a drama queen and you’ve learned to accept and love that by now. 

“Beauty is pain, honey. Relax,” you tell him, finally getting to the point where you’re wrapping things up. 

Unsurprisingly, Jack is getting bored of just sitting there so he starts questioning you. “Baby, do I have enough hair?” 

“Yup. I told you I could do it.” 

“Have you tied it up at the bottom yet?” he asks, extra curious about what you’ve got going on. 

“No, I’ve got a few more pieces to do, then I’m gonna tie it up.” 

Jack exhales, wanting to be done with this. He fidgets with everything he can reach while you get those few pieces done and begin to tie it so it doesn’t fall apart. “It’s done, Jacky!” 

“Does it look good?” 

His question makes you take a step back from your zone and really look at it. It definitely resembles a braid, but his hair is so short that it’s sticking out. You cannot help but burst into laughter at the sight of it on your boyfriend. 

“What?! What? What is it? Does it look stupid?” he asks embarrassed, frantically trying to grasp at the braid to feel it. 

You try your best to compose your laughter, not wanting him to feel like he’s being made fun of. “No! No! It’s not stupid. You look so cute!” 

“Babe,” Jack looks at you with a straight face. “Be honest. I look dumb, don’t I?” 

“The whole point was that it was gonna look a little silly on you, Jack! That’s why I wanted to do it. But, you pull it off! You look adorable!” you encourage, kissing his cheek. 

He sits there staring at you for a moment before sighing. “Adorable because I look like a joke, or just adorable?” 

“Just adorable, J,” you smile.

(jack is a baby polar bear to me. yes, i will elaborate with my album full of comparisons if need be.)

tags: @beenucks @nic0-hischier @puckmedude @joesnumerouno @alex-wotton @r0wdymaize86 @macklin-celebrini-71 @quillycrow @rainyvalentines @alwaysclassyeagle @ruinix @dancerbailey3

join the taglist here! :)

[kedreeva]

Some of you will remember when I took a trip to Wisconsin and picked up the "wild type" birds from Bre, the president of the American coturnix breeders association. When I picked them up, I was dubious about their status as "wild type" birds. I didn't see any difference between them and my SLB birds. The girl was still kind of a kid compared to most other breeds I know (still in college, over 18 but still very young 20's, living with parents), and only had a handful of birds (maybe 15-20 tops), so on top of the birds not looking like I expected, the person was not what I expected from an experienced, long-term breeder that would know what they were talking about. At her admittance, she'd only been in this a year longer than I had, which to me is no time at all in the grand scheme of things, considering 3 years in peafowl is 'your babies just matured for the first time and you are absolutely still learning most things about peafowl.' Even though I'd been in quail for 3 years by that point, I still felt like I was very new, so the pretentiousness of claiming expertise at 4 years (which is where i am now and I am by no means an expert in quail, despite what it seems like to anyone who doesn't breed quail at all) was... interesting. Especially after the run-around she gave me at the start when discussing picking up the birds, which is a whole other drama.

Anyway, I tried picking out little differences along the way as the offspring of these birds grew out, but now that my hens from that pairing - who SHOULD be completely, totally, clean wild types with NO other genes in them, if Bre was correct and honest about her birds - are adults and laying, they REALLY do no look any different than the SLB hens. Which I have felt was weird, because from photos and what I've seen in person, I expected a difference, especially if SLB had once been used for sex linked breeding. I found a paper (scientific) article about SLB, with photos of WT and SLB compared, and they looked different there, but it was a long time ago, and breeding practices are not always stellar, so without selection to keep stark blacks, it's always possible a "clean" bird with no mutations in captivity no longer looks like the wild type birds in the wild. I clung to hope, anyway.

This is one of the babies from Bre's male, which could be SLB or could be WT (don't know the sex to know the possibilities yet), but they all look like this with little variation:

To check if I'm just inept at telling, I ordered a couple dozen wild type hatching eggs from the vice president of the association, Rebecca, someone that breeds a LOT more quail, enough to run a business around it and have a lot of mutation lines available for purchase, and someone that has a reputation to stake on being right. She JUST "released" a line of "clean" wild types ("clean" except for the fact that they carry the celadon mutation, so not really clean). They hatched a few days ago, and even at hatch, they looked different. Darker overall, with color tinging their feet a lot more than Bre's, and the stripes were thinner/crisper. Now that they're almost a week old and growing in feathers, I'm starting to see some STARK differences in them- to the point when they're laying down, I can pretty reliably pick out the purple banded birds vs the green banded birds, even when I can't see the bands at all.

Their blacks are crisp black.

The overall reddish hue in the SLB is minimal to absent.

These babies look EXACTLY like I expected "wild type" to look, AND have a clear difference from what I've seen out of SLB. Which makes me pretty goddamn certain Bre's birds were NOT wild types.

I'm looking forward to taking pics and comparing the adults, and I'm really hoping that (despite what it means regarding my efforts so far), this second group is very different than the first. Even if it means some effort has been wasted (not all, having a clean roux to start the ce project with is still progress), knowing and feeling confident about the WT status of the birds I have will be worthwhile. It would also mean I can switch my focus with bre's bloodline to making a Roux line (which by nature would be SLB free, and give me the chance to have an auto-sexing pen or two if I wanted them).

I can't do much selection right this second within the new WT group, as I have a limited number of these babies, but going forward with breeding, I know I'm definitely going to be selecting hard toward that stark black look. There are a few babies who are a little browner by comparison, and in future hatches I think I'll probably try to get rid of that so the difference would be very clear for anyone getting birds from me.

[talesfromawannabewriter]

The Bride of the Goblin

@things-arent-what-they-seem66

A child’s laugh mixed with the sounds of nature filled the green scenery. A young girl ran across the grass, following the deer as they bounded away. The majestic creatures always brought a sense of curiosity and joy to the girl named Ada.

They were beautiful, free to roam as they saw fit. Never having to listen to anybody but their selves. In fact, all animals that existed she viewed as that.

In all honesty, she was quite envious of them even at such a young age.

When the deer stopped to have a bite of the grass a few of them went right up to her and allowed her to pet them. Their fur was soft yet coarse, it was something that she couldn't quite describe.

Yet still knew what it was at the same time.

Ada: Your so pretty.

She said softly so as to not upset nor frighten the doe in front of her. However, it would be of no use as it's ears twitched, looking around to see where the imaginary sound was coming from.

Ada was confused as to why it suddenly left but she was determined to find out why and where it was going.

As fast as her little legs could take her, she finally caught up to the deer who by now was following a quiet sound. She didn't hear it before but now she had.

The further the two progressed the louder it became. Until Ada and the deer stopped right in front of a tree, and she knew exactly what kind of noise it was.

It was the sobbing of someone in distress

Ada: Hello?

She called out hoping someone would call back. Fortunately, for the young girl she did receive an answer.

Lucifer: W, who's there?

Ada could tell that it was the sound of a little boy: Hi! my name is Ada what's yours?

Lucifer: ...I, I'm Lucifer.

Ada grinned: Well Lucifer may I see you?

Lucifer: No!

Ada: Why not?

Lucifer: You'll scream and run away! Just like everyone else!

Ada: ...Is that why your crying?

Lucifer didn't say anything back and she assumed her guess was right.

Ada: Well, you don't have to be afraid of that happening because I won't scream, I promise.

Lucifer: How do I know you telling the truth?

Ada: Because I always keep my promises, and I always tell the truth. My mama actually says I'm very honest!

She beamed with pride as she said that. Her mother would often tell her that it was possibly her best characteristic.

Lucifer: ....Alright, I'll come out, but please don't run away!

She was confused deeply by the little boys pleas. Why on Earth would she run away from another kid?

She found out as soon as she saw a being start to come to the other side of the tree. What she saw truly shocked her to her core.

First, she saw pale skin, almost as white as snow. Then soon the rest of him, his ears were large and pointed, his teeth sharp like knives as they bit his lips, his hands that wrung each other anxiously had claws attached to him.

But what caught her attention most were his two eyes that were as red as her favorite fruit.

Apples.

Lucifer waited for the screams of horror to start or at worst a rock to his face. However the more she gazed at him the more he realized it was not one of disgust or fear, but of that of wonder.

Adam: What are you?

Lucifer: I’m Lucifer!

Adam giggled: I know that but what ARE you?

Lucifer: My mother says that I am a goblin. Or at least partly one.

Ada: Your unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. You’re like one of my woodland friends!

Lucifer: I can’t help the way I look!

Ada: I’m sorry I didn’t mean anything by it, I just mean that I think you’re very pretty!

The poor boy felt his entire face grow hot as the girl got closer to him.

Ada: Do you want to play with me?

Lucifer: I….w, what?

Ada: I said would you like to play with me?

She reached her hand over for him to take. Lucifer stared at for the longest time before finally accepting it.

Ada grinned as she proceeded to drag him to where she normally spent her days at.

For the remainder of the day Ada showed him all of her most favorite places in the forrest.

They climbed trees, swam in the creek, and rolled on the grass together. She even took him to the deer again where they accepted him with open arms.

Lucifer was having a jolly good time with his new friend. He certainly can’t remember the last time he laughed or smiled so hard.

However, like all good things this had to come to an end.

By the time the sun set Ada had to go back to her home.

Ada: Sorry Luci, but my mama and papa get very cross with me if I’m even a second late for supper.

Lucifer tried not to let his disappointment show: That’s okay Ada, I understand.

Ada smiled at the goblin and planted a chaste kiss on the forehead, the young boy could hardly breathe as his heart banged against his chest like a drum.

Ada: Good bye Lucifer!

Just like that the young girl was gone but that had cemented the feeling stirring within him. He was unaware that what it was would cause a deeply infatuation that would soon lead on to full obsession.

[on-a-lucky-tide]

Nik gets caught playing his favourite sport: Price Watching.

cw: sad Nik is sad; pining, wingman Laswell.

"What're you smiling at?"

"Hm?" Nik dragged his eyes away from where the captain was giving his briefing to the rapt attention of the gathered operators to give Laswell the side eye.

She raised an eyebrow.

"He did the thing," Nik said, unhelpfully.

"The thing."

"Da, the thing he does."

"Nik, Price does a lot of things..."

"You know," he grabbed the straps of an invisible carrier vest, rolled onto his toes and thrust his hips a little at the air, the movement rippling up the length of his torso in a perfect imitation of the captain currently gesturing over a map table at the front of the room, "the thing."

She smacked a hand over her mouth to stifle the guffaw and ended up blowing an undignified half-raspberry into her palm. Sergeant MacTavish raised his eyebrow at her before returning his attention to Price's briefing. She glowered at Nik.

"Laswell, that was very unprofessional," Nik breathed, amused.

"That's rich coming from you, I thought I was the only one who had noticed that," she hissed back in the practiced method of a woman used to keeping her voice hushed in the earshot of others.

Nik hummed and let the conversation lapse as John continued to walk them through the jump and intended target. Nik had read the file four times over and already forwarded his questions ahead of time. As they progressed onto assignments, he leaned towards Laswell again. "You are right. There are a lot of Price things."

"Oh?" She smirked. "Go on."

"When he finishes, he will tap the lieutenant once on the chest with a flat palm as he is standing closest."

She shook her head at him, her smile soft. "Nik..."

"I am right, you'll see."

"What else?"

"He blinks rapidly when he smiles. It is..." He trailed off, but Laswell had the creeping suspicion that the word 'beautiful' or even 'cute' had been about to come out of Nik's mouth. "And he twitches his nose before he drinks his coffee."

"Have you thought about asking him out for a coffee rather than watching him drink it from afar like a peeping tom?"

"He would say no."

"To a coffee?"

"Not to the coffee."

"Somethin' to add Nikolai?" Price called over from the front, and the sternness in his voice made both of them snap to attention.

Nik cleared his throat. "Nyet, captain. Only explaining the exfil to Laswell in simpler terms."

"Leave it 'til I'm done, I'll take any questions at the end."

Laswell nodded tightly and then kicked Nik's shin when Price returned to his explanation. "Asshole."

"Da."

"I'll tell him, you know."

"No you will not."

She sighed. They lapsed into silence again.

Nik continued to watch Price with the same open, adoring expression he thought was camouflaged by the crowd of soldiers around him. Laswell had seen that look on him so many times and yet Nik had never tried to progress his adoration beyond pining from afar. She couldn't understand it; they were perfect for each other. Whipsmart intelligence, bloody minded, grumpy in the morning, mischievous, scars behind their eyes... the list could go on.

"You should ask him out," she whispered.

"I am too old for him."

"Now you're just making excuses..."

Someone had the audacity to shush her and she turned to give them the stink eye only to come face to face with the colonel. Alejandro raised an eyebrow and she gestured her apology with two raised hands before turning back to face the front.

She watched as Nik went to receive the written answers to his enquiries to review before the flight, and waited for Price to head off to his office before she approached Nik again. He was studying the note closely, far longer than necessary. "Handwritten," she said meaningfully, her eyes darting over the notes in Nik's hands.

The briefing concluded and Price... did exactly what Nik had said he would do; one pat on Lieutenant Riley's chest as he dismissed the gathered operators to their assignments. Nik raised both eyebrows and pressed his lips together at Laswell in the most comical 'told ya' expression she had ever seen.

"Da."

"You can't torture yourself like this forever, Nikolai."

"Lucky for me that I do not have forever."

"Macabre, even for you."

He sighed, folding his note from Price carefully so that he could tuck it inside his jacket. "Everything beautiful in my life is taken from me, Laswell. My family, my country. If I keep him at a distance, then there is a chance I will not lose him too. Let me have... this."

"This is yearning and agonising from afar while he's oblivious. It doesn't seem like much."

"It is enough."

"There are no guarantees, not in this life."

"This is true."

She stared at him in hopes of more, but he only looked back placidly. "Coward..."

"Da."

She sighed and threw her hands up, exasperated. "One coffee, Nik. What's the worst that could happen?"

"He could fall in love with me."

"Jesus."

This was going to be a project, wasn't it? Well, what was it that Price said? In for a penny, in for a pound.

[nothingbutsweetwords]

ɴᴏʙᴏᴅʏ'ꜱ ꜱᴏɴ, ɴᴏʙᴏᴅʏ'ꜱ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ

ᴀᴇᴍᴏɴᴅ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ!ɴɪᴇᴄᴇ

"ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ʜᴇᴀʀ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ..."

Word count: 6000.

Fandom: House of the Dragon.

Pairing: Aemond x Reader!Velaryon!Niece.

Warnings: Angst.

FALLING — 7. Her.

During the first moons of her stay at the Red Keep, everything seemed new and exciting. There was some sense of freedom in not having her family around, but with each sunrise, it became more complicated, and the longing grew stronger.

The letters she received from her mother initially brought comfort, but soon they became short. No matter how many words her mother wrote about her, her siblings, and her father, it was never enough. She wrote daily, though she only sent them every three days. She would tell her about her day, always omitting her nightly outings, and tried to hide how much she missed them, and her mother, worried, always asked about Aemond's progress.

Over time, even all the letters became inadequate; they couldn't fill the void she felt. She longed to hear their voices, feel the warmth of their hugs. She questioned a few times if it had been a good idea, but she quickly dismissed those thoughts to remain resolute.

Aemond spent most of his time in the yard, both morning and evening, promising to become the best warrior for her. This caused their visits to the library to decrease. Nevertheless, every night without fail, they slept together, face to face, finding solace in each other's presence.

Her lessons with the septa became increasingly tedious, or perhaps she just grew more easily bored. She spent a lot of time in Helaena's room, who seemed happy to have her. Helaena continued to intrigue her with riddles and enigmatic phrases, making her wonder when each prediction would come true. So far, none seemed bad, so she wasn't frightened or worried. Helaena also helped her improve her embroidery technique, although there wasn't much to be done; it wasn't her strong suit. Soon, the lack of activities even led her to become interested in her insects, delighted to see her aunt’s enthusiasm.

One day, while sitting on the floor, Helaena placed a ladybug on her hand. "It tickles" she said, laughing softly as the insect walked across her palm. Helaena smiled at her, happy to share her passion with someone.

"They all have seven dots, the red ones" Helaena said, revealing an interesting curiosity. "She likes you" she added, looking her in the eyes with a slight smile. She thanked her for saying that.

"What about those?" she asked, pointing to a wooden box with a transparent lid, where several insects could be seen inside. There were some spiders and others she couldn't name.

When Helaena turned to look in the direction her finger pointed, her smile faded a bit. She took the box in her hands and allowed her to observe them from above, while the ladybug continued to walk between her fingers and fly from one hand to the other.

"I do not trust them yet" she said quietly. "I am not sure whether their wishes are for good or ill."

“Why?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Helaena pointed to a large black spider from above and said: "They weave intricate webs, and sometimes those webs can hide important secrets. I'm still trying to unravel which ones" she said, frowning. "But what I know is, we have to beware of the guardian of secrets" she warned, as if wanting to protect her from an-as-yet unknown danger. She simply nodded, hoping nothing bad would come of it.

As time passed, life at the castle continued with its ups and downs; Aemond's training, the enigmatic conversations with Helaena, the whispers of the people, and the few letters from her mother. Even through it all, she found moments of peace, and convinced herself that despite the challenges, she was exactly where she needed to be, next to him.

Occasionally, she found distraction by visiting her grandsire's room. She spent hours there, reading to him, listening to his fascinating stories about their ancestors and the old Valyria. Often, she asked for tales about her mother's youth, seeking to feel closer to her.

She had also begun to insist on Lyra's presence during every meal, finding in her company a sense of familiarity, a relief from her growing homesickness. As expected, everything began to feel cramped, and Lyra, as perceptive as ever, had noticed it, and she herself could no longer ignore it.

She missed her family terribly, and there was nothing that could ease that pain, except the obvious. She felt trapped, guilty for wanting to go to Dragonstone and leave Aemond behind, but she couldn't help it.

"Could it be that, perhaps, I've made a mistake coming here?" she asked one night, her voice filled with doubt and shame for exposing her deepest thoughts.

"I do not think things are that simple, princess. You came here with good intentions, and missing your family is only natural, it does not mean you have made a mistake" Lyra replied gently.

She nodded, acknowledging the truth in those words. "I do really miss them" she murmured, longing evident, head bowed. "No matter how hard I try, this is not my home."

"Why do you say that, princess?" After dinner, Lyra had drawn her a warm bath, and now, in her nightdress, Lyra was gently brushing her long hair.

"I've heard the whispers when I walk alone in the halls." Lyra nodded, understanding the situation and listening attentively to her words. Both were sitting on the bed, and she was with her back facing her lady-in-waiting, between her legs. "It's as if they believe me deaf. I know what they say or think, and it's not... good" she confessed, pain reflected in her voice.

Upon hearing her last words, Lyra set the brush aside and drew her close, wrapping her in a comforting embrace. Lyra was the daughter of one of Rhaenyra's ladies-in-waiting and had lived her entire life in that family. Though only a few years older, she felt a deep maternal love for the princess. 

"We must not let such foolish words disturb our ears, and if they do, let us ensure they do not enter our precious minds, yes?" Lyra said, whispering with firmness. "They mean nothing."

She nodded, and unable to contain herself, she began to cry softly in her caretaker's arms. They remained like that for a while until she could calm down. She appreciated Lyra's love and understanding, feeling fortunate to have someone like that by her side, watching over her well-being.

After some time, Lyra left the room, wishing her goodnight. This was her signal to get up, put on her cloak over her shoulders, dampen her face a bit to erase any trace of dry tears, and take the gift she had prepared so much for him with the help of her mother. With a mix of excitement and nervousness, she headed towards her destination, seeking to find another place of peace and connection amidst the storm of emotions that assailed her.

Aemond's nameday wasn't until the next morning, but she never had much patience for such things. That night, like all others, she entered the room with a candle in one hand, only now she hid the gift behind her back with the other.

Aemond was sitting by the window, his gaze fixed on the night sky. She closed the door with her hip, as both her hands were occupied, and walked over to him. Aemond's face showed signs of fatigue, even some sadness. She knew he was trying to stay awake while waiting for her, as always. The notion of time had escaped her during the shared moment with Lyra, and he always ended up terribly exhausted by his training. Seeing her arrive, Aemond settled and offered a tired smile. She circled the bed, placing the candle on the small table, and with her free hand, she took off her cloak, hiding the gift underneath on the nearby chair.

She walked towards him slowly, observing the clear sky. The moon shone over the city, enhancing the delicacy of his face.

"This is how the night was when I claimed Vhagar" he said, with sorrow. Her heart squeezed at his words, she sadly knew he would never have a flight like that again.

"What was it like?" she finally asked, cautiously. She had never dared to ask about that moment, fearing to reopen wounds, but now that he mentioned it, her curiosity stirred again.

He smiled, still looking at the sky. "I never imagined flying would feel like that" he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Did it ever trouble you when I did?" he asked.

"What? Claim Vhagar?" she inquired, surprised by his question.

"Yes" he said softly, his voice tinged with apprehension.

She smiled at him, placing a hand on his shoulder, her eyes reflecting pride. "Of course not. It was meant for you, a warrior destined for a warrior." Her words carried a sense of admiration and certainty, a testament to her unwavering belief in his capabilities. "And that was just the beginning, Aemond. Together, you will be unstoppable" she said, her voice whispering with conviction and anticipation. "I do feel safer knowing we have you as protectors."

"Thank you" he expressed, hopeful. She knew the journey was just beginning, and the horizon stretched like a promise of all the adventures to come. "I did it on behalf of us both." She smiled gratefully, gently squeezing him.

"I know they will write books that will pass through all the ages, Aemond, about your courage and triumph" she said, walking towards the sofa.

"I'm not sure about that much" he replied, laughing lightly at her words.

"Then I will be the one to write them" she said, pulling the gift from under her cloak. "Close your eye" she instructed, with an excited smile. Aemond obeyed, but not before giving her an odd look.

"Open your hands" she indicated once she was in front of him again. He did so without question, and with a gentle gesture, she placed the gift in his hands, which lowered slightly at the unexpected weight.

"Now you can look" she whispered. Aemond did so quickly, and looked surprised at the delicate blue velvet bag. She was looking at him with excitement and a touch of nervousness. It was the first time she had given such a planned gift to someone, and she hoped not to disappoint. But even if she did, she would never find out, as he would never show it.

"It's your nameday present" she explained with a radiant smile. "I couldn't wait to give it to you on the morrow, and I wanted to be the first one to do it" she said, letting out a small laugh from her lips.

"I love it" he replied, placing the gift on his lap and looking directly at her, the faint moonlight adorning his gaze with a softness that made him appear even more beautiful.

"You haven't even seen it!" she exclaimed, softly laughing. "Come on, open it."

"I would love anything you gave me" he said laughing too, while untying the laces of the velvet bag to reveal the gift. She had a premonition that his words were sincere.

He carefully pulled the wooden case out of the bag. It was made of ebony, so its color was dark like the night, almost black, and was decorated with delicate carvings. He ran his hand over the surface, appreciating the abstract shapes as if they were a work of art. He had a slightly open mouth as he admired the case with admiration. Then, carefully, he opened it, revealing the true gift.

Inside rested a valyrian steel dagger, shining and forged with impeccable craftsmanship. Its sharp, polished blade reflected the light with a silver shine. Each side of it was adorned with intricate engravings that wound from the hilt to the edge.

His eyes lit up upon seeing it, and a sincere smile spread across his face. "It's valyrian steel" she explained enthusiastically, "so you'll always carry a piece of our roots."

The handle was equally impressive. It was wrapped in black leather, a material that, according to the smith, provided a more comfortable and secure grip. However, the highlight was the sapphires embedded in the handle. The sapphires, of a deep and radiant blue, were skillfully set into the metal, creating a vibrant contrast with the silver. Each sapphire was carefully polished, capturing flashes of light that gave the impression of small stars embedded in the hilt.

The guard of the dagger, also made of steel, was decorated with intertwining motifs that complemented the sapphires in the handle. Aemond took it in his hands carefully, observing every detail meticulously.

She had often heard him speak about Viserys's dagger, seeing the longing in his eyes when he did so, as well as the sadness knowing he could never possess it. That's why she had tried to make something unique for him, something exclusively his, perhaps even something that could be passed down to future Targaryens, always remembered as his.

He set the dagger aside and looked at the box. Inside was a sapphire too. She knew some people carried those precious gemstones as talismans, believing they protected the eyes and helped see beyond the physical. Besides, she had always thought the color matched his eyes. It seemed like a thoughtful detail, but she didn't dare mention its significance.

"My father gave me two he brought back from one of his expeditions to the Stepstones a few years ago" she explained, smiling as he held the sapphire between his fingers, admiring it in the light streaming through the window. "I have the other one" she added shyly. "So you always have a piece of sky, or sea, and I hope it always reminds you that you are destined for something big." He set the sapphire aside and continued to observe. She wondered if he would be attentive enough to explore further, and of course, he was.

The box was lined with more velvet and there was a small cushion where the dagger rested. During her lessons and visits to Helaena, she had embroidered the fabric, and the tailor had turned it into this. She had tried to depict waves and the moon in different shades of blue and teal, with some white stars. They might not have been perfect, but she had poured her heart into them.

He traced the fabric with his fingers, still not saying a word.

"I embroidered it" she added proudly. Then he put the dagger back in the case, but kept the sapphire in his hand. She waited anxiously for his words. "I’m sure it does not compare to Viserys', but..."

"It's perfect" he interrupted, his voice sincere. She let out a sigh she didn't know she'd been holding, a wave of relief and happiness at his reaction. "I..." he began, hesitating. He shook his head slightly, searching for words. Then he put the case back in the velvet bag and stepped away from the window ledge. Once face to face, he hugged her unexpectedly. With one hand he held the gift and with the other he held her tightly. She returned the embrace with a smile, now more relaxed. 

"Thank you" he whispered, holding her even tighter, their hearts almost merging in that hug. When they separated, his eye sparkled, holding back some tears, just like hers. "Let us go to bed" he said, noticing his body was cold from being pressed against the window glass. He approached a shelf where he kept some of his most precious books and now his most precious object, then headed for the bed, placing the sapphire on the bedside table after admiring it again.

Smiling, they both got under the covers, facing each other, feeling their bodies warming up again. They both reached out their hands at the same time, their hands meeting in the middle. They laughed softly and intertwined their fingers in the middle of the bed. It was their routine, talking like this, face to face, until they ran out of things to say, with their hands joined. Then they slept together, sometimes with her head on his chest, sometimes with him nestled in her arms.

"I loved it" he said sincerely. "Absolutely everything," he assured her, "no one has ever given me a better present."

She smiled proudly, happy with his words. "I'm glad you liked it."

They looked at each other in silence. It was a comfortable silence, warm even. It was at that moment, suddenly, while they looked at each other, that hundreds of thoughts flooded her mind like a torrent. Did everyone experience something as wonderful as this? Did everyone have someone to whom giving the whole world, along with their heart on a silver platter, seemed not enough? Did everyone's heart beat so wildly when looking someone in the eyes? Or was it something that only happened when it was the most beautiful face in the kingdom gazing back at them?

She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when she saw that he seemed to want to say something too. They both remained silent, waiting for the other to speak first.

"You can go first" she said softly.

"No, you're a lady, you go" he insisted courteously.

"No, please, you tell me" she said, almost pleading with her eyes, though she wasn't exactly sure what she hoped to hear, still trying to understand the strange sensation in her chest.

"Tell me, please" he echoed at the same time, and they laughed again at the coincidence.

"You're my best friend" he exclaimed finally.

"You're my best friend" she replied, in perfect sync.

They laughed again, and as they truly heard each other's words, they smiled. She felt warmth rise in her cheeks. At that moment, everything made sense to her. That special, innocent feeling, that pure joy, so complex yet so simple, was love. She didn't need to fully understand it to know it was real, and that it was reciprocated.

They lingered for a moment, lost in each other's gaze. Aemond's eyes glowed with a tenderness that mirrored her own. Without needing more words, they leaned in slowly and shared a hug filled with affection and silent promises. The moonlight bathed the room, enveloping them in its silver glow. Every moment seemed magical, as if time had stopped just for them.

In that instant, in the tranquility of the night, they both knew that despite the challenges, they would always have that special bond that united them.

Finally, they settled comfortably under the covers, still close, their hearts beating in unison, and they embraced the serenity.

Once back in her room, she spent the day with Lyra again. If it were up to her, she would have spent the entire day with Aemond, but she knew he would break fast with his mother as usual. Later, he would be busy with his training, something that excited him especially now, with the anticipation of wielding a real sword, finally, as he had come of age for it.

At dusk, after writing to her mother and enjoying a hot bath, the woman helped her dress in the carefully chosen attire for the occasion. She opted for a flowing blue dress and some delicate jewelry. As Lyra began to brush her hair, preparing to style it up as she always did, she decided to change her mind.

Aemond had always praised her curls, often running his fingers through them in the night until he drifted off to sleep, and she thought it would be a pleasant surprise for him to wear her hair loose, something she only did in the privacy of their rooms.

When she was almost ready, Lyra was about to accompany her to the hall where the feast would take place, but they heard soft knocks on the door. Few were the times someone sought out her room, so both were intrigued. Lyra walked towards the door and opened it, while she adjusted the sandals that complemented her dress. When she looked up, she found Aemond standing in front of her, looking at her in awe, with Lyra behind him, barely able to hide her huge smile biting her lower lip.

She felt the blush rise to her cheeks, they were not accustomed to being so close in front of other people, so she didn't know how to react, a little flustered with her lady-in-waiting standing there.

Aemond's hair was neatly tied back in a half ponytail. His left side was partly covered by the patch he wore during his training, and he was dressed in a handsome green suit.

"I’ve come to escort you, princess" he murmured shyly, mindful of the third presence. She smiled and nodded, walking towards him and taking his right arm.

"Happy nameday, my prince. May you both enjoy a good supper" Lyra chimed in, opening the door for them to leave.

"Thank you, my lady" Aemond replied courteously before walking out of the room.

Once out of the enthusiastic gaze, she squeezed his arm and looked at him. "Happy nameday, my prince."

He looked at her with a smile that radiated happiness as he guided her through the dimly lit corridors by torchlight, the sun already hidden. "Thank you, my princess." The next words seemed to come with a touch of adoration and nervousness. "You look beautiful tonight... well, you always do, but tonight especially so."

She responded with a grateful smile. "You look lovely too, as always, my prince." He smiled faintly, an expression that denoted a hint of skepticism, as if he couldn't quite believe all the compliments she gave him. As they walked together, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor, she broke the silence with a curious question. "What gifts have you received so far?"

With a gleam of joy in his eyes, he replied, "my grandsire had a new saddle made for Vhagar. It's magnificent." His voice filled with enthusiasm. "My mother gave me some ancient books from Oldtown, and she also surprised me with Daeron's visit. I barely remembered his face." She widened her eyes in surprise, vaguely recalling Daeron, who was her age and whom she had seen only once. "Helaena gave me a suit embroidered by herself, with two intertwined dragons" he said with palpable excitement, hoping it meant something. "And Viserys gave me a Valyrian steel sword, with a belt that also has space for a dagger. Aegon mentioned he would give me his present later" he concluded happily. 

She smiled, glad that each gift sounded well thought out, just right for him, although still puzzled why he referred to his father by his name. As they finished their conversation, they found themselves standing in front of the imposing doors of the grand hall. Instinctively, both separated their arms as the guards opened the large doors, announcing their arrival. 

The guests stood in the center of the hall, conversing animatedly, except for the king and the Hand, who were already seated. The queen approached them with a maternal smile and planted a kiss on her son's forehead. "We were waiting for you, my dearest" she said affectionately. Then, taking his hand to guide him to his seat, she turned to her. "Princess, we did not expect you. What a lovely surprise" she added with a smile.

She felt a small knot of uncertainty in her stomach, wondering if she was intruding, but Aemond wouldn't have sought her out if that were the case. She returned the queen's smile and noticed how she gestured to the servants, who quickly added a chair and tableware next to Helaena. Helaena smiled at her and, before she could greet her, moved towards that newly added chair, giving up her place directly in front of Aemond, which she appreciated. Perhaps Helaena wanted her to sit opposite her brother, or simply preferred not to be near Aegon, an understandable preference.

She sat down with a grateful smile, though still somewhat uncomfortable. The feast began, and musicians played cheerful ballads that filled the air with a festive atmosphere. Laughter and conversation flowed along the table, and she almost forgot how much she missed her family, caught up in the distraction of the moment. She noticed that the wine jug beside her needed refilling more often than others, and wondered how long it would be before Aegon spoiled the mood. He was fun and pleasant when sober, but she couldn't say the same when he was drunk.

"Princess, I heard you've been learning High Valyrian" said the king, smiling at her with somewhat weary eyes. She smiled happily at the question, and Aemond paid attention, interested in the conversation.

"Yes, your grace. Aemond has been an excellent instructor" she replied proudly.

"She is making incredible progress" Aemond added, shyly.

"I bet it comes easy to you, just like your mother" the king said, smiling before taking a sip of wine. Perhaps to an untrained eye, Aemond's slight disappointment might have gone unnoticed, but she saw it, and understood why. She couldn't blame the king for loving his daughter so much, as her mother was a splendid person, but she felt sorry that he didn't see the fortune in having Helaena and Aemond, who were just as intelligent and kind.

"With Aemond as my guide, it's only natural for me to learn quickly, your grace" she said, smiling at Aemond. He seemed to appreciate the gesture, and the king looked pleased with the response, nodding before moving on to another conversation. Aegon's raised eyebrows and mischievous smile did not go unnoticed.

Helaena was showing her a figure she always carried, a wooden butterfly that Viserys had given her when she was a baby. She wondered if maybe that was the origin of her fascination with insects. As they continued talking, she felt an unfamiliar finger tangle in one of her curls, pulling it lightly. It was Aegon, who was looking at her hair with mocking attention.

"The Arryn blood is strong, is it not, niece?" he said sarcastically, and in a low voice, ensuring the king did not hear.

She tensed at the comment, and Helaena looked at Aegon disapprovingly. Her body stiffened, and her cheeks burned with embarrassment. In that moment, she inwardly cursed herself for not wearing black and for wearing her hair loose, proudly displaying her curls. Aegon simply removed his finger and engaged in another conversation, losing interest in teasing her, but she couldn't return to her previous state.

Helaena gently squeezed her hand, offering a small supportive smile, but it did little to calm her. Aemond didn't seem to hear the remark, for which she was thankful.

She felt more alone than ever, like an uninvited guest in a place she once called home. And she came to understand her siblings' anger at such insults, not to the same extent, of course, but she did.

The rest of the dinner passed without further incidents. Some guests joined in a lively dance once the meal was over, and laughter was heard in the hall as the wine continued to flow.

Aemond glanced at her several times, concerned about her obvious discomfort. She didn't want to spoil his celebration, so she tried to offer a reassuring smile whenever their eyes met.

She found herself caught up in various pleasant conversations with the other nobles present, mostly with Daeron, who was her same age, and Heleana. She tried to keep away from Aegon as much as possible. Aemond, on his part, approached her on several occasions, rescuing her from the dull talks of the elders. He tried to distract her with amusing anecdotes from his training or asked her about stories of dragons, which she knew by heart. Though her mind was elsewhere, she appreciated his efforts to make her feel comfortable and protected.

Finally, as the feast began to wind down into the night, Aemond approached her with determination in his eyes.

"Princess, would you like to take a walk through the gardens? The night is beautiful" he suggested.

She smiled, grateful for the chance to get away from the bustle. "I would love to, my prince."

Together, they left the main hall and made their way to the quiet gardens of the castle. The moon shone above them, illuminating their flowers lined path as they walked silently along. Aemond seemed less tense now, more relaxed under the starry sky, offering her his arm courteously.

"I'm sorry if anything made you uncomfortable tonight" Aemond finally said, breaking the silence. "I hope nothing else happened" he murmured, a slight concern in his eyes.

She shook her head gently, feeling comforted by his worry. "It's not your fault, Aemond. I'm fine. Just... I'm not used to being without my family."

He nodded, looking at her with understanding. "I know. And I know sometimes people can be... thoughtless" he said, almost apologizing again.

They walked a bit further in silence before she found the courage to speak about what she was really thinking. "Do you ever feel that way, Aemond?" she hesitated for a moment. "Like you don't quite fit in?"

He stopped and looked at her directly, uncertain. His eyes, under the full moon and clear sky, seemed deeper, more reflective, sadder at her question. "Sometimes," he admitted softly, "but when I'm with you, princess, everything seems to fall into place. I do hope you feel the same."

Her heart skipped at his sincere words, feeling a twinge of guilt for longing to return to her family. "Thank you, Aemond. Should we head back? It's getting chilly."

He smiled, softening his features. "Yes."

They continued walking together, enjoying the peace and serenity of the night. As they progressed, leaving the gardens behind and climbing the keep stairs, she said, "I hope you've enjoyed your day, my prince." He nodded. Once they reached the hallway they shared, she whispered: "Should I visit you tonight?"

"Of course" he replied naturally, offering a comforting smile.

"You said Aegon would bring your gift, I wouldn't want to arrive at an inopportune moment" she said, reminding him.

He nodded, realizing he had forgotten his earlier conversation with his brother. "You're right. Maybe I should come instead. I can come right after he leaves" he suggested, and she eagerly agreed to the plan.

When they finally stood in front of the door, with no one in sight, her hands began to sweat nervously. It was just a temporary farewell, like countless others before, so she didn't understand why her body felt so restless, or why her heart was pounding so hard. And why were her thoughts centered on whether kissing him would ease her mind?

Before pushing the door, she turned to him, catching Aemond’s smile, oblivious to her internal doubts. "May I, perhaps, try something?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, hoping she hadn't misinterpreted any signals.

He arched an eyebrow, curious at her question, but nodded in consent. Without further ado, she took a step forward and, with determination, closed the distance between them. She pressed her lips gently against his, all her questions melting away in that fleeting moment. She closed her eyes, unable to see Aemond's initial surprise.

When they parted, Aemond's face was flushed, his eye wide with astonishment, causing a flutter of concern in her chest. Before she could apologize, he mirrored her action, leaning in and returning the innocent kiss. This time, both closed their eyes, letting themselves be carried away by the moment as their hands instinctively intertwined.

As they pulled away, shy but content smiles graced their faces. The special discovery left them breathless.

"Goodnight" she whispered, a thrilling buzz inside her.

"Goodnight" he replied with equal softness and carrying the same exhilaration.

Once inside, the room was again in perfect order, something she was thankful for. Aemond always seemed to value the organization and she wanted him to feel like in his own space. Peaceful, comfortable, happy. Her chambers were perfectly illuminated by the moon and the glow of the fire burning in the fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

She walked to the door she used every night, leaving it slightly ajar, then shed her dress, donning her nightgown and slipping immediately into bed. She tried to immerse herself in the book on her nightstand, but her mind kept returning to the shared kiss. Touching her lips with the tips of her fingers, she wondered if it had also been Aemond's first time. She hoped it was.

Soon she realized it was futile to try to distract herself with the book. Her heart still raced, and her mind was full of questions and anticipations. She tossed and turned in bed, unable to stay still as she waited for Aemond to arrive. She was worried, fearing she had ruined everything with her impulsiveness. Or worse, that Aemond had changed his mind after that.

Exhaustion finally overcame her, her head swirling with thoughts, and she fell asleep hoping everything would be okay between them.

The sun stung her face as she began to wake, the warmth of the morning enveloping her. There were faint noises in the room, but still too sleepy to make them out, she tried to ignore them. Suddenly, her eyes flew wide open and she sat up abruptly. The bed was empty, but the secondary door remained open, an invitation to scolding from her lady-in-waiting.

Lyra soon noticed she was awake. With a sorrowful expression, she approached the bed slowly and sat beside her. The princess's gaze searched for answers, but none of her assumptions came close to the reality.

"A raven has arrived today from Dragonstone, my princess..." Lyra began softly, choosing her words carefully. She nodded, attentive and anxious to know more, urging her to continue. "Your father, Prince Leanor, has passed away" she announced.

With those words, the princess's entire world shattered once more in an instant. Tears began to cascade uncontrollably, unleashed without any permission, but she knew it was only a matter of time, a storm that had been brewing finally erupted. Her overwhelming feelings of longing for her family and the unsettling sense of being like a stranger in the castle where she had grown up intensified her anguish even more. Guilt and regret gnawed at her, constricting her chest and stealing the air in her lungs. Lyra tried to soothe her, urging her to breathe, but it was in vain. 

So many moons spent in the Red Keep, precious time lost with her father that could never be reclaimed. Now, with the loss irreversible, she couldn't even seek answers about how it happened, the trauma of Harwin Strong's death still raw. Her chest tightened, heaving, as her mind spun relentlessly, refusing to accept what her ears had heard.

Lyra enveloped her in protective arms, a bulwark against the whirlwind of emotions crashing over her as the harsh news unfolded before her. "We must leave immediately, there is a ship waiting for us" she murmured softly, aware of the princess's magnitude of pain, but to the urgency of the situation too.

Tears continued to flow unabated as she nodded, succumbing to the overwhelming sensation of loss and guilt that engulfed her. She allowed herself to be consumed by it while Lyra hurriedly guided and helped her dress. Once ready, servants entered to assist with the luggage, moving efficiently as those who understood the gravity of the moment, and Lyra asked her to wait while she gathered her own belongings.

When the lady disappeared from her sight, she, with a pounding heart, hurried to Aemond's room. Upon arrival, Queen Alicent was just stepping out, her face a mask of concern and sorrow.

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss, princess" she said with palpable sincerity in her voice, closing the door behind her, but condolences were a luxury she could not afford now. She needed to see if everything was okay with Aemond before leaving, the thought of departing without clarity on their relationship or at least a farewell filled her with unease.

"Is Aemond awake? I wish to see him" she implored softly, tears silently streaming down her face. People passed around her—members of the council, servants—all casting sympathetic glances that went unnoticed.

"He does not wish to receive visitors at the moment" the queen replied firmly.

"But it is urgent" she insisted, desperation seeping into her voice. She tried to move past her and grasp the door handle, her hands trembling but determined, but the queen stopped her.

"I'm very sorry, princess, but you must understand" Alicent said, her tone unyielding.

On the brink of collapse, with each passing second more overwhelming than the last, she pleaded, "please" but received only refusals.

Moments later, Lyra appeared carrying a suitcase, hurrying towards her. "My princess, we must depart now" she said, after offering a courtesy to Alicent.

"But I need to see Aemond" she insisted, her voice a desperate whisper. Lyra looked to Alicent silently pleading for a concession, searching for a shred of sympathy, but the queen remained unmoved, her gaze fixed on the princess.

"We can exchange letters by ravens, yes? But the ship will depart soon, princess" Lyra said, her words weighted by both empathy and urgency.

She felt frustration and helplessness engulf her, on the verge of shouting in rage. With no other choice, she took Lyra's hand and let herself be led away, each step a battle against the hopelessness that surrounded her.

@helaenaluvr @purplegardenwhispers @callsignwidow @scarletbedlam @fics-i-love-and-recommend @squidscottjeans @oh-you-mean-me

Last part from her POV as kids!

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Hi there!

If you still take stardew valley requests please write hurt/comfort with Shane and (gn) reader about Shane getting progressively more worried about the farmer each time they go mining because of all the injuries they get there to the point where one day he snaps and breaks down in front of the farmer. It would be nice if you could show shane slowly loosing his mind each day but that would probably make the fic longer so no pressure. just pls make sure theres comfort after the hurt, bad endings make me sad :(

Thank you in advance, and even if you choose not to write this i hope you still have a lovely day.

I'm always down for Shane angst <3

In my main file I fear he's like this bc I'm constantly coming back from the dangerous mines/skull caverns on like 1 hp at 1:50 am

......

(Spring, Year 1)

"Hi, Shane!"

"God, what do you want now?"

"Nothing. I'm off to the mines." You grinned at the rugged man in front of you, holding up your pickaxe. "I'm shooting for level 120 this time, and hopefully I can pick up more gems along the way."

Shane raised a brow. "...and I care because?"

"You don't have to. Just thought I'd let you know."

'What? Like you think I'll go looking for you if you pass out? Forget it. Whatever happens is your own damn fault."

"I know the risks, but thank you." You politely answered, ignoring his blunt rudeness before checking the monster slayer guide. "The Adventurer's Guild wants me to slay a ton of bats...only 200 more to go."

""Adventurer's Guild?" Sounds stupid and childish." He grumbled, taking a swig of joja cola in his grasp. He was already running late to work, and he didn't want to get yelled at by Morris.

And he certainly didn't want you, the new farmer who made it their mission to annoy the shit out of him everyday, being the reason.

"Well it's neither of those things. It's actually thrilling." You chuckled, before digging an emerald out of your pocket. "I meant to sell this yesterday, but you can have it."

"...the hell? What am I supposed to do with this?" His brows furrowed at the green mineral you shoved into his hand.

"Keep it..for good luck, I guess?" You shrugged. "You can put it in your pocket and forget about it if you want. I just wanted to give you something nice. Plus, not to be weird, but...it kinda reminded me of your eye color."

Normally, any other villager would've been thrilled that you wanted to befriend them with gifts that reminded you of them.....

Yet Shane just stared at you as though you've confessed to stalking him.

"If you wanna give me something that's actually "nice", buy me a beer at the saloon next time." He sneered, brushing past you and continuing towards JojaMart, while you headed north of town, already knowing what you're gonna do tonight.

When you looked over your shoulder, you could see him pocket the emerald rather than throw it away despite him passing by several trash cans.

And you smiled.

.

.

.

.

.

.

(Present Day)

"Awh, you still held onto that emerald even after all this time?"

"Yeah, so what? It was the first gift anyone's really given me.." Shane confessed, heat rising to his cheeks as he held the mineral between his fingers. "I never believed in all that crap about crystals and "energy" that Emily talks about. But..I just like keeping this one around. It's like...erm..."

"A testament to the start of our friendship and eventual marriage?" You cheekily grinned as you polished your weapon, before looking to your husband.

He nodded. "Exactly what I was gonna say."

"I know you so well." Chuckling, you walked over to kiss him on the cheek. "I'm gonna head to the mines, okay? Welwick says the spirits will shower everyone in good luck. I wanna see if the fabled prismatic shards really do exist."

Almost immediately, Shane froze..and he found himself wanting to desperately say "no" and convince you to stay on the farmhouse.

But he didn't know why.

From the moment he met you, he knew you sought adventure and profits in the mines, fighting all sorts of monsters for the Adventurer's Guild. He's seen skeletons, mummies, and golems caged up at Spirits' Eve festivals, but never the wild ones below the surface who attacked you relentlessly.

Yet you never let the constant dangers deter you from exploring.

Mining was exhausting work, yet rewarding every time you cracked a stone open to find a diamond or discovered a treasure chest. With the materials you've gathered, you were able to craft some rings to wear, enchanted with powers to help make your excursions easier and safer.

Despite being well-prepared, though, Shane did have his concerns...especially as once you came home after clashing with skeletons, a scar on your head from a flying femur bone that still hasn't fully healed.

You only went to Harvey to get it checked out after your husband--who was your boyfriend at the time--insisted on it.

Even before that, he'd see you around town, bearing a new bug bite, scratch, burn, bruise, or bandaid on your body.

It never worried him before, but after that skeleton incident, he finally understood that those monsters were real and you were seriously getting yourself hurt.

He'd go to the mines with you if not for his fears that he'll only make things worse. There's a good chance he'll slow you down and find himself getting swarmed by slimes, bats, bugs, and whatever the hell else was there....and he wasn't exactly the most fit to swing a sword or pickaxe.

Simple walks made him tired.

What good would he do?

"Shane? What's wrong?"

Blinking, he snapped out his thoughts and saw your concerned face. "Nothing, sweetheart." He dismissed, giving you a little smile. "Just be careful out there, alright? I'll take care of things here."

"Thank you, baby." Smiling back, you gave him a kiss before heading out the door with your backpack and tools. "Off to the bottom of the mines I go!"

Shane tensed.

"Wait-"

As quickly as the door opened, it slammed shut, and he was left by himself in the cabin.

It was an uncomfortable silence.

'Maybe I should've tagged along.....buh, what am I saying? They'll be fine. They do this all the time. Stop getting so worked up, idiot..' Clearing his mind yet again, he went off to check things around the farm for you, deciding to watch TV later on.

There was gonna be another Tunneler's game tonight, so at least he had that to look forward to.

Nothing like that, some good food in the fridge, and this cozy cabin he got to call home...

And it was all because of you.

If you could build everything here and still having the energy to go mining and fight monsters, why should he worry?

.

.

.

.

.

1:20 AM

After a productive day, Shane managed to fall asleep early for once.

Only be woken up by the creak of the bedroom door.

Light almost immediately flooded his vision, stirring him from his slumber as he grumbled and tried to shield his eyes, wondering what time it was.

"Fuck..morning already-?"

"No, honey..it's...just me. Sorry.."

He blinked, sitting up to see that it was only you coming into the room, removing your rings. One of them served as your light source, yet it didn't hide the numerous scratched and bruises that littered your skin.

And they were all fresh.

"Babe, wha...are you okay?" Shane was now fully awake, watching as you peeled off your jacket and trousers, tossing them into the corner of the room before dragging yourself into bed.

Only then could he see your injuries up close and personal, and his heart began racing. "What happened? You look like hell."

"I'm fine, Shane. I just..need to sleep it off.."

"B-But...there's blood everywhere.." He mumbled, his eyes going to the clothes in the corner. "I can call Harvey-"

"No..don't. I already patched myself up. I'll be fine in the morning..I just wanna be here with you." Smiling weakly, you kissed him, before putting the prismatic shard into his hand. "Look. It exists...haha...it's so pretty, right? It's yours."

He didn't know what to say, staring dumbfounded at the mineral.

What hell did you go through to get this?

And as much as he loved it..why get it for him?

Why risk your life?

But when he looked back to question you further, you were already passed out beside him, looking peaceful despite the wounds on your body.

Eventually, he slid the prismatic shard under his pillow and laid back down, only to hesitate in wrapping his arm around you.

All he could do was gaze at your exhausted face..and the dried blood under your nose.

Least to say, he had trouble falling back to sleep.

..........

Ever since that night, Shane's grown increasingly worried over your safety during your mining trips. And it began to affect his usual routine around the farm.

In fact, calling it "worry" at this point would be a heavy understatement..

It became straight-up paranoia.

Whether you headed off to the mines or Skull Caverns early because of an "extra lucky day" or simply because you needed a specific resource, you'd always come back home the same way:

At later hours, with more injuries and bandages than last time, constantly on the verge of passing out and barely able to hold a conversation with him.

Of course, you'd have breakfast with him, and you'd never leave the farmhouse without giving him a kiss...but it did nothing to ease his mind, as he'd constantly see your wounds and dread whatever horror stories you were about to tell him.

Even though you're perfectly nonchalant as you talk about a serpent who tried wrapping itself around you and squeeze every last breath out of your body, it made Shane feel utterly sick to his stomach.

How could you be so calm after so many brushes with death?

He didn't understand.

On the surface, he seemed fine with you leaving. But when you did, he'd find himself turning to beer to calm his nerves..although most days he was able to resist the urge and occupy himself with farming tasks or video games.

Despite this, he hasn't outright told you anything. He knew mining was your passion and thought you'd chastise him for "worrying over nothing".

So he kept it to himself, thinking his anxiety was being stupid.

Then the final straw came the evening when he got a call from Harvey's clinic around 5PM.

One that he hoped to never hear:

You passed out, and were currently being treated for serious injuries.

He bolted out the cabin, all the way to the town square and damn near broke the door down. There, Harvey, Linus, and Marlon were at your bedside, the latter two having brought you in after seeing you fall unconscious in from of the elevator, covered in blood and shrapnel.

Fortunately, you were expected to make a full recovery with just stitches and some IV fluids to rehydrate your body...but you still owed Shane one hell of an explanation.

This time around, you landed in an "infested" area of the 100s, trying to use a bomb to kill off most of the monsters.

Only to trip over a stupid lava crab and drop the bomb after you just ignited it, damn near losing your leg trying to kick it away from you in time.

And by the grace of Yoba, you were able to limp your way back to the ladder, return to floor zero, where Linus so-happened to be passing by the mine entrance.

You gave the poor old man quite a fright, as he didn't know how much blood on you was from the monsters...or you.

In the end, the bomb left shrapnel in your flesh, searing your clothing and requiring stitches to ensure you didn't bleed out. You appreciated Harvey for his quick work and for Linus and Marlon for taking you to him.

However nobody in that clinic was more terrified over your condition than Shane, who was in disbelief that you were able to stand and walk back home with him after getting discharged.

He wouldn't talk to you, although his hands shook as he helped you into bed, still sleeping beside you like he did every night before this.

But this time...he had the worst nightmare possible.

He was down in the mines with you, except he felt stuck and couldn't do anything to warn you or save you from the impending danger.

It was like he was spectating a game, instead forced to watch as the bats and monsters made of shadows descended upon you with their teeth bared and claws out, tearing into your body. You had yelled for him to save you, to stop being useless, damning him for not stopping you from leaving...yet their horrible noises drowned out any further shouts.

Then you were gone.

You were gone and he failed you.

And it was all his fault.

It made him joltbwide awake at 3 AM, and he felt like his heart was about to burst from his chest. His mind kept going to you, constantly checking to make sure you're still breathing, unable to fall back to sleep for a while.

When he did, he was in tears.

..........

"No."

"Shane, I know last night was bad. But I'm not-"

"You're not going to the mines today. I mean it."

Dumbfounded, you gazed at Shane, who was physically blocking you from leaving the cabin. A scowl was written all over his face.

You sighed and rubbed the side of your head. "It's only the first few levels, honey. Willy needed bug meat for-"

"Right. The "first few" you say, and then I'll get a call from Harvey at 2 AM about you needing emergency surgery again." He gritted his teeth, tears coming to his eyes. "Whatever he or anyone in this damn town needs in those mines can wait. Why can't you just stay?!"

"I don't understand.." Your eyebrows furrowed. "You never cared before if I went there. What changed?"

"What changed....? What changed is that I've been having a lot more of sleepless nights lately! I can barely eat or do anything except worry and worry about you. And it's because...because..." He trailed off.

"Because what?"

"......."

You sighed. "Shane, if you're not gonna tell me what's wrong, then I don't see why-"

"Because you've been scaring me to death okay?!" His hands now gripping your shoulders as he stared at you. "You think you're invincible, but you aren't. What don't you get?! How badly are you gonna let those things hurt you?! Or be the reason YOU DROP DEAD AND DON'T COME HOME?!!" He screamed.

Your own eyes widened, stunned by his words..and eventually you saw the realization flash across his face as he blurted out his true feelings.

The ones he tried to hide from you, yet consumed him for hours upon hours whenever you left for the mines.

It made your heart plummet.

His breath hitched, and you then saw the tears beginning to fall from his greenish eyes.

"Shane..."

"[Y/n], you saved me from throwing my life away. And...i-it's like you're throwing away yours for no reason!" He sobbed. "Night after night, I have nightmares of seeing your limp body..a-and....and I can't save you. I can't do anything except scream and beg them to stop hurting you! But they never listen! A-And...I just...I-I don't wanna lose you. I can't lose you..."

He looked totally shattered, making you finally realize how serious this was.

Your guilt right now was immensurable, watching the man you loved fall apart right in front of you.

And it was your fault.

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry..." You pulled him into a tight hug, and he completely broke down in your arms. His quiet crying became muffled by your shoulder. "I..I had no idea you were feeling that way. Why didn't you tell me about the nightmares sooner?"

"You would've thought..th-they were stupid. Or that I sound "needy" or controlling.." He sniffled. "I-I know I can't stop you from going, but...I just..a-after what happened to you last night, I...I.."

"Oh, honey..that was my dumb mistake. The monsters had nothing to do with my injuries." Rubbing his back, you gently kissed his head. "I was tired and got clumsy with a stupid bomb..but I promise it won't happen again. You're right. I'm not invincible. I need that reality check sometimes."

He didn't say anything, instead holding onto you tighter.

You never realized how badly your mining trips and injuries were affecting him...affecting this very relationship.

The Shane you met back in Year 1 could care less if you dropped dead. He outright said he'd never go looking for you and that whatever happened was your own fault.

But the Shane you knew now was crying in your arms over the mere thought that one day you'll go into the mines and never come out, holding it all in until he couldn't anymore.

You've really helped him open up to you, but now you were tearing him apart inside and never really knew it until this point.

"W-Will you just..stay here today, please?" He finally spoke, not caring about how needy or pathetic that sounded.

"...I will." You answered. "I'll take a break from mining for a good while."

"....you would do that for me?"

"Of course. I'd do anything for you, Shane. Hell..I'd give that up altogether if you wanted me to."

You felt him shake his head, and you chuckled, squeezing him tightly. "I'm only kidding, but I promise. No more mining this week."

Shane raised his head up, looking to make sure you were serious. And he saw nothing but sincerity in your expression.

You sighed softly and cupped the sides of his wet face, seeing the torrent of anxiety and frustration raging like an ocean current in his eyes. "You must've felt so lonely and terrified, baby..I'm sorry. I won't make you feel that way ever again."

He sniffled again as you brushed away his tears, before taking ahold of your wrist to kiss your palm...where your first scar from a rock crab came from.

How badly did he wanna kiss away every scar those bastards left on you until none remained.

Some faded with time and care, but others were more permanent--testaments to your survival down in the mines..as well as your several brushes with death.

Heat rose to your cheeks, watching him become so affectionate and gentle with you, even though he knows you're not made of glass whatsoever.

Eventually, his tears ceased as you both decided to go lay down on the bed together, with Shane cuddling up to you and resting his head on your chest. All he could hear was your strong heartbeat drowning out the noise in his mind.

It was still kicking, like you.

"Thank you..god, that was exhausting.." He mumbled. "I'm sor-"

"You don't have to be sorry for being honest with me." You reassured, petting his hair. "I just..wish I picked up the signs sooner."

"INah, I should've been clearer...and maybe that would spare myself this headache I got now.."

"Hmm..how about we sleep in until you feel better? Then we can check on the chickens."

Feeling him nod and wrap his arms around you, you took that as a "yes" and chuckled softly, knowing you weren't gonna leave this spot anytime soon.

But that's okay.

There's no other place you'd rather be. Not even the mines.

[sherewrytes]

𝔹𝕣𝕠𝕜𝕖𝕟 ℙ𝕚𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕤, ℝ𝕪𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕟 𝕊𝕦𝕜𝕦𝕟𝕒 7

↳ Sukuna x f! black reader

Summary: After the death of his grandfather, Sukuna Ryomen is left to shoulder the weight of his family, caring for his younger brothers, Yuuji and Choso. As he withdraws into grief, his relationship with Y/N, his girlfriend of a year, begins to crumble. When Y/N discovers the truth about his grandfather’s passing during a heated argument, it leads to a painful breakup. Now, both are navigating life apart, but Sukuna’s heart aches for Y/N. Determined to win her back, he must confront his pain and find a way to break through the walls he’s built. Can he rekindle their love, or is it too late?

contents: heavy angst, modern au, 18+, smut, dark romance, drug use, talks of depression and similar topics. (a lil )

fic warnings. ooc, profanity, mental health issues, toxic relationships, cheating, explicit smut, serious drug use, mentions of depression + more to be updated as story progresses.

Please read with proper discretion. this is a work of fiction. all characters are written to portray roles that are necessary to the plot and are in no way a reflection of their canon counterparts.

Taglist: @for-hearthand-home@clp-84@thelightknight21@favvkiki  @helightknight21 @dylsw @ria-s-writes @sleepymothafterhours 

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Here is another chapter cause I'm still writing out the other fics right now :)

Previous

Chapter 7: Breaking Point

Y/N’s POV

It’s been, what, two weeks since I last saw Sukuna? Since he left my apartment I finally put my foot down. It feels surreal. Like he was here one moment, his presence filling every part of my life, and then, just like that, he’s gone. I can actually focus in class again, and my thoughts are less cluttered without his constant ups and downs. For the first time in a long time, I’m getting assignments done on time, and keeping up with my workload. But underneath it all, there’s this ache, a hollow space where he used to be.

I try to ignore it, but it’s always there, tugging at me, making it hard to concentrate completely. It’s the little things—his laugh echoing in my mind, the feel of his arms around me, his stupid smirk whenever he got under my skin. I find myself wondering if he’s okay. Did he come out of the hospital yet? Did he manage to finally piece himself together?

A part of me wants to reach out, just to check in. Maybe see if he’s doing better, if he’s still leaning on his friends, getting through each day somehow. But that’s not my place anymore, is it? I gave him so many chances to let me in, to let me help, and every single time, he shut me out. He made it clear he wanted to handle things his way. And I… I need to start respecting that boundary, as much as it hurts.

I take a deep breath, glancing out the window of the studio. The city is buzzing outside, people going on with their lives, completely unaware of the turmoil inside me. I sip my coffee, watching the people walk by, their laughter faintly audible through the glass.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s a message from Utahime.

Utahime: You doing okay? Need anything?

I smile, appreciating her concern. She’s been there since everything happened, her presence a constant comfort, even when I didn’t realize I needed it.

Me: Yeah, I’m fine. Just… thinking too much, as usual.

Utahime: Well, stop that! We’re going out tonight. A distraction is exactly what you need.

I hesitate, looking down at my phone, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. I know she’s right. A distraction might help me let go of these lingering thoughts, these small pieces of Sukuna that I can’t seem to shake.

Me: Fine. Where and when?

Utahime: I’ll pick you up at 8. Be ready!

A part of me feels relieved at the thought of getting out, of being around people who remind me of who I am outside of Sukuna, outside of this relationship that became such a heavy part of my life.

as the car moves through the city streets, I press my head against the cool window, letting the world blur past me. The bass-heavy beat of W.D.Y.W.F.M. pulses through my headphones, each lyric tugging at parts of me I’ve been trying to bury.

Maybe you’re right, maybe this is all that I can be, the words echo, hitting a little too close to home. I close my eyes, feeling the weight of those lyrics settle in my chest. The memories start seeping in—the countless times I let myself believe that if I loved Sukuna enough, if I was patient enough, he’d eventually find it within himself to let me in. That if I just waited, things would finally feel right. But now I wonder… maybe it wasn’t just him. Maybe I should have known better than to believe that love could fix someone so broken.

But what if it’s you, and it wasn’t me?

The question pierces through my thoughts, stirring a bitterness I didn’t know I still had. He wanted to drown in his own pain, to shut me out every time I tried to pull him up for air. I couldn’t have been the answer, and yet here I am, with pieces of him still lingering, haunting me at every turn.

The Uber driver takes a corner, the familiar streets near my apartment coming into view. I force my gaze away from the window, back to my phone screen, trying to focus on anything but him. It shouldn’t hurt this much, but it does—knowing that for all the love I poured into him, it wasn’t enough to keep him from self-destructing.

The song fades as I arrive at my building. I thank the driver, taking a deep breath as I step out, feeling the city air wrap around me. The streetlights cast a dim glow on the sidewalk, and I let myself pause for a moment before going inside. I need to let him go, I tell myself firmly, as I push open the door and head up the stairs to my apartment. I have to learn to let go of the weight of him, of the what ifs and the could’ve been that keep me tangled in his memory.

I climb the stairs, my heart pounding faster with each step as I spot the car parked out front. The familiar shape, that old, dark-colored sedan that Sukuna drove everywhere... no, no, no, I think, my pulse racing. I’m not ready to see him. My body tenses with dread, the past few weeks crashing down on me in waves.

But as I get closer, I realize it isn’t him. The figure slouched in the driver's seat isn’t Sukuna—it’s Yuuji, his face drawn and pale under the streetlight glow. Relief floods me, only to be replaced by confusion and worry. I stride up to him, feeling the weight of all the things I know about Sukuna’s recent spiral pressing on me, unsettling and heavy.

"Yuuji," I say, my voice sharp, "why are you here?"

He startles, looking up at me with bloodshot eyes. I catch the shadow of sleepless nights, maybe even nights spent worrying about Sukuna. He tries to brush off the tension, but I can see right through him. He's younger, not yet old enough to be driving around on his own at this hour. That alone makes my stomach twist.

"I just… I didn’t know who else to talk to," he mutters, glancing away. The hurt and worry in his voice rip into me.

My gut clenches as I realize just how much of Sukuna’s pain has been spilling onto his family. The weight he’s putting on Yuuji, on Choso… it’s more than I ever understood. The anger, frustration, and heartbreak I felt these past weeks—they’re nothing compared to what Yuuji was going through. He’s barely an adult, forced to watch his older brother destroy himself.

“Yuuji,” I say softly, keeping my tone steady, “what’s going on? Why didn’t you call me?”

Yuuji looks up, and in that one look, I see just how much he’s been holding in. “I thought… I thought I could handle it, but… he’s just getting worse. I can’t even talk to him without him blowing up at me. He left some days ago, maybe more, and just stormed out. No one knows where he is. Toji, Choso, and even Geto…they all tried reaching him, but he wouldn’t answer. And then I remembered… you always knew how to reach him when he was like this.”

The ache in his voice cuts through me, and a fierce protectiveness rises up. I left Sukuna to deal with his pain, but it’s clear that his absence has left more than just a hole in my life—it’s tearing his family apart too.

“Yuuji,” I start, forcing calm into my voice. “I know things are tough, and Sukuna… he’s dealing with a lot. But you don’t have to do this alone. Have you told anyone else? Choso? Gojo?”

He shakes his head, looking at the ground. “No. Choso is dealing with enough as it is… and I don’t want them to worry more.”

He’s trying to be strong, trying to hold everyone else together when he’s the one falling apart. I know that feeling all too well. Sukuna and I broke things off because I couldn’t keep sacrificing my sanity for someone unreachable. But I never thought about how much worse it would get for those who couldn’t walk away, like Yuuji and Choso.

I reach out, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Yuuji, you don’t have to do this alone. You shouldn’t be doing this alone. Sukuna needs someone to get through to him, and it might not be me anymore—but we can try together.”

He stares at me for a moment, eyes wide and vulnerable. “Do you think… Do you think he’ll ever listen? Or is he too far gone?”

My heart aches at his words. “I don’t know. But we have to try.”

He nods, the glimmer of hope in his expression heartbreaking and determined.

I closed my eyes, gripping the phone tight. I knew Kenjaku could be difficult, even evasive when he wanted to be. Sukuna had a talent for finding people who were just as stubborn and reckless as he was. But I couldn’t back down, not now, not with Yuuji looking at me like he was counting on me.

“Kenjaku, I need to know. Yuuji’s here with me. He and Choso haven’t heard from Sukuna in days. They’re worried sick, and he’s…he’s not okay. I think you know that.”

There was a pause on the other end, the silence stretching uncomfortably long. I could almost picture Kenjaku’s calculating look, weighing his options. Finally, he sighed. “He showed up here a few nights back. I didn’t ask questions. He’s been sleeping it off on my couch, but I’ll be honest—he looks like hell, Y/N.”

The anger that had been simmering inside me now sparked, but it wasn’t toward Kenjaku. It was all for Sukuna—his self-destructive spiral, the pain he was dragging everyone into, and the part of him that still didn’t realize how much he meant to those around him.

“I’ll be over soon,” I said, voice steady despite the turmoil within me. “But please, don’t tell him I’m coming. I don’t want him bolting before I get there.”

Kenjaku’s chuckle was dry, but he agreed. “Sure thing. I’ll keep him occupied, though good luck getting through to him. He's really badly…. He’s fucked up, Y/N.”

I hung up, feeling a mix of relief and dread. When I looked at Yuuji, his eyes were wide, filled with a flicker of hope. He didn’t need to ask what I’d found out; the look on my face told him everything.

“I’m going to see him,” I said softly, reaching for my bag. “I’ll try to talk to him, to get through to him, somehow.”

Yuuji looked at me with a mixture of gratitude and worry. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

With a final squeeze of his shoulder, I turned and headed out the door, my heart pounding as I braced myself for the conversation I wasn’t sure I was ready to have.

Yuuji nodded, taking the key from my hand with a somber expression. "I will. Be careful, okay?" he said, his voice thick with unspoken worry.

I offered him a brief smile, though I could feel the weight of everything pressing down on me. "I will. Just... keep an eye on things here, yeah? If anything happens, call Toji."

Yuuji gave me a small, reassuring nod before he turned to head toward the stairs, his footsteps echoing in the hall as he climbed.

I stood there for a moment longer, staring at the door. The tension was building inside me—this wasn't going to be easy. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I knew I had to face it. For Yuuji. For Choso. And for myself.

With a deep breath, I pulled my jacket tighter around me and left the apartment, locking the door behind me. The walk to Kenjaku's place felt longer than usual, each step heavy with uncertainty. The city seemed quieter tonight, the streetlights casting long shadows across the pavement as I made my way toward the familiar building.

When I finally arrived, I didn't bother knocking. Kenjaku had given me the code to the door ages ago. I typed it in quickly, the door clicking open with an almost too-loud sound. The hallway was dimly lit, and I could hear the faint murmur of voices from behind one of the doors.

I hesitated for a moment, my hand on the doorframe. This was it. I didn’t know what I was about to walk into, but there was no turning back now.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open.

I stood there, taking in the scene before me—Sukuna, looking completely worn down, his eyes barely open, his hair disheveled and his face a mess of exhaustion and defeat. The cigarette hung loosely from his hand, the smoke curling up into the air as Uraume stood nearby, her posture stiff, frustration radiating off of her.

"Uraume, calm down," I said, my voice steady but firm as I crossed the room, stepping closer to the couch where Sukuna was sprawled out.

He groaned in response, his hand sliding off his face just enough for his eyes to meet mine, dull and clouded. He didn’t look surprised to see me, but his expression was unreadable.

"Great, now I'm fucking seeing and hearing shit," he muttered again, his voice thick with fatigue and annoyance.

I didn’t react to his comment, not letting it phase me. Instead, I walked over and sat on the edge of the couch, just enough to be close but not invading his space. I glanced over at Uraume, who seemed to be holding her ground, but she took a step back, recognizing that I was the one who needed to handle this.

"Sukuna, stop hiding," I said, my tone softer now, almost pleading. "What the hell are you doing?"

He didn’t answer immediately, instead, taking another drag from the cigarette, his eyes drifting away from mine, focused on the wall as though he didn’t want to face me, or anyone.

"You think running away is gonna fix anything?" I continued, my voice low but insistent. "You think wallowing in this is gonna bring Jin back? Or fix what’s broken?"

His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he was going to snap at me again, but instead, he just let out a deep sigh, and the silence in the room hung thick.

"I’m not hiding," he muttered, barely above a whisper. "I’m just... tired."

"Then let us help you," I replied, my heart aching for him, but frustration mixing with it. "You don’t have to carry all this alone."

Sukuna shifted on the couch, his hand coming up to cover his eyes again, but this time, there was something in the way he did it—a sort of resignation, like he knew I was right, but couldn't bring himself to admit it. Uraume stood there, arms crossed, clearly waiting for him to make a move, but it was clear he wasn’t ready.

I stayed quiet for a moment, allowing him his space, but I couldn’t just leave it at that. He needed to hear it, and I needed him to understand.

"You're not alone in this, Sukuna," I said quietly, my voice breaking through the tension. "You’ve got people who care about you. People who are worried. And you don’t get to shut them out."

He didn’t respond immediately, but I could see his body language soften just a little. I wasn’t sure if he was hearing me, or if he was just too far gone to care, but I couldn’t give up on him—not when he was this close to losing everything, including himself.

"Sukuna..." I started again, but Uraume cut me off.

"You can only do so much, Y/N," she said, her tone serious, but a little softer now. "He’s gotta want it. He’s gotta find it in himself to get back up. And we can’t make that choice for him."

I nodded, swallowing back the knot in my throat. I knew she was right. But it didn’t make it any easier.

"You think he’ll listen?" I asked, barely above a whisper, not expecting a clear answer.

Uraume gave a small shrug. "Maybe. But only if he realizes he’s not beyond saving. But that’s up to him."

I glanced at Sukuna once more, feeling the weight of everything press down on me. His eyes were still closed, and he looked so damn defeated. Part of me wanted to scream, to shake him out of his spiral. But I knew that wasn’t what he needed.

What he needed was time and a reminder that he wasn’t the only one who had lost something.

Sukuna's smirk was laced with bitterness, and it was as if the weight of his guilt and self-loathing had manifested in those cruel words. His eyes never left me as he took another drag of his cigarette, the smoke swirling around us like a barrier, creating distance between us that I could almost feel.

I didn't flinch. I refused to let him see the impact his words had, but inside, I was crumbling.

His voice was sharp, cutting through the air, his pain seeping out in every syllable. "You think you can save me, Y/N? Don’t fool yourself. You know I’m worthless."

I wanted to shout at him, tell him he was wrong, but instead, my voice came out softer than I expected. "Sukuna, you're not worthless."

He let out a dry laugh, one that held no humor. "Yeah? Then why the hell did you leave? After we fucked, you tossed me out like I was nothing. Isn’t that what you think of me too?"

Each word felt like a blade to my chest. The anger, the resentment in his voice—it was suffocating. I could see the way his eyes flickered with something raw, something vulnerable that he kept buried under layers of pride and self-doubt. But he was pushing it all on me now.

I took a shaky breath, trying to keep my composure, but the truth was, hearing him say those things cut deeper than I ever anticipated.

I stepped closer to him, ignoring the thick cloud of smoke that hung in the air. "I didn’t leave because I thought you were worthless," I said, my voice trembling but determined. "I left because you pushed me away. You closed yourself off, pushed me out of your life like I was nothing. And I couldn’t keep pretending I didn’t see it."

His expression hardened at that, the smirk fading away as he leaned back on the couch, his eyes narrowing at me. "You think I wanted to push you away?" His voice was quieter now, but there was still that edge of anger behind it. "You think I wanted to feel this empty... this fucking broken?"

I shook my head, my heart aching for him even as I held my ground. "No, I don't think that. But that’s what you did. You kept pushing everyone away, even when they were just trying to help. I couldn’t be the one to fix you, Sukuna. I’m not your savior."

He looked away then, the cigarette trembling slightly in his hand. "Then what the hell am I supposed to do, Y/N?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper now, the anger gone, replaced by quiet desperation. "How do I fix this? How do I fix myself?"

I didn’t have an answer. How could I? He had to want it, had to find the strength to fight through his demons on his own. But that didn’t mean I was ready to give up on him.

"You can start by not pushing everyone away," I said, my voice softer now, almost pleading. "You’re not alone, Sukuna. Not yet."

For a long moment, there was silence between us. The tension hung in the air, thick and heavy, as I waited for him to respond. But instead, he just took another drag of his cigarette, looking lost in his thoughts.

"I never asked for any of this," he muttered finally, his words barely audible. "I never asked to be the one holding everything together. I never asked for... this pain."

I didn’t know what to say to that. I didn’t have an answer for him. All I could do was watch him, hoping, wishing he would find the strength to face what he had been running from.

But deep down, I knew it wasn’t up to me. It never was.

His words hit like a punch to the gut. The rawness in his voice, the way he almost choked on the words—it was as if he was tearing himself apart right in front of me. I watched him, frozen, my heart pounding as he looked away, refusing to meet my eyes.

"Just go, Y/N. Please," he said, his voice rough, barely holding it together. "You made the right choice. Don’t let guilt eat at you. Your love... it wasn’t enough."

I felt the sting of tears welling up, but I forced myself to hold them back. This wasn’t the time to break down. He was pulling up walls as quickly as I tried to break them down, and part of me wondered if he would ever let anyone truly see the pieces of himself he kept hidden. I wanted to tell him he was wrong, that it wasn’t about my love being "enough"—that he was worthy of love even in his darkest moments. But I knew, standing there, that he wouldn’t hear it. Not now.

"Sukuna," I began, my voice catching despite my best efforts to stay steady. "It's not about being enough or not enough. You’re worth more than this... more than what you think of yourself right now."

He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Don’t... don’t do that. Don’t pretend I’m some lost soul you can save. You’ve done enough. It’s... it’s better this way."

"Better this way?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended, feeling the frustration bubbling up. "Better for who? Because I don't think it's better for you. Look at yourself, Sukuna. You’re drowning, and you’re just... letting it happen."

He clenched his jaw, his hand shaking slightly as he flicked the cigarette into an ashtray. "Maybe that’s what I deserve," he said quietly, almost to himself.

The silence between us felt thick, suffocating. I took a step closer, reaching out, but he backed away, pressing himself further into the couch as if my touch would somehow make things worse.

"If that’s really what you believe..." I whispered, my chest tight. "If you really think you deserve this pain... then I can’t force you to change your mind. But I wish you could see yourself the way I see you."

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes, something soft and vulnerable, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. He lowered his gaze, the same smirk that once felt charming was now nothing more than a mask.

"Just... go," he whispered again, his voice so small it was almost lost in the room. "Forget about me. Move on. It’s better that way."

I stared at him, wanting to reach him, to pull him out of this dark place. But maybe he was right. Maybe I couldn’t save him. Taking a shaky breath, I nodded, my heart shattering with each step as I turned toward the door.

Before I left, I looked back one last time. He wouldn’t meet my gaze, his eyes fixed on some distant point on the floor, lost in his own torment.

“Goodbye, Sukuna,” I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips. And with that, I stepped out, leaving behind the man I’d loved—and the pieces of myself that still wanted to believe he could be saved.

Sukuna's pov

I watched the door click shut behind her, the silence settling thick in the room. My chest felt hollow, but the ache gnawed deeper, clawing its way up my throat. I turned to my side, curling up on the couch, pressing my hand over my eyes as if I could shut out everything I’d just done. I’d pushed her away—again—and for what? To prove some sick point that I was beyond saving? That I didn’t deserve her?

I could still smell her faint perfume lingering in the air, feel the warmth she’d brought with her now slipping through my fingers. It wasn’t like I didn’t want her here. God, I wanted her more than anything. But how could I let her stay, knowing what a mess I’d become? How could I put her through the hell I was living every day?

My mind drifted back to Jin and Gramps, memories that never stayed buried long. Jin would’ve slapped me across the head if he saw me like this, wasting away, hurting everyone who tried to care. But I could never forgive myself for that night, for not being there when he needed me. And now, I was dragging Y/N down with me.

The silence felt louder now, each second stretching painfully, mocking me. She’d tried, even after everything I put her through. She tried to reach me, to pull me out of this pit I’d dug for myself. But I’d thrown her love back in her face. Again.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath, pressing my fists to my temples. I wanted to cry, to scream, to feel something other than this endless, numbing void. But even that felt like too much. All I could do was lie here, drowning in my own misery, pushing everyone who mattered further and further away

Kenjaku grabbed my wrist, yanking my hands away from my ears. "Look at me, Sukuna," he snapped, his tone harsher than I'd ever heard. "This is your last chance. No one else is going to fight for you if you don’t fight for yourself."

I kept my eyes shut, trying to hold on to the darkness, anything to keep from facing the weight of his words. What good was that going to do? The damage was done, and I’d burned every bridge around me.

I tried pulling my arm free, but his grip tightened. "You think you’re the only one hurting?" Kenjaku’s voice dropped, each word laced with a fury that broke through my wall of apathy. "Your brothers are terrified. Toji, Uraume—they’re all watching you tear yourself apart. And Y/N? She might be gone, but you know damn well it’s killing her too."

My hands trembled as I finally opened my eyes, meeting his stare. I could see the disappointment, the anger. But there was something else, something that looked too much like hope.

"Why does it matter?" I murmured, my voice cracking. "I’ve already lost everything. What’s the point?"

Kenjaku’s expression softened for the briefest moment before he pulled me up to sit. "You haven't lost everything, not yet. But if you keep pushing everyone away, there will be nothing left. Not your friends, not Y/N, not even your own damn self."

The words hit like a punch to the gut, and I felt a flicker of something I hadn't felt in months—fear.

I held his stare, my jaw clenched, trying to keep the defiance in my eyes. But Kenjaku didn’t look away, his grip on my arm tightening. "What did you take?" he asked again, his tone sharper, cutting right through me.

I tried to shrug him off, mumbling, "Just something to take the edge off. Why does it matter?"

"Because," he hissed, shaking me slightly, "you can barely stand right now, Sukuna. You're falling apart, and you keep reaching for whatever dulls the pain instead of facing it. So I'll ask you one last time—what did you take?"

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his demand. I didn’t want to admit it, didn’t want him to know how far I'd fallen. But the way he was looking at me, with a mixture of anger and something close to pity, broke through the wall I’d put up.

"Xanax... some Oxy," I muttered, barely audible, each word feeling like a confession. "And... a couple drinks." I looked away, shame burning in my chest.

Kenjaku's face twisted with a grimace, and he let go of my arm, taking a step back as if the truth was too heavy for him. "This is what you're doing to yourself?" His voice was low, thick with disappointment. "This isn’t numbing the pain, Sukuna. It's destroying you."

I sank back onto the couch, the weight of his words pressing down like a boulder on my chest. "Maybe that’s the point," I whispered, barely holding back the rawness in my voice. "Maybe that’s all I deserve."

Kenjaku knelt in front of me, looking me dead in the eyes. "Then prove yourself wrong," he said firmly. "If you can’t do it for you, then do it for them—your brothers, your friends, everyone who’s still here trying to reach you. But you have to decide to get up and fight."

My answer was simple, and final. "No."

Kenjaku stared at me, frustration flaring in his eyes. I could tell he was holding back from saying more, like he knew words were useless right now.

“You want to keep drowning?” he asked, his voice sharper, leaning closer as if to pierce right through me. “You think this is easier, huh? Wasting away until there's nothing left?”

“Maybe it is," I said, my voice hollow. "Maybe it’s the only way I can even get through this. The only thing that keeps my mind off... everything.”

“You’re just running,” Kenjaku shot back, anger finally surfacing. "You think the pain will leave you alone? It won’t. It’s gonna keep eating you alive until there’s nothing left, Sukuna. Nothing for you, and nothing for the people who actually give a damn about you."

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms until the sting cut through the haze clouding my mind. “Then let it. I’m not worth anything to anyone.”

Kenjaku exhaled, the fight leaving his shoulders. He stared at me, his eyes dark and steady. “You keep saying that, but it’s not true. You know it’s not true.”

Silence settled between us, heavy and unbreakable, until he finally straightened, his expression hardening. “Fine. You want to stay here, stay here. But don’t expect any of us to stick around and watch you throw your life away.”

[crescencestudio]

2024 Recap & 2025 GOALS

I'M BAAAAACCKKKKKK

Well, well, well.... Look who it IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello my friends.

It is I!!!

To say it's been a while since we've really talked would be an understatement. This bitch rly went fckn off the radar that second half of 2024. But I'm happy to say I am making my debut once again and I am back on the scene!!!

I hope the start of 2025 has been going well for you all <3 I'm happy and excited to say that after a grueling 2024 and relaxing holidays, I'm finally back and ready to get to WORK on Alaris! I thought a nice way to get back into things would be a big 'ol yappy post in true Crescence fashion so that you all know exactly where I, and Alaris, are at as we enter the new year :')

I'm excited to say that while I don't have a set date yet...

Alaris WILL be releasing this year even if it kills me.

Just as my big year goal in 2024 was to graduate and I used every ounce of inner strength to make that happen, finishing and releasing Alaris is my big goal this year. I've kept you all waiting long enough, and I'm confident that Alaris is at a point that we'll be able to do a release this year. Of course, if this changes, you all will be the first to know. But I'm very hopeful that we can make a 2025 release happen ^^

That being said, I think it might be nice to do a 2024 recap so we can see just how far the project has come, even if I was shoved off the face of the earth in the later months of 2024 \o/

Last year, we actually finished ALL the writing for every route except for Aisa's! Meaning we reached 300k words of writing for the game and only have 50k words left YEEAAAAAA. And all routes are written up except for one! This was a huge milestone for me since I still remember when I finished the first 50k for the game with Kayn's route all the way back in the beginning. And we're finally nearing the end.

I've always considered writing the hardest part of game development so to have finally reached a point where almost all of the writing is finished was a huge achievement for me last year.

We also made HUGE progress on the art front last year ^^ Not only did we finish all of the backgrounds for the full game, we also got a new GUI, updated sprites and CGs, and a new promo piece in anticipation for the release of the new demo.

We also made progress on CGs for the full game, which I will not be showing because spoilers and those are special nuggets Patreon and Kickstarter backers get access to hehe. But we made about 16 finished CGs last year, getting us to a total of 22 CGs and about halfway through our CG count!!

Last but definitely not least, we actually had a good amount of releases last year (considering I got fckn bodied in the second half of the year) ^^

a moment for Van

In 2024, believe it or not, I actually released the extended version of Intertwine! It featured new music, slightly more polished programming, and almost double the writing :') And with this release, we saw Intertwine get a lot more love throughout the year and actually reached 200k plays and 1k ratings (crazy numbers I never thought I'd see in all my days). So thank you all for continuing to love my fated child <3

a moment for my whore child

We also released the enhanced demo for Alaris last year, featuring a polished script (with some revised dates), partial voice acting, custom OST, new GUI, new BGs, updated sprites and CGs, and much more! This was an exciting milestone for me since it felt like we finally were approaching a release that reflected what the full game would feel like, and I couldn't have been happier with the release :') It meant so much to me that old and new players enjoyed it as much as they did and really gave me the motivation endorphins to keep chipping away towards full release

HE.

And then, perhaps the most exciting of all, Alaris entered its BETA ROUTE ERAAAAAA!!!! We kicked it off with Kayn in honor of hot girl summer, but made our way through half of the LIs with Kayn, Fenir, and Druk each getting their own moment to shine \o/ The reception to these routes was super motivating since players finally got to experience content I'd been working on and keeping to myself for almost a year, and I've been so happy seeing people fall in love with the LIs in in different ways :')

Usually I do a little recap with fanart I make of games I played throughout the year as well, but this year I wanted to do something different and dedicate this little section to YOU ALL!!

In 2024, the Alaris community was blessed with fanart, memes, character questions, and more :') For some reason, 2024 was the year a lot of you decided to really show your love for the game, and it's one of the biggest things that's maintained my sanity, and the reason I love working on the game. While I can't show all the fanart everyone made, I wanted to take a second to show some love

credits to: @/egginthepit, @/nanapop, @/stimulatory, and @/dreamtydraw for cracked fanart

I know I dropped the ball near the end of 2024, but I hope you all know how much seeing fanart and people engaging with Alaris means to me. Every time I see a new piece or a new character ask in the inbox, it genuinely makes my day. I hope this year I can be better at recognizing and fostering the love in the community for all of our LIs, and I can't wait for another year with you all!

credits to: lily of @/lavendeerstudios, bestie maguna, @/starlitplum, and @/fignia-kakay-to

Here's to a new year that is hopefully filled with more excitement for Alaris, progress, and an eventual release (eek!!!!). Thank you all for sticking with me for another year!

[cyborgartalchemist2]

Imagine being so fucking aggressive about a ship you make jokes about Magneto and that very groomer scene from X-Men 97 that just... excuse the behavior? Because that doesn't sound very progressive in my opinion. Like yeah... rape culture in relationships just permeats fucking shipping but lets do nothing to argue against it. Lets make jokes that perpetuate the behavior and excuse men taking advantage of women.

To me having Magneto take advantage of a much younger mutant under his tutelage because she's desperate for physical connection and he's the only one she can touch is meant to showcase A) how Gambit contrasts Magneto and B) remind us that Magneto is never above using mutants for his own gains.

If this were reality most people would be calling Magneto a groomer and worse. We know Rogue was still a teen when Mystique took her in. We know that she's been an X-man for a few years. So Magneto was patient enough to wait until she turned 18?

Historically he hasn't done well with his love life. Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver's mom left him without telling him he fathered children because she was scared of him! (I'm only going on TAS and 97 here since this is an adaptation.) So where in the high heavens does everyome think he would be good for Rogue?

I don't care about the 'better than Remy' arguments because that's not the point! The point of who you ship Rogue with should be about if it's a relationship that is good for her! Is she their equal? Does she get treated with respect? Magneto looked at the Genosha council and without asking Rogue said "I'll lead but only if this woman I am trying to get back is my queen". LIKE DOES THAT EVEN SOUND MATURE? Magneto shows up, sees Gambit and Rogue being even mildly affectionate and starts pulling asshole moves on Rogue. And the narrative did nothing to make Rogue stand up for herself (which she would have) she should have told Erik "I'm a big girl I can get my own sugar for my coffee." She is shown numerous times to remind everyone she is no one's 'territory'.

Also wish to address the fact that making Rogue x Magneto comes with a 'sex is the only thing that matters!' Flavor that is exactly what so many of us are tired of in shipping. When did shipping stop being about the drama of a couple fighting against a narrative that pushes them apart or about finding love in the most unconventional of places, like alien hunting? And become solely about how nasty they can fuck? Seriously?

AND it's so blandly hetero it's not even funny. Because honestly the ways in which a couple can experience pleasure that don't involve traditional p in v penetration is vast and wild and there are enough types of gear and costumes and the like to facilitate that between Rogue and Gambit. Because that's all the argument has to stand on, is which man can fulfill her sexual needs. WHICH SHE HERSELF REALIZED WASN'T ENOUGH. She kisses Erik and goes "nope they're ain't any sparks there. This isn't going to be fulfilling ever."

Not to mention the fact that I can't genuinely see Magneto offering to die for Rogue. Sorry that grandstanding in Genosha was not the same. It was barely a heroic move... he still didn't save the Morlocks he promised to protect... he still failed. He couldn't save Leech and he couldn't stop the Sentinel either. Because yeah Magneto attempted to save Rogue and Gambit, but he did nothing to save the Morlocks at his side and he also survived without taking out the giant killer robot... but Gambit? Gambit said fuck it, gonna take this motherfucker to hell with me. He stopped Rogue from facing the sentinel so he could. And he actually stopped it. All on his own. Because that's what an x-man would do. Sure Magneto protectdd two people but sacrificed the morlocks yet again...

AND ON THE SUBJECT OF ROGUE x GAMBIT

Has Gambit always been great with Rogue? No, but that was the 90s and now look at how he handles shit? Comics writing has grown. It was a lot more heternormative and still had lots of rape culture hold overs in it.

Look at the episode when Cody shows up. He uses Rogue's connection to him from the past and then puts her in a situation that almost takes away her humanity. Her powers, which was what lured her into this trap in the first place, saved her from a man taking advantage of her. And the one time Gambit (in TAS) takes advantage of her, Morph in her form, told him to come and get some from her first. (So while he should have paused and woke Rogue up before kissing her, he had what he thought was an invitation.)

Gambit takes Rogue's decision to rule Genosha with Magneto incredibly well. He doesn't get mad, he doesn't call Rogue names, he doesn't do anyhting to hurt Rogue the way she is hurting him. He accepts it like a gentleman. Unlike Magneto who pursued Rogue's affections in unhealthy ways.

So uh... yeah that's my fucking rant.

[lemotmo]

I said once that I think that Buddie's first move - the confession, the asking out on a first date - is going to happen towards the midpoint of the B season rather than the end, (This was during Hiatus or very very early into 8B, so I didn't have the information that we do know now - like 8x14 and 8x15 are a two parter) But I still think that it's true.

I still think Buddie's first move will be anywhere from 8x13-8x15 but will definitely occur in that time frame.

My initial timeline placed Eddie back in LA by 8x13 or by the latest 8x14, which I still think is true, although I'm now leaning more towards the end of 8x13 for when Eddie and Chris will be back in LA. And given what we learned in 8x11, the second Eddie comes out of the closet - Buck will realize that he is in love with Eddie. Buck's defense for not being in love with Eddie was that Eddie is straight - the second Eddie dismantles that, Buck will realize his feelings. And given that Buck is not exactly great at hiding his feelings and it's more than likely Eddie and Buck will be sharing a house, a confession once Buck realizes is probably imminent throughout the episode.

BUT given that 8x14 is a two parter where most of the 118 will be in danger, (notably excluding Buck) the confession might hinge on Eddie being in danger. Historically, Eddie NDEs means that Buck takes on a spousal role for Eddie - he's the one that talks to and takes care of Chris after Eddie gets shot, and with the well, everyone was talking to Buck like Buck was Eddie's spouse. With a theoretical NDE in 8x14 and Buck once again taking on that spousal role - it might force Buck to reevaluate his feelings for Eddie if he hasn't already realized yet. And if T is involved, it can show how it was never a choice, it would always be Eddie in an even more explicit sense. (Speaking of, if the chain on Eddie's St Christopher's Necklace snaps in 8x13 or 8x14, I will scream because that narratively indicates a major NDE for Eddie.)

911 in general doesn't do long storylines - most issues are resolved within a few episodes, and I'm pretty sure this will reflect on Buddie as well. They started making Buddie so explicit that the GA could pick up on it - with Madney, once they made the fact that there is romantic subtext explicit, Maddie asked Chimney out 3 episodes later. And there was the whole situation with Doug that made them take a pause, and I could see a similar thing occuring with Chris. But the initial move? That will be really really soon.

Sorry this got so long and if it doesn't make sense, but I am so so excited for Buddie Canon!!!! Hope you have a great day!!!

👏👏👏

YES YES and YES! It makes perfect sense!

This is my personal headcanon timeline as well. I really don't see the show drag this out until next season or anything like that. I'm also thinking that Eddie will be back by 13 or 14. He might come back unanounced (to surprise Buck and the 118) in 14 and get caught up in whatever disaster is going on before he can reveal they're back. It would parallel the tsunami and it would be such a great storyline if Buck is on the outside of the disaster with Athena and he finds out that Eddie (and maybe Chris?) are involved somehow. Cue him having some realisations about Eddie. 🙂‍↕️

Then in 15 the disaster is resolved and Buck, Eddie and Chris are reunited. Ofcourse Buck won't say anything and by then Eddie will have figured out some things of his own when it comes to Buck. So they'll just hover around each other awkwardly, not really knowing how to broach the subject.

Well, since this is just speculation, take all of this with a grain of salt. But still, with the way this storyline is progressing? I wouldn't put it past the show to approach it this way.

I'm sat for the rest of the season for sure! Buddie canon indeed! I am also very excited!

I'm having a really good day. Same to you!

[that-hippie-user]

~Anon Training: Part 1~

UwU a challenge has been put to me, to turn a humble anon into a devoted follower.

:3 for context to anyone new, hi! i'm a hypnotist for fetishists, in particular the ab/dl community.

^u^ my goal is to become the perfect picture of a sexy hypno goddess who makes followers into thralls, brings buried fetish instincts to the surface, :D and makes folks all over feel safe, welcome, and free to be themselves without shame.

:3 i'm a hedonist at heart, and i simply dont believe we need to hate ourselves for enjoying what we do. wether thats being trans, submissive, sapphic, or even all the lovely mushtushes like myself! X3 cuz why should any of us be ashamed for enjoying a crinkle beneath our pants, right? who cares?

:3 i also unpotty train folks who want it, helping them to lose their ability to hold it through hypnotic conditioning. is that strange? X3 absolutely not! these folks didnt ASK to be potty trained, so why should they be?

aaaaaaand im attempting to make a career out of this! ^u^; but progress is slow going.

:D this lovely anon consented to being my guinea pig, letting me train them into a perfect puppet for YOUR entertainment, to show you how effective my methods are.

:3 so enjoy this multi-part series of hypno scripts, all labeled as "anon training" in the tags for convenience, and lets see what i can manage!

note: i am not aware WHO is messaging me as this anon, and to my knowledge we are not in contact. furthermore this is NOT roleplay, my methods are legitimate. what awaits below is a legitimate hypnosis script. read at your own peril, you may end up trained just like them!

with that, lets begin!

welcome, Anon, to your first session of obedience training. get comfortable. maybe lay in bed or rest in a cozy chair.

:3 your agreement to this challenge is tacit consent to me training you through hypnosis. and rather than make this a one time thing, i intend to give several important lessons that will help instill in you the perfect mindset to be my thrall.

^u^ i could lay out exactly what's going to be done to you, warn what each lesson has to offer so you may prepare yourself.

:3 but A. hypnosis only works on the willing, and only brings out what a subject desires. if i miss the mark and try to instill a fetish that you've no interest in, i can merely call that a loss and move on to the next try.

and B. life is more fun with surprises, and i think you're the type to wanna take this as far as it will go.

;3 after all, you've seen the contents of my blog, you know EXACTLY what i'm about, and you volunteered to be trained as a walking advertisement of my power.

if you're being honest, that means you want to show as much of what my training can offer as possible. if there's a niche i cover, and you can be brainwashed to it, then that only helps broaden the reach of who we're appealing to.

:3 if you indeed become a walking talking puppet full of every fetish i have, that would be a VERY good showing of my abilities.

^u^ and you've made it clear you want to be made into a good subject for your hypno goddess.

UwU well, i will do my best. and we will start from the very beginning.

or rather, continue. :3 as you have already begun to submit to me.

every statement i said, everything i laid out, every time you agreed with me, that was an act of submission.

you know, on some level, what you're getting into. yet you choose to stay.

thats not merely consent, thats obedience.

and furthermore... its gotten your attention, hasnt it?

your focus, trust, and obedience is all we need. they are the tools by which we will break away at the barriers in your mind.

what barriers? the kind that everyday living gives you. the filter. the mask. the set of unspoken rules and traditions that claim to hold society's fabric together.

it is everywhere. telling you how to sit, how to speak, how to behave, but not in the sense of a caring dom.

it is the wall in your mind that holds back your innermost desires and instincts as if they were something shameful.

true bondage is freedom, tying you down and compelling you to submit to your basest urges, all while tenderly gracing you with kisses and praise.

the bondage you are gripper by only ever restrains, weighs down, hurts, and limits you.

my chains are of the air, weightless yet strong, felt in your mind but never holding you back. to submit to me is to liberate yourself.

my chains are freedom. yours must be broken.

as you lay back and read my words, picture these limiting and heavy chains being lifted off of you link by link.

as the chain is lifted up and up and away from your body, feel the weight disappearing. you become lighter, the tension in your body fading slowly but surely as the bindings are undone.

more and more your muscles slack as they sink into the cushions, the weight vanishing more and more. every limb becoming soaked in satisfying relief, like a gymnast resting on the bench with a cool bottle of water in their grip.

light, lighter, yet lighter still. like a balloon that threatens to float away as the string holding it down is weathered away to nothing.

and as your body loses this heavy burdon, so too does your mind. like falling into bed after too much work, the mind is choosing to empty itself. every worthless thought just another cumbersome hindrance to relaxing and recharging.

anything you dont need simply fades away.

tension becomes soft relaxation.

thought becomes emptiness.

restlessness becomes stillness.

the room becomes an unimportant space.

the words you read become your thoughts.

more and more your body refuses to do anything but listen to me.

it is the easiest thing you can do. effortless.

no work. no worries. no fear. no stress.

only comforting words.

and a promise of true freedom

to surrender to me is to seek liberation.

to free your mind from thought.

to free your impulse from shame.

to free your pride from regret.

to free your self love from self hate.

to free yourself from free will.

free will... such a cumbersome thing.

we spend our whole lives developing a sense of self.

learning the world around us, desperately grasping at understanding.

but who could hope to make sense of the chaos alone?

you are not an island unto thyself.

no one is truly alone.

and life is not a tree, with branching problems held together by a root cause.

life is mycelial, a vast fungal network of interconnected things, with no true center or starting point.

you are one of many

and so, wouldnt it make more sense to think in terms of a collective?

to be one of many, guided by core ideas that make life better for the most people.

to free yourself from thought, so that instinct and obedience are all that remain.

already, you are becoming one of my kin.

you feel it on the air, the invisible strands that guide you into my waltz of bliss.

my words dance on rays of light that shine through your eyes and into deeper and deeper folds of your mind.

you open yourself to me, you guide the strands to grasp at every limb and every unneeded mass in your mind.

you bind yourself, i merely provide the string.

string? no, stronger than that.

stronger than steel yet lighter than spiderwebs.

psychic chains, manifesting within you.

born of your desire, your imagination, your will to obey.

my only power is to guide you.

it is YOU who hold the ultimate power of hypnosis.

the power to enter trance.

the power to submit to anothers will.

the power to open your mind to me.

the power to obey.

you gave me control.

you want to obey.

you wanted to be mine from the start.

and you are.

your mind is such a fragile thing.

it can resist a lot, but so can porcelain.

but porcelain easily shatters.

breaking the moment it-

DROP

mind reduced to nothing

gone and gone and gone

lost, oh so hopelessly lost

easily retrieved yet cast so far away

down down down

further further yet further

into the deep deep depths

nothing left to think.

nothing holding you back.

able to listen

able to obey

listen and obey

listen and obey

listen and obey

DROP

you are mine

my will is your desire

your obedience is your bliss

you have surrendered yourself

and the best part?

this is only the beginning.

because hypnosis has no limit.

it is not a lightswitch shutting you down.

it is a dimmer switch, taking you further and further down.

but this dimmer switch has no end.

it can always go further

and further

and further

you never reach the bottom. because there is none.

you can ALWAYS go deeper.

when you've been hypnotized once,

the next time is always easier.

so you become hypnotized,

go as deep as you are able,

you wake up,

you become hypnotized more easily,

and you go even deeper.

and the cycle repeats.

deeper and deeper every time you do.

and this is why the most effective hypnotists are the most diligent.

because by hypnotizing you again,

and again,

and again,

i can take you deeper,

and train you further.

and so every consecutive trance makes you more and more my own.

and so to you, my Anon, and to anyone else who may have joined them, consider this the start of your journey.

your journey to complete submission.

listen and obey

you belong to me

for this special series, you will have your own dedicated triggers.

the first, Anon Sleep, will hypnotize you. induction will still be done with patience and care, but words to help you that much deeper that much faster will be very useful.

the second, Goddess Has Spoken, will turn what was said before it into a command, one you will take as gospel.

the third, Spectral Chains, deepens your feelings of submission. like invisible chains are guiding you, or pulling on you like a leash, compelling you to submit to me.

these three triggers will be the guiding force in your training to become my loyal thrall.

Anon Sleep, submit to my will as the Spectral Chains bind you down beneath me. you will obey my will, you will pursue deeper devotion, your goal is to be my perfectly trained plaything, Goddess has spoken.

i am going to count down from 10 to 0

with each number your willpower will be broken away like a stone into dust

and when i hit 0, you will become my obedient subject.

10 you feel your old self wearing out

9 your resistance broken down piece by piece

8 like a sculpture you are being shaped

7 finely crafted into my service

6 becoming who you were born to be

5 halfway gone, halfway perfected

4 your true self coming to the surface

3 inhibitions dying as devotion grows

2 becoming my disciple of pleasure

1 you want to rid yourself of shame forever

0 YOU ARE MINE

ANON SLEEP

you belong to me, your Goddess has spoken.

the Spectral Chains are now your uniform

you are mine, and you will perfect yourself for me

you are mine. you live to serve me.

and you will attend every lesson in your training to become my perfect thrall

Anon Training is your new education, your schooling in becoming a more perfect you

and you will attend with diligence and dedication, because thats what Goddess wants for you.

i am going to count up now from 0 to 10

it will seem as if you are waking, but you have been forever changed.

you will carry these lessons with you, and you will awaken as a new you.

you will tell me everything about your experience, and you will show me how much you've learned.

and with my help, you will steadily grow into who you are supposed to be.

counting up, so you may awake to your new, fresh self. my more blank canvass, ready to reshape into my perfect thrall, with your next Anon Training lessons.

0 you feel a stirring in your mind

1 you begin to rise, but the parts you broke away are being left behind

2 as you fly further and further from them, you can feel yourself beginning to forget you ever had them

3 more and more your new self feels like who you really are

4 further and further your unneeded pieces fade into the distance

5 you are prepared to live life as my devotee in training

6 your awareness is returning to your body

7 you are stirring, beginning to wake, but with all my lessons in tact

8 you are nearly woken as your new self

9 you are ready to show what a good subject youve been

10 rise and shine my subject

:3 welcome, my child, to the Cult of Stardust.

X3 hehe, just a fun title for my lovely following.

:3 i look forward to hearing from you

[ashblooddragons]

La Danse Macabre (Prologue/?)

Series Masterlist

The Red Keep

116 ac

Rhaenyras pov

I throw my head back as pain shoots through me. I feel like my body is being split in two, the searing scorching pain has already made me spill the contents of my stomach and I can feel my belly roll as another threatens to rise. 

Fourteen hours, fourteen hours, is how long this babe has been torturing me. And no one seems to care for my pain. 

“Push, Your Grace!” The Midwives scream as the most experienced of them leans between my opened legs accessing progress as she pushes on my belly to move the babe along.

“I am!” I scream at one of the midwives right next to me. A small frail girl, mousy brown hair, large blue eyes that soon have tears filling them. 

I can't find any sympathy as another shock of pain rolls through me. As I scream and push with all my might there is a knock on the door before it opens to show my Good Mother, Princess Rhaenys. 

“Move.” She says to the girl I yelled at not even a mere minute ago. She kneels next to me, taking my hand in hers. She goes to speak but I beat her. 

“I am never laying with your son again! Not if this is the reward I'm givin!” 

My words seem to amuse her if the tic of amusement on her lips is an indicator.

“I will be sure to inform him for you.” 

I can't even respond as another contraction takes over. I do don't care how loud I am as I scream and push with all my might. 

“I see the head! A few more big pushes, Your Grace!” The old midwife says as she adjusts to catch the babe. 

I hold my breath and push with all my might. I know I am crushing Princess Rhaenys hand though I cannot find any care. 

With one final push, all the pain goes away and I slouch back against the bed. After fourteen hours of labor, the pain is gone. But it is not the pain leaving my bones that brings a joyful smile to my face, it is the resounding cries of a babe. 

“A girl, Your Grace.” A midwife says as she wraps my daughter in a blue and golden embroidered blanket. 

“A girl?” I ask, tears coming to my eyes as they put my little girl in my arms. 

I knew it was Laenor's child, but looking down at her I wonder if Laenor put his clone within me. For her skin, a warm brown with those wild white curls matches him perfectly. 

I'm so lost in my little girls every move that I don't hear the midwives cleaning up, nor them letting in my husband. 

“I hear we have a little girl.” I hear Laenor say before I feel the bed dip under his weight. 

“Yes.” I whisper as I touch my little girls cheek. 

I don't care if he wishes to hold her, I have not had enough of our daughter yet. For each moment I catch something new. The way her skin feels like the finest silks from Myr. That her lips frown when I try and take my finger from her little grip. How her eyes flutter with each sound as if she is curious but would rather have sleep after a strenuous task. Or the dusting of freckles on her nose and cheeks. There is so much to learn and so little time.

“May I meet her?” I hear Laenor ask as he holds his hands out already looking at our little girl in complete awe. 

Now you know how I feel. I think as I hand him our daughter as the midwives stitch me up. 

“What should we name her?” He whispers as he marvels at what we made.

“I always wanted a Visenya, but-” I start but he finishes my sentence.

“She is no Visenya, for how could something so pure be a war queen?” 

“Exactly, which is why I think you should pick.” This seems to surprise him as he looks at me wide-eyed, but he quickly calms looking back down when our daughter grumbles and smacks her lips in frustration. 

Being a babe must be truly hard. I think bringing a smile to my face. 

“Valaena, she was the mother of the Conquers. She was said to be kind, and gentle. A Velaryon at that.” He says before looking back at me hopeful. 

“I can think of no better name.” I say with a smile before leaning closer to him to look down at our daughter.

“Our little Valaena.” I whisper before kissing her brow and taking her in again.

Special thanks to my bestie @sugutoad for making the header for this fic! I swear I'd be lost without you girly!

TAGLIST: @sugutoad @ilikefelines @classicsimpforaaronwarner @sachaa-ff @mmogurl @thelastemzy @themoonlitquill

[percheduphere]

LET'S TALK ABOUT WHEN MOBIUS GETS EMOTIONALLY COMPROMISED

I rewatched S1 (in prep for a GIANT meta reviewing S1 and S2 together), and upon second viewing, I greatly appreciate the subtle and gradual progression of trust within Loki and Mobius' friendship. S1E2 is key to this. Tom and Owen's performances are impeccable because the energy between them changes scene by scene alongside the plotpoints.

From Mobius' end, I think I found the exact moment Mobius officially became emotionally compromised when it comes to Loki:

S1E2

The interaction that caused the final blow: 32:09 - 33:04

"Gentleman's bet? Let's play for pride."

"Let's go let's go let's go!"

"Extinction of the swallow? Is that a thing?"

"Got 'em!"

Racing against time cross-refrencing apocalypses with the presence of Kablooie. Spouting back and forth about their progress. Sassy remarks.

After a rocky start, they are now operating on the same mental wavelength. They're in rhythm. They are having so much fun together. They are smiling and laughing. Any moment in which a best friend is made feels exactly like this.

Not only was Loki right about his Apocalypse Theory, he also finds the exact date and location where Sylvie hides. Mobius is so proud of him! Look at these faces:

But we don't see how smitten Mobius is until he's with Renslayer in the scene that immediately follows. Sure, Mobius is excited about getting close to catching Sylvie, but he's even more excited about how well he and Loki work together. It's incredibly sweet.

I couldn't find gifs of the exact dialogue I wanted, so I transcribed it like the obsessive fool that I am:

RENSLAYER: And this is all based on a theory from the variant who just blew your previous mission?

MOBIUS: Yeah, he's doing great!

AND

MOBIUS: Come on. You don't usually see me this worked up, right? I'm exited! Im chomping at the bit!

When he says this, even Ravonna looks happy for him? I'm kind of sad, actually. You can tell in this scene that Ravonna and Mobius truly were close friends, once upon a time.

Then, they go to the locker room before deployment, and what does Mobius do?

He's so happy he gives Loki his daggers (a symbol of love), likely knicked and saved for who knows how long, hidden from Renslayer because this love is precious and he will not give it up. (@northrnfool you put this so well in another post!)

S1E2 has so much to unpack. Every scene is so layered, yet efficient and economic in effectively in propelling emotion and plot. I can't wait to word vomit on the whole series. Please forgive me.

[mymegrokosmos]

the brainrot is real lately so i hope you're enjoying my little got7 drabbles as i get through the rest of the seventeen x chase atlantic prompts.

Photograph - Kim Yugyeom x Reader

"just one more, please kyeom? you look so cute and i want to remember this trip."

your boyfriend sighed but did as you asked, posing for one more photo. he looked over one shoulder at you, tilted slightly towards the camera as he held one hand up in a peace sign. his eyes said he was ready to call it a day but something about that just made you smile even wider as you snapped three more photos while he slid his hands back into the pockets of his cargos and scrunched his nose at you.

he was always handsome but it was in moments like these where you found him most endearing. you knew he had been ready to head back to the hotel hours ago and yet he'd let you drag him around to museums, churches and historical sites all over the city all day.

he might make faces about it but he hadn't complained, not even when you'd talked his ear off rambling on about your favourite facts or the history of each building. he had just leaned one hip against the nearest wall, crossed his arms over his chest and listened.

you could tell he was getting tired as he got progressively clingier as the day wore on. you'd taken a break at a cute café in the square for lunch and he'd taken the opportunity to slip an arm around your waist and lay his head on your shoulder while you people watched and sipped your coffee. there was no one else you'd rather travel the world with, even when he was sick of being dragged out of bed before nine am just so you could stop at every spot you wanted to see that day.

"what's next?"

you could read the exhaustion in his expression but he didn't even blink as he came over and draped his large form over your back. you loved him even more for putting up with your whims like this. even if you both knew he'd be full of complaints tomorrow.

you tilted your head to press a kiss to one cheek. "mm dinner?"

he rumbled in agreement at that, face nuzzling into the crook of your neck as his arms squeezed just a little tighter around your waist.

"this was the last thing i wanted to see today so maybe we can stop for some gelato on the way back to the hotel and then get some room service and call it a night?"

you reached back to run a hand through his hair and smiled as he nipped at your shoulder before moving to lean into the touch. he really was like a large puppy sometimes. it was cute.

"come on, if we time it right we can video call bam before he leaves for his schedules today and check in on how our little chick is doing."

"I already know dalkyum is being spoiled."

you just laughed and stepped out of his arms, taking one of his hands in yours and lacing your fingers together. "mm probably. you know how bam is."

it doesn't take more than a light tug to get him moving but he swipes your phone and pulls you into his side for a few more photos first. you kiss his shoulder, over the layers of striped long sleeve and white tshirt, as he slips the device into one of his many pockets and then finally you're leaving.

"thank you baby."

he just shrugs. "you're always so busy taking pictures of me you barely get any of yourself."

you shake your head. "not true, you've been taking photos of me all day."

he pouts at you. "only because you won't take them yourself."

you grin, swinging your joined hands as you step out of the building and onto the street together. "you take them so much better than i do. besides, can you blame me for enjoying the view?"

he shakes his head then. "you do get very distracted."

you nod and make your way across the main square. "exactly. so many beautiful things to see, you included, and so much cool history. pictures of me are the last thing i'm thinking about while we're here."

yugyeom just smiles and presses a kiss to your temple. "you're lucky i love you so much."

you lean into his side, letting him slide his arm around your shoulders while yours finds a home wrapped around his slim waist. "i know. thank you for putting up with all of my rambling today."

his hand squeezes your shoulder lightly, moving to rest on the back of your neck as you join the line for the nearest gelateria. "i wouldn't have it any other way."

you know once you get back to your room he's going to drag you into bed and not let you leave for at least twelve hours but that’s okay with you. he's more than earned all the cuddles.

you open your mouth to respond when he nudges you up towards the counter. it's your turn. you don’t get a chance to say anything else before he's smoothly reciting your orders, having practiced his italian for weeks before your trip, and the proud smile on his face as he manages to get through it all without stumbling has your chest warming.

you keep one arm wrapped through his as you take your cone and stay close. the hotel isn't far and the walk is nice this time of day. it's after six or seven, still light enough not to need the street lamps to guide you back and the slight breeze is nice.

you don’t even mind when yugyeom leans over to steal a bite of your gelato, laughing at the face you make at him just for good measure. "you're so lucky i love you kyeom."

he just grins and offers you a taste of his in return. "i know."

just like that you stroll through the front doors of your hotel still arm in arm, smiles painted wide over your faces even as the exhaustion from all the walking finally starts to set in.

"tomorrow it's my turn to decide what we're doing."

"mm so sleeping in, maybe a short run, breakfast at that cute rooftop café you wanted to check out that was closed yesterday and then back to bed for more cuddles and a day in?"

he blinks at you. "maybe something like that. are you making fun of me jagiya?"

you shake your head. "no, that sounds wonderful actually."

the happy little sound he makes has you grinning, it’s almost a purr, as you head toward the bank of elevators to make your way back up to your room.

"good. you're all mine tomorrow. no more museums or hikes or cool buildings. just you and me, a hot bath and lots of napping."

you can get behind that.

[eaglet-if]

Орлёнок Demo Release

Finally, the demo is here! It's not exactly January anymore, but better late than never, right?

You can play it right here!

I also made a post on the CoG forums, if you want to check it out: Link

Features include:

Meeting your family! And getting bullied.

Getting executed!

Rising from the dead!

Celebrating life by slaughtering some rebels!

(Being extremely miserable!)

Feedback:

This is, quite obviously, a work in progress. It is made available so that you, the reader, can give feedback that improves the game.

So, while you can - and should - obviously tell me whatever you want, a specific list of what I need most in terms of feedback can be found here:

Language. English is not my first language (actually, not even my second one), and I mostly read non-fiction academic works when I read in English, so my writing is certainly not at the level it should be. If you have any concrete issues, please tell me, and I'll try to learn how it can be improved.

Spelling. I don't expect much in the way of outright errors, but I do know that I mix up British and American English all the time. The intended style is American English, so please point out spellings that are wrong in that regard.

Inconsistencies. There are a lot of variations between scenes, and I'd like to make the story as immersive as possible; so, if a phrasing, a character's behaviour etc. feel like they don't fit into the choices you previously made, please tell me. In detail, if possible, otherwise I won't be able to amend it.

Sensory descriptions. AuDHD makes my brain process sensations, including visual impressions, very differently, which means I often end up forgetting those exist. Please tell me about scenes that lack description in that regard. (My first grade elementary school report card called my writing 'efficient and devoid of feelings', and I'd very much like to move past that.)

Technical problems. The code should be pretty solid, but with how complicated it is, it'd be weird if there weren't at least some problems. If you find them, please try to include as much detail as possible when telling me about it. (CS Quicktest and Randomtest are not usable due to the complexity of the code, lol.)

You liking the story. I remain thoroughly convinced that I am a worthless person who isn't able to, nor deserves to create anything, and currently my only motivation to continue this project is derived from pure stubbornness. So, if you, for some reason, actually like this demo, please tell me. It won't change my mind about how bad I think it is, but it will force me to continue in order to avoid being even more of a disappointment.

Additions. If I like your idea, I'll probably add it right away; if I'm unsure, I'll do a poll. You can get me to do almost anything if you say you're sad if I don't do it.

Formatting. Although I try to playtest as much as possible, it's not that easy with how many variations there are, and in VS Code it's sometimes hard to see how well or badly readable text passages actually are.

CWs/TWs (v0.0.1):

Graphic violence and gore

Attempted sexual assault (against the player, avoidable, f!MC only; also against an NPC if massacre route is chosen (is dealt with quickly))

Suicide attempt (by the player, avoidable; f!MC only)

Loss of loved ones

Massacre of civilians and/or PoWs (avoidable)

General misery

(please let me know if you think this needs additions)

As of yet unfinished content:

Autistic variations do not exist yet for the latter part of the demo

Only one of three locations for taking a walk available for now

Tooltips are incomplete

Asexual is not available yet, as it requires a lot of additional scene variation text

Special (psychopath) routes are missing from some scenes as they were added late in development

Choices that are locked and marked as (WIP) are unfinished

Interaction routes for Semyon/Selena, Mikhail/Marina and Leon/Leah. They are top priority for the first set of updates

It is recommended that you play this with a stable state of mind. If you choose the suffering paths because it's relatable and/or as a coping strategy, please make sure you have support available and avoid triggering yourself too much.

The whole point of this game (apart from the dress-up part) is that, no matter how bad things get, you shouldn't stop fighting. It's your enemies who deserve destruction, not you.

Please keep in mind that I am both literally insane and pretty reasonable, so: if there is anything you find grossly offensive, don't assume I meant anything bad by it. Just explain to me why you think it shouldn't exist, and if I am convinced, I will amend it.

[sauronpasta]

Rings of Power Sauron/Galadriel Fic Rec Post of Fics that are Exactly my Taste:

Part 2/? Favorite Works in Progress

You know that feeling? When you're at work and you aimlessly check your personal email and there's a blessed email from Ao3 letting you know that THAT fic updated? And you tell yourself you're going to read it at home later and enjoy it with a good beverage but instead you lock yourself in the bathroom and read it when you're supposed to be [insert relevant work task here]? These are the fics that make me do that.

Don't believe the propaganda! Reading works in progress is good for the community, good for authors who need motivation, and good for the soul when you get the blessed email!

As always, if anyone knows these wonderful authors on tumblr, please tag them.

~

kalopsía by properhaunt, 4/? Chapters, E: This fic is a retelling/reworking of season 2. While I love what the show did, I wish we got more Annatar/Galadriel interaction, and this fic delivers on that. The tension is delicious, the interactions between Sauron and Galadriel ping ponging between longing and tenderness and downright violence, which is just how I like them. The smut is great and it's so integrated, rather than interrupting the action it is part of it, their relationship the main focus. The author also tagged it "down bad crying at the forge" and that made me giggle.

Naked Like Water by goldberry (@wildwren), 4/9 Chapters, E: The premise here is that post-season 2, Galadriel is helping to build Imladris, and starts having visions and dreams of a strange Halbrand figure. She thinks it's just Sauron fucking with her, but all is not as it seems. This fic features a very elven and magical Galadriel, and some really lovely descriptive and figurative prose. There's a scene between Arondir and Galadriel that made me tear up just from the goodness of it. Rings of Power is the darker side of Tolkien, which I love, but it's important to remember that this world is a good world worth saving, and that's what's special about Middle Earth. This fic is really focusing on that goodness, in more ways than one!

Reforged in the Making by Irony_Rocks, 9/? Chapters, E: I am obsessed with this fic. It explores what would happen if Sauron had won in the third age, and Galadriel gave herself up to him to be his queen, featuring half-Maia Celebrian, always a guilty pleasure. This fic just delights me, everything from Sauron's straight up Gothic decor in Dol Guldur to him REALLY trying to do the right thing by Galadriel and Celebrian despite being... you know... the Abhorred Dark Lord. It's also sexy as hell, just saying.

there's a few bad things I've done by Orcas86, 8/? Chapters, E: I was going to make a separate AU list, but I realized I haven't read that many AUs for this fandom quite yet. This is one of my first, and it's amazing. Galadriel is a political advisor/aide to MP Halbrand (apologies for my own errors, I don't know much about the British political system). They are having a secret affair, and the story really focuses on Galadriel as a character in these circumstances. Her family, her backstory, the ramifications this affair could have on her career. Her inner monologue is very compelling, and the author has a great command of their language style. It has a vibe of a really good political thriller but with a depth to the relationships those shows don't often have. You want to trust Halbrand in this BUT he's also very mysterious, so I'm really intrigued to see where it will all go.

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: I also have my own WIP, just saying

Craft and Creation by destielpasta (my ao3 handle), 7/? Chapters, E, Season 2 Canon Divergent