#SO MANY TAGS AH - lunar

[cupheadocscasino]

Can we see everyone in order from youngest to oldest?

[lilimalia]

WHAT WE NEVER HAD // zhongli

SYNOPSIS... the lantern rite festival was always the most glorious season of festivity. And yet, the god of geo found no happiness in his heart roaming his nation. If only he had a person to share with him a sprinkle of the festive spirit....

CHARACTERS... zhongli/morax, childe, guizhong, streetward rambler, cloud retainer, traveller/aether, paimon,

DISCLAIMERS... angst, no comfort, female reader, short series, spoilers for Guizhong's story , lunar new year's special !

BARISTA'S INTEL... sorry to all the lumine travellers! please enjoy the first "official post" and a happy lunar new year's to those who celebrate! chúc mừng năm mới <3.

TAG LIST... @sizure , @imma-too-many-fandoms , @yle-xar

CAFE TUNE... Heather // Conan Gray !

“Paimon votes we visit Xiangling!” the giddy floating fairy cheers, bobbing up and down as her blonde-haired companion nodded in agreement.

Turning her head, her eyes landed upon the silhouette of a brunette man, his attention solely focused on the eccentric storyteller in front of him.

“Eh? Zhongli? What a pleasant surprise meeting you here!” the fairy alludes, companion following alongside as she approached the man.

“Come one, come all, allow me to forward you a special tale for this years Lantern Rite, abundant and glorious as always!” The storyteller speaks, hands motioning the pair in as his eyes begin to glow with pride.

“Listen closely now, for this tale is one you won’t ever hear anywhere else! A speciality for my audience” the man grins, winking sidewise at the blonde traveler, motioning him in for a seat alongside the brunette, who merely nods politely before redirecting his attention.

“Listen closely… for our story begins before the age of war…”

Dainty gray eyes laid upon his figure. So divine, so prim and proper, fingers grasped gracefully around a stone cup of tea as he conversed with the two ladies.

Morax he went by, god of mora, Archon of Geo. Cloud Retainer, the women with red rimmed glasses. And Guizhong, the refined goddess of dust, so elegantly did she sit, reflecting the man in front of her. His eyes gazed so… Lovingly. She held his undivided attention, lips curling into a saccharine smile irreplaceable by any.

“Y/n? Who do suppose is correct Goddess of the Forge?” she calls. Her voice so tauntingly pristine as her grey eyes shifted towards yours.

“Hm? Ah, forgive me… It seems I was dazed. Could you restate the question?” you call. Your own voice slightly breaking, pitching off into a unsettled tone.

It was so mocking. How her figure was so respected, so desirably faultless. Both in brain and brawn… Your own stained with battle scars, body tainted with the wounds of the steel, whilst hers was untouched, silk smooth, faultless. All the things you weren’t.

“Ah, no worries! I had simply inquired about your opinion on my design. Our dear Cloud Retainer here seems to think hers is superior…” Her eyes are so beautiful…

It wasn’t fair… How you both shared the same hue of gray for eyes. Yet somehow hers shined so much brighter compared to yours, so bleak and dull like iron ore.

“Hm… This design… It needs some tweaks, but I do believe that Cloud Retainer’s design is superior within this field…” you murmur, eyes gazing upon the blueprints that laid out in front of you.

“Is that so? Morax! You are righteous… Who do you believe withholds the superior model?” Guizhong questions.

Righteous?... Was she… Mocking you? Questioning your values? Your judgment?

“Upon inspection… I do believe that your design is superior Guizhong”, his eyes are so thoughtful, filled with the beautiful waterlike goldens and browns. His eyes narrow, concealing his bright colored eyes like the lakes that adorn themself atop the mountains.

Ah… As you inspect closer… It’s true his judgment is impeccable. And yours, at fault.

Guizhong giggles in glee, shiny gray eyes, the ones that were the exact same shade as your own, reflected so much pure light. Like white iron ore… in every way. She was better.

You watch as he smiles, playing along with her child like joy. His eyes bubbling with happiness, spirit so moved by her own.

He never looks at you that way… Perhaps he never will…

Cloud Retainer stands behind you, concealing her worry for your state as she watches your own hues dim down with envy, discouragement that you failed to fully tuck away.

The day Guizhong was lost. You saw as he retreated away, you saw the scars she left on him. You heard too, the cries he echoed out in the solitude of the mountains.

You watched her soul slowly slip away, body loosening at the lack of character to withhold it. You never knew what it was that plagued you with such sinful cruelty. But… watching her die, perish in front of you, your own body and mind helpless to save her. You could only feel the slightest bit of regret. Regret that you hadn’t saved her.

When you could have.

Instead you watched by the sidelines, watched as he gazed at her so lovingly, mind and body relaxed around her presence, whilst not once, did he ever glance your way.

That night… When the Goddess of Dust had perished, you fled. Fled away to the mortal realm, locked away in an Adepti contraption. War was at brew; you could feel it. You knew of the harm that would come to you when it did, the pain and hopelessness that would plague your mind if ever you were to succumb to the desires of evil divines that would ask for your aid in battle. 

Goddess of the Forge.

That was your name. Sealed away in stone.

“Many blacksmiths and warriors alike pray to the Goddess of the Forge for the finest of ores and the best of the best in the weapons they wield. Many adventures that come from this nation of Geo have commonly shared the goal of searching for where she lays… However, never found she was…” the storyteller murmurs, hand stretching out to flicker his fan as he gazed over it darkly.

“But of course! This is merely a tale! Who knows if this “Goddess of the Forge” really does exist!” He coughs awkwardly, shivering at the intense gaze that was being radiated from the brunette man in front of him.

“Indeed… What a pleasant story sir…” he mumbles, face solemn. Eye's blanking out in a distant sorrow. His mind drifting off into an unknown world.

A women walks by the station of the storyteller, gray eyes empty and uninviting. She glances at the brunette man, stuck in his own land of thought, as she hides away from view.

It’s been decades. And yet his memory haunts your every waking step. A scar on your body that will never heal yet comes back to haunt you with the acknowledgement of its story. Succumbing you into a void.

It’s so selfish. How all those years ago you could have saved her. You were there weren’t you? Just a couple fields away picking glaze lilies for him, it wasn’t her… Goddess of Dust, that you were thinking about. Not even when she had laid unmoving in front of you and all the others. Not even when the guilt recked your insides knowing you were just a few sprints away from her; could have saved her.

It was him, his milky golden eyes, his proper figure, so collected.

It was never you on his mind, always her. Always Goddess of Dust, always the prettier, shiny, ore. And perhaps it was why you had left, fleeing in agony and regret. It hurt how his eyes were only ever on hers, how they shared fleeting touches, when you were his forever best friend. Always by his side to guide him in battles and spars.

She was everything you could only dream to be...

The night you had left… You had fled to the far breeches of Liyue, residing in a self-inflicted encagement, meant to trap away the deadliest of monsters.

Whether or not he had truly cared for you, shed tears for you, you never were there to see it...

SPECIAL BREWS... Goddess of the Forge // I found that the irony in reader being the Goddess of the Forge compared to Dust which is a much lighter title compared nicely to her dynamic, I do hope I was able to highlight this aspect well... (Haha get it, irony, forge?...)

White Iron ore // Using this comparison felt very natural and more in depth, I found it easier to be able to relay the emotions of the story to the reader by using a similarity, after all, it's salt to the wound for those who have felt incompetent to someone before

BARISTA'S INQUIREMENT... none

word count. 1220

Tag list form !

Part I // Next

©-FUTURIST... Please do not plagiarize, themes are edited by me, reblogs allowed, do not repost on any other platform!!

Banner credits: @veauwa

[snackugaki]

original postings: bleep bloop

yee finished 7:52pm pst ayy

gotta be quick, body decided to ring in the new year by shedding endometrium and the 1st day cramps are vicious talk about starting the new year with a clean slate AH HAAAA ba dum tss

i know the tags are hateful and I would never have fit this next bit in them so:

the painful Wade-Giles translation (pinyin gang sends its regards) aside, the “měi” (with a caron) character was written with the hanzi for beautiful but (despite the different tones and most regular people don’t include accent marks when transcribing) “mei” could also be with an acute,”méi” 梅 plum.

Plum as in part of the 3 Friends of Winter (plum, pine, bamboo); plum as in a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity, a common lunar new year motif also.

tl;dr she may not have many iterations but it’s starting and my baby deserves after a 25 year winter.

okay thassit basically, i’mma go curl into a fetal position, c u nxt yr make good life choices byeeeeeeeeee

[eponymoussquared]

15 questions tag

Guess who's active again? ...Probably not me, but I'm here for this anyway. Regardless, I'm answering a tag from..about a MONTH ago, geeze....well, whatever. Extra thanks to @dogmomwrites for the tag, despite me not being on very much-I really appreciate still getting the tags. These questions will be answered by Rabbi Yosef the Sheid from Sheidy Business. Tagging @mariahwritesstuff, @creating-with-words, @writernopal, and @violets-in-her-arms-writes.

Are you named after anyone?  The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but I don't know who. "Yosef" is certaintly not a Sheid name-I was given it a long, long time ago in order to blend in. I was told it was a namesake of someone, but I have been unable to deduce who.

When was the last time you cried?  Hrmm....I believe it was roughly sixty-two lunar cycles ago, when his Majesty Ashmedai appointed me as the Minister of Human Affairs. They were tears of joy at being given such an honor at first, then tears of pain when I realized how much work the position entailed.

Do you have kids?  Heavens no. I haven't the energy for them.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?  I try to use it lightly. Wit is a tool that dulls if it is not used, but I find people misunderstand me frequently enough without me ironically obscuring the meaning. Although it seems obvious to me, it is not so to all, and my patience is stretched thin as it is.

What’s the first thing you notice about people?  The first thing I tend to take note of is how they react to questions. Some people answer directly, others speak only in implications, and some seem to puzzzle out their opinion in real time as they answer.

What’s your eye color?  Whatever I want it to be.

Scary movies or happy endings?  What is a...movie? Ah, yes, his Majesty has told me about those. I have not seen any.

Any special talents?  I'd assume the ability to remember centuries worth of tradition and law counts?

Where were you born?  ...The world was not so well mapped when I was born. It was a dessert-like place, that much I know, but its name is lost to me.

What are your hobbies?  Hobbies? I have no time for that. I study day and night-being the only expert on the laws of Sheidim in the world is not a job with many breaks.

Have you any pets?  I used to keep a tortoise who I had named something that I believe you would translate as "Small Island." He was my dearest companion for a time, but he died, as all pets do. As most species are even shorter-lived then he, I neglected to take a pet again.

What sports do you play/have played?  None. As it turns out, being a shapeshifter does not stop aches and pains coming with age.

How tall are you?  As tall as anyone else in the room, unless Ashmedai is there. I make sure to adjust my height to be lower in that scenario.

Favorite subject in school?  ...I have never attended school, except as a teacher. My favorite subject to teach, however, is traditional law.

Dream job? I suppose I already have it-I am the greatest, most respected Sheid scholar in the world, and even the Humans acknowledge my authority. In hindsight, perhaps I should have dreamt of colleagues to share the responsibility with." And thats a wrap for the questions. Empty template below.

Are you named after anyone? 

When was the last time you cried? 

Do you have kids? 

Do you use sarcasm a lot? 

What’s the first thing you notice about people? 

What’s your eye color? 

Scary movies or happy endings? 

Any special talents? 

Where were you born? 

What are your hobbies? 

Have you any pets? 

What sports do you play/have played? 

How tall are you? 

Favorite subject in school? 

Dream job?

[lsmu]

LSMU Special Mini Series - Chapter 1: Swipe, Swipe, Swipe

Just as much as I love performing, rest is important for me. I'm not as social as my groupmates, but being with them for the past three years has made me more outgoing than I was when I was a trainee. Gone were the days when insecurities ruled over me, because every day, Yeji-unnie preps me for our schedule, Lia-unnie helps me with my singing, Ryujin shows me how to be captivating and confident, and Yuna simply influences me with her happy virus.

I am happy that I'm Itzy, and now, I'm even happier than I'm Lee Chae Ryeong.

However, for the next three days from now, we won't be following any schedule. It was near Seollal anyway–the Lunar New Year–so we could afford some time to relax, before engaging in our busy February leading up to our third anniversary on the 12th, and our fansign event on the 19th. Sure, I would prefer to spend my Seollal holiday with my family in Yongin-si, but with the current conditions, with Omicron cases on the rise, it was simply impractical to travel.

Hence, we just stayed here in our dorm. That's alright! I loved it here, anyway. I got to lie around, be on my phone guilt-free, with just the best people around me. I shared a room with Yeji-unnie until recently, when Yuna and I decided to swap rooms. Now, I shared a room with Lia-unnie, which was definitely the tidiest and most pristine of all three rooms, with painting frames on the white walls.

However, lately Lia-unnie often chose to sleep in Yeji-unnie and Yuna's room–which was my previous room. It was... Chaotic. Pink walls, littered with polaroid photos... The floor more often than not was covered in shopping bags and discarded price tags, although it was clean nonetheless. It's fine. I usually would join them there for a night of talk and no sleep, or join Ryujin's solo room–with its darker walls and cool collectible merchandise she kept around.

As usual during our free night, the members were in the living room. I was about to take a bath, when suddenly I received a message on Kakao Talk. Sniggers. The notification reminded me of Minjeong-ie's cute voice nowadays, ever since I watched her appearance in Knowing Brothers late last year. I swiped my phone open, and saw that the message came from a familiar sunbae.

'Chaeryeong-ah! Congrats on concluding your events and promotions! Tell Itzy that your Twice-unnie deul are so proud of you~!' sent Mina-unnie.

While I was close with all Twice members, I think Mina-unnie was the most comfortable in approaching me as compared to the other girls. Probably because of our similar personalities. I smiled and typed in my reply.

'Thank you, unnie~! I'll tell them after I take a bath ㅋㅋㅋ! We don't have schedules for a while until we prepare for our anniversary... I don't know what to do for the next three days! ㅋㅋㅋ'

I grinned and sat on the toilet bowl. In the chat box, I could see her typing, then seemingly stopping. Mina-unnie never replies fast, but to see her typing right away, she must have something in mind. Finally, the beautiful Unnie replied.

'If you have nothing to do... I'm currently reading something good. I think you'll like it!' she typed.

I raised an eyebrow. Oh? A good book? I was just about to ask, when Mina-unnie followed it quickly with another message.

'But DON'T tell my members, please? ㅋㅋㅋ' she typed. I replied immediately. 'What is it, Unnie? I won't tell them. Promise!' I typed. 'Chaery, are you familiar with Wattpad?' she asked. 'Mm! I do read from there sometimes, and... I think Lia-unnie does too, but mostly me. What is it about?' I asked her. 'Finish reading at least the first book before showing it to anyone else, okay? Oh, let me know what you think too! I wanna know I'm not the only one who enjoys this book! I'm currently on Book 3 Part 2, which is still ongoing, and I just started a few days ago! It's that good!' Mina explained. 'Oh? How many books are there?' I asked her. 'Four main books: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3 part 1 and part 2, but there are two... Spin-offs, I think? Here's the link to the first book,' she said.

I pressed the link, and read the title... Hmm... Lovesick... Monster? It had Blackpink's Jisoo-unnie's photo on the cover, and... it seemed like a fanfiction novel. I scrolled down on the writer's page, and saw that Mina-unnie was right: There are four main books, along with 2 spin-off series.

Before long, I realized that I had been on my phone for more than 30 minutes, reading the synopsis provided for the writers for each book, still seated on the toilet bowl. That was not good.

I hurriedly placed my phone on the sink and undressed to start my bath, when three loud bangs startled me, almost making me slip inside the bathtub.

"Nuguniii~?" I asked loudly, but I already knew only Ryujin could knock that loudly. "I'm about to shower!" "Ya! You've been there for half an hour! Don't tell me you haven't started washing yet!" scolded Ryujin. "I'm about to!" I replied. "Don't do weird stuff, Chaeryeong-ah! All five of us use this bathroom, and right now I need to pee!" she yelled.

Ryujin was always bold, and half of what she said made me laugh.

"W–What are you talking about?? I was on my phone!" I replied. "Of course you're on your phone! Where else would you watch–" "ANIYANYANYANYANYA~I can't hear you! I'm taking a bath!" I retaliated.

I quickly turned the shower on, drowning her voice. I could hear her groaning frustratedly outside. I smirked. I could do pranks too, you know. Hold it in for a while, Ryujin-ah! Seriously though, I didn't watch anything suspicious! Don't think of me like that, please...

But... That link Mina-unnie sent. A fanfic? Was she serious? It featured Blackpink, and judging from the covers and synopsyses of the second and third books, it featured the images of the actors Ma Dongseok and Lee Jooyoung, Red Velvet... And Twice themselves. Did Mina-unnie like reading about herself? If so, it couldn't be sexual, right?

After shower, I dried my hair with a towel and wrapped it around my head. With another towel, I dried my body, before similarly wrapping it around me. Somehow, the towel felt a little tighter around my chest area... More than before. Hmm... Maybe I should buy new towels.

As soon as I exited the bathroom, Ryujin quickly jumped up from the sofa and dashed inside the bathroom in a hurry. I chuckled, but then I heard Yeji-unnie's voice from the living room.

"Chaeryeong-ah... Ryujinie told us what you were doing in the bathroom~" she teased in a playful tone. My face blushed immediately. "A–Ah, Unniee~!!! That's not true!" I pouted. The girls laughed. "Unnie, I'll check your phone when you're not looking and see what you were watching for so long in the bathroom!" Yuna giggled naughtily. I was as red as gochugaru. "Y–Ya! Whatever... I'll change in my room!" I said, flustered.

As I entered my room, I saw Lia-unnie lying on the bed. Her eyes glued to her phone's screen.

"Unnie," I made her aware of my presence.

She was obviously startled. She sat up, straightened her clothes, and stuttered to greet me.

"A–Ah! Chaeryeong-ie! I was just... Um... Uh..." she stammered, trying to make up excuses. "Huh?" I asked, deciding to play along. "R–Right! You were... Gonna change clothes, right? Are you... Gonna ask me to leave? Come on, we've seen each other's body!" she playfully teased, but I somehow felt like it was a front to hide something. "Unnie~!" I complained. Lia laughed. "Kidding! Jeez..." she chuckled.

Lia stood up and left the room, all the while giggling like a little kid. I shrugged, closed the door, and walked to my closet to pick up my underwear and clothes. I let the towels fall to the floor, wearing my underwear. Suddenly, my mind wandered to that link. That book. Shit. It wouldn't leave my mind! Should I... Probably... Read it now?

Yeah. I probably should.

I opened my phone, opened my Wattpad app, and then... I read the first chapter of Lovesick Monster, titled 'Caught in Reality'.

Oh, wow... It was that kind of book.

But... This is weird. It was set in the near future... Four years from now? So the fictional character Kim Yeoni is Jisoo-unnie's little brother in the story. And... He liked Irene-sunbae? I mean... Who wouldn't, right? But... All these dirty talks... I mean... I didn't mind a little erotica, but somehow this bothers me... In a good way? And that ending... Where Lisa-unnie took his condoms, and the last words...

Fuck idols.

Did... Did Mina-unnie send the right story? I mean... I wasn't complaining... But...

Right. Second chapter. 'Exclusive Experience'. I kept scrolling down. Swipe. Swipe. Swipe... Slowly, I sat down on my bed. I didn't even bother putting on my clothes.

This chapter... My gosh. That elevator ride, the VLive Exclusive... Is it... Is it normal to feel aroused reading books like these? The main character was involved with very beautiful people... Jennie-unnie, Irene-sunbaenim. I gulped. Why was my heart beating faster?

I... I felt... Things. I could feel my nipples perking up, grazing against the fabric of my bra. And... My panties... Oh gosh, I should... Change my panties after this, shouldn't I? Because... Without stimulation... It was... It was getting...

Oh my... Yeoni had to... Omo, omo, omo... On Jisoo-unnie's face? I mean... I've seen Jisoo-unnie many times, and... She was really beautiful. Her face... But... Why did I start to imagine her beautiful face getting... Covered. Oh no, Lee Chaeryeong... Has my mind always been this dirty all these time?

Not to mention... Was I actually getting turned on by Yeoni and Jisoo's relationship? They're... They're siblings, right? I mean... In the story, that is... This... Shouldn't this be a turn off? A red flag? But... I couldn't stop reading!

My chest was beating fast. And why... Why was my left hand... Slowly slipping... Under my garment... Why was my finger... Slowly grazing my pubic hair... Approaching my private part. I kept scrolling, and I stopped at a picture. A close-up picture of Jisoo-unnie's face. It was... It was getting... Splattered.

My defenses crumbled. I felt the urge. My finger slid over my private part. It was moist. An unseen force compelled me to dip my finger in. Usually it was too tight to even spread apart the labia, but... But this time... It was so wet... I could... Just slide right in if I wanted to...

Did I want to? I'd never actually...

"Ya! Chaeryeong-ah! Dinner's ready! Why are you not answering our calls?"

Panicking, I slammed my phone screen-side down on the bed. I was just wearing my underwear. Yeji-unnie entered and stared at me confusedly with her sharp eyes.

"Ya... You're not even dressed yet? It's been another 30 minutes! Chaeryeong-ah... Should I be concerned?" she asked sharply.

I just sat there, unable to answer. Just then, I realized that one of my hands was still inside my underwear, touching my... Oh no. Yeji-unnie noticed this too, and somehow... Her look softened. She giggled a little, before smiling at me.

"Just... Come quickly. Food's ready," she repeated.

Her cute little nose sniffed the air a little before leaving the room. Hang on. Why did she do that? I just finished showering... What was she trying to smell?

I squealed in shame. I was so embarrassed! I got dressed quickly and walked outside. Yuna heard my footsteps and turned around. Our eyes met. With a knowing smile, she raised her eyebrows at me, as if implying something.

"S-Sorry, girls..." I stuttered as I took my seat.

Ryujin and Yuna exchanged glances, as if telepathically talking about me. But, to my surprise, they didn't tease me. Maybe Yeji-unnie had told them not to say anything. They all knew that I was a late bloomer–both romantically and sexually–so it was normal that eventually I would discover about my body at some point. It was nothing shameful. Yeah. Not shy. Not me.

"Who's schedule is it to wash the dishes tonight?" asked Yeji-unnie. "Mine..." I replied. "Everyone finished eating?" "Yeah... Thanks, Chaery!" said Lia-unnie.

I smiled and picked up the empty plates, bringing them to the sink. It would take me a long time to finish washing today because there were a lot of dishes. The Unnies chose to cook rather than order stuff. We'll be here for the next three days anyway, and we couldn't keep on ordering unhealthy stuff. I had no complaints.

Eventually, I finished washing the dishes. I dried my hands and went out, joining Yeji-unnie, Lia-unnie, and Ryujin on the living room sofa. Yuna was nowhere to be seen, and I assumed that it must be her schedule today to take out the trash.

"Hi, Chaery..." Ryujin greeted me with a smirk as I sat next to her. "Tsk..."

I pouted. Ryujin couldn't get that smirk off her face, and it really annoyed me! I'll show her. Just because she's cool, and appealing... and... Charming... That didn't mean I wouldn't catch her in a weird position, doing weird stuff. One of these days, I would catch her doing that stuff too! H–Hang on. That came out wrongly...

Suddenly, I felt her arm flinging around my shoulder. I turned to look at her, and she was smirking wider.

"Don't worry, Chaery..." Ryujin whispered. "It's completely normal." "I–I... Don't know what you're talking about! Shut up!" I hissed. Ryujin chuckled. "I'm just saying... If you're gonna do it, try not to get caught. Also, I'm... Sorry for joking about how long you were in the bathroom. I just really needed to pee," Rujin rambled. "Be quiet, will you? I can't hear the show!" I said, intently staring at the TV set. "Ya... That's a commercial... About laundry detergent!" Ryujin whispered.

She was right. My face blushed red, and Ryujin laughed at my awkwardness. I turned to look at Lia-unnie and Yeji-unnie, intent on changing the subject.

"Yeji-unnie! Yuna takes a long time throwing out the trash! Should I check on her?" I asked.

Lia-unnie, who was on the phone with her head lying on Yeji-unnie's thighs, interjected.

"Eh? But I threw out the trash," she said.

This alarmed me. I looked up towards the rooms. She was not in her room with Yeji-unnie, nor was she in Ryujin's room. Both rooms had their doors opened. That means... Oh shit! She was in my room!

I hurriedly stood up and rushed to my room. As I feared, there she was, lying on my bed, holding my phone. She looked up as I entered, smiling from ear to ear, giggling louder and louder.

"Unnie! Seriously? Jisoo-unnie and her brother?? Seriously?!" Yuna teased me.

This... GIRL! I slammed the door close, and I jumped on the bed, pouncing on her, trying to reach my phone. Yuna laughed louder and lifted my phone high up in the air using her long arm.

"Give me that! Give! Me! My! Phone!" I groaned. "I never thought you're into incest!" Yuna giggled. "YAA! IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!" I yelled. "Sshhhh! Don't shout! I won't tell anyone! I've been there! It's normal to be curious about these things!" she said, still dodging my attacks nimbly. "Ya! You're younger than me!" I protested. Yuna stuck her tongue out. "But I'm not a late bloomer like you!" she rebutted without missing a beat.

I groaned. Yuna dodged my latest attempt to grab my phone from her hand, and she stood up, tiptoeing away from me. I followed her, and for the next few seconds we engaged in a little game of cat and mouse around the room.

Suddenly, Yuna slipped my phone inside her pants. I could see the bulge on her crotch, and I groaned frustratedly. Yuna giggled, before winking at me.

"You want it? Come get it!" she said.

Yuna jumped to my bed and covered herself with my blanket. Wrong move, Yuna! I wasn't going to give up so easily! I entered the blanket, and we wrestled for my phone.

"Gimme my phone!" I grunted. Yuna giggled again. "Come on, Unnie! Let's read together about Yeo–"

I covered her mouth with my hand, pinning her face down to the bed. I pressed my body on top of her from behind, and I reached down with my other hand. I explored her whole front body to find the phone. I felt her chest, her tits, then her ribs. I slid further down... Toned abs. I traveled further down... And I felt it. The bulge!

"Ah-ha!" I exclaimed in victory.

I stuck my hand inside her pants. I could feel Yuna trying to talk through my hand on her mouth, but I knew she was about to tease me further, so I kept it locked. I reached inside. That's the bulge. That must be my phone! But... Why was it soft, and... Tender?

"Mmm! M–Mm!" Yuna squealed. "Shut up! I'm taking it!" I said.

I slipped my hand inside her panties. I fidgeted my hand left and right, up and down, back and forth, but... No phone? That was weird... Did she... Did she put it in... Inside? Curious, I let my fingers traverse into her labia.

"M–Mmm... Mm... Mm! MMM!" Yuna kept squealing.

Suddenly, Yuna's muted screams stopped, replaced with a long moan. Still facing the bed, her body tensed, her back arched up. My hand slipped off her mouth, while my other hand that was inside her panties became wet, and wetter, and wetter... And even wetter! I was confused. What... What was happening?

"A–A... Annh... Annhh... A–A–Ahh... U–Unn... Unnie–e–e..." Yuna moaned loudly.

Yuna's body started shaking violently, but a second later it went limp. She slumped to the bed, and I pulled my hand off her panties. It was drenched. But... Why did it smell... Sweet?

"Y–Yuna... Are you... Are you okay?" I asked her.

I removed the blanket covering both of us, finding Yuna panting on the bed, her body twitching. With her big eyes half closed, she turned to look at me.

"U–Unnie... I was... Trying to say that... T–that your phone... Fell... On the floor," she whispered weakly.

All of a sudden, Yuna fell asleep. What the fuck? What just happened? I looked at my bed sheet, and found it soaking wet in one area... Near where Yuna's crotch was. What the fuck!

Confused, I reached for my phone on the floor, and opened it. I was right. Yuna was reading the same book I was reading. It was still where I left off before Yeji-unnie entered.

Should I... Should I continue reading? The others were busy watching anyway and would sleep in other rooms. Yuna was asleep already, and I wouldn't want to wake her up.

Alright. Heck. I'm reading Lovesick Monster tonight.

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Kyuuketsu VERSUS II Vol.1 Ayato VS Laito [Track 5]

Original title: 火照る身体

Source: Diabolik Lovers VERSUS II Vol. 1 Ayato VS Laito [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Midorikawa Hikaru & Hirakawa Daisuke

Translator’s note: This track was definitely the hardest to translate because of the simultaneous blood-sucking scene which is a bunch of gulping and slurping noises so it’s sometimes a little difficult to keep track of everything. ;; I’m not sure how clear it will be for those of you listening to this with the audio and track but I hope it’s not too bad! I was hoping there would be a little more confrontation between the brothers in regards to their past, but we might get that for the last track since the lunar eclipse is coming to an end!

Track 1 ll Track 2 ll Track 3 ll Track 4 ll Track 5 ll Track 6

→  LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

Track 5: Heated Bodies

Ayato is looking around for you.

Ayato: Geez...Where did Chichinashi run off to? My sense of smell isn’t workin’ as it should so I can’t tell. 

*Creaaak*

Ayato: Oi, Chichinashiー!! ...Oh.

You turn around.

Ayato: ...Finally found you. ...Why you hidin’ over in the bathroom, aahn!?

You grow defiant.

*RATTLE*

Ayato: ...What’s with that attitude? Are you tellin’ me to scram? Oi? Geez. You wanna take a bath or something?

*RATTLE*

Ayato: Then just do that. No reason to hide at this point. ...Now that you mention it, you kinda reek. ...Don’t tell me...Did that bastard Laito find you? Oi!? Answer me!

He grabs hold of your wrist. 

*Rustle*

Ayato: Che...No wonder I couldn’t see you ‘round anymore! Fuck...! This pisses me off! Why did you just let him suck your blood!? I thought I made myself clear earlier, but you still don’t understand, huh!? That you belong to meー!

You protest.

Ayato: ...Aah? What do you mean, you’re not mine? You’ve really been actin’ off this whole time. I guess in the end, you can’t fight back against the effects of that moon either?

You shake your head.

Ayato: That has nothin’ to do with it? ...Stop lyin’! ...Oi. Or did Laito force you to play along with his fucked up shit? ...Tell me. What did he do? 

You explain.

Ayato: Damnit...That jerk...Guess I’ll have to punch him after all or I just won’t feel satisfied.

You tell Ayato he can’t do that.

Ayato: What!? Don’t stop me! It’s not a fight! I need to punish him for touchin’ what belongs to mーー Che...Ah...Fuck! What’s this!? For some reason, the inside of my head is a mess, I don’t know what’s goin’ on anymore. ...Chichinashi, you’re experiencin’ the same, aren’t you? 

He corners you against the wall.

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: One moment I feel an overwhelming sense of anger, then the next another emotion wells up inside of me at once. ...What should I do!?

Ayato turns on the water.

*PSHHHHHHH*

Ayato: ...Ugh, fuck...!!

*THUD*

Ayato: I thought the runnin’ water would help me calm down, but it’s only makin’ this weird sensation even worse!

You turn off the water again.

Ayato: ...Don’t get in my way! Keh...This sucks!

*Rustle*

Ayato: Do I need to do this to shut you up?

He suddenly bites you.

Ayato: Nn...Mmh...Hah...Chichinashi...Just like you have no idea what is goin’ on right now, I’m feelin’ equally confused. Hahn...

*Sluuuurp*

*Gulp*

Ayato: Hah...Keh! I should have told you that you’re mine so many times up till now but...For some reason...I feel like I need to repeat it even more. As if my words have fallen on deaf ears...

*Rustle*

Ayato: ...Chichinashi, do somethin’ ‘bout this...! Will I calm down...If I suck your blood? 

*Splash*

Ayato: Say...Let me have a sip. You gave it to Laito, right? Then...It’s my turn next.

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: From a place that guy hasn’t gotten to yet...Right here, huh? Above your chest.

Ayato bites you.

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Haahn...Mmh...

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Fuck...! I need more.

*Sluuuurp*

*Gulp*

Ayato: Hahn...Mmh...Hah...How’s that, Chichinashi? I’m much better than Laito, right? 

You fail to give him a response.

Ayato: ...Answer me. Why do you always keep quiet when it matters the most, huh? ...Haahn...

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: ...Haah? What? You don’t want me to compare myself to him? ...Fuck off. You really think I can stop doin’ that at this point? Especially with that guy, I have to make it clear. It’s none of your business.

You ask Ayato if that’s what he really wants. 

Ayato: ...Ah? How I truly feel? ...I don’t understand what you mean with ‘don’t compare yourself to anyone’. What do you mean with that? ...I mean, Laito’s my younger brother. There’s just no way I’d lose to hiー

You get upset, feeling as if you are being used as a convenient means for the brothers to have something to fight over.

Ayato: Ah? Cut the crap. I’m not claimin’ you as mine just as a way to compete with someone elー 

You insist he does.

Ayato: ...Actually, is that why were cryin’ earlier? Idiot.

*Rustle*

*Splash*

Ayato: I don’t yearn for you just ‘cause that guy does the same...These are my true feelings...Actually, I’m tellin’ you this is how I truly feel so just believe me already! You’re bein’ way too cocky, complainin’ ‘bout being treated like an object! ...What should I do!?

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: ...Would you be satisfied if I told you I love you? Say?

Laito walks into the room.

Laito: ...Words are so unreliable. Honestly makes you wonder what exactly it is she wants, huh? ...Nfu~

Ayato turns around.

*Rustle*

Ayato: Ugh...! You again?

Laito: I got to listen to your confession of love~

Ayato: So what...!? 

Laito: I was just thinking I would love to try and confess using such pure words like you did as well~

Ayato: Haah...!?

Laito: ...You’d understand what I mean, wouldn’t you, Bitch-chan? Ah-aah~ Look at how soaked you are. However, it’s incredibly sexy, you know?

Ayato: Oi, Laito! What did you mean to imply just noーー

Laito: It doesn’t matter. Haah...Seeing Bitch-chan like this makes me feel heated whether I want to or not. 

Ayato: Che...Don’t you dare touch her without my permission!

Laito: Don’t wanna. I won’t take orders from you. No matter what your intentions are, Ayato-kun, Bitch-chan still belongs to me in the end. So I will do...

*Rustle rustle*

Laito: ...As I want. Okay~? Look...Like this!

*Rustle rustle*

Laito: Her cute body is craving for me after all...Would you like it here on your chest, Bitch-chan? Mmh...

Laito bites you.

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Ahn...

Ayato: Tsk...If that’s how you’re comin’, I’ll just tell you the exact same thing. 

Ayato closes in on you.

Ayato: Chichinashi, you belong to me. So, like thisーー!

*RIIIIIP*

Ayato: ...I’ll do as I please with you.

He bites you as well.

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Haahn...Mmh...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Ah...Ayato-kun...You’re in the way...

Ayato: If you don’t like me bein’ here, then leave. Mmh...

*Sluuuuurp*

Ayato: Hahn...

*Gulp gulp*

Laito: ...Ahn...Bitch-chan, how does it feel? Being pleasured from left and right...~ Phew...~ I can’t get enough of that dreamy look in your eyes...Yet at the same time, it pisses me off. Aah...Usually sucking your blood together with someone else would make for the perfect situation though...Haahn...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: ...But tonight...I can’t hold back...

Ayato: Mmh...Nn...You love the pleasure, don’t you? Is that why you don’t dislike bein’ ganged up on like this either, hm? 

Laito: Haah...As to be expected of you, Bitch-chan~ Guess I’ll have to punish you more and more for yearning after such naughty things. Mmh...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Nn...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Ahn...

*Gulp*

Ayato: Che...This barely counts as punishment, does it? Mmh...

Laito: Nn...I guess you have a point. ...Haah~ What should we do then? I definitely want to give you a bit of a hard time, but I’m don’t really want to stop right now...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Hahn...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Ayato: Chichinashi. Don’t look at that guy.

*Rustle*

Ayato: I’m the only one you’re allowed to look at. Hahn...Mmh...

Laito: ...Oh geez~ Look at you showing off your possessive side. Well, I guess today, I’m in no position to judge you. ...Mmh...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Haahn...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Ayato: Chichinashi. What’s wrong? Throwing in the towel already? I’m sure you already know deep down, but we’re not lettin’ you go just yet...Nn...

*Sluuuurp*

Ayato: Mmh...Nn...More...Give me more of your blood...! 

*Sluuuurp*

Laito: ...Ahn...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Haah...

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: Hah...The lunar eclipse is almost over but...I can’t stop...Good grief. The effects of the eclipse are just too strong, it almost feels enjoyable to feel like you’re someone else for a change. Say, Bitch-chan? If Ayato-kun claims he won’t let go of you any time soon, then I obviously can’t stop either, no? ...Haahnーー

*Gulp gulp gulp*

Laito: ...Oh!

You lose consciousness.

*Thud*

Ayato: ...Chichinashi!

Laito: Hm...Bitch-chan. Open your eyes.

*Rustle*

Laito: Exactly...

 Laito scoops you up in his arms.

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: Oi, Laito! Where are you takin’ her!?

Laito: Hmm~? Her body will cool down here, so I figured we’d change places. You’re tagging along as well?

Ayato: ‘Course I am! Don’t just do with my woman as you please!

Laito: ‘My woman��? ...Fufufu~ You really don’t beat around the bush, do you?

ーー TO BE CONTINUED ーー

[emma-elsa-0000]

Top 5 fanworks of 2021!

Rules: it’s time to love yourselves! choose your 5 (ish) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2021. tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Thanks for the tag @official-wayward-fairchild!!!

I only posted 3 works last year, so I can't do 5, but one of my writing goals this year is to write at least 4.

Ah yes, the inevitable field trip to SI. (Not completed yet but I'm hoping to finish it this year as well.)

Peter has to go on a field trip to SI.

In this fic Flash apologized to Peter and they're friends now fight me.

Also SpiderSilver forever

All I want to do (is come runnin'home to you)

Gift for j, @ironxprince, for the Parkner Secret Santa event!! Title comes from the song Runnin' Home To You from the show The Flash. The song is also featured in the fic itself.

-

Harley didn't expect to fall in love with his college roommate, but life is funny like that.

Family is what you make it.

Written for the Friendly Neighborhood Exchange for @pogokitten!! Merry Christmas!!!

Btw I'm terrible at summaries akdhekdjdk

@doctornineandthreequarters @superherotiger @lost-lunar-wolf @michellejones-stacy @gwendolynejones-stacy and @/anyone else who wants to!! Also if you've already done it you don't have to do it again, so dw!!

[just2bubbly]

Longings and Comm

Masterlist

Summary

"I swear if I could come, I would have been near you in a heartbeat."

Absence always seems to make the heart grow fonder and Cinder and Kai are no different in this vast expanse. After a busy day at work with Lunars, Cinder relies on Kai to make her smile but what happens when unexpected inquiries are made and feelings are slipped off.

Ship: Kaider

Words: 1502 words

__

Cinder's Perspective

She was so done with everyone. Every single one of them and this headache was killing her and unlike her usual headaches caused as a result of grief. This one was a real fucking headache caused because of annoyance and extreme anger.

She did something very un-queenly, like shouting in her chambers with a colourful string of swear words going in her mind.

1.2.3.4

Like every meeting that had ever happened, this was nothing different. Well, except for the appearances of lunar aristocrats. As if the stars surrounding her knew exactly what she wanted, Kai commed with such perfect timings that she wondered if Iko was behind this. If she was, may God bless her best friend, her only true companion on this entire dreary planet.

"Thank Goodness you commed. I am so angry-"

He chuckled at her loud outburst, mildly interrupting her. She would have glared if it was anyone else but Kai. However, the voice of his chuckle was enough to calm her down.

"Welcome to Royalty Queen Selene!"

"Stop saying it as if I have won a lottery ticket to visit Earth"

"So is that what you are missing? Earth?" he asked with a smirk tugging at his lips.

"You would know," she said, awaiting him to smile one of those shy smiles reserved for her.

"Kai! I miss Earth and people who can't perform bio-electric manipulation. Heck, you don't know how lucky you are! "

"Why?" he asked, his eyebrows quirking as his curiosity peeked in.

"Well, there are many reasons..." she was going to narrate each one of it to him unless he said otherwise.

Noting her long pause for permission, he granted, "Start Cinder, I'm all ears for you today."

'Ah! This guy was too good for his own self' she seemed to exclaim inside her head.

"Let's start then. I would say sit down as there is a long list of reasons. Firstly, these obnoxious Lunars- they are obsessed with fashion and by fashion, I mean an eerie sense of fashion. My eyes are hurt by just looking at them and that's not my individual statement, even Iko agrees. Plus, my cybernetics and the device goes haywire on me trying to pinpoint their true looks every time I glance at them; making it extremely difficult to focus. Secondly, their love to change appearances, like someone might be having blonde hair today and tomorrow they might turn out bald or something like that. I have a hard time remembering people, providing that I have cybernetics it is saying something. I can look through their glamour and see their true appearances but even then I have a hard time recalling them like hell, Luna needs some form of a database so that I or the computer in my brain can memorize all of them. At least earthen leaders have the decency to come dressed up in proper attire. Lunars, one man showed up in pyjamas to the cabinet meetings." She huffed and stopped to catch her breath.

Seeing that she was somewhat done with her ramble for the day, she groaned for what felt like the umpteenth time in the day.

"You have it bad, Cin, I absolutely agree but c'mon you have me and other people to complain to. Besides, how are you?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Sorry to waste your time with my problems. I should not rant like this but my aristocrat citizens are chaotic and useless who loathe agreeing with me." She grumbled.

"You are not alone actually. Vargas and Camilla gave me a headache today but thanks to you I at least have one thing less to worry about"

"And that is?" she inquired.

"Letumosis and Levana, Cinder. How do you seem to forget that you are the revolutionary?" he teasingly asked. It was not like she was fetching compliments just because she was the one who killed Levana. The fact that she was the revolutionary often slipped from her mind if not for Thorne's remarks and a few graceful acknowledgements here and there.

"My court tells me otherwise!"

"Don't listen to those lunar fools, Cinder. You are THE revolutionary. Hero of the entire universe-"

"Stop praising me like some goddess" she cut off him shortly before he decided to go into a full-blown speech about how wonderful she was. Believe her; he had done that at the last annual Peace ball before everyone.

"Besides Emperor how could you call lunars fools before the Queen of Luna? You have lost your fine touch of diplomacy Kaito."

"Well just the way you called them and I quote 'obnoxious Lunars' before a few moments. And don't you worry I'm not losing my fine diplomatic touch anytime sooner. "He joked along.

"Good, it would be a shame if you did." She exclaimed adding to their playful banter.

Soon they fell into a comfortable silence. She had forgotten about her worries, for the time being, thanks to Kai and his very charismatic personality.

"How are you?"

"Uh?" he looked confused because of her out of the blue question.

"I meant how you are doing, like not the meetings and world leaders but just you!" she clarified. It was not likely of Cinder to generally indulge in talking about emotions with anyone. However, Kai had patiently listened to her ramble so she could hear his inner turmoil if any as well.

"Oh," He said for having nothing else to say. Taking his time to answer, he sighed, "I am good, maybe. I dunno, I have never been asked about just myself like this before. I am satisfied with my lot but responsibilities make me jittery. Even then I have Torin who assists me, I am so thankful for having him. Other than that I have a sickening feeling every time I have to attend meetings with world leaders. Yet I am happier in my place than ever before. I know this sounds weird and unintelligible- " He inhaled sharply, stopping in his track, bitting onto his lips.

"Don't worry, Kai. I completely understand the feeling." She assured him. He had completely moved into pessimism within few seconds. Behind the glorious facade of being royalty, sadness and despair are what remains hidden for a long time. Cinder completely understood how it felt to have everything yet feel unhappy about something that you could never have.

She had missed his moist copper-brown eyes but his swiftly moving to rub away the moisture from them did not go unnoticed.

"Hey, it's okay, Kai," she consoled.

She said in a comforting voice, wishing to be near him and just hug him tightly while he cries his heart out.

"No, no. I'm sorry I just feel like crap for a few days and I miss you." He mumbled, his voice becoming husky,

"I miss you too, Kai. I swear if I could come, I would have been near you in a heartbeat." She said, as her synthetic heart continued to long to touch him.

There was some commotion on his end.

"Your Majesty" someone called for him.

"Cinder, I'm sorry to end on a sad note but I have to go. I am fine, don't worry, I will call you tomorrow or maybe tonight, what time is it?" he asked.

"It's 2200 here."

"Okay, so I will call you tomorrow without fail, but sorry now that I have to leave. I am sorry to sadden you with all my feelings-"

"Stop apologizing, Kai. It's completely fine. Besides, it's okay to let it out from time to time."

He was called urgently by someone in the background; making him quicken his pace as he mumbled incoherent words to her.

"I miss you, call you back later. Love-" he said as the comm was ended by him. He had failed to complete his sentence and she contemplated if she should comm him again just to hear him finish his words. However, that would be a foolish thing to do when he seemed to be in so much hurry.

"Love you too, Kai." She said for the ears who would not hear it.

__

A/N: This was supposed to be fluff, but things took a new turn and I could not undo it. To be honest, I can't imagine Kai and Cinder going through their two years apart relationship without slipping 'I miss you' in  any and every conversations.

Your views will be very much appreciated! Be sure to like, reblog and comment if you like it! Tell me if you wanna be tagged!

[skeeter-110]

A Twist in the Tale (That’s as Old as Time)

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. As punishment for his actions, the young prince is transformed into a monstrous beast by a mysterious enchantress. Only condition is if he can learn to love someone and earn their love in return, the curse will be lifted. The prince - now turned Beast - felt doomed for eternity; until he met a little boy with a heart of gold.

AKA: a Beauty and the Beast Irondad AU

Chapter One: Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the prince was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's night, an old beggar woman came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold.

Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the old woman away. But she warned him not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.

And when he dismissed her again, the old woman's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was no love in his heart, and as punishment, she transformed him into a hideous beast and placed a powerful spell on the castle and all who lived there.

Ashamed of his monstrous form, the Beast concealed himself inside his castle with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world.

The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his 21st year. If he could learn to love another - and earn their love in return - by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken.

If not, he would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.

As the years passed, he fell into despair and lost all hope, for who could ever learn to love a beast?

*   *   *

Peter skipped on out of his home and straight into the village, smiling and greeting everyone he passed as the village town quickly became more and more alive.

"Good morning, Peter." The village baker greets as he brings his tray of rolls over to his bakery.

"Morning, Monsieur." Peter addresses, walking over with the baker.

"Where are you off to?" The baker asks.

"The bookshop. I just finished the most wonderful story about a beanstalk and an ogre and-" Peter excitedly begins to explain, only to be cut off.

"That's nice." The baker responds absentmindedly, clearly not hearing a word Peter was saying, before yelling. "Marie, the baguettes! Hurry up!"

Peter just shrugged before putting his book back in the basket he was carrying and continuing on his way; hopping on the back of someone's carriage to get to the bookshop faster.

Peter quickly ran into the shop, the bell above the door ringing and announcing his presence to the bookseller.

"Ah, Peter." The seller acknowledges.

"Good morning. I've come to return the book I've borrowed." Peter says, handing the seller the book he was carrying around.

"Finished already?" The seller questions, sounding a bit impressed.

"I couldn't put it down. Have you got anything new?" Peter asks as he climbs the ladder and begins scanning all of the books.

"Not since yesterday." The seller laughs.

"That's all right. I'll borrow... this one." Peter says, going and grabbing a familiar book off of the shelf and handing it to the seller.

"That one? But you've read it twice." The seller amusedly says.

"Well, it's my favorite. Far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise." Peter excitedly says, swinging off of the ladder.

"If you like it all that much, it's yours." The seller offers, making Peter gasp.

"But, sir..." Peter goes to protest.

"I insist." The seller presses creating a huge smile on Peter's face.

"Well, thank you. Thank you very much." Peter expresses his gratitude, instantly opening up the book and reading as he began to walk home; completely oblivious to the man following him. That was until the man jumped right in front of him.

"Hello, Peter." The man greets.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Osborn." Peter responds, not even bothering to take his eyes off the book. Norman, not liking not having the attention on him at the moment, quickly swiped the book out of the boy's hands.

"Monsieur Osborn, may I have my book, please?" Peter asks, making Norman scoff before flipping through the book.

"How can you read this? There are no pictures." Norman scoffs.

"Well, some people use their imaginations." Peter retorts, Norman rolling his eyes at the prospect and throwing the book over his shoulder.

"Peter, it's about time you got your head out of those books and paid attention to more important things. Like working for me." Norman says.

Ever since Norman found out that the only reason the Parkers were able to earn money was by Peter making and selling different inventions, he's been all but begging Peter to work for him. And clearly, he refuses to take no as an answer.

"The whole town's talking about it. It's not right for a little boy to be reading fantasies all the time." Norman disapproves as Peter reached down and grabbed the book up off of the ground.

"Monsieur Osborn, you are positively primeval." Peter says, looking at Norman in confusion when the man looked proud of the dig.

"Why, thank you, Peter. Now, what do you say you and me take a walk over to my workshop and take a look at some of my work." Norman says, trying to pull Peter in the direction of his workshop.

"Maybe some other time." Peter says, pulling his arm out of Norman's grip when it seemed like the man wasn't going to be letting go anytime soon. "Please, Monsieur Osborn, I can't. I have to get home to help my Aunt. Goodbye." Peter bids farewell.

"That crazy old loon. She needs all the help she can get." Victor Von Doom, Norman's right-hand-man, says making both him and Norman laugh.

"Don't talk about my Aunt that way." Peter yells at them, making Norman sober up.

"Yeah! Don't talk about his Aunt that way." Norman whirls on Victor.

"My Aunt is not crazy. She's just old." Peter defends, his argument falling short when something in his kitchen exploded, making Peter run towards his house, completely ignoring the laughter that was in the background.

Peter quickly ran inside the house, coughing due to all of the smoke floating around in the air.

"Aunt May?" Peter calls out, still coughing and waving away all of the smoke.

"How on earth did that happen?" Aunt May grumbles, trying to free her leg from the wood and wires that it was trapped in.

"Are you alright, Aunt May?" Peter asks.

"I-I don't know what happened. I think I accidentally turned this contraption on." May says, pointing at Peter's recent invention that was sitting there in the middle of the house.

"I'm sorry. I'm about ready to give up on this hunk of junk." Peter huff, clearly disappointed with how slowly the new invention was coming together.

"You always say that." May tuts fondly.

"I mean it this time! I'll never get this boneheaded contraption to work!" Peter angrily says, making May cross her arms.

"Peter, watch your language." May chides, erasing Peter's look of anger and turning it into him looking fully reprimanded.  

"Sorry, Aunt May." Peter mumbles out an apology.

"And you will get this to work." May encourages, taking Peter's face into her hands. "And it will win first prize at the fair tomorrow. And we won't have a thing to worry about this winter." May says, gently brushing Peter's cheeks with her thumbs.

"You really believe that?" Peter asks.

"I always have." May confirms, making Peter grin real big.

"Well, what are we waiting for? I'll have this thing fixed in no time." Peter exclaims, climb underneath the contraption. "Can you hand me that... the dog-legged clincher there." Peter asks May, the woman being quick to do so.

"So, did you have a good time out in town today?" May asks once Peter had his tool.

"I got a new book." Peter tells his aunt before tightening a few things. "Aunt May, do you think I'm odd?" Peter decides to ask.

"My nephew? Odd? Where would you get an idea like that?" May scoffs.

"Oh, I don't know. It's just that I'm not sure I fit in here. There's no one I really can talk to." Peter sighs.

"What about Norman? He seems like a nice fella, and he likes inventing things like you. He could be like your mentor." May says.

"Yeah, he seems nice, but he's actually rude and conceited and... oh, Aunt May, I would never want to work for someone who treats people so terribly." Peter tells his Aunt.

"Well, don't you worry, 'cause this invention you're working on is gonna be the start of a new life for us." May reassures as Peter rolls out from underneath the machine.

"I think that's done it. Now, let's give it a try." Peter says, pulling the lever and causing the machine to whistle and whir.

Both May and Peter stepped back a bit, covering their faces just in case the machine blew up. Thankfully, instead of blowing up, the machine began to do its intended purpose, swinging an ax down and chopping the log that was in front of it.

"It works!" May exclaims.

"It does?" Peter asks in shock, watching as the machine continued to chop wood. "It does!"

"You did it. You really did it." May proudly says, pulling Peter into a tight hug. "Hitch up Philippe, boy. I'm off to the fair!"  May says, Peter quickly running out of the house and hitching their horse, Phillippe, to the carriage.

May quickly pack up as many supplies she needed for the travel before getting her coat and throwing it on while Peter took the invention and placed it in the ack of the carriage.

"I love you, Peter." May says as she comes outside, planting a kiss on Peter's forehead.

"I love you too, Aunt May." Peter repeats the sentiment.

"Take care while I'm gone." May says as she hops up onto Phillippe.

"Always." Peter responds, watching as his Aunt began to ride off down the road.

Tag List: @spideyspeaches​ @joyful-soul-collector​ @lost-lunar-wolf​ @hatakehikari​ @thatcrackheadsadbitchtm​

[emerald-amidst-gold]

WIP Wednesday

I haven’t been working on too many different things lately, but I have been bouncing in and out of the next chapter of my main fic! I hope to have it done by the end of this week, but work. Work is a bitch. Anyways, have a little sneak peek, as well as a new character! 

Thank you @cartadwarfwithaheartofgold for the tag! <3

***

Fane let out a light growl as the smile upon his visitor’s face only grew upon the sight of him. “You finished trying to break my door in?”, he spat out tiredly. The knocks had been soft, he knew, but he was as sour as spoiled milk right now.

The lithe, but slender muscled form positioned just below the entrance to the aravel jumped a bit in restrained excitement. “Ah-ha! He has arisen from his deep slumber!”, the black haired elf before him exclaimed with a flourish of his arms and a light, musical timbre. “Aneth ara, ma falon! It is time to begin this warm day with verdant canopies as our shields against radiant swords!”

He blankly stared at the widely smiling man before him, eyebrow twitching minutely from the usage of Elvhen that came out a tad odd. It always annoyed him for some reason. There was just something about how the syllables came out of most of the People’s mouths that made him want to vomit. He would take a chance and say that it wasn’t ‘right’--the enunciation at times painfully strained or a specific phrase felt lacking for another word that was typically forgotten, but how would he know that? He wouldn’t, and it was one of the reasons why he opted not to speak it. He wouldn’t use something if it wasn’t correct or complete. He wouldn’t use something that was..grey.

“I’m going to put you into a deep slumber in a second if you don’t cut the theatrics.”, he warned with a small sneer, the throbbing in his head intensifying from the bright sunlight, the exuberance of the other elf, and his distaste for the language still echoing in his mind like a discordant chord. 

“What? No ‘good morning’ for me?”, the elf said with an indignant scoff, slapping a hand over his leather clad chest in mock distress--the azure scarf that adorned a slender neck bunching from the action. “You would me so deeply, lethallin! I fear I may bleed crimson from such stabbing inconsideracy!”

Fane pushed against the inside of his cheek with his tongue before resting his forehead against the edge of the door. He was not in the mood for this today. Why did this man always have to have so much blighted energy?

“Cyfrin..”, he growled out his intruder’s name, narrowing his eyes when it only made the elf smile more. He had to wonder if that naturally flushed face would eventually split from such strain. That would certainly improve his mood, if only for a moment.

“Oh, my name!”, Cyfrin gasped as he slapped his hands against his cheeks in mock surprise. “How heavenly to hear it uttered with such growling enthusiasm!”, he practically swooned, but Fane could see the glint of mischief in the other’s eyes. 

He growled louder at that. Of all days for him to be cursed with Cyfrin’s proclivity for theatrics, why did it have to be this one? He himself was known at times to edge towards crypticism, speaking in odd measured verses and rhymes without really thinking, but Cyfrin took it to a more..hyperactive level. The man was like an actor in a play--waiting with bated breath for a raucous wave of applause and ovations. Normally, the odd gestures and flowery words only got knocks on the head and looks of concerned confusion, but Fane would let him live on his imaginary stage. It took the attention away from himself, but he did tend to...step in if someone was going too far with their knocks. And by step in, he meant ‘kick’ in. 

..With a boot. 

..To the jaw. 

..And quite possibly a chest for good measure. 

Looking at it now, he wasn’t sure why he bothered because of how much irritation he was currently feeling towards the grinning elf. Was this what friendship was supposed to feel like?

He continued to stare at Cyfrin with a bored look--his irritation towards him blocking out the irritation towards his predicament from earlier. At least this was proving to be an efficient distraction, but not for his head--his head was aching.

Cyfrin leaned towards him with a waggle of his black, thick eyebrows which only made his head want to explode. “Will you not grace me with more honeyed words? You are woefully silent--glaring with the intention to smite me into ash.”, he teased.

Fane took a deep breath, faintly hearing how the wooden door cracked from where his grip was digging into it. “Ar tu na'din.”, he snarled out the Elvhen, swearing he could taste more bile from the fluidity of those words. “How’s that for your ‘honeyed’ words?”

Cyfrin blinked before his smile faded into a more wry one. “Rough night, Fae?”, he asked with a more reserved voice--all exaggerated enunciation gone and opting to use his childhood nickname. All typical theatrics fell away instantly as arms were crossed instead of brandished with embellishment--an indication that he was being serious now, and that had Fane letting out a tiny sigh. Well, that was a minor relief to his throbbing head.

“What gave you that idea?”, he asked sarcastically after a few moments, taking another deep breath to calm his prior irritation. He hated how riled up he could get with only a few misplaced words. It usually wasn’t this easy, but he was tired. So, so tired.

“You have bags the size of boulders under those sparkling eyes of yours.”, Cyfrin explained with a small chuckle. He indicated upwards with a light poke of his finger from his crossed arms which made Fane reach up to rub under an eye for a moment. 

He sighed tiredly as he quickly replaced his rubbing hand to his side. Curse involuntary reactions. “Perceptive.”, he said.

“Aren’t I always?”, Cyfrin teased with a smirk. “Your enunciation of that phrase is otherworldly, however. Like the trembling of silk in a gusty gale. Will you not give me one more teeny tiny word?”

“No.”

***

A tad long, but I wasn’t sure what scene I wanted to use, but meet Cyfrin, everyone! A wacky, silly man with a proclivity towards theatrics! 

Tagging: @oxygenforthewicked @noire-pandora @lunar-shards @w-h-4-t @dreadfutures @another-rogue-trevelyan @thelittlestboi and anyone else who’d like to join in! (As always, no pressure! <3)

[schrijverr]

Careless affection hit me hard

Five times Bertie calls Jonny ‘love’ in the British way and one time in the in love way.

AKA Jonny is a gay disaster and gets overwhelmed by any sort of affection.

On AO3.

Ships: Jonny x Bertie x Tim

Warnings: none, but tell me if I missed anything or if you want me to tag something!

I got this idea from @ohwormhere who was kind enough to let me use it, so thank you!

~~~~~~~~~

One.

Jonny was rummaging through Berties pack. He was planning to steal some booze and didn’t really care the the owner of said pack was looking right at him while he did it with one eyebrow raised and an amused look on his face.

Bertie shook his head when Jonny went on with stealing and sighed: “While you’re going through there, could you at least hand me the cards, love?”

And just like that Jonny froze.

He knew Bertie didn’t mean it like that, he’d heard him call Tim darlin’ enough for him to spot the difference in tone. Bertie was just British, he couldn't help it, probably.

But still that didn’t mean, Jonny didn’t freeze. His one hand was still in the pack, other halfway to the ground where he was about to steady himself.

Jonny only came back to life when he almost toppled over, barely catching himself and getting the attention from Bertie, Tim and TS, who were waiting on him.

“You alright there, mate?” Tim called out.

Trying to hide his furious blush, Jonny turned away, focusing on getting the cards, booze long forgotten as he replied: “I’m fine.”

Two.

The first time it had happened was still playing heavily on Jonnys mind, when the second time almost killed them all.

They were in a trench shooting in the dark, hoping that the aiming at the noises would enough to make it through the day. Jonny was, much to his dismay, on laser fuel duty, which meant keeping his hand in a crate so that he could quickly hand over ammunition and no one had stumble around in the pitch blackness.

Bertie made the sign for more ammunition and Jonny quickly handed it over, making a small noise so Bertie would know where he was.

After a bit of groping the air, Bertie found Jonnys arm. He slid his hand down to Jonnys and took the fuel with a quick: “Ah, thanks, love.”

Because of this Jonny missed The Toy Soldiers request, but luckily it would survive, well come back from, the hit in the head that followed and by the time Tim asked for fuel, Jonny was out of his stupor.

Three.

It happened again a few days later.

The Toy Soldier had heard a stupid order and, in a moment of irritation, Jonny had followed after it to tell it to come back. However, he had lost The Toy Soldier rather quickly and also the way back in the dark.

He had been trying to get back to the British front lines for a few hours already and in that time he had only found a Lunar Men stronghold. It had been a nice temporary distraction, but whatever was left hadn’t given him any clues about his position.

So, now he was just walking in a direction and hoping it was the right one. He was about halfway into a new passage when he heard a familiar voice say: “We’re not going to find them, Bertie-dear. Lets go back. You know how those two idiots can be, they’ll come back when they want to.”

“I am worried, darlin’.” another familiar voice replied, “Because I know how much of an idiot those two can be.”

Jonny wasn’t going to let that slide, so he called out: “Oi, I heard that, fucker.”

There was a momentary silence of surprise, then Tim exclaimed: “Jonny!”

The two soldiers rushed over to his voice and with a dim flashlight Bertie checked him over for injuries. When he found none, he grinned and patted Jonnys cheek: “There you go, love, all alright.”

If there hadn’t been a dim light the heat alone would have been enough to give away how much Jonny blushed at that statement. He cleared his throat and groused: “Yeah, yeah, I’m always alright,  so whatever. There’s, well, there was a Lunar Men stronghold further up, we should go inform the sarge of that.”

Jonny didn’t miss Tims grin as he slung an arm around his shoulder and pulled him along while he said: “Whatever you say, Jonny.”

Four.

He thought he would be over it by the fourth time it happened, but no.

They were playing cards when Jonny slipped one out of his hand and into his sleeve replacing it with another. With a winning smile he showed his hand and started to collect his prize. However, another hand on his own stopped him.

“Oh, you’re going to regret that, love.” Bertie told him, looking him straight in the eye.

Jonny almost fainted at the sight and sound, but he managed to swallow around the sudden lump in his throat and focused on whatever it was Bertie was holding in front of him.

An ace of hearts.

Fuck, he thought to himself, that had been the exact card he had switched in order to cheat. Caught in the act, red handed.

Tims stupidly handsome face appeared in his view, with an annoy smirk on it. He jeered: “You going to move, or is Berties hand that interesting?”

“What?” Jonny asked, finally blinking.

“You’ve been sitting there staring for a while now.” Bertie told him gently, “I was getting worried about you.”

Tim leaned over Berties lap and rolled his eyes: “You worry to much, Bertie-dear. Lighten up a bit, the fucker has survived this far, little card game won’t kill him. Besides, he still needs to pay up.”

“He’s Quite Right, Ol’ Chap.” The Toy Soldier interjected, “Mx. O’Reilly Would Be Very Disappointed In That Horrifying Display Of Cheatery.”

“Sometimes, TS, I really wish you would keep you’re mouth shut, you know that?” Jonny told it, swiftly ignoring Tim, whose hair Bertie was now carding his hand through. He didn’t know who he was more jealous of and the fact that he was made him nervous.

Apparently that wouldn't sit right with Tim, Jonny suspected this was more due to the fact that Bertie shared everything with Tim, so him not paying up also affected Tim then anything else, but still.

Tim sat up and draped himself over Jonny as he told him: “Go on, be a dear and pay up, Jonny.”

He put an emphasis on dear and with one look to his face Jonny knew Tim must have noticed his reactions to the petnames, unintentional as they were. It didn’t help his case that his cheeks lit up once more, so he just shoved Tim off him with a “Piss off,” before handing Bertie the booze they had been betting.

Five.

When it happened again, Jonny knew that this time it was on purpose. It wasn’t hard to figure that one out.

The accidental endearments had stopped after the cards-incident and Jonny was already missing them, which he kind of hated himself for. Tim and Bertie were happy together and he was just being stupid over nothing.

Anyway, back to Bertie. Jonny had been waiting for another accidental ‘love’ out of Berties mouth and desperately trying to ignore Tims looks as well as the growing nervousness in his chest as if he were a blushing school girl.

It happened again in a well lit area and Bertie was watching him intently the whole time, which is how Jonny had gathered it was on purpose, making a pit appear in his stomach.

He had almost fallen over, since he wasn’t looking where he was going too busy keeping an eye on Tim, scared of what he might do with the information Jonny knew he had.

Bertie luckily caught him before he befriended the floor and made a fool out of himself. He looked Jonny in the eye earnestly and asked: “You alright, love?”

The effect was immediate, much to Jonnys horror. His cheeks turned into roses, and it crept over his nose, down to his neck as he stuttered an affirmation.

All the while, Bertie was cataloging his reactions like he was merely an interesting animal at the zoo instead of a soldier in a very dangerous situation, namely on the brink of being found out about his stupid feelings that he didn’t want anyone to know about.

He saw Bertie take a breath, probably to let him down gently and Jonny didn’t want to hear it, he couldn't take it. So he snatched his arm back out of Berties grip and hightailed out of there.

“Well that went shit.” he heard Tim say in the background, making him increase his pace.

+ One.

The problem with dramatically stomping away in a small war camp is that there aren’t many places to go and if he wanted a comfortable place to sleep, he would have to face Tim and Bertie once more.

He’d contemplated to just leave and try to find The Toy Soldier, who had gotten lost again to the other side, but thought better of it. He couldn't leave Bertie and Tim without his protection.

So, after he had sulked alone and had come to terms to the embarrassing rejection he would have to face eventually, he made his way back to their tent.

Tim and Bertie were already sitting in front of it and Tim lit up once he saw him and waved. Bertie perked up as well and smiled and waved too. Embarrassed and confused Jonny waved back softly, before making his way over.

Arriving he looked to the ground and scuffed his foot in the moon sand, biting his lip as he waited for the verbal impact of words slung his way.

“I didn’t mean to make you upset or uncomfortable, I swear.” Bertie began after a few seconds of silence.

Jonny head snapped up with a frown and he said: “I was going to say that.”

“What, why?” Bertie asked.

Beside him Tim facepalmed and groaned: “I thought I explained that to you. God, you are both so stupid.”

“Hey!” Jonny exclaimed indignantly, jabs from Tim were at least more familiar territory.

“Not helping, Tim, this is exactly why I am doing the talking.” Bertie told him, then he turned to Jonny, “Just ignore him. What I meant to ask is: why you would say that?”

“Why do you want to know?” Jonny asked, suspicious the moment he realized the other two had planned this conversation, even if that shouldn’t really come as a surprise seeing that they were together and had discovered he was crushing on them.

“Because you didn’t do anything to make us- uhm, me uncomfortable and if the reason is what we expect it is then I can tell you it’s alright.” Bertie explained gently.

“What reason do you expect?” Jonny asked, still on guard, since he suspected the something they suspected, but that seemed insane and out of reach.

“Well,” Bertie began carefully, “if I am correct, and do tell me if I’m not, but if I am correct it would seem that the logical conclusion from the evidence is that-”

“Oh my god, just hurry the fuck up. Ugh!” Tim groaned, “We think you like him and maybe even me or you have the most serious case of touch starvation I have ever seen and then I will give you a hug right now, in both cases actually.”

Jonnys eyes grew wide, both were dead on. Was he really that easy to read? He wondered faintly, before the blood rushing to his head took over and all he could say was: “Ah- uh- oh- uhm- yeah- well- you see- uhm. Yes?”

“Yes?” Bertie asked.

“Uhm, yes, to- to both- or all, I guess?” Jonny stammered once he had regained a bit more coherency.

“Oh, come here, love.” the tone was different, Jonny heard instantly how it sounded more like Tims darlin’ than before. Bertie held his arms open and Jonny just collapsed in them. It seemed almost unreal that this was where this whole debacle had lead, right to the safety of strong arms and a soothing hand on his back.

He felt Tim draping himself over his back, before he whispered in his ear: “I knew you cared, sweetheart.”

The blush on Jonnys face increased in heat once more, but he didn’t deny it. Why would he, when he knew Tim and Bertie cared too?

[wangxiangiftexchange]

Lunar New Year Gift for theyilinglaozus!

For @theyilinglaozus <3

*****

these warm and moonlit summer nights (we tangle so well together)

tags: established relationship, post canon, hair brushing, fluff

The cool evening breeze feels like gentle caresses on Lan Zhan’s face from where he stands in the balcony. The setting sun peeks out from behind the magnolias and as Lan Zhan stands there admiring the contrast, so focused on the sound of the gentle wind chimes he misses the quiet footsteps sneaking up behind him.

He feels Wei Ying’s slow exhales against his face before he notices unbearably light arms closing around his waist in a firm hold. They stay like that for a while, basking in the warm glow of each other’s presence, the easy lightness of being held, the feel of each breath against his neck, calm and alive.

 By the time the sky has turned into a dim purple from the bright orange earlier, Lan Zhan can feel the slow drag of Wei Ying’s kisses against his neck. He feels Wei Ying withdraw a little and gather his hair onto a side which allows him more access to Lan Zhan’s skin. Eventually, the feeling of his firm chest against Lan Zhan’s back returns.  He feels his kisses over his robes, under his ears and around his neck. He can feel the tension leave his body bit by bit, lulled by the sense of security and warmth he has allowed himself to have in Wei Ying’s arms.

Wei Ying’s gentle treatment combined with the cool evening breeze eventually has goosebumps rising against his skin. Wei Ying notices and stops in his actions. He removes himself from where he is tangled up against Lan Zhan and Lan Zhan feels something whine in the back of his throat with the need. He does not get too much time to dwell over it though as Wei Ying immediately comes to stand in front of him. 

“Aiyah! Who would believe me if I told them the reason why the great Hanguang-jun wears at least seven layers at all times is that he gets cold easily? Huh, Lan Zhan? Look at you! Breaking into shivers because you’re only wearing three layers, huh?”

 Wei Ying’s teasing smile and the laughter in his eyes envelop Lan Zhan’s entire being. He is helpless against the tide of affection that rises in him. Lan Zhan caves into the feeling of that warmth, the feeling of the corners of his mouth tilting upwards. Lan Zhan resists an eye roll at the comical gasp that Wei Ying lets out at the sight.

“Lan-er-gege! Hanguang-jun! How many times do I have to remind you to give me a warning? Do you not care at all about this poor husband’s heart?” Wei Ying fake-yells shoving an accusing finger in his face.

“Mn, warning,”  Lan Zhan answers back. His voice has a soft hoarseness to it from misuse and Wei Ying lets out another dramatic gasp.

“So cruel! Gege is so mean to me! Not only is he acting unreasonably, but he also uses that voice against his husband! Ah! my woes! What shall this husband do? Who shall he turn to?”

Lan Zhan immediately goes to still his dramatic hand movements. He lowers their joined hands down and steps closer to Wei Ying.

“Mn. How about I make it up to Wei Ying? Let me brush Wei Ying’s hair?”

Wei Ying lets out another soft smile at that as he nuzzles into Lan Zhan’s front nodding. Lan Zhan untangles their joined hands in favour of placing a hand against Wei Ying’s lower back as he leads him inside. 

Lan Zhan seats him in front of the mirror close to their bed as he goes to rummage through the drawer where they keep their combs and ribbons. He picks out the red jade comb with Wangxian’s musical score engraved on it that he got Wei Ying for their first anniversary and the white ribbon Wei Ying often wears to bed. Lan Zhan returns to his place on the bed behind Wei Ying and begins his ministrations. 

Wei Ying’s hair is already down as he hadn’t bothered typing it up in favour of joining Lan Zhan in the balcony after his bath. Lan Zhan begins by dividing his hair into two parts. He then raises his comb to gently untangle through the dark tresses. Wei Ying hums and leans back into his touch a little and Lan Zhan is overcome with so much love over the level of familiarity of their positions.

He loses himself in it then. Bit by bit he feels how Wei Ying further relaxes into his touch by the time he gets around to comb through the second divided portion of his hair. Once he’s managed to get through all the tangles, Wei Ying makes the perfect image of a purring cat in his hold. He has to shuffle him away a bit so that he can manage to tie the ribbon in a loose low ponytail. As soon as he lowers his hands after he’s done with the knot, he immediately feels Wei Ying slump back into his hold. Lan Zhan turns back after he’s placed the comb back on the bedside table. 

“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan murmurs against his husband's hair from where he’s pressed against him. Wei Ying only hums.

“I am going to move you around a bit so you can lie down properly. Leaning like this will only put pressure on your back.” 

Wei Ying only lets out a slight whine when Lan Zhan moves them both around a bit until his back is against the headboard and Wei Ying is comfortably lying in his lap. Wei Ying opens his eyes to look up at him as he adjusts himself a bit. The trust and love in his eyes once again encompass Lan Zhan’s entire being with how much he’s feeling. 

Wei Ying rewards him with one of his sleepy smiles and shuts his eyes once again as he nuzzles into his lap. Lan Zhan’s fingers go back to Wei Ying’s head; he alternates between massaging Wei Ying’s temples and slightly dipping into his locks. He loses himself in it as Wei Ying goes completely pliant under him, letting out slight hums and moans under him.

He is struck by how the privilege to hold Wei Ying and shower him with his love has always been so out of reach. His only wish, unattainable. Looking down at him as he gently cradles his zhiji into his lap is all he’s ever desired. To know Wei Ying and be known by him; to be surrounded by such comfortable familiarity is within his reach now.  He never has to let go ever again.

[sourcherrybomb]

SoKai Week 2020 - Day 4 - How to (Incorrectly) Summon a Demon

Synopsis: Sora, a wizard in training, prepares to summon a demon in a desperate attempt to improve his magical prowess. However, things don’t go exactly as planned...

Sneak Peek:  “Hey now, didn’t your mother ever teach you not to stare?” the demoness asks Sora in a playful fashion. “At least focus on my eyes for now, darling.”

Tags: Light Romance, Comedy, Slightly Mature, Slightly Coarse Language, F/M, (It’s not smut, I promise)

Prompt for the Day: AU Day!

Words: 2.4k

Fanart By: karya_mukti (Fiverr)

As a pale moon rises, a wizard-in-training rushes around the confines of a messy tower chamber. Curious-looking tools hang on the walls of the chamber alongside the lamps that light the darkness of the room. Various scrolls, textbooks, and phials of mysterious elixirs are strewn across the floor in a messy and uncaring fashion. The moonlight is let in through a singular, round window, the young wizard waiting for it to line up just right with the carefully detailed magic circle drawn in chalk on the floor.

The trainee’s master would most definitely be angered at the state the room is in. The thought of her in another rage brought a shiver down his spine. Besides making a mess, the various summoning taboos the young man was breaking would be enough to make a more rule-abiding student faint. 

But to Sora, none of that matters. 

After years of messing up and being the laughingstock of his fellow trainees, he would finally have the power to succeed. His days of messing up incantations, having spells blow up in his face, and more would all end once he summoned a powerful enough demon to assist him. Sora wasn’t just aiming for any regular old demon, he was aiming for an Archdemon.

Everything was set up. In the sky was a full moon on the sixth month of the year and the stars of Altair and Vega aligned at the perfect angle. Within Sora was enough mana saved up through the use of elixirs. On his right hand was a special tattoo made to match the summoning circle drawn on the floor. And finally, the coup de grace, a forbidden tome from his master’s personal library, one that would aid in demonic summoning rituals. Written in demontongue, Sora had spent a whole month deciphering the text in secret.

All of these tools would aid Sora in summoning a demon and becoming their master.

Wiping the sweat off his brow, he rolls up the sleeves of his uniform’s cloak. Picking up a book bound in a scaly black leather, Sora opens the ancient tome to a page he had previously marked. Raising his right hand, he waits for the moonlight to shine through the window and line up with the magic circle on the ground.

It’s now or never… he thinks to himself. As the lunar rays make their way across the room, Sora begins to speak.

L'ta raeq yoq aem saowar… 

The marks on his hand begin to glow a crimson red.

Aem nph soin… 

The flames from the candles surrounding the magic circle on the ground change to a violet hue.

Aem aony ardor…

The various runes within the circle begin to glow

Maezzael zes gazina…

The center of the magic circle begins to glow various shades of red.

Oth yaeza qae esaeun zoedabbi!

A blinding red light fills the room as a powerful force knocks Sora backwards and onto the floor, scattering all the texts and tools within the room alongside him. As he rubs the back of his head and his eyes regain focus, the light starts to dissipate. In its place in the middle of the magic circle was a young woman sporting a devilishly smug grin. Garbed in pink and black garments, at first glance she seemed normal, but only if you ignored the blood red horns and demonic wings behind her back.

“Hey now, didn’t your mother ever teach you not to stare?” the demoness asks Sora in a playful fashion. “At least focus on my eyes for now, darling.”

Shifting his surprised gaze away, Sora stands up in confusion. “This… is not what I was expecting to happen.”

The demoness pouts and she inches closer to the young wizard. “Oh, so you didn’t mean to summon little ol’ me?”

“W-well I meant to summon a demon,” Sora stammers out. “Besides the wings and horns, you aren’t exactly what I imagined…”

“Oh don’t forget the tail, darling,” she says as the aforementioned limb slowly wraps itself around Sora’s right hand, eliciting a reaction from him that the demoness finds particularly amusing. “I swear, sometimes it has a mind of its own. As for what you imagined, at least when it comes to Succubi like me, I can’t imagine any other appearance would be as… Sensually inclined.”

“S-succubus?!”

“One of many, darling!” The succubus says as she winks. “What, don’t like what you see?”

“It’s not that I don’t, it’s just-”

“Ah, wonderful! Here I thought you were trying to summon an Incubus.” The succubus stares up and down at Sora. “You certainly do give off the disposition of someone who would do so… But darling, your reaction to me certainly proves otherwise!”

As she laughs, Sora sighs and makes a mental note to watch his words around the demoness. “Listen when I attempted to summon a demon, I was aiming for an Archdemon!”

“One of those prudes?” The succubus scoffs. “Honestly darling, you’re better off with me. Afterall, you did use a summoning circle specifically for succubi.”

“I what?!” Sora grabs the demonic summoning tome off the ground and flips to the page he bookmarked. Pointing at the page, he shows it to the succubus. “Here, doesn’t this read Archdemon?”

Pulling a pair of red glasses from thin air, the demoness reads the page. “Hmmm, nope this is a summoning ritual for me and my many sisters. Demontongue is a complex language for humans, I’m not surprised that-”

Sora lets out a frustrated yell and throws the book at the ground. It’s enough to surprise the succubus and cause the glasses to disappear. “Damn it! Why does this always happen?!” This accident was all too reminiscent of how his magical studies would go. Attempt something, fail, look for a crackpot solution, and fail again.

From behind, the succubus wraps her arms around Sora. “Awww, what’s wrong darling? Want to tell little ol’ me? I promise I’m a good listener.”

“And why do you keep on calling me Darling?” Sora asks angrily. “I have a name, you know!”

Letting go of Sora, the demoness puts her hands on her hips. “Ah yes, and I certainly would love to know it. As much as I adore calling you this little pet name-” Moving closer, she softly strokes Sora’s face. “I’ve been told by many men and women that they love it when I call their names out.”

As she continues to caress Sora’s face, he feels the anger melt away. Amongst other feelings and emotions, the gesture calms him down from his rage.

“Sora… It’s Sora.”

The succubus flashes a warm smile, one much different than the smug one she had been wearing since her summoning. The sight of it is enough to get Sora to blush ever so slightly, something she keeps a mental note of for the future.

“Well then, Sora. I’d imagine it’d be my turn to introduce myself.” As she floats backwards away from Sora, he subconsciously takes a step forward towards the demoness. “I am a Greater Succubus amongst my succubi sisters. My name in its native Demontongue is unpronounceable by most humans, but if I were to roughly translate it, in the human language it would be Kairi.”

That’s… A surprisingly cute name, Sora thinks to himself. “Okay then, Kairi. Is there any way to send you back to the Underworld?”

“My my, Sora!” Kairi feigned surprise. “I didn’t peg you as the type to toss aside a woman if she bored you.”

“N-no! It’s not like that!” he persists. “It’s just that, I did summon you by accident. The least I can do is send you back to your home without issue. I’m starting to think this whole demon summoning thing wasn’t a right fit for me, with me getting the translations wrong and all.”

“Pfft. That literal hellhole isn’t much as a home as you’d think it be. It’s been many decades since I last stepped foot in the human world, in all honesty I'd much rather stay here.” Kairi points at the mark on Sora’s right hand. “Not to mention, that seal on your hand? That’s not just for show, that’s my contract with you.”

“Contract?”

A master who can’t or didn’t read all the instructions, Kairi thinks to herself. This will be fun… 

“Yes, a contract! With this seal I am bound to you until the end of your mortal lifespan.” She says to Sora, lying as easily as she could breathe. After all, the seal was less of a binding contract and more of a leash that could be taken off by the master when needed. 

Looks like I have a new mana reservoir for the next… Let’s say thirty to forty years, tops. Kairi thinks to herself. After all, that’s just enough time to play around with my new boy toy…   

“So I’m stuck with you then?” Sora asks, his voice slightly annoyed.

“Oh darling, I wouldn’t say stuck…” Kairi’s eyes flash red at the idea of being labelled as any sort of burden. “After all, this relationship between you and me is mutually beneficial!”

Sora slightly shrinks back when he sees the demonic red behind Kairi’s eyes. “I-If I may ask, how so?”

A sly grin shows up on Kairi’s face. “I’m glad you asked! It’s quite simple, all you need to do is give me mana daily. In exchange, I will act as a servant both in the magical sense-” Once again, Kairi closes the distance between her and Sora, putting her face barely an inch away from his. “And physical sense. I am a succubus afterall, depriving me of my more carnal desires wouldn’t be the best for either of our interests…”

Sora, being the blushing mess he his, could only let out a nervous laugh.

“Of course, you do seem much younger than most of the people who have summoned me in the past.” Kairi floats away, making space between the two. “How old are you anyways?”

The tight feeling in Sora’s chest fades away as he lets out a sigh of relief. “I’m sixteen as of this year.”

“Tsk tsk. Naughty boy, summoning someone such as myself at your age.” Kairi teases. “For now, your dreams should suffice. At least, until you become of age.”

Deep down, Sora becomes slightly disappointed that he’d have to wait a couple years. However, Hell would be more likely to freeze over before he admitted that to Kairi. Pushing those thoughts away, Sora shakes his head to refocus himself. He may have messed up the summoning, but he was going to make the best of this situation.

“Okay so you say you can help me with my magic,” Sora states. “Even someone as inexperienced as me?”

Kairi lets out a chuckle. “Can you really call yourself that after summoning the wrong demon? There’s definitely potential in you, after all. I had every right to avoid your summons and let one of my sisters take my place, but I chose to answer it.”

“But why?”

“Like I said, I wanted a taste of the human world once again!” Kairi stares out the window, gently smiling as she stares up at the starry sky above. The moonlight shines on her in a way that makes Sora stare in awe. “Oh how much I missed it! The last few masters I had always kept me at arms length, never letting me enjoy my time here. I’m only asking this because you seem to be a kind one, but please don’t be a spoilsport and let me have some innocent fun?”

Can’t help but wonder what your definition of “Innocent” is, Sora thinks to himself. “Okay, then. I’ll make a deal with you then.”

“I’m certainly listening.” Kairi focuses her gaze on Sora.

“I supply you with my mana and let you have your ‘innocent fun’ here in my realm,” Sora says sternly. “In return, you assist me in everything having to do with my magic. Giving my spells more power, creating potions and elixirs, you name it.”

Sora extends his seal-adorned right hand. Smiling, Kairi puts her hand on his.

“It’s a deal then,” she says. Pulling his hand, Kairi once again closes the distance between her and Sora, creating an intimate amount of space between them. “Of course, when you come of age, I have a feeling you’d want to revisit our arrangement to factor in my other services.”

As she speaks, Sora feels her scaly tail stroking his chin. Between that and her suggestive smile, he finds himself paralyzed. Sora finds himself unable to say anything in response. 

I may have bitten off more than I can chew, he thinks to himself as images of what Kairi could do to him fill his mind.

“Now then!” Kairi claps her hands together. “I know it’s nighttime and you might pass out after all the mana you’ve just expended summoning me, but I saw a field of flowers at the base of this tower and I demand you take me to them now!”

I do feel pretty damn tired right now, Sora thinks. Some fresh air might do me good before bed, though.

“Let’s head downstairs then.” As he leads Kairi to the stairs, she does a little spin in the air and follows him.

“You’d best prepare yourself, Sora!” Kairi says. “When you wake up, the first thing you’re doing is making me some human food!”

“Hey now, aren’t I the master here?” Sora asks.

“True, but what woman wouldn’t want to be fed breakfast by their boy toy?”

Sora lets out a sigh. He knew what he was signing up for when he planned to summon a demon, he just never expected their mischievousness to include so much teasing.

Things are about to get a lot more interesting, aren’t they? 

---

Gonna be real, part of me really wants to make this oneshot a multi-fic story. I’d change some details, but I think it’d be doable and a pretty fun experience. Fun fact, the root words for Succubus (succuba) and Incubus (incubāre) actually imply who’s on top or bottom, Succubi being the former with Incubi as the latter. 

(Demon girls ftw, go play Helltaker on Steam. It’s free!)

Since this entry was for AU Day, so I decided to go a bit nuts and write something that’s a bit out there. Like before, thanks to the Sokai: Destined Oath Discord server as well as the member Gee for acting as my Beta Reader!

Thanks for Reading!

[whitelotus-ffxiv]

新年快乐.

[[ tagging @benes-diction / @sirenofthesea-xiv for mentions, as always, of her beautiful amazing characters. <3 ]]

After the celebrations of the Lunar New Year in the Jade Palace, I am... tired. The banquets seem endless, the parties going on for what feels like days - maybe sennights - at a time. It’s exhausting, but it’s familiar. Among the ranks of the yakuza, we celebrated each passing year like this, too. It was a rare period of reprieve from rigorous training and painful punishments, a time to eat and a time to breathe before life went back to normal. 

Even still, even if the memories are not altogether unpleasant... the passing of the new year is difficult for me. I find it hard to be as light-hearted as those around me. Inside of my chest is what feels like a large and heavy stone - a cold sort of place where it feels like I have placed a stone just so it doesn’t feel too empty. For years, I have tried to chase this feeling away. I’ve tried to bury it and stifle it and smother it in all manner of ways, but it persists. It lingers. 

There is a place in me that cannot be filled, only repaired. Consciously, I know this. As a child, I did not mourn the passing of my parents. We never had the time. Hui and I were set and focused only on surviving each day after that. The oyabun took us in, and Hui... Hui allowed himself to mourn. He allowed himself to weep and to miss our parents and to say his goodbyes with paper lanterns covered in their names.

Sun Chun Tao. Sun Lei. 

I hated watching those lanterns float away. I resented the watery fondness in Hui’s eyes, wistful and sad but at peace, as he watched them. And I was angry at myself for ever wanting to deny him that peace, for ever wishing he would sit and suffer with me, because... I didn’t know how to let go. Hui was always the level-headed one. He was able to say goodbye and know that it was for the best.

Of all the things and lessons he taught me, I wish he had been able to teach me this one, too. 

There are some things, though, that I suppose you can only learn on your own - or that you can only learn when you’re ready.

I walked through melting snow with a thick cloak wrapped around the simple hanfu I’d chosen to wore for the journey. Jun told me there was a temple not far from the palace that the Garleans had left standing. He didn’t know if there was anyone left to attend it, but I went, regardless. I had to. 

It was in varying conditions, really. Some parts of it looked old but well-kept, while others seemed to be nothing but crumbling stone and moss. I had cleansed myself in what seemed to be a bucket of fresh water and savored the chilly bites of ice against my skin before moving on. And although it was unknown if the temple was still being used or not, I was still surprised to see that someone else was there. 

Holding a broom in gnarled hands, an old Hyur woman swept snow off of the stones. She wore the garments of a miko, and almost immediately, I felt a lump threatening to start in my throat. 

I had seen my mother’s priestess garb only once before. She kept it folded away safely in a box within a closet, deep within, but she had showed it to me before with the same wistfulness and sadness but peacefulness in which Hui paid his respects to them each year. 

“This is our history,” she had said while looking over the red and white fabric. “A special history that your brother and father can’t quite share with us. This is why you can see the ghosts that mama can see. This is why you can hear and sense things that others can’t. It’s a gift from our female ancestors - a blessing, as long as you know how to wield it, you see?” 

Despite the fact that I knew I didn’t make much sound while I walked, and that I hadn’t spoken, the old woman with her broom looked up and over her shoulder to look directly at my face. She... was not familiar, but there was something in her eyes - dark and endless - that seemed that way. Or, at least... she wasn’t familiar to me. The same could not be said the other way around.

“Ah,” she noised softly, smiling slowly as she examined my face. “Yes. We have been waiting a long time for you, little Sun Xiu.” 

Over her shoulder, I could see part of the ‘gift’ my mother mentioned in the form of hazy spirits, ones that I have always seen and never been able to name - ones that dispersed once I looked their way, and maybe it was the look on my face, or maybe it was the woman’s own thoughts, but she only smiled more once I looked her way once more. 

“I guess that you have,” I relented quietly, coaxing soft laughter from the miko. 

“Come out of the cold. I expect there’s much to talk about, Sun Xiu.”

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

She took us to a private room, and while she brewed a pot of tea, I observed her rather than the surroundings - which were simple, really, and not unusual for a temple’s inner rooms. The woman herself demanded my attention more. 

She was rather short, a couple of ilms shorter than I was, and squat. All of her was round, in the comforting way that grandmothers are often portrayed. Wrinkles and lines were prevalent on her kind face, on her thick hands that had known their fair share of hard work. Trailing her was the scent of incense, the faintest smell of smoke. Her silver hair - which might have reached the backs of her knees if loose, I expected - was wound into a long, tight braid that she wore over her shoulder, not a wiry strand of out place. 

“You’re a sad sort of young woman,” she mused, glancing up at me as she poured a cup of tea and set it down in front of me. “Your shoulders sag with an invisible sort of weight, Sun Xiu. And the way that they coil up now tell me that not many read you with as much ease, do they?” 

“I expect our mutual friends have told you plenty about me,” I grumbled, forcing my shoulders to relax. “Do you always speak so bluntly?”

“You do not strike me as the type to prefer anything else,” she replied with a smile, and I clicked my tongue, resisting the urge to roll my eyes, because she was right. Of course she was. “And I most certainly have never been the type to speak in riddles. That’s the last thing a soul as tired as yours needs.” 

With a soft groan, the old woman sat down in front of me with a cup of her own clasped between her strong hands. There were words sitting on the tip of my tongue, ready to fall - ready to bite and be curt and harsh, but I couldn’t force them out. And the woman watched my face with a familiarity and a warmth that unsettled me and, in a way, comforted me. 

There was much, I expected, that I would not need to explain to her. There was clearly much about me that she already knew, and if it was anyone else, I might have reacted poorly. But her knowledge didn’t come from means that I could control. They came from that bond that my mother had told me about - a bond between the spirits and the miko that could communicate with them. And it seemed like the spirits had tattled plenty already.

“I am not unhappy about your visit, Sun Xiu - or perhaps you’re more comfortable with Lian Hua now? - but I must admit that I thought it would be a little sooner than this. Tell me, child - what plagues you so badly that you step foot into a shrine?”

I swallowed. I looked down at the cup of tea between my own hands - calloused from training and from fighting, so indelicate and ugly, at my nailbeds that were worn and torn, at nails that were kept as closely shaved down as possible. How much wicked had my hands done? How many lives and how many families had I torn apart with a flick of my wrist? How did I not burst into flames when I prayed, how did the kami not refuse to hear any pleas I might still have? 

“Many things, I think,” I said finally, looking back up at the old woman’s face. “It’s hard to choose just one when you ask me in that way. But I expect there are many reasons why I should have come here a long time ago.” 

As I spoke, the old woman lit three thick candles, the wax melted down into the tray they sat upon. Each was a different color - the tallest was purple, and the middle was red, while the shortest was white. 

Royalty. Strength. Death. 

“A heart is a heavy sort of burden, and I think you may have only recently began listening to yours once more,” she murmured, and I sat silently, watching the flames flickering in her dark eyes as she watched them. “The spirits have told me much of you already, Sun Xiu. You are most beloved by the kami. You were beloved by your parents, loved by your brother, even by a prince and princess of Doma, but...” 

The woman trailed off and looked up at me expectantly, bushy eyebrows raised. My tongue felt thick in my mouth, like it was coated in sand. 

“I don’t deserve it,” I whispered, like I was letting out a breath, and it felt like something had been sapped from my body all at once. They were words that I had been cradling since... since the day... 

“Since the day I refused to give my parents my blessing into the afterlife, I have not deserved any of the love I receive. Not from them, certainly, or from Hui, not from the kami, not from Jun or Aoi or... anyone else. I have tried to be a light that never goes out. I was worrying about the flickering, but now... Over time, I realize that I never really was a light. I was trying to be something... that I wasn’t. I have always been a void, something dark and terrible and wicked, masquerading and basking in the warmth of something I have never deserved. A monster, pretending to be a-- a hero, or a savior, or--”

I had to wonder, the more I spoke, if the miko had drugged my tea to coax so many words from me at once. Only Jun was ever privy to my thoughts at length, and even so... Even so, expressing any of this to him would have been nigh impossible. But this woman - this stranger who knows me - watched me with a gentleness reminiscent of my mother’s, of Luli’s, even of the redheaded Garlean’s when she told me goodbye. 

She had the eyes of a caretaker, of someone gentle, who looked at a broken person and saw those shattered pieces and loved them regardless. 

“Xiu...” Her voice had softened, reaching a hand out to grasp one of mine as she stopped me - and silently, I thanked her for it - from rambling anymore. “You cannot truly think you are the only child who has not been able to accept the loss of their parents? You can’t believe that only those who have ever done good deserve to be loved, can you? Your prince - has he not done abhorrent things? Do you not think him still deserving of love?

“I see the spirits that linger around you,” she added, with a slight smile. “Even now, as hidden as they are to anyone else, I see them. They do not cling to you because you are wicked. They cling to you because they see what even mortals who know you well see - and that is a heart that only wants to do good. They see little Sun Xiu tending to sick chickens and stray kittens and running down dark corridors to help a ghost - someone long departed - because you heard them crying and begging.” 

Even as I swallowed the lump rising in my throat, I looked back up at the miko. And despite everything, I... needed to know, as she recited these old stories back to me. I needed to know...

“Who are you?” I asked quietly, and she smiled again. 

“My name is Mirai. And while we have never met, I have had quite the influx of spirits coming to tell me about you since you came to the Jade Palace - ones that have followed you from Haishan, and ones that you’ve only just met. You are the daughter of Chun Tao and Lei,” she said gently. “Chun Tao, priestess, miko, beloved by the kami and by the spirits as her precious daughter is. We miko have a way of getting tangled up if the spirits and the kami wish it to be so.”

Slowly, and with another quiet groan, this woman named Mirai rose to her feet. I watched as she walked to a shrine set up in the small room, and although there were no portraits, it was clear that offerings were made frequently. A tray for incense sat square in the middle, and quietly, Mirai placed a fresh stick after kneeling, just like I had watched Jun do in front of the portraits of his family within his wardrobe. 

“You may not like it, and you may not agree with it, but you have always been destined for things bigger than you, Sun Xiu. You have always been in the plan of the kami. No, perhaps you won’t save the world - not in this lifetime, at least - but is it not true that you have saved people? That you have tried, despite the circumstances that have been given to you, to do good?” 

My fingers tightened around my cup of tea as she lit the stick of incense and clasped her hands, bowing her head as she said a silent prayer. When was the last time, I wondered, that I had properly prayed? When had I knelt and bowed my head and brought offerings? 

Had I ever prayed of my own free will after losing my parents? 

“You have been a savior to the Jade Palace,” Mirai continued, and I swallowed again. “You walked into a place overcome with rot and pain, and  you have helped to bring light back within. Where once laid only fear, there is now hope. Where there was once resignation, there is a refreshed desire to keep fighting. And where there were once a cursed people...”

Mirai lifted her head and looked to me, and for a moment - just for half a moment - I saw her eyes flicker in the way that mine do. The air shifted, and quite suddenly, I looked away from her to see the ghostly images of Luli and her family in the window, but not as they are now - as they were, blind and terrifying to behold, unable to speak...

“...are a people beginning to heal.” 

The ghostly images shifted as I held my breath, revealing Luli and Liqin laughing together, their children laying in the sun while Midori ran across the beach with Aoi. Kyou was in Jun’s arms as he smiled at... someone I couldn’t see, but I knew the smile, now. 

He was smiling at me, his eyes directly fixed on me, before the images disappeared into thin air once more. 

“Your parents would be proud,” Mirai murmured as she rose back up to her feet, her eyes no longer kaleidoscopes of color but dark brown again. “You have been taught violence. You have been fed cruelty off of a spoon and told that it was love. Now, you receive love, and it confuses you. You wonder if you deserve it. You long for your parents, and you feel a disgust when anyone else tries to act that way - an anger at anyone, most especially, who tries to be a mother to you.

“It is not a betrayal to Chun Tao to allow them in. Do you think she would want her child to suffer eternally for the simple fact of not being able to say goodbye yet? No loving mother would wish that upon her precious child. You have been fighting a war for so long, Xiu, and it is far from over. The curse in the Jade Palace is not lifted in its entirety. You will go through extreme obstacles, hardships that will make you wish you were dead, trials beyond imagination...”

As she spoke, the old woman watched the burning incense, watched as the smoke curled into the air and as the ashes fell onto the wood beneath it. I found myself unable to move, unable to speak, unable to interrupt. All I could do was watch her and will my hands not to shake. 

“...and you will survive them, as you have survived everything else,” the old woman said quietly. “It is not what you deserve. Just because you are strong does not mean you should have to do these things. But such is the nature of circumstance. You knew these things without me telling you. You knew these things and accepted them the day you decided you would remain in the Jade Palace - a feared and loathsome place by all who know it. Didn’t you?” 

“Yes,” I whispered, unable to stop myself, and Mirai smiled at me, gentle and soft once more. She touched my hand, brushed her thumb over the sparse gathering of scales at the top of my wrist, before looking at my face. 

“The spirits of your ancestors will be with you. The love you receive will spur you on, as long as you accept it. The wicked you have done does not define you. The only one who can define you is you. So what are you, Sun Xiu? Who are you, beloved lotus?”

“Someone who is trying. Someone who is sad and angry and... full of regrets and... confidence that I can survive anything, without the desire to for myself. Not for myself, but for... for the people who need me...”

For Jun. For Aoi. For Ume and Anh, Luli and Liqin, Midori and Kyou, Hui-- for Biyu, that brave girl who risked her life just to defend my honor. 

To live, because my parents died just so it could be so. To live, because my parents had begged, with their dying breath, that I do just that. To keep on going so that my parents did not die in vain trying to protect me. 

I don’t remember when I started crying or how I ended up collapsed into this unfamiliar-but-familiar miko’s arms, letting her hold me as I wept. I was thankful that she didn’t ask me to say more. Maybe she didn’t need me to. I expect that she didn’t. No - I have a good feeling she knew every thought that ran through my head, in that quiet room, as melting snow dripped onto the open window. 

“It is okay to crumble,” she told me as she held me. “It is okay to not always be strong, Xiu. You have been strong for so long. You put others before yourself, always. You are allowed moments of weakness and of selfishness. And it is okay - more than acceptable and understandable - to feel this deep sort of sadness when you miss your parents.” 

I leaned back in her arms, sniffling, letting her wipe my tears with her calloused fingers as Luli had done for me before, as Liqin had done, as my mother had done when I fell and hurt myself and wailed over my scraped knee. 

Mothers. Women who were older and wiser and who knew what to do, what to say - women who were strong but not infallible, who were kind but not weak. Women I wanted to be. Women I only hoped I could become. 

Women that I hope I can help Aoi, Midori, Kyou, and all of the young girls around me to be, too - someone they can run to when the world is too much and when the sorrow is finally too much to bear alone. Those young girls, who trust me with everything... I hope I can help them. I hope I can be an example, someone to look up to, and not only for physical strength, but... as someone like a mother, or an auntie, or a big sister. 

“Light a lantern for your parents before the end of this sennight,” Mirai told me, quietly, as she opened the door once I had pulled myself together to leave. “Or a stick of incense. Say a prayer for them. They await you - that much I can feel, but... They are in no rush to see you either,” she added, smiling faintly. “I will be here, Sun Xiu. My doors are always open to you. It seems you’ve learned much on dealing with your gift on your own, but there is always more to learn, hm?”

“Thank you,” I said as I bowed at the waist, my eyes low. “Thank you for... listening. For your time. And for... well. For knowing plenty enough about me without me having to say it all.” 

“Don’t thank me,” Mirai chuckled, holding a hand out to reveal a familiar black yokai coiled around her wrist in the form of a snake. It blinked its large eyes at me, and even in my emotionally rattled state, I couldn’t help but to smile. “Your friends have been worried. They entrusted me with much.” 

The snake disappeared, only for me to feel it settling in the sleeve of my hanfu, comfortable and warm for the journey back to the Jade Palace. 

“Happy new year,” Mirai said, bowing to me. “And may many blessings reach you, Sun Xiu.”

“And you, miko. Happy new year.” 

[vegetacide]

TaG: Bloodlines (Part 9 Bit 1 )

Veg • notables: Due to the length of this part I am splitting it up into two bits.

Any errors in this are strictly my own

Ty to @gumnut-logic and @scribbles97 for the brainstorming help and the encouragement.

Also a special thanks for Nutty for letting me borrow Gordon's talking bird from her fic "The Dentist" (Part 11)

Previous:

Part 1 | Part 2 Bit 1 & Bit 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8

Rating and General warning: Mature content head. If you are not a fan of medical issues of a female nature in relation to pregnancy please proceed with caution.

Characters: Virgil, Kayo, (V/K), Jeff, Scott 

Location: TaG-verse AU | Tracy Island

E N J O Y

8-8-8

Part 9 - Dipisahkan (Bit 1)

Week later...

“...and now for international news.  A suspected homicide and fire in an internet café in Istanbul has been downgraded to Death by Misadventure as autopsy reports conclude the presence of a high concentration of narcotics found in  the remains of the establishments proprietor, Berk Demir  The café has long since been suspected as being associated with several black-market smugglers groups and dark web anarchist but to date authorities have been unable to obtain the necessary proof to back the claims...”  

Kayo groaned and rolled her eyes as she flicked off the holo-fed.  She was not in the mood to listen to criminal reports and activities when there was nothing she could do to help.  

There were criminal elements the world over like that cafe, some of which she’d had an active hand in shouting down over the course of the last few years.  From human trafficking, to the sales of banned chemicals or other components that could cause a loose of life and had on some occasions.  

She’d helped where she could, always hopeful despite the odds that it would help bring to  justice the man that had caused so much pain to so many people.  

Whatever it took to protect those she called her family and humanity as a whole, she would do it.  The GDF had simply to ask and she was there. 

Being bound to the villa and watching what was going on in the world though was like dangling a carrot and the best course of action as she sat here and incubated another life was to avoid it at all costs.  

On top of that, the recommendation that she relocated to the mainland and even be further removed from everything was hard for her to swallow. 

After talking to Jeff and Scott that following morning after that little revelation by her OB-Gyn her life had been completely taken from her control.  Grandma had joined the conversation as well and had agreed wholeheartedly that thought the island was a good place for her to recuperate and rest for the time being,  the long term relocation was the best course of action.  

Grandma had been a respected and well known doctor before her retirement but obstetrics and neonatal care had not been her chosen discipline.  If there was a need for something more than just childbirth she didn’t feel adequately suited for the task.  

That with the addition to the island not being equipped with the necessary supplies and it didn’t take much to convince Virgil of their one and only recourse. 

So it looked like she was getting evicted and kicked even further afield from the action that made up her regular daily life. Relegated to a gestational oven, far away from home.  

Tossing the remote on the coffee table she flopped back and stared up at the ceiling.  Bored out of her gourd and feeling completely helpless for the first time in a long time. 

From across the room she heard a chuckle and tipped her head further back to look at her father in law.   

“Lucy had a hard time doing nothing too.  Especially when she was pregnant with Alan.”  He said,  exchanging his data pad for his cane and coming over to join her.  

“Please tell me, you found a way to stop her going insane with boredom.”  Kayo griped, righting herself with a grunt of effort. 

“She tried to take up knitting but with Gordon in the house…. It didn’t go over well.”  Jeff assumed a casual stance though he was favouring his right leg a bit.   After all his time in space, his recovery was slow and his joints were not enjoying gravity in the slightest.

Kayo made a face as she pictured the mess that must have been. “Well,  there is no way I am taking up knitting now,  Gordon is worse now than when he was a kid.” 

Jeff laughed with ease at that,  nodding his head in agreement with her statement.  

“Yes,  it’s best to keep him away from pointy sticks and yarn.  He too easily falls into temptation. “

They fell into a companionable silence. Just enjoying each other's company like they used to do when she was little and she was too annoyed or upset to hang out with the rambunctious brothers. 

It was weird how easily they fell back into the old routine,  Jeff  taking care of Tracy Industries and her doing any number of other quiet activities.

Oftentimes when she came to sit with him,  it was just so she could feel closer to her own father. Wherever he was.  She knew Jeff was aware of it but he always made time for her when she needed the comfort and he never made mention of it either.  Knowing she was trying to put on a brave front in front of the rest of the family.   

“It’s a beautiful day out.”  He remarked,  he’s face turned towards the large open balcony doors, the light breeze tousling his grey hair.  “Would you care to go for a stroll, I could use the company.”  

Kayo grinned and gave a nod.  Getting to her feet on her own steam for a change was a nice boost to her confidence.   Jeff stood close by to help but he didn’t ask or pester her like his sons were want to do and she was grateful for it. 

She loved all her extended family very much but they tended to treat her like she was glass and would break at any minute even her husband.  God, she loved him but his over protectiveness was starting to drive her batty.   

Being the well brought up man that he was, Jeff offered her his elbow as they made their way out the balcony doors and towards the veranda stairs. 

She tucked her hand in the crock of his arm, enjoying the warmth he offered her.  Circling the pool they came to the top of the trail head that led in a gentle descent down the cliff side to the tide pools that sat below the mammoth villa.  

It really was a beautiful day out and Kayo let her thoughts drift as the smells and sounds of their island home surrounded her.  

Tropical birds danced and chirped amongst the tall palms and ferny underbrush and she caught  a flash of iridescent black and a streak of white as something dove across their path.   Stopping to see where it went off to, her and Jeff blinked as whatever it was squawked and chirped and burped at them before something that sounded vaguely like ‘Virgil’  hailed down from further up the path.*

“Did that bird…?”  Kayo asked, slightly confused.  

Jeff just sighed and shook his head.  “I thought Gordon was joking when he said he taught a honeyeater to talk.”

“A what now?”  She was more baffled than ever.  

Jeff just patted her hand and they continued on their way.    

They meandered on at a sedate pace for a few minutes,  taking their time to traverse the well used path in no rush to reach any particular destination. 

Coming around a bend they reached a small lookout where a large outcropping of rock had been worn smooth by the elements making for a perfect place to park one’s backside. 

Jeff grunted as he settled onto the warm, volcanic rock and patted the space beside him in invitation.  

“I’ve always wondered..”  Kayo started,  kicking off her sandals and sighing contentedly as the sun-kissed warmth of the basalt soothed her feet. 

“Wondered what?”  Jeff encouraged,  tipping his cane back and forth between his hands.

“How did you manage it?” The look he sent her and the cant of his head pushed her to elaborate further. “Being away from home so often?” 

“Ah,”  He remarked as he caught on to her meaning. “While Lucille was pregnant and the boys were little.”

His brows dipped down as he thought of how best to respond, his jaw working back and forth as if he was chewing on the answer.  “Funny you should ask actually.”

Her brow arched up as she regarded him,  watching the quirk of his lip as he glanced her way.  “How so?”

“Virgil asked something similar.”  He didn’t elaborate more on that.  Just went back to chewing on an answer for her previous inquiry.  “Well,  I can tell you one thing.  It wasn’t easy.  There were a lot of late night comms calls that made me glad that NASA didn’t charge long distance fees.  And prior to the lunar communications relay being built,  a lot of long, mopey emails that Lucy loved to tease me about to no end.”  

“Virgil’s been barely gone a day and he’s already checked in with me three times…” Her voice trailed off and she pointed  to the heavens.  “You kept going back out there. I just….how? 

She really wanted to know the answer cause she had been asking the same thing to herself all week and she hadn’t been able to come up with an answer. 

“A job needed to be done and I had the skill set for it.  The world didn’t get put on hold just cause we decided to have a kid...and another... and another..” He chuckled to himself. “ And so forth.”

“I just told myself whenever I left,  get it done.  Get it done right,  precisely and correctly and get home.  Keep on tasks and I’ll be home before I know it.  For the most part that worked,  kept me focused.   When it didn’t  there was plenty a night where Lucy was there..”  

He sighed and rubbed at his chest.  An old ache that would never go away and she felt a pang of guilt for bringing it up.  

“You two will figure it out though.”  He added taking a cleansing breath, the sadness that hung in his gaze dulling as he shifted his train of thought away from his dearly departed. 

“It won't be easy,  they will be a few bumps but you’ll manage. Besides on the days when things don’t work,  the little nuget will have four uncles and great grandmother and an ecstatic Grandpa waiting the wings to lend a hand.”

Kayo looked down at her slowly distending tummy, her doubt churning with all the things they could mess up and would mess up.. But Jeff was right.  They weren’t alone. They had a large support system that was just as excited as they were for their little stowaway and they would figure it out.  

A bleep from Jeff’s wrist comms sounded and he glanced down to read the holographic message that had been sent to him. His brows dipped and he took a moment to send back a brief reply before giving her knee a pat.  

“Boys are on their way back. Should be here soon.”   

“Everything okay?”

He nodded as he held out the crook of his arm to her again. “Few bumps and bruises.  Alan sprained his ankle but Virgil saved him from a nastier spill.” 

Before she could ask about her husband,  Jeff raised a hand.  “Virgil is alright too but I am sure Grandma will have them both scanned within a inch of their lives the moment they get home.”  

Placated for the time being, she took the offered limb and they made their way back up the cliff side path. 

When Two finally landed some thirty minutes later, Kayo was chomping at the bit.   True to Jeff’s word though Grandma had both Virgil and Alan in her clutches within moments of them disembarking the massive cargo hauler.  

Alan limping along, Virgil and Gordon each under an arm.   The stretcher had been an option but the youngest Tracy had kicked up a fuss that it wasn’t really that bad.

Grandma had taken one look at the dirty lot of them and all thoughts of complaint had fled in the face of all that Doctor Grandma-feel my wraith energy.  

It was another twenty minutes before Kayo even had a chance to check in with her husband and when she finally managed to get a moment along with him he gathered her up in a hug and it didn’t appear as if he wanted to let go.

He was freshly showered and changed. Hair and skin still a slightly damp and smelling of soap.  

Running her hands up and down his back, her head tucked into the crook of his neck she gave him a gentle squeeze which he reciprocated.  

“Hey,  tough day at the office?”  She said into his ear. 

“Something like that.” 

Taking his hand Kayo tugged him toward the elevator. “Come on,  let’s get you fed and watered before you get called away again.

“That’s supposed to be my job.”  The grin that up turned his lips chased some of the shadows away from his eyes

“Well then,  hurry up and I may let you mother-hen me.  Though I will warn you, I can’t be held responsible if I start throwing things at you.”

“Oh, there’s a challenge if ever I heard one.”  He chuckled, tucking her in under his arm as they passed through the heavy doors into the cab.   

“So,”  She started,  hitting the button for the upper level. “How’d it go?” 

Virgil shrugged with one shoulder.  “Couple amateur rafters got into trouble on a class five that they had no business being anywhere near. Alan lost his footing as we were pulling them to shore.  He’ll be alright in a few weeks,  the rafters on the other hand are going to be getting some hefty fines for trespassing on a private reserve.”

The elevator dinged and the doors opened to the kitchen.  “Sucks to be them.”  

The awesome scent of roast chicken had Virgil distractedly grunting in agreement and Kayo grinned.  The thought of food had obviously caused his brain to short out and speech had taken a back seat to hunger. 

Coming up to the counter, she peaked around Virgil’s shoulder to admire the spread of food.  Cecilia had been busy.  

The Haitian woman was a genius in the kitchen and the boys had been spoiled rotten lately with her cooking.  

Carb loading had turned into the number one pastime for the brothers and they endeavoured to consume  as much as possible before her departure for the mainland with Kayo.  There had been talk around the table about hiring her on full-time once the baby was born but it usually took second place to food shoveling and breathing. 

‘Cecilia, that smells fantastic.”

“Virgil Tracy, you keep your fingers out of that roast.  It’s not done yet.” The tall woman swatted at his hands with her baster and stole the carrot back that he had managed to pilfer.  “Don’t blame me if you get salmonella poisoning.  There is no way I am going to be held at fault for tossed cookies on the next call out. You hear me?”  

“Yes, ma’am.”  Chastised he took a seat and watched with longing in his eyes as the food guru went back to work 

Kay just rolled her eyes and plunked down onto the stool beside him, tossing a leg over his thigh as she got comfortable. 

He glanced down at it and grinned,  putting hand on her knee and giving it a little squeeze. 

“Comfortable?” 

“Yup.” 

Getting a little distracted Kayo jumped a bit when a cup of tea was placed in front of her. The scent of ginger tickled her sinuses and she looked up to see Cecilia standing across from her with her arms on her hips and a tea towel tossed over her shoulder. 

“Drink up. You need to keep hydrated.”  She instructed, pointing at the cup. “And no hanky panky in my kitchen.” 

Virgil’s hand dropped from where it had slid up her thigh and he did his best to look innocent. 

“Don’t you play coy with me.”  The tall woman scolded, placing a cup of coffee in front of him.  “It’s what got the two of you into all this baby hubbub in the first place and I don’t want it in my kitchen.”

Reprimanded they checked themselves and they both directed their attention at their respective drinks. 

Foot falls down the stairs had Kayo turning to see Scott.   He flashed a smile as he approached, data pad in hand.  

“Hey,  thought I would find you here.” He said,  walking behind the counter to snag a fresh cup of coffee. 

“Food was a necessity.”  Virgil smirked, taking a sip from his own cup. 

“John’s finished making those upgrades to the security system at the house in Parnell and the rota’ has been adjusted for the next few days until you get everything settled.” Scott held the data pad out to Kayo so she could see.

She blinked surprised she was being included in this even though she was the security specialist in the family. Taking the pad she flicked through the information that it provided.  Updated security measures, upgrade gear and protocols.  All things she had improved upon recently when Jeff had come home with little tweaks here and there by John for surveillance and anti-surveillance measures.

She was impressed and it must have shown on her face.  

“You trained Hubbert well.” Scott remarked, a telling comment on his approval of their  T.I security crew.  “He has assigned Baxster and Jenkins to watch over things at the house and escort you to and from your appointments and such.”  

“They’ll do.   They both had advanced hand to hand tactics training and a working knowledge of counter intelligence measure that could come in handy if…”  She paused and corrected herself. “When the media gets wind.”  

“GDF has agreed to lend us a couple of bodies as well so we aren’t stretched too thin. They’ll be made available when needed.” 

Looking into his coffee cup Virgil questioned, “You sure this is going to be okay?” Kayo knew he hated to be a burden on his brothers, preferring to be the one to provide support and not the one that needed it.  

Scott gave his shoulder a pat.  “Don’t worry, we got it. Even with Alan down we can cover things for a few days until you get back.   Aunt Val is aware we are limited for a few days and is making preparations on her side if the need arises.”

Virgil didn’t look all that convinced but there wasn’t much he could do.  His hands were tied as much as hers were.  

“I still don’t like this.”  

“I know, Bro.” Scott gave him a nudge and his large frame rocked slightly with it.  “Pulling you from rotation completely is still an option if you want to take it.”  

He shook his head.  “No, that won’t work. Our effectiveness will go up in smoke and I don’t want that on my conscience anymore than you do.”  

“But it’s my burden to take on as field commander, V.  Not yours.” 

This was just going around in circles and it wasn’t really getting them anywhere.   Kayo nudged her husband from the other side.

“Come on,  take me for a walk up to the lookout.  I want to watch the sunset before dinner and it looks like we have the time.”  

Cecilia who had been busily chopping greens for a salad nodded her head in confirmation when Kayo looked to her to verify. 

“Besides,  I could use a light exercise. I feel like I am starting to resemble a blimp. 

Virgil choked on his coffee and turned to her.  “A blimp? Hardly.”  

Giving Scott a wink,  she took a sip of her tea content for the time being that the heavy talk had been effectively brushed aside.  This was one that she knew they would come to  rehash again later though she knew there really was no use in it. 

They had to do what they had to do. Moving to the mainland though a pain was their only option and Virgil needed to keep doing what he was doing.  As Jeff has said,  the world didn’t stop just because they were with child. 

8-8-8

End of Part One

NEXT

[kreactionsentertainment]

Pokemon x Exo pt. 3: Poke Kid Joey

Admin Note: I would like to reiterate that both main characters are over 20 in this story.

Disclaimer: I don’t own pokemon, exo, nct’s Haechan, or the boys in general. This is for fictional and creative fun.

Tags: Pokemon, Exo, Reader insert

Looking at your Sobble nervously, the Sobble seemed to recognize Scorbunny as a friend and got ready to fight. You nodded slightly at Donghyuck and borrowed a stance you saw trainers use on T.V. The Scorbunny and Sobble seemed to know more about battling than you did. Both of the pokémon seemed to be comfortable in standing against each other. As if knowing no matter the aftermath of the battle, their friendship will stay intact.

“Y/N! From now on I will be called Haechan! Scorbunny and I will become a solar eclipse upon the training world! Look away now, no one can take on such a team surrounded by sunrays!” Donghyuck, now deemed as Haechan, smiled brightly while his scorbunny struck a cute little pose.

“Oh Really? I hope you don’t mind Sobble and I becoming a Lunar eclipse to defeat your solar flare,” You challenged. Even though you said it, you cringed a little bit internally.

“Scorbunny use Tackle!” Haechan jumped the gun to make his move first.

“Studying the chart, a while back, you recalled water is strong against fire type pokémon.“Sobble use watergun!” You decided after checking to see if Sobble was okay. Sobble took a moment to prepare itself and let loose a stream of water. It slapped the Scorbunny across the face and Scorbunny fell back. The water move was a lot more powerful than what you were expecting. The Scorbunny hopped back up.

“Alright I see how you want to battle, haha! Scorbunny use Ember!” Haechan yelled out, you flinched as the fire move hit Sobble. Although it wasn’t highly effective, it still had to hurt.

“Sobble use Pound!” You matched Haechan’s energy, knowing the Scorbunny couldn’t last much longer after such a powerful water move. As if agreeing with your suspicion, the Scorbunny fell back after the being hit by pound and didn’t get back up. The battle seemed to end as quickly as it started. Sobble quickly ran over to check on his friend. You followed worriedly as Haechan picked up Scorbunny.

“That was a great first battle, and I can see that Scorbunny and I need to work really hard to catch up to you two. I thought Scorbunny and I had an instant connection, but you two are quite powerful together,” Haechan spoke as he led you and Sobble back to the pokémart to heal Scorbunny.

“It was our first battle, I’m sure we just got lucky. Sobble and I haven’t truly bonded just yet,” You shook your head and bent down to pick up Sobble. The two of you walked into the pokémart and waited in a small line for the woman behind the counter to heal your pokémon.

“Alright well, I’m going to run up ahead. I want to put together the best team possible! I’ll meet you in Zinnia City where we will take on the youngest of the Nine!” Haechan smiled happily as he gave you a quick hug and ran off to the first route.

You watched as Haechan became smaller in the distance and you took a final look around Orchidville. With Sobble by your side, the two of you began your journey. Route 1 didn’t seem to be much trouble as the sign for Route 2 became visible after a few minutes. As you began Route 2 a child jumped out of a bush and onto your path. You jumped back startled.

“Stop trainer! I’m going to be the best trainer around! I challenge you to a pokémon battle!” They were dressed in a pikachu onesie and they pointed at you like you stole something from them.

“I don’t know about that-“ The child threw out a Skwovet before you could finish your sentence.

“I don’t want to battle a child,” You quickly stated as you tried to stop the battle.

“What are you too good to accept my challenge? Poké Kid Joey is here to take you down!” The child, Joey, insisted.

“Where are your parents?” You looked around, hoping to see concerned parents coming to stop the battle. You saw no one doing that. Your Sobble looked at you confusedly.

“Are you new? We made eye contact you have to battle me! That’s the rules! How are you going to get past Route 2 if you don’t know the rules?” Joey rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest in a disappointed fashion.

“Skwovet use tackle!” Joey pointed at Sobble and the Skwovet rushed forward. You sighed noticing this child is not going to leave you alone. You certainly weren’t going to allow this child and his rodent to hurt Sobble without a consequence.

“Sobble use Pound,” Your Sobble turned from you and rushed forward to attack the rodent. After a few turns the rodent fell back in defeat.

“Ah rats! You beat me! Aren’t you being a bit too mean,” Joey sighed and picked up his Skwovet, you felt awful as Joey walked past you back to Orchidville. Sobble looked at you in a pointed manner.

“What was I supposed to do?” You asked Sobble, who promptly started walking away from you.

“He attacked me?” You tried to reason with the Sobble as it walked beside you.

A couple minutes of silence passed, when suddenly a Nickit jumped out of the tall grass. Once again, you’ve been startled by a small attacker. The Sobble got into position, making the decision to fight for you. As you tell Sobble to Pound, the small Nickit gets a little weaker. You pulled a pokéball out of your bag and throw it above the Nickit. The Nickit seemed to chuckle at your horrible throw, so you throw another.

It opens up and you wait in anticipation to see if the Nickit will become apart of your team. The ball wiggles once, twice, three times before finally settling. You smile and pick up the ball, you then give Sobble a potion to heal your partner pokémon. A few more trainers tried to take you and Sobble on, only to be bested by your partner. After a couple hours of battling and walking, Zinnia City appeared in the distance. You held Sobble close and started to walk quickly until you made it into the city.

Zinnia City is very lively. Flowers and bushes outlined the roads and walkways, not a lot of trees to stop the wind from running around the city though. Many trees seemed to outline the outside of the city rather than the inside. You stopped at the pokémart as soon as you saw it to heal Sobble and Nickit. As you left, a familiar voice grabbed your attention.

“Y/N! Hey!” You turned around to see Haechan smiling and waving excitedly. He ran over with Scorbunny close behind.

“You made it! I was starting to get worried,” Haechan teased lightly.

“I was taking my time, did you get ambushed by a child on your way here?” You asked as you remembered the strange incident.

“Oh… I completely forgot to tell you! The rule of the road is that if you make eye contact with another trainer, you need to battle them. Sometimes you can avoid them, but it helps your pokémon get stronger. You may even when some money from it,” Haechan explains.

“That’s sounds… illegal?” You said confusedly. Haechan just shrugged and pulled you over to a restaurant.

“That’s just how it is. Here sit down and relax. I’ll cover the meal this time, okay?” Haechan smiled and handed you a menu. The waitress came and quickly grabbed your order.

“So, while I was waiting for you, I talked to some of the locals to get information about Gym Leader Sehun,” Haechan began as you two waited for your food. Scorbunny and Sobble seemed to start a conversation on their own.

“His Leafeon, as stated by the professor, is his partner pokémon. From what I understand he also has Bellossom. Although they both pretty powerful, you might want to get some more practice with Sobble. Do you have another pokémon on your team?” Haechan asked curiously.

“I have a Nickit who laughed at me because I missed him the first time I threw the pokéball at him,” You sighed as you held up the ball with your Nickit in it.

“Wow, you got ambushed by a child and your Nickit laughed at you? You’re having a rough start, aren’t you?” Haechan shook his head as he took the Nickit in his hand.

“Listen Nickit, you picked a great trainer. I promise they’re very kind, so don’t give them a difficult time,” He scolded the Nickit gently before handing the pokéball back to you.

“We won’t challenge the gym until we’re sure you’re ready. I have a natural advantage with Scorbunny for this gym, but you have a natural disadvantage with Sobble,” Haechan explained. The waitress came over with your food and some little dishes for Scorbunny and Sobble. She informed both of you it the little meals for the pokémon are on the house. All four of you quickly began to eat, finally relaxing after a rough day.