#Steel Blossoms

[shaykai]

He thinks the name is ill-fitting but humerus (he also refuses to call them Watchers- both because it doesn’t suit them in his opinion and also because it makes Gortash upset)

All in all he finds them to be pretty nifty murder machines! He hasn’t the faintest clue how machines work, but he tries to help Enver with them- namely through the occasional suggestion or being an unwilling guinea pig

(For instance, Gortash didn’t tell Vat’il that he was working on installing scrying eyes and thusly giving them the ability to see invisible targets. The way he found out was by getting jump scared by a Watcher that, as far as he’s concerned, shouldn’t have been able to see him)

[truedevilhakuoki]

"But you’re—you’re hurt! How can you wave it off like it’s nothing?" Sakura was fussing over the guard, the previous altercation already far behind him. He was already pulling a kerchief from his obi to tie around the other's injury. "At least until we reach the manor again..."

@akumanoken (answering injury ask)

While yes it was true he was breathing heavily and his features looked strained from the deep gash on his upper arm closer to his elbow. Hijikata’s priority was making sure the princess was okay no matter the cost.

“I’m fine,” he has told Sakura once already but this time it was quieter and less aggressive than the first. “Your safety is all that matters, as long as I draw breath I can protect you another day more.”

When those gentle hands began to wrap the kerchief around his arm he glanced over and placed his hands over the others. “Tie it above, slow the blood flow.”

[firstroseofspring]

exploring klingon ridge variation!

[akumanoken]

Mating Season //from @truedevilhakuoki for muns choice <3

Send “Mating Season” to catch my muse in a lustful state & needing release. @truedevilhakuoki

It was... not the strangest feeling. He's been in his body before. He's known this discomfort but has always been able to push past it. Shamed as he was by his body at so young all he could do was ignore it until it went away....

But it seemed this day would not be so easy. He whined, hips moving against the fabric of the futon despite his despairing whines for it to stop. He didn't understand it, it wouldn't go away this time, and instead of being able to push forward and concentrate on anything else... his mind... wandered...

Wandered to the wolf... the guard nearby... and it made him gasp, shuddering as he pushed his hips deeper into the fabric, desperate for the half-pleasure to stop and his mind to clear.

"H-Hijikata----dono......"

[sandy-grains]

Cherry blossom

[steeloofficial]

ppg fixation still going strong.

rbs and replies appreciated.

[face-breaker]

fighting the urge to mix a lil' honey badger into sett —

[kultofathena]

Iron Tiger Forge – Sakura Katana with Rosewood Saya -1050 Differentially-Hardened Katana

The Sakura Cherry Blossom Katana from Iron Tiger Forge is both an excellent entry point for the new collector of Japanese swords or a great sword for building out your collection at excellent value –  It brings high quality fittings, blade geometry and a real clay tempered blade at a great price. The tsuba and kashira hilt fittings feature in finely rendered antiqued brass a classic Samurai cherry blossom tree motif. To many Samurai, the fallen petals of the Cherry tree which are brilliant in full bloom, but fall thickly upon the ground at the end of its flowering season were akin to the lives of the samurai after battle.

The differentially-tempered blade is forged from 1050 high carbon steel and it has been clay tempered in the traditional manner to possess a genuine hamon to give it a keen and hard edge supported by a shock absorbing blade body and spine. Its habaki and seppa are brass and the tsuba, fuchi and kashira are crafted from antiqued brass. The wooden tsuka grip is fitted with panels of black lacquered genuine rayskin and are overlaid with well-knotted artificial silk ito in a dignified and traditional brown color. The artificial silk feels much better in the hand and more authentic then the many of the “scratchy feeling” lower grade chemical fiber ito used on many budget katana

The sword is matched with a finely carved and smoothly polished wooden saya of gorgeously finished Rosewood. The saya is finished with a knotted black and bronze flecked sageo to match and complete the sword. A cloth sword bag for storage and transport is included.

[paperconsumption]

yayayayayyayayayayyyyyyyy

[wiley-treehouse-gardens]

Treehouse Gardens

[msb-lair]

Clutch #3747 - Siowyn/Sionyn

Mated On: 2024-10-28 # of eggs: 3 Hatched On: 2024-11-02

Progeny:

Hatchling 9969 - Gaoler Female, Clay Phantom/Peridot Spirit/Mantis Blossom, Unusual - 15,000 on 2024-11-29

Hatchling 9970 (Flowerbed) - Gaoler Female, Sable Phantom/Peridot Spirit/Steel Blossom, Rare - 15 gems on 2024-11-20

Hatchling 9971 (Cypros) - Gaoler Male, Umber Phantom/Camo Spirit/Olive Blossom, Uncommon - 15,000 on 2024-11-23

Comments: 

[donghefastener]

Stainless steel plum blossom groove knurled fiberboard

[truedevilhakuoki]

[ 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 ] for Sakura and Hijikata

[ 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 ] : sender and receiver are finally about to kiss, but are interrupted.

He wasn’t one for public displays of affection. Usually. But this time he acted on impulse. After the meeting Hijikata followed Sakura a step or two behind in silence. The halls were no place to talk about what had happened inside that hall.

Taking notice of the hand at his princess’ side he reached out stopping the other and turning him around. Stepping closer Hijikata had lifted Sakura’s chin and leaned in.

He was just about a breaths width away when a door from another room opened several servants leaving. Just as quickly as he’d moved in Hijikata was stepping away letting go of Sakura in haste turning his attention to the window that overlooked one of the many gardens. His cheeks deeply colored.

[blonde-bomber]

[akumanoken]

i've wanted to kiss you for a long time now (from Hijikata to Sakura- @truedevilhakuoki )

"SOOOOO... WHAT IF WE KISSED...?" PROMPTS @truedevilhakuoki

"You... you've...." Sakura couldn't even repeat it properly, stammering over his words and blushing bright red from it. Hijikata had truly... He pulled back, one hand over his racing heart, the other over his obi to settle his racing heart. It was almost too much. "I... I um.... that is to say... it's not that I wouldn't----"

Gods this was embarrassing. He... would be lying if he said he did not have thoughts about the man in front of him. Those were thoughts he was anxious to keep to himself for fear that he would indeed create a terrible impression, or it would make the man decide he ha made a mistake in dedicating himself to the princess... to hear him say that he harbored such thoughts were...

"I am... n-n-not opposed but it is... I am... I have never...." He would be a disappointment... as he'd never been kissed. He didn't know what to do.

[prythianpages]

'Cause It Was Always You | Azriel x Reader

summary: After eavesdropping on multiple conversations, Azriel finally gathers the courage to confess his feelings to you, thinking he's on the verge of losing you.

word count: 1,741

warnings: I guess angst at the beginning? But I promise it ends with fluff!

a/n: Billie Eilish's Birds of a Feather has been on repeat in my head and it prompted this cute little idea. Also shoutout to @nocasdatsgay for helping me with a codename for Az.

“I fear I’ll love Lapis until the day that I die…until the light leaves my eyes…until I’m in the grave, rotting awa–”

“y/n, you’re drunk,” Feyre had giggled.

“Drunk in love,” you sang in response with a giggle of your own.

And when one of Azriel’s shadows reported the silly little smile on your face, the silly little sparkle in your eyes, he shrunk back into the ones that had remained. His heart sank to his stomach, a cold, heavy weight settling there. 

Because you were in love. 

With someone that wasn’t him.

Azriel told himself that was the last time he’d eavesdrop. And perhaps, that wouldn’t have been a lie, if it wasn’t for the pesky little shadow that followed you around. It enjoyed dancing and flitting around you. Sometimes, it’d make its presence known by weaving through your hair or slithering up your arm. Most times, it’d trail behind you, like a little duckling.

Azriel tried to call the shadow back home but it was unwavering, choosing to linger in your presence instead. The same way he wished to linger by your side. And recently, the inky traitor had gotten into the habit of summoning more of his shadows to your side, weaving an invisible bond between you and him.

Every time a shadow returned to him, it brought whispers of your laughter, the sparkle in your eyes, and the softness in your voice when you spoke of Lapis. Each word you uttered about that male tore him apart, every confession cutting deeper than any blade ever could.

“If you don’t ask Lapis out, Jasper will do it for you and believe me when I say you do not want that to happen.”

“Okay, okay! I’ll ask him out. Tomorrow.”

That was a snippet of a conversation his shadows had reported to him earlier, cutting his morning training short. It lingered with him, haunting him throughout the day. And now, he found himself unable to sleep, constantly turning in his bed.

Azriel’s stomach twists into a tight knot, the storm raging outside echoing his inner turmoil. Tomorrow. He was running out of time.  Fear and perhaps, even pride, kept him from telling you how he truly felt about you. But now, he found himself fearing something even worse. Losing you before he even had a chance to say it…

He didn’t want to wake up one day and regret his silence, regret not telling you how he felt because of pride or fear. He needed to do this for himself, to break free from the shadows of his past. He had failed to confess his love twice before, and the thought of a third failure was unbearable. This time, he couldn’t let fear hold him back. The risk of losing you to someone else was a pain he couldn't endure.

With a deep breath, Azriel steeled himself. He needed to find you, to tell you the truth about his feelings. Before anything between you and Lapis could blossom. He couldn’t let another moment pass without you knowing how deeply he loved you.

Which is how he found himself at your doorstep, in the middle of the night, clothes sticking to him like a second skin as the rain pours relentlessly down on him. His shadows stir in excitement, whispering anxiously as they hear your approaching footsteps. His heart is pounding, so fast and hard that he fears it’s going to explode.

“Azriel?” 

Your voice is still marred by sleep as you blink up at him. That traitorous shadow hovers behind you, peering at him over your shoulder. He glares at it, and it quickly hides behind your hair. You don’t seem to notice it, either unfazed or truly oblivious to the shadow that had been following you around for so long.

“Did something happen?” You speak again, brows furrowing in concern. You step back into your apartment, a silent gesture for him to follow after you and come inside. 

“I–” Azriel begins but he can’t bring himself to finish his sentence. He can’t even bring himself to move as his eyes catch the movement of your arms wrapping around yourself to ward off the chill of the downpour. The nightgown you’re wearing is thin and short. A  glimpse of your exposed skin has a warmth rushing to his face and he’s blushing.

"I—" He tries again but when his eyes meet yours, his heart leaps into his throat, choking off his words. Oh gods, he can’t do this. He’s grateful for the rain as it masks the tears beginning to sting at his eyes. He thinks he’s going to be sick and–

“Are you okay?”

His shadows push him forward, wings shuddering in response. It’s now or never. He can do this. He takes a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“I love you.” 

The words spill out in a rush, raw and unguarded. He watches you with bated breath, his shadows whispering every nuance in your expression—from the way your eyebrows raise and your mouth parts as a gasp escapes, to the way your eyes glisten with something he’s too scared to discern.

You’re rendered speechless, the silence that follows feeling like an eternity. Azriel’s wings slump, growing heavy. He clears his throat, averting his gaze. The need to retreat is overpowering what little courage he had gathered moments ago. 

“That’s all I had to say. I should, um–I’ll be leaving now,” he stammers, so unsure and so unlike himself.

“Az–” you start, reaching out to him, but he’s already stepping back into the rain. He doesn’t think he can face your rejection, much less witness the look on your face if you don’t feel the same.

“Goodnight.”

His shadows are like a wall of resistance, fighting against him as he turns to make his leave. He asks them—begs them, even– to swallow him whole. To winnow him away and save him from further mortification. But they refuse. Stay, they insist, tugging and weighing his wings down. 

It leaves him with no choice but to walk away. Every step feels heavier than the last, the rain soaking him to the bone. Listen, his shadows urge as they continue to tug relentlessly at his wings for him to turn back around and face you. 

But he can’t. Not when the Mother has seemed to have cursed him with loving those who could never love him back.

“Azriel!”

His mind screams at him to keep going, to keep walking away. However, the plea echoed in your voice has his chest tightening. His heart overrides his mind, shadows only encouraging him further. He turns around just in time to catch you as you leap into his arms.

Your legs wrap around his waist, arms encircling his neck in a desperate effort to keep him from leaving. His own arms respond immediately, securing you to him. 

“Don’t go.”

Your breath is warm against his neck as you tighten your embrace, and his wings curl around your smaller form in response, wanting to shield you from the relentless rain. He feels you shift in his arms, pulling away just enough to look into his eyes. One hand reaches out, tenderly brushing the dark fringe from his forehead. His breath catches, and you must sense his inner turmoil because you gently smooth away the furrow of his brow with your thumb.

“I love you,” you say, your hand caressing his cheek. Despite the cold, harsh downpour, your touch is warm and soft. A balm to his frayed nerves.

His heart swells with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy. He had prepared himself for rejection, for the familiar sting of unrequited love. But here you were, confessing your love to him with the same vulnerability he had shown you.

“Really?” he whispers, voice thick with emotion, eyes searching yours for any sign of hesitation.

“Really.”

“I thought I was going to lose you,” he murmurs, his voice trembling with relief. “I thought I’d never have the chance to tell you.”

“Lose me? Azriel, you’ve always had me.”

“But you said you loved Lapis? You were going to ask him out–”

“So you were spying on me!”

Azriel’s eyes widen, cheeks flushing all over again and he’s glad it’s dark enough to conceal it. “No–I–not intentionally…my shadows, they…,” he trails off, realizing how ridiculous he must sound.

Yes, his shadow refused to come back to him. But he didn’t stop the others from reporting back to him so with a defeated sigh, he says, “I’m sorry.”

“Azriel,” you giggle and he’s frowning at you, not finding the humor in the situation. “You are Lapis.”

“What?”

“You’re Lapis. Cas is Jasper and Rhys is Amethyst.” You explain, lips curling into an amused smile at the sigh of relief that comes from Azriel. How had he not realized that all those names shared one thing in common? And more importantly, that they were color coded to his and Cassian’s siphons?

“I needed a codename for you so I can gush about my feelings for you without, you know,” you tilt your head toward that nosey, barely visible shadow that had been following you around. Sensing the attention, the shadow dips and hides again, curling around the back of your neck. 

“I fear it’s yours now,” Azriel replies, almost sheepishly.

“Good,” you smile at him. “I’ve grown rather fond of it. Just as I have over its master.”

His shadows take your words as a welcome invitation, swirling and dancing around you both. Azriel’s arms hook underneath your thighs, pulling you even closer to him. Your arms find their place around his neck again.

Then, you're closing the small distance between you and kissing him. Warmth spreads throughout him, reveling in the sweet sensation of your lips against his. The rain continues to pour, but neither of you care. 

When you finally pull away, he leans his forehead against yours, his eyes remaining closed as if in fear that this is all just a dream. You gently kiss his nose, your soft voice reminding him that this moment is real.

“I love you.”

Azriel’s eyes open, looking right into yours. “Until the day that I die,” he tells you, echoing your devotion.

There’s a knowing spark in your eyes as they search his own for answers. It has his lips lifting into a smile that mirrors yours, confirming that he had been eavesdropping on your drunken confession weeks ago.  Your smile widens. 

 “Until the light leaves my eyes.”

This was a better idea in my head but hey, at least I finished it. I also don't know the logistics of having a conversation in the rain but that's the beauty of fanfic, I guess?lol Anyway, I could not get these lyrics out of my head. They were so Azriel coded for me:

I'll love you 'til the day that I die 'Til the day that I die 'Til the light leaves my eyes 'Til the day that I die I want you to see, hm How you look to me, hm You wouldn't believe if I told ya You would keep the compliments I throw ya

the way I keep fixing these lyrics but I think tumblr is glitching or something uggghh, pls ignore the random mismatched sizing

Also just wanted to point out that if Az hasn’t confessed, reader would’ve done it the next day anyway 💀

general tag list: @scooobies, @kennedy-brooke, @sillysillygoose444, @lilah-asteria @the-sweet-psycho

@daycourtofficial, @milswrites, @stormhearty, @pit-and-the-pen, @mybestfriendmademe