#Merry Everyday! // IC //

[cherrrydragon]

➤ find something worth saving (it's all for the taking)

CHAPTER NINE: WARMTH

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SUMMARY ↳ Gotham's getting colder. You think your life is getting warmer. Nightwing grins, flipping his escrima sticks with practiced ease. "Couldn't miss out on Gotham's winter wonderland, could I? Plus, I wanted to visit my favorite bug.” “Spiders aren’t bugs, they’re arachnids.” “That’s literally the same thing.” “It’s literally not.” pairing: jon kent x gn!reader x damian wayne warnings: none, i think wc: 3.4k

Snow comes early in Gotham, so by December it’s mostly snowing everyday. It feels like you’re in New York again, when the Christmas lights start appearing on trees and snowmen litter the parks. Gotham, true to its nature, stays colorless for the most part. However, Gotham Square provides quite the merry site. Your suit reflects the bright lights as you swing by. 

Despite the holiday cheer, you can't let your guard down. Gotham's criminals have a knack for exploiting the city's festivities, and tonight is no exception. You notice a group of people gathered around a shop window, watching a live performance of animatronic figures reenacting a Christmas story. You land silently on a nearby rooftop, scanning the crowd below.

Karen’s voice crackles to life. "[Name],  there's been a report of suspicious activity near the old ice rink. It seems someone is trying to steal the charitable donations collected for the orphanage."

"Got it," you reply, already changing direction. You launch yourself into the night, the cold wind biting through your suit. The streets blur beneath you as you make your way to the ice rink, the glow of Gotham Square fading behind you.

When you arrive, you find a group of thugs attempting to break into the donation booth. They are armed and clearly not expecting any resistance on a night like this. You drop down silently behind them.

"Planning to ruin Christmas for the kids, are we?" you hum, voice distorted and menacing. The thugs spin around, startled, but it's already too late for them.

You make quick work of the first few, your training and instincts taking over. A punch here, a kick there, and they are down before they know what hit them. One of the thugs tries to flee, but a well-aimed web takes him down, his body hitting the wall with a thud.

As you tie up the last of the unconscious criminals, you hear the distant chime of church bells, signaling the hour. You look up, seeing the first flakes of snow beginning to fall from the sky. You feel a sense of childlike wonder as the tiny white stars fall from the sky. You secure the donation booth, ensuring that the funds will be safe for the children who need them.

friendly behind you

“Aw, you beat me to it.”

Nightwing leans casually against the wall, escrima sticks in hand. You give Nightwing a nod, acknowledging his familiar presence. "Just cleaning up Gotham's holiday mess," you reply. "Didn't expect you to be in town."

Nightwing grins, flipping his escrima sticks with practiced ease. "Couldn't miss out on Gotham's winter wonderland, could I? Plus, I wanted to visit my favorite bug.”

“Spiders aren’t bugs, they’re arachnids.”

“That’s literally the same thing.”

“It’s literally not.”

Whenever Nightwing is in town (which seems to be more than usual) he takes it upon himself to accompany you whenever he can find you. You mostly just let him do his own thing. "Semantics aside, looks like you've got everything under control here," Nightwing remarks, glancing around at the subdued criminals. “So… how have you been?”

You’re about to swing away, but his question confuses you. “What?”

He scratches the back of his head. “Well, how are you doing? Is work good? Or do you go to school?”

He watches as the eyes of your suit deadpan at him. “...Yeah? Life’s good, I guess?” you reply, appalled.

“That’s good.” he beams. Then he inspects your suit like it’s personally offended him. “Are you sure that thing can keep you warm?”

“Are you sure that thing can keep you warm?” you sass, gesturing to his skin tight uniform. “There’s literally a built-in heater, I’m fine.”

He nods, looking to the side. It’s silent for a while, leaving you with your thoughts. Is he seriously trying to… parent you? You’re used to Steve or even Bucky mother henning you, not Dick Grayson. Don’t get it wrong, you like and respect the hell out of him. But he literally has no business trying to coddle you into his arms. It just makes no sense to you

“Well… it’s been fun,” you cough, turning around and webbing a building. “Bye,” and then your off. Nightwing sighs as his eyes follow you. As you disappear into the Gotham skyline, he looks down, twirling his escrima sticks absentmindedly.

“I see B’s adoption tendencies are hereditary,” chuckles Oracle in his ear.

“Shut up,” he hisses.

“Maybe I should just get him a dog or something,” bemoaned Jon, laid dramatically across your couch.

“Pretty sure someone will do that already,” comes your reply.

Jon likes hanging around in your apartment. You wonder if his parents are curious as to where he is all the time. He’s even started leaving some of his sweaters around (that you definitely don’t steal, no way). He groaned dramatically, rolling over to look at you upside down. "You're supposed to be supportive," he mumbled, voice muffled by the cushions.

Jon has decided he needs your council in getting Damian a Christmas present. “Well, you shouldn’t get him anything to do with, like, chores or work.” You walk over and sit on his stomach. He can take it, he’s a big boy. He curls an arm under his head and rests on it. “That’s gift-giving number one.”

“What can I give him that he couldn’t just buy anyway?” he huffs.

“Something personal,” you hum, brushing his curls out of his face. “Something custom, even. He likes art. Make him something yourself.”

Jon perks up a bit at your suggestion, contemplating the idea. "Like what? I'm not exactly an artist."

"You don't have to be a Picasso," you reassure him with a grin. "Just something that shows you put thought into it. Maybe a sketch, or even a painting if you’re feeling bold. It's the personal touch that matters."

He considers it, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Yeah, I could do that. Maybe a memory or something, like the time he tried to cook and set the kitchen on fire."

You choke out a laugh. “What? You never told me about that!”

Jon blushes slightly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, well, it was… an interesting evening. Alfred wasn't too pleased."

"I can only imagine," you chuckle, picturing Damian attempting to cook. "That could definitely make something.”

“I’ll think on it,” decides Jon, sitting up and tugging you so you sit on his lap. After the whole Ivy situation, he was really awkward around you for a while. He kept stuttering over his words and wouldn’t look you in the eye. Eventually he got comfortable again, really comfortable. You can barely be around him without him having a hand on you or an arm around you. “What will you get him?”

"Something that doesn't involve kitchen disasters," you reply with a playful grin, settling comfortably on his lap. Jon rolls his eyes good-naturedly, his arm finding its familiar place around your shoulders.

"You're no fun," he teases, squeezing you gently. "But seriously, what are you planning to get him?"

You lean back against him, considering the question. "I haven’t really thought about it. To be honest, I didn’t even think he would expect one from me.”

Jon hums thoughtfully, running his fingers across your shoulder absentmindedly. "Why wouldn’t he expect one from you? You’re his friend.”

You guess he’s right. You and Damian talk, go out of each others way to spend time with one another (even if Damian would rather choke than admit it). It’s hard figuring out where you fit in this world.

"Yeah, we're friends," you murmur, more to yourself than to Jon. "But sometimes I wonder if I really belong here, you know?" You didn’t mean to say that out loud.

Jon's fingers pause in their absent-minded tracing along your shoulder. He shifts slightly, turning to look at you with a gentle expression. "Of course you belong here, [Your Name]. You’re kind and funny and brave. You don’t have to be anything but yourself.”

Your heart feels like it’s about to leap out of your chest and hug his. “I’m sure you’re just feeling homesick,” he reassures. Oh, he has no idea.

“I know Gotham is a tough place but… I’m here for you, and Damian’s here for you,” he pauses, “...if you want… I can take you up the Queens…?” Surely he doesn’t mean flying you there? It takes a couple of hours to get to Queens from here, but he can take you there in an instant. However, that also means revealing to you his secret. Christ, it’s like he’s not even trying to hide it.

Regardless, it wouldn’t be your Queens. Actually, seeing it might do more harm than good. “No, it’s okay. Thanks, though.”

He looks at you with the most earnest puppy eyes you’ve seen. It tugs at your heartstrings, his concern and offer of support clear in his gaze.

"Thanks, Jon," you manage, your voice soft with gratitude and a touch of wistfulness. "I appreciate it."

He nods, sensing your reluctance to delve deeper into the topic. Jon's hand finds yours, squeezing it gently in a gesture of solidarity. "Anytime, [Your Name]. You know that."

Jon's earnestness and the warmth of his hand in yours fill you with a mix of comfort and a slight pang of guilt. You appreciate his concern and the genuine offer of support, yet part of you hesitates to fully accept it. 

“I’ll figure it out,” you declare, referring to Damian’s gift. “And it’ll definitely outshine yours,” you tease.

Jon grins, and squeezes you close, making you squawk in offense. He blows raspberries in your neck, the feeling of it making you curl in on yourself, but regardless, makes you happy.

“Give me some tunes, Karen.”

Music starts playing from the speakers of your laptop, courtesy of Karen. You hum and rock as you turn a screw. The particle accelerator is looking good and proper now. It’s begun to take shape, winding around the space the more you build it. Sipping your death brew, you make sure the screw is tight before throwing the wrench somewhere.

“Explain to me one more time?” comes Victoria’s voice from your phone. You can see from the facetime that she’s in her pajamas, ready to go to bed.

“It’s a new element. It’s gonna power all my future creations,” you say. “Basically, this bad boy,” you pat the accelerator, “is going to synthesize it by accelerating charged particles to high speeds so that they collide with each other. The atoms will fuse, making the new element.”

“How… did you even come up with this?”

“I didn’t,” you sniff. “My dad’s dad did. He just gave me the blueprints.”

“And what will you name it?”

“Well… my dad planned to name it badassium. So that’s what it’ll be called,” you declare, grabbing your phone.

She raises a brow at the name but has no further comment. “Why don’t you… patent this or something?”

“The idea is to stay discreet, my dear.” You take a seat and kick up your legs. “Besides, I’d have a hard time choosing whether to patent it as [Name] Stark or Spinnerette.”

She snorts. "Right," she says, stifling a yawn. "Just don't blow yourself up, okay?"

"I'll do my best," you reply with a grin. "Sleep tight, Tori. I'll keep you updated."

"Goodnight," she responds, her voice already trailing off. You end the call and set your phone down, turning your attention back to the particle accelerator.

You stretch, feeling the strain of hours spent hunched over. Just as you're about to call it a night, Karen's voice breaks the silence. "Incoming message from ‘please get this boy some brown contacts’."

You wipe your hands on a rag and pick up your phone, opening the message. It's a selfie of Jon and Damian, both smiling (well, Jon is smiling, Damian looks mildly amused). You respond with a simple selfie you took earlier. He hearts the message.

As night falls, you suit up once again, ready for another patrol. The streets are quieter tonight, the snowfall muffling the usual sounds of the city. You swing through the air, feeling a sense of peace and purpose. As you land silently on a nearby rooftop, you hear a faint noise. Your senses sharpen, and you move cautiously towards the sound.

You find a small group of children, huddled together, trying to build a snowman. Their laughter is infectious, and for a moment, you just watch, a smile tugging at your lips.

One of the kids looks up and spots you. "Look! It's Spinnerette!" The others follow his gaze, their faces lighting up with excitement. You drop down to join them, your landing soft and graceful.

"Hi there," you greet them, your voice friendly and warm. "Need any help with that snowman?"

dark and brooding watching

The kids nod eagerly, and you spend the next few minutes helping them build their snowman. When it's done, they cheer, admiring their handiwork. "Thank you, Spinner!" one of the kids says, his eyes shining with gratitude.

"Anytime," you reply, feeling a warmth in your heart. "Now, you little rascals should go home. It’s dark out.”

They whine but listen, scurrying off into the nearby apartments. You watch as they make it inside, they’re parents (who were keeping a vigilant eye) wave to you as they close the door.

You turn to look over your shoulder slightly. “You gonna come out or are you gonna stand there all day brooding?”

“You’re good with children,” comes a low gruff. The man, the myth, the legend himself; Batman steps out of the shadows, approaching you.

“They’re not very complicated creatures,” is your dry response.

Batman steps closer, his presence imposing but familiar. "No, but they require patience and understanding," he replies, his voice softer than usual.

You shrug, "Guess I've had some practice."

He studies you for a moment, his expression unreadable behind the cowl. "You've adapted well to Gotham," he finally says. "It's not an easy place to thrive."

"Guess I had to," you reply, matching his tone. "This city needs all the help it can get."

Batman nods, his eyes briefly scanning the surroundings before returning to you. "I saw Nightwing earlier. He mentioned you had things under control at the ice rink."

"Yeah, just some losers trying to ruin Christmas," you say, dismissively. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

He hums, saying nothing more. "You… handled it well," Batman acknowledges. Woah, this is a moment in history, take a picture.

You nod, having nothing better to say. Internally, you’re giddy at the praise. The two of you stand in silence, looking at the city as the cold air rushes by.

After a beat, Batman shifts slightly, as if considering his next words carefully. "I've been monitoring your progress," he starts, his voice low but not unkind. "You've shown potential. But Gotham tests everyone, even those with the best intentions."

You look at him, catching his gaze behind the cowl. There’s a weight to his words, a reminder of the city's relentless nature. "I know," you reply simply, understanding the implicit warning. Gotham doesn’t forgive mistakes easily, and the path you’ve chosen is littered with challenges.

Batman nods once, his approval implicit yet unstated. "Keep your focus. And remember, sometimes the greatest strength is knowing when to ask for help." His tone is almost paternal, a rare glimpse of advice from a man who often operates in silence and shadows.

You can’t help but snort. “Gee, Bats. If you wanted my secret identity all you had to do was ask.”

“Are you saying you’d tell if you asked?”

“I’m saying… we can be grateful for one another.”

Batman regards you silently for a moment, his expression unreadable as always. Then, with a slight nod, he turns to leave, disappearing into the shadows as effortlessly as he emerged. The night wears on, and you continue your patrol through Gotham's wintry streets. The city seems to hold its breath under the blanket of snow, a rare moment of calm amidst its usual chaos.

“It’s no wonder cats were worshiped in ancient times,” Damian muses, watching Nari stretch lazily on the windowsill. He’s decided to grace you with his presence this fine afternoon, claiming he had nothing better to do. He’s a welcome addition to your apartment.

Damian, reclining on your couch with an air of regal indifference, watches Nari the cat with a mixture of curiosity and mild wonder. His expression softens as Nari pads over to him, sniffing his outstretched hand cautiously before allowing him to scratch behind her ears.

You lean against the kitchen counter, watching the scene with a small smile. "He seems to like you," you comment casually, taking a sip of your drink.

"Hmph," Damian grunts noncommittally, but his hand continues to stroke Nari's fur with a practiced touch. "Animals are simple creatures. They respond to consistency."

You raise an eyebrow, amused by his attempt at nonchalance. "So, are you here just to critique my cat's taste in company, or is there something else on your mind?"

Damian pauses, his gaze flicking briefly towards you before returning to Nari. "Tt. Jon was bothering me about the insipid holiday tradition that is Christmas."

You chuckle softly, knowingly. "Ah, Jon and his enthusiasm for festive cheer. What did he want?"

"He insisted on exchanging gifts," Damian mutters, as if the concept itself is offensive. "As if material possessions hold any significance."

"Well, it's the thought that counts, right?" you offer, setting down your mug and joining Damian on the couch. Nari purrs contentedly as you scratch under her chin. “You’re telling me your family doesn’t do Christmas?”

“Of course we do,” he scoffs. “But I do not care much for it. But Jon seems to think it matters.”

"Well, he's not entirely wrong," you say, keeping your tone light. "Gift-giving can be meaningful if it's done thoughtfully. It's a chance to show someone you care about them, to give them something they might appreciate."

Damian regards you thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "And what would you consider a thoughtful gift, then?"

You smile. "It depends on the person," you begin, tapping your chin in mock contemplation. "For someone like Jon, maybe something that reflects his interests—maybe a new comic he hasn't read yet, or something related to his hobbies. Or, you could make something yourself. That usually adds a personal touch." It’s similar to the advice you gave Jon.

He considers your words, nodding slowly. "I see," he murmurs, as if filing away your suggestions for future reference. “What would someone like you like?” he asks casually.

You think. What would you like? Any material stuff you’d want has no use to you now, and you can’t exactly ask him for stuff pertaining to your little project. Actually… it’s been a while since you’ve wished for something material. Tony catered to your every whim and desire, you never wanted for long.

“A memory,” you decide, nodding. “Something I can experience and remember fondly.”

Damian listens attentively, his expression thoughtful. He seems to mull over your words, considering how to fulfill your request for a memorable gift. After a moment of silence, he nods decisively.

Nari, sensing the relaxed atmosphere, curls up contentedly in Damian's lap, earning a surprised glance from him before he tentatively strokes her fur again.

“Perhaps it is a good time to mention that my father insists I invite you to Christmas this year.”

"Your father?" You blink in surprise at Damian's unexpected news. Bruce Wayne, inviting you to his family's Christmas celebration? It's a surreal thought (and probably not good news). "I... didn't expect that."

Damian shrugs nonchalantly, though there's a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. "He's made it clear that you're... welcome."

"Are you... comfortable with that?" you ask cautiously, glancing at Damian for any sign of discomfort.

"I've grown accustomed to your presence," Damian replies evenly, his gaze steady. "Besides, Father insists."

The tension in your shoulders eases slightly at his reassurance. Bruce Wayne inviting you to join his family's celebration—it's a gesture that speaks volumes, even if Damian's demeanor remains somewhat guarded. You're not entirely sure what to make of it, but the prospect of spending Christmas with the Wayne's is undeniably intriguing.

"Alright," you finally say, a small smile tugging at your lips. "Tell your father... I appreciate the invitation."

Damian nods once, his expression giving away nothing more than a hint of curiosity. "Very well."

You lean back against the couch, content to let the conversation drift into a comfortable silence. Damian continues to pet Nari absentmindedly, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere. As the afternoon light fades into dusk, you let the pressure of your situation dwindle away, content to live in the moment.

notes:

reader when dick shows affection: this is vile what is this

dick: :C

-

jon ready to risk it all for reader: hey so im superboy but nevermind that let me die for you pls

[gatorbites-imagines]

Merry Christmas!!!!

so since it’s Christmas for me rn I was wondering if we could get some cute scenario with Tim drake, like him and his bf ending up under a mistletoe, or a snowball fight

I’m a sucker for fluff and just want some cute Christmas time!!!

Tim Drake x Hero male reader

Headcanons

I had iceman from the x-men on my mind as I wrote this. How was everyones holidays? Did yall get what you wanted? I got a weighted blanket, some books and kitchen stuff. I also got blasphemous 2, I’m not that good at it.

Having to patrol Christmas night was always a bummer, but crime never sleeps. In reality, crime got worse around these times of the year since people got so easily distracted and so many things were put inside stores.

Luckily for Tim, you were invited to the manor for the holidays this year since you guys have been dating for a while. Last year Tim celebrated with your family, so now you were joining his.

This also meant you joined up for patrol, meaning the bats had a whole new surprise in their arsenal, seeing as you could control ice, cold, water, so on and so forth.

It made dealing with criminals easy, since none of the rogues were out and about. Two-face, killer croc and Firefry apparently weren’t in Arkham, but they all seemed to be more focused on the actual holidays than crime. This just left you guys with some everyday criminals.

For you and Tim, this patrol felt more like a date than anything else. Apparently, Red Robin dating one of the known heroes from another city was enough to make the people you passed feel giddy.

You had been staying with the Waynes for the whole week leading up to the holidays, so you had patrolled for just as long. This also gave the Gotham citizens enough time to set up mistletoes and little goody bags wherever you guys were patrolling.

How the hell did the locals even get a mistletoe all the way up on a specific gargoyle you two liked to sit under as you enjoyed your hot chocolate? Gotham locals scared you sometimes with how determined they were, but it did make Tim blush, if only a little.

Later on, hed blame it on how cold it was, and the fact that you were pretty much made of ice when using your powers. It didn’t stop you from giving him a small peck though, even though it leaves his lips completely pink, and his face flushed from the cold.

You end up getting scolded by some of the Gotham locals. Theres no real heat behind it. It’s more the fact that they didn’t know you were coming, so none of them prepared gifts for you.

The bats never asked for gifts, but you learn they always get some from the locals, even if they try to turn them away. You think its pretty damn neat, and you damn near cry when an older lady gifts you a scarf she stayed up all night to make. It’s even got your blues and Tims reds, since you guys are very obvious.

When crimes are as low as it can get in Gotham, you spend time making sculptures around town with your powers. Most of them are of the bats, and yeah, there’s about twice as many of Tim as everyone else. You never go into enough detail for their identities to be obvious, but it’s just your way of bonding with the city.

With Gotham having the weather it does, the snow also tends to be pretty damn sucky. Luckily for them, your powers are very useful in turning it into nice white snow, perfect for snowmen and snowballs.

Some people are weary of you because of Freeze, but seeing you hang around the bats gets people outdoors. You being as friendly as you are, supplying people with snowballs into their hands, also helps.

None of the bats are really the type to just come down and play in the snow like you, throwing snowballs after some of them does help. Soon Nightwing, Spoiler and Signal are mixed into the snow fight.

The others are too serious or weary to just let loose. You know the other bats are as vigilant as the ones watching from the roofs, so are you, but you do wish your boyfriend would join.

You get him back later by shoving snow down the back of his suit when he isn’t paying attention to you. Tim can’t get you back since you’re pretty much made of ice, but he gets you back one way of another.

The holidays with the Bats is a whole experience, since they come from so many cultures. Theres so many different traditions and food, and its all worked into the celebration somehow.

Even a couple of your own traditions are worked into the celebration, if there’s anything specific your family does during the holidays, that Tim picked up last year.

You guys all get together to watch a movie together as well, even if some of the bats argue and throw some punches. The normal animosity between some of them is put away for the day, if there is any. But with a family that size you wouldn’t be shocked if someone was arguing.

You and Tim cuddle during the movie, of course, and you’re also wearing matching Christmas sweaters. They’re Green Lantern themed, and you note that none of the family members are wearing Batman shirts. Later you learn that this is one of their traditions, since Bruce one year got broody about it. Now he joins the tradition by wearing a superman sweater.

Theres mistletoes all over the manor, mainly because of you and Tim, and whoever else is brought to the manor as a romantic partner if there are any.

Tim is not the most comfortable with kissing in front of his whole family, so instead it just becomes pecks on the cheek. You end up freezing Jason’s tea right in his mug after he makes enough jokes about it.

In the morning you and Tim share gifts in his room, just the ones meant for you two, before you guys go down to join the others, in matching pajamas, obviously.

Before you guys leave Tims room he gives you a kiss that’s almost enough to make you melt, as payback for the snow in his suit. You don’t mind too much, even if some of his family joke about your red face and how smug Tim looks.

[nebulaoftheprimes]

You stupid little fox

After watching 'Red One' for the third time, I've finally notice that Jack O'Malley, the normal, everyday human he is, had received no injuries despite being bashed, beaten, and tossed like a rag-doll. So my angsty brain was like 'nope, we can't have that now can we. This glitch is has an average Joe body, and now he's gonna hurt.' Also, I'm making a ship name, for those who've seen it, what do you think of DataBank for Callum Drift x Jack O'Malley?

After the Snowmen Incident Jack could feel, with every dull throb and spark of pain, that he had some bruised ribs. His best guess was that he had bruised them when one of the Snowmen had flung him back into a wooden support beam for the little restaurant/bar & grill place back in Aruba. Normally he would've said something, but after the withering stare Cal had given him for letting the guy get iced, he thought better of it and keep his mouth shut. Once they were in Germany, the colder weather help keep his mind off the pain. In fact, it had worked a little to well, because with his mind not occupied with the twang of his undoubtably black and blue back, he mind was free to think about his money problem and nick a gold coin from the open tressure chest.

And landed them in the dungeons of a demonic winter goat demon thing that was Santa's adopted brother who knew Cal.

Then they fought their way out of the creepy castle, his son got globed, then he did, then they talked about how much of a crappy father Jack had been, the Glass-Fig thing broke, they found Cal and Zoe (much to his ribs dismay), they fought the Witch's kids, and now they were fight the Witch after Krampus tried (and failed) to talk his ex out of her plan.

Jack's heart stopped at the sound of Cal's body hitting the sleigh.

'He's ok, he's not human, remember? He'll be fine, don't worry.' He thought as he dodged the clawed foot trying to kill him.

Only to be caught and smacked across the runway.

The moment the tail had made contact with his body, he felt something(s) break. As he flew through the air, he felt his chest bloom with pain. And when he landed, he definitely felt his arm break, little bits of glass punctured his poorly-protected chest, arms, and a little bit of his belly, as well as the ground when his head collided with it.

As he lay there and as the cold seeped into his body he knew, logically, that he need to get up. Need to prove him himself. Because that stupid, bald E.L.F somehow made him want to make Cal proud. Back in the dungeon, when Cal said he wasn't disappointed because he had no expectation of him, that had stung more then when he finally had pushed the remainder of his family away. More then the sad or glowering looks 'Liv gave him. So, to appease this stupid part of his brain, he needed to get up and be useful. But the second he tried to his body screamed at him and he collapsed back down on the snow.

Distantly he could hear someone yelling something, but it was hard to hear over the ringing in his ears and to see over the black spots to blocked his vision.

'I'll just lay here for a little,' he thought 'just for a little bit then I'll go help."

With the Witch delt with, and Nick awake, Cal could finally breath. But the feeling of relief was quickly snatch away when Krampus slowly approached them, before stopping and staring at Nick with his orange-ish yellow eyes. Nick stared back then slowly walked toward the goat demon.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in." Nick stated.

"Let's not get mushy." Krampus retorted.

"Thank you, brother." The man said, nodding his appreciation. Krampus shrugged his shoulders.

"Merry Christmas." He grumbled, looking away. "Brother."

"You maybe want to stick around a while?" Nick asked. Cal shook his head when Krampus glanced at him. The winter demi-god nodded as he said.

"Don't push it." Nicholas nodded along understandingly.

"Get to work." Krampus said teasingly, turning to leave, but he stopped. He slowly turned back around and sniffed the air. He pause and sniffed again. He glanced at Nick, looked him up and down, then turned to Callum and sniffed, before shaking his head. Nick stepped forward.

"What's wrong?" Krampus gave him a long look then said.

"I smell blood. Human blood." Cal froze at the words as Krampus continued, looking at the bodyguard then at something behind him.

"Say, what ever happened to the mortal you had with you earlier?" Cal whipped around and look behind the sleigh and the container. The moment he saw a black, unmoving object, he broke into a sprint, calling Jack's name.

When he got to Jack's prone frame, he could already see a small pool of red snow around the man. Another, closer look and he could see the way his right arm was bent. He turned to shout at Nick to help him get help, only to find his boss right in front of him and lord Krampus a few paces behind, looking vaguely intrigued. Cal swallowed. "He's hurt, we need to get him back inside, stat." Nick nodded and looked back at Krampus.

"It was nice seeing you again, brother." And clapped him on the shoulder. Krampus hesitantly put his clawed hand on Nick's shoulder and get it a light squeeze.

"Merry Christmas, little brother." He whispered and started to walked away as an small ambulance rolled up. Mrs. Claus stepped out and froze at the sight of Krampus but she blinked and swallowed.

"Nice to see you, Krampus." The goat demon nodded.

" Gertrude........ take care of my idiotic brother for me, would you?" She sent him a smile and a nod before turning and helping Cal load Jack onto a gurney as Krampus walked away to his sleigh and left. Jack let out a moan of pain as his half-lidded, hazy eyes twitched and his head lolled to the side.

"Jack, Jack, I need you to stay awake." Cal said, laying him down, and went still when Jack slowly turned his head back to look at Cal.

"C-Cal?" He whispered, his voice filled with pain.

"Yeah Jack, it's me, Cal. You need to stay awake right now, ok?" Jack feebly shook his head.

"It hurts, an' m'tired." The man slurred. Cal shushed him.

"I know, I know it hurts but you need to stay awake so we can figure out what's wrong. Do it for Dylan, Jack. Do it for me. Please." Jack shuddered as he was wheeled away.

"K'

5 hours later

After consoling a distraught Dylan, he and Cal (with Red's permission) watched as everyone hustled and bustled to catch up with the clock. One of the elves came up to them and handed both a cup of hot chocolate, with marshmallows and a candy cane in each, before heading off to go help. Soon Nick walked out of the hallway fully dress up, and strides towards the boy.

"He'll be alright, Dylan, he's in good hands." The raven haired boy swallowed.

"I-I know, but I've never seen him so pale before. I'm worried a-and a little scared." He admitted shyly. Cal nodded and squeezed his shoulder.

"It's ok to feel that way Dylan. It was a scary thing that happened, there's not shame in being scared." Nick nodded.

"You know, I was wondering if you would like to join me tonight." This caught Dylan's attention.

"Join you? Tonight? But aren't you busy? I-It's Christmas Eve, you're going to go deliver....... presents." Sooner the realization dawn on him.

" You want me to go rid with you, tonight!?" The winter spirit smiled.

"Over course, plus, I thought it would be a good way to help get you mind off you dad, if only for a little bit." Mrs. Claus came up behind him and gave her husband gloved-hand a squeeze.

"That sounds like a lovely idea, sweetheart."

"But what about my dad?" Nicholas gave him a sad look.

"Jack's in the medical wing as we speak, and they'll be diagnosing and treating him for the next few hours. We won't get anything from them until he's stable, but we don't know how long it will take. You don't have to come with but I thought you might enjoy it. Cal will be there too as well." Dylan bit his lip, and looked at Cal to Nick and his wife, then to the direction his father was wheeled away. Slowly he nodded his head.

"Y-Yeah, I'll go with."

To be continued...

[danikamariewrites]

Could I possibly request a Modern! Rhys x reader decorating for the holidays with their daughter and doing little holiday traditions like building gingerbread houses, making cookies for Santa, or going to see Christmas lights? Their daughter coming downstairs cause she heard “Santa” and she sees “Santa” kissing her mommy🤭

In my head, whether it’s a modern au or the canon universe, Rhys absolutely LOVES the winter holidays and will gladly go all out for those.

Holiday Preparations

Modern!Rhys x reader

A/n: I also think Rhys loves the winter holidays (especially since Feyre’s bday is solstice) and loves to make them special

Warnings: none

December 1st Rhys is pulling the decorations out of the attic and playing Christmas music

He’s always the one to get the family in the holiday spirit

While you and Rhys handle the bigger decorations you guys let Isla put out the smaller ones

Isla loves hanging the stockings herself, it’s so cute how proud of herself she is. Rhys lifts her so she can reach the hooks on the mantle and when he puts her down she stands back with her little hands on her hips smiling, “wow, good job everyone.”

Tree shopping is the last big thing to do

Rhys always gives Isla a piggyback ride as you look at trees

When you find your perfect tree Isla gets so excited. Rhys makes sure he picks her up so she can inspect every inch of it putting her on his shoulders last to make sure the top is perfect for the star

When it’s to to decorate You put the lights on while Rhys opens up the ornament boxes. Isla has more ornaments than the two of you combined

You and Rhys happily hand them over to your baby girl who loves each and every one of them

When it’s time for the Star Rhys puts Isla on his shoulders and you hand it to her

Sometimes you send Rhys and Isla out for new decor and baking stuff or for small gifts for friends and family throughout the month

Rhys bought a santa hat for him and an elf hat for her for running errands

She always giggles when Rhys puts the hat on her head and says, “let’s go little elf! Mrs. Clause needs stuff to make Christmas happen.”

Making gingerbread houses is the second most important tradition after decorating the tree

Isla loves sticking any and all candy she can on hers while you and Rhys compete to see who can make the better house

Decorating sugar cookies for Santa is another family favorite

“Not too much frosting, Santa doesn’t like them too sweet.” You roll your eyes at him since he’s doing this for his own good

You like baking and keeping the house smelling Christmasy all month. You love making sure there’s a Christmas treat for your family everyday

On the weekends you take Isla to do different holiday activities like looking at the lights, ice skating, and her favorite, the Christmas village and seeing Santa

You and Rhys help her write her letter and list (mainly so you guys know what she wants without having to decipher her handwriting)

You and Rhys wrap gifts while Isla is asleep and enjoy a few glasses of wine

The few glasses of wine lead to you two making out under mistletoe that Rhys holds above your head

Movie night on Christmas Eve is always a must. And you guys have matching Christmas PJs. You each pick one movie and you have to watch it. This year Rhys picked the newer version of the Grinch, you picked Home Alone, and Isla picked Beauty and the Beast the Enchanted Christmas (top tier movie go watch it)

When you two tell Isla it’s time for bed she insists on staying up to catch Santa, “No! I need to see him and ask him what he wants for Christmas!” “That’s very nice of you sweetie, but santa has so many houses to get to. Maybe when you’re older.”

She begrudgingly lets you and Rhys tuck her in

The next morning when she comes down stairs the look on her face is priceless! Rhys hugs you at the sight of your daughters excitement

“Merry Christmas, darling.” He whispers as Isla starts picking out gifts to open. “Merry Christmas my love.”

[bryscorner]

summer nights’ - S.H.

summers with steve were nothing short of amazing and spectacular. there was always something special about spending summers with steve that made it seem like it could all of a sudden vanish, but that’s something that you didn’t want to think about.

sadly, your amazing boyfriend had to work, but at the same time…your amazing boyfriend had to work! so to make the time fly by until steve was off, you starting spending your time at scoops just to bother him but also to get some of that cool and sweet ice cream.

once he was off from work, it was off into the night to make up for most of the sunny day that has passed! that summer breeze whisking through the night sky, the all to familiar smell of steve’s car, windows cracked open, his large and comforting hand upon your thigh, stealing kisses at every red light from all the kisses he couldn’t give you during the day he was partly gone, the soft hum of the radio playing a song you two couldn’t care to listen to as you ask him about his day.

‘hey there’s that fun fair in town right? maybe we should check it out!’ you suggest as you can clearly see the corners of steve’s mouth turn upward into that charming smile you oh so adore. the sounds of laughter and delight from the plethora of bodies surrounding the two of you as you admire the vast arrangement of rides and food booths, the bright flashing lights of colors that shines on your stevie’s drop gorgeous face, the soft taste of sweet cotton candy or the saltiness of the pretzel you two shared gracing upon his lips as you steal chaste kisses, the constant “nagging” of steve’s velvety voice echoing through your ears as he deems that he’s strong enough to win you the biggest prizes the games have to offer (mainly at the strength tester games) ‘angel i can without a doubt most definitely can get that bell to ring at the top just watch! it’s steve harrington you’re talking to’

when you try to persuade the boy to go on different rides that steve was most undoubtfully scared to ride (as he tries to act all macho for you of course) as he “protects you”, hearing the boy scream as a sudden toss or death defining turn causes him to freak out as a fit of joyful laughter emerges from your mouth to tease him, or when you two go on the spinning merry mixer and steve can see you shutting your eyes to stabilize you from throwing up, turns out the fast spinning motion was too much for you to handle which led to you hacking out into the trash can (stevie obviously holding your hair back and soothingly rubbing his free hand on your back) ‘alright angel i think that’s enough fun for now, let’s go get you something to drink yeah?’

getting your composure back after vomiting it out in a filthy trash can (and stevie showering you with kisses and saying ‘you did great out there angel, held out until the end of the ride that’s good!’), you can hear the sounds of a canon like boom coming from the distance as the both of you head back to steve’s car to put some of your prizes inside as to not have to heave them in your arms.

looking up towards the sky comes an array of colorful fireworks emanating the sky as you stare in amazement, ‘holy shit that’s a lot of fireworks stevie check it out!’ as you hop onto the hood of his car steve follows suite with a low chuckle as you can feel his strong arm pulling you closer to him, the enamoring all too comforting and familiar scent of steve seeping into your nostrils, snuggling into his side as close as possible as you can hear the pattering and pounding of his heart in tune with the loud booming of the vivid glowing fireworks lighting up this most amazing and spectacular summer night.

stevie couldn’t and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at this moment, with you adorning his side, engulfing his every being as he feels your head lean into his warm neck, smiling to himself knowing he gets to have an amazing day everyday with you this summer <3

[spinningalbinoturtle]

The Fellowship of Mind Altering Substance

Aragorn

Mostly just drinks straight whisky

If forced by Arwen to have a cocktail he will have a whiskey sour or an old fashioned

He can hold his liquor

Brings a flask to important feasts this annoys Arwen to no end

Chainsmoker

Enjoys getting high but not everyday likes to do it with friends preferably Gandalf or Faramir NOT the hobbits

Has tried a lot of drugs in his day but doesn’t really do any anymore

Boromir

Drinks shitty beer like Heinecken or Bud Lite

Smokes camels but not in front of the hobbits

Doesn’t do drugs and looks down on people who do except Faramir because “its medicinal for him”

Legolas

Oh boy where to begin

He knows a lot about wine from his dad but pretty much just drinks dessert wine

And fruity cocktails

Party drugs guy

Likes to do hallucinogenics in the woods

Pretends he smokes weed but doesn’t actually like it

Gimli

Knows a lot about beer and drinks it in public

But really likes fruity cocktails and drinks them at home with Legolas

He’s a bong and hookah smoker-really into that hashish

Has done hallucinogens in a spiritual context

Gandalf

Drink of choice is Absinthe

Has done all the drugs

Loves his weed though

Also likes mushrooms

Merry

Drinks Mike’s Hard Lemonade and boxed wine

Weed coniseur

He has a massive bong collection

Likes to hit Pippin’s vape

Has experimented with other drugs

Pippin

Vape rig everywhere kinda guy its strawberrybubblegum flavored

He drinks shitty alcohol: white claw, smirnoff iced, bud lite seltzer

Does weed but with a dab pen

Has done molly, ketamine, and LSD

Sam

Sam drinks like craft beers and ciders

Is really into his local microbreweries

Not a big smoker for either weed or tobacco but enjoys a pipe now and then

He grows really good weed but more as a planting challenge than for himself

He sells a lot to Merry

Trip supervisor

Frodo

Frodo is too anxious for most things and they fuck with his meds

Pre quest Frodo was a cider and fruity cocktails gay

He doesn’t drink or smoke afterwards they both make him anxious

He does micro dose on shrooms mecidinally thought

Has done ketamine in a medicinal context

Faramir

Doesn’t drink

Smokes weed but mostly medicinally

Eowyn

Smokes weed with Faramir

Drinks mead and beer

Goes out drinking with Sam since they’re both married to people who are sober

Bilbo

Likes a good wine he knows what’s good

His favorite cocktail is a margarita he’s a tequila bitch

Used to smoke tobacco til he adopted Frodo

Still smokes weed though

Arwen

Has a glass or wine with dinner

Used to smoke as a teenager for rebellious reasons

[matchadobo]

KIDD; the pirate's princess

wc: 6686 summary: princess name, a spirited and audacious royal who ends up meeting captain eustass kidd in one of the festivals of her kingdom. unbeknownst of each other's real identities, their encounter was cut off short immediately and left them craving for more. warnings: afab reader, nsfw 🔞(actual seggs please read at your own discretion), princess au, running away theme, bad parents, i rly can't think of anything else there's rly nothing heavy here, not proofread omg TT

princess full name. a not so ordinary princess that always finds herself wounding up in sticky situations. known for her intrepid antics that drove her knights mental: sneaking out late at night to party with the villagers during festivals, visiting the farms of townsfolk and often setting animals free, and playing tag with the kids and sometimes causing ruckus with them. she wasn’t satisfied confined in the enormous walls of the castle, it’s too pretentious. 

one would say her behaviors aren’t fit for a princess who is supposed to be prude, proper, and ladylike. in contrast to her escapades, she’d love a little thrill more. not that she gives two fucks about the hearsays. she remains happy in her own little adventures in her small town of the kingdom. 

that’s why in the dusk of breezy summer, castle guards are relentlessly in pursuit of the princess yet again; an often occurrence in the kingdom.

the furtive young woman finds herself dancing in the middle of the lively and colorfully lit limestone floors on the marketplace. she hooks arms with a variety of villagers and skips about the floors as heels’ click on the ground in tone with the clapping and dancing of the fellow citizens who celebrated the vigor of the approaching evening. 

you soon got tired and went to one of the mini bars, sitting yourself down after ordering a glass of rum. “village always this lively?” a stranger spoke beside you. he sat with his back facing the counter with both arms propped on the surface of it to support his weight, one hand holding a glass of scotch. he landed his gaze on you, lemon eyes enrapturing you and leaving you speechless.

you cleared your throat to get a hold of yourself, by the looks of him and his remark—he’s a foreigner. his fiery red hair reflected his bold demeanor that intimidated you less than it intrigued you, his snowy skin that contrasted the darkness of his voice, and his sharp grin that mirrored his defined features and structure. a truly captivating man had greeted you. 

“often, yes.” you responded, throwing him a polite smile. “the town has festivals once a week, it’s a tradition.” you continued with a small laugh after having a sip of your drink. 

“festivals for what?”

“for the princess.” you played with the ice on your drink as you shook the glass in a circular motion.  “she likes to have fun in the village a lot.”

“princess’ pretty special then, aye? ‘s not everyday those preppy royals find time to join their subjects for a party.”

“you think so? most of the people here think she’s quite the source of the kingdom’s headache, not really a special one and most definitely not fit to be a princess.”

“i’d say bullshit. you expect these villagers know jack shit about bein’ a princess? nada. bet that princess of yours is the merry of this town, aye?”

you bursted into laughter, holding your stomach as you almost fell over your seat if it wasn’t for his heel keeping your chair upright. “that’s the first i’ve heard when talking about the princess. that’s kind of you.” 

he scoffed a smirk, sipping on his scotch afterwards. “me and kind doesn’t ring right, dollface.” he gave you a side eye, golden eyes piercing through the darkness of the night. “i’ve done things that don't even come close to kind.”

“that so?” you tilted your head in amusement. “like what? tell me.”

“you like the danger, aye?” he leaned closer. 

“well, i’ve grown tired of dancing and you’re the most interesting one here, so go ahead. enthrall me with your tales, unkind gentleman.” you scooted closer, chin leaning atop your fists as you braced yourself for his stories. 

his chest thundered in laughter as he faced you as he went on a tangent about his journeys as one of the worst generations. the evening reached midnight before you could realize how much time passed, going shop to shop with this stranger certainly made you the happiest after a long time. you two rambled about the wonders of the pirate while munching on pretzels and candy apples and downing mugs upon mugs of liquor. 

it was like he was building the world for you as he described the four seas along with his infamy, a wanted man of his caliber with a notorious reputation. you know you should get yourself far away the moment he first announced that he was a pirate but goodness do you love the thrill of his peril. the way his chest puffs up with each anecdote of his battles across the blues. how he effortlessly magnetized (stole) a plate of snacks for you two to snack on and well, to impress you. to get critically close to you as you get intoxicated by either the liquor or his ravishing demeanor towards you. you are perfectly aware that staying with him will undoubtedly risk your safety. but you weren’t the one to follow the rules, right?

the same goes for the pirate. he somewhat loves the mystery you emanate. clapping and cheering from time to time but never failing to snap back spunky remarks at his taunts. he revels on how you earnestly listen to his narratives and be awestruck at his feats, your eyes proved enough from the way you bat your eyelashes and lure him closer with the hues of your orbs. or maybe how your eyes never left his as you studied each bit of his face—the way his huge scar was engraved on his skin, the way his lips quirk up at how victorious he remains in duels, the way his eyes never lose fire as he ramble about the one piece, and how his body language changes each time your knees or arms touch. 

“you’re pretty great, huh?”

“i’d love to tell you more but it ain’t fair that i know nothin’ about the most grippin’ woman i’ve met.” 

“flattery would get you nowhere, kidd.” you chuckled, shifting in your seat. “i’m just a villager here, nothing special about this one.”

“you ain’t foolin’ me, i’ve seen the eyes of the townsfolk ‘round here.” he scooted closer, cocking his brow at the people at the market. “you’re no ordinary woman, these men couldn’t take their eyes off of you. and unfortunately, i seem to be one of them. yet i’m lucky enough to share a drink with you, pretty one.”

“aren’t you a charmer, captain?” you finally met his eyes, fiery as he studied your face. “flowery words don’t suit a brute like you, i’d say.”

“why don't you add more to my luck tonight and tell me your name before this night ends, doll.”

your faces grew inches closer, the aroma of liquor was pungent on your noses. he scanned your eyes, took a long glance on your lips, and back to your eyes again. his canines tugged at his lower lip before licking them subtly. reveling on the smile he elicited from you, he inhaled a deep breath before tilting his head.

before you could answer him, what jolted you from your seat was the frantic callouts of the castle guards. they were calling out to you and you could feel the chills running down your spine again, each time they did this you felt this way. panic washed over you and you instinctively fled the place as you dashed to the alleyways, kidd reaching over to you but failed to even get a touch of your wrist.

“o-oi! where are you going?!”

you gave him a meek smile before running away and disappearing into the shadows of the alleyway as you made your way back to the castle. the guards had invaded the market and put a stop to the party, searching up each woman in hopes of finding the princess. 

“the fuck is going on ‘ere?” kidd stood up from his seat before killer laid a hand on his shoulder to stop him. the two pirates scanned the place

“palace guards.” killer announced, helping kidd’s brain to comprehend. “i think you’ve just shared a drink with the princess.” 

you ran far until you reached the backyard where no guards were present, it had been your path to sneaking in and out. 

“you should stop seeing that man, name.” your mother spoke from your room, sat at the edge of the bed as if waiting for you. 

“you were watching, mother?”

“always. but i wouldn’t deny the fact that that man had made you smile the widest in years.” 

“he told me about his adventures,” you started, looking over the window in hopes of getting a glimpse of that redhead. “how the four blues looked, how he fought and faced toe to toe with his foes, how magical the grand line and the new world is, and how free he was.” you sighed as you draw back at how he’d write it out for you, each of which keeping you engrossed at each tale he tells.

your mother placed comforting hands atop your shoulders then traced up to either side of your face. “your eyes say it all, honey. i can see how much light that man brought out in you.” she started. “but i cannot stand idly when a pirate has caught you in his trap.” her grip on your face loosened as she made her way to your balcony doors, simultaneously shutting them. “much less a part of the ill-famed worst generation, a ragtag of disasters. it’d be vain to let him get his hands on you, he’s only after your status and the treasure you possess. that’s what pirates are.” her tone grew deeper, more sharp and strict. “you are not to speak to him again, do you understand?” she firmly announced, pointing her closed paper fan at you.

you nodded bashfully, the change in your demeanor broke her heart less than it urged her to keep you locked in the castle and away from that hazard. she strutted down to your doors and left you at your downcasted self. “your suitors will be here by tomorrow afternoon, you are to dine with them for lunch and pick out the next king of the kingdom. don’t do something that will embarrass us.”

the shut of your doors echoed far and resounded in your ears. you cried yourself to sleep at the foul turn of events that night, burying your sobs in the damp pillows of your quarters. that morning, you unwillingly participated as you gave off the fakest smile you could muster while laughing halfheartedly at their empty jokes. their humor and charisma are far less than mediocre, it is phenomenally childish in a sense that you’d rather pretend to faint to get out of that situation.

daft princes that left you bored and apathetic from their lack of liberty and substance. royals that knew nothing but the privilege of the rich and classy airheads. 

 unlike that pirate you’ve almost spent your midnight with, a riveting man that enraptured you and shook your world to the core. compliments that made your heart flutter more than it should be. the enticing danger his aura holds. and adventures that invited you to join him for the next time he ventures out into the blues. the fire in his eyes each time you locked gazes with him  and the intimacy you felt only when you sat down with him were unparalleled and left you craving for more.

“you were not your best today, name.” your father spoke to you, joining you as you watched your subjects by your grand balcony. “were the vicinal kingdoms too inadequate for your liking?”

you kept quiet for a moment before responding with contempt. “a group of men who are much too shallow wouldn’t be fit to be my king.” you turned around before stopping your tracks to continue. “i’d want a man who has the same fire as i do, father. not a prince who’d rule the kingdom with his foolish heroism and blank principles solely based on nobility.” you left your father outside, brimming with disdain. 

and you didn’t see him again for the following days, the castle had kept you on lockdown. monitoring your every move and hindering you from going anywhere except your room and the courtyard. it’s too stifling. 

you longed to see him again and hear more of his thrilling stories. you’d never forget how you two laughed under the stars with alcohol coursing through your veins and stimulating the desire for each other. 

but tonight was the annual masquerade ball where one of your suitors might potentially be the next reign for the kingdom. it’s main purpose is to celebrate the prosperity of the kingdom, yet masquerades were added for the notion of finding your next husband. 

as the maids prepared you for the ball, you’d have this empty look in your face as you dwell at how you released the only fire you could’ve had. 

the maids dressed you in a ruby and stygian gown that radiated your elegance. adorned with regal ornaments and gems that shone at each struck of light. the bodice of the dress is clad with lacy black overlays on either side of your chest down to your waist akin to the intertwining patterns of spiderwebs. its sleeves were long and got more loose as it reached your wrist, its ends sewn with handcrafted with the same lacy accents on your chest. the neckline was sewn into a square fitting style that graced your neck and collarbones where a pearly necklace accentuated the area. the middle end of your bodice was where a brooch with your kingdom crest resided, matching the glimmers of the beads in your dress. the overskirt cascades down from your cinched waistline in layers of red, voluminous mesh tulles with its hemline embroidered by horizontal lines of black as it reaches the floor. lastly, they slid and tied black strappy heels that go up to your knees for your shoes.

they then comb through your locks, curling it up and tidying some braids adorned by red ribbons and golden clips at the crown of your head. leaving some tendrils loosely hanging by the sides of your face as it complimented your gold, dangling earrings in a shape of roberto coins. partnering your face with a sharp red blush and bright, crimson lipstick as your eyelids shone in a glittery gold eyeshadow and pointy eyeliner. 

as your name soon got announced in the grand hall where nobles from different kingdoms would love to witness the beauty that is you, it’s as if a treasure had been unearthed before them as they feasted their eyes on the masked princess. earnestly observing your poise and allure, entranced by how you strut at the porcelain floors of your castle.

yet it was somewhat foolish of you to try and search for him in the hall, you hoped yet you knew that it’d be impossible to find a pirate in a ball. soon enough, the pretentious dancing had started. it dreaded you the most, since these gentlemen, regardless of age, tries to woo you and pick you up just to get a taste of your beauty. it irked you to an extent where you’d want to kick them in their manhood.

roughly thirty minutes have passed and you feel yourself falling asleep despite the movements of each dance. from the sleazy kings and airheaded princes, they’re all from the same mould of plain, boring men with no charm. even with the masks that covers half of their face, you could see all kinds of uglies in each of them. that is until you hook arms and hold hands with this one gentleman with the same familiar set of vermillion locks that sat in a disheveled manner atop his head. you felt that same aura from the man you’ve been longing to meet once again and it excited you. from the way he firmly held your waist and how his callous hands didn't faze you but only drew you closer by the princely figure clad in a three piece suit in black, two of the buttons on his dress shirt were unbuttoned to showcase more of his snowy skin from his upper chest to his neck. 

he had seemed to read how your expressions change with the smirk that made its way to his lips. “ you seem to be dozin’ off, princess. bored?” he greeted, as he met your hopeful eyes beneath each other’s masks. behind those pieces of fabric, you two knew all too well who each other were. 

“k-kidd-”

“shh.” he cut you off, stoically looking around to try and search the area for any hostility from the foolish nobles. thankfully, no suspicions arose due to the fact that masks and mysteries made the night more magical. “as much as i’d love to cause a ruckus, i’d like to dance with you a little more.”

this was the first time you’ve looked up with so much hope and marvel at the man you were dancing with, seemingly getting lost in his sunny eyes and the way he moves with you. “is it really you?”

“mhm, can’t believe it?” he laughed a little, giving you a little twirl before securely holding you back in your place again. “ya better wipe that drool off your lips cuz it might give us away, my lovely.” he scrunched his nose as he teased you, grip growing tighter to elicit a reaction from you. 

“how did you bypass the guards?”

“knocked them unconscious, nothin’ drastic.” he responded and left you giggling silently. “but hey, lemme  marvel at you for a minute, shortstack.  ‘cuz damn you’re quite the goddess tonight.” he poked on your chin, making your body feel hot all the more. 

“still the sweet talker, huh?” you scoffed as you hid your creeping blush. you bit on your tinted lips and avoided his gaze as you leaned down his shoulders and inhaled his alluring, metallic scent. “wherever do you get all that confidence?”

“i’ve gone through hell and back to finally see you and dance with you, there’s no reason for me to hold back, no?” he got closer, reveling in your scent and warmth. 

from an outsider’s perspective, this is quite a romance to see. most of your suitors soon become despondent because it appears that there’s already a winner, a king of the princess’ heart. the world seemingly revolving around the two of you as you both fit perfectly in each other’s arms as you two moved harmoniously with the melody of the orchestra. it warmed the hearts of the audience and most definitely, your parents. 

“what do you say if we,” you started, tracing the lines of his coat with your ringed fingers. “run away after this? just the two of us, go someplace where we can be alone together.”

his grip on your hands and waist grew tighter, matching the chuckle that lowly rumbled on his chest. he met your eyes once again. “i thought you’d never ask. i seem to be getting more drawn to you, princess.”

after a few minutes of dancing with him, the banquet started and the lot of you had feasted on the opulent food readied in the long dining tables of the grand hall. all the while you two kept exchanging glances and throwing smiles here and there.

once every noble was busy with their royal bullshit, you and kidd had taken the liberty to sneak outside the venue where the guards were gradually falling asleep. you, kidd, and his crew had taken care of knocking them unconscious in order to make it out of that hellhole. 

you two broke out of laughter as you got a good distance away from the palace, holding on your knees as you tried catching your breath and composing yourselves. he then pulled you closer by your waist as he leaned down, your noses brushing together and breaths touching each others’ lips. “c’mere and let me ki-”

“you pirates really think you can just head straight for the prize?” you put a finger between your lips and his. “come, let’s find a place more…intimate.” you winked at him, grabbing his hand and intertwining your fingers with his as you dragged him to a place of your liking. 

you two made your way to the local bathhouse where you used to relax with your friends from the village when you were a child. you were met with the landlady, one of your friends too, and looked at her with that knowing look. you placed your index finger atop your lips, signaling for her to stay quiet. she smiled at you mischievously, completely understanding what your plans were. 

you led him to one of the VIP rooms of the bathhouse and shut the door afterwards. “a bathhouse?” he asked, scanning the place.

“i’ve reserved the entire place, don’t worry.” you assured, taking off your mask and his simultaneously. “we can be as loud as we want here, captain.” you sultrily added, leaning closer to his ear as your hands moved across his body. 

“what a dirty thing for a princess to say, don’tcha think?” he replied, large hands lingering by your rear. “they’re probably wonderin’ where she is right now, hm?” he leaned down closer, hands traversing to the strings of your corset and precariously playing with them.

“let them.” you replied, your hands moving to where the buttons of his suit are. “i’m quite busy with more important things right now.”

“eh? like what?” he started, slowly undoing the knot of your corset. “fuckin’ a pirate?”

“oh shut up.” you discarded his upper garments, hands roaming the vastness of his toned torso. “clearly, you want me more than i want you.” he hummed in approval, finally crashing your lips together. 

he had you sat down on one of the sinks in the room with your legs wrapped around his waist, his lower half still clothed yet you can feel his member rubbing against you as he raised the skirt of your dress and pressed his crotch closer to yours. hums and moans emanating from both of your lips.

tucking a hair behind your ear, his rough hands held your jaw close to bury his tongue deeper in you. the span of his fingers holding your neck in place as he sucked on your lip, satisfied at the swollen and ruby result. 

you pulled on his hair from time to time, eliciting hums and growls of approval from him. your hands spanned across his broad back, marveling at the muscles and scars from his years of piracy. fingers gliding across his strong arms that gripped places that were sensitive from you,  your head tilting to where you can both fight for dominance in the kiss.

“have i ever told you,” he started, lips lingering by your ear and wandering down the column of your neck. “that my favorite color is red?” and just like that, your corset and overskirt was on the floor. the bastard haphazardly pulled the thing away after skillfully untying it.

“aren’t you skilled at taking clothes off!” you praised, smiling at him with your smudged lipstick. 

“you could say, i had tons of practice.” he replied, biting your lower lip.

“playboy.” you hopped off the sink, disappearing into the showers to wash up before jumping in the large tub that was dug down the rocky floors. “i seem to have gone away with a dangerous man.”

he followed shortly after, entering the same shower cubicle as you. the cold water torrenting down your bare bodies as you returned kisses with one another. his rough hands roaming the softness of your skin and each curve of your body, his hands and lips not leaving you and rendered you breathless. 

you pulled away, turning around. “look at me.” you raised his chin so you could have a good look at him. “you look like a prince yourself without the goggles and the make up, hm?” you placed a kiss on his cheek as you marveled at his bangs that had water dripping on its ends. it messily curtained his forehead and yellow eyes as the scarlet pigment contrasted his wintry skin. 

he looked away, cheeks heating up with your compliments and touch. but he bit back once more with a smug grin. “no way in hell i could be a prince, i’m a fuckin’ king, baby.” 

“alright alright, let me just appreciate how handsome you are, okay?” you held his face between your hands as you reached over to place a kiss at the corner of his lips. “what do you say we relax for a moment in the bath, hm?”

“relax means fuck, right?” he retorted, that usual grin back to his face. 

you bursted into laughter as you made your way to the wide bath, moaning at the relief of the water. he soon joined after you, reveling at the warmth of and tranquility of the bathwater. it had some rose petals floating on the aromatic water, scattered along with healing herbs. 

“i wish i could stay here forever with you, kidd.” you gazed towards him, soon standing up before him. 

he placed both of his hands on your hips as he studied and memorized how your body looks and relished his plans on how to ruin you. “we can do that,” he replied. “i’ll take you with me.”

you got settled down by his toned thighs, rigidly supporting your weight as you straddled his lap. he looked at you with so much desire as he scrutinized your body with his lips, placing wet kisses on each column and juncture of your torso. sucking on each of your mounds and taking his time nibbling on the bundle of nerves in between, ravaging moans out of you until you tug on his hair and scratch on his skin. he left visible marks on you from your jaw, across your neck, on the span of your chest, on the roundness of your breasts, and on the stretch of your stomach. he also took his time placing kisses on your fingers, particularly your knuckles up to your wrist where your pulse resides. 

he then pulled you closer by your hips, your core and his manhood rubbing against each other. he kneaded at the flesh on your rear as you also took your time in leaving hickeys at the wide span of his chest and neck. savoring the feeling of your lips on his skin as you get closer and closer to his member, “ready?” you mumbled, hands wrapping around his overwhelmingly prodigious length before you dip down the lukewarm bathwater. 

he licked his lips as he looked you down before softly holding your jaw and rubbing your lips with his thumb, “can you handle it, though?” his canines tugged at his lips as he grinned, haughtily looking down at you.

“you’ll be whining for more when i’m done with you, big guy.” you scoffed before finally dipping down and giving him the best head of his life. under the water, your gurgling sounds from gagging too much due to his girth and length drove him to the seventh heaven. he threw his head back, hands gripping either side of your head as he bucked his hips forward and felt the head of his length touch your throat mercilessly. he moaned in bliss as it chorused your name, relishing at how your nails dug by his hips and how bubbles rose from where you were submerged.

you finally emerged, trying to get some air as your chest heaved. “it felt fuckin’ surreal underwater, goddamn.” he welcomed you, “glad it didn’t kill ya.” he gave your rear a smack after you gave him a side glare. 

“it almost did!” you pouted and turned your back on him as you crossed your arms. he stood up as he laughed to himself, snaking his arms by your sides then up to your mounds. you squealed at the sudden warmth that played on your breasts, fiddling with the bundle of nerves on the middle. hot kisses also littered your neck as it traveled up your jaw. 

“can you stay mad at me, hm?” he nibbled at your ear, deep voice shaking you down to your core. “i’ll make it up to you real good, my lovely.” his hands slithered down your crevice, it throbbed at his touch.

his fingers slid in your core, two fingers already sending shockwaves coursing through your nerves. you could feel him rubbing his member at the cleft of your rear, stimulating you from front and back and driving you beyond your sanity. your knees felt numb, you would’ve fallen down to the ground if it weren’t for his hand on your core and the other was wrapped on your neck. 

“tell me,” he gruffly whispered. “ya still mad?” his fingers fervently rubbed you while his thumb stimulated your clit as it hazed all your senses. your eyes rolled at the back of your head as you clawed on his sinewy arms for support, struggling to keep yourself standing up at how your thighs shook amidst the arrival of your climax. all you could throw back was slurred words and continuous pleads that soon turned into desperate moans. “‘s what i thought.”

you panted heavily as you reached your climax, getting a hold of yourself as he sat you down on the space between his thighs on the wooden platform under the hot bath. all the while, comforting you with scattered kisses on your shoulders. his arms rested around your waist, placing his lips on your shivering skin as he seemingly can’t get enough of you. “what do ya think about bein’ queen of pirates, aye?”

“i’ve had enough of regality and its bullshit.” you huffed an annoyed sigh.  “but i wouldn’t mind if i’m with you.” you leaned closer to his neck, squirming under his touch near your sensitive areas.

“that’s pretty sweet of you, huh? this the princess package?” he placed a kiss on your cheek before nibbling on your ear.

“ah trust me, the princess in me is a version you wouldn’t want to experience.” you pressed his head further to your neck to feel more of his hot kisses.

“hm? i’d fuck the shit outta her then.” he licked a long trail on the column of your neck.

“let’s…” you started, trying to catch your breath. you turned around to face him, settling yourself on his lap once more. “go all the way.”

“cmon then.” he cocked a grin, “show me what you got.”

after rubbing his thick head on your crevice, you’re gradually adjusting to his staggering size. he leaned back and spread his arms by the sides of the rocks as he watched you fall into the abyss of delightful sin at how full you feel. you grabbed  on his shoulders for support as you bounced on his length, his hands fisting the flesh on your bum and guiding your movement. 

“you feel so fuckin’ good, my princess. such a fuckin’ whore for me.” he moaned, caressing the side of your face as he connected his lips with you. his arms wrapping around your waist as he thrusts his hips in chorus with yours, sending you to the ends of the earth at how desperate he was pounding into you. he buried his face between your breasts, engulfing his moans and biting at your sensitive spots..

each time he looked up at you he’ll see hearts in your eyes and savor how flushed your cheeks were. and each time you’d look down at him, he’d have this clouded look in his gaze where it seems that all he sees and hears is you. simultaneously chasing each other’s high, criminally fucking into each other as you two pursued climax after climaxes. not getting enough of each other and insatiably attracted to the feeling of being connected to one another. your core keeping his member warm and his member filling you up were the pleasures you two’d risk everything for. you’d wanted to do it all over again with him. 

and so you two did, professing love to one another through your carnal movements and whispering sweet and prurient somethings until the clock struck three and until your lower halves gave out. overstimulated and drunk on each other. bodies littered with bite marks, handprints, and kisses. that’s how you spent your night. 

you two snuck off once again, clothes loosely done as you made your way to the pier near his ship. you two plan on watching the sunrise, unbothered if someone else suspected the two of you. your hair had naturally dried, not caring if it’s styled or not. and so was kidd, his hair was loosely down and wasn’t in an updo. in your sincerest opinion, he looked more handsome that way.

 it was just an unspoken agreement that you two’d wait till sunrise and reveled each other’s embrace before parting again in the morning. hand in hand as they rested on his lap, your head settled on as his shoulders as he leaned back by a pillar to support the weight of both of you. 

“would you be delighted if i say i plan on joining you in that beautiful ship?” you suggested, observing the sea beneath your feet as they hang by the edge of the pier.

he perked up, looking at your face for any hint of insincerity. “ya really serious about that?!” his eyes shone in anticipation and excitement. “damn right i’d be hella delighted! fuck this kingdom, aye?”

you laughed a little. “fuck this kingdom.” you agreed, looking out the horizon as you watched the sun peeking and blinding you. you placed a hand above your line of sight to shield the light and watch the beauty of the sunrise. 

only to be scooped up by the palace guards and watch kidd be taken away from you as they knocked him down to the ground. it all happened too fast as you got farther and farther away from the man you spent the night with. he watched you disappear into the palace with a scornful glint in his eyes, reaching over with his face planted to the ground. you both screamed each other’s name, trying to break free from the strong restraints of the knights. 

“you are to be locked in your room until you learn your lesson!” your father announced harshly, “i am very disappointed in you, name. you’ve put our family’s name in disgrace!” 

“i couldn’t care less about the family’s name and whatever bullshit royalty! that’s all you two ever cared about! did you two actually care about me?! if i wanted to be a princess and marry a hooligan i don’t even know just because he can make our economy better?!” you bit back, tears streaming down your face as you poured out all your resent. your parents gasping at your language and boldness. “so tell me! w-what about him?! what will you do with him?!” 

“that man has done further damage to the palace and to you. he has bewitched you! such a feat only pirates can make!” 

“speak more ill of him and i swear, you two will have no heir to the throne much less a daughter!” the room felt grim and you see the horror in your parents’ eyes.  “in the short time that we’d met, he had been there more than you two could ever be in the two decades that i’ve lived!”

the room went silent.

“he’ll be rotting in the dungeon, awaiting his beheading. and you can’t do anything to stop it.” your parents stormed out the room after their verdict, you knelt to the floor in defeat, screaming to the ceiling at the cruel turn of events.

but you weren’t one to just stand by when your dream was about to be taken from you. as a child, you’ve explored every nook and cranny of the castle as you itched for adventure you couldn't keep still on your feet. no secret passageways are foreign to you. so you made your way to the passages among the castle walls. it was a dusty and skimpy trip but you were tunnel visioning right now, all that mattered was getting him out and leaving this rotten kingdom. 

you finally reached the dungeons where the knights are lazily guarding their sole prisoner. he caught sight of you and immediately livened up, you motioned for him to stay quiet as you took care of the knights by hitting them in a particular area of their neck and knocking them unconscious. 

“that was hot.” he remarked but you shushed him.

“no time for that! let’s get you out of here and sail away!”

“h-hold on!” the panic and hesitation in his demeanor was evident. he was not that usual haughty eustass kidd you’ve gotten to love. “are you really sure you want to sail away? with someone like me?”

“you ain’t deaf, aren’t you?!”

“a-aren’t you… scared of me?” he looked away bashfully, biting at his lips. 

you bursted into laughter. “what makes you say that, you silly fuck?”

he met your eyes, savoring the melody of your laughter. “all i’ve done was kill, pillage, and repeat. never in my life have i fuckin’ loved someone, and it’s scarin’ me how much i feel for you.” you noticed how his eyes got glassy and how his voice wavered. 

“look at me, eustass.” you held his face as your arms went past the holes between the bars. “i’ve seen how you are and i love everything about you. the fact that you came back for me is enough reason for me to know that you’re just as crazy for me as i am for you. a night with you had taught me more love than all my parents would’ve in my twenty years of existence.” tears streamed down your face as you announced your passion to him. it pleased you at how his expression softened with how he shut his eyes and leaned on your touch. “but, i have never loved someone too, what do you say we figure this shit called love together?”

his heart felt tight in that last bit, it was a found feeling he always experiences with you. with your words, all fear brimming in him  was instantly eradicated. to him, getting saved felt like outright vulnerability. and you’d expect kidd to not take that well knowing his nature, but something about the way you took the reigns and knew exactly what to do to escape made him feel hot and wanting for more of it. how you cleared his head and arranged it for him. or how you’d punt the shit outta those guards that he’d hoped you’d be so kind to give him a demo. and how you came back for him when all hope was lost. perhaps a new version of himself was discovered.

once you had opened his dungeon doors, all he could do was scoop you up by his arms and give you the deepest kiss. his grip tightening around you as you buried yourself deep inside his lips. it was just a few hours yet he managed to long for your lips and be in such misery without you. 

as you two made your escape, you couldn’t care less whether you get caught because kidd was no less stronger than each and everyone of your knights. the greatest knight you could ask for. he amassed metals and pummeled each one who dared cross your ways as you both exited the palace and made your way to the pier where his crewmates waited. he hoisted you up with his ability, a firm grip on your waist as he lifted you up like you weigh nothing. 

“got a pretty big treasure, captain?” one of his men greeted, smiling at the two of you as he unfurled the sails.

“hell yeah.” he gave you a kiss at the top of your forehead before raising your chin with his index finger and giving you a deep peck. “she’s quite the catch.”

idk why this took so long but yes more aus with kidd! these are so much fun to make uwu

[s1lverbullet29-blog]

“Merry Christmas”. It definitely will be merry once you’re a stuffed blob. God what have you done to yourself? You can’t blame me. I just gave you the food. You stuffed your gut with it. What do you want me to do? Stop you? Maybe you should learn self control. Maybe you should think before you pick up that next donut?

Or maybe you should shove it in, along with the next and the next. Let’s be honest you lost self control long ago. You wouldn’t be this huge if you had any. The fact your gut sits perfectly between your thighs when you spread your legs is evidence enough. You’re too far gone. You’re an obese hog who can’t do anything but eat and cum. You’re helpless.

I should stop you but I can’t help but stare in awe as you shovel more down your throat after thinking you had finished. That could never be me. I keep my body in shape while you keep yours in the shape of a ball. I’m at the gym constantly while you constantly have ice cream filling your gut. We couldn’t be more different. At least when it comes to health. We both love your growing belly. Although I’m not even sure if you love it or if you just don’t know anything else.

Since you gained so much you seemed to have gotten dumber, all you think about is food and the need to release. I try to have conversations with you but you soon turn it into your swelling belly, your growing tits and tree trunk thighs. What happened? When I met you you were small and fit. Your discipline has gone and any ambition you had is replaced by the constant demand to cum and stuff.

I won’t lie. I love it. I’m just as addicted. Seeing your belly move as your body tenses from orgasm drives me crazy. Seeing your body get covered in stretch marks makes me feral. You drive me crazy. I come home everyday excited to see the new mess of fat and sexual desire you are. I come home and measure you everyday and it makes me so proud to see you’ve grown another inch. I’m just as addicted. This is what love is and I’m just helping you grow so you have more for me to love

[three--rings]

OFMD and Rime of the Ancient Mariner

I have to shout out @nonsensicalramblings79 who wrote their own analysis of the connections. It's very worth reading. But I want to talk less about symbols and more just bits of the poem that vibe with the season so far.

The "impossible bird" that Ed references in ep 1 immediately made me think of an albatross, because there was a sailor legend that albatrosses always flew across the ocean and never stopped on land.

And because there's a strong connection between sailors and albatrosses, most famously as a result of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1834).

So because the other post linked above didn't quote the actual poem much, that's what I'd like to do to point out WHY it feels like this is an actual connection.

First of all, the poem takes place At a Wedding, in which the Ancient Mariner is a fairly unwelcome guest. We learn at the end that he is cursed for the rest of his life to forcibly spill out his story to people when he sees someone who he's Meant to tell. So he's talking to a Wedding Guest in the middle of a wedding party.

It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three. 'By thy long grey beard and glittering eye, Now wherefore stopp'st thou me? The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide, And I am next of kin; The guests are met, the feast is set: May'st hear the merry din.'

This is how it begins. The mariner has a "long grey beard and glittering eye." Okay, Ed-core. He's at a wedding and stops this bridegroom's next of kin, who complains why are you making a fuss, the party is going on right now, they're going to hear you. Definitely evoking Ed crashing the wedding in ep 1.

So the Mariner was on a ship, a storm came and blew them off course, then they saw an albatross in the sky and were able to get free of the ice. I find it interesting that the albatross:

It ate the food it ne'er had eat, And round and round it flew... And a good south wind sprung up behind; The Albatross did follow, And every day, for food or play, Came to the mariner's hollo!

The albatross ate the food it had never eaten, it flew around and came everyday when they called it for food and play. This evokes Ed and Stede in their honeymoon days on the Revenge, Ed trying new food, them playing different roles and eating good meals...

Then more fog and ice came and so the Mariner shoots the albatross. Everyone is happy about it because they think it brought bad weather until they become becalmed. We get the most famous lines of the poem:

Day after day, day after day, We stuck, nor breath nor motion; As idle as a painted ship Upon a painted ocean. Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink.

That has nothing to do with OFMD it's just Good Poem. I do find the next stanza evocative:

The very deep did rot: O Christ! That ever this should be! Yea, slimy things did crawl with legs Upon the slimy sea.

Very Kraken-y. It will come up again. The crew decides the Mariner did this to them by killing the albatross that had been their friend and good luck. They tie the bird around his neck as a mark of his crime.

It goes on to describe them all dying of thirst and how then Death comes on them and all the men on the ship, 200 of them, die EXCEPT for the Mariner. All of them die looking him directly in the eye, cursing him in death.

Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea! And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony. The many men, so beautiful! And they all dead did lie: And a thousand thousand slimy things Lived on; and so did I.

So I said the slimy things would be back, the Mariner is relating himself to them, again like Ed and the Kraken. Here we get to the part of the poem that is about the Mariner's inability to die. He's been cursed and so he cannot die, despite his desperate situation. This is where it really resonates with Ed in the early eps of S2. He desperately wants to die. He feels he is a curse on humanity, which he acts out in his violence, and also a curse on his crew, who he is ruining. He wants to die but cannot, despite all his attempts at getting someone to kill him.

An orphan's curse would drag to hell A spirit from on high; But oh! more horrible than that Is the curse in a dead man's eye! Seven days, seven nights, I saw that curse, And yet I could not die.

He tries to pray, but his heart is "dry as dust" and he cannot. But after seven days he starts watching the snakes in the water and enjoys the beauty of the world around him, and the albatross falls off of his neck and he can pray. He prays and basically a spirit or God or Mary answers him. It rains and he drinks water and then the corpses of the crew, which have not rotted at all, stand up inhabited by spirits and begin working the ship again. Wind carries it back to his home.

Yeah zombie sailors, dead men crewing a ship, WAY before Pirates of the Carribean.

So anyway, eventually he hears two voices speaking on the air.

'Is it he?' quoth one, 'Is this the man? By him who died on cross, With his cruel bow he laid full low The harmless Albatross. The spirit who bideth by himself In the land of mist and snow, He loved the bird that loved the man Who shot him with his bow.' The other was a softer voice, As soft as honey-dew: Quoth he, 'The man hath penance done, And penance more will do.'

I find the lines about the spirit who loved the albatross, who loved this man, who shot him. So the Mariner killed something who loved him, and that was his sin that brought the curse on him. But now he's done penance and will do more and that's why he can be saved.

Could make a connection to Ed shooting Izzy, but also it feels like Stede is also the albatross, but rather than Ed killing him, the albatross failed to love him? IDK Maybe Stede is the spirit who loved Ed the albatross and Blackbeard killed the Ed that Stede loved....that fits best. And it's the spirit who saved him ultimately. As Stede in mermaid form saves Ed.

Getting to that, the boat approaches land.

Oh! dream of joy! is this indeed The light-house top I see? Is this the hill? is this the kirk? Is this mine own countree?

Lighthouse imagery, of course. So a boat approaches this ship, with a "Good Hermit" in it. The ship however basically cracks in half and sinks right in the bay, and they fish the Mariner our of the water and think he is dead, but he wakes up and scares the crap out of them. Then he starts to row for shore.

'Ha! ha!' quoth he, 'full plain I see, The Devil knows how to row.'

They call him The Devil, which I point out because Ed calls himself that.

Basically he tells his whole story and here is where we learn he's compelled to tell his story when he meets the right people. He closes by talking about how alone alone alone he was and how he appreciates being with people and walking to church with them, going to a wedding. And also learned how important it is to cherish all creatures in the world.

And finally the Wedding Guest who heard this whole story:

He went like one that hath been stunned, And is of sense forlorn: A sadder and a wiser man, He rose the morrow morn.

IDK I just like this image of being sadder and wiser when you wake up in the morning, which again feels evocative to how Ed is going to wake up maybe?

IDK. I don't think we can say "oh clearly they had this poem in mind while writing these episodes", but they feel to me like they were written with this somewhere in the back of their minds. The reference to the impossible bird feels very much like a literary reference to an albatross, which would immediately conjure the "what happens if you kill an albatross" from this poem.

If you're still reading, hope you enjoyed this little journey into poetry. I'd encourage you to read the whole thing. It's very very weird and unique.

[rocksteadydeadboy]

📻🙾 [charles as ska/punk lyrics] 🙾📻

playlist [ here on youtube ] or on desktop view of this blog! just some random lyrics that remind me of the lad (not 100% ska or punk songs but for the most part!)

[ 📀 for songs i think fit best / my faves, 💿 for the rest lol ]

📀 The Selecter - Washed Up And Left For Dead

[ basically the entire song lol ] but I like these in particular:

He was washed up and left for dead Nobody told him he was just not wanted It got so cold after midnight

Night after night he's out biting the pavement Hurt his hands clapping for the group He can't dance, but he can certainly cause trouble

📀 The English Beat - Tears Of A Clown

[ full lyrics ]

Now if there's a smile on my face It's only there tryin’ to fool the public But when it comes down to foolin’ you Now, honey, that's quite a different subject

📀 X-Ray Spex - Germfree Adolescents

[ full lyrics ] a song for edwin!

I know you're antiseptic Your deodorant smells nice I'd like to get to know you You're deep frozen like the ice

[His] phobia is infection [He] needs one to survive It's [his] built-in protection Without fear [he'd] give up and die

📀 Amanda Lear - Follow Me

[ full lyrics ] tbh just here so i could have a song for the cat king. entire lyrics apply i love this song

I'll sell you dreams and new desires, I'm trading hopes, I'm open late

Unbelievable, maybe / You'll have a new identity For a second of vanity, I want to change your destiny

I'll give you wings, I'll sell you fame, merry-go-round maybe to Hell I am the key to your problem, so follow me, just follow me

📀 The Specials - Hey Little Rich Girl

[ full lyrics ] a song for crystal (and david the demon)

You left for London When you were nineteen Had to pull off your nice clothes Just living on dreams A man in the bright lights Took all that you own Now he's taken your freedom For a fate unknown

📀 The Business - Another Rebel Dead

[ full lyrics ] another charles gets murdered song :(

They say he killed himself But it was someone else His name was on their list And now he don't exist He didn't stand a chance Upon his grave they dance They were determined to blow him out

📀 Madness - It Must be Love

[ full lyrics ] another edwin song codependent king

As soon as I wake up every night, every day I know that it's you I need to take the blues away

I've got to be near you every night, every day I couldn't be happy any other way

📀 The Specials - It Doesn't Make It Right

[ full lyrics ] 'these cases have to matter', etc

Just because you're nobody It doesn't mean that you're no good Just because there's a reason It doesn't mean it's understood

It doesn't make it alright It doesn't make it alright It's the worst excuse in the world And it, it doesn't make it alright

💿 X-Ray Spex - I Can't Do Anything

[ full lyrics ] this one is a bit on the nose

I can't read / And I can't spell / I can't even get to hell I can't love / And I can't hate / I can't even hesitate

💿 The Toasters - Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down

[ full lyrics ] mostly here for vibes

I'm living in a world where I don't really fit Every day walking through the same old shit I'm gonna get my gun, gonna get prepared I'm not impressed and I'm not scared

💿 Fishbone - Everyday Sunshine

[ full lyrics ] a bit of a niko song as well

I wish everyday the sun would shine Take me to another place in my mind Where everything is beautiful

If we could fly away on wings To a place where all could be true And the skies were blue And love was true

💿 Special Interest - Don't Kiss Me In Public

[ full lyrics ] charles & crystal song #CuteDistraction

Why don't you kiss me in public? And smear your lipstick all on my cheek Boo hoo won't cry for heartless cinema Boo hoo don't cry for you and me

💿 Angelic Upstarts - Never Return To Hell

[ full lyrics ] another overly literal pick lol

Never return to hell Hey boys, quite enough to fulfill the final blow One day all your games will come to an end

💿 Tamar-kali - Boot

[ full lyrics ] another charles & crystal song, i just like this line

She is sweet tasting fruit whose juice is bitter tears

💿 The Oppressed - Do Anything You Wanna Do

[ full lyrics ] mostly for the vibes

Why don't you ask them what they expect from you ? Why don't you tell them what you're gonna do You get so lonely, maybe it's better that way It's not you only, 'cause you got something to say Do anything you wanna do

💿 Angelic Upstarts - Never 'Ad Nothin'

[ full lyrics ] also just here for vibes!

I'm gonna go up in a puff of smoke I wanna go up in a puff of smoke (2x) If I'm goin' out I'm takin' some of you fucks with me!

💿 The English Beat - Mirror In The Bathroom

[ full lyrics ] that's right another codependent payneland song

Mirror in the bathroom, please talk free The door is locked, just you and me Can I take you to a restaurant that's got glass tables? You can watch yourself while you are eating

💿 The Specials - Do Nothing

[ full lyrics ] lastly! another depressing one lol. perhaps charles thoughts on being dead in ep 4

They're just living in a life without meaning I walk and walk, do nothing They're just playing in a life without thinking They talk and talk, say nothing I'm just living in a life without feeling

[rockislandadultreads]

Fiction Recommendations: Cozy Holiday Romances

Cozy up with one of these heartwarming romance picks this holiday season!

Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake

It's been five years since Charlotte was ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, and she’s doing more than okay. Sure, her single mother never checks in, but she has her strings ensemble and her life in New York is a dream come true. As the holidays draw near, her ensemble mate Sloane persuades Charlotte and the rest of the quartet to spend Christmas with her family in Colorado, but when Charlotte arrives, she discovers that Sloane’s sister Adele also brought a friend home - none other than her ex, Brighton. Nothing can melt the ice in their hearts, though... right?

Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot

Snow is falling, holiday lights are twinkling, and Abby Cohen is pissed. For one thing, her most annoying customer, Seth, has been coming into her café every morning with his sunshiny attitude, determined to break down her emotional walls. And, as the only Jew on the tourism board of her Vermont town, Abby's been charged with planning their Hanukkah festival. Desperate for support, Abby puts out a call for help and discovers she was wrong about being the only Jew in town...so is Seth. Over latkes, doughnuts, and winter adventures, Abby begins to realize that Seth might just be igniting a flame in her own guarded heart.

Christmas Eve Love Story by Ginny Baird

Annie Jones works hard designing windows for iconic New York City department store Lawson's Finest. So when her Christmas window display gets upended by some rambunctious kids on Christmas Eve, the all-too-realistic store Santa gives Annie a little decorating tip on how to start over. With help from friendly security guard Braden Tate, Annie repairs the damage and heads home. But when she wakes the next morning, she's bewildered to find that it's Christmas Eve all over again. As little everyday choices bring her closer to Braden and to Christmas Day, Annie starts to picture what her new life could look like. 

The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts

Frankie Lane knows what’s best for just about everyone but herself. From her divorced sister to her shy employee, her daughter to her best friend, Frankie knows she could help all of them, if they’d just let her - and if all of her help didn’t end in utter disaster. Then there’s Mitch Howard, the owner of the local hardware store. He got her through the nightmare of losing her husband. He’s kindhearted, been divorced for years, and is the fittest, finest man Frankie knows. Mitch needs someone. And Frankie is determined to help him find that someone - whether he likes it or not. 

[clown-demon]

Mun Comforts

Comfort food(s): Cheese, mac n cheese, mozzarella cheese sticks, pizza, croutons, gummies, starbursts, peas, corn, french toast.

Comfort drink(s): Grape drinks, energy drinks, grape and raspberry ICE, Fruit punch ICE, Fruit punch crystal light, grape crystal light, soda

Comfort movie(s): Bungou Stray Dogs Dead Apple, The Cat Returns, Spirited Away.

Comfort show(s): Bungou Stray Dogs, Bleach, My Hero Academia, Chowder, Rocko's Modern Life, Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

Comfort clothing: Anything baggy

Comfort song(s): Bernadette by IAMX, Killer by The Hoosiers, Black Rover by Blinding Sunrise, Acid Rocket by DK-Zero, Get Jinxed (Russian) by Onsa Media, Happy by Secrets in Studio, Execution is Fun! by Tardigrade Inferno, Everyday is Halloween by Creature Feature, Misery Go Round by Night Club, Toy Soldiers by Marianas Trench, Burnt Babies Fear the Fire by Blaqk Audio, Simping for the Villian by Boy Jr., Lucifer by Elle Lexxa, Kinda Outta Luck by Medusa, Boy Jr., Heart Eater by Connie Glynn, Happy Face by Jagwar Twin, Better than Drugs by Skillet, Happy Face by Aesthetic Perfection, Summer Goth by Aesthetic Perfection, Clarity by ZEDD Foxes, BEELZEBUZ by Fake Type, Everyday Oblivion by 8Graves, Evil by 8Graves, Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift, Dead Air by Rufus Rex, Shallow Grave by The Birthday Massacre, Happy Birthday by The Birthday Massacre, Bones by Imagine Dragons, Wash it all away by Five Finger Death Punch, All Systems Go by Krypteria, I Idolize you by Massive Ego, Living Dead Girl by Rob Zombie, Merry Go Round by Man with a Mission, The Perfect World by Marty Friedman, Monkey Boy by Kontrust, Dried Moat by Stolen Babies, Oh Raven (Sing me your Happy Song) by Unlike Pluto, Rad Drugz by MISSIO, Can you Feel the Sun by MISSIO, Riptide by grandson, Toxicity by System of a Down, Kill Everyone by Hollywood Undead, The Underground by 8Graves and Unlike Pluto, Blood//Water by grandson, Villain of my Own Story by Unlike Pluto, Outrunning Karma by Alec Benjamin, Turn the Lights off by Tally Hall, Hit the Streets by Aesthetic Perfection, Oh! Gloria by Aesthetic Perfection, Big Bad Wolf by Aesthetic Perfection, Riot by Three Days Grace, Fly Home by The Living Tombstone, Can't Wait by The Living Tombstone, Not One Less by Ken Ashcorp, Alkatraz by Demon Dice, The Sky Will Turn by The Birthday Massacre, Touch Tone Telephone by Lemon Demon, Ghost by Mystery Skulls, Thnks fr th Mmrs by Fall Out Boys, Coin Operated Boy by The Dresden Dolls, Pyramid by Two Door Cinema Club, Stray Cat by Vicke Blanka, Kids by MGTM, Devil's Wedding by Fake Type, Back on Track by DJVI,

Comfort book(s): Bungou Stray Dogs, Guardians of Ga'Hoole, cat Warriors, The Sight, Wings of Fire

Comfort game(s): Hollow Knight, Okami, Pokemon, Disgaea, WoW, FFXIV, Guild Wars II, Wario Ware, Super Smash Bros.

Tagged by: @villains4hire (THANK YOU!)

Tagging: (You don't have to!): @kitxkatrp, @yoxngmadnxss, @giftandguile, @electricea, @swordduels, @pluviacuratio, and anyone else who wants to!

[malarkgirlypop]

To my dearest Kate,

I wish I could tell you how awful this war is. How much I hate it and wish I was there with you, but our letters are censored and I want this to reach you.

I think of you everyday my darling. You are what gets me through every day waking up in the wretched foxholes, as the cold and damp seep into our souls. Skip and Penkala are quieter than normal, I think the conditions are getting to everyone now. Even George isn’t his usual self.

You are what gets me through everyday and your love keeps me going no matter what. I don’t know what I’d do without you Kate. You’re my everything.

I promise that as soon as I am home we shall marry and we never need to be apart again.

When it’s dark at night and I am alone, I think of all the happy times we shared. The time we went on the boating lake and the swan attacked the boat. I don’t think you ever forgave me for ruining your favourite dress in that lake but I’m hoping the ice cream afterwards made it up to you. Do you remember the time when we were kicked out of the cinema for… well I’m sure you remember what we were doing in the back row.

And now at this time of year I think of the last Christmas we spent together, of our kiss beneath the mistletoe, of building that snowman in the backyard. I cannot wait to be home with you again my love.

I will cherish our memories always and I hope to make many more with you.

Yours always

Don

My love,

I miss you so dearly. I think of you everyday and dream of you every night. Even though I love seeing you in my dreams, it isn't the same. I need you here with me. My body aches from missing you, I didn't know the heart hurt so much when it yearns. Say hello to Skip and Alex for me! I miss them too. I have you all in my thoughts constantly, that you will make it home in one piece. I wish we could just skip to the end, so that I can have you back. The house feels so quiet without your laughter and jokes. I would fly to Germany myself and end this all if I could. But all I can do is hope. I need you home, so we can wed and be merry. I don't even need a ring or a fancy wedding, just marry me as soon as you can. I have now learnt the saying absence makes the heart grow fonder. But it's more than fondness, I love you entirely, always have and always will. I love you more today than I did yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow and many days to come. Write to me as soon as you can. I have sent some things for you in the letter as well. But it's a secret don't let the boys see.

Eternally yours,

Kate.

aHHHHHHH ok so cheesy of me, but I totally love this. Whoever wrote this for me I am kissing you! I love you thank you for sending this to me!

[astrxlfinale]

Aha's Devotees.

Those motherfuckers.

Understanding initially leads to a moment of clarity, only for those eyes to narrow in distaste at the mere mention of them. Of course it'd be the unfortunate souls new to the game that makes for the best playmates. Thankfully this lady here was pretty cool in keeping him in the know.

"Aha-" He snarks in kind, and by no means saying the name of the divine entity of fluctuating chaos. "Looks like me and those merry band of bastards are going to have a ball down the line." The idle line finds itself clipped as her soft radiance permeates the surroundings. In a way, it makes him feel less agitated, a little more open to conversation, the excitement finds a pace of slowing down within the presence of Black Swan.

Caelus decides to take it for what it is. Besides, her newest pearl of information makes his eyes tilt a touch wider in realization. "No shot, you're with the mirror faces? ..Well, without makin' my reflection the main thing I stare at?" Given how she holds knowledge of his particular arrangement, something that he kept tucked from the rest of the Express's knowledge, that in itself says enough. While Himeko's name was universally renowned, that other pearl of intel? That opened the metaphorical doors of taking this at face value.

"Caelus. Might as well get my name checked in firsthand."

"Heh! My hero weaving in and out of the neon lights. Y'think I'm seriously gonna say 'no' with catching a little break? My Penacony land legs are hardly grown in yet. So.. y'know, hell yeah I'm joining in." The delinquent notes with a chime of gusto. This promised that the lavish scene before them, a realm of dreams and carefully introduced indulgences to be laid out before them. Giving a modest motion of the hand for her to take the lead, it wouldn't be long before he's trailing along by her side, hands stuffed away in his jacket.

In truth there were a lot of questions roaming in his head. Open as she was about her professional line of work, it'd feel odd to just break the ice in such a way. His expression furrows in thought before peering at the violet haired beauty, that shimmering smile prompts him.

It makes that certain ad of 'Everyday is GREAT~ at your Junes!' fade a bit more from his mind.

"Level with me on something. Are vacations really something you guys can take often? Seeing how I might be a household name, trouble might just be on that menu of yours too. Even if an amusement park was on the menu."

@blckswntm

[callmejose]

Amusement Park

Come hang out anytime

Don’t worry about what others think

If you feel like there’s not enough time

I’ll open at night everyday.

You don’t need to wait in line

With the all-day pass ready

Everything here is always waiting for you

I’ll be waiting for you in front of the big tree past the entrance

From there, just hold my hand tightly and follow me.

Shall we go to the ferris wheel over there?

Let me show you the garden and my heart that I made and decorated for you.

How about the roller coaster over there?

Just like the night I stayed up alone

It goes up and down.

Shall we sit on a bench and rest?

Let’s eat ice cream together

If you can’t decide between chocolate and vanilla

I’ll buy the mixed flavor with churros

Shall we go to the haunted house?

You can come into my arm if you’re scared

Just don’t let go of this hand

Don’t be sad at all, I’ll do whatever you want

Always, always be yours

Merry-go merry-go merry-go-round

You look beautiful on the merry-go-round

Merry-go merry-go merry-go-round

I’ll kiss your pretty forehead

It’s filled with dreams and love

Let’s go to the mysterious world

Splendid fireworks

A wonderful parade just for the two of us

I’m your amusement park.

(5)

[self-shipping-doll13]

Hey.🙂

⛄, ❄ & 🎵?

Hi! Thank u for the questions Goldie. Answering for Liam bc he’s shiny and new

⛄ - Have you and your F/O ever built a snowman together? If so, how did it go?

By the time we meet, Belfast is more accustomed to a Wet Winter than a White Winter. The snow drift is never enough for a proper snowman, moreso mucky slush and black ice on the roads, but he’ll tell me stories of when it was. Liam never got a carrot for the nose but they used ma’s old buttons for sewing for the eyes and the waistcoat.

He and Pauly moreso gathered up snow to pelt at other neighbourhood kids from their turf, though. Not much has changed since then.

❄️ - Does your F/O like snow? Do you?

“Well isn’t that just something you don’t see everyday?” For Liam snow feels nostalgic, so he’s obliged to crack a fond smile at it.

I’m childishly delighted at it when it appears haha. He finds great amusement in how my eyes just sparkle when the white melting snowflakes fall.

🎵 - Is there a christmas song you associate with your F/O / your relationship?

I feel like it just gets played in the bar a lot lol