#THE WAY THEY REFLECT EACH OTHER. SOME PROJECTING GOING ON PERHAPS? | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lovingseventeen · 1 year ago

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matchy-matchy with seventeen

a/n: me in my single era pt 2093520395 and here’s me projecting just a little bit yk. also i tried really hard to make these creative i hope it went well

seungcheol: jackets

✧ specifically varsity jackets or those racing jackets

✧ maybe not exactly the same, maybe it’s the same style of jacket but in different, but complementary colors

✧ absolutely loves knowing that it’s so easy to tell that the two of you are a couple when you walk together

✧ his lock screen is a mirror picture of the two of you :’)

jeonghan: hair accessories

✧ matching hair accessories oh myyy

✧ it could be in simple barrettes or clips with little cutesy designs

✧ or ribbons !!

✧ one day he sees you tie back half of your hair (like a semi-updo) and he just asks you, “can you do that to me too?”

✧ you two can be dainty together 🫶🏽

joshua: rings

✧ perhaps he’s a simple romantic

✧ rings can go with any outfit and he wants a reminder with you everywhere he goes

✧ loves seeing his ring on his finger in all of his daily activities

✧ also loves to hold your hand to look at the ring on your finger only to follow with a soft kiss to the back of your hand too

jun: earrings

✧ maybe he’s a little more subtle with it

✧ but he finds earrings as an easy way to be connected with you, knowing you have the same pair

✧ all that matters to him is that it’s something that the two of you know about - and maybe others if they’re paying attention

hoshi: tiger phone cases

✧ ofc you support his tiger agenda and one day he just surprises you with matching tiger print phone cases

✧ falls a little more in love with you when you don’t hesitate to swap your current case with it LOL

✧ loves taking mirror selfies where you can see your cases and as the two of you make the tiger claw hand gesture

✧ if you’re with literally anyone else together, he’ll just grab both of your phones to go “look!”

wonwoo: headphones

✧ thought of this because he games but headphones are also pretty necessary in general

✧ you each pick sticker packs and you place some stickers on your own pair

✧ then you swap headphones and fill up the rest of the negative space of each other’s :’)

woozi: pajamas

✧ he’s someone who’s also very lowkey methinks

✧ he doesn’t feel the need to flaunt his relationship too much, or go out on his rest days either

✧ he likes the moments you have just between the two of you and pajamas are a cute way to still have that

✧ whether you’re cuddling on the couch or just walking around the house, his heart is content seeing your matching home outfits

seokmin: shoes

✧ just felt like this would be soooo cute with him

✧ it gives you both freedom with your outfits and individual styles but anyone looking at you two together would know that you’re dating

✧ he love love loves taking those pictures of your matching shoes

✧ maybe he even takes a short video for his story and you can tell he’s happy in it because he can’t stop his feet from doing a little dancey dance

mingyu: hoodies

✧ adores seeing the two of you matching so obviously in the reflection of windows, mirrors, etc. when the two of you are out

✧ takes so so many pictures of you two

✧ you definitely have more than one matching hoodie

✧ will fall in love with you more if matching couple clothes was your idea first LOL

minghao: nails

✧ i had to, i HAD TO, just imagine the two of you with the prettiest hands ever

✧ maybe he lets you pick a color first and then he’ll pick a second to complement it aaa

✧ and even if you aren’t too much of a nail person, maybe you just get one nail painted with a little image or design to match the color scheme of his

✧ also imagine the intimacy of painting each other’s nails and he’s holding your hand close to his face and blowing on your nails to dry them

seungkwan: bracelets

✧ the two of you make your matching bracelets at one of those shops meant for dates

✧ i just know he would try so hard !! to make yours so pretty

✧ his heart ACHES when you find these 2 bear charms to represent the two of you (so you can have a little bear of each other)

✧ “this one’s me and this one’s you, don’t you think?”

vernon: beanies

✧ he’s always giving you his beanies when it’s cold out anyway

✧ then on this day he’s shopping and he can’t pick between 2 options (they’re both the same 2 colors but in different combinations)

✧ vernon just gets both and lets you pick the one you like more

✧ he knows you’ll look good in either one :)

chan: crewneck/hoodie-sweatpants-set

✧ this is various things but here me out, he’s a dancer and he probably has a good amount of athleisure

✧ sometimes you visit him during his solo dance practices and he likes to try to convince you to dance with him

✧ one day you stopped by without the intention to dance and he just casually pulls out the set for you that coincidentally matched with his

✧ he’s so giddy when you change. so so many recordings of you dancing together (regardless of how coordinated the two of you actually are) and mirror selfies to capture your outfits

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rinnstars · 1 month ago

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hello hello hello !! it's me again, aqua girl !

another req ( yes, bc my mind never runs out of ideas ) hiihihihih.

imagine the trope " she fell first but he fell harder " with rin. + literal highschool love?? THAT'S LIKE, SOMETHING I COULD NEVER HAVE :((

ik you haven't done my previous req but im just dumping this on your ask notif :)) i hope you don't mind thoo, please take your time and get some rest ! thank you thank you !!

project love!

the start of yours and rin’s love story (with a science project)

itoshi rin x reader: fluff, you fell first & rin falls harder ofc<3, not proofread + likes and reblogs r appreciated <3

a love at first sight - you’ve seen it happen in those mangas you’ve read since forever, where both characters’ eyes practically light up when they see each other for the first time, where their heart beat a little too loud characterised by the loud beating rhythm beside the character written in in black ink, where they practically see each other in their millions of lifetime lived before this one. of course, you’ve long given up on such dreams depicted in fantasy dreams, opting to relieve them through reading such mangas or hearing about it from friends that are viewing everything through rose-tinted glasses whilst laying on your bed with that playlist that the hopeless romantic in you when you were younger made right on valentine day to manifest. you think youre all grown up now compared to the much more childish and kiddish version of you when you were just a little younger, smiling without a care in the world with your hands wrapped around friends, hands holding that bag that’s a little out of place compared to your now plain and boring one bought simply to fit in. and perhaps, its foreshadowing when you fall asleep that night dreaming of another romantic fantasy plot that you practically ripped right off that show you grew up on.

and right now, you think youre practically those same manga characters as you sit right beside itoshi rin. its stupid - the way his hair perfectly frames his pretty face that is even more elevated with the sun reflected on it that you have to stare through the reflection of the phone youre awkwardly fiddling with, the way his eyes is practically angelic as it stares right underneath the desk onto a football notebook-esque thing that you cannot make head or tails of, and of course the way his voice practically make you flush and make your heart beat as though you’re riding a rollercoaster as you (try to) nonchalantly wave to introduce yourself to your new seat partner. you’ve read countless of mangas to know how this is supposed to go - you’ll be assigned a group project and he’ll somehow fall in love with you mid discussion and confess to you at the very first place you meet. except: you don’t even think you can carry this group project with the way your attention naturally draws to him so focused and determined as he slowly flips through the books as though hes studying for an exam, you don’t think you can even hear the teacher with the way your ears only capture that heart beat that even beats against your head with the background noise of his breaths that sends little electric shocks to your spine, you don’t even think you can get any work done with him beside you with you being barely being able to send a text to your friends about him. and of course after a few weeks of just looking at him through your phone that you pretend to type away at every science lesson, you are undoubted assigned said assignment - one that neither of you listened about during class and now turn to look at each other dumbfounded without a single clue of anything that has occured in this class.

if anything, you think you blame this unfortunate situation of you and him on wasting your luck on your lucky draws and arcade games during the holidays - both of you in the library having to write about a famous scientist and their creation that none of you have any interest in, scratching your heads as you two look at your laptop that has an embrassingly large crack on its screen. if anything, you think not even the lack of distance between the two of you can aid you in this graded assignment as you two scramble to find any citation and information just a day before the graded assignment is due. well, technically you think it wouldn’t have to be this way if he was actually awake on the day the assignment was announced and not awake out of shock of having his name called, jolting up within a few seconds as though practiced, or if you had the guts to ask him when he was free until the very last minute (that he thankfully apparently didn’t have practice) and with the time ticking, you don’t think you have time to be regretting on things better left unsaid, as you zoom in whilst letting rin take down the key point from the article and writing the page in the article section, slightly cursing as his hands accidentally smudges a little ink whilst writing. you think without the stress, you would practically be red in the face having being so near him, his hands touching yours a little as he lean in so close to the screen that you think he might just need glasses right next to your face to read the words as his eyes squint a little to make sense before pulling back to write hurriedly onto the large piece of paper that slowly gets filled.

and itoshi rin thinks hes absolutely lovesick and unlike himself. ironically, outside the field, he isn’t focused on much outside of things he finds a little fun in - horror movies and mangas he has downloaded on his phone to that he sometimes watches on the long bus ride home from his training centre, english classes that he gets to write stories that draws inspiration from said horror films, collecting his favourite soccer magazines from that convenience store down the street whose owner still recognises him by heart. and he sure isn’t focused in that science class that’s simply compulsory - he’ll do well enough to pass as per always, studying hard at home by making notes and doing the assignments and opting to take advantage of sitting at the back at the corner by reading soccer magazine bought an hour ago on the way to school beside his partner that he knows for sure isn’t focusing on whatever’s in front either. there’s nothing much for him to notice, all he really cares is doing decently in school to promote to the next year, using his football club to practice a little before heading to the pathways to his dream at that training facility that’s a little too far for him on days that is what truly matters to him.

perhaps its fate way of messing with him as he skips his one day of training, sitting beside you, right in the library cramming god-knows what project that he gets reminded the day before of the dateline. he didn’t think his heart ever pumped this heart against his chest outside of the field as he sits so closely to you that his head gets a little dizzy which only getting worse as he has to lean in to read the shaky words on the screen right beside your face that he thinks he makes contact with his own face, his hands brushing against yours that sends electricity run through his body as he attempts to write as fast as he can as his sweaty palm slows his usually fast writing down, his eyes that seems to naturally focus on you rather than the bolded letters on the screen that is practically his exam grade. hes never felt this way about someone else, his mind focused solely on his dreams and passion that everything else had always seem like background noise to him, but you seem to stand out strangely as though you’ve placed a spell on him that has him hooked. and when hes all done, walking with you under the moonlight, he thinks you look like an actual angel with the way the moonlight reflects on your face as it crinkles as you grin, laughing at some stupid joke he strangely says that is so unlike him he had to take a double take on what he said himself. and he thinks you might be a gift given from whatever deity he should start believing in - with the way you so smoothly enter his orbit that he swears he built layers of walls up from just a few years ago, as though you had the key to his heart and simply unlocked it and attached yourself onto him like you two were meant to be. and he thinks you really might be some sort of deity next when you wave goodbye to him at your apartment that seemed so natural, as you infiltrate his mind even on his walk home where he skipped his own bus stop for the sake of staying with you just a little longer, abandoning his own routine and throwing it away completely for you.

and he knows hes definitely lovesick - when he thinks back of all those stupid games his friends do at that training facility, calculating yours and his name on some random website to find the love percentage between you and him whilst biting his lip at two in the morning after finding himself unable to sleep with thoughts of you keeping his brain awake, taking out a flower from the living room at two in the morning to do the ‘do they like me not” in his own room with his palm sweating each round, and checking your contact he found from the class group chat looking at your profile picture and feeling his cheeks and heart grow warm at the bright smile you sported. and he thinks hes definitely screwed when you and him pass the project to the teacher, and all he can pray for now is for another project for you and him to do so he can get to have another excuse to be so close with you, to be in your orbit once more, to be someone a little more in your bright world.

and its weeks later at the same library, this time simply a study date as you focused on your work and he fiddles around with his pen, unable to keep his eyes and heart off you who he thinks looks adorable with your scrunched face and lip bit as you attempted to find the solution to god knows what, where he suddenly blurts out like an idiot he thinks:

“i think i really like you” which he thinks is an understatement to the growing feelings that claws at his heart. he thinks if you asked, he would do anything - from wearing those cringe matching t-shirts that he cant help but do a double take on whenever he goes out and pass by clothing store to daydream of you and him in those, from performing in front of a whole crowd some cringe love song to profess his love to the whole wide world like the mangas he sees you read underneath the table during science class, from even attempting to giving you the whole wide world. and he thinks he might have just given you just that as he looks at your stunned appearance, your eyes widening completely as you shifted your focus from your boring homework to his with just a turn of a head.

“.. i think i like you too, rin.” and you think ironically that you just might be living in those mangas that you used to read of and still do, as he looks at you as though youre his whole world, as your hand linger and finally holds his, fitting in his like two matching puzzle pieces meant to be, as you lean a little closer to his face, practically hearing both yours and his shaky breath and fast heartbeat as he nervously merge your lips together for a few seconds before immediately pulling away.

#itoshi rin x reader #rin itoshi x reader #rin x reader #itoshi rin fluff #bllk x reader #blue lock x reader #bllk fluff #rin.<3

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dotster001 · 11 months ago

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For Tuna; Duel End

You can vote for the next ending here

Chapters One Two Three Choose a different ending

“I've had it! They're all worthless!” Grim shouted as he stormed into Ramshackle.

You looked up warily from the book you were reading on the sofa.

“Who's worthless, Grim?”

“They are!” He screeched, throwing some folders on the ground. You sighed at the mess you would no doubt have to clean up.

“Well, why are they worthless?” You moved to start cleaning up the folders, and he hissed at you. You retracted your hand.

He stared for a moment, before looking off into the distance.

“I, uh, have to do a partner project, for extra credit. And I'd narrowed it down to who I thought I should pick, but all of them are stupid head poopy butts.”

“That's rough, Grimmy,” you sighed, noticing one of the folders had a familiar name. You raised a brow. “How is Silver a stupid head poopy butt?”

Grim scowled.

“He just is. Don't ask too many questions!” he sighed sadly. “I don't know what to do,Y/N, everyone I thought was perfect for this project is awful. I feel like I'm starting over!”

“Well, can I be your partner?”

“That would defeat the entire purpose,” he pouted.

Ah, probably an assignment that was meant to build his independence from you.

“Deuce always needs extra-”

“Blech!”

Not Deuce then. Got it.

“Well, what if you make a list of all the possible people who aren't, what was it?”

“Stupid head poopy butts.”

“Right. Then you can pick one randomly. If that one turns out to be a…well you know, you can pick a different one. And then if no one is good, please just go to Deuce. For the love of God, your grades reflect on me as well!”

“Go to Deuce?” He spat. “You have no idea what you ask of me, human! But still….your idea of picking randomly is not bad! Perhaps I have been putting too much thought into something that requires no thought at all!”

You highly doubted that.

But he seemed happy again, putting together a list of seemingly unrelated names. You noted he wrote down your lab partner Alano’s name, before snickering and crossing it out.

Once he had all the names written down, he pulled a name out of a hat.

“Sebek?” You asked. “He's smart. He has a lot of life experience too. I bet he'd be a great fit.”

“Yeah, and his dad's a dentist,” Grim said with a worrying smile.

“Yeah,” you said, trying to sound excited for him, despite your confusion. “If you want, I can walk you over there. I need to give him back the notes I borrowed, anyway.”

“I don't know if that's a good idea,” Grim frowned.

“Okay, I can ask Mal Mal to bring the notes then-”

“I've changed my mind. Come with me.”

….

When Sebek wasn't in class, he was in the Diasomnia courtyard, dueling the training dummy. It was worse for wear; chunks of it were missing, and the parts still together had deep scars.

Never had he felt such painful turmoil in his life. Everytime he closed his eyes, he saw you on someone's arm, be it Malleus, Lilia, Silver, Leona, or any of the numerous people Grim had chosen, then fired, within the past week.

Fired. They wouldn't be with you. But still.

He was snapped out of his heated fighting with the clang of metal against his sword. He blinked back to awareness, and processed Silver standing before him, sword in hand, body in an offensive position.

“You need to snap out of it,” Silver said. Sebek snarled, and swung at Silver, and was deflected easily.

“Do you think you're good for anyone right now?” Silver asked, and Sebek swung again, blind rage building up in him.

What the hell did Silver know about him? Who did he think he is?

“Father and Lord Malleus are both worried about you. Is that any way for a knight to act?”

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH, HUMAN!”

Swords clanged against each other, one knight at peace, the other bursting with rage.

“If there's something you want, go get it!”

“You don't know anything about me!”

“I know the face you made when Grim told you he chose me, and the relief in your eyes when he changed his mind.”

“SHUT UP!”

Clang. Clang. Silver landed a hit with the flat of his blade, making Sebek fall back. His anger, if even possible, rose to new levels. He ran at Silver, sword swinging, only for Silver to side step and make Sebek trip.

“Y/N is a wonderful creature. You would be good together!”

“Ah!”

Clang.

“They bring out a gentler side to you that makes you a well rounded knight.”

Clang.

“But you have to admit what you want, Sebek!”

Clang. Clang. Clang.

“What do you want!”

“I want Y/N!” Sebek shouted, finally disarming Silver, and knocking his feet out from under him.

He breathed heavily, wiping sweat from his brow as he stared down at his defeated senior. Silver, as always, was smiling peacefully. A little too peacefully. He pointed over Sebek 's shoulder, and he turned to look. He felt immediate horror as he saw you standing with your cat creature.

You shyly waved at him, and Sebek felt his face grow bright red.

“I, uh, came to give you back your notes,” you said with a bashful smile.

“Oh.”

“And Grim wanted to ask you if-”

“It can wait, henchhuman! You two obviously have some things to talk about. Come Silver!” Grim turned on his heel to go, then turned back to Silver with a horrific glare.

“I said, let's go. You've clearly lost.”

Silver laughed happily.

“I'm not sure I did lose, Grim.” He stood up, gently clapped Sebek 's shoulder, and leaned in to whisper “good luck.” He hummed happily as he followed Grim into the Diasomnia castle.

Sebek stared pointedly at the ground, neither of you ready to break the silence.

After a bit, “You want me, huh?” Followed by a soft giggle.

“Who wouldn't want you? You're an excellent human,” he muttered.

“You're very sweet, Sebek.”

He looked up in shock, as you smiled at him. You weren't…rejecting his advances? And Grim wasn't stopping him? Had the world come to an end, and this was just a blissful dream in his last moments? No, Malleus would be in the dream too.

He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted as his ringtone played the Valley of Thorns national anthem. He apologized quickly and picked up, expecting Master Lilia or his royal highness.

Instead he was greeted by the voice of your cat.

“I'm giving you a chance, crocodile boy. You know what that means right?”

Sebek grunted in affirmative, turning away so you wouldn't see his face.

“There had better be three cases of luxury tuna on Ramshackle’s doorstep tomorrow morning, or you can kiss Y/N goodbye.”

He almost completely derailed himself by imagining kissing you, in any capacity.

“Understood,” he grunted. There would be no tuna. He didn't need Grim's manipulations to hold your love. But he didn't want to deal with the argument, not when he was seconds away from getting the one he longed for.

“Good.” Grim hung up, and Sebek turned back to you.

“Malleus was just…it doesn't matter,” he ran up to you, wrapping his arms around you and burying his head in your shoulder. He held back the slight tremble his body wanted to give at finally having you in his arms. You wiggled a little bit, and he tightened the hold, not ready to let you out of his grasp yet. He was so unbelievably happy.

“Sebek, you're all sweaty!” You whined.

He pouted, taking a step back and placing a hand on your head.

“I am a knight, human. I train day and night to protect the ones I love. You're going to have to get used to the sweat of hard work!” He proclaimed proudly, before grinning. “After all, part of why I'll be training is so that I can be worthy of you.”

You gave a mock sigh, then opened your arms to him. He didn't hesitate to embrace you once again, tightly holding onto you, and the memory of this day, both of which he intended to hold onto forever.

The End

Tag list- @leonia0 @lleoll @eccedentesiast-sapphic @supertmntgirl @cxsmicdustdreams @aethermostbeloved @krystalkiller25 @asmallbean3 @theneurodivergentdummy @candlewitch-cryptic @smilingfox22-blog @phantomgaming1920 @the-dumber-scaramouche @noidonothavetimeforthis @bontensbabygirl @xxoomiii @somany-fandoms-solittle-time @bre99 @stupidsimp @sus0daddy @a-small-tyrant @imlost-sendhelp @mizukiblogs @savanaclaw1996 @kazumify @fatally-incorrect @glo0b @alleykat2014 (I combined your idea with a second idea I had 😁)

#for tuna #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #sebek zigvolt x reader #sebek x reader #twst sebek #sebek zigvolt

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year2000electronics · 3 months ago

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I read that part on both finally being seen in willford and now I want to hear more of Stanford Gleeful's thoughts on his pathetic triangle demon bf throughout the years if that's alright

ALRIGHTY i can take a crack at it.

when they first meet, i imagine, is a lot similar to canon billford, with will primping and preening ford's ego like "of COURSE i chose you! youre special!" and ford eagerly accepts the praise, but the more time they spend together, the more ford gets a read on will, and the more ford realizes will is very purposely kinda showing "holes" in his plan because he's really falling for ford/using him as his Emotional Support Human. and that's fine by ford, he'll do whatever he needs to get the success he so richly deserves, but in my mind, he slowly starts getting less and less impressed by will. he still likes him, to be sure, but less like a muse and more like... i don't know, a pet. as a random, non-specific example. like a stray cat you found at the side of the road.

then, the "betrayal" happens, in which ford shackles will into his servitude because fiddleford left the portal project right before they were good to test it. ford knows will feels incredibly betrayed by this, but really, who will nurture will like he does? who's going to be a better subject for his muse? nobody. it's better this way for both of them. one day will's going to see that.

ford's return from the portal has him realizing that dipper and mabel have been "looking after" will for a couple years now, and although he's initially happy to share, he just would like everyone to know. thats HIS dream demon. not yours. so as the days go on in the gleeful manor, ford ends up spending a lot of time with will and just generally trying to re-bolster their connection, using everything from threats to charms- all that. and, of course, will does all his chores. he missed the simple luxury of having someone swoon over you all day

during weirdmageddon, he views will as a partner, because he's "willing" to give a 50/50 split to their power now that will's got a physical form, and perhaps he'll stop being quite so weepy. but there's a moment during all that, when will casually starts dropping a LOT more violent language, and doing his sad little laugh a lot more often, and ford realizes "oh. oh, i've been making a DEMON slowly lose his patience over the course of 30 years." and that yes, will IS still mad about their deal. and it all comes to a head when will lets slip that he is planning on killing the rest of the gleefuls.

as of the book of will/will getting locked in the theraprism, i feel like theyre still on each others' minds, but with ford gleeful it's like "maybe one day he'll come back and we can make a better life together and atone" and will is like "i am going to pin him to a wall like a butterfly and make him watch as i paint the entire room red from his family's blood" so. maybe some time apart for them is just fine!

overall i want them to kinda be a funhouse mirror reflection of bill and ford's canon dynamic, but since will still has the power and mentality of a demon in this dynamic, and since ford gleeful's still just a man, it's not 1-1 exactly

#mothra answers #gravity falls #reverse falls #billford

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ronearoundblindly · 9 months ago

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Steve Rogers, number 4, a kiss where it hurts (imagine him making it stop hurting) xxx

*no pairing listed but could work in Fools Rush In, It Had To Be You, Autumn Is Healing, Threadbare, or as a stand alone. While those series do specify female readers, this is written gender neutral. He calls you 'sweetheart' one time.

A Dark Day and A Bright Night, one of my Valentine's Fics of 2024

Warning only for description of a bad mental health time. (I know not everyone experiences this in the same way, but I tried to cover the gist and focus on Steve's comfort of you.) Otherwise, just sweet, caring fluff! WC 1781

There are invisible barriers everywhere, and they stop no one but you.

No one else can hear the muddled whispers of what else you could have done, what more you should have accomplished, how disappointing it is that anything took so long.

You can’t do any better. You can’t go any farther. There’s a line in the sand no one can see. Sometimes, no one can see you.

Nothing matches up. Work fast-forwards around you in chaos while you slog through, treading water with all the energy of someone who has been out at sea alone for days and days. You grow so tired.

There are moments you power through, mind racing to gain lost ground on an endless, looped track. You grow so tired, and it’s never just one thing. It’s water and sand and nothing all at once, vast forces beyond your control.

What else? What more? Why so long?

There are barriers no one else can see, and it’s not their fault because it doesn’t match up. We move through life at different paces. We experience different struggles. We are stopped by different forces.

“How was work?” Steve asks, a chipper smile on his face as he places dinner in front of you.

“Fine.” There are no other words.

“Really? Seems the project is right on schedule, thanks to you.”

You see him pause before he takes his first bite, and rush to pick up your fork, knowing it’s best to participate, knowing the barriers may be invisible but effort is not.

He eats his mouthful, and you stare.

Dinner isn’t a line in the sand, but it feels like one, another interaction you’ll be disappointing in, another fear you can’t explain.

“Not my best work, but it got done,” you manage, mechanically feeding yourself, showing the effort, making a show of the effort. “How was your day?”

It’s a flat question. The response is muddled by water and wind and doubt.

Why can’t you focus? Why can’t you do better for him? Why does he stay?

Steve can’t see any of it. He can’t get to you because there’s no one place you’re trapped in.

You do the dishes. You watch TV. You start your bedtime ritual, and you’ve participated as little—and as much—as possible because treading water is lonely. You grow so tired.

Tomorrow could be better. You can do better tomorrow. It’ll take effort.

Tomorrow you’ll work harder and you’ll be less afraid. But that’s what you thought the last time you were stuck. That’s what you think each time you find a line in the sand.

You stare at your reflection, still treading, still scared, still misaligned.

“Did you hear me?” Steve loosely holds you with his palm on your hip. Standing behind you, face sullen in the mirror, he asks where you’re hurting.

To Steve, there has to be a solution. Each mission must have a goal.

You spit, rinse, and put your toothbrush in the holder.

“Just tired.” That’s the sand he cannot see.

“Seems like more than ‘just tired,’” he huffs, unsatisfied, and turns you toward him. “Tell me.”

“It’s nothing you can help with.” That’s the water he cannot navigate.

You’re on your own.

He smirks humorlessly. “That’s never stopped me before.”

But you don’t have the words. All that comes out is “my head.”

“Headache?” He reaches for the medicine cabinet. “You need some—“

You shake your physically fine skull. “No. It’s not a headache.”

Steve’s face…changes in a way you’ve never seen before. You expected confusion, perhaps pity, but this is something all-together reminiscent. His eyes dart around the bathroom like he’s taking inventory, and for the first time today you aren’t the most distracted person in the room.

Then he returns to you.

“I think I’d like a nice bath. Will you join me?”

He sets it all up, using the best smelling bubbles, setting out the softest towels, and inviting you back into the little spa he created by handing you a lovely chocolate.

When you try to refuse because you’ve already brushed your teeth, he replies, “live dangerously,” and pops a bonbon for himself.

Hopefully, it is dark enough for Steve to miss the tears in your eyes.

He lets you settle in the water against him, playing by splashing warmth over the parts not submerged. He kisses your shoulders and neck, the back of your head. Steve keeps himself attached by the lips, breathing you in but feeling so far away. Your mind wanders to nowhere, thinking nothing.

“Feels good—I mean, bett—feels okay, yeah?”

He suds up his hands and washes a bit of you, but your muscles are tight and curled.

You’re tucked into yourself, small as can be.

“Can you try to relax for me, sweetheart? Can you let yourself float?”

The tub works for a guy Steve’s size. There’s a little space but not enough to stretch out completely.

The tension in your body is slow to release. You manage to let your arms, knees, and feet peak through the bubble clouds.

Steve nudges, “and your neck?”

You didn’t realize you were holding it up.

There is infinite space to lay flat in your endless sea. Floating offers a respite, a view of the sky, the same sky blanketing your beach.

Invisible barriers at least spare the scenery.

You and Steve watch the fragrant foam burst for a while. It takes you much longer to truly relax back into Steve. The quiet of the bath drowns you with the noise in your head.

What else? What more? Why so slow?

It’s never just one thing. It is all things, all at once, and nothing at all. All of the elements to survival and understanding are there if you just focus your attention, if you just put in the effort, but you are so tired.

Steve wraps you in his arms to press you deeper into his chest.

“Sometimes my ma would burn dinner,” he starts quietly, voice rough from holding back all his questions you can’t answer, “and we would scramble around, combing the cupboards. We’d make the oddest meals out of bits and bobs. Maybe half of it, we should’a never touched, but we did what we had to. Ya know what? Those were some of the best times. We did the best we could with what we had—sometimes less—and that’s what made her so amazing. On what she probably considered her worst days,” Steve kisses behind your ear, “I admired her the most. Formed some of the best memories.”

“Let me guess. Because she smiled the whole way through?”

“Nah,” he muses, chuckling enough to shake you in the water, “she threw a pan once. Loosened the door of the stove she slammed it shut so hard. She cried usually until we were sat down eating. Always tried to give me the most food because I was so small…

“I made it a game. I only took a bite if she did. Win-win.”

He stays quiet for a beat, assured you’re hearing him.

“You’re not ruining anything by crying,” he says solidly, almost loud in the confines of the bathroom. “Good things can still happen. You still did good today.”

He continues. He details little things he admires about you; how hard you work for yourself, for him, he notices all that. He wants you to see what he sees.

There’s no barrier stopping him.

The water turns tepid, and Steve gets out first to ready a towel for you. There’s a difference between him treating you like a china doll and his doll. His doll is not breakable. He isn’t gentle because you are fragile; he does it to preserve you for the next day, and the next. Steve refuses to place any more burden on you than already falls.

He’s right there, strong, noble, and determined with forces working against him.

He’s scared and he doesn’t understand. He can’t fight. He has to scramble to catch up, to change plans, to make a meal out of nothing, to turn nothing into something. He doesn’t understand why he’s in a different sea, or why he can’t get to you standing on the same damn beach. His hand is right there on the barrier, but his shouts are muddled.

It’s not fair, and it never will be.

He physically lifts you up, wrapped in a plush bath sheet, his hug strong enough to thump against that clear wall that springs from your line in the sand.

That’s when you realize the barrier isn’t impenetrable. You can still see the scenery. You can still hear muddled sounds.

Some of his voice gets through. Sunlight and warmth get through. The water still buoys you up.

If there are directions to go, there are paths to take.

If there are ways in, there are ways out.

There are invisible barriers everywhere, but they don’t stop Steve from being there for you.

One more chocolate. One more brush of your teeth. You trade the fluffy wrap of a towel with the cozy wrap of a t-shirt, and he makes sure you’re comfortable.

A simple goodnight kiss alone might tip you over into exhausted euphoria, but Steve is not that kind of simple.

He props himself up on an elbow and rolls you onto your back.

Kissing your right temple, he whispers, “I love you.” Kissing your left temple, he confesses, “I love your voice,” the peak of your forehead, “I love your spirit,” between your eyebrows, just above one ear, and the other.

“Miss you when I’m not here. Miss you when you’re not here. I miss you even in my dreams.”

Then, and only then, do you get that simple kiss goodnight. His soft lips melding to yours for a long, soothing moment before you two drift off to sleep.

When you dream of a beach and an ocean and nothing at all, you miss him, too. You remember his presence, and the truth becomes as clear as the sky above.

There are pieces of you to love. You are a loved thing. You are light and heat and sound that can get through, even when misaligned, even when you don’t match up, even when not in the same sea.

Steve’s love is invisible, but you know it’s there. It’s not a limit to fear. It’s not a barrier to turn away from. His love is not an obstacle you want to get past.

Not every invisible force is bad.

Sometimes, barriers slow you down, let you listen, make you rest, and help you float.

There are barriers everywhere, but nothing between you and Steve.

Ransom Drysdale and a kiss out of spite ⬅️ ➡️ Ari Levinson and a kiss out of envy

A/N: oof. *walks away crying* I'm fine. It's fine.

[Main Masterlist; Light Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

@supraveng @1950schick @patzammit @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @yiiiikesmish @ashesofblackroses @spectre-posts @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @brandycranby @buckysprettybaby @ellethespaceunicorn @bucky-fricking-barnes-reads @fallinallinmendes @deandreamernp @im-a-slut-for-fluff @fangirl-swagg @georgeweaslysgirl @austynparksandpizza @claireelizabeth85 @jamneuromain @shelbygeek @rogersideup @eyebagsanonymous @trudy-shams @saranghaey @awkwardgiraffe726 @rach2602 @royalwritersoftheuniverses @rogersbarber

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drdemonprince · 11 months ago

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Any recommended reading for a newbie to anarchism?

David Graeber truly is the best entry point into the pipeline i feel. Reading his work doesn't feel like "reading theory", it feels like learning more about a specific aspect of the world from an engaging, open-minded author who makes history and anthropology accessible, and then simply realizing somewhere along the line that you've become a lot more radical than you realized you'd always been.

Bullshit Jobs is his easiest and most approachable read -- start with this if you're not a big reader of dense books, or if my book Laziness Does Not Exist particularly spoke to you. It's about how the majority of reasonably well-paying jobs today are completely meaningless, and why important, fulfilling jobs that are actually necessary to run society are so often thankless and poorly paid.

If you have student loan or credit card debt out the ass or you grew up hearing the myth that the earliest human societies relied on trading and bartering, pick up Debt: The First 5000 Years. This one is a bit of a tougher read than Bullshit Jobs, but still approachable, talking about the history of human commerce, debt forgiveness, enslavement, and where that history has left us today. You'll learn a lot about history but Graeber will also always lead you back to the present.

If you were a follower of the Occupy Wallstreet movement and wonder why it failed (or whether it failed), pick up The Democracy Project. This is a slimmer, faster read! And it focuses a lot more on the practical tactics and bylaws of Occupy organizing. In it, Graeber illustrates how human groups can be run without hierarchy and just how well that can work! It's perhaps the most explicitly anarchist book of his in that sense at least, yet it's also very conversational and easy to follow, with lots of lessons learned and specific examples from real-life organizing meetings.

If you hate rules and bureaucracy, pick up Utopia of Rules. What Debt is for bursting basic, widespread myths about economics, Utopia of Rules is for challenging mainstream knowledge about the role of the state. This one is actually an essay collection, and that makes it a quicker, easier read than many of the others -- in each chapter, Graeber tackles one specific aspect of irritating modern-day bureaucracy, and its full of relatable gripes about going to the DMV or applying for unemployment, but then it zooms out to make a larger point about how societies now function (and fail to function).

If you're interested in Indigenous cultures and how various human societies have approached governance, start with Dawn of Everything, which he co-wrote with David Wengrow. Now this is a MUCH denser book that I recommend taking chapter by chapter, pausing to savor all the new information and paradigm-busting that they've just showered you with. A chapter before bed each night and then some time laying down and simply reflecting about the diversity of human social potential is a great way to slowly work your way through it.

If you read any of these, you'll be left with a lot of ideas as to where to look next -- Graeber was widely read in a great many fields himself, so he'll leave you a trail of breadcrumbs to follow.

The Anarchist Library online is also a great place to find shorter, more explicitly anarchist theory work, once you're ready to delve in. The r/debateanarchism subreddit is also something you should subscribe to and thumb through every once in a while!

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vex-jb · 12 days ago

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What’s the vibe this month for my ♐️, ♏️, ♒️, and ♑️

Rest may be done later today 🩵

🐐

For my capricorns u could be going through a peaceful laid back period where u r having faith in yourself and in any projects or situations u encounter u r taking a more confident and optimistic attitude. I also see that you may encounter a surprising opportunity or offer—a “happy tower moment” that catches you off guard but brings joy. This could involve a potential suitor, someone who’s interested in you or who perhaps shares a past with you. There might have been a time when you both felt abandoned by the connection, leading to hesitation in giving your all to new connections. Now, however, someone from your past might be returning, seeking a fresh start. If this person reappears, take your time and be discerning. Reflect on why the connection ended before, as true compatibility requires mutual effort and compromise. This person may be feeling confident and ready to approach you again, hoping for a reunion. They may even be seeking advice on how to reconnect with you, this could happen in the morning or day time… This individual could be from a different cultural background, potentially Middle Eastern or European and may feel that there’s a strong, life-partner energy between you both. If you pursue this connection, ensure open communication, clarity, and mutual understanding.

🏺

New emotional horizons await, Aquarius. A fresh opportunity in love or deep connection is on its way. It could be a new person or someone returning with a genuine, heartfelt offer. This person, likely an air sign (Gemini or Aquarius), has put careful thought into approaching you and is ready for a fresh start. They’ve made a judgment call to pursue you with honest intentions, bringing both emotional depth and intelligence to the table. U guys can know each other from school or work or u both collaborated together at some point so more so hinting at already knowing this individual. Your advice is to be mindful about what you invest in, considering the value and reciprocity of each connection. Focus on financial stability and partner with someone who respects your worth and shares your values. Approach this connection with maturity and a wise perspective. If both of you can meet each other halfway, this partnership holds potential as a divine union. Forgiveness and trust are essential, as this person genuinely seeks your forgiveness and understands the need for emotional security. If you’ve been manifesting a relationship, your desires are materializing. This person will likely be generous and may even be open to compromise in ways that strengthen the relationship. This is a bond where both individuals are committed to growth and partnership, with forgiveness as a foundation.

🐟

Pisces, you’re radiating self-contentment and security. Right now, you don’t need validation from others; you feel whole within yourself. But perhaps you’re a bit too comfortable. Stepping out of your comfort zone could bring the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for. This month isn’t centered on romance but on your own emotional growth. While past pain has made you emotionally wise, it’s also kept you cautious, hesitant to invest in others or take new risks. This inner comfort is masking a deeper mental burden. Remember, growth lies beyond the familiar. Open yourself to new paths and release the weight of past fears.

🐴

Sagittarius, November is brimming with positive energy and peace. You may reconnect with someone from your past if u we’re on a break for some of u ur already in a relationship with this person this is someone you’ve shared deep bonds with, possibly even a family literally or figuratively (friends and a home together ). This union feels serene and fulfilling, perhaps involving children or new beginnings in the future 😉. You might find yourself reflecting on what truly brings you happiness and what you desire longterm. This period of introspection will be fewarding, you’re sowing seeds of abundance tangibly or mental/ spiritual.

🦂

Scorpio, this is your time to thrive in your independence. Single and radiant, you’re focusing on yourself, nourishing your spirit, and pursuing your passions. You might find yourself more outgoing, embracing new activities and connecting with nature. Meditative walks, park outings, and soul-nurturing moments are fueling you, bringing peace and good karma. Your journey is about health, wellness, and aligning with your higher self. Embrace this period of self-discovery and joy—it’s a beautiful gift.

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atamascolily · 9 months ago

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There has been a lot of speculation about how many different forms of Homura will appear in Walpurigis no Kaiten, and to what extent each can be considered a distinct individual. I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the trailer shows us two (and only two) Homuras, as represented in the key visual: the "real" Homura and her doppelganger self, who is the primary antagonist.

The "real" Homura in the trailer and key visual.

The doppelganger. Note that her eyes are conveniently closed in the trailer in order to hide the fact that they are different color--brown instead of purple (although perhaps that's just the lighting?)

So what do I make of the third version Homura from the trailer, then? Well, take a look at these two shots:

Maybe it's just me, but I believe these show the same person and same place. They appear different to us because one is meant to represent "reality" and one is an "illusion". One is backstage, behind the scenes, and the other is the show itself. One is the idealized self Homura projects to the world, the other is what she actually is when she's not actively playing a role.

I think we'll see a lot of different Homuras in this movie, but in the end, they will ultimately condense down to the original and her dark reflection--who is and yet is not Homura herself. I don't know if I have any proof for this beyond Occam's razor, some suggestive framing, and a general gut feeling, but I figured I'd throw in my two cents nonetheless.

That said, I am grateful that SHAFT made it easy to distinguish those two from each other, because this movie would likely be even more confusing if there was no obvious way to tell them apart.

#puella magi madoka magica #madoka magica #pmmm analysis #walpurgisnacht rising #walpurgis no kaiten

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kawaii-genic · 1 month ago

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Brown Eyes

Alec Volturi x Astral Projecting! Reader

Warning: Brief mention of suicide

Disclaimer: Hi! I had this idea for an Alec fic. I'm sorry though since it's been so long since I wrote a story so I'm a bit rusty. Alec and Jane are also a bit out of character in this. I tried. Enjoy!

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Sitting under the brightly lit, starry sky, appreciating the light breeze free of pollution. Once again, waiting for a certain brown-eyed boy. "__! Sorry for making you wait. I promised Mother I'll help Jane with her errands today" the boy said, lightly jogging towards the smiling girl. "Hey, Alec! Don't worry. I didn't wait that long" The girl said reassuringly while patting a seat next to her. "So, are you ever gonna tell me where you've been? I can't help but notice you only show up every night" Alec asked, slightly turning his head to __. "Hmm, like I said, I'm not from here. I just so happened to stumble upon your village when I met you. I started hanging around ever since," The girl said, smiling softly, knowing she couldn't say where she was really from. Not only is she not sure of herself, but he also would not believe her if she told him her guess. "Fine. Perhaps, I can just walk you home later then?" Alec asked, hoping for a yes. __ turned her head towards Alec. "I want you to Alec. Believe me, I do but you know you can't-" She was about to tell him the usual lines but got cut off by Alec. "Because you're not from here. I know" Alec said with a hint of disappointment. "I'm sorry, Alec," __ said, sadly looking at the said boy. The moonlight illuminated his pale face, making his brown eyes sparkle even more. "Don't worry, __. Just promise me next time you'll let me walk you home at least. It's dangerous for a girl to walk at this time of night" Alec said, staring at __. __ smiled brightly at the boy, once again facing the starlit skies. The two continued to enjoy each other's company until it was time for Alec to head back to his waiting mother and twin.

Ever since the night __ showed up, they've started meeting up at the same location, talking about anything and everything. The two surely enjoyed each other's company. They became an escape from the cruel reality they lived in. Alec stumbled upon a seemingly lost __ one night when he was out getting some firewood. Without any hesitation, he helped the girl, offering to stay in their humble cabin with his mother and sister. The girl, of course, declined, knowing she was not even supposed to be there.

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Opening her eyes, __ was met with the all too familiar ceiling of her room. Him again. The girl thought to herself. Feeling tired despite waking up from a full night's slumber. Smelling breakfast cooking downstairs, she hurriedly finished her morning routine leaving some more time for her to at least eat her breakfast without being late for school.

Alec. The boy with the sparkling brown eyes. Ever since my mother died and I moved here to Forks with my Uncle Charlie and his daughter Isabella, I've been dreaming about a boy named Alec. A dream that feels like reality. A dream like no other. It started with me waking up in a clearing near a small cabin. I saw a boy, not that older than me holding a bunch of wood. Not knowing where I was, I decided to approach the boy. That's when I noticed his eyes. His hazel-coloured eyes seemed to reflect the brightness of the moon. Ever since then, as much as I want to deny it, I've been looking forward to sleep. Because through sleeping, I get to escape this reality.

"Morning, __. Come and eat. I made breakfast" Sue said, smiling and placing a plate of bacon on the table. "Hey, kid. Good sleep?" Charlie asked, fixing his tie, and preparing to go down to the station. __ smiled, taking a bite out of her bacon. "Yep. I slept early. Didn't wanna be late" Said __. "By the way, Bella and Edward might drop off later along with Ness," Charlie said while heading to his cruiser. "Oh, nice. I'll make sure to come home early then. I miss my niece" __ said hurriedly, dropping off her plate by the sink. She quickly gave her step-aunt a quick hug before heading out of the house.

Saddling herself atop her BMW R18 bike, she fixed her helmet, making sure it securely buckled, before lighting a quick smoke, making sure Charlie was already out of sight before starting her engine.

Time goes by slowly for __. All she wanted to do was to go home, take a quick refreshing shower, and snuggle on her fluffy bed, hoping to see her brown-eyed boy. But alas, here she is, sitting in English class, bored out of her wits. Without knowing, __ dozed off.

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Once again, she finds herself in the middle of a clearing near a small cabin. Happiness and relief filled her heart. She'd get to see Alec again for sure. "Brother, help me with this, please. I can't reach it" she heard what sounded like a girl calling out. "Just a moment, sister. Let me finish feeding the last chicken. I'll be there" Excitement filled the girl when she heard the voice. It's Alec. I have to hurry. The girl hurriedly followed the voice, pinning her outside of a small cabin. It was a simple cabin made of wood. Outside it has a small garden of what looked like an assortment of flowers and even vegetables. A bit farther to the east, she saw a girl not that much older than her, trying to hang the newly washed clothes. From a short distance, she was met with a familiar build walking towards them. Alec. She quickly approached the twins, excited to see Alec. Shortly, the twins notice her. Alec beamed when his eyes landed on the familiar girl. "__! You're early today" He said, waving at the girl. "Hey, Alec" __ smiled at the duo. "Oh, this is my twin, Jane, by the way. I told you she was real, sister". Alec said. The blonde girl turned to __. "Hello, I'm Jane. I'm Alec's twin. Ever since the other night, he's been talking about you nonstop. I and Mother thought he was making it up" Jane said, walking up to __. "It's nice meeting you too, Jane. I've heard so much about you from Alec. He loves his sister dearly", __ said, turning her head towards Alec, who just snorted. "I do not. Jane's annoying", Alec said, playfully pushing his fuming sister. "Ugh, Alec. I'll tell Mother" Jane said, running towards the house.

Laughing, Alec turned towards the girl, still holding the basket of chicken feed. "So, you're early today" He asked, motioning the girl to follow him to the small shed by their cabin. "Well, I had nothing better to do at home, so why not?" __ said, following suit, watching Alec work on a rusty farming tool. The said boy paused for a while, his brown eyes looking straight at the girl's __ colored ones, sending chills down her spine. As crazy as it sounds, the same brown eyes that sent her to not wanting to wake up. The same brown eyes she came to love in just a few nights. "Answer me honestly, __. You're not from here. I get it now. You're literally not from here. The way you talk, the way you dress. Everything about you. You're not even supposed to be here are you?" Alec asked, still staring at the bewildered girl. "Honestly, Alec. I don't know. I don't know how to answer you because I don't know how I do it. I don't even know why I'm here. It sounds crazy, Alec. I know. The only thing I know is this is the only time in my life that I look forward to. Even though I know it's wrong. I'm not from here. I don't even know if this is all real. But after meeting you, you've become an escape for me. An escape from the reality I live in. The reality of losing my mother, being forced to live across states, being forced to smile despite everything. So to answer your question, I don't know. But what I do know is that I don't want to leave. I don't want to wake up and go back to my dull life without you." __ said, not knowing that tears were slowly pouring. The boy, quickly dropping his tools, enfulged the girl in a hug, slowly wiping her tears. "I apologize for asking, __. But I have to say that you've also become an escape for me. After that night, I've been looking forward to your arrival. You're one of a kind. While the whole village avoids us and treats us badly, like we're the devil's spawns, you're the only one who is willing to talk to us, more so to befriend us. As selfish as it sounds, part of me is also wishing for you to stay here with me" Alec said, hugging the girl tightly as if their lives both depended on it. They both stayed like that for a while. Both enjoying each other's embrace. That is until they heard a woman's voice calling. "Alec!" Said the voice. "That's my mother. I better go. Why don't you come with me?" Alec said, letting go of the girl. "I'm ok, Alec. I'll wait for you here" said the girl.

I don't want to wake up. Please don't wake me up.- The girl heard loud banging. She looked around, not knowing where the sound was coming from until another loud bang came.

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The professor banged loudly on the sleeping girl's desk, waking her up from her deep slumber. "Ms. Swan, you might wanna wake up now. You're the only one left here. All the others already went home" __ looked up to the source of the voice only to see her professor glaring down at her. The said professor only left a piece of paper on her desk before walking out of the room, shaking his head in disappointment. Great. A detention slip.

__ sat in the detention room, bored out of her wits thinking about the brown-eyed boy. I have to go back. He told me himself. He feels the same way. I have to go back to him. Nothing's waiting for me in this world anyway. Mom and Dad are gone. Uncle Charlie and Aunt Sue probably think of me as a nuisance to have around. Bella's off living her married life. Nothing is left for me in this world. In the other world, I have my Alec.

__ walked along the path to the seemingly empty parking lot. Finally securing her helmet, she saddled herself on her motorbike. Ready to drive along the familiar path, her mind made up of what she's decided to do.

Walking out of the drugstore, sleeping pills in her bag, she hurried home to see her cousin Bella her husband, and child in the living room. Putting down her stuff, she ran to her cousin and niece giving them a tight hug. Edward gave Bella a knowing look. Unbeknownst to the girl her cousin's husband can read all her thoughts.

"__! I missed you. C'mon, let's go to your room. I've been meaning to talk to you" Bella said, practically dragging her cousin up the stairs, leaving her daughter and her husband downstairs. "How are you holding up?" Bella asked, sitting down on the bed while __ sat on her computer desk. "Holding up just fine, Bells. Don't worry about me. I'm feeling amazing. I've never felt this good in a while" __ said smiling up to her cousin. "By the way, Bells, I know Ness wanted to have her gaming console and you guys are still thinking about buying one for her. Well, I've been thinking. I haven't been using my Switch lately so why not just give it to her? Don't worry about the games. I have tons. You can filter out the games if you'd like" __ said, happily. Bella watched her cousin sadly as she went around the room gathering the said games, packing it all in a bag before offering it to Bella. Instead of accepting the bag, Bella held her cousin's hand. "Cous, I appreciate the gesture but we can't accept that just yet. Look, why don't we go hang out with Ed's brothers later at our house? You can bring the Switch. I'm sure Ness will enjoy a game night later" Bella asked. "Sorry, Bells, I have to catch up on school wor-" The girl was not able to finish her sentence as her cousin was quick to cut off her. "Please? This is a favor. I owe you. Just come with us later. I promise you'll enjoy it. Besides, you need a break" As Bella pleaded, she heard her husband calling for her from below. Bella once again looked at her, smiling. "Fine. Let me grab my stuff then let's go" said __. Well, this is the least I could do for what I'm about to do later. They deserve this much. __ thought to herself not knowing the sad look Edward had downstairs.

Edward watched her wife and child play with Charlie in the living room when he heard a faint thought probably from miles away. "This is it. Almost home. I hope these pills work. Please work. I need to see him. I need to go back to my Alec. Nothing is waiting for me in this world. Mom and Dad are dead. I'm just a bother, a nuisance to everyone. To Uncle Charlie, Aunt Sue, Bella, Edward, Ness. I'm sure they'll be better off without another responsibility. I have to do this". If vampires still had blood in their system, Edward would have probably paled. That was __. She can't be thinking about that. And what does she mean by seeing Alec? She doesn't even know about the existence of vampires, much less, the existence of the Volturi. "Can't this bike go a bit faster? I'm so excited to see my brown-eyed boy". Maybe I'll agree to Alec's offer to meet his Mother later." Edward was shocked by what he heard. Brown-eyes? Mother? With that, Edward excused his wife to the kitchen to tell her what he discovered and the possible reason for the occurrence.

__ entered Edward's Volvo, sitting down beside her niece, her plans delayed. In no time they were on the road heading to the Cullen house. Without knowing, the girl drifted off to a long-wanted slumber.

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It was dark. Screaming was heard from the distance. __, realizing where she was, quickly ran towards her beloved's cabin. There she saw the villagers dragging the struggling twins out the door, pitchforks and torch on hand. Once the twins were out, they took out their screaming mother as well. Horrified, she ran towards the group of villagers to try to stop the scene. "BURN THE WITCHES!!!" One of the villagers screamed followed by the others. "NO PLEASE, YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND. THEY'RE NOT WITCHES! LET THEM GO. ALEC!!!" __ screamed, holding on to one of the villagers holding a struggling Alec. "__! Run. Please. Don't get caught up on this. PLEASE, EVERYONE, DON'T HURT HER. SHE'S NOT A PART OF THIS. __! GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FOR. PLEASE" Alec pleaded while being dragged. Before __ reached the boy, she was held back by a gruff-looking villager. "NO PLEASE, SIR, LET THEM GO!" The girl pleaded. "Stay back, madam. You've already been enchanted by the witches. Once they're gone, the spell will be broken" The villager said. __ kicked and screamed to be let go as she watched her beloved and his family get tied to the stake, ready to be burned while hearing the other villagers chanting to burn the witches. "PLEASE NO! BURN ME. BURN ME INSTEAD, PLEASE, ALEC!" __ screamed helplessly. "NO! DON'T. DON'T TOUCH HER. SHE'S SAYING THAT BECAUSE OF MY SPELL. I CURSED HER. DON'T HURT HER" Alec pleaded. __ only watched helplessly, crying to all the Gods to help her beloved brown-eyed boy. The last thing she remembered from that night was Alec mouthing one last "I love you" before closing his eyes and accepting his fate.

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__ woke up screaming in an unfamiliar environment. Tears streaming down her face. She quickly hopped down the white bed, ran to her bag, and rummaged for the sleeping pills only to be stopped by her cousin, her husband by the door. Bella lightly shook the girl. "__! You're ok. Please, you're ok" Bella pleaded while hugging her struggling cousin both because of reassurance and for her not to be able to reach the pills. "LET ME GO, BELLA!" __ screamed and struggled to no avail. Human against a vampire after all. Bella only loosened her grip when she felt her cousin stop fighting. "You don't understand, Bella. I have to go back. I have to save my Alec. He's being burned, Bells. Please let me help him. There's nothing left for me here, please" __ pleaded. Although no tears can be produced, Bella felt her cousin's pain. "We're here, __. You may think there's nothing left for you but we're here. You can't leave us just yet. Ness can't lose her Aunty yet. There's also nothing you can do about Alec. You can't change anything. What's done is done, __". __ snapped her head up to her cousin, staring at her unbelievingly. "What do you mean?" __ whispered. As if on cue, Edward called them both. "It's time, Bells. They're here."

Running across the forest towards the Cullen's residence, Alec felt different. He felt a pull towards the said residence causing him to hurry. "Brother!" He was snapped out of his thoughts by his twin. "Sister, I apologize. I didn't hear you. What were you saying?" He turned to his sister. "I was asking if you're ok. As soon as we stepped foot in Washington, you started to act dazed" Jane asked his brother worriedly. "I'm fine, sister. I just feel weird. It's like something is pulling me towards the Cullens" He stated. "You're talking like you're about to find your mate with the Cullens" Jane said to her brother jokingly with a small smile. This side of her only shows her brother. Alec internally cringed at the thought.

As they near the Cullen's house, the stronger the pull. Until a certain smell reached his nose. A smell so intoxicating, a smell so sweet that it makes his throat burn despite just feeding on a couple of humans on the way to their destination. With that, the duo hurried to the residence to finish the mission Aro entrusted them: To check on the hybrid.

The pair arrived at the residence. Carlisle, the family's patriarch, standing by the doorstep. "Alec, Jane. It's nice to see the both of you. Come join us inside. Renesmee is with Edward". Carlisle said, stepping out of the way for the duo to enter. The scent ever so worsening, piercing Alec's whole being, causing further burning on his throat. Edward being able to hear his thoughts already had an idea of what was causing the burn, having experienced what the twin is experiencing before with Bella when she was a human. He may not be fond of the thought that the cousin-in-law he came to love as his sister will be mated with a Volturi, he does not say anything as he knows he's not one to talk knowing how blood-singer works.

Hearing new voices downstairs, __ can't help but feel a pull. "I'm sure Aro will be delighted to hear that the hybrid is not a threat. If we're correct, she's already reached her full maturity" Hearing those words, __ instantly felt her heart leap. That voice. Can it be? My Alec. My dear Alec is here. But how? I don't understand what's happening. Despite the confusion, she hurried downstairs to confirm her assumptions.

Heart full of hope, she hurried down the stairs. There she saw two people in black. Then she was splashed with cold water, she was met with a sight that gave her hope. Standing by the piano was her beloved with his twin. I don't understand. He's from my dream. I watched them both burn. What is happening?

As the twins are watching Renesmee play on the Piano, Alec once again, is hit with the intoxicating scent. Desperate to find the source, he snapped his head up towards the staircase where a familiar __-haired girl was standing. She seemed familiar. Everything about her feels familiar, feels like home however, no matter how much Alec wracked his brain, he can't seem to pinpoint how and where he met the girl. The moment he locked eyes with the girl, everything went flying out of the window. Nothing ever mattered. Not Aro, not his reputation, not the Volturi. All that matters is this familiar girl. Everything clicked. The scent. Her blood sings to him. Jane was right after all. He will find his mate with the Cullens.

Despite not liking the situation, Edward can't help but smile. This is better for his mate's cousin. She finally found her other half.

In an instant, Alec was in front of __, shocking the girl. She didn't have any idea about the vampire world after all. Nevertheless, she still touched the boy's cheek with her palm, caressing it softly, not minding the cold temperature in contrast to her fairly warm hand. "Alec. You're ok. But your eyes?" she said. Shocked that she knew his name, he finally found his voice. "You know my name?" This seems to strike something within the young girl. "You don't remember" she said, all hope leaving her. Sensing the pain in the girl seemed to hurt him as well. The exchange was cut off by the other twin. "Brother, if I understood correctly, it seemed that you have found your mate in this human. Although Caius will be thrilled to know that the Cullens are yet again endangering our species by telling another human of our existence" said Jane. That statement seemed to anger the male vampire and for the first time in centuries, that anger was towards his dear sister. "Yes, I have found my mate. However, you will not interfere, sister. This will not reach the masters. __ shall remain unharmed" Alec said, black mist slowly seeping from his palms, ready to protect his dear mate. Sensing the anger radiating from her brother, Jane was quick to reassure her brother. As much as she hated the fact that her dearest brother was mated to a human, one associated with the Cullens nonetheless, her priority is still her brother's happiness and if accepting the human is required then she's willing to adjust. "Understood, brother. We shall tell them once you're ready. It pains me that you think I'll hurt your mate" Jane said, slowly approaching the two. "Jane? It's you. You're also safe. Oh, thank God. But your eyes though. And, Alec, you're so cold. Are you ok? Are you sick?" __ said, relief turning to worry in seconds.

"Sorry to break the moment but Alec, Jane, she's not aware of our existence. If I'm not mistaken, she's also been having visions about you even before now, Alec" Edward said. "I see. Brother, I believe it's best to explain the situation to her" Jane said, turning to her twin. "Yes. Jane, can we excuse you outside? We need I have to tell you something about those visions" Bella whispered so low as to not let the human girl hear. Everyone left the two mates together.

"What happened to you Alec?" __ asked sitting down. Before he could respond, he saw tears slowly pouring from the girl's eyes. Quickly, he wiped away the tears. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to do anything, I wasn't able to stop the villagers, Alec" said the girl, tears streaming down her cheeks. That statement seemed to bring all the memories of that night to Alec. That's why she's familiar. She's the girl who only appears at night. The girl who insists she's not from there. It all makes sense now. Alec thought to himself. "__. It makes sense now. You are not from that era, are you? That's why you keep on disappearing" He unknowingly said, voicing out his thoughts. "Yes, and I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I did try going back but I can't-" Before she finished, she was cut off by Alec. "Cara Mia, it's not your fault. Even if you come back, there's nothing you can do. And even if you do go back, please don't change anything. Don't save us. If you do, we won't be able to meet here" Alec said, holding both of __'s hands. "I don't understand, Alec. What's happening?" __ said, gripping Alec's hand. "Don't worry, __. Let me explain everything but you have to relax. Ok, Cara Mia?" Alec said, gently brushing his thumb across her face. With that, the boy opened the world of the supernatural to the girl.

Jane sat in Bella and Edward's small forest cabin along with the other Cullens, trying to understand the situation. "__ has been having visions of both you and Alec even before. Much like Alice but with her, it's the past and it only happens when she's asleep" Bella tried to explain the best she could. "I heard her thoughts before going here. She said it started when she moved here to Forks a day after her family's accident" Edward added. "Wait. So time travel?" Jane asked, confusion evident in her voice. "Kind of? In the form of astral projection. I'm sorry, Jane. That's all we know. We only learned about this earlier this afternoon" Alice piped in.

"I want to become a vampire" This statement shocked the vampires walking in from Edward and Bella's. "Alec, turn me now. C'mon, bite me. I'm ready." __ said happily, turning to Alec while exposing her neck which shocked the boy even more. "Love, let's slow down a bit, ok? I know you want to be with me which I'm very happy about but as I explained earlier, once you become like us, there won't be any turn backs" Alec said gently holding her hands. "I know and I'm ready. C'mon let's do it now" She retorted which caused the twins to smile. "How about this? We set a date. How about on your 18th birthday? It will be set a month from now. This way, you'll have enough time to enjoy your mortality and bid your farewells to your human friends. Deal?" Alec said, putting his hands on her waist, and pulling her closer. The newly found mates don't seem to mind the other vampires watching. "Fine. But you have to stay here with me, ok? For a month. Please" She said, putting her forehead against his cold ones. "Of course, that can be arranged, right, sister?" He said, smiling and not bothering to turn his head towards his twin. Jane smiled. Happy that her brother finally found his other half after centuries of waiting. "Of course, brother. I'll give Aro a call" She said happily.

Finally, the two souls seemingly unreachable to each other have met and reunited. Indeed love moves in mysterious ways.

#alec volturi #twilight #cullens #Volturi #jane volturi #alec volturi x human reader #light angst #time travel #astral projection #edward cullen #isabella cullen #alec volturi x swan!reader #alec volturi x reader

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thrawns-backrest · 3 months ago

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Hopefully there are still people out there that are reading this, I feel like I've put way too much thought in it. Anyway let the Ronan and Ba'kif adventures resume.

Title: Buried in Ice

Characters: Ronan, Ba'kif and others

Chapters: 6/?

Summary: Ronan adjusts to life with the Chiss when a sudden revelation leads him to realize that his fate is not as firmly in his hands as he'd thought it was.

___

Ba’kif shifted his posture and refocused his attention on the blank wall opposite him.

How had it come to this?

There was a dull ache in his knuckles from how tightly he’d been clenching his fists and he flexed his fingers before giving up on the effort altogether.

He should have seen this coming, he really should have.

Letting his eyes roam again, he glanced at the human occupying the seat parallel to his. Lyron’s complexion remained pale and drawn and his hands played nervously with each other where he’d folded them in his lap. It was one of the more extreme signs of alarm Ba’kif had observed in him and he filed it to the back of his mind on impulse.

If he’d thought the tension of their uncertain circumstances was taxing, then he was unprepared for the frustration their current circumstances incited in him. Perhaps he was losing his touch?

… He really should have seen this coming.

The café was nearing its evening lull by the time they were halfway through their drinks. Those who had opted to spend their afternoon there had thinned, making space for the patrons that would begin filing in at the end of their workday, and the servers had taken to lounging around the bar, in preparation for the coming flux.

It was just the right amount of ears Ba’kif felt comfortable discussing more sensitive topics around.

He set his cup back down in its saucer and repressed a grin at another blunt remark from his companion.

Despite having most of their work-related talks in his office back in EDF headquarters, he would still invite Secretary Lyron out here occasionally, under the pretext of a by now established tradition.

It would be dishonest to say that the human’s file was complete by now. No, unbeknownst or perhaps very much known to Lyron – Ba’kif had learned not to underestimate him by now – his evaluation was still very much in progress. And Ba’kif had taken note of the fact that the human felt much more comfortable in a less professional environment.

“It’s stupidly brash, is what it is,” Lyron fumed, picking his finished cup up for the umpteenth time before setting it back down, disgruntled at its emptiness. “How are we supposed to defend someone whose actions are indefensible?”

“We don’t.” Ba’kif said simply. “Our job isn’t to conjure blamelessness where there is none. So by all means, let the Syndicure rip into them.”

Lyron grumbled something unintelligible.

“That reflects on our own reputation you know.”

“I admit there is a certain tendency among the younger generations to blunder in their approach. There are a lot of young officers who seem to have misunderstood some of our more successful strategies.”

Lyron’s gaze beckoned him to elaborate. Ba’kif sighed and repositioned himself in his chair.

“Many saw Thrawn’s success in the early days of the war and thought uncompromising hardheadedness was the way to go.”

Essentially missing the true nature behind Trawn’s genius. And only taking away the unfortunate side effects, Ba’kif finished in his head.

“You mean we work for reckless upstarts who live in a post Thrawn era and think they don’t need an ounce of political acumen.”

Ba’kif chose to forgo his answer. Lyron winced sympathetically.

“Just how deep of a scar has this man left on your society?”

“Crises come and go, Lyron,” Ba’kif waved him away. “Our society is used to weathering them without any lasting effects. We, as the Ascendancy’s servants, simply need to make sure it survives its current predicament.”

Lyron shrugged his shoulders cheerfully.

“Well, I’ll be cheering for you from the sidelines.”

The remark prompted a wry smile from Ba’kif that he opted to hide behind his cup.

From the sidelines, Lyron said. Little did he know how hard that was to believe, just looking at him. Lyron might have been loath to admit it but he was integrating into their people quicker than anyone had anticipated.

As for his opinions on Thrawn, Ba’kif had to give the latter some credit and admit that it was all a bit more convoluted than that.

There was, for one, the possibility that the Syndicure’s desire to avoid another Thrawn scenario at all costs exacerbated the whole situation.

This was why the Mediation Bureau had come to be to begin with. But that strategy also had its pitfalls.

On the one hand separating politics from military matters presupposed some degree of detachment and independence for the officers of one from the other. But on the other it made a larger mess when the two were forced to interact.

This effect may be less Thrawn’s doing and more a natural progression of things that they had to adapt to for the greater good.

This was a point of contention between Lyron and Ba’kif; one they’d discovered during the many times they’d discussed the topic since it was first brought up.

Lyron argued the need for earlier family separation in the navy, as early as Junior Captain, and a simultaneous obligatory education in political and state affairs, while Ba’kif preferred to let things happen more naturally. Regardless of whether Thrawn’s influence had been the inciting push that had set things in motion, the lines between the two institutions were showing signs of becoming less blurred and the Mediation Bureau had so far proven successful in being both buffer and wedge.

Ba’kif could envision it growing and expanding slowly as the new status quo settled, a subtle development that responded more to demand rather than any artificial meddling.

The Arostocra were still jumpy, even with Thrawn so far away, and a rapid reform like this could incite fear among them of losing some of their influence. Some of them were already noticing the shift Thrawn’s heroics and departure had caused in the navy and were not happy about it at all.

Ba’kif had tried to explain it to Lyron multiple times but the human merely shook his head, insisting that a strong legal framework was necessary for any experimental project’s survival and that establishing that framework while the Aristocra weren’t yet up in arms about it was crucial.

And Ba’kif, though he wouldn’t say it out loud, was secretly pleased by the opposition. Much like Thrawn, he recognized the value of different viewpoints working together and he had a good feeling that the solution to their problem would eventually be found in the middle, so long as they both worked diligently toward it.

Thrawn had warned Ba’kif that Lyron could be particularly stubborn about his opinions but could be swayed given a solid enough explanation. ‘A deference to hard facts and logic, if you will’ Thrawn had called it.

But Ba’kif suspected it had less to do with stubbornness and more with dislike, though he’d prudently chosen not to voice that opinion. Thrawn’s methods and Vanto’s apparent disloyalty (a rather hypocritical label, all things considered) seemed to be the source behind Lyron’s staunch antagonism and while that was a flaw that didn’t do him any favors, Ba’kif could tolerate it as long as it didn’t get in the way of his work.

So far that work had been satisfactory and promising for Lyron’s future in the Ascendancy. Although, Ba’kif had to admit, letting his thoughts drift for a moment, that was certainly not the only motivation he had for keeping Lyron around.

The man was a valuable asset in another regard. The place he came from, his vaunted Empire, was a form of government where the military held much more sway than it did in the Ascendancy. Essentially a stratocracy.

As such he could provide insight into how such a system operated. What loopholes were used to give the military its influence, what laws were in place to empower it. Thrawn had given them a detailed rundown of how the Empire operated but he was always more interested in the military side of things, as was Vanto.

How and where politics came into play was still a gray area which if charted, could provide guidelines of sorts, Ba’kif thought darkly.

Lyron seemed to straddle that line between military and politics. His own commanding officer, from what Ba’kif could glean, had been a civilian.

It was a dangerous thought… a slippery slope perhaps. But if they were to survive this war, they had to loosen the Syndicure’s hold on the military. An army fettered by a slow cumbersome political administration could not hope to weather the pressure the Grysks were exerting on them forever, if much longer.

And Ba’kif was well aware of that.

“Well, I believe this is all for today.”

Lyron sighed at length, getting up and tucking his questis under his arm. “No appointments for this afternoon?”

“None, Secretary.” Ba’kif nodded.

“Good, I can peruse these at home then.”

Home.

Another smirk hidden behind Ba’kif’s cup.

“Ah, and secretary,” Ba’kif stopped him before he could walk away.

“I had one of my aides order the garments you spoke of when we last met. They should be delivered from the seamstress’s in the coming week.”

The words sent a flash of surprise over Lyron’s face, bordering on shock.

“Thank you that’s...” he stopped and fumbled for words for a moment, “Very considerate of you.”

Ba’kif smiled indulgently.

“I know your situation makes it difficult for you move about freely. That shouldn’t bar you from simple comforts.”

“Yes, thank you. General.”

In a rare show of awkwardness, Lyron excused himself and hurried out of the café, leaving Ba’kif to finish his drink.

He did so with a touch of amusement.

It seemed, Ba’kif noted, that the human’s combativeness left him floundering when faced with simple courtesy. The Empire apparently didn’t employ such methods to ensure the loyalty of its subjects, though admittedly neither did the Ascendancy, not normally at least.

Turning back to his tea, he eyed the dregs at the bottom of the cup and contemplated dragging out his stay a bit longer. There were few opportunities for rest these days. The Syndicure and the Grysks made sure of it.

Something wouldn’t leave his mind, though, no matter how hard he swatted at it.

It was something Lyron had said. Something about a gift…

Now, the gift itself wasn’t unusual. Lyron had received various gifts and trinkets from Aristocra who were happy with how their family members’ cases were handled.

That part wasn’t unusual.

What was unusual though was that the gift was apparently anonymous.

No politician would make a moot move like that, Ba’kif reasoned, frowning at his cup, there was no point in an anonymous gift if your only purpose was to curry favor.

He tried to set the thought aside as paranoid but it persisted and the itch only seemed to grow the longer he let it ferment. In the end it bothered him enough to cause him to drop the idea of rest and make his way out of the café, setting a brisk pace in the direction of the EDF’s housing quarters.

Paranoid, part of him chided but he reasoned that indulging his paranoia in this case wouldn’t hurt. Worst case scenario, he wasted a few minutes on a detour. A detour he had no intention of relegating to someone else for fear of coming off as neurotic.

Making a sharp turn at the corner of the square, he ignored the stares of the passersby and found the nearest entrance to the winding building complex carved into the stone. The apartment was easy enough to find – he’d never been there himself but the number was seared into his memory. Few of the people they monitored were accommodated in their own branch’s housing district after all.

He rapped his knuckles on the hatch once then twice and was dismayed to receive only silence in response.

It pushed him into doing something he wasn’t looking forward to and he dug into his jacket reluctantly, pulling out an access card and swiping it against the hatch’s controls.

They would cross that bridge when they got to it, he told himself and took a step into the moderately sized suite. The place seemed empty, save for the scarf draped next to the hatch, and his eyes immediately landed on the bottle sitting innocuously on the coffee table in the living room.

Closer inspection revealed that it indeed bore no inscription just as a voice sounded behind him.

“General?”

He turned to see Lyron at the threshold to what seemed like the apartment’s fresher.

“Where did this come from?” Ba’kif asked brusquely, forgoing all formalities.

He watched as Lyron’s confusion reflected on his face, his eyes making a few meaningful trips between the open hatch and Ba’kif’s presence.

“Like I said, it was dropped off at the office this morning,” he tried hesitantly.

“Do you have any idea as to who might be the sender?”

“We had a busy month. Many cases.”

The words pressed Ba’kif’s lips into a thin line.

In hindsight, he would be grateful for the decision to indulge his paranoia, he reflected later as they sat in tense silence, awaiting the results of the secondary analysis.

Finally, the questis on the table in front of them let out a soft ping and Ba’kif’s hand shot out to grab it. He perused the brief message grimly and turned towards Lyron with a single word.

“Lethal,” he all but growled and watched the last of the color drain from Lyron’s face.

It was official then, Ba’kif concluded wryly as he set the device back down with a sigh, shooting a glance at the nauseous-looking human at his side.

He was once again fighting a war on two fronts.

#thrawn #thrawn ascendancy #thrawn books #brierly ronan #ba'kif #thrawn treason

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madhattervanessa · 1 year ago

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Kill You To Try (Chapter 3)

Summary: Weeks go by and eventually, the numbness of grief forces you back to the ranch. You're caught between two chairs.

Warnings: self harm-ish things, isolation

Words: 2109

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A/N: So sorry for the late chapter guys, I'm currently struggling with a uni project that got completely dismissed by my prof and some other life stuff - I might edit this chapter a little next week but I didn't want to leave you guys without anything :)

You must have fallen asleep,... again. The porch chair, despite its rotten-looking wood, offers a charming comfort. That, combined with the look out towards the water providing just enough ambient sounds, has continuously proven to make you drift off.

It's not like you could actively remember the past few weeks.

The dust you had whirled up into the air more than a week ago now has settled again, nestling into the crooks of the wood and the dried lavender you had hung above the window of the kitchen. It had been a measly attempt at smoothing out the musky scent of the settling wood beams and the peaty soil underneath.

Now that you've grown accustomed to it... the days are flying by.

Mainly because you keep staring into the water, dozing off, and thinking about where it had all gone wrong. How you ended up here.

The faint gurgle of the water, the occasional hiccup and splash of the gentle stream kissing the mossy, slick stones brings you back and makes you open your eyes again. There's the faint chill biting on your cheeks, a testament to how much time you'd spent on the porch already.

Maybe you should leave the blanket inside when you come out in the morning.

You twist the artfully woven fabric mindlessly in your fingers, back and forth. The loose lint gets scraggly underneath the pressure, the fine fabric strings hooking into each other and balling up.

You frown at it, thinking about the few words you had managed to string together on your laptop since you had moved into the cabin.

A splash makes you look up from your musing. A lazy drift of your eyes, more like, still without coffee and food because the food you got from Gabriel every now and then had run out by now.

Your eyes wander over the river until you spot a brown bear.

Just barely in the first few gleams of the sun, it trudges deeper into the water, uncaring of your presence on the other side of the river.

You should probably take up cooking again.

Give yourself something to do; maybe you should cook something for Gabriel, at least once, in return.

A fish from the stream, perhaps.

You squint against the bright light, the reflections on the water, and find the bear, quite unsuccessfully, snapping at fish swimming past.

It has been a week since you've been down at the ranch.

Your fingers are itching for something to do.

Then again, meeting the judging, worried look from the Senior of the Dutton family has started to lose its appeal. It makes your skin crawl to see the gruff man level such a soft, understanding look at you without much prompting.

"Hey, sunshine."

"Hey yourself- you busy?" You set your tote bag with the empty Tupperware down at your usual spot at the kitchen island before glancing at Gabriel. He is chopping away at something, diligently working, even as you lean against the kitchen counter next to him. You watch his arm move, the way he fills the shirt up that he had chosen for today.

"A little. Working on supper preparations." He briefly turns and flashes a charming smile before he continues chopping some zucchini. "How was your week away from the ranch?"

"Insightful. I brought you something for all that food you made me. Just... a favor in return for a favor."

Perfectly cubed pieces of vegetable join the others in the big bowl next to him and you watch as he puts down the knife. When he dries his washed hands on the towel slung over his shoulder, he finally meets your eyes again.

"That's awfully nice."

"I would have bought you a bottle of something good to drink but I don't really know what you like."

He chuckles with a slight nod before he risks a look towards the kitchen island where you have deposited the filled box.

"What's in it?"

"Special dinner. Didn't have time to make dessert, otherwise, I would have made you some of my homemade cinnamon buns."

"Mh, I've heard good things about those."

"Oh, is that so?"

You nudge him with your elbow before looking over the kitchen countertop more closely - the bowl is a rainbow of colors and you see a box of steak, deep in the mix of paprika orange and streaks of muted greens, a marinade that already looks promising. It's like you can smell the colors.

"Well, maybe we can make those together sometime soon, then." He nudges you back and you chuckle before hopping off the counter again.

"Yeah right. Every cook I know despises baking."

"Yeah because it's like chemistry-"

"-like chemistry", you say at the same time. You grin wolfishly before knocking on the countertop wood, twice.

"Well, I better go out to the barn. Check on the horses."

"Want me to walk you over?"

"What, do you think a wolf will get me?"

"Nah. I just... I could use the fresh air."

"Uhm, sure."

He throws a towel over the cubed veggies.

You don't say much when he follows you outside.

What are you even doing?

"Hardly noticed how nice the weather is today", Gabriel mutters, scratching his beard as you approach the barn. You hum and look out towards the mountains.

"Maybe you need to get out more often."

"Hey, I do get out." He smiles, despite the admonishment. You give him an unbelieving look.

"Yeah, right, Gator", you huff and turn into the barn. He stops right at the border of the first concrete tile and leans up against the wooden door.

"Well if you don't believe me, I'll just have to prove it. You free this weekend?"

You're mute.

What?

He is still staring at you, waiting for an answer, unabashedly waiting out the awkward silence.

"I uhh- I'll have to look into my calendar, I guess."

"When you do, you know where to find me."

You're left with no further explanation, your eyes following Gabriel until he is back at the lodge.

You don't know if you want to answer him, today, though.

You frown and hold your breath as you push your hand deeper into the cow - it lows as you do and you shush it as you carefully press further.

"You look beautiful today, Bones!"

You glare at the young farmhand calling out to you and manage to raise your middle finger at him.

"Aren't those boys happy about summer starting", you grumble. You finally manage to feel the organ you had been looking for. John chuckles, leveling an amused look at the guys working the herd in the other gutter.

"You know how they get."

"Wish they'd get more useful, sometimes", you mutter, still busy mapping out the reproductive system of the cow.

John hums, still leaning onto the metal cage the cow is fixated in, leaving you just enough room so you don’t feel uncomfortable but always close enough to peer over your shoulder.

“So, what’s going on?”

You draw your arm back after another minute with a short murmur to the cow.

“There’s some abnormalities around the ovaries and uterus. I’m going to suggest we keep her in while I do some tests. But most likely she’s going to be useless for breeding, John”, you sigh as you tug your plastic glove off. He notes it down in his notebook, nodding slightly.

You throw your dirty glove into your bucket and move over to the side to draw some blood from the neck of the cow where Rip is standing.

He smiles at you as you take a short moment to pat the cow’s neck.

“Rip!”

His head whips up towards John’s voice, his legs already in motion. He pats your shoulder as he passes you. As you rummage for a needle in your case, you catch him looking at you while he listens to John.

A cheeky smile briefly breaks his serious grimace before he turns away from you again.

You busy yourself withdrawing some blood from the cow's neck, carefully filling up a few more vials that you stash in the cooled box next to your case.

"Alright," you call out as you straighten up, your eyes on the boys in the back. ", send me the next one in, guys! We still have two more left!"

You straighten your head and use your bandana to wipe off some sweat that had built on your forehead and neck.

It takes a few more hours to finish your work, carefully checking over all of the cows that would be used for breeding this year before you do the actual dirty work the next week.

“Got everything?”

You look up from your cooled box of blood vials, your pen hovering over your notebook pages with the cattle numbers. Rip has your travel mug in hand, the light clinking of the metal immediately giving away the contents.

"Well, now I do. When did you have time to make me an iced coffee?”

“Who said I made it”, he just retorts, pushing the cool container into your free hand. You squint at him before taking a sip and noting the last few comments down before you shut the book.

“Well I know damn well that nobody would willingly put oat milk in coffee in this part of the country”, you murmur- you chance a look towards the Dutton house and feel your cheeks flush as you see Gabriel leaning over the sill to wave at you.

Oh. So that’s where the coffee had come from.

You wave back and take another sip before you look back at Rip.

He’s looking out towards the ranch, checking on god knows what- maybe the farmhand busy doing the dirty work of the day.

“Do you need any help moving your stuff up?”

“The blood vial case is a bit heavy but I’ll be fine. After all, that is going on Milton’s back, not mine.”

“Just askin’. I'm going into town to get groceries. Want to come along?"

"Oh- I am-" you stop and frown. "No, actually, I could use some groceries, now that you mention it."

"I'll pick you up at the cabin, later, then."

"That would be great, thanks, Rip." You lean your head against his shoulder for a brief moment before looking up at him. He is already looking at you - it makes you squirm, that look.

"I'll come pick you up in an hour."

You don't think you've ever seen Rip without at least two pieces of clothing that identify him as a cowboy: It's always a hat, the boots, the belt, and maybe one of the Dutton logos on his shirts.

"Alright."

You grin to yourself as you watch a younger man glancing at Rip nervously from the produce aisle.

You gently squeeze the tomato in your hand before grabbing a few to put in your cart. Rip is frowning at some cucumbers next to you.

"Stop frowning like that, you're scaring every teenager in the vicinity", you mutter and nudge him before picking one of the cucumbers for yourself.

"Just thinking."

"You want to talk about it?"

"It's nothing important, doll."

You bite your lip instead of disagreeing. Instead, you focus on picking out some more produce, the faint 2000s summer playlist playing in the background. The AC is already blasting even though summer has barely started - you're almost freezing in your thinned-out sweatshirt. It's blissfully empty around this time in the grocery store- well, as empty as these giant stores can get.

Rip eventually catches up to you in the fruit juice aisle where you swear your teeth are chattering.

"I shouldn't buy this much- I can barely get all of this up to the cabin."

"I'll drive you back, you know that, right?"

He's close. Hovering. You two haven't been this close in months.

You miss the comfort of his hugs.

It's the only thing you can think about as you stare into the overfilled shelf.

"Pick some up so we can have those fancy little cocktails you like to make. Don't play shy about it."

"So what you're saying is you want me to make some cocktails again because you have been missing having those fancy fruity little drinks with me."

He doesn't say anything, just leans so close you can feel the warmth of his breath.

"If you tell on me, I'll tell the greenhorn you have a crush on him."

"Ohhh, I'm shaking in fear."

"Knew it wasn't just the cold."

Rip leans back again and you smile as you pick out a few juice bottles, despite the chill.

He forces you to take his jacket when you get into the truck again and drives the two of you home.

You spend the next two days hugging yourself, wound up in it as you let your feet dangle into the cool water of the stream.

You do it until you feel your toes go numb. After going inside and warming them up, you do it again, your eyes steadily on the rush and splash of the water, the reflections playing with the lights.

The groceries stay untouched.

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arosnowflake · 6 months ago

Text

Something I really love about A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening is how they mirror each other. Despite the fact that Link's Awakening has very little connection to A Link to the Past, it functions brilliantly as a sequel by complimenting and contrasting the latter.

A Link to the Past is a grand tale of destiny, of world-saving adventure that will no doubt go down as myth. Within the opening sequence of the game, your uncle dies in front of you, setting the tone for the rest of your adventure: this is serious, this is dark. You spend at least half your time in the 'Dark World', a corrupted realm with dangerous enemies, people trapped inside by their own greed. Your main enemy in the 'Light World' are brainwashed knights of Hyrule. And this game is difficult; enemies respawn constantly, ways to restore health are rare, a lot of the dungeons and bosses are incredibly punishing. Danger lurks around any corner, and there are very few truly safe areas in the game; and even then, they may be raided (see the Sanctuary).

Don't get me wrong: ultimately, A Link to the Past is a children's action/adventure game and the tone reflects that. There are a lot of fun, whimsical moments, and the darkness is more supposed to underscore the important nature of your quest than it's intended to be a horror upon itself. You are on a quest to save the world, and it wants you to feel the gravity of that. It is not afraid to get dark with it when it has to. This game takes itself very seriously, and wants you to take it serious as well.

In Link's Awakening, you get into the second dungeon by rescuing Madam MeowMeow's giant chainchomp Bowwow from dognappers. This game began as a fun side project of the developers and it shows. Link's Awakening is not a grand adventure to save the world: it is a quest to get off this fun, eccentric island. The stakes are lower and the game takes itself much less seriously, going so far as to incorporate Mario elements for no other reason than because it's fun. Perhaps this is version dependent (or, y'know, a skill issue on my part), I'm unsure, but at least Link's Awakening DX was also a lot less difficult than A Link to the Past, with much more frequent health drops and less and overall easier dungeons. It's not just that its story is more lighthearted; it feels less punishing to play than A Link to the Past. Link's Awakening does take itself serious when it has to, and asks that you take especially its emotional stakes seriously, of course; just like A Link to the Past has a lighter side, Link's Awakening has a more serious side. But ultimately, Link's Awakening never tries to fashion itself as some kind of grand adventure of myth: it's the tale of a single, strange island, as you grow to love it. Nothing more, nothing less.

In this, obviously, the two stories mirror each other: A Link to the Past with high stakes, a dark tone, and a harsh difficulty curve, contrasted to Link's Awakening, with lower stakes, a light-hearted tone, and much more forgiving gameplay. This works out beautifully for Link's Awakening; lots of sequels fall into the trap of trying to one-up the original, and it very often ends badly for them. Creating its own niche allows it to shine on its own without having to be compared to A Link to the Past, despite being a direct sequel. Famously, Majora's Mask also did this to great effect.

But what I find really interesting is how their endings contrast each other.

A Link to the Past has the most quintessential happy ending a game could possibly have. You reach the Triforce, and it magically makes everything okay again. People who died during the game (your uncle, the King of Hyrule, flute boy) are all alive and happy, Hyrule is thriving, all the maidens are save and happy, even the monster and the little ball from the Dark World, bully and victim in the game, are friends now. And finally, you place the Master Sword back in its pedestal, where it will sleep.... forever. (Hilarious with the power of hindsight, of course, but still.) A Link to the Past ends as happily as it possibly could have, with all the negative consequences of the game undone and everyone thriving. You fought a grueling fight, and now you and everyone you love gets to live happily ever after.

Link's Awakening, famously, does not end like that. From the beginning, you get clear hints that something is not right about Koholint, hints that become glaring fact as the game progresses and it's revealed that Koholint is a dream. And dreams have to end. Link's Awakening is not a tragedy; Koholint's disappearance is not a bad thing, and the game goes to great lengths to ensure you know this. Dreams are not meant to last forever, and waking the Wind Fish is Koholint's happy ending. And yet: it's sad. It's so terribly sad. Watching Koholint, the vibrant island you've come to love, disappear at the end of the game is heartwrenching. The ending of Link's Awakening is bittersweet, happy and sad at the same time. It's triumphant, it's necessary, and it's heartbreaking.

This, too, is a contrast and a compliment. In A Link to the Past, after all our hard work, we are rewarded with an uncomplicated happy ending that we simply do not get in Link's Awakening. Link's Awakening's ending is complicated; there is no way to soften the blow, to remove the consequences: Koholint will disappear. We see it happen. And we are not only asked to be okay with this: we are asked to be happy, despite how sad it is.

This is not something A Link to the Past does. A Link to the Past does not end with a shot of Link and Zelda happy despite the death of their caretakers, of Hyrule dealing with the consequences of Ganon's attack but growing despite it all; it ends by removing the effects of it entirely. Everyone who died is fine now, Hyrule is fine now, you are fine now. There is no sadness, no complexity: it is reality-defying happiness.

None of this is a bad thing: A Link to the Past has an extremely satisfying ending. But I love the way Link's Awakening contrasts it, forces you to deal with reality, to watch the dream pop and find beauty in it. Something can be sad and happy at the same time, and this is something to be celebrated. Where A Link to the Past offers you a no-string-attached happy ending, Link's Awakening forces you to confront the sadness that comes with happiness, complicates it in a way that A Link to the Past explicitly avoided.

A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening, despite at first glance having very little to do with each other, work very well as a series because of the way the two games compliment each other: light where the other is dark, complex where the other is simple, mirroring each other near-perfectly. It makes it extremely worthwhile to read their stories in tandem to each other; taking the other game into account can enrich the stories of both games immensely.

#I think about this a lot. rent free in my head truly #my posts #link's awakening #a link to the past #loz

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