#I tried to give him a stupid necklace that is way too big and ornate and to limit details

[rawliverandgoronspice]

my goal with all my Thralls designs, especially those that appear in part 1 (yes there are parts, don't ask..........), is that you could reduce them to 30 polygons and they would still somewhat read as those characters. so Big Shapes it is.

[brvdges]

Like A River Flows - Stark!Reader x Peter Parker

Title: like a river flows

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Summary: Y/N hopes to meet her soulmate on her eighteenth birthday. Soulmate No Blip AU

Warnings: none

A/N: I've been gone so long but here's a new imagine! I got a new laptop! So hopefully there will be tons more of these. I listened to "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Kina Grannis if you wanna get the full experience.

Word Count: 1824

___

You could hear the sound of glasses clinking and laughter echoing up from the main room as you tugged at your dress at the top of the stairs. You turned around and looked in the ornate mirror behind you. 

Everything about you was perfectly polished and plucked; your lace was perfectly laid with every hair beautifully framing your face. Your ears were adorned with simple gold diamond studs and a matching name necklace sat daintily on your collarbone.

Your makeup was done to perfection with your brown eyes sparkling from behind layers of shadow, liner, mascara, and false lashes. For the first time in your life, you had gotten your makeup done professionally. Your father had paid for it of course -- it was at his insistence that you had gotten it done.

In fact, the entire party was at his insistence and he had taken it upon himself to have every detail perfect. You didn’t really want a big elaborate birthday party, but today was the big day. 

Everyone had a special day when you’d finally know the person you’re meant to be with. At a young age, you’d come to the conclusion somehow your meeting would be on your eighteenth birthday. When your father was enlightened with this fact, he had taken it upon himself to make everything perfect -- including you. Thanks to him, you looked undeniably stunning.  It was the most beautiful you had seen yourself in a long while. Ever since your mom had passed, you hadn't felt the need to dress up anymore -- so it no longer felt like you.

“You look absolutely radiant, Y/N.” Pepper assured you as she joined you in looking in the mirror. “Your father outdid himself. Just wait until he sees you.” You understood immediately what she meant, you were almost a spitting image of your mother. Your mahogany skin and high cheekbones were hers, as was your smile and arched eyebrows. The only evidence of your father was the occasional facial expression. “You ready?” she asked turning you back towards the steps. 

You nodded and smiled cautiously, “You’re gonna be okay. There’s so many people down there and they’re all excited to see you.” The two of you peered over the banister down all the sea of people below. Your father had indeed gone for a more sophisticated approach, but as with all Stark parties it was pretty much promised to liven up as the night went on. 

“All right! Chin up!” You did as you were told and began your way down the grand staircase. As you made your descent, you saw the attention shift to you as everyone took you in for the first time that night. “The birthday girl is here!” Natasha raised a glass to you. You smiled to her as you were welcomed with a myriad of birthday wishes.

As the party continued on, you felt almost like a princess. So many promising people had come up and introduced themselves to you; however nothing had clicked yet. You were starting to wonder if all the theatrics had been for nothing when your dad found you. You were standing against the wall watching your friends have a ball of a time dancing to the DJ that had recently taken place of the string quartet. 

“Y/N, shouldn’t you be dancing?” he asked, his dark brows furrowing in confusion. You sighed disappointedly, “Yeah, I guess.” You picked at a string on your dress, “I thought I’d meet them today.” Your dad nodded glancing over at Pepper. She was talking excitedly to Natasha -- likely about wedding plans. The way he looked at her was so beautiful. The way you could tell everything he felt for her from just a look was absolutely amazing. That was it -- that what you wanted. 

“Well, Y/N, you never know there’s still a few hours left to your birthday.” you frowned a bit, “I’ve talked to every person here that I’ve never met. I’m pretty sure it’s not happening today.” your dad chuckled, “You know Y/N, I know I’ve told you the story of how I met your mom.”

“Italy, 1999.” you mumbled looking up at your father. He nodded, “We met and it felt right. I’m not one to be very emotional, but I knew I wanted to keep her around. There was just something about her.” you tilted your head, “She wasn’t your soulmate though. Pepper is.” He sighed, “She was the one for me -- well until she passed, of course. By that time, I had known Pepper for years and I didn’t see her in that way until one day, I just did.” He looked over at her again, her and Natasha had been joined by Maria.

“I don’t know if you're understanding what I’m getting at. I don’t know if I’m explaining it clearly. What I’m saying is -- it could be someone you’ve already met and maybe you just haven’t realized it yet. No one ever said it had to be someone new -- just that there was a day that you would know.” He gave you a small smile, “You should enjoy your night because either way, you look amazing, kiddo. Happy birthday.” he playfully hit you on the shoulder before walking away.

Taking your dad’s words to heart, you decided to let it go for the night and just have fun. You made your way out onto the dancefloor, your friends cheering at your arrival.

...

It was finally the end of the night, cake had been eaten and presents had been surveyed as there were too many to open. Most of the guests were beginning to go home but some still lingered out on the cul-de-sac. You stood on the front porch, your heels in your right hand as you waved people goodbye with your left.

“I seemed to have missed most of the festivities.” A familiar voice made you turn around to see your father’s prodigy, Peter Parker, standing behind you. You were pretty good friends with Peter as he had been working with your father for little over three years now. Even still, he seemed to have his moments where he seemed to shut himself off from you and get quiet. He seemed to have his moments and his secrets and so you didn’t really hang out much outside him visiting the tower.

He also wasn’t a social butterfly so even though you had invited him to your party, you didn’t actually expect him to show. Even though it was the end of the night, your spirits still rose seeing him here. “Yeah, you did. My dad got so drunk he serenaded Pepper on the bar.” the two of you laughed. 

You looked out over the seemingly never-ending property, your father had held your party at the summer home. It aided in you feeling like a princess, there was a garden maze on the south side of the home and a long driveway lit by lanterns. You glanced over at Peter and stepped off of the porch, “Would you like to join me on a walk?” He smiled and followed. 

The two of you slowly made your way towards the garden maze on the other side of the property. “You look...” he trailed off while admiring you. You could feel the heat rise to your cheeks and were glad he couldn’t actually see it, “Thank you.” The two of you turned into the garden maze as lightning bugs flew overhead and a cool breeze filled the air. As you walked, you tried to catch and release a few lightning bugs.

The sounds of late summer night hummed in the background as you spotted the small black rectangular box in his hand, “What’s that?” you asked. He looked down at it sheepishly, “It’s just something I got you. I don’t know if you’ll actually like it.” He had thought to buy you something? That was unexpected, but very welcomed. 

Without you saying anything, he slowly opened the small box to reveal another gold necklace. “It’s not 100 percent pure gold like the ones your dad gets you,” it was absolutely gorgeous. It was a small heart pendant attached to a gold chain. “It’s stupid really-” he scratched the back of his neck, looking down at it. “It’s beautiful, Peter.” You whispered in awe. 

“Would you mind? You can take the other one off.” You said turning around. He carefully removed it from the box. He put it over your head and placed the pendant on your collarbone before securing it in the back and you felt a warm sensation in your heart. Suddenly, everything changed. 

It was like your senses had sharpened. You could hear the distant conversation at the front of the property and the chirping of the crickets. You could feel the soft summer breeze across your body and Peter’s soft breath on the back of your neck where goosebumps had started to form. Every time his skin accidentally brushed yours, it felt delicate yet intense all at once. The world seemed to slow as he pulled your hair over the chain after removing the other necklace and turned you to face him. 

You studied his face and your eyes fell upon his brown ones. His hand found yours sending shivers through your body. You lightly squeezed his hand before pulling him closer feeling your knees start to get weak.

Resting your hand on the side of his face, you slowly guided him to the ground. You were close enough to lightly feel the air escaping his nose. He looked down at your lips and was about to lean in when- “Y/N! Come say goodbye to your grandmother!” your father called off from the distance somewhere. 

The two of you fell apart still sitting on the ground the closest you had ever been. You frowned slightly looking away, “I should say goodbye to my nonna. I usually give her a kiss and a hug goodbye.” You licked your lips looking down to avoid eye contact. “She flew in from Italy -- my mom’s side of the family. I don’t get to see her like that.” 

“No, no. I understand.” he mumbled as you both quickly stood. You began dusting off your dress as he helped. You looked up at him again quickly before looking back down again, “Thanks again. It’s beautiful.” You couldn’t bring yourself to look him in the eyes again because his gaze suddenly felt so intense, it felt like you’d melt. “You’re welcome.”

“Y/N!” your dad yelled off in the distance again. You gestured towards the balcony of the house where your dad was likely yelling from, “I have to go.” Peter nodded quickly, “I understand.” You admired him and watched as his eyes softly gazed over your features one last time. “Good night, Peter.” you waved quickly, “Good night, Y/N.” You gathered your dress and hurried off towards where your dad and nonna waited for you on the balcony.

That was it.

[nc7dr3am]

LILY’s BIRTHDAY PARTY VLIVE

december 1st, 2020

you know the drill for nct dream birthday parties

they’re all at the long table, there’s balloons that spell “happy birthday lily” behind them

and they all have party hats (except jimin) and snacks and the cake on the table

jimin is seated in the middle, mark to her right, then chenji

to her left is renjun, hyuck, and then nomin

jimin: hiii czennies!!

and the rest of the boys do their shit yknow greeting the fans

hyuck: it’s our jimin’s birthday!!

and all the guys cheer but it’s so loud that jimin plugs her ears and wrinkles her face

hyuck: i remember when she was just a tiny baby :’)

jaemin: she’s grown so much :(

jeno: she used to be even shorter when we met her

renjun: even back then, we were all taller than her

jimin: today, i will be opening my members presents in front of czennies- we can all celebrate my birthday together!! sadly, mila unnie wasn’t able to though :(

chenle: mila noona got her an electric violin

mark: it’s so cool, seriously. and she played misfit on it as soon as she got it

hyuck: i was so shocked- she just knew it already without preparing

jisung: our jimin is talented~~

jimin: it wasn’t hard! i plan to cover dancing in the rain soon, since i helped compose it

a minute later, they start with the gift, youngest to oldest

jisung hands her a single card and everyone laughs

renjun: where’s your present?

jeno: ah, you know he’s always like this

jimin: *trying not to laugh* shh, let me read the car

jisung is just hiding his head in his hands, and the others and laughing quietly

jimin: ‘jimin... noona...’ ahhh, i hate being called that, this sounds so awkward?? anyway, ‘you’ve came a long way. it’s okay that you have grey hairs-‘ jisung!! WHY WOULD YOU TELL CZENNIES THAT

renjun then leans over while they’re all laughing and tries to count her grey hairs that actually exist. girlie’s got premature greyness 😔

jimin: ‘it’s okay that you have grey hairs and are grumpy a lot. you’re just becoming an old woman... but we still love you. happy birthday, from jisung’ you’re dying later tonight, jisung park. say goodbye to czennies now while you have the chance

once they settle down a little, chenle hands her his gift

mark: is there not a card?

chenle: she doesn’t need one

everyone’s laughing again and mark’s is super loud and cute and lily smiles while looking at him

jimin: let’s see what’s inside

everyone is looking over curiously

jisung: i already know what he’s gotten her. he wanted it to be the most expensive gift

jimin: you dummy, i don’t need- OH MY GOD

she’s holding a light grey purse and her mouth is gaped open

jeno: what is it?

yknow when they’re all confused and making those confused noises? yeah they’re all doing that

jimin: YOU SERIOUSLY GOT ME A GIVENCHY ANTIGONA PURSE?? THEYRE TOO EXPENSIVE

chenle: i know grey is your favorite color, so i got that~~

hyuck: HES TOO RICH

renjun: HE HAD TO OUTDO US ALL

jaemin: HE DIDNT EVEN HAVE A CARD

jimin: thank you so much, lele!!

and then she stands to hug him while he’s dolphin laughing

chenle: honestly, your purses all break and are too cheap... this one is supposed to be sturdy and hold a lot without breaking

hyuck: it’s funny when they break at the airport

jimin: shut up... jaemin oppa?

jaemin passes her a card and she freezes suddenly

jimin: will this make me cry? your cards are always so touching

jaemin: just readdd

chenle: she’s going to cry, i know it

jimin: ‘our lovely jimin’ WAHHH THIS IS GOING TO MAKE ME CRY

renjun: just read, it’s okay!

jimin: ‘watching you grow up has been so strange. when i met you, you were such a baby. you were someone i wanted to protect, and you still are. you’re my little sister, and it’s been an honor to grow up with you, to perform with you, and be part of your family. you’re our most precious member, and i love you so much. let’s be together for a long time. happy birthday, koala.’

she was tearing up durinf the letter and you could hear it in her voice but at the end she began to cry more and covered her hands with her eyes as the others slightly malfunction cuz they don’t know what to DO

jaemin: don’t cry, jimin-ah!!

hyuck: get her a tissue! it’s okay~~

mark: *in english* hey, it’s okay! don’t cry, lils *puts his arm around her*

chenle: i told you she would cry

renjun: *helps to dry her eyes with his sleeves*

jeno: jaemin, why did you do this??

jisung: open the present, stop crying!!

^^ and all of those are just kinda all at once it’s so chaotic

jimin: *laughing* it’s okay, i just love you. oppa, give me a huggg

soon she’s opening his gift and she gives a great big smile

jimin: i was going to buy this myself!

jaemin: i had to get it for you~~

she holds up a new camera and even though her eyes are still a little teary she looks so happy

jimin: manager noona, can you help set this up? i want to take a picture with everyone after this!!

soon it’s time for hyuck’s gift, and she’s trying not to laugh as she opens the card

jimin: i’m most excited for this card...

when she opens it she LAUGHS and she shows it to mark who laughs even more

the others all clamor to see it and CACKLE when they do. she holds it up to the camera

the card just has all of hyuck’s recent pcs in it and says ‘you’re welcome for this card which has made your birthday wonderful’

jimin: donghyuck oppa, i love you so much. you’re the love of my life

hyuck: 😳 stop lying, stupid girl

she’s already opening his gift and laughs when she sees it. it’s noise cancelling headphones

hyuck: you were yelling at us recently that we were being too loud and you wished your noise cancelling headphones werent broken

jimin: i usually only use my earbuds, but these are so nice!! are they wireless??

hyuck: yeah, since you never use airpods i thought this was the closest you’d go

jimin: thank you oppa!! i love you so much

hyuck: i love you too

when she opens jeno’s card she grins

jimin: *in english* ‘little lilly,’ *in korean* ‘happy birthday. it’s been so many years since we met, and you’re still as special as you were then. stop growing so that you can be our baby koala forever. love you, jeno’

they all applaud, and jimin is pouting

jimin: i’m only you and jaemin’s baby, stop acting like i’ll be a baby forever!

jisung: taeyong hyung says that you’re his baby too

jimin: okay. i’m only nomin and taeyong oppa’s baby

jeno gives her a large gift bag and she pulls out some blankets

jimin: ahhhh, thank you oppa!! these are so soft!! i love blankets!!

jeno: keep looking, there’s something else~~

jimin: *gasps* l’interdit?! omo, i’ve wanted to try this for so long!! you all know i love givenchy... doyoung oppa got me givenchy sneakers today

mark: it smells really good

jimin: ?! did you all try it already?

chenji starts laughing and then it’s OBVIOUS what happened

jeno: we wanted to test it!!

jimin: *sprays it on herself* ooo, it does smell quite nice. thank you, oppa, i really love it

renjun: after you read the card, i have to go get the present

jimin: ?!

mark: is it too big for the room?

jeno: huh?

renjun: just read, jimin-ah~~

jimin: ‘jimin, i still remember when we met. you looked so scared in the practice rooms, but you still smiled at us all. i’m happy we see that smile every day, even when you’re feeling bad. happy birthday, jiminnie, we love you’ awwwh, junnie oppa... thank you

she leans on him, smiling

renjun: you’re welcome. but let me get the gift

hyuck: i don’t know what it is, does anyone?

no one knows what it is, but they’re even more suspicious when a manager leaves with him.

renjun, from a distance: cover her eyes!!

mark scoots closer to her and covers her eyes, making her pout

jimin: i want to seeeee

and then all the dreamies GASP which has her freaking out

jimin: what is it?! mark, let me go, i want to see!!

when she does see, her eyes go wide.

jimin: woahhh...

when it gets brought in, even all the fans watching are like O_O

renjun’s gift is... a huge floral arrangement with... WHITE LILLIES

LIKE THE INSTAGRAM POST MYSTERY

jimin: these are gorgeous... thank you, oppa

he hugs her, smiling

renjun: you really like them?

jimin: of course i do! you know white lillies are my favorite... and the daisies and leaves are gorgeous

hyuck: we should put them behind the table, so everyone can see them

jaemin: those are really pretty, renjun

jisung: woahhh

chenle: mark hyung looks upset- that’ll be hard to follow LMAO

hyuck: *smug* i think his will be good...

mark looks embarrassed handing her the card and starts to LAUGH

jimin: *in english* ‘lils, i hope the day has been better than every other one. i don’t wanna be weird and write as long a letter as i planned, so i’ll just shorten it. you’re one of the funniest, most talented people i’ve ever met, and i knew that even when we were little, shy trainees. i’m happy about all the time we’ve spent together and all the time we will have in the future, performing and growing by each other’s sides. happy birthday, m.l.’

at that point everyone is clowning mark because he got sentimental and sweet and mark and lily BOTH feel embarrassed-ish

jimin: thank you, markie oppa. it means a lot

mark: LMAO you’re welcome... it was nothing

hyuck: open your gift!!

he throws her a small box and she quirks an eyebrow

jimin: what, no puzzle? or an empty picture frame?

hyuck: what about a bible?

renjun: or an english dictionary?

mark: ahhhh. why are you all being like this

hyuck: don’t worry, jimin-ah, you’ll like this...

she opens the present and is met with a light blue tiffany’s box

jimin: no way. this is a joke. you didn’t get me anything from tiffany’s

mark: just open it!!

jimin: *opens it and just stares for a while*

and all the guys are wondering what’s in it and they’re all like woah.

jimin: oh my god mark

mark: do you like it?

jimin: of COURSE i do oh my god

she holds up a necklace with three charms on it. one that looked like a tag and another that was an ornate key and then a sagittarius charm. she’s smiling so big

mark: look at the other side, i got it engraved

jimin: ‘happy birthday, lils. m.l.’ oppa this is so gorgeous... help me put it on?

she lifted her hair and he fastened the clasp

hyuck: i told him to get you jewelry but he thought this up himself. i was surprised

everyone started to agree because mark is horrible at giving gifts

jaemin: it’s so pretty!

mark: haha i’m glad you like it

jimin: i absolutely love it! i cant believe it- i hoped you’d be the one person who didn’t spend much money on me. you know i hate people spending money on me

renjun: you deserve it, though

mark: it was nothing... i was just scared you wouldn’t like it

she gives mark a hug from the side, eyes closed and head on his chest

they all talked a bit more, the guys taking a bunch of the snacks, before they sang happy birthday to her and served cake

jimin: thank you guys, really... it means so much

jeno: you know we all love you

chenle: totally

he tHEN SMASHED JIMIN’S CAKE INTO HER FACE AND THEIR MANAGER SNAPS A PHOTO ON HER NEW CAMERA AS SOON AS IT HAPPENS

jimin: ZHONG CHENLE-

chenle already started running, but before chasing him, jimin says goodbye to czennies

then the rest of them closed the live

[redvelvetreel]

Red Velvet Reel 9.2: Blue Ain’t (Usually) My Color

            [Fic Directory]

Pairing: [Married] Spicyhoney (Underfell Papyrus x Underswap Papyrus)

Summary: Stretch learns a little bit more about everything: parentMOOD, funeral traditions, *what Edge is probably thinking.* But at least he knows how to move forward now!

Characters: Stretch (Underswap Papyrus) & Red (Underfell Sans)& Blue (Underswap Sans)

Contains: Mpreg/Skelepreg! Candid discussions of monster funerary traditions! Different monster cultural traditions between universes!  

Rating: Teen and up! (I guess?)

Note: Additional cultural notes/elaborations available at the bottom so as to avoid spoilers! :)

“Me?!” Stretch gaped, unable to keep the surprised indignation out of his tone, “Me?!”

Before Red could say anything else, Blue kicked him under the table again, “Thank you for all that, Red!” Blue put his mouth literally against the side of his brother’s skull, saying as quietly as possible, “He’s an asshole but he’s right.”

Somehow, Red still heard him.  Still stuck his tongue out petulantly, but he was obviously flattered. Even if he kicked Blue under the table and steal his last biscotti. It was kinda cute.

Stretch shook his head free of that weird thought, focusing on his confused outrage, “What do you mean I’m freaking him out?!” Wait, he was the master of his emotions, he could ask this quietly and civilly! Think soothing thoughts, like clouds and kittens and successful science projects- “I mean, how am I putting Edge on... edge?” Hehe. “I’m doing my best to not do that?”

“Well,” Blue folded his hands under his chin, looking thoughtful, “Edge still has his intent sensitivity-“

“Parent sense!” Red chimed in helpfully, chewing noisily as he dunked his biscotti in the remaining half of Stretch’s coffee. He felt a deep pang of sadness, one that he couldn’t blame entirely on Pancake. He downed the rest of it before his brother-in-law could double-dunk.

“So, even if you tried to act like everything was fine, he would still be able to detect your intent.” Blue, trying so hard to be careful, was endearing and annoying, and it was a struggle to try and push those conflicting feelings away.

“‘N ya ain’t too good an actor!” Red swiped Blue’s mug, using the last sliver of biscotti to scrape whipped cream off the inside.

“You’re a great actor!” Blue assured him firmly, pointedly ignoring his obnoxious counterpart. “But the parentMOOD heightens your emotions, and makes it more... obvious when you are... troubled.”

“Saw ya lookin’ sad way aways.” Red had gotten a spoon from somewhere, and was using it to scrape up the dregs from his coffee cup,”‘N ya get lil’ poofs ‘a intent when yer moods swingin’.”

“Do- Do I really?!” Stretch couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “So my stupid mood swings are undermining my best attempts to play it cool? And are straining my marriage?”

“Papy.” Blue was a very patient monster, but even he looked like he might be nearing his limit, “Your marriage is fine. Edge isn’t going to divorce you over being a little moody. He’s moody!”

“Yep.” Red was playing with the spoon now, trying to balance it on the tips of his claws, “S’not his style, ‘n Fell ain’t real big on ‘divorce. ‘Fore it got bad, Boss’d prolly kill ya ‘n put ya in an osario.”

“Oh.” Stretch wasn’t sure if he was comforted or alarmed by that tidbit. Blue looked horrified, so he probably should feel more like that. Weird. “What’s that?”

“Osario’s lotsa stuff- s’box thing. Glass ‘n shit. For ya? Mm... ‘Prolly a collar.” Red’s smile stretched wider at that reaction, voice nonchalant even as he watched Blue carefully. Out of the corner of his eye. “Touchy-feely bastard’ prolly carry ya around whole damn time, too. No inventori for ya, Honey.”

“WHAT?!” Blue was aghast, looking pale, so Stretch absolutely shouldn’t have felt a little flattered at that. And certainly not pleased. “Edge regularly carries...” Blue fidgeted, lowering his voice to a strained whisper, “Monster dust?”

“Before, yeah?” Red didn’t look like he quite understood the question, “Not now. Didn’t bring none here, don’t think.”

“WhY?!” Blue rubbed at his face, “Underfell is a terrible, vicious place, I know-“ Stretch winced at that, remembering Edge’s bitter sulk after the whole bar incident. Had his little meltdown over that whole will-death talk make his husband’s insecurities worse? “But what reason could any monster possibly have to carry that around?!”

“Sos ya can honor the dead, Baby Blue.” Red gave the other skeleton a sharp look, “What else ya gonna do? Stick ‘em up like a goddamn decoration? Psh. Ain’t nothin’ sadder than being goddamn forgotten.”

Oh nooooo, this was just a huge cultural misunderstanding. Edge wasn’t being macabre! He totally hurt his hubby’s feelings! On something Edge was already sensitive about! 

“I told you like a hundred times- that’s Undertale! In Underswap, everyone who knew them puts some of monster’s dust in a pot of soil!” Red and Blue were still going at it. “Then, you plant an echo flower seed and care for it until it blooms. Then, it will have your loved one’s voice, and it feels like you can talk to them! That’s the opposite of forgotten!”

“That’s fuckin’ creepy, man.” Red shuddered, making that peace-bless hand signal over all three of them. “Dust’s dust! It havin’ a Dusted’s magic color ‘n voice just ain’t right.”

“How is carrying your friend’s dust everywhere you go any less creepy?!” Blue threw his arms up. “At least you don’t actually see the dust on an echo flower, and it’s quietly tended to! At home!”

“‘Cause we ain’t pretendin’ they ain’t dusted! Fine, look, s’diff for diff monsters ‘n shit, but here’s how Edge’d do it-“ Oh noooo, it was cultural AND something personally important to Edge! Stretch put his head in his hands. Oh, he fucked up so bad. 

“Lil’ bit of dust s’given to whatever bastard wants it, yeah? Crown takes s lil’ dusted RG go in this lil’ medal thing, ‘n their put in...” Red made a face, struggling with the phrasing, “Patria... temple...? Some bullshit place, lotsa flowers ‘n ribbon ‘n shit, s’like ‘rememberin’ the fallen’ whatever.”

Red rubbed at his face like he was getting a headache, “S’long story, but as Cap’n he was wearin’ a diff osario a day. Come in Grillby’s, pour a lil’ rum out fer the Angel ‘n the Dusted ‘n down rest. ‘Everybody’d do it, too. ‘N we’d chat about ‘em, laugh ‘n just... remember.”

He sighed deeply, tone soft and melancholic, “Ain’t nothin’ scarier for Fell than thinkin’ yer life ain’t matter. That y’ain’t make no kind of mark on no one at all.”

Blue didn’t say anything at that, watching Red carefully with veiled pity. Or was that understanding? “I guess that doesn’t sound so terrible. It’s the same principle as our Memorial Echo tradition.” He smiled, “Knowing that your loved ones will keep you alive in their memories, even as they make new ones with a piece of you at their side. It seems like it would give some monsters peace of mind.”

Damn. Stretch hadn’t mentioned what he and Edge had actually ‘fought’ about! How did Red and Blue know?! There was no way this conversation hadn’t been orchestrated- it was way too creepily relevant! At the same time, Edge probably hadn’t told them. He was always saying ‘dirty laundry is done at home,’ so how...?

“Are you ok, Papy?” Blue looked concerned, reaching out to turn his face toward the light, “You’re looking a little pale-“

He pulled away, putting his brother’s hand back on the table. “I don’t know how you both know what you know,” Stretch started warily, eyeing them both suspiciously, “And it’s still creepy- but ok. I got your message. Loud and clear.”

              [Part 1] [Part 2 - Here!] [ Part 3 ]  

Notes/Clarification:

-Osario in English is "Ossuary," but for the purposes of Underfell culture, think of it more as a "reliquary." Those are these ornate containers for venerated objects in Catholicism, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

-Collar is a double entendre: it's like the dog collar kind in English, but in Spanish it's just a necklace.

- The saying in spanish is, "La ropa sucia se lava en casa," or "Dirty laundry is washed at home." Meaning you don't air dirty laundry/family issues and stuff in front of people. 

-Underswap monster funerals: Echo flowers are a memorial flower, and because they're magical flowers, soil infused with monster dust gives them that monster's voice! They'll echo back whatever you tell them in the voice of the deceased, so it's customary to keep them at home and just... talk to them, hear the things you miss the most. "I love you" is the usual phrase of choice. They're pretty hardy flowers, so they live for as long as they're cared for.

[whirlybirbs]

first kiss.

summary: ben takes you, the princess he’s been assigned to guard, to the markets as his time on cardota nears it’s end. confessions are made and kisses are had. word count: 1.5k rating: T, some kisses ok? a/n: i wanted to write fluff ok here u go! also, this falls in line with my other jedi!ben pieces. if u wanna read ‘em, here’s the masterlist! 

pls dear god donate to my ko-fi, i have 8ams every morning and i am stupid broke. i actually need coffee. pls. help me.

“I can’t believe you brought me here.”

His laugh is bright -- like the sun on a warm day -- and you can’t help the contagiousness of it all. Your own smile is blooming, big and fearless, as you grip his hand and follow him through the bustling market. Ben’s glancing back, stealing encouraging looks, every few steps as you blink around in pure awe -- you could kiss him.

Market stalls bubble over with the spices and familiar staples of Cardotan delicacies. Voices raise and shout and laugh and you grin as Ben dips through a stall of jewelry and juts his thumb at the ornate jadeite pieces dangling from the roof. The stall owner gives you a smile and you stumble over the embarrassment stuck on your face as Ben is stretching and reaching to pull a necklace from a high hook.

In Cardotan, the woman chides that Ben is a nice catch. Good husband material, she says.

Tugging the scarf close to your face, you say nothing and simply nod. Your face is hot with embarrassment and Ben, meanwhile, bumps you a bit and tosses the stall owner his own credits. You give him a bit of a mortified look, cocking a hip to the side as he gives that stupid, boyish smirk of his.

“What? Why that look? It’s a gift.”

“Ben,” you shove his arm, “No.”

“Ben, yes,” Ben’s hands meet your shoulders and the padawan moves to clasp the necklace around your neck; it’s beautifully crafted with a pale green color and flowers carved into the beading, “Something from me, okay? So you don’t forget me after you move onto the next Jedi knight.”

“Ben, do you know what those beads --”

“Cost? Yes, I paid for it.”

“No --”

“Yes.”

You could kiss him.

Ben grins at how your nose scrunches and how your face goes red. Your fingers pinch at his sides and he tugs you close, looping his arms around your shoulders. You figure if he doesn’t know the significance of the beads, then it’s fine. You’ll hide them in your room later from your mother. She doesn’t need to know your personal guard just essentially proposed marriage.

“How could I forget you?” you roll your eyes and as Ben leads you through the market towards the food stalls, he thinks maybe this is a sweet moment. His chest hammers for a moment, throat going a bit dry as he blinks down at you. You meet his big brown eyes with an amused gaze. And then, you say, “You’re insufferable. Absolutely the worst. I couldn’t forget you if I tried, Ben Solo.”

“Good,” he grins, moving to steal your hand as he begins to shoulder his way through the crowds once more.

He’s tall, standing nearly a foot taller than yourself, and sticks out like a sore thumb. His padawan robes are dark, though, and they help him blend into the rick Cardotan urban landscape a bit. Ben wiggles through the market, fingers knotted tightly in your own as your other hand clutches the scarf to your face with purpose.

If you were to be recognized? Well, it wouldn’t be the best of situations.

You try your best not to admire the clear definition of his broad shoulders beneath his robes and certainly try to worm your gaze away from his backside to the best of your ability. But, it’s hard. Ben is handsome, and with every smile he shoots you, you swear you’re closer to kissing him silly.

Ben thinks about kissing you a lot. Late at night when Snoke is in his head, you’re a distraction from it all. You keep his heart busy, beating on towards the light. You look so different in a tunic -- less regal but still so beautiful. Your thick braid sways as you walk.

He could kiss you.

Ben tugs you into a bustling restaurant; he quickly motions for a table and you’re both escorted to a small corner in the back of the establishment. Tugging your tunic, you settle to the pillow on the floor and cross your legs -- Ben does the same but with much less grace. The boy’s limbs are far too long for his body. The nineteen year old clears his throat as he’s handed a menu by the server.

“For you and your wife, sir,” the man bows, stealing a quick glance towards you and the necklace around your neck.

Ben blanches, stumbling over his words. “Oh, uh, we’re not --”

“Thank you,” you bow, cutting Ben off and stealing him a look as the waiter dashes off.

Ben blinks, eyes wide. “Married? Why would he --”

“Ben,” you sigh, pinching the bride of your nose, “I was trying to explain… The necklace.”

The teenager pales, back going stiff and lips twitching in concern. “Oh no.”

“I mean,” you shrug, “It’s just a gesture -- an old tradition. Jadite is a sacred gem here on Cardota and it’s typically associated with fertility and passion; to Cardotan’s, it is a symbol of commitment. Though, nowadays, you have to go through the courts and --”

A pause.

Ben ducks his face into his hands. “Are you going to divorce me?”

Your words fall short and you close your eyes, snorting as Ben peeks out from his own hands and grins. His voice is laced with amusement. “I can’t live without you.”

You could kiss him.

And still, for some reason, the words strike you hard in the chest -- a bit like a punch. You wish, maybe, he meant it. That he would stay forever and never leave and be by your side for the rest of your days. You fight the somber slip of emotions that swallows you whole, but Ben notices it as soon as it happens. The force laps at your soul like the kiss of a wave; he’s prying.

He surprised when he feels the same emotions that dig in his chest late at night. With each day winding away, he comes closer to leaving you. And though Luke talks about connection and how dangerous it can be, Ben swears you’re the closest thing to the light he’s ever seen. His chest aches and so he reaches out and steals your hand again.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No,” you shake your head, “I just… I don’t want you to leave is all, Ben.”

“Can I be honest?”

His voice is soft and it scares you. You nod.

“I don’t want to leave either.”

He feels your heart hammer like his own. He feels the coil of affection wind tighter in your gut just like it does in his. The force kisses his senses with the warmth of your emotions and it’s intoxicating. Your flooded with relief, a small smile lifting your lips. Ben thinks it’s the prettiest thing he’s ever seen. He stares a moment too long.

He could kiss you.

“Then don’t,” you say, “Stay with me.”

He moves, slipping around the table to your side and knocking knees with your own. In the corner, pressed away from the rest of the diner, he speaks like he’s not a Jedi. Like attachments are allowed and he’s in love. He is, he knows he is, but he’s pushed it away for the sake of his brain. If Luke ever figured out? He’d be kicked out. But, for you -- Ben thinks it might be worth it.

“Do you mean that?” his words are quiet, face close to yours as the scarf slips from your face and you nod. His fingers tug at your own; you swallow.

“I do,” you mumble, “I… If you would. I’d have you stay. A-And…”

“...And?”

Your eyes catch his lips then dart back to his big brown eyes. He looks scared, and for the first time you see Ben Solo vulnerable. Your words are warm. “And we’d be together. Because I care about you. You’re the first person to treat me like a person and not a porcelain doll. You’re brave and smart and handsome and --”

He kisses you.

His nose bumps yours and he misses your mouth a bit, but he grins so big and wide that you can’t complain, especially as his hands secure themselves to the sides of your jaw. Eyes fleet shut, digging to grip his robes and tug him closer as you both throw caution to the wind. It’s sweet and slow and gentle but you both pull away breathless and wade even deeper into the growing sea of affection. Ben’s face is pink, ears hot as he cards a hand through his mess of hair.

“So,” he breathes, lips meeting yours once again as you grin, “That necklace.”

“Are you proposing to me, Ben Solo?”

“No, god no,” he grins, “Not yet.”

Not yet.

You kiss him.