#I want their ending to be happy cause I’ll be destroyed if it isn’t

[emily-mooon]

It’s thinking about Jancy hours for me right now.

[hidtired]

sooo what i you do a Daryl x reader where the reader and Daryl had a relationship before the whole outbreak but when the world went to shit, they got separated and they didn't find each other again until Daryl and Aaron are out looking for people and they find the reader in some sort of abandoned building and it's just a sweet reunion. Btw I love your reading and I have no idea what you mean by GRAMMER MISTAKES- LIKE WHERE- but I love ur work <3

That makes my dyslexic ass very happy. I reread my stuff so much and always find mistakes so I try!

Miles Away

(Daryl Dixon x Reader) Masterlist

“Things are never lost to you; you are lost to them. If ever in need of something that has lost you, simply stop hiding from it.”

6.2k words

Description: A last minute trip leaves you separated from your fiancé when the world ends. Years of travel inevitably returns you to him. But years out in the world causes change.

Your POV

An unlikely relationship to have happened between two individuals, but happened all the same. It was a shock to the small town at the time. Even years later the announcement of your engagement causing some ruffled feathers. You the sweet town girl and a rugged Dixon. You were often discouraged from people about Daryl. You had dated the man for around 7 years now. Even so, the people around you told you it was a mistake to go through with a marriage. How could you not do it? He proposed, something you thought he would never do because his parents. He put it simply, “I already see you as my wife. Guess it was bout time I actually made you that rightfully.” So you told everyone to respectfully mind their business.

Then the world ended. You were thousands of miles in the air at the start. Daryl having dropped you off at the airport. You sulked with leaving, becoming mushy about going to New Hampshire to see your dementia ridden mother for the most likely last time. She was getting bad and some family had gathered and deciding to pull the plug. You still remember the last thing you said to him. Tears in your eyes as he held you outside TSA. “I’ll be back in a few days. Then I’m turning that title of fiancé into husband the next I see you.” You felt him chuckle into you, “Yes Ma’am you will.” Expressing I love you’s and the last kiss before you had to catch your flight. This isn’t the first time you had gone to check on your mom. Daryl insisted on coming but he had a hunting trip with his brother and you didn’t want to ruin that. So you had told him no. Why did you tell him no.

The first community you were apart of was the airport you landed at. It lasted a few months, food was plenty for the time and there were weapons from security. It was the people who ended up getting everyone killed. Few disagreements here and there caused a split, factions of sorts. One group kidnapped a pilot to try and fly a plane back to their loved ones. The plane they took hadn’t been run or properly check since everything fell. So it crashed into the fence destroying a good part of the airport with it. The crash attracted a horde and quickly over ran the place. You had a few survivors with you from the airport until you had either lost or seen them all killed.

You headed south, back to Daryl. Miles and miles of land keeping you from Georgia. It was 2 years going on 3 now. You would come across community’s, some still going some gone. Finding less than great people on the road. So that leads you to now. Two wannabe cowboys trying to lasso you like cattle. A scar carved into there for heads the only odd thing about them. They spit out concerning threats and comments, “You can have my seconds when I’m done Bill!” A rope had caught tight to your ankle leading you unable to run. You almost tripped but held your ground. Before this encounter you’d been having it tough for a few weeks. You had barely made any distance in the time you had traveled. The frustration and despair and shit luck wore you thin. You had a gun, only one in the chamber. Leaving one for you if you needed it. About the only ‘cure’ there is nowadays.

You thrashed around trying to fight off the men. You were already covered in grime. They were trying to capture you, not kill. That changed when the gun came out. This alone helpless woman became not so helpless. You fired your only shot at the bigger guy. The smaller one still had the rope and tugged making you miss killing the other. It hit him in the shoulder sending him crying in pain to the forest floor. It was moments like these that made you zone out. Violence wasn’t something you had in you. But now something learned, you had been out in the world too long. Taking a life becoming a norm. You used to care, then you remembered why they were all dead.

The steadiness you felt inside didn’t translate to the out. You scream and yell promises of death. You had managed to grab the rope from your ankle and used it to strangle the man who tied it to you. You broke a few ribs of his while he slowly chocked to death. You had your legs around him while you pulled back at his throat, you had heard and felt a few cracks. The man you had shot watching in horror has he struggled to decide, fight or flight? He choose froze, big scary man having his power taken from him and he becomes a coward. Your incessant screams and yells stopped when he stilled. You focus back to the injured. He rambled apologies to you at your approach. It fell on deaf ears, spotting a large rock near him. You didn’t kill him with speed. You broke his leg with the rock, slowly moving up his body. He was long dead when you were done swinging. Blood splattered and dripping down you.

A frustrated and adrenaline filled scream released out of you. All your noise attracted the infected near you. You ran still with a rope tied to you. You found a small home that was overgrown and slid into it. The knife you didn’t realized you pulled out while running tremble in your hand. You slide down the old wall in the building. The regret to your brutality flowing over you. Killing was normal for survival now, but what you did was cruel. You took your time and did it in brutal ways.

You were twirling the ring on your finger as a nervous habit. Often times doing it for a sense of safety from the man who had given it to you. You thought about him most days. Either when you do something he himself had taught you. That time spent with him in the woods had you picking up little things from him in time. It is why you’re alive for as long as you were. But come closer to night time when you just want to roll into his arms and let the world cease to exist. To just talk to him and hear his voice. But you were no longer the person he knew, and that broke your heart more. The blood covering you, the mans and yours was a very big indication of that fact.

The dead must have saw you run off and tried to follow. The sound of a leaf crunching told you only one must have stumbled correctly in your direction. The quiet movement and lack of undead moans told you all you needed to know.

‘They must have had friends.’

Daryl POV

He was devastated knowing you were far from his reach. Blame for not going with you. It was your mother dying how could he have just let you tell him it was fine? That, “We will go to the funeral when that comes.” He was bitter and angry in the beginning. Then it was hope when he got to the prison with people he now considered family. Maybe one day he would find you again. Then the prison fell and reality seemed to hit him.

Acceptance came when he finally confessed to Rick of your existence. It was when they sat against that car after the night with the claimers. He broke when he told him he was his brother. A mention of Beth stirring the thought of you with it. He looked away from Rick taking a shaky breath, “I lost her like how… how I lost m’ wife.” Rick’s eyes widened taking in the information. Tears build in Daryl’s eyes before he steels himself, “Completely out of my control and yet… somehow was.” Rick understands the feeling, it turns out Daryl knew just that to. When he lost Lori, it was Daryl that helped hold things together. That sudden understanding knocked into him. Rick cautiously asked, “Are they both dead…?” Daryl looked out to the forest. He slowly shook his head, “Just gone.”

When Beth died it also felt like you died with her. The hope he always had that you were out there seemingly dying inside him. He knew the kind of person you were. He would kill squirrels and you would feed them. He knew you were far too nice for your own good. You had spent hours in the rain trying to lure a kitten from under the neighbors shed. Catching a cold so bad it stuck with you for a week. You were his fragile thing in the world he promised to protect. To not just keep you alive but keep your innocence. Whether you were dead or not you would have had killed something in you to live in today’s world. To not be able to protect you from anything felt like he failed you.

He still held a hope you went down peacefully. It had to be meaningful because your life had to be for something. He tried to do the same by giving his life for others. Most recently that person being Aaron. In truth he was ok with dying knowing there was a slim chance of seeing you once again. Things that reminded him that maybe it was better for you to have not suffered. With the horde and assholes he tried to help and others assholes destroying Alexandria’s walls. So now that leading them, him and Aaron tracking the few Wolves who fled. They knew Rick said not to go recruiting people. The distance yells and screams caught there interest. They still need to try despite Rick being jumpy and “taking no chances”. If they could only just make sure whoever was well then that was enough.

When they got closer to a woman’s scream, which sounded in between scared and angry, the dead also seemed to take interest into the noise. The yelling had stopped near when the shot went off, so finding exactly where this person was in the woods became harder. The sight they found was not what they expected. Aaron had held a hand to his mouth, “What the-“ The sight was gruesome, two body’s laid in the dirt. One unrecognizable due to being beaten to a pulp. The other had a walker chewing on its leg. The neck of the man purple. Daryl looked on at the sight with a scowl and went to put the near walker down. He took notice of the W carved into the dead mans head, “Well shit.” Aaron perked up as he watched Daryl crouch down to the man who was choked. Daryl turning gesturing with his head to the body, “These the assholes who fled.” Aaron walked and peeked to see a W carved into there forehead. These two were the last known of the group and they had seemed to died gruesomely, but not by the dead. Aaron turned to Daryl as a realization hit him, “Where the girl who was screaming?”

A unwelcome chill and uneasiness drifted in the air. A thick cloud of a sad thought, “M’ guess they must have attacked her and she shot big fella over there. Then ran from the walkers.” Daryl nibbled at his lip, his eyes roamed the surrounding, maybe a clue confirming the theory. Some blood caught his attention, then he noticed further that in a direction something was dragged through the forest floor. He pointed in the direction making Aaron turn. Aaron looked to have some kind of resolve, “Let’s make sure she is ok.” Daryl nodded while walking forward to track, “If there comes back with us I’ll try and talk Rick into letting them stay. Hell best we can offer is at least some meds, she did use a favor with those dick bags.” Aaron eyebrows scrunched, “Maybe that would help their case. I don’t like not being about to recruit people anymore.”

The trail Daryl followed lead him to a very overgrown building. It was clear the place may have been abandoned even before the fall. Daryl walked quietly, he gestured he would go around back and that Aaron should go in the front. Aaron crouched and made his way closer to the building while Daryl went to the back. The slow creak of the wooden door making it obvious he was there, Aaron had no stealth in him. So he knows if someone was in this place they knew he was here, he might as well make himself known. He gulped seeing a hand print of blood on the wall closed to the door, “I don’t want to hurt you. Just heard you screaming and saw the bodies of those men. Your not hurt are you?” His weight making the wood underneath him bend with every step. The place was silent, but he knew that someone was here if the blood trail wasn’t any indication.

It was sudden, almost like a flow of wind whipping behind him. A cold knife pressed to his neck. You had drifted out of the dark from somewhere stunning him in shock. He nervously brought his hands up in surrender, “Woah! There’s no need for that.” He tried to stay calm but an obvious tremor to his voice giving away his nerves. The quick movement and tone had alerted the archer to his danger though. Daryl saw a grimy and bloody figure stand to Aaron’s side. Daryl lifted and clicked his crossbow of safety and pointed to the potential threat.

It was clear by the way the person froze they knew they were now out numbered. It was also evident that this person was trembling. They were in a fight mode from just being attacked and he didn’t blame them for being on edge. By the looks of it they had been out in the world for to long, something he was familiar with. This person seemed to be thinking of anyway to run and Daryl decided he should speak stopping those thoughts from getting to how you got away from the other guys.

“Put the knife down, we just were wantin to see if yeah are ok.”

The slow turn of the persons head seemed almost confused. But the soon flicker of eye contact between them revealed all. His grip on his crossbow slowly slipping. His heart pumped in his ears. You. Maybe he was dreaming? You? The building feeling dropped in him. Some way somehow he was staring at you, the women he would burn the world for. He watched as the knife was moved from Aaron and saw it fall to the floor. The sound of you crashing back to the wall behind you giving him a clear view of you. You were covered in dirt and blood. Hair was much shorter then the last he saw you. It was choppy like you did it with a dull blade. It was also tinted darker from being unwashed. Holes throughout your clothes and the collar loose. He slowly stepped closer ignoring Aaron. Then he saw it, a flicker of a sparkle coming from your finger.

The ring he gave you…

Your POV

The clumsy man sloppily creeped up into the house. A voice calmly spoke as they realized they were less than quiet entering, “I don’t want to hurt you. Just heard you screaming and saw the bodies of those men. Your not hurt are you?” The hatred still buzzed in you from your near death experience. This man claimed to ‘not want to hurt you’ but never said they weren’t going to hurt you. The man walked with heavy feet. You were in a dark room hugging the wall near the door. If he was truthful about just overhearing everything you didn’t want to kill him. It was hard to remember that not everyone was out to get you. Even so you quickly rushed to pull your knife to his neck.

The man seemed schooled while raising his hands in surrender. A good move that eased his threat level to you. You took notice of his clean appearance, something that seemed a little strange at first. He looked to you with ought moving his head. Eyes glancing down to you, “Woah! There’s no need for that.” It was clear to you this guy was not involved with the others you just killed. Before you could ask anything a click from across the hall stunned you into a sense of danger overflowing from you again. You didn’t move your sight from the man in front of you. It was clear some kind of weapon was pointed at you. You hadn’t heard the other person at all? Maybe the first guy was so loud you didn’t even think he had another person with him. Should you run? Maybe kill the guy at your knife point and use him as a shield for the other-

“Put the knife down, we just were wantin to see if yeah are ok.”

It was as if a ghost whispered in your ear. The unexpected voice from the dark pulling at your heart and memories. Maybe you were losing it, becoming crazy? All this time out in the world had gotten to you. Your eyes while scared to drift to the darkness and see nothing quickly glanced over to confirm if you lost it. Blue eyes is what you saw. His baby blue eyes that you used to joke would be the color of your children’s. Daryl, crossbow slowly lowering revealing more of himself. The knife slipped from your hand. The man near you back away after it fell. You didn’t even notice while crashing backwards. Eyes still locked with a seeming allusion of your lover. A overwhelming mess of feeling all at once made you numb. You were in Virginia… still miles from Georgia.

He stepped closer, hair longer and clothes seemed worn but still clean. You struggled to suck air in to your lungs, starting to hyper ventilate. You slid down the wall still looking at him. He crouched down to your level eyes glassy and a look of pain in his eyes.

“Darlin’…”

Both POV

Your lips wobbled as tears flood your vision. A sudden rush of air finally hitting your lungs. He almost reached out to touch you but froze halfway not wanting to scare you. The first sound of a cry released from you. You sent yourself flying up at him, encircling him into your arms. He caught you but stumbled back landing on his ass. He felt your body shake with your cry’s. A tightness stuck in his throat as he held you. A moment neither thought would have again.

"Uh, Daryl what just happened?"

Daryl looked over your shoulder and up to a very confused Aaron. A long sigh released from him, "M' Wife." He leaned his head down onto yours. You pulling back to look to him. Tears still in your eyes blurring your vision slightly. Not enough to not take notice of how he changed, for as long as you've known him he's never looked more mature. You sniffle, "I thought I'd never see you again." The clear strain to the admission broke his heart. He knew though, despite that you had been trying to get back, you wouldn't be in front of him now if you hadn't. He wiped at your tears still not fully processing. He noticed Aaron move and sigh, "I'll give you a moment, keep in mind we have to get back before dark." He walked out the door and it creaked and slowly swung closed. It had seemed you had only just noticed and remembered he was there. But you had also remembered that the world was still shit. You looked to Daryl and you notice he was looking at you already.

"Shit. Are you hurt? I saw those assholes bodies-" He seemed to realized it to. The world was different, therefore so were you. He might still have lost you. "-you killed those pricks?" His innocent little thing? He looked to the blood that covered you. Then he remembered the way those bodies looked. You looked away from his eyes seemingly ashamed, "Yes." It was a slightly cold reply. Squeezed fists, nails digging into your palm. "They cornered me so I killed them." It wasn't even a second when Daryl replied with a grumble in his voice, "Good." Your eyes spring to look at his face in surprise. You saw the unwavering truth in that moment. Yes you had changed, so had he.

You smile while tears stream down your face. He was truly here. You grab his face in your hands and look deep into his eyes. He was mesmerized by the change. The love in your eyes remain the same he last saw them, in the end you were still his. He should have clocked that the moment he still say the ring on your finger. You let in a breath before speaking, “The only reason I’m still alive is because of you.” He wasn’t expecting that. He seemed to bite his tongue and look down for a second. Guilty. You forgot how soft hearted this man was, you’re glad that somehow is still with him. You never thought that maybe he would blame himself for the separation. You lift his head to look back to you, “All the times I would watch you hunt, track, and prepare kills kept me fed. All the times I should have given up or accepted death I told myself I would crawl my way to you if I had to.”

Then is when the crashing feeling dropped on him. The love he held for you that felt like a void suddenly was right in front of him. You slowly leaned into him giving a slow kiss. His hand slipped behind your head pulling you into a deeper kiss. Something both would fantasize about now becoming a reality. You wince causing Daryl to pull back. He pulled you back and took a look at you. You huffed a sigh sitting back to the forgotten rope around your foot. Daryl’s eyes round at the rope around your swollen ankle, he grabbed your leg mumbling curses. You sighed, “Shit, forgot about that.” You flinch while he carefully unwraps it. You didn’t feel the pain until now. It didn’t feel broken but the guy must have sprained it the time he pulled on it before you shot his friend. Maybe the crunching you heard while strangling the guy with the rope was your foot. Daryl grunted and had that worried pout he did, “We gotta get yeah back to get that looked at.” He stood first helping you stand. You stumbled giving him a questioning look, “Back where?” He helped you out the door, the man you didn’t recognize turning to your exit of the shack. Daryl started to explain, “We have a community, it’s a little drive away.”

You cringe at the word community. You have seen your fair share of them, either run by crazy’s with a weird motive or something natural would happen destroying the place. “Don’t have the greatest relationship with those but, if you say so.” You look to the man Daryl was with, he seemed bamboozled. He walked closer to you and helping you walk. Daryl seemed perturbed, “I got her, I’ll get her to your car.” You watched somewhat comically as the man sassed and brush’s off his statement. You expected Daryl to hurl harsh words at him because he typically hated when anyone challenged him. But by this man’s tone, “You got shot few days ago. Not the greatest idea to carry her with your shoulder.” he was friends with him. Daryl scoffed but your eyes widened and looked to Daryl in shock. Daryl’s annoyed face at Aaron changed when he saw the worried one on yours, “Geez Aaron it was a graze! You’ll scare her talkin’ like that. Y/n don’t listen to him…”

They both were helping you through the woods seemingly to a road. Aaron chuckled as he took a glance to you, “Well to be fair never knew there was a Mrs. Dixon. Be good for her to finally keep you from being reckless.” Daryl scoffed rolling his eyes, the grip on you tightened from him, “Only ever mentioned it to one person, he’ll give me hell for her when we get back.” Daryl also can’t imagine all the rest of his family finding out you even existed. He looked down seeing you slightly amused at how he was acting. He knows he has changed, for the better he thinks. He was finally confident in saying you were right about his true nature all that time ago. He was just a big softie that denied it and put on a sour façade. He looked to Aaron then back to you, “You’ll be in the car with Aaron. Your to injured for my bike.”

You looked to this Aaron guy giving him an unsure look. He smiled to you shyly, “Best we don’t freak out the rest of are people. Those assholes you killed gave us hell and damaged are community.” That surprised you, looking as a road appeared through the trees, you hopped along, “You were out here for them?” You reached the car and Aaron left your side to open the passenger door. Daryl turning to explain, “They carved W in their head calling themselves wolves. Bunch of crazy’s.” He sighed looking past you, “Those two were the last of em. We didn’t want them doing anything else to anyone.” He rubbed your arm before helping you walk to car, “We were a little late for that I guess.” He helped you sit down noticing it was getting a little too dark for his liking. He moved down looking at Aaron in the drivers seat, “We gotta go before we worry people, I’ll lead the way.”

You sat there staring at Daryl as his headlight lit the road. Everything felt like it was moving really fast. The news of those people you killed were worse than you thought gave some justification for your brutality. Who were you kidding you had lost control. Aaron broke the silence in the humming car, “So, Y/n is it?” You glance over to Aaron just giving a hum in reply. He takes your awkward silence just as well as he takes Daryl. He heard you shuffle in your seat before asking, “How long have you known Daryl?” Aaron clocked the really meaning to the question, ‘how trustworthy are you’. Aaron chuckled, “A few months now.” Not long enough in your opinion. Yet Daryl seems so friendly with him? In such a short time? You decide to just ask another thing bothering you.

“What did he mean by he’ll get hell about me?”

Aaron sighed as he looked on to Daryl driving ahead, “Are leader will be a little pissed with bring you back. He is not big on newcomers right now after the recent incident, but you’re Daryl’s wife so not really new know are you.” This leader sounds to have the right idea about people. You fiddle with the ring on your hand, “So me staying is going to take some convincing?” Aaron smiled and nodded while he drove, “Well if anyone could convince him it would be his brother.” His brother is the leader of this place? That can’t be good. Merle was anything but a leader. This community is probably small and on its lasts legs, he did say it was just attacked and very damaged… guess you’ll be back out on the road sooner then you thought.

You looked out the window for the remainder of your ride. Aaron only speaking again when closer to the destination, “So we’re almost there. You should just stay in the car until we can give a heads up of your arrival?” You tilt your head in confusion, “I’m going in the community? Thought you said your leader wasn’t a people person right now?” You had thought you would have to stay behind considering so. Having to wait for some kind of approval. Aaron laughed a little, “Daryl has a fair amount of say. His family trusts him enough to make a call.” You sat there confused again, ‘Family?’ Just his brother? But he said it like there is a fair bit of people in this, ‘Family’. Your contemplating was interrupted when Aaron rolled to a stop. You looked around into the dark not realizing when Aaron turned off the headlights.

Then while Aaron filcked the lights on and off in a pattern you caught glimpses of a huge wall. You sat up in your seat leaning forward as you watched it slide open. Daryl rolled in first then Aaron slowly drove in. The first thing you notice was houses with a few lights on. Electricity? This place was huge… But your eyes were pealed back to Daryl. A group of people seemingly gathering around him seeming worried. Aaron unlocked the door and before getting out mumbled a quick, “Stay here.”

Daryl POV

There orders were to be back way before dark. So when they hadn’t come back it sent everyone in a panic. Not to mention they were already struggling with replacing broken parts of the wall and moving bodies. Rick had become a singled minded man again with Carl almost dying. So he wasn’t surprised when he came marching up to him unhappy about his tardiness, “Where the hell have you both been! We damn near sent people after you.” Daryl brought his hands to his hips, “Assholes are dead, but there is something else-“

“Stay here.”

Rick turned to see Aaron getting out of the car but he also noticed a figure in the passenger seat nodding. Anger flared in him, “I said no more recruiting! Damnit Daryl- put them in the cell!” Daryl was not about to be yelled at. Specially for something as important as this. “Hold the hell up-“ Rick shook his head in annoyance cutting Daryl off, “This is not negotiable!” Before Daryl could blurt out anything a running figure came screaming for Rick. It was Denise, “It’s Carl he is awake and freaking out!” Daryl felt his stomach drop. Rick hesitated in place before pointing to Glenn, “Go put them in the cell!” Then he ran off back to his son. Daryl turned to Glenn, “Nah man! You don’t get it!” Glenn looked to the people next to him before sighing and walking to the car. “Hey! Wait!” Abraham stepped in front of him blocking his path.

He huffed knowing he would have tackled Abraham if he wasn’t trying to be calm about this. “Get the hell out my way.” Then he heard your voice call out, “Uh… Daryl?” Very clear of your anxiety and how you might lash out if you feel in danger. Daryl needed to just had to suck it up, “ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! FINE!” He stepped to the side looking to Glenn, “Your throwing me in with her. Let’s go…” Glenn paused giving him a wide eye expression. Glenn looked back and forth conflicted but sighed and lead you to the cell Morgan just made. Glenn question Daryl on the walk, “Why are you doing this Daryl?” Daryl was walking slightly ahead with you right behind him. You answered for him, “I’m his wife.” A choked cough released from Glenn, “Woah!” Glenn paused looking to him the to you. “What the hell dude! Never said you were married!” Daryl saw they were getting closer to the building and ignored Glenn’s surprise. Glenn sighed, “Well damn now I don’t wanna lock you up.” Glenn walked past you both going down a small incline. He unlocked a door and rubbed at his next, “But Rick said. I’m sure once everything with Carl calms down he will let you out.” Glenn turned to you, “Sorry about this, newcomers is a sensitive thing at the moment.”

Much to Daryl’s dismay you half heartedly chuckled while walking into the room, “To be fair best I be in a cage. I did just brutally murder two men.” Glenn mouth was agape, “uh- what? She’s joking right?” Daryl just shrugged and followed you into the cell. Daryl even closed the door and stuck his arms through the bars before answering. While it was still a new thing to hear you be so… brutal… maybe just badass, he trusted you. “Don’t tell Rick why I’m in here with her. Want to rub it in his face for pissing me off and not listening to me.” Glenn chuckled and shrugged moving to lock the cell door, “If you say so.” You while just being a bystander to this conversation spoke up, “I thought Aaron said your brother was the leader, not this Rick guy?” Glenn started to laugh, “What you thought people would follow a dumbass like Merle?” Daryl squinted his eyes at Glenn… but he wasn’t wrong. Glenn smiled to him, “No offense.” Daryl just rolled his eyes putting his attention to you, “Rick is like a brother to me.”

Your face told him you were bewildered by that statement. Granted he knows back then Merle always through around ‘blood is the only thing we got’ when you both started dating. Maybe you thought he saw it that way to. Glenn was about to go out the door, “Aw, Daryl cares for us!” Before the door closed Daryl shouted back, “Get your head out of your ass ‘walker bait’!” A nickname sure to piss him off. You only looked to me pleased with the reaction. Awe struck in your eyes drew him closer to you. Alone at last, and it seemed you both had some catch up to do.

It was a lot of talking. Sitting against a wall with your hands intertwined. He told you about Merle’s death. How he came to be so friendly with all these people. You started crying and leaned into him. At first he thought you were sad but you were smiling proudly at him. You share your own story’s. Mentioning friends you’ve lost, mostly them all dying, how a few were just gone with you having no clue to how. “Told you I’d make you my husband the next time I saw you…” He felt his throat tightened, he grieved you to the point of acceptance. So having you here and now felt like another type of grieving. To what could have been. But before he could get into it farther an angry Rick stormed down into the cellar. Hand on hip with a baby Judith slumped over his shoulder. A stature of a man trying to show leadership, “What the hell are you doing here Daryl.” Rick’s eyes only glancing over to you for a second. Daryl sat there for a second prolonging the silence. While he couldn’t exactly blame Rick for having to run off before they could talk he should have known damn well he had say. So he glared daggers to Rick.

Rick moved from foot to foot shaking his head again, “Look we can’t go bring anyone in after the shit that happened-“ Daryl stood up waving his hands, “You think I’m stupid? Like I would go and bring someone back if it didn’t mean something?” Daryl stood straight closing in closer to the bars, “Now please go ahead and tell my WIFE! That she isn’t welcome here.” Ricks mouth gapped open, air releasing from his lungs, “T-that’s her!” Rick’s hand moved to his chest while turning to look at you. Daryl also turned around just seeing you nonchalantly resting on the floor.

“You two really do argue like brothers.”

Your eyes not staring at Rick but the baby girl he carried. Daryl’s heart filled with you pushing aside the anger of the situation, because this was supposed to be a happy moment. Daryl turned back to Rick seeming to have calmed down, “Now… you gonna let us out?” Rick started to laugh, Judith perking up to her father’s laughter. “Goddamn dude, I’m happy for ya.” Rick moved for the key in his pocket. Daryl reached out a hand to help you up, a visible limp still present. While walking here you tried to appear un injured, most likely trying not to look like easy pray. You truly were out there for a long time, his group knows what that could do to your mind.

The creaky bared door swings open leaving the little girl to finally met eyes with her uncle. Daryl sighed when he gained the little girls attention. Judith happily giggled while reaching for him. Though he found really hold her if he wanted to help you walk. That’s what drew his attention back to your face. He wasn’t expecting you to be looking at Judith like she was a puppy. Then you sniffled, “She’s so cute.” Rick looked to you while juggling his daughter. The know that sometimes things like Judith keep you going in hard times. But in your hard time you had nothing. So seeing something in this broken world like Judith was definitely pulling something inside you. Daryl though could help but smugly smile up to Rick with a, ‘Just look at m’ girl~.’ Showing off the one he loved at the start to the family he now has.

But damn if it didn’t feel good.

Feedback welcome and requests open! Maybe spin off if this does well and people want more.

[cuppajj]

Thoughts about BY 5 and 6

So I finished the episode at an unhealthy morning hour, and now after getting my full sleep, I can fully share my thoughts!

And of course, spoilers for the newest episode!

First things first, I want to talk about Burning Spice himself. A while back, I made a post about my hopes for him and how I didn’t want him to be a temperamental meathead, but instead a smart and calculating person who took from his extensive knowledge of history to psychologically destroy as much as physically. Did we get that?

Kinda, kinda not. Spice isn’t another Purple Yam like I’d hoped, he has more character than being just angry, but the hotheadedness does remain most of the way through. He reminds me of a strongman anime villain, the kind whose braun speaks more than brain, but still capable of strategy. Most of that strategy comes from Nutmeg Tiger though, as Spice is mostly interested in fighting Cheese from beginning to end. There’s no moment where he messes with her mind directly and picks apart her vulnerabilities beyond surface level “you hold things dear to you that I will destroy”. Which, implication is that he was more focused on just fighting, which in the context of how/why he is the way he is, kinda makes sense.

And about that, I’ll address it briefly: So we learn that Spice’s corruption, at least the straw that broke the camel’s back, was that he got bored watching history unfold. I think it’s very cool! While I was interested in a little more nuance behind his boredom, sometimes villains don’t need a complex reason for why they do what they do. It does make Spice less sympathetic than Mystic Flour though, so it seems like not all Beasts may be equal in cause and backstory. However, stuff about him may be explored later, since he’s going to be back.

So I would say that Spice isn’t as one note as I’d hoped, but he is a simple villain. A simple and very very fun and scary villain, but there could’ve been a lot more to his character in this story that made it lacking for me. I know BY chapters are usually short, but there could’ve possibly been more time showing the parallels between him and Cheese beyond a dialogue or so. It would’ve been really cool if Spice addressed those directly, using it against Cheese. Making her rethink/relive the trauma of losing everyone and mentally destroying her… like what if there was an exchange in the prison cell when she was at her lowest? What if Smoked Cheese had either been incapacitated and unable to speak, or in a separate cell so Cheese could be entirely at the Beast’s mercy? (We DID get a bit of that when Cheese realized how apathetic he was and what he saw in her soul jam, but that was more of a disgusted shock than a mental breakdown.) Smoked could help her out of her turmoil later (an exchange between him and Spice could’ve also been awesome), but Spice leaving mental damage on Cheese would’ve further spread the idea that he also values breaking things internally.

But, I guess Spice is just destroy destroy destroy to the point where he doesn’t really care about anything else, which is… fine. Admittedly not my cup of tea because it’s so basic, but it doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy his motivation. I hope we get a little more nuance next time we see him.

Anyway love these sprites!! I wished we got more related to the first two, it shows a mellower and/or ironically colder side of him that I think would’ve really helped amplify his fear factor. Spice is all fun and destruction but the oh shit comes from him showing more of the calculated side he used to have.

But speaking of Golden Cheese, I’ll talk about her next.

Overall I really liked her story here! I love seeing her in action and on her own, and her interactions with Smoked Cheese were fun to see! Smoked Cheese was extra fun, I loved how he had sass while still caring for people beyond his kingdom’s entourage (his voice and mannerisms remind me of tfp knockout it’s crazy). I was also happy to learn how the soul cheese worked, since that was a question I had from last episode. It appears Smoked isn’t in his body, but his soul is projecting a physical form given mass that relies on Golden Cheese’s power. Very interesting, and I wonder if he’s just going to stay out now, or if he’ll return? And what of the others too…

Now, something I will say about Cheese is that while her character arc made sense for her in a bubble, I feel a similar thing like I did with Spice that it could’ve been much better. Personally, while Cheese staying true to her greediness and immense care for her treasures is a good thing to power her up, I don’t think it made her as bigger a person than Spice than she could’ve. What would’ve been cooler and more thematic for her character would’ve actually been accepting that destruction and the loss of things she cares about is a natural part of life.

What I mean by this is that while Spice embodies destruction, Cheese essentially embodies creation, which are two polar opposites that have their place in the universe. Antagonizing one or the other should come with a deeper approach to the message, and frankly, antagonizing destruction in its entirety is a very black and white angle. Destruction can be inherently bad and tragic, yes, but it can also pave the way for new life and new things to be created. Plantlife grows back after a forest fire. You can build something better upon the ruins of what was before. For Cheese, her kingdom could’ve been lost/destroyed, but she could’ve accepted it and strove for a newer and better kingdom. Which, in some parts she did, but my philosophy also applies to people lost too.

Death and destruction was a prominent theme in Cheese’s backstory, and much of her Golden City arc was confronting that. I suppose this is a separate talk for another time, but to put it simply, she didn’t have an arc about accepting those who were lost, moreso about striving to bring those who were lost back. The story ended with her promising to bring her friends back, instead of accepting that she lost them and focusing her strength on protecting those she still has with her. That last part could’ve actually been what the Spice story led to, with her first wanting to find a way to bring everyone back, but deciding by the end of it that she can protect the memory of her kingdom along with the living friends she still has. Smoked Cheese could’ve even helped her with that, showing that he cares for her over himself, leading to a heartfelt goodbye between the two. This is just a wishful image, but it would’ve been a really good way for CRK to tackle a deep theme and touch a lot of people’s feelings. But what we got was a lot simpler, with both Spice and Cheese’s characters and themes, which I guess makes sense. Some stories (or the game itself) don’t really want to be anything super deep in narrative, and that’s fine as long as they’re still fun, which this was.

Lastly I will say, I fear the awakening thing will get a little predictable and repetitive from here on out. Beast is a threat for the first chapter, continues to be a threat up until Ancient does a power of love and friendship introspection and transforms into a stronger version of themself. I hope one of them will be a little subversive in this—I don’t know how, I just hope these great stories aren’t bogged down by predictability!

But anyway, those are my thoughts about BY 5 and 6. Overall a great story, I’m so happy to get Spice and Cheese action because they’re two of my favorites, Smoked Cheese was fun, and I’m looking forward to the new Shmilk stuff we will be getting around the anniversary. After that I really hope Eternal Sugar is next, I have a bunch of thoughts/hopes for them too!!

Anyway thanks for reading!

[cupcakeslushie]

I dont usually send asks, mostly cause im shy and don’t know what to say lol, but I wanted to share my appreciation for your Kendratello AU, cause it’s helped me recognize a toxic relationship in my own life.

I’ve never been a victim to SA or anything of the likes, so I can’t say I’ve been EXACTLY in Donnie’s place, but something that unsettled me early on when reading your AU was how…NICE Kendra would seem when alone with Donnie.

In a lot of media, especially in the media I saw growing up, the manipulative antagonist almost always had very obvious tells that show they’re evil when interacting with the victim. Maybe they’re talking about committing a very clearly villainous deed, keep the protagonist prisoner, something like that. But Kendra didn’t. Well, not always.

Kendra destroyed Donnie from the foundation up, and then rebuilt him back up to be who she wanted him to be, would punish him but then spin the situation around to be his own fault, but the rest of the time she would seem kind.

Only recently have I realized that someone very close to me has been toxic for most of our lives, and the reason it took me this long to realize it was because they would treat me kindly only until it became in their own interest to act otherwise. But I would take it, because I loved them and didn’t want to hurt their feelings, and I assumed that since they loved me, they wouldn’t ACTUALLY (emotionally) hurt me.

Spoiler alert: they did.

I’m not going to get much more into it, but your AU’s been very comforting to me ever since this happened, because it’s helping me come to terms with the fact that what happened wasn’t my fault just because our relationship seemed nice most of the time.

Your depiction of Kendra manipulating Donnie so realistically, and Donnie slowly but surely realizing that Kendra was hurting him is so powerful, and I thank you for that.

I’m so happy for you Anon 💚💚

It’s good to see these patterns, and depending on how toxic the relationship is, to speak up for yourself, or cut the person out, if they are unwilling to change.

Kindness is often a tool used by manipulators. But the biggest thing to ask yourself is exactly what you saw. Is this person only nice to me when they need something from me? And if so, then this isn’t real kindness. Good for you for knowing your worth!!

⚠️

sa related ask and discussions of very toxic relationships…

Personal experience rambling below. Toxic friendship and sa mention.

I’ll only be discussing this once, here, in this post. So I’m afraid if I get anyone asking for further info, I’m not going to reply /lh

I’m very sorry for what you’ve gone through. I hope you can find what you need to heal. Everyone’s traumas are so different, so please if you can, and haven’t already, speak to a professional that will give you help catered to you.

But I do want to immediately answer your question and say, yes, I have healed, for the most part. It took a lot of work and self-reflection that I didn’t want to do, because it was scary. But when I finally talked to someone, and realized I needed to take action in order to heal, that was when the process started.

For years, I thought my only options were to suffer in silence, and that what happened to me was my own fault, because towards the end, I was consenting. But I didn’t understand how my mindset and self worth had become so twisted.

My person (let’s call him J) was one of my best friends growing up. But as he got older, and more interested in…mature things, he changed. J would only ever agree to hang out together unless I offered to give him something to make it worth his while. Eventually I started to think these acts were all I was good for, as that’s all that made him happy to be around me. Pretty soon, J didn’t even have to push the ideas onto me. He only had to act uninterested or busy, and I would sit there and beg to do whatever he wanted.

The idea of rejection grew to be so painful and terrifying as he was one of only two friends that I had (the other being his sister. So if I lost one, I was so scared to lose the other). And I’d recently lost one of my closest childhood friends. Which he often used her cutting contact with us in his manipulations as well.

(It wasn’t until years later that she contacted me through Facebook and revealed that it was J that made her feel too uncomfortable, and as she already lived two hours away from us, and only visited once a year, it was just easier for her to cut off contact. I don’t blame her now, but without that knowledge, the thought that it was something I did, only helped J manipulate me.)

As I grew older, and I got better friends, I started to learn just how much I’d been pushed into only ever doing what he wanted, and how one sided of a relationship it was. He moved away, and that distance I was so scared of became a reality. But it was the best thing to ever happen. I still wonder what would’ve happened if he’d stayed in town. If we might’ve gotten married or if I would’ve finally stood up for myself. But all that matters is he is gone. There is always the danger of him coming home and me seeing him—we were neighbors, so his parents and mine still live right next door. Holidays can be kind of a high stress time lol.

That cafe comic is actually probably the most therapeutic piece out of the whole Kendratello AU I’ve done, as it’s always been a fear of mine that I could just turn around and he’d be in town visiting lol. Sending Kendra through that portal was highly cathartic. But even if that were to happen now, I have my coping skills, and I’m in a much better headspace. I think I would be able to handle myself.

I’m still a people pleaser, I don’t think that’s ever going to go away, even with all the work I’ve done. The biggest thing is, I know I’m worth more now. I can see real kindness, and catch the fake stuff much better by looking for those same toxic signs. The real friendships I’ve made have shown me what connection is truly like. It’s not a one-sided negotiation every time you get together. And if it is, then it’s probably not a healthy give and take. I’ve healed, but it is a constant effort.

Every new person sets off some kind of anxiety in the back of my head, but I don’t let that fear control how our relationship will develop. I’ve got the final say in what happens and what I get out of it.

[cloverlynn-mosaic]

I can’t take it anymore

Dark Deception PC AU

This was the au I was planning on making art for then revealing but at this points it’s gonna take like a month and I can’t wait that long.

NOW HEAR ME OUT HERE.

Sophist - Doug Houser (DOUG HAS NO RELEVANCE IN THIS AU, SOPHIST REPLACES HIM ENTIRELY AND IN NO WAY WILL HE SHARE THE SAME BACKSTORY)

Brent - E (B)

Nick - Dark Star/Lucky (?) (he’s still in development but I’d like him to be one of Malak’s generals. Lucky fits him the most but I really don’t want to just destroy the Joy Joy Gang so his placement would make sense, idk I’ll probably just switch between the 2 cause we haven’t properly seen Dark Star yet)

Vernias - Mama Bear (originally he was gonna be Bierce’s assistant but that didn’t make sense to me, later thought about replacing him with Bierce entirely but then there goes a large portion of the story. Then thought about switching him with the orb spirit but I didn’t really want him to be theoretically tied with Sophist’s past. Would he be a genuine loving parental figure in this au? yes, Does he care about his work more in this au? Well within the realms of MB’s character, probably. I would’ve given this placement to Nick because she’s the lead executioner but her personality heavily contradicts his).

Now what is this game exactly?

Dark Deception is about a mortal named Doug Houser who must help a woman named Bierce if he wants to fulfill his deepest desires. However he’s going to have to suffer a lot to get it. In Bierce’s ballroom, there a portals that lead to different areas across the nightmare realm, each filled with monsters to protect a ring piece. The ring pieces when together form the Riddle of Heaven which contain a demon’s power that can be used to do whatever the user wants. However these pieces are scattered in 10 different portals. Of course, Doug isn’t the first one to have attempted to do this before, as thousands of other mortals have met their ends here trying.

Now for a brief explanation of each character that the PC’ers are swapped with to give u a general idea

Doug is not a good person however he does regret a lot of his actions. (Yes I’m purposefully leaving out a bunch of details because he is a HEAVILY controversial character and I really do not want that to be associated with Sophist in this au like at all)

E was the mortal here before Doug, however she planned to escape on her own rather then doing whatever Bierce wanted. It was a suicide mission to even attempt something as horrifying as this. She left behind her tablet to make it seem like she died, but really she found a relic that would help her teleport across the portals, she just has to be careful with who she encounters.

Not much is known about Dark Star other then the fact she’s the warden of Prison Panic, one of Malak’s generals, and a pop star (kinda?) because the chapter she is in (5) has not released yet. She is one of the main enemies in Chapter 5

Lucky is the leader of the animatronic group called the Joy Joy Gang and one of Malak’s generals (if I remember correctly). He’s a bit childish but his insanity makes up for it. Often getting all happy like trying to kill you. He doesn’t take your attacks seriously at all, because he has his name for a reason. He never loses.

Mama Bear is another one of Malak’s generals and is the lead executioner for him, any beings who step out of line would be brought to her portal to be finished off. In a way, she has an addictive motherly presence that leads to many mortals being driven to her. She uses that to her advantage to pull off a motherly figure persona that makes herself seem innocent. Despite it being a persona, she does take care of her children (I think at least).

Please tell me someone sees my vision

[cheshireliam]

Minamoto no Yoshitsune Main Story: Chapter 22

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Read this before interacting┊Genjiden Glossary

Yoshitsune: For so long, I struggled to understand the true feelings I had for you.

Yoshitsune: But it seems my body already knows the answer. 

Yoshitsune: I’ve always wanted to protect you, Yuno. 

Yuno: You want to protect… me?

Yoshitsune: Yes. 

(I instinctively called out to Yoshitsune-sama when the inugami was about to attack him.)

(And in the same way, Yoshitsune-sama tried to protect me.) 

The warmth from his hand spread through my whole body.

Yoshitsune: Why did we have to be enemies? 

He slowly reached out his other hand and gently placed it on my cheek. 

(... It’s warm.) 

My cheek felt hot, as though the warmth in his hand was transferred to me. 

Yoshitsune: Even though I hesitate to even touch you like this… 

Yoshitsune: — I’ve fallen hopelessly in love with you. 

Yuno: ah… 

As if time had frozen, Yoshitsune-sama was all I could see. 

I was at a loss for words, my emotions surging up like a great wave and swallowing me whole. 

(He said he loves me…)

Yuno: Is that true…? 

Yoshitsune: There isn’t a single shred of falsehood in these feelings. 

My eyes widened when presented with this pure, unshakable truth. 

(... I mentally prepared myself to endure the pain of being hated.)

(Never, not in my wildest dreams… did I think Yoshitsune-sama would love me.) 

Yoshitsune: Even if I imprison you with my own hands and destroy the Shogunate… 

Yoshitsune: And you come to despise me from the depths of your heart for that…

Yoshitsune: I’ll continue to love you for the rest of my life. 

Yuno: Yoshitsune-sama…

(Why did he have to say that much…?)

Those words felt like tight knots in my chest. 

At the same time, a past conversation I had with the Shogunate emerged from my memories… 

[ Flashback ]

Yoritomo: Do you truly have no issue with that? It’d be unthinkably unnatural for me to spare Yoshitsune’s life. 

Yoritomo: If word gets out that you were the reason he wasn't killed on the battlefield, you’ll be hated to the bones. 

Yuno: I’ll keep staying by his side, even if he hates or despises me. 

Shigehira: W-why would you go that far? 

Yuno: I…

Yuno: I’m in love with Yoshitsune-sama. 

[ Flashback End ]

(Ah, I see…)

(Like how I was back then, Yoshitsune-sama is…)

I was filling up with joy, but at the same time, an unbearable pain clawed at my heart. 

Yuno: What will you do after the war is over, Yoshitsune-sama…?

Yoshitsune: I was prepared to die on the battlefield during this war, but now, I have lingering attachments to life because of you.

Those amethyst eyes, clear and unwavering, continued gazing at me. 

Yoshitsune: I’ll do anything to atone for the hurt I’ve caused you.

Yuno: Atone…? 

Yoshitsune: I can provide you with a safe home, a comfortable life, I’ll give you anything within my power. 

Yoshitsune: And if you want… 

He paused for a moment and let out a faint sigh before continuing. 

Yoshitsune: Once the war is over, I won't appear before your eyes ever again. 

Yoshitsune: But please allow me to wish for your happiness from afar. 

Yuno: … ggh. 

Presented with his extreme pure love, I forgot how to breathe. 

(... I shouldn't be happy about this.) 

Even if our feelings are mutual, any kind of future where we would be together would only come after the war— when one side has been defeated. 

(And yet, I can’t help but feel happy.) 

My tears finally fell, blurring my vision. 

Yoshitsune: — I’m sorry. 

Yuno: That’s not it. 

(Because we're enemies, neither of us knows what tomorrow will bring.)

(Which is exactly why I have to tell him this.)

Yuno: I’m… in love. 

Yoshitsune: … 

Yuno: Because I believed that this love would forever be unrequited, it gave me the strength to keep on fighting till now. 

My voice went hoarse, but I persisted while struggling to form the words. 

Yuno: But if the Shogunate were to lose the war because I was captured… 

Yuno: I won't ever be able to feel joy… even if I could be together with the person I adore — which is you, Yoshitsune-sama. 

Yoshitsune: … Yuno…

Yuno: … I love you too, Yoshitsune-sama. 

Yuno: I’ve always adored you. 

The feelings I’ve bottled up for so long rushed out like a river with a broken dam, endless tears streamed down my cheeks.  

Yoshitsune: — Why?

Through my blurred vision, I could see his eyes shaking slightly, which made my heart hurt even more.

Yuno: I was terrified of you at first. 

Yuno: I couldn't understand the hatred that would drive someone to want to kill another. 

Yuno: But, then, I came to know your kindness… and your loneliness. 

(It pained me when I found out about Yoshitsune-sama’s upbringing…)

Yuno: I found myself wishing I could stay by your side. 

(And it hurts knowing that such a wish will never come true.)

Yoshitsune: Even though we’re enemies? 

Yuno: Yes. 

Yuno: No matter how much it hurts, how dangerous the path will be, and even if we’ll never be together…

Yuno: I’ll definitely still long for you too. 

Yoshitsune: Yuno. 

His beautiful fingers gently wiped away the tears pooling at the corners of my eyes. 

Yoshitsune: Thank you. 

Yuno: No, I should be thanking you instead.

Yuno: I’ll never regret loving you. 

Yoshitsune: You’re a really beautiful and strong person. 

Yoshitsune: I’m proud to love you… and to be loved by you.

His affectionate gaze caused a sweet aching sensation in my heart. 

(If only this moment would last forever.) 

Yoshitsune-sama’s face slowly drew closer— 

(Mm…) 

Our lips met in a tender kiss once more. 

Yoshitsune: No matter how this ends, I promise you that this love is eternal. 

Yuno: … I promise the same. 

Tears were no longer streaming down my face. 

(Even if we can never be together, we'll always be thinking of each other.)

(No matter how tough or painful.) 

(Because this is the path we chose)

…

Some time after Yuno and Yoshitsune shared their feelings for each other—... 

…

Yoritomo, Morinaga, Kagetoki, Shigehira, and Tamamo were gathered for a military council. 

Kagetoki: — That concludes my report.

Yoritomo: …

Yoritomo had his shapely eyebrows in a frown as he received Kagetoki’s report. 

Yoritomo: A trap set up by Yasuchika, huh?

Yoritomo: I thought we were being cautious of the Imperial Court’s movements, and yet they made such a bold move. 

Shigehira: Many of our soldiers are severely wounded. 

Morinaga: Fortunately, Yuno prepared a generous stock of medicine. 

Everyone’s expressions turned grim at the mention of Yuno’s name.

Tamamo: What’s our next move?

Tamamo: We need a proper plan to bring Yuno back. 

Yoritomo: If we rescue her while dealing with Yasuchika— 

Just then, there was a commotion outside the tent. 

Soldier: Urgent news, Yoritomo-sama! 

A soldier rushed into the tent, dropped to one knee, and shouted.

Soldier: Minamoto no Yoshitsune is on his way here!

Everyone: …!

Yoritomo: How many men did he bring?

Soldier: W-well…

Soldier: There are only three of them! They have Yuno with them too. 

Tamamo: They brought Yuno?

…

(Yoshitsune-sama did mention making negotiations with Yoritomo-sama, but…)

(I didn’t expect him to barge in directly!)

As soon as discussions ended, Yoshitsune-sama set off on horseback with Benkei-san and Kurama. 

The soldiers were bursting with hostility when faced with the arrival of the enemy’s Commanding General. 

The tense atmosphere sent beads of cold sweat trickling down my spine. 

Yuno: Is it really okay to just charge in like this? 

I voiced my concern to Yoshitsune-sama in a whisper. 

Yoshitsune: We don’t have time to send letters and set up a proper meeting venue. 

(That’s true, but…)

Yuno: Still, couldn’t we have come with more people…? 

Kurama: Are you seriously asking that? 

Kurama: You’re still the same stupid lass even after all this time. 

Kurama gave me a mocking look. 

Kurama: If we bring a large army, Yasuchika will notice and act accordingly. 

Benkei: I’m sorry, but you’re our hostage right now.

Benkei: Be prepared to be used as a shield if things go badly. 

(A shield…?) 

It was indeed highly possible that Benkei-san, who was extremely loyal to Yoshitsune-sama, would unhesitatingly use me as a shield.

His sharp gaze made me tense up.

(Even so, I’ve already made up my mind.) 

Yuno: Understood.

I nodded with resolution.

Benkei: What? 

Yuno: I was already prepared to face danger when I asked to participate in the negotiation. 

Yuno: … No, rather, I decided since the moment I chose to stand on this battlefield that no matter how dangerous it gets, I’ll never back down. 

Benkei • Kurama: …

Benkei: I see. You really are something else. 

Yuno: Eh? 

Benkei: Nothing. 

I tilted my head, puzzled by his comment. 

Kurama, who had been listening nearby, spoke up. 

Kurama: The day you returned to Kamakura, I had a feeling something changed about you. 

Kurama: I wasn’t sure back then, but now I know it definitely wasn't just my imagination. 

(Changed? Did I? I’m not aware of it myself.)

Kurama’s gaze felt different from usual, it made me rather uneasy.

Kurama: Now hurry up and call out the guys from the Shogunate.

He shifted his gaze away from me and changed the subject.

Benkei: Got it.

Benkei: Oi, you spineless Shogunate wusses! Bring out Yoritomo! 

Benkei’s loud voice made the soldiers tighten their grip on their swords. 

Soldier 1: How dare you so brazenly walk in here… we’ll take your head! 

Soldier 2: Right!

Benkei-san took half a step forward and stood protectively in front of Yoshitsune-sama, placing a hand on his spear.

(We came all this way to negotiate, but at this rate…)

As the atmosphere intensified, my breath caught in my throat— 

Yoshitsune: — Listen up. 

A heavy yet calm voice rang out.

Yoshitsune: I’m not insane enough to enter enemy territory without a reason. 

Yoshitsune: I have things to discuss with your lord. 

Yoshitsune: Bring out someone capable of understanding what I’m saying.

Yoshitsune: … While my sword is in its sheath. 

The hostile soldiers instantly fell silent. 

— A gentle voice unfitting for the tense situation broke the silence. 

Morinaga: These guests are quite the lively bunch. 

Yuno: Morinaga-san! 

Morinaga-san smiled when he saw me.

Morinaga: Hey there, Yuno. Are you okay?

Yuno: Yeah…

Morinaga: That’s good. Everyone’s been worrying about you. 

Benkei: Tch, what an unimpressive elcome.

Morinaga: Now, now, Yoritomo-sama’s waiting for you.

And so,—...

…

Morinaga-san guided us deeper into the main camp.

Yoritomo: You came. 

[calliesmemes]

RANDOM DIALOGUE PROMPTS, ACT II

ASSORTED QUOTES FOUND IN FILMS, TELEVISIONS, MUSIC, AND LITERATURE.

CHANGE gendered words as needed.

SPECIFY muse for multimuses.

“   A great force is asleep in you. ”

“   All I ever think about is you. ”

“   All I ever wanted was to know what to do. ”

“   Am I a good man? ”

“   Are you going to kill me? ”

“   Becoming the villain isn’t the answer. ”

“   Can you prove it to me? ”

“   Did you really think that I would ever let you go? ”

“   Do you regret taking the vow? ”

“   It was like a switch was flipped. ”

“   Fear cuts deeper than swords ”

“   Forgiveness is different from absolution. ”

“   Have I explained away any part of my guilt? ”

“   Help me. Remind me why I am here. ”

“   How many have died because of my actions? ”

“   How often will you repent? ”

“   How strange this is! What is the meaning of it? ”

“   I appreciate your concern. ”

“   I am beyond repentance. ”

“   I am destroying myself so other people can’t. ”

“   I am doing no injury to anybody but myself. ”

“   I am nothing if not merciful. ”

“   I am so glad to see you! ”

“   I believe you are perfectly right. ”

“   I can’t help but give in. ”

“   I cannot agree with you there. ”

“   I doubt I will be pleasant company. ”

“   I doubt everything, even my doubt. ”

“   I feel as though I have been living a long, long time. ”

“   I fought so hard to free you… ”

“   I have betrayed everyone and everything I know. ”

“   I have survived, but I have not been spared. ”

“   I have this grief and I don’t know why. ”

“   I will do whatever you ask. ”

“   I will not be a caged bird. I will fly free. ”

“   I played my part in the plan. ”

“   I pledge myself to your teachings. ”

“   I’m like a collection of paradoxes. ”

“   I’m sorry you were not truly loved and that it made you cruel. ”

“   I’m not too gone to be healed, am I? ”

“   I'm not everything I want to be, but I'm more than I was, and I'm still learning. ”

“   I’m restless and harsh and hopeless. ”

“   I’ll do all that I can to make things right. ”

“   If I cannot be loved, I must be feared. ”

“   Is everyone in danger as long as I’m alive? ”

“   Is this fair? Is this just? ”

“   Is this what you wanted? ”

“   It ends as it began. ”

“   It would be impossible, I know. ”

“   It’s not my fault — I’m not to blame! ”

“   It’s been a long time since I’ve been me. ”

“   I’ve started this storm; gotta stop it somehow ”

“   Money can only give happiness where there is nothing else to give it. ”

“   My intentions were not always wrong. ”

“   None of this is your fault. It’s me and my head. ”

“   No harm will come to you! ”

“   Life is full of tough choices. ”

“   Please remove your blade from my throat. ”

“   Pity comes too late! ”

“   Save me from these evil deeds. ”

“   Sorry is not enough. Sometimes you actually have to change. ”

“   That behavior is quite inexcusable. ”

“   The end justifies the means. ”

“   The path of hate is a dangerous track. ”

“   This can only end one way. ”

“   This is why you never should’ve left. ”

“   There’s a revolution coming. ”

“   There’s trouble for all when there’s trouble for one. ”

“   They are not to be trusted. ”

“   What do you mean? ”

“   What is this fighting all about? ”

“   Where were you when I was still kind? ”

“   Why are they all trying to make me into a saint? ”

“   Why can’t you see me? ”

“   Would you like to punish those who wronged you? ”

“   You can’t trust a single thing I say. ”

“   You can’t run from this! ”

“   You changed me. You should remember me. ”

“   You did not mean to be cruel. That does not mean that you were kind. ”

“   You don’t have to make a sound. ”

“   You have been loyal to a greater cause. ”

“   You know what’s best for me. ”

“   You were born for this. ”

“   You’ll always be a slave. ”

“   Your offer is meaningless. ”

“   You’re the one that I need. ”

“   You’re not as brave as you may seem. ”

“   You’ve gone too far! ”

[kakerutori]

I keep getting asked what I’d like to see / theories for s5, so I’m listing them here!

(In blurb form because I have too many lol)

MORE. WILLEL. OR. DEATH. I’d particularly love some parallels from s1, maybe Will talking to El in the void or something? Because

Will has powers!! I’d love to see him have some kind of time/energy/electrical/celestial powers to mirror his Will the Wise persona

JOPPER WEDDING OR DEATH ALSO THIS IS A NON NEGOTIABLE DUFFERS

Robin being a BAMF and impressing Vickie or vice versa (I’m currently more sold on Robin being the BAMF because if switched that’s just Ronance. Which also. Ronance endgame please and thank you???)

Stonathan endgame or at least bonding. Can you tell that the CGI snippets made me insane

Flickergate duh

Pocketgate!!! And specifically Mike confessing to Will, Will thinking it’s too good to be true, then Mike pulling out the letter to prove it in dear desperation

Based on the “6 little nuggets” anecdote, I think Steve might unfortunately be toast because he has his dream with The Party, y’know

There will be a dragon of some sort based on Will’s painting? Maybe like Vecna, the Mind Flayer, and the demogorgons will combine into one big ugly creature to defeat? Dramatic but I have no idea

The spores might also be more lethal and infect people? Or maybe cause widespread hallucinations? They were everywhere in that finale and that cannot be healthy. Yes I know that Hopper and Dustin didn’t suffer any side effects of them in s2 but Vecna’s still alive so I think maybe they could become a new force

I believe in the Kas theory! But not for Eddie. I’m between Kas being Will, El, or Mike

I hope that Nancy doesn’t end up with anyone or it’s implied that she, Steve, and Jonathan, are happy being single for that time until they completely understand themselves and what they want

Vecna appearing in nightmares!! I’d love to see the subconscious come into play and it would serve to flesh out our main cast even more than they already are (especially Mike Wheeler and his internal gay crisis)

Jonathan, Mike, Lucas, Erica, and Murray in the Upside Down please!! They have never been that’s why, and no, I don’t count the tunnels in s2 because they didn’t flip upside down to enter those so I don’t think it was quite the Upside Down

Full and integrated Hopper-Byers family scene at the end of the season. Like them playing Monopoly or something or just existing together in the same house. Being happy. Please dear God.

Will coming out to his mom or Jonathan or Dustin or Lucas or anyone, really

EVERYBODY WANT TO RULE THE WORLD BY TEARS FOR FEARS preferably in the ending scene but anywhere would suffice and I’m not saying this just because I love this song but the lyrics literally fit so well I don’t think I’ll recover if his song isn’t in s5

A gate may exist at the library - it’s in the center of the earthquake and it’s where Will was taken in s1. I think Henry may want to destroy it because it contains so much information

I’d love a s2 parallel where Lucas talks to his dad again. Maybe about Max, maybe about all the stress, something. More sweet parent moments

Based off of the Byler fights in episodes 3 (s3) and 2 (s4), I think maybe they’ll fight again in s5e1?

And then resolve by s5e5

Wherein Heros (Bowie’s og version) will play when Mike and Will kiss

I just really really want Dustin being the lord of the demodogs. Like d’Art returns and recognizes Dustin and they help to fight against Vecna like fighting fire with fire it’d be so epic you see the vision right?

I’d love to see a return of Kali!! Either as a friend or villain recruited/controlled by Vecna it’d be pretty cool either way

Max lives. Period

[tmwcs]

man tell me about heelel being down bad im up for that 🤒😫😩

Broooo… let me begin by saying that heelel…he’s like the most dangerous heelead (because of who he is…you know… 😈) but the dude has spent his entire life (aside from the time he served under God as the first arch angel) he had become the master of torture and gruesome death. (Remember what he did to that succubus?) just think of an immortal being so hateful and disgruntled, just releasing all sorts of demons onto the universe and wanting to destroy humanity in the most horrific manner…and then he sees you. YOU.

Heelel is the type to….

- never beg. You will always be the one to beg, and he loves it. Whether you’re begging him to stop or keep going, it’s all the same to him. Because he is so obsessed with ever ounce of emotion and expression you give out, he wants to see all sides and angles of you (like all the heeleads) but heelel is a bit more brutal about it since he’s so dang powerful.

- dress you in whatever he wants to see you in (which is anything sheer or barely covering you bc he loves to see you as bare as possible. (Remember the later chapters of Se7en?)

- loves to see you cry and laugh. He’ll gladly be the cause of your tears and the cure for them. But lord help the one who becomes the cause….thats a huge death penalty (and not a good one) for whomever hurts you or makes you upset in any way. Even if it’s the tiniest bit. If someone stepped on your foot and you simply say “ouch” man’s eyes would grow sinisterly wide, mouth would split in the corners (like a joker smile) and he’d develop a very eerie smile while he does something terrible to that person. Even if it was an accident, he’d be so merciless. And it could be anywhere from burning that person from the inside out, slowly splitting them open (starting with the feet) or skinning them alive…the possibilities of torture is endless. The only thing that could save that person, is you…only you. And even then (depending on the degree of the offense) he might honor your request. He might…it will be hard to contain him bc anyone who hurts you is a dead man or woman.

-will get you whatever you want. I made the reader kind of vague because every reader is different, but whether youre the type that loves material things or simple values that nature can provide like flowers, he will get it for you. No matter what it is. If you want a garden, he’ll create a planet just covered in all types of beautiful lush plants and flowers, and will take you there every day and night so you can enjoy it to your hearts content. The only thing he won’t give to you is if you want to see friends or family, bc he wants to keep you all to himself and in his mind, you shouldn’t need to see anyone since you have him. Insisting on this would lead to a punishment that you do not want. Man is selfish and is going to keep you all to himself. Whether you want it that way or not. He’s unapologetic about it to.

- even though he won’t share you with anyone, he likes to show you of. You’re his queen, his goddess, his Aphrodite. He is going to flare you off like a diamond ring.

-will be so rough with you if you’re resisting or not making him happy. Just behave and do what he says, which is to sit, look pretty for him, and let him love you…eventually you will love him back no matter what

-when he isn’t rough and teaching you a lesson, man is as smooth as the finest silk. I usually pictured him normally doing the nasty with reader and being kind of a menacing and taunting bastard. For instance, I didn’t end up including this in the actual series, but thought about it (maybe I’ll make a short piece of it?) but I had imagined a scenario when after he took reader back to Hell with him, he was having a ‘session’ with reader (bc he loves you too much to not keep his hands off you) so while being on top and restraining your wrists with one hand, I had imagined reader looking away and sobbing. He calmly says “look at me.” And when reader looks up, he had a creepy face moment (kind of similar to the one that I attached in the story…but worse) like his iris shrink and become like small beads and the sclera is expanded, and he forms a very scary smirk. If I could draw it out, I would. It is fucking creepy and the most horrific thing you’ll ever see as it scares you so bad, you almost feel your heart stop beating. Reader turns her face away and screams and squirms, and he’ll just laugh it off and continue (heelel is sadistic and since he has the ability to alter his face like that….lets just say he likes to scare you and make you feel uncomfortable). But as time goes on he kind of tames down a bit and doesn’t do it as much, or not at all. By now (since Se7en is over a year old now…I believe) he’s at the stage where he likes to see you smile and happy more than ever. Once in a while he still wants to see you cry or fearful, but that’s become a reservation. For when you misbehave. Now, all he can focus on is how beautiful you are when you smile, how lovely your laugh sounds, and how much he just wants to hold on to you and talk to you about the moon and the stars, and create constellations for you while you both lay in bed recovering from an intense orgasm.

-heelel loves your long hair. I pictured him being into long hair. When you’re sitting by his feet and resting your face against his thigh while he’s sitting f on his throne, he’ll having a piece of your hair and play with it delicately. His fingers will rub the strands together so he can feel how silky and smooth it is. One of the things he loves seeing is your nipple piercings poking through your hair as it lays against your breasts. Makes him go feral.

-he loves your eyes. Despite you becoming immortal, heelel will never allow you to gain abilities to shapeshifter or alter your appearance like he can. He won’t allow it. He loves the way you are and will never permit for you to gain the magical ability to change the color of your eyes, hair, or the natural style/state it is in. He loves the way you are, and you are going to stay that way for him. Even if you have insecurities, don’t matter. Whatever body issues you have, he loves them and if you haven’t learn to embrace them, he will force the issue in a way. He won’t let you change, he wants you to be the very same way he saw you the first time, forever.

-all it takes is a look. A single look. If you look at him the wrong way (or the right) intentionally or not, he’ll get ready really quick and is going to want you so bad…to the point where it hurts.

- heelel just loves the hell out of you. Would sever his own limbs for you. If it made you happy to stab him repeatedly, he’d just stand there and let you while laughing. He obviously cannot die, and while he continues to bleed and rejuvenate, he’ll wait until you’re so tired and you slowly fall to your knees as you stab him one last time. He’ll brush off his shoulders and leans down to pick you up and stand you straight again, and say something like “feel better?” At that point, you’re doomed. Bc whether you answer or not, he’ll be like “good. My turn.” And he’s going to do a lot of stabbing…but not with a knife. 😏

- everything you do turns him on. So expect to be f*cked (both brutally and softly…like vanilla smex) and filled up (he’s not wasteful. You’re either going to swallow it with your vagina or your mouth, either way, you’re going to be a cream filled doughnut by the time he gets down with you.) and he will do this multiple times a day, won’t really care if you’re sore. If you e been good, he’ll give you a break and take you out and about.

-he loves your wings and will play with the small black portion in the undercarriage of your wing. That is a small part of him that reflects from within you, and he loves that.

- his favorite past time hobby is to have you both naked, you straddled on his lap (sometimes stuffed with his d*ck, sometimes just having it rested against your tummy) and his arms are wrapped around your waist as he’s sucking and kissing your tits. He loves that. He’ll squeeze your buttcheeks and massage them from time to time, while his mouth never breaks free from your areolas. Like…they’ll become super tender and sore with how long he’ll make you sit there and let him caress each one with his tongue. Even if you ask him a question, he’ll talk with his mouth full of your breast and his eyes will be peacefully closed while he does it. Like he’s just relishing in the moment.

- he also loves slow dancing with you. As you both are dancing under the large moon, he’ll constantly rub his hand on the side of your neck, gently pushing your hair aside and will lick, kiss, bite, and smell it. He’ll press his lips against the skin and will say “I love you…more than I could ever love anything else. You’re all that I never knew I needed in life. The only one that can heal me, but also be the death of me.”

-he’s very tormenting. Don’t let the last chapters of the series fool you, he has his tender moments (and when he’s tender…he is just…perfection) but when he is being ‘playful’ and just has that “you haven’t cried in a while…kind of want to see it again.” And will do whatever it is to make you cry, usually it’s to scare you (then comfort you afterwards) or to give you some pain that’s all in the line of pleasure. Something like biting you hard on your inner thigh or pounding you to the point where he’s poking your brain. Stuff like that.

But yeah, those are some examples off the top of my head lol. Heelel is amenace. But you’ll always be safe and loved by him.

[perfectclematis]

Sentimental Reflection | Delicate Emotions Series • Sweet Quest

[1]

Fiancée, open the door. I’m back.

It’s okay, I’ll carry the ingredients. Here, these the flowers for today.

Charlie brings back a gift for his partner whenever he comes back from an outing as usual. Do you like it?

I knew you would like it when I picked them out, but seeing your happy expression in person still makes me very satisfied.

Why don’t I invite you to go shopping with me? You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to wake you up.

It’s not heavy. I just bought some baking ingredients and some fruits for decorating.

Yes, we’re going to bake a cake today.

When we went out to dinner yesterday, didn’t my fiancée want to order a black swan cake, but she didn’t get it in the end?

Seeing that you were in a bad mood all night, I went out early in the morning to buy materials, intending to make up for your regret in the afternoon.

Replica? No, no, I certainly want to make a better-looking and more creative cake than Black Swan.

Honey, don’t forget that your fiancé is a baking genius.

Once you take a bite of the delicious cake made by Charlie, you will never want cakes made by others anymore.

Isn’t it so delightful?

Of course it is necessary to go out in person. After all, I have to personally select the flowers and ingredients you like.

Whatever you want, I will make it happen immediately.

Fiancée, when I was going home with the flowers and paper bag, I felt a lot of stares from the passersby.

But I can’t remember what they look like at all. I just want to go home and see you as soon as possible.

Hmm? Where is my fiancée taking me?

A surprise for me in the cloakroom?

Sounds good, let’s go.

[2]

What are you looking for?

Two sets of clothes that are perfect for making cakes today? …Are these two sets? Avocado-colored, with a small headscarf and an apron.

And it’s a couple’s edition. I really like this surprise.

Why should I turn around and change? Of course I should change into the clothes that my fiancée prepared for me immediately.

Only unconfident men will be evasive, but I welcome your eyes to stay on my forever.

How is it? Am I handsome? Ah, my fiancée is so talented even at complimenting people. How can there be such a perfect couple like us in the world?

Hmm? fiancée hasn't changed yet?

Okay, I’ll get out first. I’ll wait for you outside the door. Call me if you need anything.

…

Fiancée? Do you need Charlie’s help?

Fiancée, you…

Yes, I was indeed mesmerized by you. I was speechless for a moment.

Well… Like a forest elf, cute and witty.

Excuse me, dear lady. Is there anything I can do for you?

Put on your headscarf? Of course.

It is indeed not easy to wear it by yourself. The tail needs to be fastened with a pin.

Fiancée, bow your head… Good.

Very cute, my little cook.

Hmm? The neck strap is loose? Alright, turn around and I’ll help you tie it.

A little itchy? My fiancée’s neck is so sensitive… I’ll be more careful then.

Mm, a perfect bow.

…Darling, can I give you a kiss?

It’s a bit sudden, but can you fulfill my wish first?

…Don’t hide.

Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…

You look so adorable in that outfit that I simply couldn’t resist the urge.

There’s a theory in psychology called “cute aggression”, which refers to the superficial aggressive behavior caused by seeing cute things.

The cuter the object, the more emotionally active your brain becomes, and the more aggressive you become.

I find myself compulsive wanting to draw closer to her, touch her, bite her, ruin her, destroy her…

However, don’t be afraid.

Charlie could never bear to hurt you. The worst thing that I could do to you is…

Give you a kiss like I just did.

There must’ve been something worse? When did it happen? Why can’t I remember it?

After being taught a lesson by my fiancée, I remember. It’s…

Got it, no more talking. Come, my beautiful little cook. It’s time for us to go back to the kitchen.

It looks fun and you want to try it yourself? No problem, I will guide you.

Add corn oil, milk, and low-gluten flour to the egg yolks.

Then stir slowly and evenly. Don’t use too much force… Yes, that’s it.

Add a few drops of lemon juice to the egg white and beat with sugar three times.

The cake base is ready. I’ll take it out.

My fiancée is so active today? Okay, then I’ll leave this task to you.

Come. Put on your gloves and be careful to not get burnt by the steam.

No cracks, no dents… It’s a perfect cake base.

So what’s next…um? You heard some strange noises?

[3]

You heard some strange noises?

[Wings]

[Milk]

[Dessert]

[Wings] 

…

Sherry? Why are you here?

Alas, now Sherry doesn’t even approach me. When she sees you, she’ll jump into your arms.

Jealous? Well, a little bit.

But I’m jealous of Sherry. My fiancée’s love should be shared with me more generously.

Sherry’s still here watching. My fiancée, be a bit gentler with me, won’t you?

Sherry, we still have something important to do. You go and have fun first.

Do you really want to participate? In that case, go…

Want to know what was said? I’ll keep it a secret for now.

Fiancée, if you don’t frost the cake soon, the cream will melt away.

Little cook, I feel like you’re eager to try doing it.

Of course I believe in your skills, so I’ll leave the rest to you.

Your hands are skillful and it’s coming out very smoothly.

You can add a little more here, and then turn slowly.

Hah, it’s okay. It’s just a small dent.

Come, I’ll hold your hand.

That’s it. Place the spatula in the center of the cake. Lift it up slightly and place it flat against the cake, then gently rotate the turntable.

My fiancée is doing great.

My hands are really steady? This is just a basic trait of a doctor.

See? It’s all done… Eh!

Fiancé, you sneaked up on me.

You just subconsciously felt like eating the cream off my hands? Oh– that’s it.

Now there is cream on my lips. Will my honey subconsciously eat it too?

My heart is beating really fast?

Isn’t it natural for my heart to beat so fast when you’re in my arms?

Why do you blush after someone asks you a question?

Alright, not because you’re shy, just that it’s hot.

You’re really not staying in my arms for a little longer? Oh, it really makes Charlie sad.

The remaining buttercream has been put into the piping bag. What kind of flowers does my fiancée want?

Alright, let’s add some red roses and garnish with some strawberries and blueberries, then your Charlie berry cake will be ready.

How’s it looking? Your fiancé’s culinary skills are pretty good, right?

Is it only just amazing? Flatter me properly.

Great, a kiss from my fiancée is the greatest compliment.

You think that the decoration looks familiar? Of course. Hasn’t my fiancée been watching a cake blogger’s videos these days? This is a one-to-one replica of the rose shape.

When did I learn it? Can’t I learn it just by looking at it?

But there was also some ingenuity added by Charlie, so his fiancée should come over to take a closer look.

Charlie’s kiss was added.

You’re giggling so happily? Do you want to do it again?

It’s Sherry… and the grey starling.

I just asked her to pick some petals from the garden so that she could put them on the cake as decoration.

But how come this little one also happened to come by?

My fiancée is sticking up for him… Fine, since he’s trying to plan a surprise for you too, let him join in the fun.

You want to record this heartwarming scene?

Alright, then I’ll pose while sprinkling the icing sugar. Sherry and the grey starling will listen to my instructions.

How is it? Did you take a picture of your handsome fiancé?

It’s a really nice photo. Is this what the legendary “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” means? However… This photo is still missing a very important element.

Indeed, it’s missing you. How can I be without you?

Fiancée, hold the cake while I take a selfie with the phone.

Let me see… Mh, this photo is perfect.

Fiancée, why are you zooming in on me? I am right beside you. Why not just look at the real deal?

Seriously, opening an editing app? Does this face even need retouching?

You’re not editing the photo? What are you drawing on it? Oh, a pair of little heart-shaped wings.

Mhmm, then I will also draw a little wing for my fiancée. You can come into Charlie’s little world and fly with me.

You took so many photos of the cake. It seems that my fiancée is very satisfied with it.

Really? How does it compare to what that cake blogger made?

That’s a given. Anything I give you must be the best.

My fiancée wants to post the cake we made on her Moments? Very well, then she must caption it as “The cake I made with my fiancé, Charlie.”

Wait wait, I suddenly feel that posting on Moments is not enough. fiancée, why don’t we try becoming a couples blogger?

Because I want the whole world to witness our love.

[Milk]

…

We left the milk boiling and completely forgot about it.

I wanted to make an ice cream cake for my fiancée, but the milk is too hot to put the vanilla pod in, so let’s use another pot.

Drinking the boiled chocolate milk? That’s a good idea.

Fiancée, may Charlie request a cup of your homemade chocolate milk every night before bed for the next week?

That’s wonderful. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have the heart to finish this last sip.

Darling, don’t move.

There’s milk on the corner of your lips.

There we go.

Don’t fret. It was just a minor accident. There are still a few hours left in the evening, and the ice cream cake will definitely be done before dinner.

Let’s extract the vanilla seeds and set them aside.

You’re peeking around, so curious? It’s very simple. I’ll let my fiancée come try it.

Use the tip of the knife to cut in the middle… That’s right. Be careful with your hands.

Now use the back of the knife to gently scrape out the vanilla seeds.

My fiancée is very clever and picks up things so quickly.

We have to watch it carefully this time. If the temperature is too high, the flavor of the vanilla pod will be lost.

Getting so close, does it smell that good?

This is Tahitian vanilla. Its aroma is more refined, with complex notes of flowers, fruits, and cumin.

If used to make ice cream, the taste will be surely dense and smooth.

If you want to try out a different way of eating it, you can also pour a shot of espresso on the ice cream after making it. This way, you will get an affogato, indulging in both the sweetness of the ice cream and the aroma of coffee.

You think your fiancé is good at making desserts? fiancée, you should think that I am good at everything I do.

Which dessert master did I learn my baking skills from?

I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you, but I learned this by watching my parents make desserts when I was a kid.

Why are you suddenly speechless?

Hmm, you wonder why some vanilla pods are so expensive?

Because vanilla is a very delicate plant. It takes a lot of manpower and material resources from growing and planting, to harvesting and processing.

It also requires pure artificial pollination and perfect soil, temperature, and humidity conditions for several years before it can be harvested.

Finally, it goes through a long process before becoming the current beautiful vanilla and being presented to the world.

Enough. The milk is at the right temperature, so you can put the vanilla pods in now.

You think the vanilla plant resembles like someone? Staring at me like this, do you think it resembles me?

What is my fiancée referring to?

Really? It turns out that in my fiancée’s heart, I resemble a vanilla plant. I have gone through a lot to become the Charlie today and appear by your side.

I thought you were going to joke that I am as delicate as a vanilla plant.

Fiancée, I want to tell you something.

You were so cute the way you tried to change the subject just now.

Are you worried that I will be sad if you mentioned my past? Darling, there is nothing for me to hide in front of you.

When I was a kid, my parents would make desserts every weekend, sometimes cupcakes, sometimes souffle, sometimes ice cream. I was very happy every weekend because I could eat delicious desserts again.

The first time I ate vanilla ice cream, it was made by my mother.

The ice cream tasted so good that I ate several servings by myself. My mom and… my dad shared one, then looked at me and laughed.

Later… I found that I had forgotten the distinct flavor impression. I tried to reproduce it by hand, using different recipes and ingredients, but I couldn’t replicate that taste again.

When I grew up, I realized that the flavor I experienced was not only due to the ice cream, but also the people and the moment itself.

Fiancée, it takes a lot of courage to face what you have lost. The flavor of that vanilla ice cream is like a bitter medicine wrapped in sugar. Every time I look for it with the purpose of reminiscing, I can only taste bitterness.

So gradually, I no longer dared to recall the past.

Hm? You don’t want to eat cake today. You want to search for that flavor again with me?

In fact, you have already helped me find the taste that I had forgotten.

When did it happen? Let me think…

One time, you came to pick me up when I got off work with a vanilla ice cream in your hand.

When we walked hand in hand, you gave me the ice cream.

It was then that I tasted the long-lost flavor.

[Dessert]

…

I almost forgot that I bought this.

Fiancée, guess what this is? …What? Just a plain egg with fancy decorations?

Why would I buy something so boring? How about we open and try it?

Did you taste it? Yes, the eggshell is white chocolate, the egg white is coconut cream, and the egg yolk is a passion fruit puree.

I just happened to pass by this simple molecular dessert when I was shopping. It caught my eye.

It seems that my fiancée is very interested in molecular cuisine, such as Cédric Grolet’s lemon and foie gras cherry, which are all about breaking down food and then rebuilding it.

Although their appearance has changed, the taste of the food remains the same.

Yes, sometimes the looks can be deceiving.

Don’t want to be deceived by looks?

In fact, as long as you cover your eyes, you won’t be disturbed by vision. It can also amplify other senses.

Would my fiancée like to try it?

Okay. Then I’ll use this tie to temporarily deprive my fiancée of her vision.

Don’t be afraid. I’m just carrying you onto the table.

Are you feeling uneasy without your vision? Then hold me tight.

Let me think… which one is better?

This one. Come on, open your mouth.

…Have you tasted it?

Yes, it’s strawberry. My fiancée is very smart.

Try this one again. This should be easy to guess.

That’s right, it’s a cherry.

Are these too simple?

Then let Charlie give his fiancée a more difficult one.

…Did you taste it? What was it this time?

It’s avocado, and what else?

Can’t say it? Want to try again? Of course, the kind-hearted Charlie will give you another chance.

Only…

I hadn’t said anything yet, but my fiancée took the initiative. She really understands me more and more.

Then do it again.

…

How come some people get tired just by kissing?

Okay okay okay, it’s all my fault. I hugged you too tight.

Hm? What’s on your hand? Maybe you accidentally got some cream on it just now.

Let me wipe it off for you.

Honey, don’t rush to take the tie off just yet. I just thought of something I could do with you.

Don’t move… I’m writing with the cream.

Want to guess what I’m writing? Three words.

Wrong, guess again.

Guessed it? Then why don’t you say it out loud? Oh– you want me to say it first? Alright.

I, love, you.

Don’t worry. No food will be wasted. I will eat all the cream off you.

My sweet cake, your body is trembling. Hmm? You want me to kiss you? I sure can.

Baby, you haven’t told me the answer to the difficult question just now.

Can you tell me what I taste like besides avocado?

[4]

The garden swing that I chose with you before finally came in handy. It’s just the right size for two people to lie on.

Do you want to put on a blanket? Although it’s summer, it’s still cold at night.

Is the cake delicious? It will be even more flavorful when paired with black tea.

Why did you suddenly snuggle into my arms?

Are you worried that I’ll be cold too? Sure, then let’s warm each other up.

Fiancée, Charlie also wants to have a bite of cake.

I want you to feed me, ah–

How delicious. It must be because my fiancée fed me this cake herself, so the cake tasted 90% better.

…Hm? What am I smiling at?

I was just thinking that I seemed to have dreamed of this scene before.

I dreamed that we lived in a house with a swimming pool and a yard with a swing that we built ourselves.

In the springtime, you were just like you are now. Sitting on the swing, swinging and laughing, watching me turning the soil and planting your favorite flowers.

In the summer, we swam together in the swimming pool and occasionally had contests to see who could hold their breath longer underwater.

But we were more often sitting by the pool and basking in the sun. You suddenly had the urge to splash water onto me, and I would gently punish you with a kiss.

In the fall, we would invite our neighbors to our house for various harvest parties, where we would barbecue and chat on the lawn.

That dream was so real, it was like I went into the future and experienced our life firsthand.

What about in the winter? I woke up before I even dreamed of winter.

Did my fiancée have a similar dream? It happened to be in the winter?

What did we do in the winter?

Dancing to some blues jazz by the fireplace on a snowy night? Sounds great.

Fiancée, give me your hand.

Although it is not a snowy night and there is no fireplace, there is moonlight and flowers. May I invite you to a dance?

Honey, what are you thinking about?

Remember the legend I told you about when we were doing the “Cha-Cha Dance” on the balcony?

The legend goes that if you dance three times under the fireworks, you will fall in love with each other forever, but there are no fireworks today.

But it doesn’t matter. There is also a legend that if an engaged couple kisses and fences on a summer night, they will be together for life.

Who said that? I did.

Fiancée, old legends are passed down by the ancients, but do you think perhaps ours will become new legends in the future?

What’s more, we are even better than the old legends because we had fallen in love with each other wholeheartedly before we even danced three times.

[randomshit657]

I’m going to be talking about OCD and Intrusive thoughts, and very briefly religious trauma. And maybe slight disordered eating. If that will bother you please skip.

Okay so I know that many people aren’t going to see this but if even one person sees this and maybe learns something I’ll be happy.

Okay so I have OCD, and that’s kind of what I want to talk about. I promise you I’m not trauma dumping just listen for a moment.

I’ve known I had OCD since I was in 4th grade but it never really felt like I actually had it because of all the stereotypes surrounding it.

I never needed to keep everything perfectly clean or check things multiple times or any of that. It took me years to actually accept I had it because of these stereotypes. Instead I just felt crazy or wrong or bad, and I don’t want anyone to feel that.

I thought that mine wasn’t that severe so it didn’t mean anything. Trust me it does. If you’ve been diagnosed or think you have it, I would highly recommend getting therapy because trust me you don’t want it to get bad.

Anyway I’m here to talk about some things about OCD. Starting with the intrusive thoughts.

I don’t think the intrusive thoughts that come with OCD are really discussed enough when in reality they are the reasons for the compulsions.

First things first intrusive thoughts aren’t “I want to dye my hair at 3 am.” That’s an impulsive thought there a huge difference, and I’m not trying to attack you for using intrusive thoughts in that context especially if you didn’t know the difference, but it’s important you know the difference and you the terms in the proper context.

And I say this because if people start believing intrusive thoughts are things you actually want to do but just do impulsively it’s going to cause a huge problem especially for people with OCD.

If you have OCD your intrusive thoughts can be terrible, awful things. That they don’t want to do. Let me repeat that people with OCD don’t want to do their intrusive thoughts hence the compulsions because their brain convinces them that whatever they do will stop the thoughts.

But those thoughts are just something impulsive you want to do they are a lot of the time truly disturbing things. Sometimes these thoughts will get so bad people with lock themselves in their houses because they are scared of hurting someone. When I’m actuality these people are the least likely to actually act on these thoughts.

Now let’s get onto compulsions. When most people think of compulsions they think of hand washing or having to do something a certain amount of times but we’ll that can be the case from some people those aren’t the only types of compulsions.

For example reassurance seeking can be a compulsion. Asking your friends things like “Am I a bad person?” Or “Do you still love me?” or whatever your intrusive thoughts are telling you.

I’m going to explain a few of mine because I would say mine aren’t as well known. For instance waking up every morning and the first thing I have to think being “Today is the day the world will end.” Because I was always told god would destroy it when I least expected it so now if I don’t repeat it every morning I’m on edge all day.

Or not being able to stomach anything that isn’t labeled gluten free or made by me, I also cant eat unless I know I can go home after on the off chance some gluten made it’s way into it and I get sick.

The last one I’m going to mention is being overly nice to everyone at school. I would have such vivid thoughts about someone hurting people at school that even if this person was a huge jerk I would be nice to them or go out of my way to complement them because that would somehow fix thing.

The point is compulsions come in all shapes and forms and OCD is rarely logical, but it doesn’t change the fact that it feels logical. Just because you don’t fit a the stereotype doesn’t mean you don’t have it. It’s important to know that because with everything else your probably going through with this disorder you don’t need denial on your plate aswell.

It’s important to try and get help for this disorder because honestly it can be scary, and can cause a hole pile of other issues. But if you can’t here are some pointers.

1. Do your best to not participate in the compulsions. Now this won’t be easy at all and that doesn’t mean they’ll go away but they’ll be easier to manage. Trust me. I was forced to break one from sheer in ability of not being able to do it and it sucked but I was happier than I had been in months after I got through that.

2. Remember the intrusive thoughts aren’t you, and tell your brain that to.

3. I know it sounds silly and might not help everyone it i know for me kind of talking to my brain like a child works. Like “I know what you are feeling is very real but why don’t we try watching tv for a bit and see if you still want to do it then. Okay?” And then just try and distract yourself. It’s not fool proof but you know.

4. Just remember you’re stronger than you think. I know it’s hard and some days are really going to suck. But as hard as it is you can work through it. It won’t go away but it will become easier.

Anyway that’s it. I know this is a little rambely but I hope it gets the point across.

[snicker-doodles]

MLC AU Part 2

a continuation of the previous MLC AU Part 1

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

Imagine Li Xiangyi still feeling guilty about everything so he ran away after everything was over because he’s afraid Di Feisheng would hate him when he got his memory back

Imagine DFS finally getting his memory back and ended up being the one chasing LXY around so they can get married cause for him his beloved can do no wrong and he just doesn’t give a fuck

However, what if LXY truly belive that DFS is after him for revenge, so everytime DFS found LXY, somehow he always tried to avoid him, over and over again

“Di Mengzhu, I don’t mind talking to you but after we solve this case ok?” but he would always run away the moment the case is solved

What if everytime DFS managed to corner him, LXY would always find an excuse, because he’s afraid to face DFX, not because he’s afraid of death, but because he genuinely feels guilty about almost killing him and what happened to DFS for the last decade, and he truly believe DFS would never forgive him for that, cause after all, he knew that freedom is what matters most to DFS

What if LXY simply couldn’t bear to hear DFS say that he doesn’t love him anymore or that he hates him, so he chose to run, without knowing that DFS truly never blamed him and genuinely just want to spend the rest of his days with LXY

Imagine after all those time seeing LXY looking so sad and miserable in his presence, but could actually laugh happily when he’s with other people like Qiao Wanmian or even with Zhan Yunfei and Yun Biqiu who clearly had poisoned him at some point, DFS finally started to think that maybe, maybe LXY truly doesn’t love him anymore, that maybe he truly think that DFS no longer deserves to be with him after knowing everything about his past

Imagine DFS finally decided to give up, cause after all, isn’t Xiangyi’s happiness and wellbeing the most important thing? and if his presence wound ruin all that, then maybe he should just leave him alone after all

Imagine DFS spending his days drinking his sorrows away without realizing that Jiao Liqiao was still out there following his every move, waiting for her chance

What if JLQ managed to poison his wine, captured him, and then severed all his tendons to make sure that DFS would never run away from her ever again

Imagine DFS just stayed put without even trying to get away, after all, he has already been freed from the mind-controlling bug then destroyed the Di fortress and took his revenge, so what else is left for him in this world? without his Xiangyi, why should he care about life anymore

After sometime, imagine LXY started to feel that something is wrong, wehere is A Fei? Didn’t he keep on perstering him for the last couple of months? Where did he go? Did he feel like LXY is not worth the trouble and just decided to leave? No, its not like him, DFS would always finish what he started, if he want revenge, he would definitely get it, so why? Where is he?

Imagine LXY finally started to investigate and managed to find that JLQ took DFS away

Imagine LXY managed to find her hideout and saw what she did to DFS

Imagine LXY feeling an intense fury like never before, and in his rage, he slaugthered JLQ and every single one of her underlings, then proceeded to raze the whole fortress to the ground

After all of that, imagine DFS feeling confused, didn’t he hate me? Then why?

What if these two foolish men finally got around and actually talk to each other while LXY used his yangzhouman to help heal DFS

What if LXY finally decided to stop running and just face the music, but first let me heal you ok A Fei? After, I’ll listen to everything that you want to say to me, and if you want to kill me, that would be fine too, I won’t run away anymore

Imagine DFS feeling so incredulous thinking, Xiangyi what the hell? Why would I ever hate you let alone want to kill you? none of it is your fault! ok, maybe that day we could’ve talk first instead of just started to fight, but I was also at fault for not trying to explain myself and just feeling angry and jealous because you keep on talking about your damn shixiong! I know you no longer have feelings for me and refuses to be anywhere near me after you found out about my past, I know I’m not good enough for you, but I love you, and I will always do till the day I die

Imagine LXY feeling so regretful for not trying to properly investigate and just simply confronted DFS back then, and feeling so stupid to ever doubt his A Fei’s love for him, and really A Fei, what the hell? Why would I ever stop loving you? I was just feeling guilty, what do you mean you’re not good enough for me? I’m the one who’s not good enough for you! We were young then, but I should’ve known better now, I’m sorry, for everything that I put you through, and I do love you, always, since that first day when you came to challenge me, there’s been no one else but you

Imagine LXY finally brought DFS back with him to Sigu Sect and everyone was all, oh, you boys have finally figured it out? Thank heavens

[faeyun]

hello !! i was the one who said to lmk if you wanted an in depth review so here i am !!

first of all, i really really love your writing. this is probably the first time i’ve come across your work and i was really amazed. i’m all for toxic relationships and dubcon and i really think you captured it so well. to be honest, i don’t really have negative remarks other than the fact that it’s really obvious to the readers but not to the ‘reader’ and also the fact that i was actually imagining life sized dolls at first 😭 but mostly it’s fine. i had many many feelings during reading this 🙂‍↕️ cause i kind of understand reader where it’s obviously a toxic and kind of odd relationship but in a way where you still want to stay and you still want to be obsessed over by someone you yourself are obsessed with. it’s also kind of sad cause the reader represents being perfect and can never lessen from being perfect after finally becoming a doll and being retained as perfect. i kind of get wanting to be obsessed over to the breaking point of being fine being destroyed. she knows he wants to destroy her but she wants him to destroy her. i really loved the small details about the missing girls. honestly though, maybe this is from my perspective but i like to think that deep down, the reader knew what was going on. she knew that there was probably something fishy. and she knew that these dolls were trying to tell her something more than she could understand on the surface,, but she was mostly in denial and didn’t want to accept it at all. so her mind tried to not even consider that an option. because sunghoon is so great and so perfect, why would he ever do that? he’s just busy at work and busy making his normal dolls? reading this was really like a short film. when i read/watch horror or thriller, i always have to pause because i get scared and this story made me really scared tbh 😭,, but it was really entertaining too. i said this before to someone else, but mostly i end up finding these fics cause i’m horny and want smut 💔 but damn it was crazy… and this isn’t even about the smut parts it’s about everything else. i think the build up and background and obsession really contributed to the smut and really made me feel a certain way/pos,, im not trying to glaze you or hype you up too much, but really it was really good… ugh he’s so toxic but i love it i love obsessive men 💜 lowk i’m also reading some of your other posts and reviews and the parts and elements of your writing is nawt too much and is in fact really well written 🙂‍↕️ the tension is conveyed really well where i get scared but it keeps me on my toes waiting for what happens next,, and if reader would get caught or not or if she’ll delve in and try to explore more. i almost hoped for a good end, but even so the ending was good and made sense. sighh this was really long and not really proofread so i hope you don’t mind 💔 i will be in touch with your next works (although don’t feel pressured). actually i just scrolled up and saw how long it is,, my bad 😭it really is good though (also i loved the smut 🙂‍↕️ and would be very happy with a prequel and also i think with how insane reader is it probably makes sense too if she just saw him with such rose tinted glasses and perfection to not even think about him being odd)

omg omg don’t even worry about the length hehe i LOVE long reviews like this and hearing what everyone thought when reading!!! and i like reading everyone’s theories and everything too!! also, i’ll take all the hype and glazing i can get lmaoo😭

it being obvious to the people reading but not quite the mc was intentional!!! like you said a little farther down how you thought deep that she knew there was something off, she did!! i tried to show this in a few subtle and not so subtle ways such as: in the very first scene when she’s making the eggs and hears what the reporter says on the tv, she drops the egg shell and it cracks, this was the first hint that like those rose-tinted glasses are coming off. and when she sees the missing girls and how they look like her and the smoke alarm goes off, that’s the second clue!!! i tried to have the smoke alarm represent how like the alarms in her head are finally sounding off. then it’s the moving dolls and the dollhouse scenes and everything until she finally sees how he cut up and sewn together those missing girls to try and make a human doll of her! as she said, she had all the puzzle pieces, but she just refused to see the full picture until it was too late.

and it is really sad that even in the end she literally couldnt escape that perfectionism… i know a lot of people wanted a more happier ending, but the whole theme of the dollmaker was about perfectionism, especially towards women, and how it’s something you can rarely escape. like not to go too deep with it since it’s fanfic lmao,,, but in the circumstances the mc was in and how perfectionism is literally embedded and ingrained into every fiber of her being, there was no escape for her. especially since once she did start to feel disgusted with perfectionism, it was only tied to when sunghoon was away more and more and she contributed that to him being away instead of her breaking free of this obsession with image he instilled onto her!! and when she was finally started to see that maybe it’s his fault, she shoved that down and followed him into the darkness anyways.

eeeeeee!!! everytime tells me how well the build-up and tension was i literally get so smiley because i truly thought that i didn’t write that that well… but to hear how my writing was actually scaring people and keeping them at the edge of their seats really means a lot to me!!! ♡♡ and i’m happy that that in turn made the smut better too and that my intentions for it came across well!! at first i was worried that it was wayyy too much plot but then i was like well i can’t just throw everyone into this crazy ass smut so it had to be so plot-heavy anyways heh,, also everyone saying how well written it is and how you all love my writing??? sobbing, screaming, crying, thank you so so much ilyy ๐·°(৹˃̵﹏˂̵৹)°·๐ ♡♡♡

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR READING A LEAVING SUCH A DETAILED REVIEW!!!!! my heart is literally soaring right now you don’t understand ^^ i’m so happy that you liked it especially enough to let me know all your in-depth thoughts about it! hehe i hope you do stick around for my other works, i’ll be so happy to hear your reviews again!!! so don’t hesitate or shy away from leaving more in the future if you do!! hehe i love love love when people let me know these sort of things!!! ♡♡

[seradyn]

Ruvik, Karl and the daemon bastard husband Ardyn 😂💙

YES MY BOIS 👏💕👏

Gonna go in the order you listed 😉

Was gonna add video clips of my favorite moments, but you can only do one per post, so the rest are gifs 😭😭

Ruvik

First impression: Woah, who is this guy, and why is he so powerful? Is he a demon? A vengeful spirit? I am very intrigued.

Impression now: Oh god he’s tragic. OH GOD HE’S TRAGIC.

Favorite moment: In the first Kidman DLC, The Assignment, Ruvik has some absolutely spectacular dialogue with her and Leslie at the very end, after cornering them in the church. It gives me chills every time and the delivery is perfect.

“We’re all their pawns, eventual victims.

They killed me! They ripped me apart, and took what they needed.

I will destroy what they wish to control.”

The elevator scene with Sebastian is also great, but man this one is just sublime in every way.

Idea for a story: I’ve been playing with the idea for a x Reader fic with him, one in which they essentially kill him with kindness. He hasn’t experienced kindness or affection since the accident, so I’m excited to explore his character dealing with someone who doesn’t immediately find him repulsive or isn’t intimidated by him. There will also be lots of bumbling on his end, cause even though he’s smart af, he doesn’t know the first thing about relationships 😂

Unpopular opinion: He deserves compassion, and hating him is extremely shortsighted. Yes, he did terrible things, no one is debating that, but choosing to ignore the broken pieces of his humanity left in the game is being deliberately obtuse. Not saying you shouldn’t or can’t hate him, but it shouldn’t be without acknowledging his trauma. And putting others down for not hating him is downright juvenile.

Favorite relationship: I’m all about that self ship, which is probably his best bet at getting any romance, based on being…well, a serial killer. Some of my friends have shown me Ruvik x Stefano though, and that relationship would be interesting to say the least 😆

Favorite head cannon: Touch starved af and craves affection. Although touch starved is basically cannon, I think he also deeply craves some kind of connection with someone. He lost everyone he cared about; his sister died in the fire, his parents locked him in a basement, his research partner betrayed him, which lead to his death (the one he’s discussing in the above quote). I head cannon he longs for someone he can trust, really trust, and anguishes over his loneliness.

Moving on…

Karl Heisenberg

First impression: I hadn’t played the game, but I’d seen pictures of him. For some reason I thought he was the main villain, and was working with Chris to make the main character help him (no fucking clue how I arrived here 🤣🤣). Thought he was some big, gruff man who didn’t talk much and smiled even less. Why does he look like Ardyn?

Impression now: LMAOOO THIS DUDE IS A MASSIVE TROLL AND I AM SO HERE FOR IT 😂😂😂 I could not have been more wrong about him (or the plot, still not sure how I got there). He’s funny and I love his smile, and how much of a tool he is. I must say, I did not expect his voice to sound the way it does, but I’m not complaining 🥰

Favorite moment: Why isn’t there more of him why isn’t there more WHY ISN’T THERE MORE??? Anyway, probably when he tries to convince Ethan to work with him.

“Neither did I! But here we are.

And I’m next in line, right? Kill me, move up the chain!

Well, fuck that!”

He’s so animated here, I love it 🥰

Idea for a story: I’ve already mentioned I got something cookin in the old noggin, but I have more details on what I want to happen now, so I’ll be happy to share them! Surprise surprise, it’s x Reader, where they’re a botanist sent to survey the remote mountains of Romania. Collect data on the plants there for the university they work at, along with two colleagues who are cartographers, going to update outdated maps of the area. They get captured and typical RE shenanigans ensue, but I also want reader to be connected to Umbrella somehow, which I hope you can help me with. I want Miranda to know too, so she starts sending reader to all the Lords to see what happens. Little does she know reader starts to osmose some of all their powers, turning into something far more dangerous than she could’ve imagined.

That’s all I got for now, no more spoilers! Unless you want them 😉

Unpopular opinion: He has more respect for his partners than some of you seem to think. I’ve read plenty of stories where Karl is super hands on with his partner, slapping their ass and manhandling them all the time, sometimes hours after meeting them. Not my fuckin Heisenberg. He keeps his hands to himself, unless he has explicitly gotten permission to do any touching. Honestly wish some of y’all would tag your stories when you make him all grabby, it’s kinda triggering for me.

Favorite relationship: My first answer is going to be x Reader for all of these, I’m a sucker for the stuff. Although Karl x Ethan sounds endlessly amusing to me. Karl would be the puppy bouncing around everywhere while Ethan would brood in a corner 😂

Favorite head cannon: Extremely sensitive to trauma responses, and is good at comforting, due to the things Miranda did to him. He doesn’t want anyone he likes to know what that helplessness or fear feelings like.

Last, but the farthest thing from least…

Ardyn Izunia Lucis Caelum

First impression: I knew he was the villain before I started the game, but that’s all I knew. Thought he was funny as I actually got into the game, and why the hell is he everywhere??

Impression now: GREEK PLAY LEVEL TRAGIC HERO AND MY HEART ETERNALLY ACHES FOR HIM. Seriously, they did NOT need to fuck Ardyn up so much, there’s plenty of shit that happened to him that could make someone a villain by itself. But the gods and Squenix said ‘fuck this guy in particular’. I thought y’all called him ‘trash Jesus’ cause he looks like the guy, but NOOOOO there’s actually fucking parallels between the two. The healer, the betrayal, the crucifixion…not exactly subtle when you take the time to look. Aside from all that, I still love how funny he is, he always makes me laugh (when he’s not making me cry), and he’s super smart. Plus, I will always admire how he made it so he wins no matter what happens in the end. That takes some galaxy brain level planning.

Favorite moment: Imma let it speak for itself;

“You think ten years is a long time? It is nothing to me!

I have lived in darkness for AGES!”

God, the fucking level of emotion absolutely dripping from that last word kills me very time. Darin de Paul did excellently with Ardyn’s lines up until that point, but this one hits differently. The sheer anguish and sorrow you can hear in his voice is breathtaking. Made worse when you realize he’s being literal…he has spent actual ages locked in a dark cell. Words can’t properly give it credit.

Idea for a story: yall chapter 11 of ADCT is gonna be like 10k+ words 😂😂 Not done yet and it’s already at 7k lol. Hope that makes up for the 6 month hiatus 😵‍💫 Aside from that though, I have another idea for a long fic, albeit a shorter one. Where reader gets washed up on Angelgard before Verstael, and is horrified to find Ardyn strung up on the island. After freeing him, they have to work together to try to survive, figuring out how to get food, water, and fight off hypothermia. Verstael eventually arrives, and takes both of them back to Niflehiem.

Unpopular opinion: Most handsome character in FFXV by a long shot. He’s in space.

Favorite relationship: Apart from x Reader, I’m boring for this one. Ardyn x Aera, they’re so sweet and cute together. Forever bitter Ardyn didn’t get to reunite with her at the end. I know some people dig Ardyn x Gilgamesh, but meh, it’s just not for me. Hope y’all who do like it have fun with it though 😁

Favorite head cannon: Absolute teddy bear with his SOs, fucking bastard troll man with everyone else. Dynamic is super fun and amusing to me, I love the thought of him being a bean one moment then turning around and roasting Ravus with political talk the next. Oh, I also love the thought that he has a massive sweet tooth. Since his hair didn’t grow at all during his time on Angelgard, I like to think his body is in some kind of stasis, that it can’t be changed, and Ardyn takes full advantage of that. He’s got at least three different types of cake in his fridge, and several pints of ice cream in the freezer. He also keeps candy bars in his desk.

Thank you so much for this ask, it was a ton of fun to write! 😁😁

[m-jelly]

Undead Honeymoon - The end

Pairing: Husband!Levi x Wife!Reader

Genre and tags: Modern AU, married life, honeymoon, zombies, gore, survival, fluff, romance, dad Levi.

Concept: You and Levi get to see a scan of your baby as you wait to leave the Island. You suffer from a nightmare months after being on the island and Levi provides you with comfort and a surprise. You go to the wedding of your best friends and talk about the healing process after what happened.

No tagging due to zombie fics not being for everyone.

Ao3 link

You sat on the deck of the hut as you watched Levi talking on the phone with his mother for the one-hundredth time since the phones came back. You smiled as he kept talking to her and winked at you. You were happy you were going home soon, but you were stuck in quarantine for a bit. The island was being cleaned up of remaining zombies and the last of the survivors elsewhere were being picked up and sent somewhere safe.

Erwin had explained to the scientists and army who came what had happened here. He let them know every single thing except for the experiments to make more people like Levi and Zero. You and Levi faced facts that it was likely you were changed forever, but the scientists were interested in helping you both. Erwin was glad that nothing bad would happen to you and Levi. He just wanted peace for everyone.

You lifted your head when you heard someone moving closer. You stood up and walked inside the hut to see the scientist who regularly tended to you and Levi. “Hello, Dr Reed.”

Reed smile at you as she held a case with her. “Hello, Mrs Ackerman. How are you today?”

“Well.” You sat down on the sofa. “I am worried about a few things. We’ve been here a long time before you and after. I just…I don’t want to be an experiment and Levi doesn’t want to either.”

“We’ve promised you both that we’ll never hurt you. We want to help cure you both. The virus elsewhere has been cured, but you two are different and the things here have a twisted version of the virus in them. We just want to help you.” She smiled and opened the box. “I have something fun for you!”

“What is that machine?”

She smiled. “Well, you can have your first scan. Want to see your baby?”

You welled up. “Yes! LEVI!”

Levi sprinted into the hut. “Who hurt you!?” He held his breath when he saw your tears. “Who made you cry? I’ll kill them!”

“Levi, I’m okay.” You held your hand out to him. “Come here. Do you want to see our baby?”

He sat next to you with tears in his eyes. “Yes!”

You turned on the sofa and lay back so you used Levi’s lap as your pillow. You dragged your shirt up to reveal your baby bump. “Ready.”

Dr Reed put the gel on your stomach before she ran the sensor over your belly. “All right, let’s find the little one.” She gazed at the screen and grinned. “There they are. I won’t be able to see their sex yet, but they are looking very healthy.”

Levi grabbed your hand and squeezed tightly. “Look at them.”

You welled up and touched the screen. “Baby…”

“They’re so cute and small.”

Dr Reed hummed a laugh. “Actually, they are a bit big for what they’re supposed to be. I guess you’ve been keeping well and it is likely due to your husband’s genes.”  

You blushed a little. “Sounds like it.”

She cleaned you up and packed the machine away. “We’ll get a better look at them next month.”

Levi frowned. “Next month?”

She smiled a little. “Because of what you are, Mr Ackerman, we need to keep a close eye on your baby and wife. It’s mainly for their health.”

Levi nodded and helped you sit up on his lap. “I understand.”

She picked up the kit and smiled. “I’ll leave you both alone.”

“Thank you. Oh, do you have an update?”

She walked to the door and paused. “Looking at two more weeks here.”

“Seriously?”

She leaned against the door. “I know, it’s frustrating but we have to make sure that everyone left isn’t infected. It’s looking good for you all and the plant that caused this all? It is being destroyed.”

Levi rose to his feet and approached her. “Can you assure me that they won’t use it in the future?”

“Yes. This zombie outbreak destroyed a whole island in a single day. It’s too powerful to control.”

“Good.” He released a long sigh. “Because I will rip apart anyone who uses it.”

“Mr Ackerman, we’re all well aware of what you can do and honestly? A lot of us fear you. So, if you don’t want this drug getting out and us using the virus, we won’t.”

You hummed a laugh and made Dr Reed jump; she hadn’t noticed you sneaking up on her. “Good, I’m glad we all understand because he’s not alone.”

“I understand.” She bowed to you both. “I will see you both soon.”

You held her hand in both of yours. “Sorry if we scared you, it’s just we’ve spent months here and we’ve seen what these things can do and we almost lost each other.”

Dr Reed smiled. “It’s okay. I know you two are my friend and you’re just worried for others.” She opened your door and waved. “See you soon, you two.”

You waved as she left you and Levi alone. “Bye-bye!” You hummed a little before turning to Levi. “We should check on the others.”

Levi picked you up. “No.”

You squeaked as he kicked the door closed. “Levi.”

“No.”

You pouted. “Leviiiii.”

He carried you to the bedroom. “No.”

You huffed a little. “Come on, Levi.”

He threw you on the bed and admired how you bounced. He crawled up the bed and smiled as you gasped a little. “Worry not, little honeybun. I’m not going to ravage you.”

You frowned. “Then what are you up to?”

He lay between your legs and held your waist. “I want to talk to our baby.”

You played with Levi’s hair. “Talk all you want.”

He kissed your stomach. “Hey, my little muffin, it’s daddy.” He nuzzled your stomach. “I know you’ve been through a crazy time, but we’ll be going home soon and you’ll be safer there. We’ll spoil you so much with love.” He hummed a laugh. “Your mother is the most incredible woman in the world. She has saved me so many times. She’s so kind, strong and incredibly beautiful.”

You blushed a little. “Thank you.”

He leaned up and gazed at you. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He kissed your belly again. “Don’t hurt your mummy too much when you arrive, okay?” He released a long sigh. “You know, I can’t wait to meet you. I’m looking forward to holding you and showering you with kisses. I’ll dress you up in all the cute clothes. You’ll have lots of toys. We’ll go on so many adventures. We’ll go swimming, fishing, camping and everything you could dream of.”

You smiled. “Don’t spoil them too much, we don’t want a spoiled brat on our hands.”

Levi pouted a bit. “Just a bit of spoiling.”

“Levi.”

He crawled up your body. “Tiny bit?”

You hummed a laugh. “Tiny bit.” You grabbed your phone and smiled at the messages from your mother and Kuchel, both had been buying baby things for you and Levi. “Speaking of spoiling.” You turned your phone around. “Look at what my mum and yours have sent me in the group chat. They made a baby group chat and filled it with pictures of things they’ve bought.”

Levi took your phone and chuckled. “They look amazing. A lot of bunny-themed things.”

“Well, you do call me bunny and honeybun, so that probably inspired them.”

He locked your phone and kissed you. “Because you’re cute like a bunny.”

You cupped his face. “Two weeks and we’re home.”

“Yeah.”

You flopped back on the bed and hummed. “I know it’s strange to say, but I will miss it here.”

Levi rested his head on your breasts. “I will miss it as well. We’ve been through so much here that it became another home.” He pressed his face into your chest more. “I do really want to go home though and set up the baby room and then go shopping for a house where we can raise our many babies.”

“That sounds like the perfect plan.”

Levi kissed you and sighed through his nose. “I love you.”

You wrapped your arms around him. “I love you too.”

Levi purred a little. “Honeybun?”

You hummed a laugh when Levi started covering your neck and chest in kisses, his semi pressed against you. “Sweetheart? Are you hungry for me?”

Levi moaned against your skin. “I crave you.”

“Then have me.” You smiled at him. “I’ve been desperate for you all day.”

You sat up in bed and screamed as you were surrounded by zombies biting at your flesh. You kicked and fought as much as you could. You screamed and cried out in pain as you felt the bite on your shoulder over and over again. You pressed your hand on your big baby bump and dove off the bed and slammed onto your side. You tried to crawl away but a zombie crawled onto your back and bit you over and over.

“LEVI! HELP ME!” You reached back and smacked the zombie. “HELP!” You screamed in agony. “MY BABY!” You curled up into a ball to protect your baby. “LEVI!”

Levi woke up at the sound of you trashing around. He sat up and groaned a bit from being pulled from sleep. He looked over at you to see you moving around in bed and then falling out. He shouted your name and dove for you. He grabbed you and shook you, but you were out like a light and you were sweating as you cried and screamed.

Levi cradled you in his arms and rocked you. “Come back to me.” He kissed your forehead. “Come back to me.”

Your eyes flew open as you gasped. You stared up at the dark room and felt tears sting your eyes. You shifted your gaze and looked at your husband. “Levi.”

Levi wiped your tears away. “I’m here. I’m right here.”

You shivered. “They were everywhere. The zombies. They bit me.”

He hugged you tightly. “They’re all gone, my sweet. We’re not on that island anymore. We’re home.” He kissed your temple. “We’re safe.”

You whimpered a bit. “N-No we’re not. We’re back there.”

Levi picked you up and carried you to the wall with ceiling-to-floor windows. He pressed the panel on the wall making the dark colour in them go and allowing you to see the city you lived in together. “Look, we’re home.”

You stared out at the city. “Home…”

“That’s right.”

“But, this could be a dream.”

Levi carried you through the dark penthouse to a room filled with baby things. “You’re safe and at home.” He sat you in the nursing chair and walked over to the drawers with the clothes in. He picked up a onesie and handed it to you. “See?”

You played with the onesie. “Oh…oh…” You welled up. “Home.”

Levi knelt before you. “You are safe.” He placed his hands on your big baby bump. “So is our baby.”

You placed your hand on your belly and smiled. “Yeah…” You looked up at Levi and felt love surge through you. “Levi.”

He smiled and leaned up. “I’m here.”

You slipped off your seat and wrapped your arms around Levi. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He squeezed you. “You’ve helped me through nightmares too.” He released a long sigh. “It doesn’t help that people keep reminding us of the past with people following us around.”

You nuzzled up to Levi. “Mm, I wish they’d go away.”

“Me too.” He sighed. “Want to have some hot chocolate and watch some movies?”

You nodded. “Yes. Oh, I need help getting up.”

Levi put his hand under your armpits and lifted you and placed you on your feet. “There you go.”

“Thank you.”

He held your hand and pulled you along to the bedroom. “Sit and I’ll make the hot chocolate.” He handed you the remote. “Put something fun on.”

You squeezed the remote. “Umm…”

He kissed your temple. “I’ll put a light on for you.”

You blushed a bit. “Mm…thank you.”

Levi flicked on the bedroom light. “It’s safe.”

You nodded as you looked around. “Yes.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen.”

You waved to him. “Okay. Love you.”

Levi winked at you. “Love you too.”

You giggled as he walked away. You slipped out of bed and raided the walk-in closet. You swapped your dress for a shirt of Levi’s and paused a moment when you caught your reflection in the mirror. You pouted when you saw your seven-month belly stretching Levi’s shirt. You shifted out of the closet and climbed back into bed. You browsed the few apps you had and found a fun movie both you and Levi loved and never failed to make you laugh together.

Levi returned to you with a tray. “I’m back. Did you pick something good?”

You nodded. “I picked one we love laughing at.”

He sat on his side of the bed and placed the tray down. He kissed your neck a few times before he noticed what you were wearing. “That my shirt?”

“Yeah.”

“It looks delicious on you. I could just eat you up.”

You pouted a little. “I’ve stretched it though.”

He frowned at your words. “You have? How?”

You pulled at the top. “Baby belly.”

He stared at how the shirt stretched over the baby bump. “Cute.”

“It’s not cute.”

“It is.” He pulled you close and held you. “I love it.”

“But it’ll forever be stretched.”

He grabbed your hot chocolate for you. “I like that because when I look at it in the future I’ll forever be reminded of you being pregnant.”

You sipped your drink and hummed in delight. “You’re so sweet to me.”

He kissed your cheek. “I’m just madly in love with you.”

“Me too.”

Levi placed his hand on your belly as you watched TV. He smiled as he felt his daughter move against his hand. He couldn’t believe he’d be meeting his precious daughter in two months. He was so happy and excited to be home with you. He hugged you tightly as he felt joy and happiness consume him about being with you and soon being a father. He kissed and nipped your neck and then nuzzled against you.

You changed to the normal TV and saw the news talking about you and Levi, yet again. You sighed and felt tired but then they mentioned the Island and how they were going to bring life back into it and make it a holiday place and a large part a memorial site for those who passed away. You fought tears when you saw a long list of names on the screen of those who died on the Island.

Levi kissed the side of your head. “I’m glad they’re going to do something with the Island.”

“Me too. Sadly, a lot of people died there, but I am glad that they’re not going to lock up the Island and throw away the key.” You put your cup down and sighed. “I have to remember what our therapist said, it’s okay we survived.”

“You’re right.”

You yawned. “I think I’m okay now.”

Levi shifted on the bed and held you against him as he lay down. “I’ll be right here all night long, okay?”

You smiled and snuggled closer. “Yes, Levi. Thank you.”

Levi played with your hair and smiled a little as he felt you drift off. He fell asleep not long after you. He woke up early and saw you had a gentle smile on your face as you slept, meaning you were having a nice dream. He gave you a loving kiss on the cheek before he went about his special day. He made sure the home was clean before he put up the cute decorations for the little party he had planned for you.

He hurried to the door when he heard the bell. He opened it and smiled at Erwin and Kate. “Hey both, good to see you.”

Kate lifted a box. “We brought lots of food.”

Erwin lifted a bag. “And gifts.”

Levi blushed a little. “Oh, you didn’t need to, but thank you.”

Kate slipped her shoes off and hurried inside. “I’ll help you set everything up as well.”

Erwin winked. “I’ll greet the guests. You go wake up your wife.”

Levi blushed hard as he thought about you. He loved that you were his wife. You were his world and he was so lucky to be married to you. He moved into the bedroom and just felt himself swell with love as he looked you over in bed. He released a long sigh and moved closer to you. He sat on the bed and played with your hair as he admired you. He leaned closer and covered your face in kisses.

You hummed a laugh as you woke up. “Morning Levi.”

“Good morning.”

You sat up and sighed. “Thank you for last night.”

“No need to thank me, okay? I’ll do anything for you, you know that.”

“I do.”

He got off the bed and picked a cute dress for you and some comfy underwear. “We have a fun day today.”

You got out of bed and hummed a laugh. “You been plotting things?”

“I have.”

You giggled as he helped you change. “Exciting.” You smiled as Levi helped you change. “I can change on my own.”

He shook his head. “No, I’m helping.”

“Thanks.”

He wiggled your dress on before kissing you. “Perfection.”

You hummed a laugh. “Thank you.”

He sat you down and started combing your hair. “You look wonderful.”

“I look tired, but I appreciate the kind words.”

He helped you stand and held you. “You look more beautiful than you realise.”

You squeezed Levi back. “Thank you. You’re so incredibly handsome.”

He whined. “Thanks.”

You put your slippers on. “So, are we going out?”

Levi held your hand and pulled you along. “That’d be telling.”

You pouted. “Levi.”

He said your name back at you with a little smirk. “Patience.” He pushed you along. “Trust me, okay? You’re going to love this.”

You let out a long sigh. “Uh-huh.” You stepped into the living room and flinched when everyone shouted surprise. “What in the world?”

Kate hugged you. “Levi put this together. It’s like a wedding redo again and a baby celebration!”

You laughed and looked over at Levi. “This is…thank you.”

Levi pulled you close. “We didn’t get much to celebrate in those months there, so I thought we’d get some sense of normal again.”

“It’s amazing. Thank you so much.”

Your mother tackled you into a hug. “I can’t believe how wonderful this is. I’m so glad we’re all together again. Levi is so amazing to plan this.”

Levi blushed. “Thanks.”

Kuchel flapped her arms. “BABY!”

Sebastian pulled her back. “Calm down.” He chuckled at his wife’s pleading look. “I know you’re excited, but a bit at a time, okay? They’re recovering.”

You opened your arms to Kuchel. “Hug?”

Kuchel hugged you tightly. “I’m so happy for you both.” She kissed your cheek. “Let’s not dwell on the past and look forward to what’s going to happen.”

You hummed a laugh. “Yes. We’d love that.”

You looked back at your precious daughter Daisy in the back of Levi’s car. She was a perfect bundle of joy at five months old. You smiled at her making her squeal in delight and reach for you. “In a bit, my little flower. Daddy has to drive us to the wedding.”

Levi looked up in the mirror. “Few more minutes, okay?”

You turned and looked ahead and sighed. “I can’t believe it. I’m so excited.”

Levi chuckled. “Me too. I’ll keep Erwin calm.”

“I’ll make sure Kate is not having a little panic attack as well. I know Daisy will lighten her day.”

Levi pouted. “I want Daisy to be with me.”

You hummed a laugh. “We’ve talked about this. I’ll have her first and then you come around and take Daisy for a bit.”

He let out a long sigh. “Yeah.” He pulled up into the parking space and sighed. “Let’s do this.”

You gulped hard. “It’ll be safe, right?”

Levi held your hand. “Yeah, it’ll be okay. This wedding will go perfectly.”

You did a few breathing exercises with Levi before getting out of his car. You opened the back door and helped your daughter out. You held her against you and smiled as she clung tightly to your dress and her bunny toy. “You ready to see your auntie and uncle today?”

Daisy gazed at you before she laughed a little. “Aboo! Ba, ba, ba!”

Levi kissed Daisy’s head. “I think she is ready to go.”

You hummed a laugh and carried her inside as Levi grabbed her bag of things. “I can imagine Kate and Erwin are worrying about the same things we are.”

Levi hummed. “You’re right, but the virus has been dealt with.”

You squeezed your daughter. “Yeah.”

Levi stopped with you in the hall. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll have a wonderful time and it’ll be a cute wedding.” He kissed you and smiled. “Have fun with Kate.”

“Have fun with Erwin.”

“Yes, my love.”

You ran down the hall with Daisy giggling away. You opened the bridal door and smiled at Kate in her wedding dress with your mother helping. “Hello. I’ve brought our expert.”

Kate gasped. “Baby!”

You stepped inside and handed Daisy over. “She’ll help you out.”

Kate cuddled your daughter. “She’s the best. I feel at peace now, thank you.”

You helped Kate with her hair once she sat with your daughter. “How are you feeling?”

“Nervous.”

“Erwin will be there.”

She let out a long sigh. “I know that…it’s the whole…”

“Zombies.”

She hummed a bit. “Yeah.”

You sat in front of her and smiled. “We’re safe. They won’t come here. No more zombies, okay?”

She bounced Daisy on her lap. “Except for this one here.”

You giggled. “Yeah. The doctor said she’s developing incredibly. There are no signs of infection. She is a bit stronger than other kids.”

“What have the doctors said about you?”

“I’m like Levi and Daisy, we’re different and we’ll always be like this. They have tried hard for a cure, but because it’s changed our DNA they think it is impossible.”

Kate held your hand. “I’m sorry.”

You shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m happy that all my children will be stronger.”

She hummed a laugh and kissed your daughter’s puffy cheek. “And cute as hell. My God Daisy is so beautiful. She has this glow about her.”

You took Daisy off Kate and showered her face in kisses making her giggle. “She’s my precious flower.” You looked over at the door and smiled at Levi as he snuck it. “Hey, is Erwin okay?”

Levi nodded. “He’s doing great. He does want baby time though.”

You carried Daisy to Levi. “Here she is.”

Levi held his daughter close and kissed you. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

You winked at him. “Sure thing, sugar.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.” You waved to Daisy. “Bye-bye little flower, I love you.”

Levi carried Daisy down the hall to Erwin’s room. “I have the little flower.”

Erwin opened his arms. “Daisy!”

Levi handed his daughter over to his friend. “Feel better now?”

Erwin cuddled Daisy. “I feel incredible. She’s so cute and perfect.”

Daisy looked up at Erwin and squealed with laughter. She reached up and patted his face. “Mm, ba, ba, boo.”

Erwin kissed her cheek. “So cute. I can’t wait to have kids with Kate. We’ve talked about it and our first one will be Lilly.”

Levi smiled. “It’s a cute name. Two little flowers.”

Erwin chuckled. “I hope they’ll be good friends.”

“I know they will.” He looked at his watch. “We should get going.”

“Can I hold Daisy the whole time?”

Levi walked with Erwin. “Of course, but it might make Kate broody.”

Erwin looked at Daisy. “Well, you need a friend, right?”

Levi laughed. “I’m supposed to work on a friend for her.”

“You want an army of kids.”

Levi shrugged. “Possibly. If my wife is okay with it, she has to carry them to term and give birth to them.” He let out a long sigh. “She’s an incredible woman.”

Erwin chuckles. “She is.” He smiled at Daisy. “Your mummy is amazing.” He walked past his friends getting their seats and stood by Levi and waited for Kate. “I am still a little nervous.”

“I think everyone who was with us on that Island is. I haven’t seen anyone acting weird.”

Erwin squeezed Daisy. “I haven’t either.” His eyes widened when he saw Kate. “Like a goddess.”

Kate blushed hard. “Oh god, he looks so handsome with a baby.”

You giggled. “Right?! Just imagine what your baby together would look like.”

“So beautiful.”

You walked with her and took her flowers. “You two are cute.”

Levi took Daisy from Erwin. “Perfect couple.”

You smiled in pride as your friends got married and shared a passionate kiss. You moved together to the eating area and watched Levi feed his daughter. You laughed as she made a bit of a mess and got very excited each time the spoon was presented to her. You pulled your gaze away from your daughter and watched your two friends share a romantic dance.

You released a sigh. “I’m glad everything went well.”

Levi hummed a laugh. “Me too.”

You cleaned Daisy’s little face. “Shall we dance?”

“Yes please.” He stood up and held Daisy with one arm as he put his other around you and began slowly dancing. “So, I’m thinking for our tenth anniversary we go do another zombie infection island and do some fun survival stuff.”

You laughed. “Good joke.”

Levi laughed. “Thanks. Never again though. We’ll stick to video games.”

You nodded. “Damn straight.”

“Oh, looks like we have a sleepy girl.”

You felt your heart swell when you saw your daughter clinging to Levi as she fell asleep. “Adorable. Let’s get her home.”

Levi smiled. “I think a family naptime is needed.”

[pearblossommina]

ToG Read-A-Long, Kingdom of Ash, day 6

(One day late- yeah) (I’ll catch up, though)

Ch 43

Ok things are starting to go places with Dorian and Manon. Dorian, improving his shapeshifting skills

Manon, working towards meeting that peaceful fate she’s supposed to live up to.

You guys got this, I believe in you!

Don’t let those keys out of your sight, and Dorian, don’t let yourself get killed, cause it would break my damn heart.

Ch 44

Oof Aelin. Bad dreams. I’m not all right. You’re not all right. Fenrys isn’t all right. And yet the war still rages on, and people still die. My heart goes out to her for trying to keep moving. It’s a lot, and it’s probably going to be a while before she processes it.

I really, really hate this. I just gotta keep reading.

Ch 45

Oof Chaol and Yrene. You guys really want that baby… well… I guess that’s the best way to feel about an accidental pregnancy.

It makes me anxious as hell - but I’m sure nothing bad will happen, and this will be the first baby after the final wyrdkey is destroyed and the valg are banished to whatever realm they came from.

Ch 46

Aedion and Lysandra are not good, war is not good, things are bad for this whole legion

Ugh

I hate this. I liked it better when we were winning the war.

Ch 47

I took an entire day off reading this chapter; and I blame it for putting me behind the pace.

Something about Lysandra fighting as Aelin even though she could take a more efficient form, seeing her want to bear the likeness that will inspire the fighters the most, I was like: I think I need a break

So

Yeah!

Because this shit is hard to read! I’m too soft, I admit it. I don’t like all this war and anguish. It really weighs on you after a while. Even if it’s fictional, even if I have full faith that there’s gonna be a happy end.

Ch 48

FINALLY. The characters are FINALLY converging - about damn time you guys - we need to go kick some ass!

It’s cute how Aelin and Yrene are introducing each other to their husbands. Very wholesome. Girl, let’s have a belated bachelorette party. Uhhhhh - after the baby I guess since Yrene can’t exactly drink for the next 9 months -

Ch 49

Another cute wholesome we’re-all-together-now chapter!

Dorian killing that spider cured Falkan of his old age - I didn’t even think of that, but it’s kind of fascinating. When they were killing spiders I wonder how many people just got their lives and dreams back?

Ch 50

"Did you buy the swagger, the arrogance?" she demanded, voice breaking. "Did the others? Because I’ve been trying to. I've been trying like hell to convince myself that it's real, reminding myself I only need to pretend to be how I was just long enough."

Oh Aelin, Aelin, Aelin, don’t, don’t do this to yourself!

(I bought it)

(I bought every part of it)

(The reunion with Rowan, and the others)

(The way she seemed to come back to life when she was with him)

(The way she told him she was ready to be kissed)

(The way they made love, and mate-bonded anew)

(The way she offered a blood oath to Lorcan and acted all knowing about his relationship or lack-there-of with Elide)

(The way she’s been these last two chapters- )

(With tears in her eyes when she saw Chaol standing)

(And a glimmer of her old personality when she met with the khaganate, with Borte, with Falkan)

(I feel. REALLY SAD. Hearing her say all of it was a show, and that she’s been pretending, because she just wants to die - to forge the lock)

(I know it’s what Elena wants)

(But girl - you can’t!)

(Please keep trying Aelin)

(I know it’s hard)

(But life gets better!)

Honestly this book is mega depressing. I desperately want to feel something other than sadness, and sorrow, and pain. We’re out of Maeve’s clutches, and no longer being tortured, but the psychic damage is real, and it endures.

I kind of don’t even know if I’m going to feel better when Maeve gets destroyed. I know we gotta do it, and I’ll be glad when we do, but for the most part, I don’t feel good about it - I just feel desperate.

It’s kind of the difference when reading a fantasy novel vs a dystopian novel. Saving the world and being a hero. Vs disrupting the unjust system, fighting to bring the villain’s fall. This book is feeling more dystopian than ever. I’m having a hard time rooting for the hero’s because…. Everything sucks right now. And it’s hard to “root” for the downfall of a villain.

I am ready for the actual war to just be over and the characters to have a good day. A day where everything is beautiful and nothing hurts. I feel like it’s well earned.