#STT AU

[whalesforhands]

holding gojo’s face in your hands

It’s soft. Pleasantly so.

Your hands are practically holding the world in them as thumbs press into the soft squish of his surprisingly plush cheeks, smooth skin tender under your palms.

There’s a look of haughty confidence in his gaze that is trumped by the utter gentleness as he watches you go about your administrations, feeling you shake his head about, watching as his hair sways with every movement you make.

He’s all yours to control, if that’s what you want.

His once limp hands reach up to place themselves over yours, never minding the way your palms are slowly rubbing into his face, feeling every soft groove, admiring how squashy he is with your touch, how he’s practically melting right now in your presence.

Gorgeous, pretty, adorable Satoru.

“You’re so cute, Satoru.” It’s the first few words that breaks the silence between you two, less of a statement, more of a hidden thought you’ve always had about the man.

Even his name tastes like sugar sweetness on your tongue, with the way it lolls out so easily candied, and so satisfactory.

“I know~” The way words form from his mouth sounds like a melody, a pleasant hum that’s low and akin to the purr of a cat.

Soft, squishy Satoru who is so pliant in these intimate moments, who reminds you of the fluffiest of cakes, the chewiness of cookies.

It makes you kind of want to bite him too.

He’s still humming, so at ease and so relaxed even when one of your hands loosens its hold, begetting his pretty head to loll and place its weight on your remaining one, his cheek squishing with the pressure he applies upon your palm that makes you want to squeal.

Even you can’t tell what you’re about to pull. A lean forwards that makes him think you’re going in for a sweet kiss to his face, his eyes closing to bask in the warmth of the closeness of your body, before he only feels your forehead against his own, your hands making their way downwards towards his to entangle your fingers together.

You’re cute too. One of the most adorable he’s seen. With how much you cherish the soft intimacy of being close to him, how you treat him as nothing but Satoru. He doesn’t want to be anything else but him when he’s with you.

Problems can be dealt with another time, issues can be thought about another day, Suguru can spend his time with you later.

Because right now, in this moment, he is all yours as you are his. And he never wants to leave.

masterlist

[boobsoutforbeeduo]

Sonic Boom AU designs - Tails and Sonic

More design/character notes + AU under the cut!

-Tails-

•His gloves have stains on them due to messes caused by his inventions building up over the years, his right glove is more stained than his left. (he is right-handed)

•He has kept the same shoes, goggles, and straps (?) over the years, but him and Sonic now wear matching socks.

•As he got older some of his fur got dark - as it generally does with male foxes.

•He is taller than Sonic, and still growing. (Sonic refuses to accept this though, and just tells everyone who mentions it that its because of Tails' shoes)

•He still loves making inventions, and often goes days without talking to Sonic or any of his friends because he gets so caught up in building them.

-Sonic-

•Sonic has kept all of his same gear, and similar to Tails his only real change was his new socks.

•His spikes have grown longer, and he started caring less about making sure they look good all the time.

•He remained his same height from when he was 15, which he hates more than anything.

•He is currently dating Shadow, who are going on three years together. Shadow is shorter than Sonic, which he loves teasing Shadow about.

Will be working on this more, and will make a better name for the AU (it is currently Shadow the Tenrec AU, which I really need to change 💀💀) plsplspls send me AU names in my asks I really need them I'm so uncreative

[kurokrisps]

What a startling development! Will the cold duchess go back to being a marquess? ✨

[lovinglettersacrosstheverse]

Mail time!

An envelope!

A letter! This one's got some fun smells on it, but I promise I didn't wiggle on it more than necessary!

Letter:

To My Sunshine

I know you have to be away for a while longer, but I miss you everyday. I might actually be losing my sanity, slowly but surely. I love music, I always have. And I love my students. Most of the time. Now that I’m used to being a teacher. But there are moments…

They will not stop asking if mayonnaise is an instrument. One of them brought a container of mayonnaise and just started eating it in class. It turned out it was only vanilla pudding in a mayonnaise container. The kids were cheering, a trombone was put on someone's head and it got stuck. Sunshine, I used my Signature to lull them to sleep yesterday just to get them to settle down.

They have, however, been helping me understand the new apps and have apparently made an account for me and my music? They direct me to pose and I just feel silly, but they seem to be having fun. Is it bad I feel a little encouraged when they ask to listen to one of my songs at the end of class? They’re young enough I don’t think they’re making fun of it, but it’s hard to tell. Sometimes it feels as if even the small things in life stop making sense.

I’m sorry, I know I’m being dramatic but I miss you, you make things make sense when nothing else does. I felt so lost when I finally…. Gave up and became a music teacher. But you gave me hope and what feels like solid ground to stand on. Being a teacher feels less like a resignation of failure on my passions and more like another aspect of it, all thanks to you. And now that you’re gone and somewhere where I can’t talk to you or touch you, I’m starting to sink back to that same drifting numb feeling. 

I miss you. I love you. Can’t wait to see you again sunshine. I�� I wrote a small tune for you. I hope I know you’ll like it. You’re not only my sunshine or even my muse. You’re the melody of my life.

Love,

Sunny Time Jack

P.S. Hope you don’t mind that the letter’s a bit of a mess. A few of the kids noticed me writing during break and insisted on decorating it for me.

[elfqueen006]

SunnyTimeTown One-Shot

A/N: Based off of "Makes Me Smile" by XOVoltagium, featuring Sam Sours and my SunnyTimeTown OC, Midnight Bluebelle. Takes place in the early 60s.

Came up with this at a home game. Idk if it's officially in my AU, but I really like the idea, even if it's somewhat contrived?

Enjoy 💚💜💛

Minors DNI, this is still a 18+ fandom

---

“She’s yours.” Dixie Doulard declared, standing tight-lipped and cross-armed at Sam Sours’ door. She wore a flowery sundress and white flats. Cat-eye shades covered her eyes. Beside her was a little girl dressed in a white sunday dress with a sweet violet pattern. She couldn’t be older than four. And she slouched in posture, staring down at the cement as if she were being punished. Sam blinked blearily at the both of them, his eyes still adjusting to the sunlight. When he finally registered what she’d said though, his heart briefly quickened until he took note of the kids’ violet hair. A trait neither of them possessed.

“Like hell,” Sam sneered, giving Dixie a wry grin.

“It’s yours,” She insisted, “I have the tests to prove it.”

“So? You think those can’t be faked?”

Dixie narrows her eyes and places her hands on her hips, “I haven’t been with anyone else.”

Sam twists the cigar in his mouth, “So you say…” he mutters. And the womans’ eyes nearly pop out of her head, “What’s that supposed to mean? You better not be calling me some kind of whore!” The little girl flinches from her outburst. Instead of calling attention to that, Sam warns her about her volume lest the neighbors hear.

“I said nothing like that. Whatever you do in your spare time is your business,” Sam replied, “But unless you’re not a natural blond, I suggest you get another test because that girl ain’t mine.”

Dixie kneels down to the little girls’ height and wrenches up her face for him to see. Manicured nails dig into her cheeks.

“Look. Same big nose and everything!”

Sam resisted the urge to feel his own nose, but is distracted by how roughly she handles her own daughter; she’s gritting her teeth, trying to push Dixie away. It’s uncomfortable to watch. He doubted this woman had any more parental bone in her body than him. He waves her off, “Okay okay, let up off ‘er.”

Sam cranes his neck to look over the girl's face himself. It was indeed similar: a plush, round face, pouty little lips, and big green eyes. He hadn’t had any pictures of him as a kid, but he imagined that’s how he would’ve looked similar before he went and got old. Before setting up his act, passerbys often commented on how ‘adorable’ he looked, even though he was fuming.

The girl stared up at him and sniffed.

Hello to you too, brat.

“Don’t you speak?” Sam asked.

“She’s a mime.” Dixie said, narrowing her eyes at the child like she’d just spilled something on her new carpet. Something weighed on Sams’ chest, though he was quick to brush it off as heartburn. He hummed in reply. And with that the woman turned and strutted off to her pink convertible, leaving the little girl at the door. 

“What- Where are you going?” Sam called out.

“Home, where else?”

“Why can’t you keep her anyway?”

“Daddy won’t let me. What do I look like having a mime out of wedlock? I already told you. I’m. No. Whore.” Dixie hopped inside the hot car with ease, wasting no time as she turned on the engine. Sam ran out the door, hands reaching out to stop her, “What the hells’ her name?!”

“Belle.”

The car sped off in a blink, the exhaust fumes catching in Sams’ throat as he keeled over in a coughing fit.

[kiruamon]

Spring through the Seasons AU - random sketches

Have a bunch of sketches that hadn't a specific theme other than belonging to the stts au, so I have thrown them into this post.

[secret-third-thing]

Modern AU Eris

Art by @leylses

Commissioned by @secret-third-thing for Day 6 of @erisweek2023

PLEASE DO NOT REPOST

--

She doesn't read acotar, but I asked her what she thought of Eris. Her response was:

BARK BARK BARK BARK!

Honestly, same.

[dexterkronos]

Did some drawing tests on eyes using the characters from @therealandian's ReDeath / Search Through The Stars AU! The first one is Major Jonathan Sims of General White's rebellion, the (former) Archivist of his world and a newborn Mechanism (thanks Carmilla...)! My idea for the almost camera-like sclera comes from @trans-jon-rights's fanart of the same character, which helped really hammer home how unsettling a Mechanism would be to look at when exposed. No wonder Gunpowder Tim has glasses of some sort in most fanart variations... I plan to space out the release times between each art so I can work on more of my own characters, but for now, it seems The Eye wants more. Have fun guessing who is next~

[ID in alt text]

[decarabiandivorce]

📓

technically its in its planning stage but i still consider that not written-

Son of The Tornado

Aka my ffd au long fic that starts from NB getting yoinked -> the horrors -> and then ends with his official adoption :)

Honestly as im writing down what to put in here its... ough.... Deca is not a Kind Person. He feels frustrated that this random orphan with no parents is refusing his hospitality and considering he basically kidnapped the guy... yeah. No physical abuse happens but its a bit of a physiologic horror <- probs an overstatement <- idk I have very high levels of angst

Stuff out of context: Starving. Being locked in a room for days. Being left alone in the wilderness and practically hunted. Being sent into the abyss. Healing magic but in a hurtful and painful way. Child neglect. Deca being an authoritarian. General manipulation. And worst of all : Venti gets no hugs or kisses while he searchs for NB 😔😔😔

[un-pearable]

could you draw ummm knuckles hat. and one of his besties with a matching hat :) hat buddies

used this as an excuse to draw art for the triple threat au for the first time in…. years…. anyway heck yeah hat buddies!!!!

[whalesforhands]

singe the tales i (satosugu x reader)

adventuring is never what it seemed to be, not when your companions are the loopy sort.

happy october! note that there will be VERY HEAVY references/inspirations from baldur’s gate 3/terraria, some anime (goblin slayer, grimgar of fantasy and ash) throughout this story, haha

warnings: fantasy au, slightly suggestive, depictions and a bit graphic descriptions of gore

masterlist next

gojo - a nobleman sorcerer from a lineage of great honour and power. an outstanding, exceptionally strong one who preceded even the most gifted of his ancestors. unafraid to get up close and personal with enemies and allies alike despite his role in the party, truly void of any fear. you wonder if he notices all the little stolen glances from you at that pretty face of his whenever he unties his bandages…

geto - summoner of sorts… a druid? necromancer? dragon— tamer? just what is he? and how is he summoning these things?regardless, all beasts, exotic creatures and even humans alike flock to him, appearing with a snap of his fingers. sly, charming and an overall magnet for trouble that begets your curiosity.

ieiri - a mysterious sorceress who seems to be lacking in terms of raw power. could you even call her a sorceress at this rate…? despite the lack of magical attacks, her healing powers and knowledge of medicine are undeniable, despite being no cleric. why does she— have such a strange allure? your eyes can’t help but stray to her whenever she enters the guild.

you - the guild receptionist who does their best. with this specific outpost quite frankly being in the middle of nowhere, you were trained in minor restoration spells, a few of the more unconventional magic tricks, and have exceptional prowess in protection spells.

——

“Little receptionist!!!” The bustling of the small guild hall rings a pleasant chirp through your ears, yet you’re still able to pick up the overly excited greetings to you.

“Oh, welcome ba-CK!” You choke when you catch a whiff of the spine-crawling odour, disgust and distaste heavy on your tongue. Rotting flesh and spoiled milk, the scent trailed heavily into the small guild hall, surrounding beginner adventurers unable to handle it, hands slapped over their mouths as they ran out, fighting the urge to throw up.

Slathered in blood and dripping with the stench of decaying entrails, the trio strolled in. Shoko is looking a little less for wear, face deadpan and quite frankly offended as she watched the already empty guild practically become void of people. Remnants of dried blood, bits of organs sticking to her cloak, her hood over her head to hide the shame of looking like this.

Satoru looks far more… Put together, if you could call it that. Not clean, not an inch at all. His stark white hair has been stained with coagulated bits of red, his face having a streak of dried blood just under one of his eyes, gloves dripping a fresher red as it gripped onto the sack he was holding onto. His armor was… practically non-existent, hanging on by a thread with his exposed undershirt revealed the torn up cloth, the lack of cuts despite the tears certainly of Shoko’s magic.

He practically perks up, his excited demeanor growing even more restless when he realizes he had correctly guessed that it was in fact you manning the front desk, nearly tripping over himself to reach you as he left his teammates behind.

“One gnoll packlord head; delivered!” He’s sending you a two-fingered salute, the bloodied sack starting to seep onto the counter as viscous blood made its presence known, bag tied crudely to outline the beheaded canine. His face ushered a cute blush, awaiting your praise as he watched your lovely face, awaiting that pretty smile and fond eyes that upturn at the sight of—

“And we managed to wipe out the entirety of the pack.” Suguru’s quiet voice draws your attention towards him, noticing his presence as he appears suddenly, his hair in slight disarray from his usual bun, sticky blood on his worn out, once pristine clothing which had been torn through to reveal disintegrating chainmail underneath. “I hope we managed to do it to the quest’s details.”

(And hopefully, to yours as well. Are you happy they managed to help get rid of knolls for you, on a quest you personally offered them? Gods, it felt amazing to be someone you relied on.)

“I-I appreciate your timely completion of my quest, but—“ You nearly want to hurl at the mere smell as the last of the few adventurers ran off, desperate to escape this overwhelming stench as your professionalism fought to surface. “Please wash up now…!”

(“So? So?! Do you like it’s head? I cut it off myself!” If Gojo Satoru had a tail, it’d be wagging uncontrollably in front of you. His sparkling eyes from behind those bandages of his can almost be seen from how excited he was.

He could’ve just cut off one of its ears as proof… But they really went beyond what was needed to bring you this decapitated head.

“Thank you.” The smile on your face is absolutely radiant as you look towards the three, the twitch of your nose and the scrunch of your face held back through pure dedication. “I really—“ The air tastes absolutely putrid. “Cannot thank you all enough!”)

——

“Help a girl out, won’t you?” Shoko twirls a strand of her hair with dismissive motions, the tobacco pipe held between her fingers waiting to be set alight as she eyes you, concentrating on the way your hair swayed with every light movement.

“Of course, Miss Ieiri. But I really am not a big fan of you smoking…” She’s leaning in close, the soft fragrance of her bergamot scented wash wafting near just as your fingertip alights with a small flame, a small pout on her lips when you pull away, eyes returning back to your work as she leaned over the counter. “It’s bad for your health.”

“It’s only for a little while.” Her cheeks puff slightly, like a child getting lectured. Don’t be too disappointed in me.”

Her playful tone causes your lips to quirk up in fondness. “Of course not, Miss Ieiri. But please do put it out after a while.” You suppose she deserves it, after her tough mission.

“Ieiri this, Ieiri that… Have you taken a liking to my last name, perhaps?” She ends with chuckle as you pause in your administrations, looking up from the tangerine you were peeling for her.

“It is quite a pretty last name, Miss Ieiri. However, it is proper protocol to maintain my professionalism, after all.” A practiced saccharine smile and a polite tone. Just part of the job to you, or is it?

(You wouldn’t exactly be peeling fruits for just any adventurer, right?)

She laughs at your overtly rehearsed, stiff tone. “Lighten up a little. I’ve already told you.” A smile is upon her face as she takes another breath from the pipe, the smoke swirling about her in an alluring whiff. “Shoko is perfectly fine.”

“Well then—“ Your bashful face is a surprise, a very welcome one to her as your eyes shift about nervously, the creeps of a hot blush upon your cheeks, a hand placed upon your face as if to slow the heat of embarrassment. “If you don’t mind, Sho—“

It’s hard to remember, that in this small guild, where hardly any adventurers drop by, calls for a lack of traffic even by your own coworkers who inadvertently take too long of a break.

“Ahhhh! (name)!” The embarrassed cry of one of them doesn’t escape you with the loud whine reverberating throughout the wooden halls. “How could you not tell me the Gojo Satoru was back?!” The older elf cried, skin burning up as she hurriedly fixed her uniform, adjusting her beret before her hands latched onto your shoulders, shaking you about as you catch the falling fruit before it gets pummeled onto the ground.

“Hi, Miss Ieiri!” Her greeting to the girl is short-lived as she moves to hold both of her hands in yours, frazzled gaze speeding to meet your own. “(name), I’m begging you!”

“Please, please!! Take over my shift! I want to go see him!” She’s hurriedly, and very suddenly dabbing on a red far too mature for her complexion, dabbing powder onto her skin as she fixes herself, cosmetic products strewn all over your once near desk, her hands combing through her locks as Shoko puts out her pipe.

“Sylrel, you look perfectly gorgeous as always.” You’re shaking your head as you take in the sight of the pretty elven maiden, patting down the beret on her head and adjusting her brooch. “I’m sure he would think so too.”

“But he doesn’t!” She’s whining as Shoko opens her mouth, letting you plop a slice of the sweet fruit in as she chews delightedly.

“Do me another favour and find him, pleaseeeeee?!”

(“So do I take your shift first or—“

“Find him, please! Or— Wait, stall him! I can’t have him find me whilst I look like this!”

Shoko misses the tangerine slice you were about to feed her when you pull away to watch your coworker, a pout on her lips as a small glare is directed towards you. As if awaiting your attention to be directed back to her.

“Oh, sorry Shoko.” You hurriedly press the fruit back against her lips. “Just… How do I even stall him…?”

(You’re finally using her name. She’s satisfied.)

Shoko doesn’t even hesitate to answer through her chews. “All you have to do is talk to him, really.” Her elbow is propped up onto the counter as she holds her chin, a smirk on her lips as she licked up the remnants of the sweet fruit.

“I’m serious.”)

——

“Oh, Mister Geto.” You greet the half-naked sorcerer, fresh out of the shower as a smaller towel is sat upon his head, long hair hanging over his shoulders as your eyes start to falter at the sight of the extremely attractive man before you out of politeness, dressed down in clothing far more relaxed to suit his mood, his pants hanging low on his hips. His arm cages you in further into the corner as you’re trapped between the wall and his frame.

(You didn’t expect to be in this situation at all. But… He is just Geto Suguru, the humble gentleman of an adventurer.)

“Did you enjoy your shower?” Your smile is as polite as ever, sweet and oh, so clueless. Even daringly helping to pat the towel down onto the wet locks of his hair.

It makes him kind of mad, really.

“You know…” He trails off, large hand coming up to tuck a strand of your hair back, his palm brushing against the soft skin of your face, watching as you blink up at him in confusion, tilting your head into his hand and letting him hold your face.

He clicks his tongue.

“It’s good that you’re so clueless at times.” But it gets on his nerves. So frustratingly, adorably hard to resist. Perhaps you need a lesson?

He leans down to your ear, lightly blowing to tease you as he watches you squirm, your body lightly jumping as your hand hurriedly rushes up to cup your ear. Just what is he doing?

You hear him chuckle, a pat descending onto your head and displacing your beret as you allow him to do so.

“It’s cute.” You’re cute.

“Thank… you?” You’re still smiling as you try to put your thoughts together. Was there a bug by your ear? Lint in your hair? Oh, whatever. “Would you mind having dinner together with the rest of your party?”

His chuckle is hearty. “And when have I ever turned down an offer from a beautiful being such as yourself?” He’s letting your warmth linger on his skin before he begrudgingly forces himself to pull away, watching as your hands slowly reached up to fix his hair, tucking wet strands away to reveal his face as you stare head on into his eyes.

“I’m happy to hear that, then.”

And he’s happy to see that smile on your face.

(“Ah, Sylrel was looking for Mister Gojo. Where is he? Still showering?” Just as he opens his mouth to answer you, a shout sounds out from the showers.

“SU. GU. RU!” Angry yells akin to a chihuahua’s bark echo from the ajar door. “I’M USING YOUR SOAP!”)

masterlist next

Notes:

A sorcerer differs from a wizard. A sorcerer is someone whose affinity for magic is innate, whilst wizards study magic in order to wield it, much like a learned skill.

Geto and Gojo are nowhere near in a romantic relationship together. (Yet.) Their relationship is described as a ‘love-hate rivalry’ more than anything. Their inability to cooperate together has costed them several quests.

Your feelings towards the SSS trio? You care about them. They helped you plenty of times ever since you got this job recently. You really appreciate it.

Sylrel. A high elf that adopted you and raised you as her own. Basically the closest thing you have to a mother figure.

*Gnolls. Born from the gluttony of bloated hyenas feasting on human remains, emerging from their four-legged cages of flesh and lesser being, bursting out as a human-hyena hybrid that walks on two legs all whilst maintaining low intelligence, predominantly canine features and a never ending hunger.

nvy’s aftertalk:

hi guys i’m addicted to baldur’s gate 3 haha. i don’t think i can ever write modern aus properly or at all after playing that game. writing this made me realize how much of a stupid geek i am

do u like this series 👉👈, if u don’t it’s fine (i will cry if u don’t)

[morganofthewildfire]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Same Time Thursday - Aelin's Answer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 2 to this outtake here, picks up directly where it leaves off

STT masterlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her mom looked concerned, but didn’t question it as she led her into the room at the back of the hallway: their library. Elia had always felt at home around books, something she knew she’d inherited from the woman right next to her.

“What is it, sweetheart?” her mom asked as she sat down on the comfy couch in the corner, tucked behind bookshelves to make it a cozy little reading corner. Elia sat down next to her, some space in between that felt like miles. “What’s wrong?”

She sucked in a shaky breath, fighting the tears that were threatening her once again. She thought she’d be all out of them after her conversation with her dad, but apparently not. 

“How do you do it?” Elia chose to ask, the words escaping in a rush. Her mom’s golden brows furrowed as she tried to puzzle out what the real question was. “How do you keep going?”

Her face relaxed, and she nodded, her lips pursed. She wasn’t relaxed, Elia wanted to amend, but she clearly understood what Elia was trying to say. 

“Well,” her mom said, sucking in a shaky breath. “It’s been fifteen years, it’s gotten easier to compartmentalize.” She smiled a bit, reaching over to pat Elia’s knee. “Having all of you helps more than you can imagine.”

“How?” Elia asked, her voice nearly a whisper. Her face was scrunched up tightly, her throat tight. “Don’t I look like him?”

Her mother’s blue eyes looked suspiciously shiny as she processed what to say. At least that’s what Elia thought she was doing. Because she already knew the answer - yes. 

“You have the same hair,” her mom answered, and Elia appreciated the honesty. “You scrunch your nose the same way he used to, and sometimes,” she paused, “when you tilt your head, it reminds me a little bit of him.” Elia’s gut sank, and she looked away, out at the shelves lining the room. “But I’m not telling you this to make you upset,” her mom added, knowing Elia’s train of thought. 

She glanced back over at her mom, meeting the blue eyes that were so similar to her own.

“You have my eyes,” her mom said quietly, the words a reflection of her own thoughts. “And my freckles, and my height.” Her lips rose a bit. “You don’t have my smile, but you don’t have his either. It’s perfectly your own.” She reached out to grab Elia’s hand. “Just like you’re perfectly your own person.” 

A pause.

“Is that something you’re worried about?” Her mom continued, her face open and understanding. All Elia could do was shrug, not meeting her mom’s gaze.

It was always comforting, but it was piercing.

“I was talking to dad about it,” she said, “and after, he said I should talk to you.” She fidgeted on the couch, fiddling with the cover of the book she’d left on the side table earlier that week. “It’s hard - not to care.”

Another moment of silence as her mom nodded, letting go of her hand and leaning back into the couch. In that moment, curled on the cushions in her jeans and sweater, she looked young. 

“I get that,” her mom replied, again with that openness that let Elia know her words were genuine. She was trying to be honest, and talk to her with the respect she’d give another adult. She wasn’t treating Elia like a kid, like her baby. 

It meant more than Elia could explain.

“I still go to therapy,” her mom admitted, no hint of self consciousness on her face. Elia blinked in surprise. “I only go about once a month now, but back when you were little there was a period where I’d go multiple times a week.” She shifted to fully face Elia. “Talking it out really helps. And not with me or your dad, though we’re always here for you. But having someone else to talk to really helps you process everything, if you’d be interested.” 

Elia let the idea of it settle into her head. She’d never considered therapy before, but she wondered if it’d be beneficial. She didn’t really think she had real problems, but at the same time, she doubted there were many other sixteen year old girls in the same situation as her.

Fourteen. 

The word rang in her head and she nearly flinched, nausea swirling in her gut. Two years younger than she was now. 

Her dad’s reaction had only confirmed her suspicions - that wasn’t a wound that could easily heal.

“Did you…” Elia trailed off, her heart pounding as she decided if she should even ask or not. “Did you remember meeting him when you were fourteen?” Her mom’s face fell, and her heart raced more as she fought to amend her words. “I know in your article you said you didn’t, but did you?”

Elia was trembling slightly, but her mom just took a deep breath before smiling encouragingly and tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

“I really don’t know,” her mom said, her voice shaking a bit. She glanced away, her brows furrowing. “My first instinct is that I didn’t, but I can’t help but thank at the same time that I did. At least to a certain extent.” Her lip wobbled. “I was in such a bad place when I met him again I think I was clinging to whatever familiarity I had left in the whirlwind I was in.”

Elia tucked her feet up under her, curling her toes into the fabric of the couch. She couldn’t imagine. Losing her parents like that, being expected to live on her own for the first time ever while dealing with a worsening alcohol problem and a man who was taking advantage of her however he could. 

And she was a product of that mess.

“Dad said,” Elia said slowly, “that you went back to him to protect me. How…” she trailed off again. Her mom sat up straighter, lifting her chin a bit.

“I did,” she said. “He’d twisted the situation to make it so I’d lose custody of you, despite everything. And he threatened to do just that if I didn’t - “ she sucked in a breath - “go back to Rifthold.” She shook her head. “I knew he would probably just ignore you, but I couldn’t take that chance. I couldn’t forgive myself if I ever put you in that situation.” 

“What was it like?” Elia whispered, and she could see her mom’s hands trembling. She wrung them together. Elia had read a bit of it in the article, but those were filtered words. She wanted to hear it directly from her mom, however painful it would be.

“Are you sure you want to hear this?” Her mom asked, looking away.

“I’m sixteen, mom,” Elia replied, “I’m not a child.” Her mom nodded her head absently. 

“You’re my child,” she said, though. But Elia just countered with -

“And I’m his child, too.” 

It was a bit of a low blow, and her mom’s face paled a bit, but she nodded again before sighing. Elia offered her hand for comfort, and her mom took it easily, squeezing it once. Just like her dad had.

“Well,” she began, her face a bit pinched. “I pretty much just felt helpless. That’s the best word I can use to describe it. I had no real control over getting myself into the situation, and then I had no real way of getting out.” 

Elia’s body felt cold, and she wondered if she really wanted to hear this. She already knew all she really needed to know. 

“I don’t think it’s possible to explain how much of myself I lost during that time,” her mom continued, looking a bit lost to the world. “I didn’t get any of it back until I knew I was having you. And even then, it was a struggle. But you gave me my fight back, and it was you who got us both out.” 

Elia felt a strange aching in her chest, a stronger emotion than she really knew how to contain.

“Rowan is a much better dad than he could’ve ever been,” her mom whispered, shaking her head. “I’m glad he’s dead. I’ve been glad he’s dead for fifteen years.” It was strange hearing her dad’s first name like that. It was strange thinking of them in the context of Rowan and Aelin, and not mom and dad.

But she supposed they were both at the same time.

“Do you,” her mom asked hesitantly, looking back at her. “Remember anything from when you were at that house? I know you were probably too young, but I’ve always wondered.” Always worried, her mom didn’t need to say. 

Elia hesitated, but shook her head. 

“I’ve thought about it,” she answered honestly, “but I think the only ‘memories’ I have are just my imagination. It’s just not there.” She didn’t think she imagined her mom’s expression of relief.

“Good,” she said, “I’m glad. You don’t need to remember that.”

“Well,” Elia interrupted, tilting her head. There was something slight in there. “I think I remember you singing to me.” 

Her mom didn’t seem concerned. “I used to sing to you quite often.” 

“But you were bleeding,” Elia added, and her mom’s face fell. “There was blood dripping down from your nose, and there was red all over your skin, but you were still smiling down at me.” Elia was nearly lost in the faint memory she had. “No matter how much I know you were struggling, you were always smiling at me.” 

Her mom sniffed, her blue eyes glossy. “I’m so sorry,” she said, shaking her head. Her voice was thick. “I’m so sorry you remember that.” 

“No,” Elia insisted, reaching for her with both hands. She leaned forward a bit. “No. Don’t be sorry. You did your damn best with the situation you had, and I love you so much for it, mom. You’re my role model.”

“Don’t curse,” her mom teased, tears pouring down her face. Before pulling her into a tight hug. “I love you so much, sweetheart.”

Elia relaxed into her mom’s arms, forever comforted by her warm hug. She felt tears in her own eyes too, and she knew that they could have a much longer conversation, they could talk for hours about this. And someday they would. 

But she was emotionally exhausted. First her conversation with her dad, and now this.

A soft rapping rang against the door, and they both turned to see her dad poking his head into the library, a soft smile on his face. “Hey, you two,” he said. “Dinner’s ready.” 

Her mom sniffed away her tears, wiping her face and smiling over at her husband. “Have you wrangled the hellions?” She asked, making Elia giggle. Her mom winked at her. 

“They’re both in their chairs ready for food,” her dad said, with a little bow. And her mom applauded him dramatically before uncurling herself and standing up to head toward the exit. Elia stood up and followed her, watching as her mom looped her arm through her dad’s, leaning her head against his arm. 

A small smile curled on Elia’s face at the sight, a peace settling in her that she hadn’t felt since she’d first typed the name Arobynn Hamel earlier that day. 

Maybe her family wasn’t conventional, and maybe Elia still had a lot to work through because of that. But she had two parents who loved her, and who loved each other, and that was enough to be grateful for. 

She’d worry about the rest later. For now, she was just ready to sit down and eat a nice meal with her family. However rambunctious they may be.

-----

taglist:

@wordsafterhours

@romancinghollywood

@superspiritfestival

@wishfulimaginings

@larisssss

@punkassbookjockey26

@shyvioletcat

@aelinchocolatelover

@s-uppertime

@leiawritesstories

@elentiyawhitethorn

@backtobl4ck

@goddess-aelin

@fromthelibraryofemilyj

@justreadertings

@rowaelinismyotp

@live-the-fangirl-life

@swankii-art-teacher

@tomtenadia

@highqueenofelfhame

@firestarsandseneschals

@thegreyj

@mariamuses

@house-of-galathynius

@rowanaelinn

@llyncooljones

@story-scribbler

@charlizeed

@bookcide

@elizarikaallen

@slytherhys

@booknerdproblems

@earthtolinds

@rowaelinrambling

@courtofjurdan

@peppermint-fae

[kurokrisps]

Something of a (love) Triangle??

something cool is coming!

[tgmsunmontue]

WHAT TO WRITE WEEKEND

(13th - 16th September*)

1, 2, A, B, C, D, H, I, K, L - give me up to three (3) and I'll give you a minimum of 250 words on each. Tracking words here.

Not everything on my pinned WIP list is something I will work on - I limit it to 10 so there's a higher chance of something getting finished and posted. 👌

WRITING GOALS:

Finish the Soulmates fic (still trying...)

Update SoS

Update StT (again)

Update/Post two other things minimum (1 down!)

250 words on each of Thermo/FFSD

*I have Monday off work again, however I am training volunteers all day Saturday, so still only two days of writing really.

Sagas of Solitude 11/21 - IceMav with side Hangster AU - angsty Nepo!Baby (Last updated 2nd September)

Season to Taste 12/? Celebrity Chef Bradley and Naval Aviator Jake Seresin (Last updated 13th September)

A) Upon which our souls touch - 5/? - Hangster Fantasy AU (Last updated 26th August)

B) Famous and cat fishing that isn't cat fishing because online relationships are rife but...? (Tumblr idea)

C) To wake, perchance to dream - 4/? - Hangster - (Last updated 1st September)

D) IceMav with unknown about children because the US Navy is evil and produced offspring because of genetics being a THING. (Tumblr ramblings)

H) From the top 2/? - an Ice/Mav epistolary fic where Jake and Bradley matchmake them, not realising exactly who it is they've matched together. AU divergent ish. (Last updated 23rd July)

I) Secretly married Academics Hangster who everyone assumes hate each other. (Tumblr ramblings...)

K) Caring, Keeping and Collecting Transformers - A Guide - 7/?Transformers cross-over (Last updated 31st August)

L) Hangster Sports Team AU with Hangster being ex-es and the trade deadline coming in hot and Bradley being traded in and all hell is about to break loose... Ramblings

[fandomandangstlover]

@xakumi'S GORETOBER

DAY9: BETRAYAL

hello! have some more SttS AU :3

plus i finally drew SttS!Balance!! yippee

anyways, this is a Balancer Origins AU that's basically just a Horror AU for the series. is nice. i don't have all of them designed but ehh.

also yeah am aware ah missed some days,, might not be able to do all of them but hey, the ones i Do do are fun ones!

... i also completely forgot about his wings & tail but ehhh just pretend he could put them away. it would be kinda inefficient if hunters had big things that could reveal themselves in short notice be out constantly, wouldn't it?

[kiruamon]

Spring through the Seasons AU - Acrobatic number gone wrong

Impressing you might has not worked out as intended, but... in the end he still is a winner.