#actually I'm just realizing now how funny it is that the golden girls made this game before the marvel characters

[cookinguptales]

so there's this disney bejeweled knock-off that I play on my phone (what can I say, I'm a sucker for repetitive movement games that also allow me to propel gonzo or sora at the board) and they keep introducing new characters for the game but like. they have hundreds now and they are clearly starting to scrape at the bottom of the barrel.

they've been delving into properties that disney technically owns but that you would never expect to see in a disney game, like, I shit you not, the golden girls, and at this point I am just counting down the days until they finally introduce my beloved and very stupid vampires.

please, disney. it would be so funny. I know you'll never put colin robinson in a kingdom hearts game, but you can at least let me attack vampire mickey mouse (a character that currently exists within the game) with guillermo de la cruz or something. you own both properties. you have the power. let me do it. let me force donald duck and nadja of antipaxos to fight to the death. let me do it. it would be so funny.

[goodluckclove]

Storytime: Holy Shit Going No Contact Was A Really Good Idea, Actually

TW: offhanded mentions for abuse and neglect, general parental bullshit

Okay so people were saying they're down for this so here I go.

A little context for those who don't know: I'm an adult child of pretty severe emotional and psychological abuse, as well as like comical degrees of neglect that I've been making up for over the course of the past year for so. I say "comical" not because it's funny, but because if it was depicted in like a YA novel critics would pan it for being unrealistic. My mom convinced me that doctors don't actually like it when you get checkups and get mad at you for "wasting their time", so I didn't see a doctor for like eight or so years. That's on the low end of how fucked these people are. My parents are both alcoholics and my mom is a diagnosed narcissist (she doesn't know this, but I do because my long-time psychologist was her psychologist first before she decided she was "done with therapy". He told me this after like four years as a part of his attempt to get me to realize I was in a deeply fucked situation, ultimately saving my life in a very literal sense - but that's another story). I'm not saying you can't be both of those things and not be a good person, but I am saying she did not choose to go down that particular path.

I went no contact shortly after I got married to a person who was able to see that my parents were both pretty mean to me most of the time in ways I forced myself to process as humor. They sent like one weird card before we moved and now they don't have my new address or phone number.

Unfortunately I'll still occasionally hear random updates about them - mainly from my older sister, who was the object of my mom's obsessive, manipulative, parent-ifying "love" before she left home at 18 and I became the new Golden Goose. I don't like this. I wish she would stop doing this. I asked her before, but I guess she forgot. Or maybe part of the shell shock from the damage of our childhood is that she just needs to tell someone who would understand in a more primal way than her fiancee. I don't know. She pretty much raised me when I was younger so I guess this is what I'm giving her in return.

A couple of days ago she called me and casually mentioned the latest scrambling my parents are doing. They're moving in with my grandma so she can keep living in the home she raised her family in. They're not kicking out my autistic brother anymore, they're actually bringing him with them. I don't think he has a choice. They're also bringing the family dog they've neglected even worse than they did me, despite how my grandma absolutely insisted she would never want a pet. They're going to turn my kind of run-down childhood home into a rental for extra income. My parents are landlords to be. Cool cool cool.

A lot of this is about money. I have never been comfortable talking about money - probably more so than other people. I never had it explained to me. It wasn't displayed or handled in a way that made sense in my mind. My mom complained and lamented about bills to me all the time but she also had maybe four Prada purses. It didn't make sense.

Something she told me a lot about were the details of my grandmother's will - like, from as young as maybe 16. My grandma is indeterminately wealthy in a way I don't really understand and can barely even guesstimate. She owns her own house, remodeled it, bought my uncle a house, bought my childhood home when my parents almost got kicked out and they paid her the mortgage ever since. She paid for all my siblings (except for me since I dropped out) to go to college. She has an amount of money. I have no idea how much since she's pretty buttoned up - loving, but reserved - which I was told is just a generational thing for some Japanese people. I mean she has the right. She spent like a year or two in a concentration camp as a little girl, she has the fucking right.

But yeah I was told more than a few times that I have a big inheritance for after grandma dies. My mom never told me how much but stressed that it was a lot. I didn't really know why she was telling me this. I actually felt like she shouldn't be telling me this. It made me feel sad and dirty to hear her describe it as something I should be excited for. She also mentioned a lot that I was the only grandchild in the will, and not my three step-siblings that I've known since birth.

Once again - this was NOT something I wanted to know. I had no idea what to do with that information. I tried not to think about it.

Fast forward a couple of years and I'm married and we just bought a house. So before you officially buy a house there's a point where an inspector looks everything over and gives you the details - you know, so you can make an informed decision. The inspection we got for the first house we almost bought informed us that the whole thing was hand-renovated and pretty much fucked to the point where if we bought it we'd have to replace the walls. We didn't buy that house.

The inspector for the second house we loved confirmed it was old. Most of the houses in Portland are old. But it seemed pretty much fine. The only issue was some moss on the roof and a few loose shingles, he said. So we bought it.

Turns out the roof is not good. It's very not good. And we have to replace it before October or else we'll lose our home insurance, and ultimately the home itself. Stressful! I found a pretty knowledgeable roofer and he quotes 14k for the treatment. Add that to the 10k we were already planning on spending on refinancing - a separate financial obstacle course for home owners that Riley was pursuing, since the fiances are their domain - and we were both at a loss as to what to do.

Ultimately I reluctantly decide to see if my grandma would give me part of my inheritance early. Or all of it? I debate how to phrase it for a night. I didnt want to assume how much she was planning on leaving me. I didn't really like to think about how she left specifically me anything in terms of money.

But that didn't end up being an issue! Because when I called my grandma and explained the situation, how we were hit with like three major financial blows back to back and were just hoping to get some aid until things stabilized in a few months, she casually mentioned that I'm actually not in her will. None of the grandkids are!

I immediately stammered out a series of no no nevermind then, but she stopped me and explained how she has a "small emergency fund" for situations like this and asks how much I needed. I say I'm not comfortable with that, but she won't drop the subject. She says the roof is 14k so she'll just give me that. She says 14k won't be a dent in her "small emergency fund". I have absolutely no idea what my grandma's financial situation is.

Did you know if you're given only Goodwill clothes for all of your formative years you're likely to be unable to buy new clothes at even a Target without feeling lost and sick to your stomach? Did you know that if you take Lithium they won't let you sell your blood? Do you know the easiest ways to shoplift food?

I don't think my grandma knows any of that and at this point I don't want to tell her.

I accept the check. I thank her. Riley thanks her. We both cry a lot for a lot of the morning because this is just a lot and it's very confusing. Riley says they've never accepted that amount of money before and would never imagine it coming from a family member. I say my grandma has been doing shit like this for my whole life.

But in the back of my head I'm reeling. I don't consider myself a materialistic person, but I can't help but ask why did my mom lie to me? Why did she lie, and continue to push the lie even when she saw it made me uncomfortable? Why did she bring it up when I'd get mad at my siblings as a way to force me to put aside my feelings?

It's just such a random thing to make up and double down on. Triple down, even. And I understand this whole mess comes from a pretty lucky position - we were able to buy a house and get financial aid to keep the house at a crucial time. That's lucky. We're really lucky. But why the fuck was she keeping up this bit for so long?

She could've never mentioned it and I wouldn't be upset about not being in the will. Frankly I probably wouldn't notice. But holy shit I carried so much stress for years over being the one grandchildren in the will that I had no clue how to navigate. I debated telling my siblings but after all of us were told that we should consider ourselves blood-related, hearing that our own grandmother drew a distinction sounded devastating.

I can't think of a reason why my mom would push a lie this random but so big for so long. It wasn't for me, clearly. I'm not upset that I'm not going to get a fucking jackpot when my grandma dies. I was never really able to wrap my mind around that being a thing. I'm just fucking baffled that my mom was so completely delusional for my whole life and I just followed along for so long.

So long! I was so unbelievably loyal to her despite every attempt she made to drag me into the void. The day before I got married I was telling her over video call that I didn't have a right to be unhappy not working while I recovered from my first major medication shift in years. She said, even though I am the only child of four to pay rent in their own apartment, that I should be grateful for my soon-to-be wife because "without them I'd be homeless".

Fuck that. Fuck that and fuck her. With the stories I have I could ruin my parents in my extended family's eyes forever. The only thing that keeps me from doing that is knowing that it would hurt my Grandma more to know that she wasn't able to step in while it was actually happening. And she's done so much for me and our family that I don't want her to carry that in the end of her life.

It was one lie that really made me realize some things, though. The best thing I ever did for myself was cut contact with my parents. If I didn't cut contact - if I didn't move states - I would almost guaranteed be dead. This is not an exaggeration. It was fucking messy.

But I got out. I have a wife and a few close friends, a roof over my head and some cats darting around my feet. Before we moved I was terrified of my parents showing up at our old apartment. I used to spiral imagining mom screaming outside the door. I tried to plan with Riley what we'd do if that happened. One night I claimed I wanted to take a boxing class "so I can know what it feels like to get really hit and I won't be afraid of it anymore".

I'm not scared now. These are sick people and I've spent more than enough time lamenting how awful my life would be if I continued not noticing that. I was thinking my mom was unable to perceive me as my own person, and now I'm convinced she never saw me or my sister as people at all. We were just little dollies she could whisper all her traumas to.

I hope my sister cuts contact too. I told her about the will thing and said that I'm pretty sure my parents would use that as a way to keep relationships with their remaining children. I said she should probably consider that if she decides to cut ties.

Honestly, I won't blame her if she does that and decides to stay in contact. It's a hard world out there. But I hope she does anyway. She just bought a house too and is about to get married to a man with a family infinitely more loving than ours ever was. I tell her to consider them her family. After the shit she's seen that's the least she deserves.

[sunnydazeofyore]

Butterflies at Twilight [Honkai Star Rail Fanfiction]

Stelle and Firefly stood shoulder to shoulder on the rooftop in the dreamscape, watching shooting stars pass by like distant wishes in the perpetual twilight of the Golden Hour. No more words needed to pass between them in the comfortable silence, their pinkies a breath apart that could be broken in an instant. With Robin’s yearning song echoing in the background, the Trailblazer was trying to not be so conscious of the girl by her side. Firefly had this innocent beauty to her that was reminiscent of a childhood friend who you had just realized had grown into a gorgeous young woman. Of course, it was not as if Stelle could understand what a childhood friend actually was, nor could really anyone on the Express help elucidate that for her. So she was trapped, floundering alone in these budding feelings as her sideways staring was met with the other girl's twilight eyes.

"Is something the matter?" the younger girl shyly asked, brushing aside her cloudy bangs and fidgeting slightly with the tips. "You've been quiet for a while, do you not like it here?"

Stelle shook her head vigorously and protested, "Nonono, I love it out here. I just. I've not seen anything like this and I was taking it all in and..." Fishing for excuses to mask her yearning thoughts, she scratched the back of her head and gave an awkward smile.

It seemed to be enough, as Firefly smiled back warmly. "I'm so glad that I got to show you this spot. I agree, there's really nothing else like this." With that she turned to gaze upon the theater in the distance, that warm smile still firmly upon her lips. Her lips... Stelle couldn't help but stare at them, how soft and inviting they suddenly looked. Heat crept onto her cheeks without warning, prompting her to rip away her hungering eyes. While Stelle had checked out and even yearned for other women in the recent weeks of being a Trailblazer, there was something different about the fluttering in her stomach now. Was this too soon and too sudden? Is this love at first sight? She brought up her hand to her mouth and absent mindedly tapped her index finger against her own lips, suddenly deep in thought about this conundrum...though perhaps the thinking could wait. Stelle was a woman of action, after all! However, the galactic baseballer didn't have an easy target to swing her bat at to pave the way forward. So, she had to consult the next best thing: What would March do in this situation?

"Do you want to take a picture?" Stelle blurted out, startling her poor companion, who let out a noise like a small kitten. "Cutecutecutecute" rang out the thoughts in the Trailblazer's head as she continued, "Sorry, I just really thought it would be good to take one to remember this moment and...yeah." she awkwardly finished, again rubbing the back of her head.

Firefly regained her composure, giggling at her new friend's desperate attempt to connect. Clasping her hands together, she replied softly, "I think that's a wonderful idea! I've never actually taken a picture here, despite how many times I've come here. How funny is that?" she giggled again, Stelle freezing at this adorable creature's every mannerism. "I'd be honored to commemorate this moment with a selfie with you."

The gray haired girl's nonexistent tail was wagging at full force by this point, beaming as she scrambled for her phone. After setting up the front facing camera, she made a peace sign with her other hand. "Okay, scooch in and we'll..." Stelle started, her breath catching as Firefly did so, the two's shoulders touching and causing her poor heart to nearly explode on the spot. Okay, she was really down bad for this girl. If only she'd gotten more advice from March, or even Himeko, about what to do here, she wouldn’t be such a mess at this critical moment. 

The twilight-eyed girl turned up to look at Stelle, still smiling warmly. "Are you ready?" Stelle gulped and nodded, trying to put on a natural smile as the two made matching peace signs and she clicked down on the shutter. An eternal moment caught in a camera's lens in the midst of a dream, it almost felt like a miracle to Stelle as she reviewed it. Firefly was still shoulder to shoulder with her, beaming happily. "Ah, you caught a shooting star! Did you happen to-" she turned to the Trailblazer as she noticed this fortuitous detail, only for her mind to see shooting stars as Stelle pressed their lips together.

Stelle, for her part, felt her mind go completely blank as her heart exploded into fireworks. Firefly's lips were just as soft as they looked, and was kissing supposed to feel this good? It felt like cotton candy and marshmallows and everything saccharine sweet and pillowy at once. After a moment she retreated, suddenly aware of what she'd done. "I, um, well, I just- that is..." she started stuttering out the start of several half apologies and excuses as her face flushed crimson. Firefly herself was in a state of shock, reaching up to her lips with a blank stare into the night. When realization caught up with her, her face exploded with heat and she squeaked as she buried her face in her hands, crouching down onto the rooftop and hiding away from Stelle.

"Ah, Firefly, I'm so sorry I just-" Stelle stammered out and kneeled next to her friend. She wasn't recognizing the situation for what it was, feeling her heart sink icily into her stomach. She tried desperately to find the words to fix this and see that warm smile again.

"...-rst." murmured out the cloudy haired girl.

"...huh?" inquired Stelle, the brakes being put on now in her racing mind.

"That was my first kiss" whispered Firefly, now turning up her head to face Stelle, their flushed gazes meeting again after those agonizing moments. "...and it was...really nice..." She continued in the softest tone Stelle had ever heard, reaching out to clasp Stelle's pinky with her own. The two would continue to sit in flustered silence for a while longer, while the false stars above twinkled on.

[jeonride]

... 💭 KALA'S MOOTS ! *.✧

just a soft agenda for saying how i'm grateful with all of you. you guys make me feel less alone in this platform and i'm so happy for that. reminder : you can always talk to me if you feel like the world is against you, if you feel like you aren't okay. because i wanna laugh and cry with you :(

@sunnylovespickles - #... sunny ☀️

i was so thankful when i met you, sunny you were my first moot back then 😭 you're so kind and omg the angel's trumpets fic that dedicated to me??? i've read it for the third time like- OMG I LOVE IT SO MUCH !! I'LL TREASURE IT FOREVER !! will always be rooting for you, sunny <3 you're amazing !

@novalpha - #... nova 🪐

nova is a shy person and i actually kinda like that because you're cute when you can't take my compliments shsjsjs your fic recs helped me a lot to find some good writings to be read !!

@yunjinified - #... buttercup 🦋

buttercup you are saur sweet and expressive 😭 i'm happy whenever i get your ask through the inbox and HEY! YOU REALLY GOT A LOT OF SVT MEMES

@beefboyandbabygirl - #... beefboy 🍖

you are sickk your writingss are wholesome ! along with babygirl too of course <3 and your theme? reminds me of good days when i used to watch my little pony shshs

@shuadotcom - #... cherry 🍒

cherry! you are a very understanding person, your heart is golden, you are always welcome with everybody and i love to read your fics, they bring comfort to me ! &lt;3

@min-gis - #... snow ❄️

snow! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW I ALWAYS GET LOST IN YOUR WRITINGS LIKE WHAT HOW CAN SOMEONE WRITE THAT BEAUTIFUL???? the way you write your fics feel like i'm reading poetries, i love all of them ! especially the mingi fic counting stars and then i've never felt alone with you drabble (i was crying when i read that *no clickbait*) i read them for the fifth time now 😭 i can feel your love towards mingi OM GOSH

@shuadrive - #... dani 🌼

it's funny how i just realized that we're moots lmao it's always to ramble abt about mingyu + wonwoo + taylor swift with you. maybe we can do spotify session someday? listening to taylor albums sjsjsj

@wonwoonlight - #...khione 🌙

my talented moot omg khione ! you don't know how your fics made my day 😭 they feel like a warm and fuzzy sweater ! i'd love to get closer to you &lt;3

@mimgi - #...lu 🍬

omgosh i remember i found your acc because of your mingi drabbles ! love them so so so much, lovely !

@jaysbiceps - #... amy🌷

wah you were so sweet back then by sending me an ask sjsjsh and thank you for being by my side and worrying about me :((

@chokchokk - #... choy 🏔️

I HAVE NO WORDS FOR YOU BESIDE A TON OF COMPLIMENTS CHOY YOUR WRITING SKILL IS ON ANOTHER LEVEL LIKE YOU'RE MY FAVORITE ATEEZ FIC AUTHOR ON THIS PLATFORM !! the mingi fic, worked hard harder for you? I'VE READ IT FOR THE SIXTH TIME NOW I CAN'T GET OVER HUBBY MINGI 😭 you're very sociable, easy going, what a jester and magician to me, and it's always fun to talk to you, sharing about different cultures, and experiences. i adore you so much, choy mi amor. i never get tired for saying your writings feel like first love 🥺

@dairyminki - #... elle🍦

your vibe is really, really, soft. i don't know why but i find it that way. like a vanilla ice cream. i remember your old header it was seonghwa with purple color scheme omg i'd love to get closer to you !

@smolyeo - #... yeo 🍓

MY STRAWBERRY YEO MY HYPE GIRL!! you're such a lovable creature how can't i'm not attracted to you :(((

@desirehorizon - #... dee 🔱

when i first saw your blog, i was like 'ohh, interesting' because you arrange your layout and your masterlist neatly. you feel like that friend who has power to protect the whole circle omg

@nishloves - #... nish ✨

nish ! your bubbly vibe always makes me smile you're so friendly and it's nice to be your moot !

@x03yd0cx - #... xoey 🐼

xoey, i know you from the blockbuster fic of wooyo and i enjoyed ittt ! let's get closer &lt;3

@babesindestroyland - #... ty 💅🏻

i'm new for being your moot but i know you have such a beautiful heart, supportive, and thoughtful ! i'd love to get closer to you !

@gummygowon - #... mai 🧃

MAI ! thank you for sending me message through inbox to begin with 🤠 i was flattering when you said my theme is sickkkk you have that girlcrush energy omg

@jaehunnyy - #... chip 🫧

chip sunshine! your cute pics and your expressive replies to my messages always made my day thank you for reaching out for me :(( i'm happy to be your moot

@cherryonigiri - #... alice 🌌

i know your blog because i searched for divider tutorial and then found it on your acc ! i will never forget it cause it helped me a lot sjsjsj

@yourfatherlucifer - #... felix⚡

hey lixie ! i hope you won't hate your writings anymore after this :( have confident in yourself you're enough !

@haosweater - #... mei 🧸

mei ! your vibe AGHHHH like that cottage core girl with comfort fr (i don't know why esp your usn is 'sweater'. can i be your heather? JSJSHHS)

@senpai-of-doom - #... doom 🚀

thank you for reaching out for me you seem sociable ! let's get closer &lt;3

@rubywonu - #... nia 💫

i'm your new moot so i haven't know you well but omgosh i know you from redamancy, you seem kind and loving, you too feel free to hit me up, nia !

@icyminghao - #... noelle 🥞

i'm new to be your moot and i was so happy when i saw you followed me back because GOSHH i've been reading to your fics and it's unbelievable we're being moots now ! your fics bring comfort to me (like honey pancakes for breakfast!), thank you for keep writing 🥺

@mingycr - #... ana 🪽

i don't know you have something within you, i sense it. you seem warm-hearted 🌷

@hanverse - #... kaira 🌸

kaira ! we're just being moots like- yesterday?? but oh, you seem like that girl with doll heart, your theme is saur cute too !

[fireemblems24]

Golden Wildfire Ch 10

Spoilers for GW up to Ch 10 below.

STORY

Now Claude's taking Ls in the Kingdom too.

I love how much they always try to drum up sympathy for Randolph when the man's only character trait is "I want to murder people to gain personal status." And then he also has the gall to act like he's better than the people defending themselves when he goes to kill them.

I never really put that much thought into him before, but yeah he's kinda just a piece of shit, isn't he? Low key one of the worst human beings in the game.

They should've made it Fredinand or like Linhardt's dad or someone likeable.

Funny seeing Claude play Edelgard like a fiddle though. His army is fine, and hers is crushed lamo.

Haha, Fleche is back to her vengeance act. It's gonna be funny if a tiny girl child is a final boss.

The same conversation with Jeralt and Bylethas I saw elsewhere, I think. Yeah, here comes the sword again.

I love how they make Rhea out to be such a big deal, but literally no one gives a shit that they declared war on her. Like, pick one, game. You either have Claude be an unpopular ruler or Rhea actually be a problem.

Raphael called it right. Commoners don't give a shit. So Edelgard getting everyone killed over noble squabbles.

Hilda kinda seems like the Kingdom stan here. She's always the one upset about it.

Claude is such an idiot. I cannot take him seriously. Claiming he wants to spare lives moments after sacrificing Randolph and wanting to wipe a church no one gives a shit about off the map. Am I supposed to take this seriously?

Haha, Arval said he can think for both of them when I had Shez say she's more brawn than brain lamo. And Shez believes it too, omg. Shez is great. I need a comedy show with them.

Oh, nice! Looks like another single-battle map. BC, honestly, I got Spiritfarer for Christmas and I'm DYING to play it, but need to finish this first.

BASE/SIDE BATTLES

Lamo, Arval just said trying to unify different people under one king is dumb, won't work, and looks forward to the day humanity moves beyond it.

LORENZ/IGNATZ/RAPHAEL PARALOGUE

So is this the paralogue that's going to rewrite it so Lorenz's dad did nothing wrong? Given the description, I'm betting it's that.

Ignatz is being awkward around Lorenz now that he's been promoted.

Gloucester evades all of Lorenz's questions about these bandits.

And now Lorenz is demanding Raphael do what Ignatz did and is upset he's so casual lamo.

So are they making it so his dad wasn't the one who ordered the hit that killed Raphael's parents? Lol. This game really likes whitewashing some of these guys, but Glouster's probably the worst offender.

Let me take a wild guess. TWSITD.

It's really a shame that Raphael is such a one-note character. It would've been interesting if he had more in-depth conversations with the rest of the cast who were unable to move beyond trauma.

IGNATZ & LEONIE B SUPPORT

Their one and only support.

They're hunting and the deer only has one arrow. So they try to figure out who successfully shot the deer.

They both hit the same place. Mystery solved.

LORENZ & CONSTANCE C SUPPORT

This one should be better.

Constance is challenging a cat to a staring contest. Yes, this one is already better.

Lamo, he says he would've considered her as a wife if she restored her house. But withdraws because she's a weirdo. (I mean, no loss?)

Constance gets back at him by saying she'd never consider him lol.

Now they're arguing over who's house is more noble.

Much more entertaining.

SHEZ & RAPAEL B SUPPORT

It's about food.

It's nice to see Raphael actually have passion about something instead of just repeating "meat!" over and over.

SHEZ & IGNATZ B SUPPORT

You know, going through supports has made me realize that Golden Deer probably has my overall least favorite cast.

Ignatz has an older brother. He likes his brother at least.

Ignatz is finally talking about how he doesn't love being a knight. He really didn't have much of anything going on removing that conflict.

It's nice to hear Ignatz have his own convictions to become a knight. He's getting more sides to him, which is good.

SHEZ & HOLST B SUPPORT

Holst sneaks with Shez into enemy territory. He's doing it because scouts are going missing. Shez is impressed someone of his status is doing that.

LYSITHEA & RAPHAEL B SUPPORT

Lysithea studied too long and is out after dark. Gets scared by noises. She runs into Raphael and they talk about strengths and weaknesses.

The weird noises she heard wasn't Raphael.

MARIANNE & HILDA PARALOGUE

Marianne needs help from Shez organizing because she sucks at it.

Wow, Hilda not only volunteered to help Marianne clean up the mess, but also to do the scouting mission they were supposed to go on all by herself. It's love.

Hilda doesn't show up for awhile, so they get worried and go to check on her. Given that it dumps me to prepare for the battle next, I'm thinking that was a good call.

Not my favorite paralogue. I had to fight Ingrid :(

They talk about Marianne's typical issues.

It has very "safe" shipping dialogue throughout.

MAIN BATTLE

I don't want to invade the Kingdom. Especially since it makes no sense for Claude to do so.

Hahahahaha, lamo, you deserve it Claude. Fleche raised an army to fight him. Seeing this tiny girl as the final boss is going to be hysterical.

Oh, Arval and Shez stuff. I almost forgot Arval existed. They've got bad feelings. I'm guessing it's because Byleth is fused with Sothis.

Ok guys, I restarted this chapter over and over trying to recruit Byleth, but Claude just stands there in one seized area and won't move until Byleth reaches him - even when no one else is around.

I really just want to be done with this playthrough to be honest (there are so many other games I want to play right now), so I'm not going to bother with recruiting Byleth. I'll try in SB, but the only one I'm going to put any real effort in is AG.

Seeing Fleche as a final boss is funny.

I'm guessing we don't fight Jeralt if you recruit successfully. Got a cool cut scene for not bothering though!

So Byleth doesn't join you because you kill Jeralt, I'm assuming. Though, Byleth doesn't seem to have any issue joining Edelgard when she plays a role in that lamo.

Also, gotta say, I love how there's a chapter you can't use the lords. And for Edelgard and Claude it's because they randomly just don't fight that chapter. For Dimitri, it's epic story reasons lol.

Aw, shit, did Byleth just kill Judith?? That sucks. Oh well. Not restarting. This 3 route thing is too much. I just want to play this again, but one route only.

You know, after Claude's dumbfuckery throughout this route, he kinda deserves this lamo.

So who is it in SB and AG that dies?

Byleth so callous about Jeralt's death. Far cry from the crying in Houses, a bit sad actually.

It's kinda funny that Judith died because Fleche went on another rampage. I'm going to miss seeing her around though.

Is whoever dies in AG bad enough that I should push through and recruit Byleth? I may look that up to give me the proper motivation, but that could backfire if it's someone I don't care enough, but I'm having a hard time thinking of a single character I don't care enough about. Even like Sylvain's dad would make me too sad for Sylvain and I couldn't do it.

Aww, Arval is upset for Shez.

So is Sothis and Byleth merging merging or something?

xxxx

[ruvviks]

– WHAT DOES YOUR HEART LOOK LIKE?

TAGGED BY: @katsigian & @devilbrakers, thank you so much!! TAGGING: @aartyom, @reaperkiller, @faarkas, @swordcoasts, @twinwitchbolt, @adelaidedrubman, @strafethesesinners, @henbased, @shellibisshe, @dickytwister, @ncytiri, @cultistbase, @reapersynth and YOU! – quiz

– A GUIDING, GOLDEN LIGHT.

just because you cannot see your own heart doesn’t mean that others can’t. your heart is blinding, captivating, a fire so bright that others can’t bring themselves to look away. it illuminates the path they follow and cements you as a guiding star for their own wayward hearts. every experience you’ve lived through has built your lighthouse heart up just a little higher. you are inspirational, a light that doesn’t go out.

director's commentary: the thing with ambrose is that he is so tired. desperately wants to stop working for arasaka but he knows they won't let him go and he believes they've turned him into a monster and there's nothing more to him now because of that. but at the same time he adopted a little girl who would have otherwise simply ended up alone again, and he is the whole world to her; and he is SUCH an important figure in the community they live in, helping with repairs to the building they live in wherever and whenever, always offering protection, and just a friendly familiar face to have a good conversation with at the end of a long day at work. he's so stuck in the belief that how arasaka sees him is how everyone he knows sees him that he doesn't even realize his own kindness and i'm very normal about that [lying]

– A TANGLED BALL OF RED STRINGS.

who are you without the company of others? you aren’t sure, but you know that you aren’t fond of whoever it is. you are an actor, a pretty face and a pleasant song. many idolize you, or love you, but you can never be sure of how sincere it is. your heart is buried under the letters they leave you, sealed with a kiss. it can’t be untangled from the red strings they’ve attached to you. you deserve to find something, someone, true and faithful to hold your heart in place. you don’t have to be everything to everyone.

director's commentary: for the longest time, aubrey believed he knew exactly what he wanted and what was good for him. spent a decent amount of years living a much wilder life than he could actually handle and while he could always get along generally well with people, he could never really find his place even in the biggest of crowds. he's an entertainer, he knows he's funny and knows that's how he makes friends, but at the same time his somewhat obnoxious behavior is a defense mechanism- a way to control how people perceive him in hopes those who actually care about him will stick around despite all his flaws. it's hard to tell where the act stops and the real aubrey starts, but now that he's finally found his place and his people he can finally figure out who he really is

– ICED OVER, OUT OF THE SUN.

your heart is very lonely, isn’t it? is your fortress of ice self-made? are others afraid of you, or are you afraid of them? are you afraid of hurting them, or of being hurt? vulnerability and connection can be frightening, but that’s no reason to shy away from their light, to tuck yourself small into corners, to build up frigid walls to keep yourself from feeling. you will heal when you allow yourself to draw closer to the flames and thaw.

director's commentary: cassidy has been alone for a very long time and especially after his relationship with reid ended, he believed it would be for the best. didn't allow anyone close anymore because they showed no interest in him anyway, so why should he show interest in them? but deep down he longs to have some sort of connection to someone again, and he wants very badly to be loved- in literally any way. he's very scared of being hurt since physical touch does in fact hurt for him, and he's very scared of hurting others because in the past, any sort of confrontation has led to his loved ones dying. but in the end he manages to let people in again and it took him very long but he is finally healing from all of that now, and he no longer has to spend his nights alone

– AN OPEN DOOR, A BURNING HEARTH.

your chest is wide open, and your heart is a home. others are welcomed in readily and asked to stay. you are comfort and love, everything you were never given but so desperately want to provide for others. you have built this welcoming hearth with your own two hands and won’t see anyone else left out in the cold. be careful to not burn yourself out trying to keep everyone else warm.

director's commentary: harlowe is relatively new in comparison to the other guys listed here but this result fits him very well. he used to work as a doll and all of caused him to become very wary of other human beings and feel alienated from them. especially following the incident in which he lost his leg and his doll chip got broken, which led to him getting permanent brain damage after he was forced to keep using the broken chip, he felt very alone and unloved and it wasn't until aubrey got him out of that situation and basically adopted him into his family that things started changing for harlowe. and nowadays he is so full of love; makes it his job to make those around him feel welcome and safe, and he knows how to bring good vibes to any situation. but at the same time he still hasn't had a chance to properly work through all that's happened to him and he's starting to run on fumes

– A CAGE WITH IRON LOCKS.

you are an enigma. you take care to remain that way. you aim to keep people guessing; your motives are uncertain even to yourself. what is it you truly want? you’ll never know if you keep your heart locked away like that. you deserve to be known, truly and fully. stop being afraid of what you might find if you open your heart up to self-reflection. stop thinking that no one will love you the moment they understand you. you are more than the facade you put on.

director's commentary: reid doesn't have the greatest past- career at maxtac, cassidy's ex-boyfriend and reid was NOT a good boyfriend at all, and at some point he basically ended up trying to get cassidy to break up with his current partner and also hand him over to kang tao in a desperate attempt to get his own life back together. none of it worked out for him and he ended up having to work for aubrey; become his secretary and assistant in his fixer business, even though reid had already entirely accepted he was probably going to end up getting killed. now being forced to live with the consequences, reid has bettered himself and even ends up saving the lives of those he once wished dead- but he still carries his past with him everywhere he goes and has a hard time letting go of it all, scared to put himself out there again because he doesn't want the past to repeat itself. but as much as he tries to close himself off, people still find their way to him; and it takes him a while to fully open up, but he gets there in the end, and he's much better off nowadays

– MOLTEN LAVA AND CHARRED FLESH.

your heart burned so fiercely that it burnt itself out, leaving horrible scars in its wake; scars inside your chest and on the hands of those who touched you, the hearts of anyone who got close enough to connect to yours. the person you are now is no longer recognizable, burnt up by your own anger and passion and love. the injuries can never be fully erased, but they can be soothed with time and trust and forgiveness.

director's commentary: reuben's result is interesting because it's accurate but not entirely in the way you would expect. when he was with maelstrom, for the longest time he believed that he truly belonged there; it was his home, the only home he could remember, and despite the fact he was mostly treated like shit he found comfort there and was driven by a passion that came to exist entirely out of his loyalty to them. all of it fell apart when he learned everything he had done for them meant nothing, and he suddenly started to realize all the horrible things they made him do had not ever been good to begin with. he then spent a lot of time alone, hiding in his own little hideout and refusing to let anyone get near him. luckily enough this all changes for him and he ends up moving in with someone he now loves more than anything in the world, and he has countless of friends he would be willing to die for. his passion is still there, and his loyalty too- but this time it's created from within his own heart, rather than fabricated out of lies and empty promises

[narrative-driven-off-a-cliff]

First things first; neither my wife, my son, nor I am a BEAR, and please don't ask me how that stupid rumor shot up. Our case certainly isn't being helped by quaint little cabin situated in the woods on the outskirts of town, me and my son's large amounts of body hair, our love of huntin' and wearing the pelt coats my wonderful wife makes for me, or the fact that Ruth bit until 2nd grade. Luanne (who y'all might know better as mama bear) wants me to add that the folks tellin' our story might've changed the wording because a family of bears is easier to explain than a family of cannibals.

Second: WE AREN'T CANNIBALS. I can actually tell you where that rumour came from: a gaggle of prissy snobs whose birdy brain can't understand that not everybody who sees their churches' towering pillars wants to go to it. We went there once and were nearly blinded by the white. Jokes aside, the whole place looked at us like trash and made it clear that we stuck out like sore thumbs. Thankfully, we mingled with some of the kinder folks and got integrated into their church. It's nice to worship God with people who realize that sinners are His target audience. They warned us ahead o' time that the Townsfolk like to make silly little rumors about those who don't dance in their squares, but we had never expected them to stoop so low. We found it funny then; 'course, it's more of a pain now.

But enough ramblin' from this old coot. The point is, my family is hairy, my family is dirty, but my family is normal. And when normal people come home from church and find their house in shambles and see a little runt sleeping in their son's bed, they normally get a little angry. And it is normal to yell at said theif and chase her out of your house threatening to kill her if she ever comes back. It sounds harsh, but it's normal and justified. Plus, we had gotten little 'pranks' from some of the Townsfolk's little rats from time to time. Eggs on the doors, toilet paper in the trees, and yes, even a couple of break-ins. It's a rough life, but we know how to play the cards we're handed. And this little Goldilocks was dressed in her Sunday best just like the Townsfolk are. So what if she was dirtier than a sprinting pig? Our house is a dirty place, and as Ruth put it, "She looked like she didn't know what being dirty feels like."

We couldn't've known, really. But that doesn't make it any easier.

A week later, we hear a few timid taps on our door. Luanne opens it up, and lo and behold. It's the little golden girl again, even more of a mess than before and carrying a sad little basket of apples. Just before my wife is about to tell her off, though, she breaks into the world's most pitiful sobbing

"Please, ma'am," she barely choked it out in an accent thick like our own, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I really am, just please let me hide here for a bit, they're comin', they're comin', they're comin'-"

Enough of that senseless sputtering went by and we let the poor thing in, her eyes wider than a doe's as she shook in fear. Frankly, we were shocked ourselves. There was no way she could've been one of the Townsfolk with that accent, but we would've recognized her if she was one of our friends' kids. Was she from out of town? We even had those apples she brought as a peace offerin' and we knew they were picked from the Fangs' tree. Was she living off the land, just wanderin' around? And who was the They she seemed so scared of? We didn't know, so we just let her play with Ruth (they were about the same age) and told him to play nice.

A couple of minutes later, we heard a knock at the door. She stopped cold.

"Nononono, please," she whispered, and then bounded up the stairs.

"You better not hide in my room again!" Ruth pounded after her, but Luanne stopped him.

"Baby, don't you hurt her none," she said, "You don't know what that poor girl's gone through."

"But she robbed us-"

"Hate the sin, not the sinner. Week later, she comes into our house shakin' like a wet puppy. You were just like her that day Manny Smith locked you in Mrs. Hutchinson's closet. Don't you remember how you pummeled him to bits and then sobbed into my shirt for half an hour?"

Another knock.

Ruth grimaced at the memory. "I'll be kind, mama, I'll be kind."

"One more thing," Luanne gripped his shoulder like she wanted to squeeze her words in so hard they'd never leave, "If I shout 'you better run on down here,' like Aunt Patty does, tell her to climb out your window, got it?"

"Yes, mama."

"Good, you get going then." As Ruth pounded up the stairs 0, Luanne turned to me. "I don't trust this situation one bit, Carl."

"You think she done somethin' wrong?" I asked

"No. She's runnin' from something wrong."

Another knock came from whatever she was runnin' from. I opened the door and there stood two burly cops, all dressed in they pretty playtime uniforms.

"Good evening, Mr..." The one on the left, wearin' a red bandanna round his head, tapped a pen on a clipboard.

I shifted to the right and smiled. "Ah, come on, boys, you don't remember me?"

The boy on the right smiled sheepishly, a dimple showing on his right cheek, "Sorry, sir, we've gotten that from every person around these parts. We're new, sir."

"Ah, that makes sense," I nodded, "Carl Hooney."

"Y'all wanna come in for a bite to eat?" Luanne asked, "I'll put on a kettle. You boys must be tired from all that cop work you do."

Bandana shook his head, eager to get back on topic, " Sorry ma'am, but we're on a tight schedule."

"Yessir," Dimple shook his head real slow. "Tellin' everybody around 'bout a new burglar on the loose."

"10 year old girl, white skin, blue eyes, bout yay high," Bandana held a hand right below his hip, "Blonde hair, wearing a fancy white dress. Probably covered in mud and dirt from all the time spent travelling round these parts."

"No offense to you good folks, of course," Dimple elbowed his partner.

"None taken." Luanne replied.

"Her real name is Angelina Hannah Hauron, but she's apparently going by the name Goldilocks."

"Runaway from the inner city of Duron. You know how kids are, doing these odd things for attention. Only problem is she's gotten real good at runnin' away. I don't even think she knows she left her city."

"Must not be gettin' enough love from home," Luanne said.

"Exactly," Dimple smiled, "So if y'all get any wind of her, just call us, alright?" He gave me a business card with both their names. Johnny Dennison and Burt Blake, both officers of the Duron police force. "Has to be a private number 'cuz we're the ones specifically assigned to this case. Just makes things a little easier for everyone."

"We'll make sure to tell you everything you need to know," Luanne said.

The two nodded, thanked us, and walked away.

"I didn't know Duron had two new recruits," Luanne said.

"Yeah," I shifted to the left so anyone standing in the doorway could see my police uniform hanging on the wall, "Me neither."

We made our way into Ruth's room. He was showing off his grand collection of baseball cards. His guest was so entranced she hadn't even noticed us coming in until Ruth trailed off to silence. I walked towards the girl and kneeled down to her level.

"Need somewhere to stay, Goldilocks?"

[myreygn]

Hello! I'd like to request a tickle story with Bran Stark, Rickon Stark and Tommen Baratheon please~

cubs and pups

summary: Tommen doesn't like Winterfell when he first lays eyes on it but quickly finds himself warming up to the place and its people - especially Lord Stark's youngest sons and so he happily agrees when they invite him to play with them. What could possibly go wrong?

an: goddamn that took me way too long... i'm really sorry @proscrix, i hope you like what i came up with! (also please appreciate the title i'm really proud of it 😭)

wordcount: 3266 holy fu-

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There was something very dismal about Winterfell. Tommen couldn't quite put a finger on it but nevertheless, the feeling was there. In the gray of the walls, looming over him in a way that made him feel entrapped, even though he was out in the open; the dull clothes the people, even the Starks wore, designed to keep them warm rather than impress anyone; even in the way the Starks themselves looked at him, a way that made it abundantly clear that they viewed him as a child first and a prince second. Not that he could actually blame them for it, somehow he hadn't realized either that he was supposed to be above them all, but how could he when everyone always looked down on him? 

Well, not everyone. 

Tommen caught the gaze of the youngest Stark child (Rickon, he believed) who was looking up at him in complete awe. He seemed to be younger by a few years and the prince found himself wondering if maybe they could play together later. Did the northerners play the same games they played in King’s Landing? Would Rickon even want to play with him? He carefully smiled at the boy and felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders when Rickon returned the smile. So far so good.

For now though, there were other things to do. A formal greeting between his father and Lord Stark, then a more informal approach where his father went through all of Lord Stark’s children one after the other and told them how strong and beautiful they were and how they would make great knights and lords and ladies someday. Tommen felt a sting in his chest. If only his father ever told him he was going to be a great knight someday with the same twinkle in his eyes he had when he said it to Brandon. Was that jealousy? 

Tommen examined Brandon with narrow eyes. They were probably around the same age, with the other boy being noticeably taller and leaner, his dark hair gave him a much more adventurous appearance than Tommen with his golden locks could ever hope for. He was beaming with pride after receiving the King’s praise and despite the maybe-jealousy still stinging in his chest, the young prince could not for the life of him find it in him to dislike the other boy. He watched as Rickon looked up at Brandon and they exchanged a smile. Brandon was probably also a way better older brother than Joffrey.

Where was Joffrey anyway? Over there, making googly eyes at Lord Stark’s daughter. Fair enough, Tommen thought to himself, she was a true beauty. Maybe, he then thought, one day he could marry a girl just as beautiful, then he saw his mother whisper something into Joffrey’s ear and instinctively knew that whoever he was going to marry someday, it wasn’t going to be a Sansa Stark. No wonder Joffrey never found the time to be a good brother in between learning how to strut around like a rooster and trying to get under the skirts of beautiful girls. Tommen had no idea what it meant to get under someone’s skirt but his uncle Tyrion had said this one day and his other uncle Jaime had given the dwarf a slap in the back of his head and told him “Not in front of the children”, so Tommen had vowed to himself to never forget this sentence until he could understand what it meant. (Also the rooster part was funny, even though he wouldn’t dare to say that out loud to anyone aside from uncle Tyrion.)

A slight push to his shoulder pulled him out of his thoughts and he looked directly into Myrcella’s slightly concerned eyes. The adults were done with greeting each other and giving compliments to children that weren’t Tommen and the whole group got ready to go inside the castle. He quickly caught up to Myrcella and tried to look for Rickon Stark, but the boy had vanished from his field of vision.

—

Winterfell was much nicer on the inside. Big chimneys and torches on the walls warmed up the great hall and gave it a welcoming feeling. It felt like a place that was a home to someone, not like Casterly Rock which felt more like a place people were forced to visit without any intention of staying longer than absolutely necessary - at least that was how Tommen felt whenever he had to go and see his grandfather Tywin.

Here it was very different though. Even from his place at the table that stood above all the other tables, he felt like a part of the crowd of laughing, drinking and singing northerners. Even stuck between his sister, who was half asleep, and his mother, who was more busy hawk eyeing Sansa Stark than anything, he was having a good time. Well, as good of a time as he could have anyway when everyone around him was getting more and more drunk as the evening dragged on.

He knew that he would be sent to his chambers immediately if he seemed even remotely tired and he didn’t want to leave just yet but at some point he just couldn’t hold the yawns in anymore. Almost immediately, his mother’s gaze was on him - for the first time that night and while that was nice for a change, he dreaded the following words before they even left her mouth: “You should go to bed, it’s quite late.”

Tommen looked around for help, feeling a tad bit hopeful when his gaze met with the understanding eyes of his uncle Jaime. “Oh come on Cersei, it’s a special night. Let the child enjoy it a little longer.”

“It’s way past sundown, Jaime,” his mother responded and something about her tone sent a chill down Tommen’s spine, but his uncle seemed entirely unbothered.

“We’re in the north, it’s always way past sundown.”

“Jaime.”

Silence, then his mother leaned forward to give him a kiss on the forehead. “Sleep well, Tommen.” So his uncle had lost, bummer.

When he left the hall he felt Joffrey’s gloating stare in his back. The door closed behind him, then it was only his and Jaime’s steps walking away from the festivities. And the warmth. It was a lot colder out here.

“Sorry about that, lad. I tried to get you some more time.”

“It’s fine, thank you.” He gave his uncle a small smile and was about to reassure him that he had been getting bored anyway when a giggle somewhere down the corridor distracted him from the conversation. Before Jaime could stop him (maybe he wasn’t even trying) he hurried down the corridor to see where the sound came from. He hadn’t seen Rickon and Brandon all night, maybe they were-

“Hello.”

Startled, Tommen’s feet came to a halt abruptly and he nearly lost his balance. Big, blue eyes looked up at him, widening a little in shock.

“I’m sorry, are you alright?”

“Rickon, what are you- oh.” Brandon Stark bowed his head, gesturing at his little brother to do the same. “Your Highness.”

“You don’t have to do that…” Tommen shuffled his feet nervously - he had never been a huge fan of people bowing their heads or getting on their knees before him, it just didn’t feel right. “What… what are you doing?”

“Oh, we were just playing.” Brandon still seemed a little cautious, as if Tommen were to order his execution if he took one simple misstep. It made his chest tighten; what would it take for Brandon to not be nervous around him anymore? How could he show that he had no intention to boss anyone around or-

“Do you want to join us?”

Rickon really had a talent for interrupting his spiraling thoughts and when Tommen looked at him, he was met with a genuinely hopeful expression - a pleasant counterpart to Brandon’s leeriness.

He was about to tell him that he would love to play with them, then he remembered he wasn’t alone and turned around to his uncle. “May I…?”

The corner of Jaime’s mouth twitched so slightly that Tommen was sure he wouldn’t even have noticed if he hadn’t known the man all his life. “Your mother won’t hear it from me. But I’ll be back in an hour and then you will go to bed immediately.”

“Yes, promise!” Barely able to hide his excitement, he turned back to the Stark boys and quickly followed Rickon into the room when the younger boy grabbed his wrist and pulled him with him. Brandon shut the door, then it was only the three of them.

Tommen examined the room. A bed, covered in furs and blankets, a big chimney with a fire spreading warmth and a thick carpet with wooden figurines lying around. He sat down on the floor between the two brothers. “Brandon and Rickon, right?”

“Yes. You can say Bran though.” 

It had been a pure courtesy, but Tommen was glad he had asked - it made him happy to be allowed to address Bran by a nickname. Friends did that, right? Did that mean they were friends? A smile spread his lips. “Then you can just say Tommen. What were you playing?”

“Well, we were trying to play tournament, but Rickon won’t share the knight figurines!”

“Because these are mine!”

“But how are we gonna play tournament when I have no knights?!”

“Then that means you lose!”

“That’s not how it works!”

Tommen leaned back when Bran suddenly lunged forward and wrestled Rickon into the carpet, then the younger boy squeaked and started to thrash around. “Braaan!”

Tommen narrowed his eyes. Was Bran- “W-wait, what are you doing?! Leave him alone!”

Rickon stopped laughing when Bran took his fingers off his sides and both of them were looking at him with nearly identical grins. “Why? Would you rather get a taste of this yourself?”

Before the prince could react, Rickon cried out “Charge!” and suddenly they were all over him; Bran held one of his arms in a vice grip and dug his fingers into his armpit, meanwhile Rickon relentlessly squeezed his midsection. A reluctant laugh escaped Tommen’s mouth. This was not good… he had to get out of here or else he’d be stuck here all night… maybe uncle Jaime would even walk in on him crying, just like the Septa did back when it happened in King’s Landing, that would be so embarrassing…

He remembered Joffrey quite literally ambushing him in his chambers in the early morning, jumping up on his bed and pinning him down while tickling him everywhere he could reach. The prodding to his hips, the scribbles all over his ribs and tummy, the squeezes to his sides… yes, he remembered it all too well. He remembered that it had been painful rather than ticklish, remembered how he had screamed louder and louder for Joffrey to let go of him and how his brother had seemed to care less and less by the second, how he had begun to cry only for Joffrey to tell him ‘Don’t be a baby, we’re just having fun’.

Fun. Maybe, he had wondered for a while, Joffrey was right. When the Septa had come into the room and Joffrey had explained that they were just having a little tickle fight, she too had said ‘Why are you crying, Prince Tommen? Tickling is supposed to be fun’. Maybe, he had thought, he was the problem, maybe he just didn’t know how to have fun with tickling and that was the reason so it didn’t work, but then again, Joffrey having fun and Tommen getting hurt (or anyone getting hurt, really) weren’t mutually exclusive situations.

Tommen felt his chest tighten and his own laughter began to sound like that of a stranger. He knew this was supposed to be fun, but he didn’t want this. All he had wanted was to have fun with some potential new friends and now he was gonna be stuck here for hours, getting tortured. Maybe Bran was just as horrible of an older brother as Joffrey then. Tears started to clock up his throat. And then, to his great surprise, the tickling… stopped.

“Tommen? Are you alright?”

Rickon gave him a worried look and Tommen hastily sat up, not wanting to seem weak in front of the Stark boys. “I’m fine…”

“Did we overstep?” Bran looked somewhat mortified at the thought of having upset the prince. “We’re sorry, we didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable… we thought it’d be fun.”

Tommen pulled his knees up to his chest and wrapped his arms around himself. He knew that this would make him look like a little baby, but honestly, it made him feel better right now and for a moment that was the only thing that mattered. “I just don’t understand… how can it be fun if people get hurt?”

The brothers glanced at each other, confused. “Hurt?” Rickon tilted his head to the side as if the situation would become somehow clearer. “What do you mean, hurt? I mean, I guess it could happen… one time Jon kicked Robb in the chest, but I think that was an accident.”

“What Rickon is trying to say,” Bran chipped in from the side when Tommen opened his mouth to ask what tickling and kicking people in the chest had to do with each other, “is that sometimes you can get hurt when you’re tickling someone and play fighting, but tickling isn’t supposed to hurt.”

“It- it isn’t?”

“No, it isn’t! See, it’s fun.” Bran quickly wiggled his fingers into Rickon’s side and the younger boy let out a bright giggle. “Why would it be supposed to hurt?”

“Well, when Joffrey did it-”

“Joffrey?! Prince Joffrey?! What did he do?!”

Tommen knew very well that the majority of the worry in Bran’s expression probably came from the fact that Joffrey was most likely going to marry his sister, but something about it still made him feel safe. As if the Stark brothers would be on his side, unlike Joffrey, unlike the Septa, and so he told them everything. Rickon was the first to speak up.

“But that is so mean! Why would he do that?!”

“Maybe he is just a mean person.” Bran softly caressed his brother’s hair, seemingly in shock. “But that’s really… I mean, the rules to tickling are unspoken, I suppose, but even so one of the rules is to stop immediately if the other person doesn’t want to be tickled…”

Tommen only wrapped his arms around himself and grasped onto his shirt, just to hold onto something. “Joffrey doesn’t know the rules then.”

“But we know the rules!�� Rickon seemed determined to raise the spirit. “Maybe you could let us tickle you, we can show you that it’s fun!”

Bran looked at his brother as if he was about to scold him, then his gaze turned towards the prince instead, rather curiously. “Would you… let us do that?”

Tommen considered his options. He could just say No and they wouldn’t do it. They would respect that he didn’t want it to happen. They could just play something else and he’d be able to avoid this experience - or he could say Yes. If they’d accept his No now, they would also accept it later. Tommen had spent countless nights at the table next to his father, listening to him swoon over how honorable and honest of a man Lord Eddard Stark was and if that same Lord Eddard Stark’s sons claimed there were rules to tickling, he was sure they’d follow those rules at all times.

He nodded carefully. “You can do it… but carefully…”

“Of course!” To say that Rickon was beaming would’ve been an understatement, but Tommen couldn’t think of a better word before the younger boy latched onto his sides, squeezing away.

A giggle slipped out of his mouth and he quickly pressed his arms to his sides. He didn’t want it to stop just yet, wanted to see where it would go, but he couldn’t help it, it just really tickled. It didn’t hurt though. Tommen felt the slightest bit of tension fade away.

“Don’t block us out now!” Bran’s eyes glittered as he wiggled his fingers past Tommen’s arms, scratching at his ribs and making the prince squeak. “How are we supposed to tickle you if you cover up all the good spots?” There was a teasing undertone to his voice that would’ve sounded cruel and mean coming from Joffrey but out of Bran’s mouth it sounded… nice. Like they were having fun.

Tommen let out another giggle. He was having fun. “Buhut it tihickles-”

“Yes, that’s the point!” Rickon laughed and moved from his sides to his tummy. Tommen doubled over with a shriek and the younger boy’s eyes lit up. “Bran, I found a gold spot!”

“Good work, Ser Rickon! The defenses are crumbling!”

“AIHEE- Brahahahan!” Tommen squealed, curling in on himself. It was no use trying to protect his torso; Rickon relentlessly prodded and poked at his tummy and Bran’s fingers had wormed their way up into his armpits. It would probably be smart to try and push him off but he couldn’t bring himself to lift his arms - it just tickled too much. All he could do was lie on the carpet and laugh and it was fun.

“Are you alright?” Rickon grinned widely when the prince nodded. “Good!” He wiggled a finger into his belly button. “Then I can try this!”

“Gahahads, Rickohohon! Nahahat theheheere!” Tommen felt tears prick at the corner of his eyes. As much fun as this was- “Ihi cahan’t, I cahahan’t, stahahap! Plehehease!”

Immediately all four hands let go of him and Tommen felt warmth spread in his chest. They stopped. He told them to stop and they did it. So this was why it was supposed to be fun.

Rickon scooted a little closer and tried to catch a glimpse of Tommen’s face. “Are you still alriHIG- hehehehey! Brahahan, nohoho!”

Tommen blinked at the younger boy who was giggling and squirming on the ground, then he looked up at Bran who had his hands buried under Rickon’s arms and grinned back at him. “Do you want to help?”

“Nohoho, dohon’t hehehelp him!”

Tommen hesitated for a moment, then carefully extended his hand to give Rickon’s knee a little scratch when Bran sent an encouraging nod his way. Rickon let out a shriek and tried to pull his leg in but Tommen quickly grabbed his ankle to hold it still. He was getting used to this.

“You know you deserve this, Rickon!” Bran did his best to sound threatening but he couldn’t hide his joking undertone. “That’s what you get when you don’t share your toys!”

“Buhut thehese ahahare mihINEEK! ALRIHIHIGHT I GIHIVE! I GIHIHIVE!”

Tommen watched in fascination as Bran took his fingers off Rickon’s neck and briefly wondered how many times they must have done this for Bran to have such good knowledge on how to get Rickon to give up immediately. He caught himself smiling at the sight of Rickon lunging at Bran with a battle cry and starting to squeeze his sides, drawing an uncharacteristic cackle out of his older brother.

“Come on Tommen, help me! He needs a taste of his own medicine!”

Tommen took Bran’s wrists to pull them up, grinning down at him when he was met with a squeal of betrayal. How he could’ve ever thought about Winterfell as a dismal place was beyond him.

[withleeknow]

the stars aligned for you being a june bangtan baby!! . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ for me still with you reigns as his superior single ✨️ that specific jk/jin take two pre-chorus GOD the lyrics and harmonisations still give me butterflies 😭 (🥺💌 = https://we.tl/t-Mfc5dpyl4d)

[🍙's note-to-self: I'm so ready to indulge in your bangtan works] + no pressure at all with your semi-hiatus; when inspiration comes it'll come gracefully in time ♡ also the way you've updated me on your skz-WIPs like your own teaser schedule ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝

lmao how stacked is this multistan sandwich getting, no way you're also an aespa girlie 👀 ok svt lowkey give me a headache IN A GOOD WAY! ONLY BC! there's so many of them to be entertained by their chaos 😭 I'm mostly a dk (&dino) girl - that iconic heeseung effect lowkey happened with these two 😫 https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeVP98fn/ I found this during my hs-rabbithole and I genuinely haven't been the same since

+ today's hyperfixation: cue “go little rockstar” https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeVP7DxY/ he's radiating black cat energy (tmi: I'm the black cat in the golden retriever dynamic with my bsf which might explain why im extra fuzzy towards this man) 🖤

ONIGIRI HAVE YOU SEEN THIS AAAAAAA "per request from the artist" HE'S NOT EVEN HOME YET AND HE'S ALREADY MAKING ME CRY 😭 oh the envy that i have for the people who get to attend... how does it feel to be the first fans to see and HUG kim seokjin after he's been away for 18 months 😭

god i really do love still with you so much. jungoo absolutely kills it with his artistry and i hope we'll get to see him be more hands-on with his music when he gets back

ahh i actually only started listening to aespa very recently. up until a few months ago i thought they were 3rd gen idols lmao for some reason i always thought they debuted not long after red velvet 😭

i love dk !!!!!! wonwoo is probably at the top of my thirst list but dk is the most precious and endearing and funny 😭 i have never seen them in the same frame before akldakjfdsa that is certainly.......... something 😳 you're really influencing my heeseung brainrot here. i've been watching fatal trouble vids since you mentioned it the other day and i just- *eyes bulge out of head*

god he really is just so sharp from every angle.. biting my fist and whatnot.. i never thought i'd be into enha like that but here we are 😭 omg me too my friends tell me i'm a black cat !! you really are my other 🐈‍⬛ half 🥹

i had to save the best for last bc WHAT THE HELL IS THIS

i adore you to the moon and back, i truly think you're one of the best things that's ever happened to this blog and i'm so happy you stumbled across my little space here 😭 coming back to kpop after a decade really is an experience that not many can relate to but i'm really glad that i get to share that with you :((( tbh once upon a time i also couldn't see myself being a kpop stan past a certain age (twt stans think everyone over 20 is on the precipice of turning into dust lmao), but now being a kpop stan as an adult is so much more fun and fulfilling! getting into bangtan 2 years ago let me reconnect with my creativity and it's really helped me a lot, not just in terms of it being a comforting lil hobby but it made me realize what i wanna do for my career yk (i wanna be a graphic designer or at least work in media lol). and getting to buy merch with adult money! and meeting wonderful pocket friends that can turn into real life friendships! maybe i was meant to be obsessed with kim taehyung 2 years ago and that made me return to kpop bc otherwise i would be missing out on all of these joys 😭 this got so rambly lmao i'm sorry tldr i love you 🥹

[krs724490]

11.12.2023

continued from my voice memos because gabby came home. my chlidhood trauma was there. my mom wasn't around because she worked all the time. I had romanticized my sob story like the ones I had seen in the movies, telling people my mom wasn't around much.

I thought I was a bad kid. I felt my mimi much favored sophie and that I was the bratty one, the rule breaker. The one she didn't like.

In high school I was always on the fringes of the cool group. Looking back, I dont know that I minded too much being on the outs. That's one thing I'm not sure I've ever been too concerned about. If anything, I see being cool as having so much pressure to uphold that image. I would rather be lame. On the outs. The "cool" kids actually disgust me because they're trying too hard and that seems like a misuse of energy to me. I dont admire it.

ok topic switch. little break to go research future journaling.

its jarring to listen to podcasts about manifesting a relationship in your life. how much work people do. how much voodoo magic and want there is. and for me its never been hard. as fucked up as that sounds. I'd really like to know why I reach for relationships. Why am I a serial monogamist. Its so strange because I pride myself on being independent. I pride myself on not actually needing them. Men have always been my toys. I just want to feel desired, to have someone that admires me and the work I do on a more intimate level. Who can see the ins and outs of how truly positive and uplifting I am and can benefit from me as that energy source. It feels like I go into relationships not thinking at all. I go into a lot of things not thinking at all. I have trust in the universe to carry me and so why think? I'm constantly practicing that trust. Which I think overall is a good thing. but when I think about this thing with Graham. and how intentionally he came into it and how I kinda wandered in all la di da. Its like, I'm going to get out of it what I put into it. Did I even want a serious partner? Is this what I was looking for? am I ready? am I committing to a relationship out of the place of "it feels nice to have someone" or am I choosing it because from a deep place I am wanting to team up with someone? I dont need to repeat past behavior. Im exhausted at the thought of it. I'm already exhausted at the thought of having to untangle myself from him if needed. This all comes from hearing the way other people have gone in search of someone. Coming from a place of authenticity and strength and knowing. versus the way I stumbled into this blind - does that mean this can't be it? because I didn't do all the pre-requisites, does that mean this can't be it? my mind still looks for an answer when I know right now it is 50/50 both ways. It could be him, but there is also room for it to not be him. It feels like such a crucial time in the relationship. To be upfront. I think our next conversation will be telling. Its funny because every time we go deeper and deeper. and I've come up against the things that truly matter now. I dont know how he will receive them. I thought we had made it past big bumps, but of course now I realize what truly I need him to know. To even find a guy receptive to this feels amazing, Emily Murzyn would tell me I found the bare minimum. I like to feel guided. I'm usually the one doing the guiding.

I initially came here to get clear as to why I want a relationship. I want to give space to the energy of.. I dont need one. I dont feel I need one. I actually, would love to live out my little life in Golden, not having to factor anyone in. Not ever being uncomfortable. Being able to be selfish. I think my resistance to relationships comes from all the sacrifice I've made in the past for these boys that weren't it. I did it out of a weird place. I had a weird fantasy of wanting to be it for them. Wanting to be their dream girl. I loved feeling like their dream girl. So I bent for them. It was all a backwards way of stroking my own ego while simultaneously not staying true to myself because I was fitting a role - what would they have me be? a volleyball player? a weight lifter? would they think I was so cool if I was into the same movies as them? I suppose I always felt I could relate to them better if I was the same as them. I wanted them to think I was it, I was the world. So I pressured myself to become that. To take on what they liked. I'm not sure if other people have this issue to the degree that I do. with the hobbies and interests. I think its actually because I hold that expectation of my partner that I think they hold it of me. I have this belief that people who think like me are superior because they can see through the veil. They dont get caught up in human things. The joke is on me because I am one of the most caught people I know.. but in the past, I've pressured the people around me to think like I do, thinking I know the best way. When I really only have the best way for me, what sits right in my system. and my truth can be totally different than someone elses. that doesn't make their truth invalid. This is something to look at. Its funny because Graham thinks we are similar!! he said he thought we were similar on paper. from where I stand, I dont think so. but a huge part of me loves that he thinks that. I want him to think we float on the same wavelength because it ends positively for me in that way. He likes me! If the story he is telling himself is that we vibe, than that will become his reality and isn't that great for my ego who wants to catch all boys and make them mine. But I do think there are ways that we do vibe on the exact same, freakishly perfect frequency. and oddly these are the frequencies that may matter most when it comes to being in a relationship. its the openness, willingness, goofiness, amount of energy investment, kindness, patience, intentionality, mindfulness. Such key things we are so aligned in. That's whats making this work so well. and if we keep leaning into that I genuinely think we could be unstoppable. alright lets come full circle. do I want a relationship? what am I doing here? what is my intention? through all of this babble this is what I've deduced: I wouldnt have made it this far if it wasn't him. Or maybe I would have, but like with Colt, I wouldn't be taking it seriously. I would know it wasn't him deep down but still just be messing around for fun.. but instead of any of these scenarios, I am genuinely, fully trying my best to show up authentically, softly, openly with every cell of my body. I wouldn't want a relationship if it wasn't him. I would be better off alone if this wasn't going in the direction its been going. The reason why I'm even sitting here writing this is because it is a possibility. I have grown to the point where I'm only accepting authenticity in my life, now that I have a better idea of what that looks like for me. Honestly, Graham has taught me what that authenticity can look and feel like. He modeled it for me. He has brought the best out of me. He has forced me to get uncomfortable and face the truth of myself in the most productive, rewarding way. and he doesn't even know it. hes forced me to look at what I truly want and he has forced me to present it to him. and this energy is all moving self-so. There is not force present, this is the way its bubbling up for both of us. and so we let is bubble.

[pluckyredhead]

I can't speak for anyone else, but one of the reasons I'm reluctant to start Kyle's stuff is because of how badly it fucked over Hal - I'm not even a Hal fan, but a Wiki thumbnail of Emerald Twilight reads like Cassandra Cain's assassination under Beechen.

This is actually really funny to me, because the first Green Lantern comics I ever read were the 1990 series, since I'd heard about Kyle and wanted to read his comics - but what I didn't realize was that the first 50 issues of that series are Hal, leading into Emerald Twilight, and Kyle (who first appears in #48) takes over from there.

And oh man, did those comics make me hate Hal. He is domineering, entitled, and cruel. He combines being a huge asshole with being so completely convinced he knows what's best for everyone around him that by the time he decides to remake the world in his own image, I was like "Yeah, this tracks."

Now, having gone back and read every Green Lantern comic since 1960 in order, I know that this didn't start with the 1990 series, and it certainly didn't start with Kyle. Hal telling Guy's fiancee that he's dead and then almost immediately asking her out? Pre-Kyle. Hal dating a 13-year-old and then being incredibly cruel to her? Pre-Kyle. Hal mooching off of John indefinitely, and then when John tells him to get a job, robbing a diamond mine in apartheid-era South Africa and letting John take the fall for it? Pre-Kyle. Hal dismissing every woman he's ever dated as "crazy"? Pre-Kyle.

In other words, Hal is really only this shining golden hero in the Silver Age proper. From the start of Green Lantern/Green Arrow in 1970, you have about 20 years of a really fascinating narrative of a man who was once totally confident in who he was and how the world works, and what happens when it all crumbles away beneath him - when his girl doesn't need him to rescue her, when his sidekick doesn't want to be treated like a supporting character anymore, when his country and his politics aren't what he thought they were, when his faith in the Guardians is eroded more and more with every revelation. And then, of course, Hal's world crumbling becomes literal with the destruction of Coast City. It all dovetails really interestingly with the shifts in American pop culture away from 1950s homogeneity and towards diversity and inclusivity - culminating of course in the debut of Kyle, poster child for a new kind of sensitive, urbane masculinity that was popular in the 90s.

(I can't remember where right now, but I'm almost positive there's a comic somewhere where Barry says that Ollie ruined Hal because he made him question everything. But idk, maybe when you're part of the most dominant demographic in society and also a fucking cop, you should occasionally question things, Barrence?)

Anyway, this is all a really long-winded way of saying that when you read the previous few decades of Hal comics, Emerald Twilight feels pretty inevitable. This man was going to break, and it was going to be ugly. The dominant narrative that you'll find on wikis and in fandom and in the comics itself was that Hal's fall from grace was sudden and out of nowhere (which it has to be depicted as in modern comics thanks to the Parallax-is-a-giant-space-bug retcon), but it really, really wasn't.

And it's actually Kyle who starts the process of redeeming Hal. Kyle has sympathy for Hal during Emerald Twilight itself. Kyle is basically the only person who sees not just the destruction that Hal is causing, but the pain he's in. Baby boy is Team Hal almost from the beginning, and Hal responds by...well, okay, by trying to kill him, but like five minutes after that he's fully in "I've only had Kyle for a day and a half, but if anything ever happened to him, I would kill everyone in this universe and then myself" mode. Hal stans in the 90s HATED Kyle, but actual Hal Jordan loves Kyle very very much and it is completely mutual.

Also then DC fell all over themselves giving Hal three redemption arcs in a row (Final Night, Day of Judgment, and GL: Birthright). Four if you count the Spectre series.

So yeah, basically, please don't avoid Kyle because you think he does Hal dirty! Hal did himself dirty, and he did it for decades. It's only his, like, three deaths and four resurrections that pull him out of the tailspin he was in long before Emerald Twilight. (And then he immediately goes into like eight other tailspins, because the man is a mess. But he is much more fun after he comes back to life than he was for a long time before he died.)

Also, Hal would want you to read Kyle's comics. Kyle's his favorite.

[xxcatnissxx]

"My Hero"

♡ Reader x mooknight smol oneshot ♡

Splat.

You spat out the remaining blood that pooled in your mouth, watching as the scarlet liquid traveled down and through the cracks of the cement floor. The sound of it dripping through the drain follwed the rhythm of the nearby clock. As well as the pummeling sound of your erratic heartbeat; desperately trying to pin down any rising fear.

Soon, a gruff voice could be heard speaking out. "Hey boss, they're still not talking .... If I go at it any longer they'll be out like a light." You couldn't help the weak smirk that formed on your face, deviously croaking out, "bet you wish you could say that about you and your girl eh?" Quickly growing a feeble, Cheshire-like grin that revealed two rows of bloody teeth.

Boom.

The sound of a meaty fist colliding with flesh could be heard throughout the empty room. A flash of white, hot searing pain clouded your vision accompanied with a loud ringing through both ears. You barely allowed yourself to only release a small yelp from the beating. Due to the fact that you didn't want to give the perpetrator too much satisfaction from your pain. Leaving the bulky man in the end to just release a slew of obscene curses from his chapped lips.

"Woah Mike, take it easy there alright? We still need them alive- how about you go ahead and take a break okay?" A man with shoulder length, golden blonde hair gently spoke out. His hand tenderly patted the offenders' shoulder while the other leaned onto a metallic gold cane. Your now somewhat bruised eye couldn't help but squint in confusion and awe as you studied the top of it. A two-headed crocodile embellished the top of the rod. For a split second you could have sworn the reptile's eyes gleamed purple.

Realization of who this person was quickly struck your bloodied face. At the same time, the poised man seemed to notice the said awareness and placed the end of his cane under your chin. You couldn't help but slightly wince as he lifted it so that you could now face him. The pressure shooting all the way up to the now throbbing cheek. He tutted before slyly speaking out, "to think this all could have been avoided if you just told me where he placed the scarab."

Funny thing was, is that your rebellious stunt put only you at the scene of hiding said item. Were you gonna tell him that?

Pfft. No.

You spitted out any remaining crimson liquid onto his face and grinned triumphantly. "Over my dead body ... Arthur," mustering out as he quickly wiped his face off with his handkerchief. The sound of his name coming out of your mouth quickly drew his attention. Harrow cupped his hand around her-less damaged-cheek and tenderly rubbed his thumb across. "It deeply saddens me to see an exquisite wonder such as yourself come to this." He motioned to your bruised complexion with his cane as he stood back. You couldn't help but scoff in disbelief at the absurd compliment.

You shuffled your tied hands around some more, hoping to eventually break out, but only received harsher rope burns in return. A moment of tense silence filled the room so thick it was almost suffocating. Terror still lingered in your chest as you were well aware of his reputation. You knew if he tried to 'read your scales,' the result would most likely not be in your favor. "You know that I'm not the villian they all made you believe me to be." Arthur spoke out as he then crouched down to your level-which was currently a seated one in a rusty, metal chair-and rested his hand on your knee. The sensation of his calloused palm couldn't help but make you grimace in disgust. "In all actuality, I'm the hero here, only wanting to bring out a world filled of peace and happiness." He soulfully spoke out whilst looking up at you with admiration glistening in his eyes.

"I can save you too ... if you just tell me where the relic is. Then I can free you from all this pain." His thumb tenderly rubbed her knee to match the fond tone in his voice. Only for it all to fall on deaf ears. "I think .... I think you're delusional that's what," you sneered out to the man across from you. "Your version of 'peace' only causes the deaths of millions who haven't even had a chance to make those decisions. If anything I'm sure those so-called 'bad' choices only result in them leaving you and your whole crew flat out on their sorry arses." You quickly spilled out, the rapid release of sentences leaving your sore chest heaving for air.

Harrow only stayed silent as his face quickly fell and became dark with an emotion unreadable. However, before he could respond, the same brawny man from before quickly rushed over. "Boss! Boss! L-look you gotta come see this! It's that guy! He took out h-half of our guys already!" The brute madly choked out as they both walked over and examined the security cameras covering the abandoned warehouse. Your eyes immediately lit up in hope and relief from the shouted statement. The metal chair scraping across the floor as you managed to turn yourself to face the footage. You couldn't help but let out an exhilarating sigh as you spoke out,

"Thats. My hero right there~"

[oh-atlas]

LIGHTER TOGETHER (1.7k, Ophelia & Luce)

my dm and i have been clowning on ophelia for growing up best friends with a cleric but simultaneously wanting nothing to do with learning more about magic and the fact that it was a bit that would drive luce insane. then we connected it to 'oh that's actually probably how ophelia started picking up the basics of mage slayer. she spend enough time hanging around a caster that she learned what casting looks like and also loved messing with luce and batting spells out of her hands.' and now we're here! you construct intricate rituals to touch your girl bestie, love wins, etc., etc. set during ward era, aged around 18-19~ suggested listening: bruises by chairlift

The cool mist of spring clings to Ophelia's clothes as she emerges from the Svalich woods, stepping back onto the worn road to make her way into Barovia. Her axe, sheathed at her hip, thuds against her thigh and she shifts as the leather straps of her woodcarrier dig into her shoulders. Her body groans and aches; it's a satisfying sensation. She'll rest heavy tonight.

Ophelia rounds a bend, thick firs, cedars, and pine parting to reveal the dull, grey palisades that surround Barovia. She trudges forward, eager for the warmth of a fire, and a weight off her back.

A streak of bright light bursts in the corner of Ophelia's vision and she quickly jerks her head towards the source. A familiar figure stands a couple hundred feet off the road, close enough to Barovia to stay safe, but far enough that she won't cause any danger. Her back is to Ophelia, golden hair hanging loose. Even from a distance, she can tell the hem of her skirt is flecked with mud. Ophelia's heart flutters and her body feels lighter instantly. She couldn't help it if she tried; Luce has always made her feel that way.

Before Ophelia even processes what she's doing, her feet lead her off the road, meandering quietly towards her. It's been days since they've seen each other. She's been busy with work and Luce is always busy, kept busy by the prior with her responsibilities as a dawnbringer. It will be good to say hello.

Luce is unaware, Ophelia can see her hands moving as she practices some sort of spell, focusing and building sunlight in her fingertips. Ophelia's lips tug slightly into a smile. She sets the woodcarrier down, far enough away that Luce doesn't hear the soft clunk, then creeps up behind her.

Ophelia blows a sudden gust of air, ruffling Luce's hair and grins as she jumps at the sensation. Luce whirls around, hands in front of her, coated in glimmering sunlight and Ophelia realizes, it was not quite as funny as she thought it would be, the magic is glowing bright, about to burst from her hands. She darts to her right and swats Luce's hands downward to the left. The burst of sunlight explodes, scorching the grass a few inches from her feet.

"Ophelia, don't scare me like that! I could've seriously hurt you." Luce huffs, brushing stray hairs out of her face. She looks concerned, but there's a hint of a smile on her face.

Ophelia stifles a laugh, "You don't know. I'm pretty quick."

She arches an eyebrow, "You wanna try that again?"

"No." Ophelia says too quickly and Luce laughs, closing the gap between them and wrapping her arms around Ophelia.

"How are you? I miss you, you big grump."

Ophelia relaxes into the embrace, putting her hand on the back of Luce's head until she starts to pull back to look up at her.

"I'm alright. Work's fine."

"Mhm. It's fine."

"Yes, cutting trees into tiny pieces in the Svalich woods is a delightful, relaxing profession with no danger at all." It's not completely sarcastic. The repetition, solitude, and fresh air are calming.

Luce shakes her head and smiles, "Well don't you have work to do instead of coming over here and bugging me?" She tries to prod Ophelia's stomach but Ophelia jerks back just in time for Luce's offending finger to only touch air.

"Nah, I'll be fine. This was my last trip today. Not enough light to go out for more and you'd never catch me out in the woods at night. I don't have a death wish." Ophelia pauses, a stone of doubt sinking in her chest, "Is it okay if I stay for a bit? Or do you want me to go?"

"No, stay," Luce insists, "I haven't seen you for days. Please."

Ophelia exhales with relief, her voice soft, "Yeah. Of course. Let me get my pack and I'll come right over?"

Luce nods eagerly and spins back to face the forest. When Ophelia comes back to stand beside her Luce is moving her hands in small circles, pushing energy between them almost as if she's kneading dough. It's building from a soft, honey-yellow to brilliant shimmering gold, nearly buzzing with energy; it's the brightest thing Ophelia's ever seen. As Luce extends her hands to release the spell-- Ophelia leans over and knocks her shoulder into Luce's arm, sending the spell veering from a straight line into a rightward arc into the dirt.

"Ophelia Tenebrae," she turns to look up at Ophelia, attempting to glower.

She can't help a bit of a smile, "Luce Salutare."

"You're a menace."

"I'm helping you learn fast," Ophelia insists.

"Well, casting spells is not as easy as it looks. It requires focus. And you're not helping me focus."

Ophelia falters a moment, hearing a voice ring in the back of her mind: you're a distraction to her. She shrugs, tries to ignore it, and deadpans, "What's a spell?"

"Ophelia, don't start with that again."

"Start what?"

"You know exactly what."

Ophelia snorts, "Okay, keep casting your 'spells'."

Luce huffs and rolls her eyes, flicking her hair over one shoulder. Her fingers move gently through the air, pulling together magic from nothing before she repeats the same process. She keeps glancing at Ophelia, wary of her next strike. Ophelia stifles a giggle, every time their eyes meet.

"Shut up," Luce grumbles and releases a bolt of light from her palms. It impacts in a burst of gleaming sunshine against a sturdy, old-growth pine on the tree line.

"I didn't say anything."

"Okay but you're going to do something again."

"I won't, I promise."

Luce side-eyes her. Ophelia covers her mouth to hide her smile. Luce suspiciously returns to practice. She-- The magic is beautiful to watch, glowing and warm, bursting with vibrance and power. Ophelia feels light, almost dizzy, from the sight. Minutes pass as Luce conjures varying bursts and bolts of sunlight. She can see the sweat beading on Luce's forehead and hears her mutter to herself 'no, that's not right', as she lets another spell fizzle in her hands. There's pressure beginning to weigh on her now.

Ophelia frowns at the sight and looks away. A moment later, she says, voice warning, "Luce, we have company."

"Huh?" Luce turns swiftly and throws a shimmering ward of magic around Ophelia. Faster than any other time today, she conjures light in her hands and prepares to hit... the squirrel Ophelia's pointing at.

Luce exhales in sudden relief and all the light fades as tension leaves from her body. "Ophelia," Luce whines, playfully shoving her, "Stop that. I thought you were being serious."

Ophelia stumbles and snickers, throwing her weight back against Luce, "You were stressing yourself out again."

Luce makes a disgruntled noise as she sways with her.

"You were really fast that time. And that shimmery magic thing in front of me- I've never seen you do that before."

"Yeah because it's hard."

"Mm, do you wanna stop for today?"

"No," Luce pouts. The expression tugs at Ophelia; she brushes a strand of Luce's hair out of her face.

"Then keep going. Don't overthink it. It's not like any of the other priests are better than you about this magic stuff."

"Ophelia."

"What I'm not wrong," She complains.

Luce sighs, her features knitting together as she frowns. "It's not polite." It's closer to sunfall now; shadows of the treeline sweep across the ground and surround their silhouettes. Ophelia wants to argue, fighting bitter indignance. She doesn't care if it's polite, Luce is better than them. In more ways than one.

Instead, she pivots, "Why don't you do the easy one? The little small sunbolt you make or whatever it is."

Luce's lips purse more as she tries not to smile. "Okay, sure."

She turns to the woods again, holding her hand palm out as glimmers of light begin to gather, strengthening, building until-- Ophelia swats Luce's hand to the side and a small spark of light singes the ground again.

The first sound out of Luce's mouth is of disbelief as her eyes draw from her palm upwards to see Ophelia's lips twist in a subtle smirk and even higher to a look of mischief in her brown eyes. "You," Bubbling laughter rises out of Luce's chest, "You're such an ass."

Ophelia grins, "Come on, you said you wanna keep practicing. Practice speed." She tosses her hand up lazily.

"You're just going to do that again, aren't you?"

Ophelia shrugs and Luce scoffs in response. She holds eye contact with Ophelia, extending her hand towards the trees to cast again. Her expression is practically daring her to try her best. Ophelia glances at the light gathering in her hand and does nothing before it shoots forward, faster and steadier than a crossbow's bolt.

Luce looks even warier as she prepares to cast again.

Ophelia strikes when nearly enough light is gathered to finish the spell. She bats at Luce's hand again, even as she tries to avoid it, sending the spell slamming into the ground in front of them. Ophelia curses under her breath and shakes her hand out.

"Did you burn yourself?"

"No," Luce reaches out and grabs Ophelia's hand, looking at her red, swollen fingertips.

"I told you so," She frets and Ophelia's hand begins to warm. Not the sharp, stinging pain like the bolt of light, but soothing heat, soft and gentle. She looks down, Luce's hand faintly glows and so does hers. Ophelia's throat tightens and her cheeks flush as the pain and swelling fade.

Luce looks up at her as the spell ends, "If you keep doing that I will not heal you the next time you get hurt."

"You wouldn't." Ophelia blusters and steps back.

"I would."

Ophelia tries not to smile as she pushes a hand through her hair and prays it's not obvious how flustered she is, she doesn't want this moment or feeling to change. It's the happiest she's been in weeks. Luce bursts out laughing again and Ophelia gently echoes her moments after.

"Come on," Ophelia says, let's get inside the walls before it gets dark. I gotta get you back for sunset vespers."

"Alright, alright," Luce moves to catch Ophelia, throwing an arm around her waist. Ophelia slings her arm over Luce's shoulders, they collect her woodcarrier, and walk through the gate, back into the streets Barovia intertwined.

[rogue-durin-16]

AN UNUSUAL YEAR (Part V/V)

Summary: After having little to no interest on girls for five years, Fred suddenly feels the need to nag the shit out of a certain witch, completely oblivious to the reason behind it.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x Slytherin!Reader

Genre: fluff (+ enemies to lovers)

Tags:

An unusual year: @natural-hearts @manuosorioh @lumos-solemn @westyywifee @whiskeyn-rain @warlock--protection @gossip-girl-ecr @fandomscombine @birdy944 @28cnn

Permanent taglist: @elia-the-bibliophile @randomparanoid @karlthecat15722 @thebutchersdaughtersblog

Warnings: a little angst, a little snogging 👀

A/N: maybe a bit longer than I expected but it's alright. Also I might write an addition to this story, not sure tho. I hope y'all enjoyed reading this story as much as I did writing it <3

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Rogue-durin-16 masterlist

"Y/n! Come sit with us?" George waved at me from the Gryffindor table as I entered the Great Hall, prompting me to sit across him and Angelina, and besides Fred. "Where's Mathilda?" He asked as I got closer, leaving my books on the wooden surface.

"She's feeling unwell." As I sat down, I noticed George's arm around Angelina and I couldn't help the knowing grin that tugged the corner of my lips. "The date exchange at the Ball turned out well, huh?"

"I could say the same about you." He wiggled his brows at me with the same grin I had.

I felt a sudden rush of panic going through my body. My eyes traveled to the boy by my side, who was oddly quiet, and I found him already peeking at me.

"Meaning?" I decided to play dumb, taking a bite of my golden slice of toast whilst ignoring the intending gazes of the couple in front of me.

"You two were having a great time last night." Angelina jumped in, leaning over her table. "Didn't see you coming back, Fred." She added, redirecting her eyes to the ginger.

"I did." His brother laughed. "I daresay you two had an intense night." I felt my cheeks reddening, not finding enough strength to meet George's look. "It was about time, really."

I was startled by Fred abruptly standing up. "See you in class." The curt reply he offered before fleeing shocked all of us; specially his brother, who, with a polite apology, left me and Angelina to go after his twin.

"I feel like I shouldn't ask." She spoke quietly.

"I don't have an answer."

I feared she would see through me. I hadn't lied, but my gut told me whatever happened had to do with the change of demeanor he had at the end of our night out.

I wouldn't say it out loud but a part of me began to worry.

The worry stayed throughout that entire week, guilt joining it at some point. Fred's attendance in Charms, Astronomy and Potions had decreased; I had only see him attend once to Astronomy. The only thing he did was play with his quill and, whenever he thought I didn't notice, stare at me.

Ironically enough, we started spending most of the time together; after the winter break, George had incorporated both Mathilda and me to their friend group, which, in different circumstances, would have been great.

Alicia Spinnet gained special interest on my best friend; Lee Jordan would joke about Slytherins and Gryffindors getting together, and Angelina— well, she seemed happier now that she could hang out with all her friends at the same time.

Fred was miserable. Everyone could see it, yet they did their best to cover it up.

George would overcompensate his brother's attitude by being louder and paying extra attention to me, but it worsened the situation.

I wanted to ask Fred what was wrong, but then again we weren't even good friends, so was it really my place to ask?

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

George had proposed a trip to Hogsmade a couple of days ago and we all agreed on going, but the day came and Fred wasn't there.

His brother alleged he had a terrible headache and had chosen to stay in bed. We all saw through his excuse, and once more no one said a word.

It was that night that George came to look for me.

"—well then, go get her!" His shouts got into the common room when a second year entered..

"What's this about?" I inquired, coming out to the hallway to see the ginger about to throw hands at my prefect.

"I need you." He stated, quickly losing interest on whatever the prefect had to say. I only nodded and motioned him to move with me far from the Slytherin door. "You have to speak to Fred now." He almost pleaded, a frown of worry forming on his face.

"Sure— wait, now?" I stared at him in confusion.

"Sorry, I know it's late" his apology didn't mean he would ask me to do it in the morning instead.

I let out a sigh before inquiring, "Where's he?"

"The Astronomy tower, I believe." He replied.

"Alright," I said more to myself. "I'll go grab my jacket." He murmured another apology and a thank you before heading off to his House.

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

I came to a halt at the top of the stairs when I saw him sat against the wall, his knees pulled to his chest with his arms around them, and his face buried between them."Hey there, stranger."

He raised his head, letting his eyes and nose be seen."Who gave me away?"

"George."

"Tosser" he muttered, taking his gaze to the levitating bundle of newspaper on fire that was probably keeping him somewhat warm up there.

"Is it that bad to see me now?" I took a couple of careful steps towards the boy.

"It's always that bad to see you."

"Odd for you to say that," I let myself slide down the wall to sit by his side with my legs stretched out. "given how much you stare."

"Touché." He replied, the ghost of a smile breaking through his depressed demeanor. "What are you doing here?"

"What's wrong?"

"I asked first."

"I asked second." He raised his brows at me and it was my turn to avert my eyes from him. "I'm... Worried. About you."

When I shivered due to the wind flowing through the tower, he scooted closer and moved the little fire with his wand for it to be in the middle.

"You're all dejected and sulky," I explained. "You barely attend to our classes together, and if you do, you don't pay attention." I felt him shift uncomfortable by my side. "I'm... I'm gonna regret this— I miss you being a bloody nuisance."

"I knew you loved it." His teasing, though it was meant to be funny, sounded almost painful.

"now, what's wrong?" He shrugged, his chin resting over his forearms. "Listen, if you're not gonna tell me, it's fine, but at least tell George."

"Are you thick?" The bitterness in his tone took me aback. "Y/n, I fancy you." He hid his face between his arms. "quite a lot, actually." He added in a mumble.

"I figured that at the ball, you know?" This time it was me who scooted closer. "Tell me that's not the reason behind this."

"Would you like me to lie?" He questioned, shame slipping out with his voice. "I'm a very good liar you wouldn't even question it." He took a deep breath before looking back up, stretching one of his legs and leaning against the wall. "At the ball, I tried to start something." He began, fidgeting with his hands. "I... This never happened to me, so I wasn't- I didn't know what I was doing, but I thought I was making it clear." He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. "But when I left you—"

"You know I fancy you too, right?" I tilted my head, searching for his eyes. "As in, more than a one time thing."

"That I didn't know." I felt a pang of guilt, realizing that unconsciously I had played a big part on this.

FRED'S P. O. V.

We stayed in silence.

It wasn't an unsettling silence, but the air weighed over us due to the tension floating on it; I needed to defuse it, otherwise it would crush me.

My heart hammered against my chest while I extended my arm to hold her hand on mine.

It's not meant to be nerve-wracking, I thought to myself as I pulled her hand away from her lap; we had already made clear we fancied each other.

The moment she put her head on my shoulder, the tension completely dissipated. I didn't notice the sigh that left my lungs when it happened.

"Didn't put you, Fred Weasley, in the I'm-a-bundle-of-nerves-with-girls category."

"Oh, shut it." I threw my head back, laughing for the first time in a couple of weeks.

"Never." She gave my hand a squeeze and I allowed my cheek to rest over her crown. "You could, of course, find a way to shut me up."

It wasn't her words that cracked me up, but the suggestive tone she used, which took me back to that night in the Duelling Room when I accidentally let slip my feelings for her for the first time.

I raised my head from hers. "Beg your pardon?" I played the fool, trying to hide the ghost of a smile when she shoot me a wide-eyed look. "What are you insinuating, woman?"

"Do you really wanna start the teasing now?" She gave me a warning glare.

"You've just said you missed it." I couldn't hold back the chuckle.

"I knew I was gonna regret it." She groaned, throwing her head back. My eyes, finally on her, traveled to her now exposed neck and collarbone. Though they weren't visible, I could see the trail of kisses I had left there just a few weeks ago. "Stop staring and kiss me."

It didn't take anything else for me to throw the levitating burning paper away and tug her closer by her hand.

The moment our mouths met, I slipped my hand away from Y/n's so I could led her thighs to straddle my legs.

A quiet moan escaped my lips when she rolled her hips against mines; my hands automatically traveled up from her thighs to her waist, pulling her flush against me.

The temperature in the high, cold tower had shot up all from sudden. Just as we were about to start discarding clothes, quick steps were heard climbing up the stairs.

"Fuck!" She whisper-shouted, practically pushing me away as she got up. "Move, move, move!" As she helped me up and we ran to hide, it dawned on me that we were way past curfew. That got me moving.

We waited for Filch to get to the top of the tower before running down as fast as we could.

"No time for goodbyes!" she warned as we rushed through the vast hallways with Filch after us. "See you tomorrow—"

Before she could sprint downstairs to the dungeons, I grabbed her hand and pulled her into a side hall.

"You won't make it to the dungeons." I stated between pants, glancing at the path we had taken. I wasn't able to see the caretaker yet, but his pants could be heard. "Take the other stairs I'll distract him."

"You'll get grounded." She observed, her breathing as heavy as mine, if not more.

"Worth it." I curtly reply, feeling the corners of my lips twisting up.

"You know?" She pushed herself off the wall she had leaned against to catch her breath. "Sometimes you're really sweet."

"Quick!" I tugged on her hand, seeing Filch finally turn the corner. "Gimme a good luck kiss!"

She pulled me down and kissed my lips briefly before taking off in the other direction. I had to tell myself to shake off that stupid smile and run.

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

READER'S P. O. V.

The next morning I eagerly made my way to the Great Hall with two goals; having breakfast, of course, and checking if Fred had made it to his House without getting caught.

I soon spotted the group, this time sitting on the Slytherin table.

Soon his eyes found me too, and without saying a word to anyone, he got up and jogged to meet me halfway.

"Did you make it?" I asked, standing way too close to him and therefore attracting some nosey looks.

"By a whisker." He responded, taking a look around before looking back at me. "I was wondering if you'd like to go for a drink after class." I raised my eyebrows at him with a smirk. "We can use a passage to get to Hogsmade."

"Are you asking me on a proper date, Weasley?" I teased with my hands on my hips. "How cute."

He avoided eye contact, deciding to take another look around instead. "I swear if you tease me right now—"

"I'm free after four." I cut him off. "Now if you excuse me, I'm hungry." I passed him by, playfully bumping his shoulder, and made my way to our friends.

I didn't get far before his hands spun me around and cupped my cheeks, giving me a surprisingly deep kiss. "Are you gonna kill me?" He murmured, his lips still ghosting over mines.

"Oh, you know me so well." I replied, feeling my face heating up. We couldn't help but laugh when whistles and hollers came from behind me. "I might kill them too." I added, making fall into a fit of laughter as we pulled away in order to walk to where our friends sat. "I wanna have breakfast in peace." I warned them, sitting down with Fred by my side.

Everyone was giving looks at each other and trying to hold back the giggles, so I knew a comment was coming, but not from whom.

I could instantly tell I wasn't the only one shocked by the speaker. "But you just had him for breakfast." My best friend responded, faking confusion.

"I was just thinking about that!" Lee yelled, a bit too excited.

"Mathilda Foxglove—" I began, everyone cracking up.

"You are doomed." Fred finished, shoving a toast into his mouth to stop his laughter.

"It was worth it." She stated between giggles.

Fred gave me a side look with a half smile and I thanked Merlin no one could see the boy's fingers interlaced with mines under the table.

[eunoiaflow3r]

when worlds collide - h.p. x gn!avenger!reader

a/n: bahahahahaha no one reads harry x reader lmaoo you don’t have to tell me - i know. but still, i thought this was a cute idea and i went with it. hope you enjoy :)

not edited.

also: timelines don’t match up bc i don’t want to do the math so harry is like 20 - 21 and your like 19 - 20 in 2020. Civil War and everything on didn’t happen. Fred didn’t die.

gn = gender neutral

warning(s): “language!” - captain america.

word count: 3.1k

request(ed): no.

summary: stephen sends y/n to a strange new place with...wizards?

————————————-&—————————————

Never doubt Stephen Strange. That's something that pretty much everyone has accepted. Never second guess the wizard man. Usually you'd agree. Usually you'd just let the man babble about whatever he needed to and then go about your day.

Not now.

The fuckery.

Now you were here (wherever here was) after some flashes of orange and a "be careful." Did he even do the spell right? Is this really where you were supposed to be?

It was dark, and dirty and you just wanted to go home and not talk to anyone so you turned yourself invisible.

You were born with your powers - you think. You were adopted so you wouldn't know where your powers came from. All you know is that one day your parents couldn't find you, even though you were right there. Instead of thinking you were some kind of alien and throwing you out to labs, they helped you control it the best you could.

It was difficult at first, all things considered, but you got through. You discovered you had another power as well. Force fields. Those came in handy during the battles. (You helped where you could), and Tony Stark took you in afterwards as his own. He helped you create your suit, and your name, and discover more about your powers, he was basically a dad to you.

Your parents were a little hesitant letting you join the Avengers, but once they realized this is what you were meant to do, and you had people just like you protecting you, they couldn't keep you from that. They just couldn't.

So here you were, invisible, in some dark and creepy alley. There were doors either side of you, so you got out of the way considering they could open and smack you in the face at any given moment. You heard loud voices and laughing and cheering from both ends of the alley so you walked towards the one in front of you.

The voices were so loud and echoey that you really couldn't focus on anything else. Maybe that's why you didn't hear a boy behind you trip and fall into you from behind.

"I'm so sorry." he said helping you up.

You turned around to help him, he got awfully dirty, and searched for his glasses that fell off his face.

Once standing, he took out a stick, waved it over him, and all of a sudden the dirt and gravel was gone.

"How did you do that?" You were no stranger to magic, but this was something you've never seen before. And why would he do it in front of you? For all he knew, you were an unknowing human.

"What?" He asked eyebrows furrowed together, accent strong.

"With the stick."

He chuckled shoving the stick back in his cloak.

"The stick." He smiled and looked you up and down. "It's a wand. You must not be from around here."

"Yeah, what tipped you off?" You noticed the lightning bolt scar on his head. You wondered how he got it.

"The accent, the clothes, the inability to recognize a simple wand, the ability to be here, not recognizing me, and wait - where is your cloak?"

"Cloak?"

"You were just invisible a moment earlier but I don't see your cloak anywhere."

"I don't have one. I can make myself invisible without a piece of fabric or your fancy stick." You say sarcastically. Were you flirting?

"Handy." He grins. "The name's Harry Potter."

He holds his hand out for you to shake. "Y/N L/N."

He asks you if you want to talk somewhere besides a dark dirty alley. You agreed. It took some convincing though to let him use his stick to clean the clothes you had on, but to change your outfit to something less, standout-ish.

When you felt the witch hat on your head you immediately snatched it off your head and glared at him.

He just laughed.

Once out of the alley, you breathed in the now clean air, and was mesmerized. People were bustling in and out of small shops, animals were flying and chirping around their owners, children were running around with their friends and siblings, and people were waving sticks, or wands, just like Harry used.

"C'mon, this way." He smiled at your awestruck face. It reminded him of when he first arrived with Hagrid all those years ago.

He brought you inside a coffee shop, and sat you at a booth near the window knowing you'd probably want to still look outside at the new scenes.

After ordering, and a few moments of silence as you looked around, you decided to ask some questions.

"Where am I?"

"We're in Diagon Alley. It's like an outside mall."

"I mean like, planet? I guess?"

"Earth."

"Earth?"

"Well, more specifically London. Diagon Alley."

"London?! I'm in London?!"

"You've never been? To Earth? Or London?"

You rolled your eyes silently cursing Strange. "I'm from Earth. The United States, actually. I just wish he'd put me on a fucking plane or something instead of making it seem like I was going to Mars."

"He?" Harry was very curious.

You looked into his green eyes, your mind wandering. The guy in front of you was very attractive. His dark hair complimented his eyes, and his glasses made him even more attractive.

"You guys are wizards right?"

"Really? What gave you that impression?" He asks sarcastically. "The sticks, the pointy hats, or the big bowl with green liquid sitting outside?”

You rolled your eyes. "Very funny. It's not my fault you live into the stereotype of brewing potions in your cauldrons -"

"Oh well I can only assume you're one of those Avengers from the States, yeah?" He grins. "You guys are all over the news."

"Yes, sure -"

"And don't one of you wear capes and another shoot lasers or lightning or whatnot? Sounds very stereotypical to me."

You laugh as the waitress brings over your drinks and muffins. You thank her. "No, well yes, that's Strange and Thor, but that's besides the point -"

"Well of course it's strange." He grins and winks and you over his mug. He was purposely annoying you and found great joy in it.

"Anyway," you sigh getting back to the point. "Do you guys have a Wizard here, like a powerful, trusting, all-knowing kind of guy?"

His eyes dropped slowly and his smile dimmed for a moment before slowly widening once again.

"Had. His name was Dumbledore."

"Our guy is Stephen Strange. Or Dr. Strange. He sent me here, and I'm not sure why."

"Hmmm." He hums setting down his mug. "Are the states in danger? Were you sent here on a secret quest that would put you through tough trials that would risk your life but would ultimately save everyone you've ever loved so you just have to do it?"

You were in a silent shock. "Uhm. No, not that I'm aware of, no."

"Well then perhaps your Wizard Strange is playing matchmaker."

"Matchmaker?"

"Well you were sent here weren't you?" You nod. "Arrived outside the exact place where I was and I just happened to bump into you? Sounds like a set-up to me."

"Or a coincidence."

"I'd like to think it was fate that I bump into the most attractive person I've ever seen and they don't know who I am and won't judge me 'cause of my past." He took a bite of his muffin.

"Should I be worried?"

"I guess you'll have to figure that out yourself." He winks.

You decide to eat your muffin as well. It was a comfortable silence until you looked out of the window and noticed a guy crouching down behind a cauldron...with a camera.

"Harry?"

"Hm?"

"Why is there a man outside taking pictures of you?"

His eyes widened. "Oh shit." He whispered. "Here." He took out a baseball cap and put it over your head, hiding your face from the camera.

He gets out of his seat quickly pulling you along with him to the back of the shop but before you could say anything he had his wand pulled out.

Next thing you saw was a couch and living room.

"Wow." You panted. "What a way to bring a girl home."

"I apologise Y/N, I block them out so much I forget they're even there and now they've seen you, and have a story and -"

"Wait, wait, wait, are you wanted for murder or something?"

Harry walks over to his bookshelf and pulls out a rather large book. After opening up on the table, he waved his wand over it and beckons you over to read it.

'Boy who lived.'

'Golden boy defeats Voldemort'

'winner of Triwizard tournament'

And there was so much more… 'Harry Potter' in bold just strewn across the pages. His whole life story.

Your eyes widen at everything. "So both and neither. War hero. How come I've never heard of you? Or any of this?"

He smiles at the pages fondly, running his fingers across the letters and reminiscing on his times at Hogwarts.

"Unlike you Avengers, we like to keep our business private and quiet. We don't like prying eyes."

You scoff. "Not our fault we have alien invasions every year."

Harry agreed and for the rest of the night you sat on his couch talking and sometimes arguing, over every little thing. It felt like you two had known each other forever.

You're not sure when, but you fell asleep there and woke with your head on his chest and his arm wrapped around your waist. You're not sure how the two of you ended up this way, and you realized you were practically strangers, but you didn't want to move. You just wanted to tangle your fingers through his dark hair.

But you didn't. Instead you stared at his closed eyes, and focused on his long, dark, eyelashes that fluttered a little from time to time. You thought about how you could get used to this. Waking up with his arm wrapped around you.

You told him last night that if he was actually a serial killer, and wanted to kill you that you had a whole team of people who would rip him limb from limb. He had no doubts and looked actually scared of your threat.

You thought about what it'd be like to live here among people like you.

Stomach grumbling, you decided to get up and see if he had anything you could make for him. It's the least you could do. His face turned when you left his arms, but you quickly pulled the blanket over him so he would be able to sleep a little longer.

You found his bathroom, and washed your face. In your backpack was a toothbrush and some toothpaste so you brushed your teeth, fixed your hair, and got dressed.

By the time you got out of the bathroom, you noticed Harry was still sleeping so you went into the kitchen and tried to find anything remotely close to breakfast foods. By the look of his inventory, you could tell he was very good at cooking but hadn’t been to the store in a while. He did have some eggs and toast though so you decided to make that.

In the middle of it, you got a phone call from Strange.

“Strange?”

“Harry Potter.” he says.

“What?” you were so confused as to how Stephen knew ANYTHING.

“You’re in his place, we've been tracking you.”

“So I guess we should probably have a talk about privacy? I don’t know, it just seems like something we should discuss you know? Cause usually people can respect that - especially people who just DUMP you here in the first place -“

“Calm down that’s what the mission was. While you were sleeping, we searched the place with a camera we put on you and he’s not who we thought he was. You completed the mission L/N. Great job.”

“Is he a danger?”

“Not necessarily. Just making sure your fine is all.”

“What -?”

He hung up.

Why wouldn’t Strange tell you his intentions? Why would he let you stay here if he thought Harry might have been a bad guy? Why would he risk that?

Right as you hung up Harry Potter walked into the kitchen with his lenses in between his shirt - he was cleaning his glasses.

His dark hair hung over his eyes but his eyebrows were raised.

“You made breakfast?”

“It was the least I could do. I didn’t mean to fall asleep but thank you for letting me stay.”

He smiled and put his glasses back on. In doing so his gray shirt lifted and you could see his abs. You turned away a blushed.

“It was no big deal. Thank you for making breakfast, love. You didn’t have to.”

You didn’t say anything and instead placed both of your finished plates on the dining room table. He followed you and sat down immediately digging in.

“These are the best eggs i’ve ever eaten Y/N thank you.”

You smiled in response but then frowned remembering your conversation with Strange. You should probably tell Harry.

“So,” you cleared your throat. “You were wrong.”

He gave you a look that meant “about?”

“Dr. Strange - the wizard I work with - he likes to check out potential threats and make sure that ya’know - the earth stays safe and everything. Je can kind of see the future and its propabilities. He did the same thing with Thor and his brother Loki.”

“Okay, go on.”

You cringed. “And so he called me and told me that he sent me here so he could see you? I don’t know I guess he saw you as a threat and wanted to make sure you weren’t.”

You looked at Harry but his face was clear of any and every emotion. He just continued to eat his eggs. It was silent.

You ate a bit at your eggs too until he spoke up which made you look up.

“I can’t say I’m very surprised honestly. With everything you guys manage to fuck up there I’d wanna know if someone else was about to create shit problems too.”

You sighed with relief. He wasn’t mad.

“I’m sorry really Harry, I didn’t even know.”

“No yeah it’s fine. I get it. I still think he sent you specifically for a reason though. There’s just no way we aren’t soul mates or something.”

“Oh shut up Potter.”

He smiled. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Gee your head must hurt.”

He squints at you jokingly. “You should let me take you out. I can show you around today. Y’know, so you can see what wizards are like.”

“Is this a date?”

His face flushes red and he looks down at his plate. “Yeah, yeah it’s a date.”

And a date it was.

“What the fuck is wrong with you Harry! Again?!” You practically screamed. Harry called it aparation but you call it hell. You let it go the first time but damn. He barely even warned you, just took your hand, held it tight, pulled you close, and waved his wand.

It was teleportation. Something you’ve never ever done before.

“Fucking hell Potter I’m going to murder you.”

“And Strange was worried about your safety? This is like your 4th time threatening to end my life and besides, it wasn’t even that bad.”

You rolled your eyes.

Throughout the day Harry showed you all sorts of things you’d never ever seen before. This consisted of every flavor jelly beans (and by every flavor they really meant every flavor), a chocolate frog, and never ending bubble gum. And that was just on the candy side.

He took you inside this joke shop ran by two of his friends from his old school he called hogwarts. They were twins that went by the names of Fred and George. The only twins you had ever met was Wanda and Pietro but telling the story of Pietro’s death seemed to sour Harry’s mood but excite the twins. The fact that he sacrificed himself for a little boy made him a hero in their eyes. They begged you to tell them more stories.

By the end of the day you went back to Harry’s place and you were exhausted. You can’t believe all that you’ve seen and eaten. How was this stuff even possible? How was it all hidden? You were amazed.

Harry was glad to see you had a good day and glad that he had met you. When you got back, he told you that you could stay another night...and perhaps in the bed instead of the couch. He hadn’t meant it in a dirty way but that didn’t stop you from laughing until tears came out of your eyes. He was so awkward at times. Once he had to ask if it was okay to take your hand while you were in the street and it was so cute how he couldn’t really find the words even for something as simple as hand holding.

“Harry?”

“Hm?”

You both were laying in his bed facing the other.

“I had a lot of fun today. I feel like i’ve known you forever.”

He grinned from ear to ear and was glad that you couldn’t see him. He would have been beyond embarrassed if you’d seen how unmistakably happy that made him.

“I had fun with you Y/N. You’re great company.”

You were silent for a moment.

And another.

“Harry?”

“Yes?”

“Can I kiss you?”

You were scared of his response and your heart was practically beating out of your chest. What if he was just being friendly? What if he just wanted to be friends? You would have made a huge fool of yourself. You were going to turn away embarrassed until his hand came up to your face and slipped onto your cheek. He was so warm. His lips pressed against yours for a moment and then he pulled away.

After a moment he reconnected and moved his lips against yours slowly. Your hand went to the back of his neck and toyed with his hair. He groaned into your mouth. You smiled and scooted even closer to him. All you could hear was the sound of your breathing and kissing. You didn’t want to pull away but you had to.

“Harry.” you said practically breathless.

“Yeah.” he was breathless too.

“I want to show you my world. You should come see New York.”

“Yeah? You wanna show me those alien invasions and robot attacks?”

You laughed and snuggled into Harry. He wrapped his arm around you and kissed your neck.

“Mhmm.”

“I’d love to see it.”

Tags:

@romance-geek @gooseyhouse

[yostresswritinggirl]

Exiled States The Obvious Pt. 2

Part 1

I dunno what happened, in all honesty (and for clarification), this is not a theory blog/post and serves only as my masterpost of information that I saw and had not seen people talk about much. I would like to thank everyone for taking this into stride and enjoying the post too, as well as engaging in conversation about it!

Without further ado, here is part twooo:

Previous Post Clarifications!

Lots of people got really confused about the Almond Tofu thing so I had to expand to alleviate confusion: The Chinese delicacy Almond Tofu (Annin Tofu) is made up of sweet apricot kernel milk, usually translated to almond milk because apricot kernel is often translated as almond. So it is not tofu but more on a pudding dessert. When I said it is canon almond in game, it's because the game recipe states almond, but of course it could just be that way since we don't have apricots there.

I forgot to reiterate that 6 stars characters can and will exist, and the possibility of special characters without Visions included in that criteria is quite possible hnghngh — thank you to @archonistic for the insight!

Venti is actually part of the original Seven, the way things worded in game and wikis seem to have confused me. But it should be noted that Decarabian was the Anemo archon before him.

For the two nerds who seems to be obsessed with the forgery info (you know who you are), let me emphasize on this piece of text for your wonderful imagination: As it turned out, Venti had once practiced the art of forgery in order to play pranks on the Geo Archon, but would never deceive the god of wealth and transactions. Even so, his adeptness would come into play after several hundred years. A literal scenario.

I now know why there's no estranged relationship between Diluc and Venti. And why the Diluc x Jean ship makes more sense than being cute.

And when I meant that Zhongles was an ADEPTI FUNERAL man, it was meant like so: his job description focuses on "sending off adeptis" through funeral rites. I just realized how my wording confused that from the prevy post.

New Set of Facts!

I will reiterate this again and again until the world knows: Xiao plays the flute. It is his other idle animation. And it may or may not be a xiao (Chinese flute).

Grand Master Varka is one of the reasons Diluc left Ordo Favonius.

Mona works for The Steambird, a newspaper publishing in the Court of Fontaine and distributed around Teyvat, which gives her a steady stream of income.

Dvalin's corruption was due to him mawing the fuck outta Durin's throat, making him ingest the poisonous blood and rest for 100 years. His corruption paired with the Abyss Order's manipulation is what made him Stormterror.

In relation to that, Dvalin knows how to sing courtesy of Venti.

Qiqi forgets... Baizhu's face...?

Adeptal energy seems to be harmful to mortal souls and/or blood on prolonged exposure. With Zhongli, being an adepti and roaming the mortal realm freely, what do we make of this...

Paimon is usually depicted or called elf (Verr Goldet) and Venti was also called of a similar namesake.

If you noticed Childe during his second stage in the Golden House fight, his clothes turn darker and even the silver lining of his gloves turn red, greatly supports one thing: Magical girl-esque clothes transformation is possible and gender equal.

Venti would also fit that if not for the fact that it's his actual God form. Now that's what we call human rights.

Diluc's name is an anagram to Lucid, as Ragnvindr is an anagram to Arvdrgnni. It's not a word, don't overthink this.

They really just made Albedo be the true carrier of the Main Protagonist vibes: brooding and silent, mysterious, carries unknown power that can cause mass destruction, multi-talented, pure genuis, no parents, stalked by an unknown prowess that swears to stop them in the future, pretty boy aesthetic and LOVED BY EVERYONE (with a few outliers). Bye Aether and Lumine.

Kaeya's visible eye resembles that of the Unknown God's.

Speaking of Kaeya, here's a random list of characters with highlights/different tones on their hair: Kaeya, Xiao, Venti, Zhongli.

And here's a list of people brave enough to eat or drink anything willingly: Jean, Childe, Xiangling, Qiqi, Mona, Noelle, Traveler.

Xiao is silently judging Zhongli's boring mortal life and it's so fucking funny.

Voiceline scenario: Xiao mentoring Ganyu? T-this is a ship I didn't know I'd get behind on...

I always thought it was weirdly specific how there's a God of Dust of all things. Until Albedo came along.

X-Xiao,,, eats snow,,????

Childe in the Japanese version of his character Miscellany speaks the words "Dearest sister..." in Russian.

General

My dumbass must have forgotten this but all workers in Wangshu Inn are secretly agents of the Qixing. And that martial arts is a hiring requirement, wtf.

""Angel's Share" actually used to be wine brewers' slang before it was the name of a tavern. The idea was that the air bubbles you see during fermentation carry away the angel's share when they float off into the wind." - From Landa, a Fatui agent; real life accounts just proved this true.

Red Heads in Mond = 'Children' of the Pyro Archon including Venessa and her tribe.

The Lantern Rite Festival is Liyue's very own New Year's Celebration, which will be released in February because China celebrates Lunar New Year in that month. Mondstadt also has a new year tradition called Windbloom Festival! It is however specifically noted that it is not as extravagant as Liyue's Lantern Rite.

Liyue was established exactly 3700 years ago.

There are no... dire drawbacks or destructive international crisis upon the death of a God? Salt didn't disappear, and I'm pretty sure there's still dust in Zhongli's wallet...

Wildcard!

This was the leaked world map but seeing as the game is still under development, this is not indicative of the final product. Not everyone wants to be spoiled so I'll be adding it under the cut instead: