#Right Mini Greenhouse

[haidisposts]

Choosing the Right Mini Greenhouse for Your Gardening Needs

Selecting the right mini greenhouse is essential for maximizing its benefits and ensuring a successful gardening experience. With various designs, sizes, and features available on the market, gardeners should consider several factors when choosing a mini greenhouse that meets their specific needs and preferences.

Size and Space: The first consideration when choosing a mini greenhouse is the available space for installation. Measure the area where the greenhouse will be placed to determine the appropriate size. Consider factors such as height, width, and depth to ensure the greenhouse fits comfortably in the designated space without overcrowding or obstruction.

Material and Construction: Mini greenhouses are available in a range of materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Each material offers different advantages in terms of durability, insulation, and aesthetics. Consider the climate and environmental conditions in your area when selecting the material to ensure it can withstand weather extremes and provide adequate protection for your plants.

Ventilation and Temperature Control: Good ventilation is essential for maintaining optimal growing conditions inside the greenhouse and preventing overheating or humidity buildup. Look for mini greenhouses with adjustable vents, doors, or windows that allow for easy regulation of airflow and temperature. Some models may also come with built-in ventilation systems or automatic temperature controls for added convenience.

Portability and Accessibility: If you plan to move your mini greenhouse or adjust its position frequently, consider a portable or lightweight design that is easy to assemble and disassemble. Look for features such as sturdy frames, lightweight materials, and convenient carrying handles to facilitate transportation and setup.

[oletus-writer]

Can you make a 'Jealous of their mini version' with Jack, h!Melly and fools gold? (if they had one) will be so glad to read them :)

Of course!! I’ve been busy being consumed by Baldur’s Gate III so this is late by a long shot.

Jack, Hunter Melly, Hunter Norton being jealous of their mini pet version

Warnings: slight jealousy

Jack

He’s amused, to say the least. You can’t get enough of him, so much so that you’ve decided to purchase a little version of him to follow you around when he’s not there. Unlike others, he won’t be too jealous, and is willing to pamper it alongside you, treating it like a child.

‘Oh my sweet robin, it looks like you’ve been missing me. Well, don’t you worry; there’s enough of me to go around. This little darling can’t be much of a replacement, hm?’

Of course, if he finds you spending more time with little Jack than with him, jealousy settles in. He’ll court you, all gentlemanly and saccharine. Expect flowers, poems, being treated better in matches, and maybe even a painting. Holding the door open for you, kissing your hand… you get the picture.

‘You did so well in that match… Sure, I wasn’t there, but I’m certain you did well, dove. Would you like to enjoy this wine with me as celebration? If not, may I interest you in some of my cooking?’ (You’ll have to supervise his cooking, though)

There isn’t much pettiness, as he understands why you’d buy a mini Jack, and that it’s more available to you than him, being a hunter and all. He does have a photo of you that he carries with him at all times, after all, but he might get jealous over the fact you actively spend time with mini Jack than him. Sure, it’s a pet you need to take care of, but he’d prefer it if you invite him over a bit more frequently.

Hunter Melly

She’s a bit more possessive of you than her survivor counterpart, and is a bit ruthless. She doesn’t mind locking away little Melly so she could have the entire day alone with you, nor does she mind resorting to threatening the little pet. However, she’s not a total savage, and is willing to raise it like a child.

‘Honey, as much as I enjoy your company evermore when we’re alone, perhaps this little pet you have isn’t so bad. We should give it a proper name, not just Little Melly.’

Bitter jealousy still settles in her ribcage like acid reflux, though, and she’ll find any excuse to get you to have greenhouse dates, as the mini pet would get lost, it’s little legs and short perspective unable to find its parents in the maze. She’ll pick flowers and tell you their meanings all the while ignoring that nagging sense of guilt.

However, she finds that little Melly has its uses, such as observing small details on her insects, and finding new species within the greenhouse. She’ll treat the pet a bit better, and there are some times when you find her giving all her attention to it.

‘This little sweetheart has done wonders to my research. It was a good choice to purchase it. You have my gratitude.’

Hunter Norton

He understands that you’re not all his, and that he should be nice and respectful of his lover, but he just has the instinct to hold things dear to him so tightly that his ribcage wraps around them. There’s an ill feeling in his throat and he can’t swallow and his rock fingers twist knobs into the table.

‘What’s going on, darling? Oh… that little thing. I see. Suppose I should leave you to it, then, since it’s obviously better company that me.’

Unlike the other two, he’s never going to accept the mini him into his life. He hates children, and having another mouth to feed is quite the annoyance.

‘When are you gonna throw that thing aside? It’s just a toy, right? Come to your rightful place in my arms.’

He simply doesn’t understand why you’d rather the substitute than the real thing. After all, as much as he doesn’t want to admit, you could always seek out survivor Norton.

[mint-yooxgi]

{10} - Paradise Gardens - Yandere!Demonic Entities!Ateez X Reader

Yandere AU & Demon AU - Book Two to Hotel California

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst, Fluff, Slight Humour

Pairing: Ateez X Reader (Focus on San, and slight focus on Hongjoong, and a bit of Yeosang at the end)

Words: 11,371

Warnings: Mental Illness. PTSD: mentions of past trauma and violence, anxiety, depression. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: I honestly wasn't expecting for this chapter to even be a thing, but I think it's much needed in terms of plot and character development, so I really hope you all enjoy it! Plus, Wooyoung smut next chapter~ 👀 As always, feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy~

Also, gentle reminder that I don’t do tag lists.

Mini Masterlist - Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine

Standing just outside the entrance to the garden, there’s a certain intensity that lingers on your features. Your eyes remain fixated on the golden handles, practically glaring down at them as your brows furrow in concentration. A slight frown pulls at your lips, but still, you, nor the doors, move.

“Practicing your telekinesis, Baby?” A soft chuckle sounds from behind you.

You blink, but do not respond, opting to continue staring intently at the handles of the door.

“I think Jongho’s blood has long since left your system.” San steps in beside you, amusement tugging his lips upwards in the corners. “Besides, I’m not sure if it would even be capable of giving you such a power.”

“It’s not that,” you sigh, finally shifting your gaze from the door and towards your feet.

Immediately, concern is pulling at his features as his one hand finds purchase on your lower back. “Then, what is it?”

You spare a glance at him out of the corner of your eyes, your shoulders deflating all the while. It’s been two days since Jongho made a full recovery, you having pulled him out of the veil between worlds. You thought it would be a good idea to slowly reintroduce yourself to certain places in the house, but unfortunately, you seem to be having some difficulties. Perhaps starting with the garden was not the wisest decision.

“You’ve been glaring at the door to the garden for the past twenty minutes.” San says, his thumb gently stroking against your back. “If you’re not ready, don’t force yourself-“

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready, San.” Your voice is small, but you still manage to cut him off. “There’s not really a good timeline I can follow. I just don’t want her to have a hold on me any longer. It’s not fair to any of us.”

He smiles assuringly at you. “I understand.”

“I just didn’t realize how difficult it would be.” Again, you avert your gaze to your feet.

“I’m right here, Baby.” His fingers press the slightest bit firmer into your back. “I won’t let anything hurt you. I promise.”

Raising your head, you spare him a small smile. Subconsciously, you lean into his touch.

“What brings you to the garden, anyways?” You decide a slight change in subject might help distract you.

“Me?” His eyebrows quirk upwards slightly. “I came to check on my plants.”

Your eyes widen in genuine surprise. “Your plants?”

“Yes.” He grins, a slight chuckle falling from his lips. “My plants.”

At your quizzical look, he’s quick to shift his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer into his side.

“Fruits, vegetables, you name it,” he tells you. “I grow them all.”

“Really?” 

There’s a genuine curiosity in your voice that he hasn’t heard for quite some time now, which only makes his smile widen. “Would you like to see?”

At your eager nod, San shifts forward, opening the door to the garden and helping you step through the threshold. His arm never leaves your body for one second, guiding you through the flowers and to the greenhouse in the back corner.

You don’t realize how tense you become as soon as you step foot into the garden, but San does. Your eyes flit every which way, taking in all of the details of the once decimated space and noticing how everything looks exactly as it did before Miyeon destroyed it. There’s even a few different types of flowers blooming around the place now, including snapdragons and hyacinths.

Your breath hitches in your throat.

The moment your sight lands on that sparkling fountain in the centre of the garden, you stop breathing. You haven’t even realized that you’ve frozen to your spot, planting your feet firmly on the ground as you stare at that mass monument before you. Only when you see San stepping in front of you, gently guiding your gaze to his own do you register the sudden way your chest heaves with shallow breaths, the male cooing to you all the while.

“It’s okay, Baby.” He assures you lowly, noting the way your gaze continually wants to dart passed him and back to the fountain behind him. 

“Hey, hey, look at me.” His hold is gentle on your arms as he stands before you, and that’s when you realize that you can no longer hear the sound of trickling water echoing throughout the space.

The water hovers there, as if frozen in time, yet not solid like ice. It is suspended in a state of limbo, and you just know that the male standing before you has everything to do with it.

“Just keep your eyes on me, Baby.” He begins to slowly walk backwards, guiding you through the garden and past the fountain. “I’ve got you. I promise nothing will harm you here again.”

You keep your eyes locked on his, the soft brown of his irises peering out at you through a concerned brow.

“That’s it,” gently, he encourages you. “We’re almost there.”

It’s brief, but you still manage to nod. Your breathing seems to be evening out, too.

“You’re doing so well, Baby.” His voice is tender, his hands sliding down your arms in order to hold your own in his. He squeezes them softly. “Just keep your eyes on me.”

Again, you nod, swallowing lightly as you reach the greenhouse.

Shifting both of your hands to his right one, San reaches behind him with the greatest of ease to open the door to the greenhouse. He doesn’t even need to look behind him as he guides you inside, giving your hands another small reassuring squeeze as the door falls shut quietly behind you.

“There,” he smiles. “Safe and sound.”

You smile weakly in return.

“That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?” He gently shakes you hands still held in his own.

“No,” you take a deep breath, the smell of crisp apples, along with various other fruits greeting your senses almost immediately. “I suppose not.”

“I’m so proud of you, Baby.” San’s voice is but a whisper as he brings a hand up to cup the side of your face.

Your eyes flutter shut, leaning into his touch more than you realize.

“Thank you, San.” You breathe out, heart rate finally returning to normal the more time you spend with him like this. “It may not have been perfect for my first try, but I’m glad you’re with me.”

“Of course, Baby,” his thumb strokes tenderly over your cheek. “I will always be here for you; I’m glad I could help.”

A brief silence settles over the both of you as you let the moment linger. Your breathing evens out, shoulders relaxing as he continues to observe you carefully.

“So,” you blink a few times in mild curiosity, attempting not to let your gaze wander too much. “Your plants?”

“Ah, right!” His whole demeanour perks up. “What would you like to see first?”

“Anything and everything you wish to show me.”

The smile that stretches across his face lights up the whole greenhouse. Gently, he shifts his hand back into your own, pulling you along with him as he guides you through a space which appears much larger on the inside than the outside. Certain plants are grouped together based on climate and soil conditions, and you notice the slightest changes in temperature around them. It’s as if those particular sections are weather controlled to be different than the others around them.

Looks like their magic runs deeper than you could have ever imagined.

“I’ve always grown the basics,” he explains, leading you through his vegetable garden. “Sometimes it changes depending on the season, or what we all feel like having, but I always have tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, and bell peppers.”

San takes a moment to crouch down in front of his tomato plants, running his fingers gently over the leaves and pruning a few while he’s at it. Softly, he coos to the fruit, and the small encouragements he seems to give the plants makes you smile.

“How long have you had them?” Your awe filled gaze sweeps over the produce before you, taking in the vibrance of their leaves and the quantity of their fruit.

“Ever since I got into cooking,” he explains, watching you fondly. “So, my whole life.”

“Wow,” you breathe, turning to face him once more. “You’re incredible, Baby!”

Immediately, a vibrant blush begins to creep up his neck, settling onto his cheeks as he stutters in his spot.

“I understand why you have such a vendetta against grocery store produce now,” you chuckle fondly. “You’ve been spoiled with fresh, homegrown food since the beginning.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” he grins. “Just wait until you see the orchard.”

Your entire body freezes, lips parting in mild shock. You blink a few times, the corners of your lips slowly tugging upwards. “You mean to tell me that there’s an orchard inside this greenhouse?”

He nods proudly. “Follow me.”

Again, San gently guides you towards the back of the building, and you notice how there seems to be a separate section placed off to the side. The whole building seems to be shaped like an ‘L’, large windows spanning either side. As soon as you round the corner, the greenhouse opens up into a vast space, all different types of plants continuing to span the area.

“There’s almost one of each kind in their respective rows, but some of the fruit trees we have to make special visitations for.” He explains.

“Special visitations?” You repeat, taking in the large orange tree in front of you.

“Unfortunately, not all plants can be acclimatized to our greenhouse.” A slight frown tugs at his features. “I’m working on making sure they can be, but for now, we have special farms I usually like to visit to get those specific products I’m missing.”

Realization crosses your features. “That’s still really cool.”

“You think so?” He grins, his eyes crinkling at the sides. “I mean, not all the trees in the orchard here are mine, per se.”

You tilt your head at him in inquiry.

“Joong would probably murder me if I touched his lemon tree.” San says. “Well, other than when I harvest the fruit to be used in a recipe. He can never say no to lemon squares.”

“Hongjoong has a lemon tree?” Your eyes scan the rows, seeing a large plant with vibrant yellow fruit hanging from its branches a little ways down the row you’re currently standing in.

“Yes.” San confirms with a nod. “Yeosang grows his own jalapeños, too. Hwa and Yunho are very adamant about caring for the various berries we grow, but I have a few favourites of my own.”

“What are your favourites, then?” The way you look at him, with wide eyes filled with nothing but curiosity, sets his heart racing.

He smiles. “I’ll show you.”

Leading you down the path with a spring to his step, San takes only a single right turn before stopping before a somewhat smaller tree than all the others.

“This one’s a little newer than the rest, but I’ve grown quite fond of it recently.” His eyes trail over the tree in front of him.

Large fruit hang heavily from the branches, very particular in shape. Their pastel pink skin fades into hues of white and orange, soft fuzz coating the sides.

“Peaches?” Your voice is nothing short of tender as you focus on him standing beside you. 

“I’ve taken a fond liking to them recently.” He hums.

“You don’t say,” you grin, almost knowingly. 

A moment later, and your gaze is shifting around the area, noting the other fruit hanging from the branches around you. 

A gasp escapes you as you excitedly waddle over to the tree right before your very eyes, the fruit hanging in abundance in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and green. “Mangos?”

A fond chuckle escapes the male as he walks up beside you. “Would you like one?”

No verbal response is needed. Not when you eagerly shake your head, turning your awe filled gaze to stare deeply into his own eyes.

Your whole body practically vibrates in excitement, gaze darting from one fruit to the next. You can practically smell the aroma drifting through the branches, and it makes you smile instantaneously.

Softly, San reaches out before you and plucks a fruit fresh from the branch, tracing his thumb over the side of its skin. Carefully, he takes your hand back into one of his own, placing the fruit delicately into your palm as he smiles.

The wonder filled look you wear means everything to him in this moment. The fact that he can see your lips part, eyes shining with nothing but adoration sets his heart racing.

“I love mangos.” You admit, voice nothing but a tender caress to his ears.

“So I’ve heard,” he smiles, chest warming at the way your hands hold onto that fruit so delicately right now. “Mingi enjoys raiding them for smoothies.”

“And he didn’t invite me…” you click your tongue, shaking your head in mock disapproval.

“To be fair, he had been pestering me for a mango tree for quite a long time before I finally gave in.” He admits, dragging the sole of his foot against the ground as he averts his gaze.

“Did you-“ you blink, heart skipping a beat as realization settles over you. “Did you start growing these for me?”

“Of course, Baby,” he confirms, wrapping his arm around your waist and pulling you into his side. “I started growing quite a few things for you, especially once I learnt that you enjoy fresh fruit so much.”

Your entire being warms, nothing but fondness flooding your veins as you rest your head gently on his shoulder. Your eyes flutter shut as you breathe out a content sigh, “I don’t deserve you.”

“Nonsense, Baby.” Almost immediately, he shakes his head, completely appalled by your words. “You deserve everything I have to offer, and so much more.”

“I meant it in the sense that you’re too good to me,” you chuckle, wrapping your free arm around his own. “I can’t think of a single person that I know of who can say that their lover started growing specific fruits just for them.”

“Of course I would,” his reply is immediate. “Only the best for My Baby.”

A content hum escapes you. “I appreciate that, Sannie.” A pause. “I appreciate you.”

He shifts closer, turning to place a gentle kiss onto the side of your head. “I love you, Baby.”

You smile, sinking further into his side as you feel yourself fully relax. “I love you, My Aquaman.”

You don’t even need to look at him to know a large, giddy smile stretches across his features from your words. You can feel it just in the way his whole body shakes lightly in happiness beside you. Although it’s faint, you swear you can also hear his heartbeat thundering beneath his skin.

A sense of calm washes over the both of you as he leads you back to the main area of the greenhouse. Wordlessly, he places a tender kiss onto your cheek before somewhat reluctantly pulling away from you to begin tending to his plants. You, on the other hand, sit yourself nearby, watching him fondly as he begins to work.

“So, you’ve been cooking all your life?” Your legs begin to swing back and forth as you rest that mango beside you on top of the table you’re currently sitting on.

“For as long as I can remember, yes.” He confirms, pruning his plants lightly. “It came quite naturally to me. Plus, my powers always help make it easier.”

“What’s your favourite thing to cook?” You observe him eagerly.

He spares a glance over his shoulder, the corner of his lips quirking upwards softly. “Anything My Baby desires.”

“San!” You laugh, shaking your head lightheartedly. “I’m being serious!”

“So am I.” He hums, shifting on to the next plant in the row. “Though, if I have to choose, I do enjoy cooking old family recipes. It’s always nice to discover how tastes have changed and been passed on with each new generation.”

“How many unique family recipes do you know, then?” Your ankles are crossed as your hands support you on either side of the table.

“Oh, probably over a few hundred thousand.” He replies, nonchalantly. “Give or take.”

Your jaw drops, “That’s incredible!”

“It’s nothing.” He shrugs, the tips of his ears turning red.

“You should teach me sometime.”

The statement you make is casual, but it still causes San to freeze in his spot, nearly dropping the dead leaves he’s gathered in his one hand. 

Slowly, he turns to face you, nothing but hope shining within his gaze. “You really mean that?”

“Of course I do, Baby.” Your legs finally still as you smile down at him. “I would love to cook with you, and besides, you shouldn’t have to prepare all of the meals. I want to make things for you and the other guys from time to time, too.”

In the blink of an eye, he’s before you, his hands on either side of your body as the pile of dead leaves now rests on top of the table. They appear almost as if they’ve been thrown haphazardly across the surface, his whole body trembling as he clings onto the edge for dear life.

“You want to cook for me?” His voice is small, hopeful as he tilts his head downwards, avoiding your eyes for the moment.

“I can’t promise it’ll be as good as your own food, but I would like to at some point; yes.” You nod once, quite firmly at that.

“Baby,” he swallows thickly, and his gaze says it all.

Nothing but love for you is seen in his eyes, which are shining with unshed tears. His lips are slightly parted, tongue darting out to wet them as his arms continue to shake as he holds himself steady against the edge of the table. Softly, his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, his heart racing uncontrollably in his chest.

“My baking is a little better than my cooking, but-“

You don’t even get to finish your thought, for his arms are around you, pulling you flush against his chest. A sob wracks his chest, tears of unfiltered joy falling onto your shoulder as he holds you close.

Gently, you card your fingers through his hair, holding onto him just as tightly as he clings to you.

“I didn’t realize you’d have this type of reaction,” you chuckle, rubbing his back comfortingly with your free hand.

“It just means a lot to me,” his voice is low as he mumbles the words against your neck. “More than you’ll ever know.”

Tenderly, you press your lips onto the side of his head. “I know how much you love cooking, San. I would be honoured to be able to share in that passion with you.”

His grip tightens ever so slightly as he nuzzles his face into the side of your neck. This is everything he’s ever wanted, and so much more. Finally, he can share his passion of doing what he loves with the person that he loves most in this world. Something he’s always longed to do.

“Just, don’t tell my mom.” You joke, watching as he pulls away to glance into your eyes.

“Why not?” His brow furrows.

“She’s been trying to teach me how to properly cook for years.” The corner of your lips quirks upwards. “I always told her that I was fine on my own.”

“Did you, now?” He quirks a brow playfully.

“I know how to follow a recipe, boil water, and cook eggs.” You shrug. “That’s all I’ve ever needed before.”

A dramatic hand is placed over his heart. “Oh, Baby, you hurt me so.”

“I’m not that bad a cook,” you roll your eyes teasingly. “I can cook, I just choose not to.”

“Which will make us cooking together all the more special.” He hums, eyes crinkling at the sides as he smiles at you.

“Exactly.” You loop your arms around his shoulders. “I want to spend more time with the people I love, doing what they love to do.”

“Oh?” His brow quirks, a certain mischievous gleam suddenly shining within his eyes. “Don’t say that, Baby. We’d be tempted to never let you leave your bed again.”

Your back straightens, a heat blooming on your cheeks as you slap his arm playfully. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know, Baby.” He chuckles. “You’re just so pretty when you get flustered.”

“And you’re very handsome when you’re excited about something.” You grin. “So, I guess we’re even.”

He returns your smile. “I guess so.”

Sliding your hands to rest on his shoulders, you give them a firm squeeze. A sense of calm passes over the both of you, his own grip finding purchase on your waist.

“Shouldn’t you be tending to your plants?” You quirk a brow teasingly.

“I could,” he hums, “but that would mean spending less time with you.”

“I wasn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon,” you poke his cheek affectionately, watching as that dimple of his appears almost instantly.

“Well, if I did things like I normally do, I’d be done in a flash.” He says. “Doing this by hand will most certainly take me longer, meaning you can spend more time with me.”

“How you normally do things?” You tilt your head curiously.

“It’s quite easy to manipulate plants once you get the hang of both the oxygen and water they consist of.” He explains.

Your eyes widen, lips parting in awe.

“There are still aspects of us and our powers you have yet to see,” he winks, a smug grin tugging at his features.

“So I’ve been told,” you exhale somewhat breathlessly. “And just how do you normally do things?”

A light squeeze to your waist is all you receive before San steps to the side. Gently, he takes your one hand in his as he motions to the tomato plants in front of you.

“Watch closely.” His voice is low right by your ear as he leans into your side.

Fixating your gaze on the one plant he’s yet to prune, a gasp escapes you as you see the leaves beginning to sway. Carefully, the dead leaves separate from the plant, moisture collecting on the fruit almost instantly before sliding downwards. The droplets seem to gather in one place before floating in the air and moving to the next fruit, doing the same in succession.

A gentle breeze drifts passed, and you catch the faintest scent of peaches in the air this time.

“I use the moisture in the air to mist them, and then depending on the plant, the excess water is given back to the soil for the roots.” San’s voice is gentle, a fond look resting on his features as he takes in your expression of pure wonder once more.

“That’s amazing!” You squeeze his hand, whole body practically vibrating in excitement. “You’re incredible, Baby!”

“It’s nothing,” he attempts to shrug you off again, despite the vibrant blush creeping up his neck.

“So, then,” you stand back onto your feet, walking over to observe the tomatoes he’s just tended to. “How long does this usually take you?”

“Minutes at most,” he replies, eyes shining as he watches you crouch beside the plant. “Seconds at best.”

“Wow.” You blink up at him in awe before pushing yourself back to your feet. “So, you were only doing it manually today to spend more time with me?”

“I figured you could use the distraction,” he shrugs. “Besides, I wanted to impress you, and show off my greenhouse.”

“Well, it worked.” You nudge him gently with your shoulder. “Count me impressed on all parts.”

“I guess it’s a bonus I got to show you this, too.” He hums, nudging you back.

“I’m always interested in spending time with you, regardless of what we’re doing.” You admit softly. Then, just as tenderly, “I’m always interested in you.”

A low, pleased rumble shakes his chest.

“The feeling will always be mutual, Baby.” His voice is but a whisper as he pulls you into his arms.

“Well then, why don’t you finish up here, and then we can go bake something together.” You hum. “I’ve been meaning to make those cookies Reina mentioned when she saw the two kitchens the other day. Those are probably the only things I know how to bake off the top of my head recipe wise.”

“She was supposed to send me the instructions for how to make those.” San grumbles under his breath.

“I think she lied,” you smile lightly. “She only makes them for certain occasions.”

“Like what?” His brow furrows.

“When I need a pick me up.” You reply, stepping away from him lightly. “She only taught me how to make them after-“ the words catch in your throat as your expression falls. “I think I know why she mentioned them this time around.”

“Reina knows?” His brow furrows slightly, worry shining in his eyes as he watches your whole visage drop.

“Reina can be very perceptive when she wants to be.” You say, a small sigh escaping your lips. “Especially when it comes to me. We practically know each other better than we know ourselves.”

“I thought your sister was the only one that knew?” San frowns slightly.

“Reina figured it out, so I told her.” Your one hand comes up to rub at the side of your arm. “She knew- knows about my mental health probably better than anyone, my sister included.”

“She’s a good friend.” He observes.

“Yeah.” You smile, a soft nod to your head. “She is.”

“Alright, Baby,” San gently cups the side of your face, brushing his thumb tenderly against your cheek. “Why don’t you meet me in the kitchen, then? I’ll finish up here, cut up that mango for you, and then we can make those cookies together. How does that sound?”

You begin to nod. “Okay.”

A wide smile is all that you receive in response as you turn back to the table you had just been sitting on. It takes nothing to grab that fresh mango in your hand once more, turning to exit the greenhouse in the next second.

“Baby,” San’s somewhat urgent call of your name causes you to turn back to face him. “Will you be okay in the garden on your own?”

Warmth blooms in your chest at the care he continues to extend towards you.

“I will be.” You nod, somewhat firmly. Though, at the worried look he sends your way, you smile reassuringly at him. “I promise to call you if I need you. So, please, San, take your time.”

“Alright, Baby,” he breathes out a low sigh. “I’ll be right there.”

A final nod is all you give him as you turn back towards the greenhouse door. You can feel his eyes watching you the whole time as you take your leave, pausing only briefly to take a deep breath before exit the building once and for all.

The first thing you hear as soon as you shut the door behind you is the trickling of that fountain. You can smell the sweet aroma of the flowers drifting through the air, and it offers you comfort as you keep your back turned to the scenery behind you. The whole time, a small mantra of ‘nothing can hurt you now’ and ‘you’re okay’ runs through your head, taking deep breaths to help steady yourself for the time being.

You can get through this.

She cannot hurt you anymore. You won’t let her.

Turning around, you face the garden.

For a moment, you do not move. That single mango is clutched lightly in your hand as you swallow thickly, taking in every detail of the garden before you like the very first time. Again, you can see the meticulous detail that has gone into every aspect of this space. 

A space designed for you. 

For you and only you.

This is yours. You won’t let her take what this space means away from you, or them for that matter.

You take a small step forward.

The bench where you had that lovely talk with Hongjoong that one day still rests to the side. The foliage is a bit thicker than all those months ago, though. There seems to be a few symbols now carved into the wood, and you just know in your gut that they’re there for your protection.

You take another step.

There are all of the peonies, lilies, roses, and forget-me-nots lining the same path you took the very first time Hongjoong showed you this place. Stepping in beside them now, you lean over to take in their scents just as you did before, letting those better memories replace the single bad one.

Finally, you acknowledge the fountain.

Turning to face the sparkling water, you watch as it shines, trickling down each level of the carved stones. Despite your best efforts, your gaze flits to the very spot Miyeon held you down upon, submerging your head beneath the crisp, crystal clear liquid until your lungs burned for air.

You swallow thickly.

Blinking a few times, you step in closer.

She’s not here, but you are. You are still breathing. Despite everything she did to you that day, you are the one that emerged alive on the other end.

You sit on the edge of the fountain.

It’s a little difficult to keep your breathing under control, but you know that you need to do this for your sake. You’ve always been a very logic driven person, and doing this will prove to yourself once and for all that you are okay. Not only are you proving that she can no longer hurt you, but that these places have always been, and will always be safe. She was the one anomaly that caused you harm, not the fountain itself.

You close your eyes, allowing the sounds and scents of the garden to overflow your senses and lull you into a sense of security just as they’ve always done. This space has always offered you comfort, and you allow it to do so once more now.

With each passing second, you begin to relax more and more.

“Baby?” A somewhat tentative call of your name causes your eyes to flutter open to see San standing at the entrance to the garden. He takes a small step towards you. “When I couldn’t find you in either kitchen, I got worried.”

“I’m okay, San.” You breathe out, lifting your gaze to meet his concerned one. “I needed to do this.”

Carefully, he sits beside you on the edge of the fountain.

You look down at your hands, watching your thumb gently trace over the skin of that mango still held in your grip.

“I don’t want her to taint what this place means to me any longer.” Your voice is soft, barely above a whisper, yet he still manages to hear you loud and clear. “She doesn’t get that satisfaction. I’m not going to let her make me fear my own home.”

His expression softens, reaching out to grasp one of your hands in his own.

A moment of silence.

“It hurt, San.” You swallow thickly, squeezing your eyes shut as you feel the beginnings of tears stinging at the corners. “I thought my lungs were going to burst from how badly they were burning inside my chest.”

His free hand comes up to rest gently on your back as he shifts closer to you, nothing but concern in his gaze as he watches you break down right in front of him.

“I thought, ‘this is the end.’” You admit lowly, and you feel the way he stiffens beside you. Your grip tightens in your lap. “I wanted it to be the end.”

A soft call of your name escapes him as no more than a worried breath.

“As much as I wanted to live that day, I still have no idea how I survived as long as I did.” The confession weighs heavy on your shoulders, eyes blank as you stare at the cobblestone path beneath your feet. A brief flash of that conversation with Wyno the other day passes through your mind. “I should have died. I think a part of me did die.”

This time, it’s his turn to swallow thickly.

“I just don’t think I wanted to acknowledge it until now.” You finally look up to meet his gaze, the first of your tears sliding down the side of your cheeks. “Yet, I’m still here,” you smile weakly, “and I’m glad that I am.”

The hand that had been resting on your back comes up to cup the side of your face.

“I don’t know how long it will take me to get better, but it’s time for me to stop hiding my pain and pretending that everything is okay.” You lean over to rest your head against his shoulder. “I didn’t realize what I needed to do before, but today has really helped. I think I had just been avoiding it, honestly.” You swallow the sudden dryness in your throat. “Thank you, San, for being patient with me, and for always being there.”

A small smile is sent your way, his arm wrapping around your waist to pull you in closer to his side.

“I’m here for you, Baby. Always.” He rests his head on top of your own as his voice drops to a mere whisper. “I’m sorry you had to suffer at her hands. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you like I promised I would.”

You feel a tear land on top of your head, but with how firmly he’s holding onto you, you do not dare move. He needs this just as much as you do right now.

“Not a day passes by where I don’t blame myself for what she did to you.”

“San-“

“Please, Baby, I need to get this off my chest.” His voice is strained.

You remain silent, shifting the slightest bit closer to him in response.

“We all have regrets about that day: leaving you by yourself, not taking even a minute to think when Stella came to get us, letting you get that hurt.” He takes a deep, stuttering breath inwards. “For all of our powers, we couldn’t even sense her breaking through our wards. The moment we got back to discover you like that, our entire world stopped. I thought to myself, ‘this can’t be happening. This isn’t real.’”

He tightens his grip subconsciously around you.

“And when you told us everything she did to you…” his eyes squeeze shut, vivid images of your beaten and battered body filling his vision as more tears fall. “If I could have subjected her to an endless hell where her suffering never ceased, it would have still been too kind.”

You remain silent, waiting for him to continue.

“It was all my fault. I kept telling myself that maybe if I didn’t fall for her advances twenty years ago, that maybe if I just ignored her like Jongho did, then maybe we never would have gotten so tangled up in her web of lies. Both Wooyoung and I-” His voice breaks as a sob wracks his chest. “If we never agreed to a relationship with her in the past, she would have had no reason to hurt you.”

“Sannie-“

“I know,” he sniffles. “I know you already told us not to think like that, but it’s true. How could it not be true?”

“You do not control other people’s actions, San.” You gently stroke your thumb over the back of his hand, your own heart rate calming with each word that you speak. “None of us do. We could have never predicted she would do this to us.”

Softly, he nods along with your words, lips pursing slightly. “Those three days you were unconscious after the fact were the worst days of our lives.”

You squeeze his hand, heart aching inside of your chest.

“None of us knew what to do.” He admits lowly. “I think it hit Wooyoung, Hongjoong, and Seonghwa the hardest. We didn’t know if you were going to survive. We blamed ourselves for everything. We thought-“ his breath catches and his whole body shakes with his sobs. “We thought you would want nothing to do with us anymore the moment you woke up. We thought all the memories we made together would mean nothing, and you’d go back to hating us for everything that we did to you. Even worse than before.”

Gently, you shift upwards, guiding his gaze to yours with your free hand.

“I could never hate you for what she did to me.” You stare deeply into his eyes, and you watch as his chin begins to wobble slightly from his emotions. “It is not your fault, San.”

For a split second, nothing is said between the both of you. It’s as if the entire garden goes silent, too, the flowers stilling as you gaze into each other’s eyes.

That is, until he’s collapsing into your arms. A wail tears from his chest as his entire body shakes, face buried into the side of your neck. Countless apologies fall from his lips, his fingers digging harshly into your back as he holds you close. You swear that he believes that you’ll slip right through his hands if he doesn’t.

Softly, you coo to him, your own chest stuttering every now and then from the weight of your own emotions. Though, with every breath you take, you feel better. Right now, you’re revelling in the comfort of his embrace as much as he is doing the same with you.

Looks like the both of you really needed this.

“You no longer have to apologize to me, San.” You say gently, pulling away to wipe the tears from his eyes. “You saved me, in more ways than one. You all did. Now, we just need to get passed this, and we will. Together.”

He nods softly, rubbing at his nose with the back of his hand.

That’s when you notice, the trickling sound of the fountain has stopped.

Sparing a glance around you, a gasp of awe nearly falls from your lips. All around you rests the water from the fountain, floating in a thin dome-like shape. Patterns dance within the water, swirling like mist around your head.

“Are you doing this?” Your once sad eyes which are now filled with wonder make him smile faintly.

“I haven’t in a long time,” he admits lowly. “This really only happens when I lose control of my emotions.”

Your eyebrows droop in worry. “Sannie-“

“It’s like a protective barrier,” he explains, the corners of his lips quirking upwards as he begins to make the water swirl slightly faster around you. “Nothing can get through it right now. Well, except maybe Mingi, if he really wanted to.”

Realization crosses your features. “You did this for us.”

His gentle smile says it all.

Tenderly, you cup his face in your one hand, thumb stroking along his cheekbone as he leans into your touch.

“I want you to know that this space will never be able to hurt you again.” He breathes. “Not while I’m around to protect you. I’ll make it so that not a single drop of water can suffocate you, nor will anyone be able to force your head below the surface again.”

Slowly, he begins to trail the water back into the fountain, the familiar trickling filling the space once more.

Your heart swells in your chest, a warmth unlike anything you’ve ever felt before flooding your veins as you let his words sink in.

“And I will be here to help ease those doubts whenever you have them.” You say, staring deeply into his eyes as you do so. “Recovery is a tricky path, so no more blaming yourself for things that are both out of your control and not your fault.”

“The same goes for you, Baby,” he nudges your knee playfully with his own.

You smile faintly. “Okay.”

In one swift movement, he steals the mango from your hand. “Come on, we have some baking to do.”

You giggle, and the smile that lights up his features in response sets your heart racing.

“I’ll be right there, there’s just something I need to do first.” You stand with him, stretching out your back all the while. At the way he quirks his brow at you, you’re quick to shoo him away. “I promise I’ll be right there this time.”

“Alright,” he replies, somewhat skeptically. “I’ll go get the ingredients ready.”

“Alright, Baby,” you chuckle, watching as he disappears behind the doors to the library in the next second.

For a minute, you simply stand there, allowing the atmosphere of the garden to surround you fully for the second time that day. Then, you’re taking a deep breath to steady your nerves. There’s another male you wish to speak to right now. A male who you know cherishes this space as much as you do.

You brush lightly against that red string.

Instantly, Hongjoong appears in front of you, worry creasing his brow. Only, before he can say anything, you’re speaking.

“I’m sorry.”

You can tell he’s caught off guard by your words, for he blinks in surprise at you.

“You made this space for me, and I let her taint what it means to the both of us.” You avoid his gaze for the moment, shame washing over your entire figure as your shoulders curl in on yourself. “I know how much thought you put into this house - into everything that you do, and I was willing to push that aside because of one bad memory in this place.” You pause. “Because of her.”

“My Love-“

“When did you add the hyacinths?” Your voice is somewhat small, eyes briefly darting up to catch his gaze.

You notice he swallows thickly, averting his own gaze somewhat nervously.

“The day after everything happened.” He replies after a moment, clearing his throat all the while. “I added them as soon as I saw what she did to this place.”

You nod your understanding, heart squeezing painfully in your chest. “And the snapdragons?”

“The day after that.” His voice is rough as he now avoids your gaze.

You take a step in towards him, and you notice how his bottom lip is caught between his teeth. His hands tremble, and his eyes shine with unshed tears as you gently reach up to cup his face in your palms. Yet still, he refuses to meet your eyes.

“Hongjoong,” your expression falls the slightest bit, “please, look at me.”

Hesitantly, he complies with your wish.

“You haven’t stopped blaming yourself for this, have you?” Your tone is soft, synonymous with the tender caress of your thumbs against his cheeks. “For what she’s done. For what she continues to do to us.”

The first of his tears begin to fall from his eyes.

“How can I not?” His voice cracks, giving away just how broken he feels inside. “You couldn’t even look at certain parts of this house after she tarnished our sacred space. I should have protected you better. I should have known-”

His eyes squeeze shut, more tears falling freely down his face and onto the skin of your hands.

“It’s not your fault, Hongjoong.” You brush his tears away gently. “I made you believe it was, and I cannot apologize enough for that.”

“No-“

“I want you to be honest with me right now,” you cut him off almost instantly. “Did you think me avoiding this place was because I didn’t want to be reminded of you? Of how you thought that I felt you failed me?”

His silence speaks volumes.

“When did you really add those hyacinths, Hongjoong?” You search his gaze, feeling the way his whole being practically deflates in your hold. “I know you’re well versed in the language of flowers, and the fact that they’re purple says a lot to me.”

A brief pause as he hesitates in his response.

He looks down at his hands.

“Three days ago.” The admission feels like a condemnation on his part.

The day you got back from the dragon’s nest after falling from the sky. The day you slept for nearly twenty-four hours due to your high emotions and trauma response. The day he saw first hand just how scared of him you could be.

Your argument over how to get Jongho back probably didn’t help one bit.

“Oh, Hongjoong,” your expression falls, heart aching as you fall to your knees before him. Gently, you press your forehead to his hands, tears gathering in the corners of your eyes for the second time that day. “Words cannot express how much I regret ever making you feel like this. I was never avoiding reminders of you. I love you. I was avoiding her, but in doing so, I hurt you. I’ve never once blamed you for any of this, but I can only imagine the doubt you must have felt, especially over the last few days.”

The violent sobs that wrack his body tell you everything you need to know as he collapses to his knees in front of you. Almost instantly, he falls into your embrace, and you begin to gently card your fingers through his hair, cooing to him all the while.

“You are not responsible for any of this, Hongjoong.” You voice softly. “I’m sorry for ever making you think that, and I’m sorry I kept my true emotions from all of you. I should have been more honest with how she was affecting my memories of our spaces. Maybe then this all could have been avoided.”

You feel him shake his head against you. “You were only doing what you thought was best for you.”

“Sometimes what I want is not what I need.” You mutter. “I wanted to avoid her, and in turn I’ve been avoid our home and all of you. What I needed was to realize that, and to understand that nothing has changed. The only variant was her, and you have all ensured that she cannot hurt me anymore.”

“Nothing will ever hurt you again.” He tightens his grip around you, managing to get his breathing back under control. “Not while I’m here to protect you.”

You chuckle fondly. “It seems all of you share that sentimentality.”

He cracks a halfhearted grin. “So it would seem.”

As they should. As they always will. Even if it’s the last thing they ever do.

You hold him tighter.

“I’m sorry, My Love,” you breathe out, making sure to keep your voice low as you bury your face into the side of his neck. “I won’t allow her to get in-between us again.”

Turning his head slightly, Hongjoong presses his lips against the side of your temple. He lets his kiss linger for a while, holding you to him as if you may just slip right through his arms if he doesn’t.

“I appreciate you saying all of this to me, My Love,” he hums, finally managing to get his emotions back under control. “You have eased my mind more than you’ll ever know.”

The corners of your lips twitch upwards, a brief memory of your shared conversation flitting through your mind from the last time the two of you had a heart to heart in the garden.

“All is well between us now, My Love.” He places another kiss to the side of your temple. “At least, I think it is.”

He pulls away to stare into your eyes, searching your gaze for any signs you might be hiding something from him again. Something that you believe might burden him if you admit to.

“I think so, too,” you smile faintly, leaning in to peck his cheek lightly.

“I believe there are some others that might benefit from a conversation like this with you, too.” He says casually, standing back to his feet and helping you back to yours almost immediately

“I believe you’re right.” You hum, settling into the comfort of his embrace with his arm around your shoulders. “For now, San is expecting me in the kitchen.”

Hongjoong quirks a brow, “Is he, now?”

“We’re baking cookies.” You grin, wiggling excitedly in his hold.

“Finally succumbing to his desires of cooking with you, are you?” Hongjoong teases.

“I was the one who suggested it.” You reply, beginning to exit the garden with Hongjoong right beside you.

He laughs, “Even better.”

Your brow quirks, somewhat knowingly. “I have a feeling that he’s not the only one with those types of more… domestic desires.”

“No, he most certainly isn’t.” Hongjoong grins. “I’m quite certain we all have things we wish to indulge in with you at some point that aren’t apart of our greater indulgences.”

“Everything I do with you guys feels like a greater indulgence,” you admit. “Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been this spoiled in my life.”

Hongjoong smiles wide as you both enter the kitchen together.

“Get used to it, Baby,” San glances up from the counter where he’s already taken the liberty to lay out some bowls and baking ingredients. A grin tugs at his lips, an eagerness unlike anything you’ve seen before shines within his eyes. “We enjoy pleasing you more than you’ll ever know.”

It’s slight, but you cannot help the way your breath hitches in your throat. Though, what really gets you is the not so innocent smile San sends your way as you meet his gaze.

“Yeah, yeah.” You huff out a laugh, playfully rolling your eyes. “It’s the corset pictures all over again.”

The two males share a look.

“Well, if you’re offering…” Hongjoong grins deviously.

You slap his arm teasingly, mouth parting in shock, “Joongie!”

“You’re the one who brought them up,” San singsongs from behind the counter.

You shake your head, a loving smile pulling at your lips as you separate from Hongjoong in order to join San behind the counter. You can hear them chuckle as you mutter to yourself about your ‘damn horny Kings’ once more.

Not even a minute later, Hongjoong takes his leave. Well, it’s more of San pointedly glaring at him until Hongjoong casually says that he has some other things to attend to. You laugh at this, poking San on his cheek again as you tease him about monopolizing all of your alone time.

“Is it that bad that I want you all to myself sometimes, Baby?” He wraps his arms around you, burying his face into the side of your neck all the while.

“Not at all,” you hum, practically melting into his embrace.

The next hour is spent with him in the kitchen, laughing and joking around as you teach him how to make your favourite cookies. Every word you speak, every instruction you give him, he listens to eagerly, insisting that he do all of the heavy mixing. It’s only when the cookies are finally in the oven, you standing at the sink cleaning what you can of the used dishes, that you feel him step up behind you once more.

“I love you.” His arms are wrapped securely around your waist, his chest pressed firmly against your back as he nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck.

You smile, relaxing into his touch. “I love you, too, Sannie.”

“Thank you, for indulging in multiple of my hobbies with me today.” He says lowly, squeezing your waist a little bit tighter. “It truly means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

“Of course, Baby.” You turn your head just as he rests his chin on your shoulder, managing to place a tender kiss onto the side of his cheek. “I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. I’m just glad we finally got to.”

He giggles, a large grin spreading across his face as he holds you close. Even when you finally finish the dishes, and the timer dings on the stove, he refuses to let you go.

“Sannie! My cookies!” You whine, though it comes out more of a laugh than anything.

“What about them?” He hums, waddling around the kitchen with you in his arms.

“They’re going to burn!”

He shakes his head against your own. “No, they won’t.”

In the blink of an eye, he’s removed the trays from the oven, setting the cookies aside to cool. Another blink, and he’s back to holding you in his arms as the oven cools down.

“You’re worse than a koala.” You tease, poking his arm lightly.

He whines in response, a pout tugging at his lips that you manage to catch in the reflection of the glass paneling of the cupboards. “I’m the cutest koala, though, right?” 

You chuckle, “If you say so.”

A loud, scandalized gasp escapes him. “I’m the cutest koala, and you know it!”

“Do I?” You hum, clearly amused by his antics.

“I’m not letting you go until you admit that I’m your cutest koala.” He tightens his grip, burying his face into the side of your neck once more. Only this time, he begins placing tender kisses against your skin, managing to tickle you all the while.

You begin to squirm in his grip, desperately attempting to free yourself as you giggle.

“Okay, okay!” You practically melt into his embrace. “You’re my cutest koala.”

You can feel the smirk that pulls onto his lips as his chest shakes in laughter. “Victory.”

“Now, will you let me go so I can finally taste our baking?” You struggle to waddle yourself over to the now (hopefully) cooled cookies on the rack.

Instantly, he’s in front of you, offering a cookie to you while he holds one for himself in his other hand. Graciously, you take it, breaking it in half and smiling at the softness that greets you. The inside is still a bit warm, too.

“I can see why these are your favourite,” he hums, nodding in approval as the sweet treat melts in his mouth.

“Looks like you owe another thing to Reina,” you joke, popping the rest of your cookie into your mouth.

“Maybe I’ll help you set her up with Sudaem in thanks.” San wiggles his brows suggestively.

Your brow quirks eagerly, “I like the way you think.”

Grabbing a plate from the cupboard, you place some cookies on top of it. You have some other males you wish to see before the day is done, and besides, you didn’t just make these for you.

The way each male’s eyes light up as you peek your head into their spaces, bringing with you a plate of cookies has your heart warming. San, of course, follows behind you like an overexcited puppy, revelling in his brother’s praises of your baking as much as you are.

Honestly, you’re just glad that they’re enjoying the sweets so much. So much so, in fact, that you see both Jongho and Wooyoung fighting over the ones you left untouched in the kitchen when you return. Never would any of you have expected Yeosang to be the one to swoop in and steal the plate right from their hands, though.

The chase that ensued was comical, ending with a broken plate and scattered cookie crumbs across the floor. You swear you even see Seonghwa shed a tear when he walks out of his tailor shop to see the catastrophe right before his eyes.

“Don’t worry, boys,” you chuckle. “I can go make more.”

Which is exactly how you find yourself making a few more dozen batches with San, both Wooyoung and Mingi eagerly sitting at the counter the whole time to keep you two company.

Truly, you’re grateful for moments like these. They make you remember that everything will be okay, even if the path you’re walking is still uncertain. The fact that they’ll all be with you every step of the way only makes it that much sweeter, your heart warming as you simply enjoy the moment with Your Kings that this evening brings.

The next day, you spend training with both Mingi and Hongjoong. You want to get out some pent up frustration, and the practice had been long overdue. Luckily, you do not do anything too intensive, simply going over everything that you’ve already learned, and working to perfect it as best as you can.

You all agree that it would be best to save the teaching of new techniques for next week.

The day after that, you brave Yunho’s art room. The exchange is just as emotional as the garden, the two of you falling into each other’s embrace for comfort as you are so prone to do. It is much needed, and you find that with each space that you reclaim, you can feel yourself regaining parts of yourself that you had thought you had lost.

Well, perhaps not lost, per se, but those parts that have now undergone a strong rebirth.

Now, you are stronger, and feeling much more secure in both yourself and your relationships with all of them. Although everything is still a bit rocky, you’re happy with the progress that you’re making, and you just know that they feel the exact same way as you.

Over the next three days, you rotate where you spend your time. One day is spent in the garden, Mingi being the one to join you this time. The next is spent with Yunho again in his art room. He claimed to want to paint you again, and you certainly were not going to deny him. The final day is spent with both Jongho and Hongjoong in the library, simply relaxing in each other’s comforting presence as you spent the time reading together. 

Each day, you feel better, until a full week has passed since that day in the garden with San. 

There’s a funny feeling in your chest when you wake up that morning, a sort of tightness you haven’t felt in a while. A tightness which you think you’re starting to understand.

It’s time to let go.

Taking a deep breath in, you exit your room.

The steps that you take down the hallway are careful, each movement precise as you approach the two rooms that rest at the end. The moment you reach the one door, you peer through the window, noticing how the lights seem to be turned off. No one appears to be using the studio for the moment, and before you can open the door, you stop yourself.

Suddenly, your mouth goes dry, and your hand which had been hovering above the handle slowly retracts back to your side. You don’t even need to look down to feel the tremble in your hand.

Perhaps you’ll do the other thing you had in mind first, and take it from there.

Turning back to face the end of the hallway, you walk towards the music room. Not much has changed about the space since the last time you saw it, save for the brand new baby grand piano that sits near the large bay windows. Even Yeosang’s violin rests in its regular spot, perfectly placed and shining in the light of the midmorning sun.

You smile softly to yourself, remembering the very first time he played for you.

Turning back to the piano, you slowly approach the bench. Gently, your hand trails over the lid, propping it open carefully as you attempt to keep your hands from shaking.

You are safe.

She can’t hurt you anymore.

Tugging the bench out, you sit before the keys, feeling a comforting brush of fur against your leg. Looking down reveals Kuroo staring up at you with those wide, golden eyes of his. Of course, he’s quick to hop onto the window bench, curling up in the exact same position that he was in the very first time that you played in this room.

You think back on that now, and what it meant to you then.

Gosh, you feel like an entirely different person now compared to only a few months ago. Then again, you probably are.

You spare a glance down at the keys.

That most certainly isn’t a bad thing. After all, this time when you play, you’ll be playing for you.

Taking another deep breath in, you begin.

You start with a familiar favourite like always, the opening notes of Moonlight Sonata filling the room as you lose yourself to the music.

For about forty minutes, you go through multiple classical pieces you’ve known since you were young, allowing the melodies to surround you and comfort you like they always have. You fumble a few times on certain songs that you haven’t played in a while, but you have long since stopped caring. Right now, this is for you, and you aren’t attempting to be perfect. In fact, that’s the whole point.

Though, that’s not all you came here to do.

For a brief moment, you pause, allowing the stillness of the silence of the room to settle over you. You take the time to stretch out your back, cracking your knuckles while you’re at it before straightening in your seat. There are two more songs you wish to perform for yourself as a final goodbye to the person you once were, and everything that you’ve been through. Only, you know that the lyrics can be taken a certain way, and the last thing you want is for any of them to believe that you’re singing about them.

So, you tell them.

These next songs aren’t about you. You drop your void for the moment. These are for me. So please, do not think the words are aimed at any of you. I need this. For me.

Alright, Petal, It’s Yunho who answers you first. We understand.

You smile, somewhat sorrowfully. Thank you.

Just as you go to close your void, you hesitate. Then, probably against your better judgement, you decide to leave it down for the time being. After all, you did promise to be more open with them about your emotions going forward.

The opening notes to Adele’s Someone Like You fill the room not even a moment later. You begin to perform for yourself, for the life you lost, and for the person who you are sure to become.

The perspective you decide to take with this song is your current self singing to your past self. The past self that you lost when Miyeon finally broke you is finally being acknowledged, and, oh, how fitting some of the lyrics seem to be to your exact situation.

You never thought you would settle down, so to say, but you were proved wrong in the best of ways.

Looking into mirrors the first few days and seeing your face shortly after the incident had happened had been a challenge. Every time you saw yourself, it felt as if you were looking at a ghost. A ghost of yourself that you hadn’t realized you needed to let go of in order to begin healing like you so badly needed to do.

“Never mind, I’ll find someone like you,” Your old self will continue to strengthen your current self. After all, people do not change over night. However, that being said, you need to let your past self go in order to thrive in the present.

“I wish nothing but the best for you, too.” Now, you picture yourself having a conversation with your old self, her saying this to you in your current state.

“Don’t forget me, I beg,” Still your past self urging you never to forget the good memories you’ve always had with her.

“I’ll remember, you said.” Your current self reassuring your past self that you’ll never forget, but you’ll still be okay.

“Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.” The corner of your lips quirk upwards, a sense of melancholy settling over your being as you continue into the second verse.

The whole time you sing, your thoughts and feelings echo shameless through each of their minds. Graciously, they follow along with your journey, tears gathering in their eyes as they see you talking to yourself and assuring yourself in ways that they know only you can.

No matter what, they will still support you in whatever ways that they can. Right now, they will do so by listening and understanding all that you are doing for yourself through your music. Yet, there is no denying that all of you understand that you are saying goodbye to your past self in your own way.

The second you reach the final verse, your own tears begin to fall. Saying goodbye to a part of yourself that you had been stolen from you, that had been torn from your very soul is no easy task. However, with each word you sing, you feel a weight lifting from your chest. Slowly, you begin to feel lighter, and by the time the final notes ring out in the room, your smile has brightened, and you can breathe a bit easier.

Now, for the final, and possibly most important song.

This time, when the opening notes for Panic! At the Disco’s This Is Gospel ring out, you imagine that it’s the part of yourself that you are saying goodbye to singing to your current self, reassuring you that everything will be okay.

With each note, your voice becomes stronger, solidifying who you are in this moment, and who you are surely bound to become.

“If you love me, let me go.” The tears you had managed to get under control only minutes before stream freely down your face as you repeat the phrase of the song once more.

This song has always meant a lot to you, and now that you can fully apply it to your current situation, you find the lyrics truly resonating with you. Especially the next ones that fall from your lips, “The fear of falling apart.”

This is you telling yourself that everything will be okay.

“I won’t give up without a fight.” There is extra emphasis put on those words in particular, even if you are currently unaware of that fact.

With every note that you hit, and every word you sing, your voice becomes stronger. The music rises in a crescendo as you finally break free of all of your past worries and doubts. Finally, you lay your old self to rest, and as the final notes ring out through the air, you feel like a newer, stronger person.

You close your void.

For five minutes, you simply sit there at that piano, letting everything you’ve just expelled through your playing linger around you in the room. A soft smile rests on your features as you keep your eyes closed, wiping at your final tears that cling to your cheeks.

For the first time in a long time, your head is clear, and those lingering fears and doubts begin to recede.

The feeling of a gentle hand placing itself onto your back makes you jump slightly. Turning your body, you blink your eyes open to see Yeosang standing behind you, tears of his own having cut tracks down the side of his face.

“Dearest-“

You nearly knock over the bench as you stand to your feet, wrapping him in your arms as he does the same for you. He holds you tightly, cradling the back of your head gently in his hand as you bury your face into the side of his neck. Soothingly, he caresses your spine.

“Thank you,” he swallows thickly, “for sharing this with us.”

You tighten your grip around him, a peaceful smile pulling at your lips.

“Thank you for listening.”

[chapel-of-rizztual]

Random ghoul Headcanons 3 

Dew can blow smoke out of his nose like a dragon. 

Rain is a total ipad kid. Literally can’t eat anything if there isn’t a video in front of him. 

Aether thinks toothpaste is spicy. Dew makes fun of him for it. 

Dew absolutely loves spicy food and will just eat chilli peppers as a snack. Mountain grows them in the greenhouse just for him. 

Swiss constantly has mints or mint gum because he likes having cold breath and he likes blowing his minty cold breath at other ghouls. Rain is his preferred victim. 

Mountain can sleep anywhere. He is the abbey sleeper. He’s often found curled up in a ray of sunlight in random places in the abbey. Nobody has the heart to wake him up or move him. He smells like lavender when he sleeps. 

Cirrus is the resident clothes thief. Any clothes lying around are hers now. Good luck trying to get them back. 

Mountain is the tallest ghouls the abbey has ever summoned. Everyone was shocked and slightly scared of him before they learnt he was a gentle  giant. 

Ghouls get the zoomies. Copia thinks it’s adorable until he has all 6’10 of mountain running full speed towards him, Swiss and rain are doing running backflips off the wall and aether, dew and sunshine are chasing each other around the kitchen island. 

Sunshine can and will jump in the shower with whoever is in there. Dew is her favourite because of how warm he gets but cumulus is also a favourite because she’ll wash her hair for her. 

Mountain and rain always have a bath together. Always. They can’t without the other one. They both can spent hours together just soaking in the warm soapy water together. They’ve flooded the bathroom together more then once. 

All the ghouls absolutely love sushi. They will go feral over it. All and every kind of sushi they love. They would eat it for every day for every meal if they were allowed. 

Aether was the one to teach copia how to throw a baseball. He wanted to learn how to do it properly before he had to to it in front of all those people. Between them they broke 4 windows. 

Rain and cirrus are working on making a mini snow storm together using their elements. They’ve been unsuccessful so far because rain can’t get cold enough to freeze the water never mind make snow. But they keep trying. 

Despite his high energy and unpredictable temper Dew likes working in the office with copia. He sits on his lap, keeps him warm and get occasional head pats and scratches while the general office sounds lull him into multiple naps. It’s one of the only times he’s actually calm. 

Sunshine is scared of umbrellas. Will hiss and growl at them if she’s see them. 

Rain once tried to keep a frog he found in the lake as a pet. He named it Toby and only got Caught with it when he tried to take it on tour with him.  

Mountain has strawberry arms. Little red bumps that cover the tops of his arms and thighs. He didn’t even notice it until it was pointed out to him. Swill calls him strawberry shortcake because of it. He pretends to hate the nickname but the blush on his cheeks gives him away every time. 

Cumulus collects them little glass animals. She has so many they practically cover the vanity she has in her room. She gave rain the little frog she had when he had to release Toby back into the lake. He keeps in on his bedside table. 

Copia got a roomba for the ghouls den thinking it would make it make easier to clean. It didn’t last long as he quickly learnt that the ghouls were terrified of it. They wouldn’t even go into the room it was in. They would jump and hiss at it whenever it moved. Copia found it, drowned, at the bottom of a bathtub. Each ghoul claimed innocence. 

Rain and Swiss know sign language. They regularly talk shit about the others right in front of them without them even realising. 

[adore-laur]

HARRY & NADINE

— a glimpse into her pregnancy and how harry loves it oh-so-much. from the foxtail universe and inspired by this ask 🌱

——

At thirty-six weeks pregnant, Nadine was ready to pop. The summer days were long and miserable, and her intuition told her the twins' arrival was near. Or maybe her body just really wanted to be done carrying around ten extra pounds. Getting out of bed and even standing up from a chair was a mini workout. Her spine felt close to snapping in half most days. She felt enormous, and although she had been excited to show off her bump, it was becoming quite an inconvenience. Not being able to hug her husband and feel his heartbeat against her chest was criminal. Even worse was not being able to lay on top of him at night, skin to skin. How cruel!

Harry had measured the fundal height that morning using a roll of twine before cutting it and taking it to the greenhouse to get an exact measurement. Her belly was forty-one centimeters. In other words, she was massive.

Yesterday, she found out that they had fully developed lungs. Two souls were breathing inside of her. It was miraculous.

Nadine was in the home stretch now, and her patience was wearing thin. She preferred to have a spontaneous labor rather than a medical induction, so she roped Harry into finding natural methods to encourage the babies to finish baking in the warmth of her womb. His suggestions included lounging in bed all day, drinking raspberry leaf tea, and taking a stroll down to the village. Relaxing, but not the type of mild activities that piqued her interest. Her hormones craved a more rousing experience.

While feeling hot and bothered by watching Harry build a raised garden bed under the sweltering July sun, she perused the handwritten notes she took at the beginning of her pregnancy. Under the "Natural Induction" heading, she scanned the dozen or so bullet points and tapped her pencil against the word sex.

Peeking at Harry from under her floppy sun hat, she whistled to get his attention. He finished hammering a nail into a slab of wood before fixing his gaze on her. There's the handsome papa-to-be. He was a vision as of lately—more buff and dedicated to tending the gardens while Nadine grew budding flowers of her own that kicked and pressed against her bladder.

"I have a question," Nadine said, straightening her posture in the patio swing and stroking her bare bump. It sat heavily on her upper thighs, decorated with coffee-colored stretch marks.

"Nadi, you shouldn't even be outside right now," Harry replied exasperatedly, wiping sweat from his brow. His tattooed arms were tan and slick from hours of diligent work spent outside, the muscles bulging as he lined up a slender piece of wood against the half-built rectangular foundation. It was a gift for the twins. He planned to make them each an indoor and outdoor garden.

He'd been behind schedule, busy prepping the house for parenthood, and was now putting in overtime with the flower beds. But Nadine knew he was using it as a distraction from doting on her excessively. While she didn't mind being taken care of, she really didn't need Harry helping her put clothes on or insisting on showering with her. So for the last few weeks, she had shooed him away from her with the promise that she'd rest.

Today, she had truly tried her best, but after an hour of sitting on the couch and crocheting baby rompers, she found herself wandering to the backyard. Somehow, it started with her innocently admiring Harry as he got lost in the steady rhythm of woodworking and ended with her wanting his weathered hands all over her body.

Nadine half-scowled and half-smiled at his grumpy tone. "I'm in the shade. Technically, I'm resting."

"I would prefer it if you rested in air conditioning," he said, surveying his work. His hands were planted on his hips, and Nadine felt a throbbing pulse of need in between her legs. He'd left her alone, like she asked, but now she was aching for his eyes to feast on her.

"But I like watching you."

Harry scratched the scruff on his jaw and plucked a screw from his pocket. "I know you do, baby. Why can't you watch me through the window?" He resumed assembling the wood pieces.

Nadine hummed thoughtfully, then said, "Fresh air is good for pregnant women." She didn't like that his full attention wasn't on her, so she added, "Especially ones who are turned on."

Harry went to pick up the drill, but he stopped himself and turned to face her instead. The cropped white T-shirt he wore gave her a sneak peek at his fern tattoos. Further down, athletic shorts that were far too short and disrespectful hugged his sturdy, suntanned thighs. "I wasn't aware of that fact," he said lowly, taking a few casual steps toward her.

Nadine's swollen feet pushed off the ground to rock the swing. She removed her sun hat to view him more clearly, and before she could fix her mussed hair, Harry was leaning over and kissing down her neck like a starved and desperate man. His hands gripped the back of the swing to stop it from moving, his taut arms locking her in. "Have I been a neglectful husband?" he murmured, his kisses trailing over to her chest. "Even though my wife has been sending me away to the garden and refusing to let me dote on her?"

"Oui," she whispered, taking one of his hands and placing it over her breast. Through the thin fabric of her bandeau top, her nipples peaked. Although sore and enlarged as a result of preparing milk, they responded to Harry's touch in the same way they always had. "Your wife is in dire need of affection."

"I'm on it," Harry replied, sitting beside her and continuing to work his mouth and hands.

Nadine moaned, tilting her head to the side. She felt spoiled since she didn't have to move—not that she would have been able to without toppling over and wheezing. Harry licked under her jawbone before nipping the skin there; the softness of his lips was an addictive sensation. It was so lovely. Until she began to sweat and be tickled by his beard.

When she couldn't take any more of it, she giggled and pushed him away. "No more," she said, breathing heavily.

Harry rubbed his palm over her belly, feeling for kicks. He was obsessed with it. "I was just getting started, Dove."

"You're going to make me have a hot flash."

He stole a quick kiss. "Well, we can't have that, can we?"

"It's all your fault," she mumbled as a surge of heat spread across her flesh. Not even an ice bath could tame it.

"Maybe you should go inside now," he said, switching back to being concerned.

Nadine shook her head and said, "Your very pregnant wife needs one more thing."

"Anything, sweetheart. Your wish is my command."

She slowly stood up, groaning from all the aches that introduced themselves. "I need a belly lift. I feel like I’m about to burst.”

Harry's eyes lit up. "Yeah?" He sprung off the swing and interlaced his fingers, palms up, ready to hold her bump up like he had done several times before. Carrying double the weight during pregnancy was difficult to endure, especially now that the twins were fully developed. They pressed and kicked and stretched her beyond her wildest imagination, and while it was a magical experience growing two humans all by herself, it was often uncomfortable to even walk—or waddle, as Harry had affectionally called it. He was always eager to provide temporary freedom from it. "This might be the last one we do," he added, a soft smile gracing his lips.

"Better make it the best one yet."

Harry settled behind her and cupped the bottom of her bump. With a kiss to her cheek, he lifted, and the instant relief Nadine felt was second to none. She leaned back into him, sighing happily as the ten pounds transferred into Harry's gentle and trustworthy hands. "This is pretty good practice for holding two babies," he said. "God, I'm going to miss this unbelievable bump.”

"I just want them out of me," Nadine complained, wishing the relief was permanent. She wanted her body back. She wanted her babies snuggled in her arms.

"I know. I'm so in awe of you," Harry whispered over her shoulder. "Every single day."

"You've been saying that a lot lately."

He let go of her bump and moved to stand in front of her. "This hasn't been easy on you. It sure as hell doesn't look easy. Despite the lows, it has been such a joy watching you experience this."

"It's rewarding," she said, smiling down at the little kicks protruding from her skin. The fluttery sensation always made her want to cry. "I feel like a champion."

"You are. Ma déesse résiliente." Harry dropped to his knees and kissed both sides of her belly. "Et mes précieux bébés."

The babies kicked more firmly, and Nadine's heart soared. "They love their Papa."

"Mm, I love it when you call me that." For a minute, his thumbs stroked her stretch marks. Then he looked at her curiously and said, "You never asked me your question, by the way."

Nadine reveled in his submissive position. "I was going to ask if we could have sex."

He laughed loudly. "You're insatiable. I already tasted you this morning."

"Yes, right after you measured the fundal height of my uterus. Very romantic, mon amour."

With a tender bite to her inner thigh, he raised his nose to the frilly hem of her pajama bottoms. "Let's take this inside, shall we?"

——

[ask-elland-n-will]

To the badge-less prefect,

Ah-ha ha! I had your badge all along and thought I’d put you to a test as I couldn’t help but overhear your boasting atop a box of your so-called ‘unmatched’ Seeker skills.

I’ve stuck it to one of two snitches and unleashed them in the school entrance gardens! But be warned, a mini dung bomb is strapped to the other!

Now let’s see how good a Seeker you really are!

HA HA HA HA HA!

- Also sorry -

The letter didn’t contain a name of the sender but there’s no mistake who this sassy owl belongs to. Did it just do an eye roll? Is it even possible? This one certainly seemed to before it flew off

William is no stranger to questionably-looking owls crossing his path, but only a few of them are sassy enough to roll their eyes at him. Or at the very least do an owl equivalent of such a motion. The urge to childishly stick his tongue out was strong but he was a polite young man. He wouldn't do it with other students walking around. He would wait for when he's alone with Elland or Allegra and THEN complain about it.

Will frowned and examined the letter. There better not be any pixie dust in this one — the inside of his bag was still sparking because of the last letter Asani sent him. He shakes the envelope and opens it very slowly. Well, well, well, he was RIGHT about the owl at least.

Boasting, he?! Rightfully so, he IS a great Seeker! No matter what Anderson says, Imelda will set this right eventually! What is this, a challenge? Oh, wait, it is… He tied a WHAT to the snitch?!

The prefect gasps out loud and stands up from his seat. What kind of test even is this, apart from it bein an unsanctioned one? How would the culprit even know that Will did it? Nevermind that, a mini mung bomb! What if somebody gets hurt by accident, where did that student even get two snitches! He better not have stolen them from the practice chest on the pitch. Oh, Will will be checking that shortly.

After a quick glance at the clock (he has 2 hours left before his extracurricular), Will packs his things and changes into his old Quidditch gear.

The next time the new fifth-year sees William is by the greenhouses before the Herbology class. The prefect sports a pretty bubble-head charm reminiscent of a soap bubble. There is something shimmering in both of his hands but only upon closer inspection and the fluttering of golden wings does it become clear what.

"Hey, fifth-year! Fancy I ran into you!" exclaims Will cheerfully.

Truth be told, he knew the boy would be here as the prefect has been long aware of his schedule. Will wraps his arm around Fifth's shoulders, and the reason behind the bubblehead charm becomes clear. Will smiles the most pleasant smile and pushes something into the other boy's chest, patting it with his Seeker glove a few times, making the SMELL come to the NFY in waves more pungent than what Will's uniform was giving off.

"Pretty neat, isn't it? Somebody thought to CHALLENGE me by setting a couple of snitches free. Ha! Anyway, I could've sworn you're collecting snitches, take this one as a gift! There was something tied to it but I for the love of Merlin do not remember what. Oh well. Beautiful day, isn't it?"

Extra: If the NFY makes a face at the smell, Will chuckles and comments on it: "Is something the matter? Oh, look, your class is beginning, better hurry now!"

[darsynia]

I hate doing this because I feel like it's needy but I need some virtual hugs/encouragement right now, of any sort.

In 2021, my middle daughter Saffron threw up and passed out onto the floor at school in the back private room of the nurse's office and wasn't discovered for many minutes. I took her home, scheduled a doctor's appointment, and took her in. While at the appointment, while on my LAP, she had a mini seizure, fell to the floor (I couldn't catch her), passed out, and threw up. We took an ambulance to the ER. No conclusions.

18 months later, she had another seizure/threw up in my arms after feeling unwell and staying home from school. Watching that was my worst moment. ER again. No conclusions.

Today, my oldest daughter passed out at school after asking to use the restroom so she could throw up. I am about 90 minutes from taking her to the same doctor to have her checked out. We don't know if she had a seizure.

Fam, I am an emotional wreck. All I can see is my Saffron falling away from me mid-seizure and my useless hands couldn't stop her. I can't... that can't happen again, but I also need to not be a complete wreck in the process. It's also raining, and it's hard to drive in the rain with my eye issues, so I'm really hoping I can power through that so my oldest doesn't feel like she's a burden!

Not to be outdone, youngest kid apparently broke something expensive at a friend's house that brought the owner to our door to request compensation. We just got done spending over ten thousand dollars on house work to prevent part of the structure from caving in (old, heavy greenhouse on back porch).

I don't even know what I'm asking for (gifs? a blurb? memes?). A few of you have left nice comments on previous posts that I treasured but didn't respond to, and I feel ungrateful. Please know your kind words are very valuable to me! ((Obviously I love my kids desperately and I'm quite worried about them, left that out, but hopefully it's implied))

I tried to cheer Oldest up this morning, she said it was a masterpiece:

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This 1900 home in Jasper, Alabama looks like a mini southern estate, and estates have nothing on the interior of this home. 5bds, 3ba, $650K.

Love the peachy hallway. Isn't this an estate-like entrance? It also has pocket doors, lovely columns and etched glass in the doors.

This is a lot of house for $650K b/c it's in the south where prices are more reasonable. I wonder if the lions convey.

Look at the rich woods in this room, including the ceiling and fireplace.

The other sitting room has fabric with a rosette in the ceiling. I can't tell if that's fabric on the wall- it does look pleated by the light of the lamp.

Elegant dining room has an ornate white fireplace. It's large enough to accommodate a bigger dining table, also.

The kitchen is quite large and I'm not sure, but I think that the structure on the ceiling over the island is an exhaust, plus cabinetry, as well.

But, that's not all. This kitchen has atmosphere with a full-size curved brick fireplace.

There's a less formal dining room in the family room.

Lovely powder room has an interesting medicine chest. Very pretty, and it ties in nicely with the sink.

The primary bedroom is also elegant and it's large, but not large enough to keep that piece of furniture from blocking the lovely fireplace. It appears that the canopy is suspended from the ceiling, so it has to convey, right?

A pretty closet opens to the bath.

3 stained glass windows in the bath. Isn't that an unusual sink.

This pretty hall leads to a bath.

The bath has a foyer with a lattice divider.

The vintage-y bath has, what may be, the original tub and sink.

This is the largest, most open upstairs landing I've seen. It's like a full-size room.

These two secondary bedrooms are every bit as lovely as the primary. They're both oversized and have beautiful fireplaces.

Pass-through hall doubles as a library.

Outdoors is a kidney-shaped pool.

Cute little greenhouse.

There's a big porch in the back. I wonder if the fencing on the roof indicates that maybe it's a rooftop deck.

https://www.movoto.com/jasper-al/1300-7th-ave-jasper-al-35501/pid_76wgt77c7g/

[honey-minded-hivemind]

A reader with wings, but instead of big, fluffy angel wings or leathery, sharp bat wings, they got beautiful, delicate fae wings.

While they aren't anywhere near as fast as Peter, they can still zip around on the battle field, making them hard to hit and harder to catch.

The wings themselves are translucent but full of colors. When the sun hits them just right, a kaleidoscope of light shines out. But they aren't just for show, no no no no! They are razor sharp despite being so thin. It's like getting a paper cut from the world's longest sheet of paper.

The fairy comparison doesn't end there, because they can shrink down to fae size! They can be travel sized for your convenience! No room in the quinjet? They can chill in someone's pocket. Not enough seats in Scott's car for a snack run? They'll sit in the cup holders, just don't squish them with your soda. Playing hide and seek? You'll never win cause Reader shrunk down and is hiding in the cookie jar. Room in the mansion gets destroyed, and they got no where to sleep? Set up a Barbie Dreamhouse in someone else's room and they r good to go.

They got a super green thumb and can be found in the greenhouse with Storm growing the weirdest plant hybrid ever. Their powers let them get real down close to the dirt and stems to see if anything is wrong. Though now they are waging a mini-war on the snails and squirrels that keep ruining their garden.

If you wanted to take it a step further, you could make them able to control plants, give them twisty vine hair, and give them pheromones. Instead of animal pheromones, they're plant pheromones, so they work a little differently, but still follow the same concept. Reader smells all floral instead of the musk the ferals have, but they could still track their bby down if they fly away.

Aaaawwww, fae mutant Reader!!! Super creative and cool! They're like the personal garden fairy, but a cut from their wings stings like a wasp!

They're great with hiding and doing missions where they need to spy or gather intel. They shrink down to an easier size, slip in, and simply stay still and listen in as long as it is safe to do so. They need to get away quick? Reader can fly them to safety, just one at a time, though! Someone tried to launch a weapon or hit at Reader's teammates during a battle or riot? Reader is using their wings to deflect anything, or cutting the person who tried to throw a punch. The garden needs an extra set of hands to keep it pest-free? Never fear, Reader will look for any mold, rot, or pests, and get rid of the problem!

They smell sweet, like roses or honeysuckle or lavender, and are beautiful, almost ethereal. Whenever the teens go out, they're making sure no one tries to get near Reader or mess with them, and Reader returns the favor. If someone makes sweet potatoes or a sweet potatoe casserole or sweet potato fries, Reader is right there, ready to taste test them! If anyone needs help lifting boxes or books, or washing dishes, or cleaning up, Reader is there to help!

(They're such a helpful bean, and the teens like hanging out with them, finding them thoughtful and a delight. The adults appreciate their helpful attitude, and do make sure to tell them they're being a big help. It's hard to feel upset with fae mutant Reader, as they're overall a helpful, thoughtful person who is quick to help and doesn't mind spending time with others)

(Cute idea, @sugar-soda! Fae mutant Reader is a delight! Which other mutations did you want to explore? Or any possible parent secret parent plot twists? I hope you're doing well! Thank you for sharing your ask!)

[dankbog]

I'm slowly getting an apartment garden set up, and this is the begining of it!

I'm using an empty milk just as a mini greenhouse to start some garlic! It's way too cold here for anything to be growing outside right now, but once it warms up I'll be planting the garlic and hopefully quite a few other things in this container garden!

I'm really excited to try out these container planters. I got 2 of them for Xmas (unfortunately from Amazon, but being disabled my options are limited). They're the perfect height that I can work on them either on my wheelchair or a stool. Being able to garden has been a huge issue with living in a second story apt + not being able to stand for very long, so this is really exciting!

[ask-island-wheels]

simon i love you /p <33

favourite flower?? you seem like the type to keep a little garden of flowers and other fruits and vegetables in your backyard. or a mini greenhouse actually :D

simon: “right now, i think my favorites would be orange lilies and orchids; they’re just so pretty! and i do actually! i can’t have a full one because me n rogers dorm doesnt allow it, but i have a few garden boxes on the balcony i tend to. i love you too :D!”

[beyondspaceandstars]

valentine's day with bucky

A/N: Happy Valentines Day! Enjoy this quick little headcanon I thought of randomly while on break at work lmao I thought it was cute and themed well :) idk it's super short, probably stupid, but i wanted to do something for today and this is all what popped in my head

Before meeting someone, Bucky probably had little to no interest in valentines day in the modern world

Back in his day, though, he’d have a plethora of valentines. Was happy to give women flowers, take them out, have dinner, the whole thing. He’d rarely be a man without a date on that special day in February.

But times had changed and for a few valentines days, the holiday would come and go without Bucky even realizing it. Sure, he’d see the displays in stores and the couples going out, but he’d shrug it off.

Until he met you and suddenly valentines day had a purpose again

During your first together, I feel that Bucky would go a little overboard with it and you’d appreciate it but kind of also not take much note of it. In your experience, guys would go all out on the first valentines day but then by the second or third or fourth (if it ever got that far was rare) the enthusiasm would slowly die down

This was absolutely not the case for Bucky. The man absolutely adored valentines day

It always started right in the morning. You’d wake up to breakfast in bed. The only thing that would change is the type of breakfast. One year it was heart-shaped pancakes and then the next it was French toast with whipped cream and pink sprinkles.

At one point you showed him those mini waffle makers that can make waffles in pretty much any shape. (You got heart-shaped waffles that year.)

The breakfast was always quite impressive because Bucky was not exactly too up-to-date on cooking in the modern age. The variety of foods still sometimes could be overwhelming but he enjoyed trying anything when in the right mood. Often, though, he stuck to the basics and you appreciated that.

With breakfast would come your first gift: flowers. Bucky found very quickly that flowers had not gone out of style (it's canon, so) and when you two first started dating, he latched onto them as a sort of "safe" gift.

You never minded and sometimes your apartment could look like a greenhouse with all the flowers Bucky was gifting you over time, but you happily accepted them on valentines day. He always got you roses on valentines day.

Bucky is also definitely the type to make plans for you two on the holiday but then ask if you would like to do anything. He knows the day is really just about spending time with one another and showering each other in love but he wants to make sure you enjoy it completely, in every aspect.

He’d be very big on taking you out for dinner. I think once he got more comfortable in the modern age he’d be all for going out for a nice fancy dinner. He might need some advice, especially from Sam, on wardrobe and hairstyles but he’d be so excited to take you out all dolled up and show you off

"Jesus, how did little ole me end up with you?" Bucky would ask after letting out an obnoxious whistle when he saw you in your underwear trying to put on mascara.

"Bucky, I look insane right now."

"Impossible, sweetheart."

Bucky would probably be someone who enjoyed watching you get ready. I think he’d be amazed by all the modern makeup and outfits available for women to wear. He’d notice every detail of your outfit. He’d easily be the most attentive partner ever

After dinner is when you and Bucky would exchange gifts

Jewelry was also another thing Bucky felt was always a safe gift and he really enjoyed seeing you wearing pieces he bought you. You hadn’t been much of a jewelry wearer before Bucky but his enthusiasm for it definitely gave you a different perspective on it

Chocolates would be another safe, little cliche gift, but Bucky would also try to get adventurous with his gift-giving. Like I said, he’s attentive, so when there’d be even something small missing in your life, he’d try to help. From sweaters (because you complained about how cold your office is) to mugs (because you broke one that one time like six months ago), Bucky was always trying to show he cared and listened and wanted you to be at your happiest with him

On the flip side, gifts for Bucky could be incredibly tough. He’d always insist he didn’t want anything but how could you not when he was throwing gifts at you every valentines day

You’d go the typical route of getting him like a watch or a sweater. You’d try, even though you didn’t know what a man who had been through what he had would enjoy. You never got the impression that Bucky cared much for his own material possessions so you had to sometimes get creative with gifts. You’d given him a mini-vacation once, some gift cards. Once you got him one of those "name a star" certificates because he couldn’t hide his little nerdy side, and he found it quite humorous that he had a star named after him.

"Maybe one day I’ll fight an alien or something in space and get to see it."

"Bucky, I don’t know if that’s funny or not because it could happen with your track record."

In general, for the overall day, he would be so lovey-dovey, much more than usual which you were surprised was possible at all

He’d drown you in kisses, affirmations, wandering hands… You were completely spoiled by him and, of course, you had no trouble returning the favor

The day was about couples after all and despite Bucky’s protests that he didn’t need anything special for himself, that he enjoyed just making sure you were happy, that your love and appreciation were all he needed, you’d still try to spoil him as well

Others would of course give you two a bit of a hard time with how much you’d go all out for valentines day but you didn’t care in the slightest. It was such a happy, blissful moment

Truly, every day with him felt like valentines day, but that one day in February felt a tiny bit special, and the shininess was not wearing off any time soon

[neopronouns]

flag id: six flags with 9 stripes, with the second and eighth being smaller than the others, the first and ninth smaller than those, and the fifth the smallest.

the top left flag's stripes are light brown, faded yellow-green, light yellow-green, bluish-white, pale yellow-green, bluish-white, pale green, dull light green, and medium dark faded yellow-green. the top right flag's stripes are dull green, light grey-green, light yellow-brown, very light sandy brown, pale green, very light sandy brown, yellow, faded yellow-green, and medium dark yellow-green.

the middle left flag's stripes are very dark bluish-green, dark bluish-green, faded green, faded light yellow-green, very dark green, very light sandy brown, light brown, red-brown, and green-black. the middle right flag's stripes are dull dark green, medium dark green, soft green, pale green, medium dark faded green, golden yellow, yellow-green, dark yellow-green, and very dark yellow-green.

the bottom left flag's stripes are dark yellow-green, yellow-green, light yellow-green, cream, medium dark yellow-green, very light silver, soft green, green, and dark faded yellow-green. the bottom right flag's stripes are dull green, dull light green, pale seafoam green, very light seafoam green, green-yellow, bluish-white, pale yellow-green, soft yellow-green, and yellow-green. end id.

banner id: a 1600x200 teal banner with the words ‘please read my dni before interacting. those on my / dni may still use my terms, so do not recoin them.’ in large white text in the center. the text takes up two lines, split at the slash. end id.

honeysucklecolauric | sagecolauric forestcolauric | greencolauric mosscolauric | chartreusecolauric

honeysucklecolauric: a colorgender related to the color honeysuckle, succulents, key lime, glow-in-the-dark stars, blown glass, honeydew, garter snakes, and notes in bottles

sagecolauric: a colorgender related to the color sage, herb clippings, matcha, bullet journals, mini backpacks, needle felts, pistachio, and laptop stickers

forestcolauric: a colorgender related to the color forest, fern leaves, greenhouses, cloaks, bookstores, pine trees, chokers, and snake scales

greencolauric: a colorgender related to the color green, climbing ivy, snake eyes, frogs, rainboots, koi ponds, abandoned places, and clovers

mosscolauric: a colorgender related to the color moss, marshes, microscopes, crocodiles, green juice, grid notebooks, long socks, and algae

chartreusecolauric: a colorgender related to the color chartreuse, handbooks, spring buds, bamboo, forest ponds, glass, vintage sofas, and fairy circles

[pt: honeysucklecolauric: a colorgender related to the color honeysuckle, succulents, key lime, glow-in-the-dark stars, blown glass, honeydew, garter snakes, and notes in bottles

sagecolauric: a colorgender related to the color sage, herb clippings, matcha, bullet journals, mini backpacks, needle felts, pistachio, and laptop stickers

forestcolauric: a colorgender related to the color forest, fern leaves, greenhouses, cloaks, bookstores, pine trees, chokers, and snake scales

greencolauric: a colorgender related to the color green, climbing ivy, snake eyes, frogs, rainboots, koi ponds, abandoned places, and clovers

mosscolauric: a colorgender related to the color moss, marshes, microscopes, crocodiles, green juice, grid notebooks, long socks, and algae

chartreusecolauric: a colorgender related to the color chartreuse, handbooks, spring buds, bamboo, forest ponds, glass, vintage sofas, and fairy circles. end pt]

first set of colorgenders based on the results of this 'what color is your aura?' uquiz for anon! i'm organizing them roughly by color into sets of 6, so there will be 9 sets total.

these are in the colorgender flag format with the aura color from the uquiz as the center stripe and colors inspired by the listed things as the rest of the stripes. the terms are the aura color, 'col' from 'color, 'aur' from 'aura', + 'ic'!

tags: @radiomogai, @colorgendered | dni link

[luminarai]

hello! Im visiting Copenhagen in January and was wondering if you have any recommendations of things to do or like cafes/stores/etc to visit?

Hi nonnie! So sorry for the delayed answer, I was down with the flu/plague/?? most of december so I've only just gotten back to my inbox.

I've tried to make a compilation of the recommendations for places to see, eat, and shop that aren't just the usual touristy stuff. I hope you enjoy your trip and the weather won't be too Copenhagen-in-January!

Where to eat (especially bakeries)

Sct. Peders Bageri – The oldest bakery in Denmark! They have a wonderful selection of traditional Danish baked goods but their seasonal varieties are also incredible.

BUKA – They have a few bakeries in town now and some of the best croissants and pastries.

Cakery Copenhagen – The best eclairs in town, hands down. Always a bunch of fun seasonal varieties and mini versions.

Bertels Salon – They do cheesecakes. And they’re amazing. They have 10+ fresh varieties every day (!) and turned me into a cheesecake lover.

La Glace – They do traditional Danish layer cakes and fancy patisseries as well as hot chocolate ad libitum. Very atmospheric and historic. A bit more expensive all in all but not insanely so.

Torvehallerne – Two large greenhouses full of delicious food and other food/drink related stores. Coffee Collective for coffee, Rørt for Danish smørrebrød, Granny’s House for pastries and Ma Poule for their famous duck sandwich.

Broens Gadekøkken – A small street food market right by the bridge across from Nyhavn. Depending on when you’re here, there’s also an ice skating rink set up during winter.

Mahalle - Lebanese fusion kitchen at affordable prices. You might want to book a table just in case.

Jagger - Burgers! Not the most hyggelige surroundings (a bit too industrial chic) but you can't argue with the food. Highly recommend the milkshakes!

What to see

Glyptoteket – Absolutely gorgeous museum. Free entrance on the last Wednesday of the month.

Thorvaldsens Museum – Also stunning, focused on statues. Free entrance all Wednesdays.

Nationalmuseet – Bog bodies! Their seasonal exhibitions are usually very good.

David’s samling – Smaller museum with free entrance. Classical European and Islamic art.

Kronborg – AKA Hamlet’s castle. Technically outside Copenhagen but you can easily take the train the whole way. I highly recommend doing one of the daily guided tours (no additional cost to the entrance fee).

Rundetårn – A fun look into the old astrology tower with a lovely view of the city. The majority of the inside is one big ramp with some narrow stairs at the end so keep that in mind if you have trouble walking.

Assistentens Kirkegård digital guided tour – If the weather is with you, you can go for a digitally guided tour in the old graveyard, located in a park in the middle of the city. Here’s a link for the app.

Other nice parks in case it's not raining the whole time (Danes love going for a walk, what can I say) include the Botanical Garden, Frederiksberg Have (where you can peek into the elephant enclosure in the zoo) and Kongens Have.

To shop

Vintage shopping: There’s a bunch of good quality vintage stores on Studiestræde and Larsbjørnsensstræde. Also worth a mention is Audrey Vintage on Hyskenstræde, run by a woman who handpicks all the items from all around Europe.

Strøget is the place for high street shopping but I definitely recommend having a look around the inner city’s side streets and down Frederiksborggade (check out the home goods store Maduro here) over the lakes to Nørrebro where you’ll also find some more offbeat stores and great bars and restaurants.

The largest bookstore is Arnold Busck on Købmagergade for books in both Danish and English. Fiolstræde close by has the independent book café Brøg that I highly recommend both for books and for a quick cake + coffee. On Fiolstræde you’ll also find some used bookstores with a variety of options and other smaller shops and cafés.

[acheronist]

big updates for the My Houseplants fans

i weatherstripped the inside of the new ikea greenhouse so it'll be much better at holding in moisture now, which is grand because it's still cold dry winter where i live and i have been FRETTING!!!!!!!!! ABOUT MY TROPICALS!!!!!!!! BEING DEHYDRATED AND COLD!!!!!!!

also found a spare plant light, so that'll introduce some warmth to the mini greenhouse situation + extra light on cloudy days when the sun isn't out. good stuff

also stopped by lowe's to get the weatherstripping tape, and did some minor plant shoplifting (found a mostly healthy raven zz branch on the floor / a pilea schumi red branch fell off the main plant as i picked it up) and i said 👁️👁️ i could probably propagate these. so now i have those two in addition to my teeny pothos propagations

the pilea has been spitting out new baby leaves pretty regularly which has been exciting, but after reading about the monstera preferring a chunkier soil for drainage, i wanted to doublecheck that i was using the right soil in my Other Plants. and i was not lol. so the pilea has been repotted for the first time in about a year and is now in a much better draining + dry soil....... sorry i was making u live in a swamp my dear

and its my blog post about my houseplants i wanna include archival pics so in eight months i can see how much they’ve changed

the monstera deliciosa !! my mom and i decided to name her nessie (the long neck monstera, ha ha ha). i was super impressed with the roots while repotting + here's a glamour shot now that she's all set up

onto the mini greenhouse wheeeeee 🪴

first pic is: the black cardinal philodendron (keeping eyes on that new leaf) + some golden pothos propagations second pic: the pilea after being repotted + the schumi red / raven zz propagation attempts

first pic: silver inch plant second pic: english ivy third pic: white nerve plant, which i suspect will come out of the greenhouse when it's warmer because she's the largest plant in there and is pet friendly so if peppercorn bites the leaves, it won't be disastrous for her health and well being

and then an obligatory glamour shot of the peacock calathea loml

okay 🖤 yay

[pomefioredove]

Hello! It's been awhile since I've gotten a matchup done from anyone, and I really like your writing, so I'd thought I'd ask for one!

Congratulations on 500 followers by the way!!

If I were to describe myself and my personality, I think it would overall be "quiet." I very much keep to myself and don't make much of an attempt at talking to other people, but that would be because I have lingering social anxiety from my childhood. I am actually very fond of talking to new people and making conversation, but I much prefer to do that alongside someone I know. I enjoy my space and my time to myself, but I also value anyone I call "my people" (whether it be friends or family) an incredible amount and love to spend time with them.

Another thing about me is the way I love. I, for a lack of a better term, do not love gently. Once I love someone (in any way) I will never, ever, stop. No matter what. This has hurt me before, and because of this, I guard my heart very closely, and it will likely take very clear intentions from someone to convince me to let them in.

As for my interests and hobbies, I can't say that I'm all that exciting, but I do love what I do anyway. I work in a greenhouse, and was raised by a mother who loves to forage plants and mushrooms to make medical and herbal tinctures out of them! (Or just to eat lol) My hobbies include reading, drawing, and a liiiiittle bit of writing (...of any kind, really. Small poems, mini songs, ficlets... the works). Recently I've gotten into sewing as well, and I'm really enjoying it!

My lifestyle is, like me, very quiet. I live in a very small village (yes an actual village) several miles away from any real towns, so not a lot goes on around where I am. Many would consider it rather boring, and I'm probably due for some change someday (I anticipate it, really), but I'm very content with what I have right now.

And last but not least, I'm female, around 5'8"-5'9" (173 to 175 cm), have several moles dotting around here and there, and... I suppose I like to dress rather nicely? It's something I've been doing lately and I'm enjoying it quite a bit haha. If I were to describe my current style it would probably be "elegant and comfortable." Nicknames are basically second nature to me, so I often call people "dear, darling, honey, love," etc. If they're special to me, I'll tag on "my" at the beginning; "my dear, my darling, my love..." You get the idea! A last tidbit is that my love language is primarily physical touch. It's practically the life blood of the way I show affection lol.

Thank you for letting me ramble! I kind of also took this as a chance to figure out how to describe myself again lol. Take your time answering this, since I know I kind of packed a lot in here. As for what kind of matchup I want, romantic would be wonderful, and anyone in your default list will be just fine! (I love the staff, but like, platonically, you know?)

I match you with 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭

The First Impression:

Intentions don't come any clearer than from Rook. Oh, how your beauty makes him weep! Your appreciation of nature! Your love for his favorite arts!

How does he already know all that? ...Better not to question it.

Why He Fell:

Rook has an eye for beauty, which includes both outer and inner. Your elegant sense of style, combined with your natural kindness, you're the best parts of everything he loves all in one!

Perhaps it's your love of writing, or your knowledge around nature, or your shared affinity for terms of endearment, but Rook is simply drawn to you as if you're a part of him. It's a lovely, natural feeling to him, and once he's sure, he's more than clear about his intentions.

The Relationship:

Rook is truly just happy to be with you. He'll accompany you on a foraging trip through the woods, he'll indulge you in as much physical affection as you would enjoy, or he'll give you your much needed alone time when required (he understands that feeling perfectly, after all).

There is a shared sense of devotion between the two of you, one in which you know that he would never cause you any intentional harm. Rook is simply enamored with you, from your quiet disposition to the intense ways in which you feel and express love.