#also hi !! i love basil with all my heart‚ i hope you like this drawing <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[daily-basil]

I’m overjoyed to find yet another Basil fan! He’s my favorite too~

Anyway, could you draw him enjoying some tea and pastries? I feel like he really likes tea

There's no cat in the picture but in my heart he's in a cat café.

[dannybobany]

hi ok... this is the aforementioned Sol Ask!!

if i am not mistaken Sol is marze's stranger, but does Sol have a sunny counterpart, or has he jsut not been drawn yet?

if not i totally get that but im just wondering because sol is a very cool character to me esp with his whole god parallels and stuff,, and what kind of role does sol play? does he kinda peek in and out when marze needs a breather most, or a constant, or just an anomaly?

and for art purposes... does sol have a sunny face or is he different entity..

((if you dont have all the answers to this i totally get it, marzenie is a work in progress so i dont wanna like push too hard but this is just me being friendly curious :3))

also ugreigrjeg i was thinking ab marze's lantern.. an how it runs on blood.... and for some reason i was thinking "yeah ok the world of marzenie is shaped like heart and... hearts have blood" and also thinking deltarune and... my brain went "what if marze harvested blood for his lantern by like stabbing the earth kris deltarune style, pretty much representing how he's actively harming himself to continue being in marzenie, as he feels he deserves" and i felt the distinct need to share this for no reason

anyway thats thats enough ranting my apologies

NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR RANTING ABOUT MARZENIE MARZENIE IS BUILT TO BE RAMBLED ABOUT- anyway!

I LOVE THIS ASK… Sol

So first thing, yes Sol is like Basil’s stranger, No Sol has no other counterparts (i don’t count the moon parasite as a counterpart)

This has a lot to do with the fact that Marzenie is so involuntary for Basil, in fact he tries to separate it as much as he can from the real world due to his guilt around how people are represented in Marzenie

As for how close Sol and Sunny are? Well, I tend to think of Sol as like Sunny but with everything that could be perceived as a “flaw” removed, his hair is separated in neat, defined shapes, His face is smoothed out like varnished wood, and most of all… Sol is Happy, because that’s the one thing Basil truly NEEDS Sunny to be, those other differences are more a reflection of Basil failing to see the ways Sunny has messed up (the biggest of these being his perception of ‘fault’ for Mari’s death, this is one of the reasons I characterize Sol as a bit naive, he’s supposed to a being of true innocence, someone ultimately INCAPABLE of doing wrong)

Visually, here’s how I draw them

The general shapes are the same but Sol’s features are just that tiniest bit exaggerated… like Barbie’s with their big eyes

And with how he appears, I’d say he shows up when Basil really does NEED him, he’s a wandering presence that Marze spends his time searching for but he only actually shows himself when Marze needs help achieving a goal that would otherwise be impossible or escaping from some kind of danger- he’s Basically a deus ex machina but without the machina- I have it in my head that there’s several things that are “scripted losses” in Marzenie (me using game terms again) where Marze gets into mortal peril and out of nowhere… a wooden hand pushes open a door, or holds a rope on place or moves a inconvenient roadblock- but he’s always gone before Marze has the chance to interact with him

hope that enlightens things a bit around Sol and his Nature, another thing I’d like to point out is that the biggest reasons I describe Sol as a parallel for stranger is that while Stranger is a distressing presence that will ultimately push Sunny in the right direction, Sol is the opposite, a comforting presence that will ultimately push Basil in the wrong direction…

[keerishima]

HELLO! I saw you were a new blog that needed requests and I was wondering if you could write head-canons for todoroki, bakugou, and kiri (separately) with a s/o that has a witchcraft quirk? TY

well hi! thank you for the request, it was so cool to write! now i’m assuming you mean like a quirk that works like potions and herbs/crystals and spirit summoning and spells which is the road i’m taking i hope that’s okay?

now this boy is

excited

when he first saw the mist swirling around your fingers as you fought the robots in the UA exam, a shock went through his body

what was that? 

okay he didn’t mean to stare- considering he was in the middle of an exam- but the way you moved and the glints of a crystals around your body was just so cool

time passed and he got closer to you, during the dorm competition your room was the only room he wanted to see and boy did he love it

the green ivy and plants in your room, the pots and white smoke curling from diffusers and shelves full of powder and inks organised in a neat row

your room felt like a whole new world- like magic

literally after everyone had left he was still in your room looking around like a meerkat assessing it’s surroundings

fast forward; you guys are dating and he was VERY curious as to how your quirk worked, and you explained how your spells and energy came from the crystals and jewels

each crystal gave you a different energy, which converted to your power!

kirishima literally watched in awe as you pointed at all the different coloured gems and jewels and the symbols on your walls

he even asked to touch some of them and asked where you got them

he also asked to see them in battle, and asked if you had any similar to his own quirk!

the both of you engaged in LOTS of different mock battles, which almost always ended up in a play fight rather than real training- just because he ends up enjoying watching you use your quirk too much to actually focus

once you two had engaged in a long, breathless make out session against one of the walls- what can I say? you wanted to see what it felt like to kiss kirishima in his red riot form and have him melt back to normal under your touch

yeahh...it was a bad idea to do that in the school gym, where half of class 1-B caught you two mushed together against a wall

back to the hc!

he asks SO many questions

sometimes just sits on your bed for ages and asks one after the other after the other, to the point where aizawa has to come and send him back to his side of the dorm

let me tell you now: if you are 1) planning to get anything or 2) NEED anything, don’t let him find out

you once let it slip that you were considering getting pouches to carry these crystals, and the sweet, sweet boy went out and bought BUCKETS of bags

yes buckets because he didn’t know if your crystals would be affected by material or size of the bag or- god forbid what if it did and he ruined your quirk in battle?! 

he’d never forgive himself.

ever.

like literally he’d be on his knees ready for punishment of how you saw fit because of his mistake

what can i say? the boys dramatic

but its endearing :,)

it ended up being the cutest date of you cuddled up on his bed wrapped in his blankets like you were drowning in them,

whilst he sat on the floor, presenting each little bag and pouch to you, all teleshopping style.

‘and THIS 🤩 gorgeous article comes with not just 1😱! not just 2 😱! but THREE 🤯🥵🥳🥳 buttons to clip close to ensure a tight, secure hold of your 😏 special package’

yeah he made a sleazy face

yeah you threw a plushy at him

all of them were bought with your costume in mind and how could you not keep some of the bags? with kirishima watching you with the biggest eyes and slightly-pouting-lips-but-he-would-never-admit-it there was no way you didn’t keep the most useful ones

you asked him to return the extra bags so he wouldn’t have wasted his money, whilst you repaid his kindness with lots and lots of kisses and cuddles

;) or more depending on how you want it

todoroki is uhh...

emotionally constipated

but thats not his fault

#fuckendeavour

sometimes it comes off that he’s not interested in your quirk in a general sense, but it’s only because he doesn’t know how to ask without seeming pushy

he gets shy (but doesn’t show it) but with time that decreases to a sort of dry affection

i’m not saying he’s a dry boyfriend but he definitely isn't as spritely as someone like Denki might be

the way you’d see that he wanted to know more was if he asked you to come and fight with him, train with him and study

this is where he asked about your quirk

he didn’t ask to the extent of kirishima, who said everything that came to mind, he asked precise questions that gave him all the information he was desperate to know because you are so cool it makes his heart burn needed

and he also knew you would add more information as you explained, which he loved because he loved hearing you talk so passionately

this time your quirk allowed you to control people to an extent, depending on different plants and herbs you used

the plants each had a special line, muttered as you dropped the herbs anywhere on your opponent for it to activate

best believe todoroki asked for one to knock endeavour out, literally out of nowhere💀

once, one night you had been laying on your bed, and todoroki had popped over to see you. it was still quite early on in your relationship so you weren’t expecting him to cuddle up beside you and tuck into your smaller body, chin hooked onto your shoulder whilst his eyes bore into yours from below todoroki loves eye contact

‘Do your plants have meanings?’

that’s it, that’s all he softly whispered in your ear

‘What do you mean?’ You whispered back

‘Like...like roses mean love...do your herbs have a meaning linked to what they do?’

okay now he was blushing, very gently because he didn’t want to annoy you, or ask you a question you’d never thought of and make you feel silly or insecure about his quirk

YOU on the other hand were smothering a dopey grin. you knew your boyfriend and his boundaries, and you knew that him asking you in such an intimate setting meant he was trying hard for you

you also knew that he’d just given you free reign to ramble however you saw fit

so you explained, how each herb did this, how if you mixed them they did that, if you made a liquid infused with them it helped with your application in battle and so much more

todoroki listened silently, but his eyes were gleaming

literally glowing in the darkness- I mean was that even possible? it had to have been considering how todoroki looked at you that night

after you were done, he replied with a similar thing about his own quirk, and both of you had a long long chat that went from quirks, to schooling, to life, to aliens and more

todoroki had the weirdest humour, he never knew he was being funny until your quiet giggles morphed into full blown laughter- and caused a knock from the next room over because you were being too loud

he would let out his own little chuckles and smirks, seeing you enjoy his company so much

it was a while after that day when something new happened

you’d sent him a message, whilst he was sitting right next to you, and your contact name flashed on his screen suddenly, catching your eye

‘my calendula’

you looked at todoroki

todoroki looked at you

you both blinked

���calendula?’ you asked

‘yes’ todoroki replied

‘why calendula?’

‘because,’ todoroki blushed deeply, eyes flickering away from yours

‘because you said calendula means joy...you’re my joy. arent you?’

and god help anyone who tries to say you aren’t todoroki’s joy

because you would literally throw them to the ground

your heart soared at how todoroki loved you and your quirk so much

even though it wasn’t blatantly obvious, it was the little things he did for you 😍

he originally going to call you his basil until Bakugou came round behind him asking him if he was writing the dorms grocery list. safe to say that plan was aborted immediately :D

oho

sorry I just

*pfft*

bakugo amuses me, he really does he’s so entertaining

okay sorry back to the headcanon

I headcanon you’re REALLY strong

like STUPID strong

Remember bakugos reactions to all the students quirks and he was like ‘shit I cant beat them 😨’

And his reaction to todoroki? yeah he’d literally see you use your quirk and just

no I’m joking

but I feel like as your s/o he’d be super obsessed with your quirk

he’d always want to train with you, he’d see it as an amazing part of you that he wants to help hone so you can be the best of the best

not better than him obviously but the best anyway

not that he’d SHOW all of this awe and pride to you, it’s normally delivered in a bunch of bakugo sentences:

‘oi your form is shit. do this instead.’

that means he’s realised a new way you can throw this punch, with much more force

‘tch, go train. you need the training.’

he wants to train with you. again.

‘....finally. took you long enough to learn that.’

you’ve just done something successfully and he’s trying so hard not to blush at how well you did it.

here your power is more destructive

you can create sigils using a your finger in the air and they create attack power

this with bakugos quirk makes a formidable duo, and if he doesn’t get partnered with you he will most likely throw a fit

but not a long fit more of a like ‘oi why is she over there we work better together’

but he realises as heroes you need to work well with anyone you meet, so he’s not too fussy

because of the fact that you draw the sigils, you have a habit of tracing out patterns and new symbols and any sort of designs subconsciously

this is done normally on any part of your skin, with a pen

bakugo being old man bakugo 🙄 got mad at you

he told you off for almost giving yourself ink poisoning and ruining your hand and making it all dirty drama queen

but throughout all of this bakugo had been clutching your hand, and best believe he wasn’t letting go

he used the hand he was holding to pull you along and sit comfortably, dropping his own palm into your lap and mumbling something that kind of, sort of, might have been along the lines of ‘use my arm dumbass’

now you had bakugos arm to scribble on to your hearts content.

you used this when you were stressed, worried that your nerves were causing you to forget things or simply because you wanted to hold bakugo close

in fact, bakugo himself had adopted this habit, and you’ll notice I said arm instead of hand

bakugo got nervous around you, and therefore sweaty, which therefore lead to tiny little explosions in his palms when you were near

but this habit had started to make him feel comfortable with his hands around you, it made him trust himself more

he knew his power was strong and he didn’t want to hurt you, your quirk was something that helped him with that

and he wouldn’t tell you that but he was grateful. VERY grateful

he once asked why you used pen, and not your finger on your skin considering the pen ink is toxic

you answered very quickly, by pulling out a sheet of people and sliding your finger across the surface in a sigil shape

promptly the paper burnt into a cinder :)

and bakugo never asked again

and that is the end! I hope you liked it and I did the idea of Witchcraft justice 😅 please do send some more requests!

god I loved this so much they’re all so cute :,) thank you for this request!!

[arctic-comet]

Osblaine week 2021, Day 2: Lyrics

Over the last several weeks, I have carefully curated a playlist for Osblaine. The final total length of the playlist is 2 hours and 53 minutes.

The playlist can be found HERE

Click "Keep Reading" if you're interested in the introduction, commentary, more graphics and the full tracklist.

For full disclosure, I have to give some of the credit to my amazing fellow Osblaine fangirls @dystopiandramaqueen, @splitscreen and everyone who participated in a certain conversation for the original inspiration and even bringing up some of the songs.

You should look at the playlist in five parts: one section for each season that's aired and one section for the future (because I like to end things on a hopeful note).

The playlist contains a lot of the following:

Music from movie and TV soundtracks

Instrumental music

Remixes

Classics and covers of classics

Country music. I blame Florida. My sincerest apologies.

Some of the songs were chosen because they reminded me of a certain Osblaine scene, and some of them aren't specific to particular scenes but chosen for the general Osblaine vibe. And most of the movie/TV music I chose have been used for couples that remind me of Nick and June.

Part I- Season 1, first 12 songs of the playlist:

Forbidden Love- Abel Korzeniowski, Jasper Randall, The Hollywood Studio Symphony (Romeo & Juliet)

Fireflies- Owl City

Echoes in Rain- Enya

My Ghost- Glass Pear (Bones)

Daring to Hope- Anne Dudley (Poldark)

Everytime We Touch- Cascada

1000 Times- Sara Bareilles

Too Good At Goodbyes- Sam Smith

In Case You Don't Live Forever- Ben Platt

To Find You- Cast of Sing Street, Brenock O’Connor

She- Elvis Costello (Notting Hill)

Miracle- Instrumental- Cö Shu Nie

Hanging By A Moment- Lifehouse

Commentary:

The first instrumental song IMO works as an intro for their entire love story.

The next two songs are more about having the right vibe. It's a little ambiguous and dark because that's how their life is in Gilead.

Leave my door open just a crack

Please take me away from here

'Cause I feel like such an insomniac

Please take me away from here

Why do I tire of counting sheep?

Please take me away from here

When I'm far too tired to fall asleep

***

Wait for the sun

Watching the sky

Black as a crow

Night passes by

Taking the stars

So far away

Everything flows

Here comes another new day

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

***

"My Ghost" is June's POV before they sleep together, wondering if she can trust Nick:

Who can you trust, in this place?

And whom can I put my faith?

If you're real, then show me now,

Who you are

The last two songs are for episode 1x10, for both Nick’s reaction to June’s pregnancy and the beginning of her first escape attempt (arranged by Nick).

She may be the face I can't forget The trace of pleasure or regret May be my treasure or the price I have to pay She may be the song that summer sings Maybe the chill that autumn brings Maybe a hundred different things Within the measure of a day

Part II- Season 2, next 10 songs:

Love Will Keep Us Alive- Eagles

So Easy- Phillip Phillips

Incomplete- James Bay

Rewrite the Stars- The Piano Guys (The Greatest Showman)

I’ll Be Your Shelter- Taylor Dayne

Love Never Fails- Brandon Heath

P.S. I Love You- 05:11- John Powell (P.S. I Love You)

It's A Girl- Mychel Danna (The Time Traveler's Wife)

I'll Stand By You- Josh Groban, Helene Fischer

The Miracle of Love- Eurythmics

Commentary:

The first four songs cover June’s escape attempt and the time they share at the Boston Globe.

"Incomplete" is Nick's POV from when she's on the run and he knows she'll be gone from his life soon. He lives in the moment.

I don't wanna look down

I don't want us to break up in the clouds

All I want is to stay us, to stay with you now

"I'll Be Your Shelter" is for when June's mental health is at its lowest point and he goes to Serena to beg for her to get June help.

What you need is a friend to count on

What you got baby you got someone

Who will stay when the rain is fallin'

And won't let it fall on you

P.S. I Love You takes me back to episode 2.09, Nick’s selflessness in the episode and of course the scene where after telling June that Luke loves her, he tells her that he loves her too, despite believing she probably doesn’t feel the same way.

It's A Girl makes me think of the beautiful moment they share during June's false labor when he helps her out of the van and they climb the steps together.

I’ll Stand By You is for 2.10, Nick holding June after she was heartbroken over Hannah and over what the Waterfords did to her and clinging onto him.

Part III- Season 3, next 6 songs:

Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close- Alexandre Desplat (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)

All I Ask- Adele

Never Enough- Loren Allred (The Greatest Showman)

I Don’t Wanna Live Forever- Taylor Swift, ZAYN (Fifty Shades Darker)

Love is Gone- SLANDER, Dylan Matthew

Constellations- The Oh Hellos

Commentary:

For obvious reasons, it was extremely difficult to pick songs for this season.

The first (instrumental) song is for the beginning of the season with June coming back to the Waterford house and them then saying goodbye to each other on the street.

All I Ask, Never Enough, I Don't Wanna Live Forever and Love Is Gone are for their night together in June’s room at Lawrence’s (the one we didn’t get to see sigh). They know it's possible it's all they'll ever have, and they'll take it, but it'll never be enough.

I will leave my heart at the door I won't say a word They've all been said before, you know So why don't we just play pretend? Like we're not scared of what's coming next Or scared of having nothing left

Look, don't get me wrong I know there is no tomorrow All I ask is

If this is my last night with you Hold me like I'm more than just a friend Give me a memory I can use Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do It matters how this ends 'Cause what if I never love again?

***

All the shine of a thousand spotlights

All the stars we steal from the night sky

Will never be enough

Never be enough

Towers of gold are still too little

These hands could hold the world but it'll

Never be enough

Never be enough

***

I'm sorry, don't leave me, I want you here with me

I know that your love is gone

I can't breathe, I'm so weak, I know this isn't easy

Don't tell me that your love is gone

That your love is gone

"Constellations" is for their long separation and the doubts that I'm sure plagued them both during it. Would they ever see each other again?

Part IV- S4, next 12 songs:

All of Me- John Legend

(Everything I do) I Do It For You- Bryan Adams

Iris- Natalie Taylor (City of Angels)

She Was Like A Bright Light- Hans Zimmer, Rupert Greyson-Williams (Winter’s Tale)

Noah's Last Letter- Aaron Zigman (The Notebook)

What’s In The Middle- the bird and the bee (Bones)

ivy- Taylor Swift

Footprints in the Sand- Leona Lewis

Remember Me (Lullaby)- Gael Garcia Bernal, Gabriella Flores (Coco)

On The Nature Of Daylight- Max Richter

My Heart Will Go On- Basil Jose (Titanic)

The Story- Sara Ramirez (Grey's Anatomy)

Commentary:

There were sooo many songs I wanted to include in part IV, but I controlled myself and ended up with this particular dozen.

"She Was Like A Bright Light" and "Noah’s Last Letter" are an instrumental double punch to the gut for Nick’s time in Gilead during episodes 4.07-4.09. The first one is meant for when he finds out June made it to Canada, and the 2nd for is for when he starts to gather info on Hannah to give to June.

"What’s in the Middle" and "ivy" are June’s POV of episodes 4.07-4.09.

"What's In The Middle" has more of an angry and confused vibe, and June was definitely both in episodes 7 and 8.

Losing your head is such a common theme

All your brains are falling out, falling out the open seams

Where is the heart, is the heart of the matter

I will empty out my skull of all this useless chatter

On the other hand, "ivy" has this haunted vibe, but there's also reverence and acceptance, which she begins to achieve in episode 9.

Oh, goddamn

My pain fits in the palm of your freezing hand

Taking mine, but it's been promised to another

Oh, I can't

Stop you putting roots in my dreamland

My house of stone, your ivy grows

And now I'm covered in you

The next three songs are of course all for their reunion in 4.09, and I couldn’t resist including the song that was actually played in the scene.

"The Story" draws the season to a close nicely, with June understanding that her current needs are different from what they used to be and that there’s someone who understands her completely (and it’s not Luke).

You see the smile that's on my mouth

It's hiding the words that don't come out

And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed

They don't know my head is a mess

No, they don't know who I really am

And they don't know what I've been through like you do

And I was made for you

Part V- Season 5 and Beyond, the last 6 songs

Secret Love Song- Little Mix, Jason Derulo

Burn With You- Lea Michele

The Bones- Maren Morris

Feels Like Home- Auli'i Carvalho, Keegan DeWitt

Love Will Find A Way- Piano Covers (Lion King II)

Like I'll Never Love You Again- Carrie Underwood

“Secret Love Song” is a more angsty tune about a love that’s still kept a secret like June and Nick’s love (as far as most people are concerned). Now that they’ve already made out in front of the man who raped and abused June and made Nick watch him do that, I want to believe they can let go of the secrecy in S5, at least when it comes to a few people.

I'm living for that day Someday Can I hold you in the street? Why can't I kiss you on the dancefloor? I wish that we could be like that Why can't we it be like that? Cause I'm yours, I'm yours Why can't you hold me in the street? Why can't I kiss you on the dancefloor? I wish that it could be like that Why can't it be like that? Cause I'm yours Why can't I say that I'm in love? I wanna shout it from the rooftops I wish that it could be like that Why can't we be like that? Cause I'm yours Why can't we be like that? Wish we could be like that

***

“Bones” is about a relationship with a strong foundation, which IMO they do have. It will carry them in the future, too. They’re more into each other now than ever before and especially June is coming to terms with how strong that love is. They’ll weather any storm.

When the bones are good, the rest don't matter

Yeah, the paint could peel, the glass could shatter

Let it break 'cause you and I remain the same

When there ain't a crack in the foundation

Baby, I know any storm we're facing

Will blow right over while we stay put

The house don't fall when the bones are good

***

“Feels Like Home” is more hopeful. Their home is with each other and I hope that’s something that will be explored more in the future.

Take me, I'm ready

Go slow but go steady

To a place that we can call our own

I wanna know what feels like home

***

“Like I’ll Never Love You Again” is a good conclusion for the playlist. It’s hopeful and a testament to an epic love.

I wanna love you like the rain on a roof

Stronger than a bottle of a hundred ten proof

I wanna take love to places that love has never been

Yeah, I wanna love you like I'll never love you again

And I'll love you again

Oh, and again

[ratsoh-writes]

Okay, lets try these!

•Im really a introvert, quiet and shy person but there's times when i can be the social one with another person so a conversation can start. Actually im really playful with the ones i trust and everytime I go to them and ask for love or well, cuddles. Totally more of indoors person but i can't lie of liking to go outside.

•My hobbies totally are drawing, writing and cooking but I also love taking care of my garden, having movie marathon can count as a hobby? I love dressing up for myself and using heels but since everything is for myself i dont use any of whatever I just put in other events and that.

•I dont like too messy stuff because first, i doesn't look good and second, how anyone can find things there? Too crowded people in one place since that start making my anxiety pops out, too much bugs. But I totally hate so much noise, yes I totally like a little noise but a lot makes me grumpy and i can't do things while im grumpy.

•One of my biggest strengths are that i can be calm in the most nervous situations but yeah sure, im dying inside but at least im calm outside, im really good with children like- they like me just with seeing me, i dont think that counts but I put it too lol, my imagination, just that, my imagination can create something with just one word and boom, writing stuff. But my flaws are that if im working in something and someone rush me im gonna get mad because i can't work like that and everything starts falling apart, i take things too seriously sometimes and the fact of talking two languages make me mix up the words.

•Some qualities i like... well, If they don't mind some cuddles when I feel down or me sharing my ideas every couple or seconds its okay.

•When im in a relationship I became more clingy and cheesy- I draw them things and tried and failed to write poetry for them but i also let out my motherly side and I need to have a puppy at least because my garden go include lol

I think that's enough,, hope this works,, <,3

Hehe, this one is gonna be a surprise~

I match you with………..MUTT (fellswap papyrus)

Alright! Before you wonder why I’m giving you the bad boy when you’re clearly asking for a cottage core man, hear me out. Mutt with strangers and mutt with his SO are two completely different people. Mutt is a romantic at heart. He loves spoiling his SO and seeing them happy and comfortable. There isn’t really any specific personality trait he goes for. The only thing mutt really wants is someone who will be kind back.

Mutt is good for an anxious or easily stressed SO. He can be pretty protective and will do his best to keep others from hounding his SO. Plus mutt is very observant. He reads his SOs body language like a book and can easily pick out when they start to feel uncomfortable. Even if they’re normally a poker faced person

Hope you know that if you want to show him your writing, he’s gonna make you read his back. Mutt is a romance novel author and very good at writing. If you’re ok with it, he’ll happily do some constructive criticism for your pieces

Mutt is a huge cuddle bug. He’s easily in the top five of cuddliest guys. He’s a bit of a flirt though and likes to tease his partner when he has them in his grasp.

Mutt has a thing for rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals. He loves animals of all kinds and is definitely down to get a puppy with you. And if the relationship lasts, kids are a possibility. He hasn’t thought of them for himself, but he would never say no if his partner wanted them.

Oh! And if you’re curious, second choice would’ve been either basil or possibly peaches

[sunflowerspecter]

flowers (a.h.)

summary: you don’t expect his request, but it immediately draws you to him. unfortunately, you’ll probably never meet him again. 

warnings: kinda gross fluff ngl 

pairing: aaron hotchner x reader

words: 1248

note: okay this is loosely based off of this post. might do a follow-up to this one, but idk. 

It was a normal day at the shop. You were putting together an arrangement of sunflowers and humming along to the classical song that played when he walked in, a stern look on his face, in full business attire. He stepped up to you, and you could tell he was on the verge of snapping, but you could also tell he didn’t want to snap at you. You tilted your head at him. 

“How can I help you, sir?” you asked, and he bit his lip. 

“This sounds awful, but how do I give flowers to someone who I don’t like but have to give flowers to out of politeness?” 

You almost giggled at his rambled words. “Um,” you said, then you glanced around at the flowers around you, “okay. Geraniums symbolized foolishness and stupidity in Victorian times, if that’s what you’re going for,” you said, beginning a slow pace around the shop. The stranger followed you. “Oh, and there’s basil, which symbolizes hatred. Meadowsweet symbolizes uselessness, and yellow carnations can symbolize disappointment. Black roses symbolize death, which is a little bit more aggressive, but honestly, they’re my favorite.” 

He nodded, then shook his head. “If you were trying to tell your boss that she’s an idiot and needs to leave your team alone, what would you do?” 

You moved around and picked a few flowers, then moved over to the counter, and began arranging them. “May I ask what happened?” 

“I work for the BAU,” he said, then shook his head. “That’s FBI.” He paused, looking down at his hands, then sighed. “My boss has my team under watch because we make the hard choices.” 

You nodded, biting your lip. FBI explained the suit. “What does BAU stand for?” 

“Behavioral analysis unit.” 

“What’s your name?” 

He glanced up at you, seemingly surprised at the question, which made you smile. “Aaron Hotchner. What’s yours?” 

“Y/n. Y/n Y/ln.” 

“Do you own this place?” he asked, and you nodded. 

“Yes. It was my father’s, before he passed.” 

“I’m sorry,” he said instantly. 

“It was years ago,” you said. “My mother always says that he lives in these flowers, and this shop, now. I think that’s special.” 

He smiled at you, and his smile was absolutely the cutest thing you’d ever seen. “That’s beautiful, I think,” he said, and you could tell he wanted to say more, but he didn’t. 

You looked down at the arrangement in your hands, then sighed. “Well, here’s your flowers for your boss.” 

He stepped back (just a little bit), then said, “Oh, right.” He pulled out his wallet but you shook your head. 

“These are on me.” 

He almost refused, but you insisted, and you waved at him as he walked (into) out the door and out of your life. 

It was a few days later and you couldn’t stop thinking about him, when a very pretty group of women walked into the shop. 

“Are you Y/n?” one of them asked, blonde hair and purple lipstick. You nodded, and the other two (one with short dark hair and the other with longer, blonde hair) shared a look. 

“I’m JJ,” the other blonde said. “This is Emily and Penelope.” 

“We’re sorry to barge in on you,” Emily said, and you suddenly felt very exposed, “but Hotch got flowers from you the other day, right?”

“Hotch,” you muttered under your breath. “That Aaron fellow? From the BAU?” 

The girls all nodded. “He hasn’t been able to shut up about you, and he’s been so much happier than he normally is,” Penelope said. 

“He’s a grouch most of the time,” Emily said, and JJ elbowed her. 

“He’s too shy to actually come back and talk to you, but we figured we could come scope out the situation,” JJ said. 

You smiled, trying to fight the blush crawling up your neck and across your cheeks. You opened your mouth to say something, but all that came out was a nervous laugh. 

“I told you Emily would scare her,” JJ said to Penelope, who just shrugged, and Emily looked offended before throwing an arm over JJ. 

“No, no,” you said, then laughed again. “No, I really liked him.” 

The three of them all broke out into grins. 

“Okay,” Penelope said, “I have a plan.” 

~~~oOo~~~

You were a giggling mess the entire time. You had flower baskets scattered all over the BAU, which you decided you were going to keep doing, even after this whole scheme—they all saw enough darkness on their desks, they should be surrounded by pretty things, too. Your favorite part was the part that was the most suspicious. One of the other members of the team had a ‘spare’ key to Aaron’s office and let you in. 

You stared at his desk for a while, then put your vase of flowers and your note on top of it. And, all was going well, and you turned to leave, but there was someone standing in the doorway. 

“Aaron!” you gasped. “I, I was just.” You pointed to the flowers on his desk, but he was grinning, his cheeks pink. 

“Did Penelope put you up to this?” he said, his voice light as he moved into the office and picked up your note. 

“And Emily and JJ. And another man let me into your office. Emily called him Rossi.” You bit your lip, hoping that he wouldn’t read the note while you were in the room. And then, he did. 

White irises, for hope 

Sunflowers, for warmth and happiness

Pink asters, for charm 

Ranunculus, aka buttercups, for  attraction 

Peonies, for bashfulness 

In other words, I haven’t stopped thinking about you, and I’d love to see you sometime, if you like. 

He looked up and smiled at you. He opened his mouth, and then closed it, and then said, “I’d love to take you out. I’d say a specific time, but with my schedule, I don’t know when I’m going to be free.” 

You nodded. “That’s okay. Mine is very flexible.” He smiled at you. 

“I’m free right now.” 

“You just got to work,” you laughed. 

With a shrug, he said, “I’m not technically supposed to be here for another hour.” You looked down at your watch, which read 7:30 am. 

“Then why are you here now?” you laughed. 

He hesitated, then said, “My son’s school starts at nine, so I dropped him off at his aunt’s so that he doesn’t have to go too early.” 

You could practically feel the anticipation radiating off of him, so you smiled at him. “What’s his name?” 

“Jack,” he said. “He’s nine.” There were questions you wanted to ask, questions that didn’t seem appropriate, questions that made your stomach turn, a slight unease at the thought, but you decided not to, not then, at least. Aaron sighed, however. “I was married. She died.” 

A beat. 

“Oh,” you said at last. You shook your head, taking a breath, before saying, “I’m so, so sorry.” 

“If you don’t want—” 

“No,” you interrupted. “I know what you’re going to say,” you said, stepping forward, “but I want to get to know you. I want to see where this takes us.” 

At first, you weren’t sure what his face was telling you, but then, you recognized surprise. And then he smiled at you. “Do you want to go get coffee before we have to be anywhere?” 

You nodded. “I know a great place a few blocks from here.” 

“Then let’s go.”

tag list: (lemme know if you wanna be added or removed)

@quillvine​ @winterscaptain​ @agenthotchner​

last thing— 

hi y’all! i recently saw the episode with maeve for the first time and HELLO MY HEART? so am i writing  a fix-it for that? yes. that’s in the works and also i’m currently working on a really fun au and also i defintely wanna do some folklore fics so there that. however i wanted to write something in the meantime so i have a few one shots lined up for the next few days so yeah! much love, baby 

[arigatouiris]

save me // tanjiro x reader

Author’s Note: This was requested by a sweet anon a while ago! I’m truly very sorry it took so long, and I really hope you like this! I kinda wrote a lot more than just a regular scenario haha, I mean, it’s Tanjiro and he’s babie I love him so much gahhh.

Word count: 3080 words

Pairing: Kamado Tanjiro x Reader

Warnings: SPOILERS FOR THE MANGA, fluff~ some mentions of blood and wounds, maybe? mainly fluff ya’ll

Currently, your mind was screaming at you. 

You knew you were tired, your bones were aching, your eyes were heavier than they ever were in your life, and you could feel the dehydration numb your mind, the heaviness growing inch by inch. Yet, you knew you couldn’t let this overwhelm you. Who am I kidding? I am overwhelmed, you thought before biting a part of your tongue, enough to draw blood.

You had to stay awake, even if you were inches away from collapsing. Muzan was defeated, Tanjiro was safe, but you had to see him. You had taken part in the war, as well, assisting the hashira, making sure to stay alive for them—stay alive for your lover, Tanjiro, and ensure that Muzan was defeated once and for all. 

Come on, you trod on, but your legs were giving way. You were currently at the estate, Aoi screaming at you to get yourself checked first. You needed to see him. You couldn’t let yourself breathe if you didn’t. 

And then you did; Tanjiro looked almost like he was sleeping, but you couldn’t deny that he looked more beat up than he ever did before. Nezuko was there, who instantly got up and grabbed you before you fell to your knees.

     “Thank goodness...” 

When you woke up, your first thought was of Tanjiro. You shot up on the bed before hearing a soft giggle from your side; turning to spot a humanized Nezuko, your eyes start to tear up, your lips were quivering; here she was, everything that Tanjiro had fought for, the very source of his power—smiling at your form.

     “Nezuko-chan...” You said, before reaching out to her, embracing her as she put her arms around you carefully.

     “Thank you,” You heard her say, “For always taking care of my brother.”

You could not stop holding her. She was the essence of everything the man you loved had fought for, had struggled for, had been alive for; seeing her alive and well, and as a human being, only made your heart crumble. You were sobbing uncontrollably, before realizing that your lover’s dream had come true because he had fought so hard. What a pure soul, your mind kept repeating, before the growing urge to see him reminded you that your legs could move.

     “I need to see him.” You said, before struggling to get up, Nezuko helping you out.

     “You’ve always been there to help him out,” She said, turning to you as the two of you walk to the room he was in, “Each time he got injured.”

     “Ah, you remember?” 

Nezuko nodded, “I do, it’s a bit hazy, the memories I have, but they’re there. That’s why you were so familiar. Your smell feels like home.”

You blushed at what she said, but the truth was Tanjiro and Nezuko were your home. Ever since the first time you met Tanjiro to now, he had always been your home. It began with the way he smiled at you, or the way he calls out your name, or even at how his eyes land on you every time you were in his field of vision. Tanjiro ensured that you knew you were loved, and despite how much he had on his plate, you always felt like a priority.

*

The first time you met Tanjiro was when your good friend, Aoi, had her hands full. Shinobu-sama returned from Mount Natagumo, bringing with her several demon slayers who needed to be looked after. You weren’t exactly a doctor, but you had seen Aoi perform the basics on you so many times that you were more than willing to help out. 

It was then she introduced you to Tanjiro and his two friends. Apparently, the blond had shrunk into a spider and would need special medicine, Aoi jumping on that wagon before anyone had a say, and Inosuke didn’t particularly need anything but rest—which meant that he could heal by himself. 

     “You will have to give Tanjiro-san his medicine three times a day and makes sure he takes it,” She said, a stern look on her face, “Good thing is, he’s not as difficult as his friends are.”

You giggled at her statement before taking the medicine from her. You noticed that this Tanjiro person was asleep when you went over to him, which made you sit beside him and wonder what a Mizunoto like him was even doing near Mount Natagumo. And based on what you heard, this Mizunoto even gave a Lower Moon a run for his money.

When Tanjiro woke up, he spotted you, staring at him, a kind look in your eyes. His face instantly reddened, before attempting to sit up and politely ask you who you were.

     “Don’t move so much,” You said, handing him the cup of medicine, “You have cuts all over your body, Tanjiro-san.”

He couldn’t look away from you. Your eyes were a magnificent (e/c), glowing with an intensity Tanjiro had never witnessed before. A slash of silver crossed each one, the sun's reflection from the window made them sparkle like dancing crystals. The (e/c) irises were swirling in circles, creating the illusion that your eyes were never-ending. Flecks of darker (e/c) clustered around each pupil made Tanjiro’s breath catch in his throat. Suddenly, every feeling of ache, dismay, and sorrow vanished, almost as if he had never felt them before. Something about your eyes held him in place, as if he had found a balance, blanketing him in a cocoon of comfort, free of worries and concerns.

     “Tanjiro-san?” You tilted your head, your eyes burning him.

He gulped down the medicine before replying in a low voice that it was good, before looking back at you with a burning face. You leaned forward, not helping his case, and placed a caring hand on his forehead.

     “You look like you’re burning up, are you feeling alright?”

He could only nod. He could smell you, even though you were a few inches away from him. It was a sweet smell of flowers and a mild basil, refreshing and incredibly intoxicating.

The second time you met Tanjiro, it was evident that the boy had taken a liking toward you. You smile to yourself each time you take care of him, assigning yourself the task of making sure he was patched up. You were currently dressing a wound on his right shoulder, which left him shirtless and a tad bit too shy.

     “This will sting.” You informed, before earning no wince or reaction from the boy when you placed the cotton with the disinfectant on his wound.

You looked at him biting his lip, swallowing the wince before it came. You giggled, alerting him before shaking your head at his non-verbal question.

     “Aoi-san told me you’re also a demon slayer.” He said, suddenly.

You nodded, “I don’t get too many missions, though. Oyakata-sama likes that I do both these things.”

     “I think it’s quite admirable,” You look at Tanjiro smiling at you, “Helping people and killing demons.”

You smile at him before saying a soft ‘thank you’ and continued dressing the wound. You knew he had a couple of broken ribs, and there was another wound on his left knee that needed dressing as well. As much as you wanted Tanjiro to be safe and careful, killing demons was a dangerous task on its own—and Tanjiro just coming back to you in one piece was more than what you could ask for.

Your eyes widened at your own thoughts. Coming back to me?

You look at Tanjiro who was staring at you, the two of you continue to make eye-contact before both looking away at the same time. You clear your throat before getting up, mumbling something incoherent about bringing some medicine for his ribs, and scooting out of there.

The next time you meet Tanjiro was right after your own mission. You spotted him in a town, looking around, with a box on his back—the same box that you wondered carried a demon inside. You knew it was a demon, but you didn’t dare ask why Tanjiro carried it on his shoulder. You trusted that he’d tell you when he was ready, but right then, your eyes widened when a girl jumped out of the box, ready to pounce.

Your heart was stuck in your throat before realizing that the girl was pouncing at another demon. You were visibly confused, before rushing to where Tanjiro was, assisting him. 

     “(y/n)-chan?”

You nodded once before witnessing one of the most bizarre things you had ever seen in your life. A demon fighting another demon?

     “I’ll attack the demon from behind,” He knew instantly that you were talking about the other demon and not Nezuko. “Are you sure she... She won’t—”

     “She won’t attack you, I promise.” 

Nodding once, you quickly jumped on the side of a house to your right and landed right behind the other demon. Breathing slowly, you quietly unsheathed your sword and stabbed the demon from the back, keeping it in place.

     “Tanjiro-san! Behead it now!”

He didn’t need to be told twice. Once the demon was slayed, you turned around to spot the female demon approach Tanjiro, touching his open wound on his arm softly before looking at it almost...sadly? 

     “What...” 

Tanjiro looked at you, before giving you an apologetic smile.

     “This is Nezuko, she’s my sister.”

Your heart broke at his words, before noticing Nezuko give you what you thought was a smile. Despite it not being an action you would normally perform, you went over to Nezuko and patted her head, only to have her embrace you tightly. Your eyes were wide, before tears prickled in the corner. 

     “I’ll turn her back into a human no matter what.”

You placed one arm around her waist before pulling her in tighter for an embrace. I know you will, you thought, before letting the tears fall. 

You later lead Tanjiro to the grove of wisteria trees near the village they were in. It was already dark, which meant that it was too late for them to head back to the estate. Making sure Nezuko is inside the box, you patch Tanjiro’s wound up, like on any other regular day. Tanjiro assured you that Nezuko was fine and probably asleep, which calmed you down. 

     “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier...” 

You shook your head, “No, I understand why you’d want to keep this to yourself.”

     “The Hashira know about this, and.. and Oyakata-sama as well. Tomioka-san and... well, it’s fine now. I am confident that I’ll turn Nezuko back into a human. She hasn’t hurt anyone so far, and she thinks of humans as her family.”

     “She seems very sweet, Tanjiro-san,” You tell him, “I adore her already.”

I adore you, he thought, face turning red by the second.

It didn’t take you long to take out the first-aid kit you had made for yourself and start working on Tanjiro’s open wound on his arm. He openly winced this time, not afraid to show you his expression, and you shushed him softly, your aura calming his soul. However, it did little to quell his nervousness. Tanjiro wasn’t often nervous, he could control his emotions to the best of his abilities, but right then, there was no use.

The nervousness made him feel nauseous, almost like he had two hearts frantically beating in his chest, instead of one.

He looked up to see you sporting a soft smile on your face, enhancing how beautiful you looked under the light the wisteria flowers offered. You had the most enchanting of smells, pickled with softness, childlike wonder and unbridled strength. You were intoxicating.

You felt him looking at you, and you slowly raised your eyes to meet his, your faces inches apart. You almost gasped at how intense his gaze was, a magnetic pull kept you in place. Tanjiro’s uninjured hand grazed your cheek, before he smiled at you, his heart racing and so was yours; your free hand touched his that was on your face. A second later, a soft breeze blew and Tanjiro winced because his wound was still open.

     “Ah, I’m so sorry—”

     “N-No, don’t be...” 

You couldn’t believe the wind had cock-blocked you.

The next time you saw Tanjiro, you were being patched up by Aoi in the butterfly estate. Aoi was scolding you because your wound could have been avoided, and perhaps, this was what led Tanjiro to enter the room you were in. Your heart skipped a beat when he entered the room, a soft smile on his face.

     “Tanjiro-san, can you take over?” Aoi said, walking out briskly. 

You giggled when Tanjiro took the ball of cotton and dipping it in disinfectant. 

     “The tables have turned.” He said, shooting you a smile that broke your heart.

     “Hm, yes.” You were nervous, because the last time you saw him, the two of you almost...

...almost...

The mere thought of it caused your face to redden instantly, but you hoped Tanjiro didn’t notice. You looked at him, who was occupied by the wound on your elbow. Perhaps, he felt you staring at him and his gaze met yours. 

     “(y/n)-san, the other day—”

     “Tanjiro!” 

A strange voice screamed from the entrance, causing you and Tanjiro’s eyes to widen. A blond entered the room and upon glancing at you, he paused before gasping.

     “Are you hitting on an injured woman!? Tanjiro, I thought you were decent!”

You blinked, cluelessly.

     “He’s just helping me, though?”

     “That’s just Zenitsu, ignore him.”

You couldn’t ignore him. In fact, you wanted him out of the room instantly so you could finally kiss the boy you were deeply in love with. But, apparently no. You sighed before focusing on the wound and the boys who were now arguing about you. 

You turn around and spot Tanjiro, sporting a kind but helpless smile toward his friend Zenitsu, which only made your smile grow in retaliation. You didn’t know what caused the blond to suddenly stop, perhaps he heard something outside that distracted him, but his face turned red and he patted Tanjiro on the back and left you alone with him again. It’s alright, you thought before biting your lower lip, I’ll tell him next time.

You didn’t realize that next time came too early. That night, you noticed Tanjiro sitting on the engawa, reading a manuscript. 

     “Can I bother you for a bit?”

Tanjiro’s head shot toward you, and a welcoming smile plastered on his face. 

     “You’re never a bother.” His voice was low, sending shivers down your back.

     “You sure?” You giggled before sitting by him, “I can be quite annoying.”

It was Tanjiro’s turn to chuckle, “I was the eldest of six children, give it your best shot.”

You raised your hands in defence and laughed, “Alright, alright, you win!”

     “(y/n)-san,” His voice was earnest, you could listen to it all day, “I have to tell you something—”

     “I love you, Tanjiro-san,” You place a hand on his cheek before leaning forward and kissing him.

He took a few seconds to kiss you back, holding your hand that was on his cheek. A moment later, you pulled away, giggling.

     “Was that annoying enough?”

     “Not quite,” Just as his lips ghosted over yours, “Why don’t we try that again?”

Tanjiro would tell you he loves you each time he saw you after that. Whether it was just moments ago, or after a few days, or even a week, he would never miss letting you know how he felt about you. It warmed your heart not only because he had a lot of things on his mind, but simply because, he didn’t want you to think you were any less of a priority. You felt special, and Tanjiro, whether it was because he was the eldest in the family, always knew how to take care of you.

*

When Tanjiro woke up, he felt his body scream in pain, but there was a bittersweet feeling to it. His eyes travelled to his left, the night sky was dark—he was certain by the smell of the air that it was perhaps too late in the night to wake anyone up. His eyes widened when he smelt another familiar scent in the air, causing him to turn to the right side of his bed, finding you lounged over, fast asleep.

His eyes warmed at the mere sight of you, and he thought of all those times that you had taken care of him. With the way his left hand was, he wasn’t sure if he could ever use it, but he was alive and he was grateful.

Slowly, he patted your head as softly as he could with his right hand, careful not to wake you up. But, that did little to ease his interest, it stirred you awake nonetheless. His heart fell at the sight of your groggy form, wiping away the little bit of sleep that was still attached to your eyelids, and looking at him.

     “I’m sorry I woke you.” 

Tears fill your eyes instantly before you push yourself to him, hugging him and just pressing yourself to him; you felt his right hand envelop your form and it was then you broke down. He was safe, he was awake and fine; it might have been a month, but he was here now. He was with you.

     “You’re always saving me, (y/n)-san. I can’t tell you how much I love you. How grateful I am.”

You laugh at how preposterous his words sounded to you, before pulling away and giving him such a witty look. He cocked one eyebrow before tilting his head in confusion.

     “I love you,” Tanjiro’s blush intensified, “And I want to do everything I can to ensure you’re with me, if anything, I think that sounds selfish,” You wipe the little bit of tears that were threatening to fall out, 

     “I might as well kidnap you and keep you locked in a cage.” You said, chuckling.

You have heard Tanjiro laugh before, but when he laughs right then, your heart echoes with it. It was a warming sight. His right hand reaches to your face before pulling you swiftly toward him, placing your forehead to his, and he presses a soft kiss to the tip of your nose.

     “It won’t be kidnapping if I come willingly, right?”

Ah, sure, you think before closing the gap. He just had to be a flirt too.

[fieryfantasybooklover]

Scythes And Stories - Chapter 6 - Twists Of Fate

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

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

“So you’re telling me that… you are the escaped princess of Solis?” Alastair said slowly, trying to parse out the truth of the words. Ariadne nodded. “And that this is the infamous assassin, the Lady of Death?” Thomas continued, cutting his gaze towards Anna. “I’m flattered that you’ve heard of me, all the way here in Luna.” Anna chimed in. She was currently sprawled across the couch of the boat’s hold, playing with a bone dagger. “Of course we’ve heard of you. You’re either more stupid than you look, or truly ignorant of how much you’ve been employed by the Luna Council.” Alastair smirked, clearly reveling in Anna’s widened eyes and shocked expression. “I’m going to continue this discussion, because obviously these two nitwits wouldn’t bother too.” Cordelia interjected, grinning in response to Alastair’s glare. “If I am correct in my assumptions, you are Lucie Herondale.” she said, gesturing towards Lucie. “That is correct.” Lucie said, mock-curtseying. “So you must be the mysterious and handsome stranger she eloped with.” Cordelia finished, raising her eyebrows at Matthew. “That would be the truth. I am so very pleased that the general knowledge of me is my dashingness.” Matthew said, tipping his hat. “Ignore him.” Lucie stage whispered. “His ego’s gone to his head a bit of late.”

“Well. This is certainly news to me. Everyone thinks you are dead, Princess, and nobody knows the whereabouts of you, my lady.” Thomas said, standing from his seat. “I do wonder what casualties shall befall me if my husband and I decide to give you shelter.”

“Oh I swear we’re nothing but the utmost fun.” Anna said with a smile as sharp as swords. “I can vouch for her!” Matthew chimed in, mischief in his eyes. Ariadne and Lucie sighed in unison as Cordelia snickered. “Yes but they don’t trust either of you, so shut up.” Lucie said, laughing. “All we ask for is shelter for a bit. The world outside is quite chaotic and it would be good to take a breath.” Ariadne said, eyes pleading. “We will take you in.” Thomas finally agreed. “Only if you promise to participate in our drinks night.” James said, mock seriousness in his voice. “You’ll have a far harder time convincing those two to stay away now that you’ve mentioned it.” Ariadne said, gesturing towards Matthew and Anna. “Now, if you wish it, we will retire to our chambers and cause you no more trouble.”

“Is there anything else we can get you while you stay here?” Thomas asked them as they strolled through the city streets. The brick roads were baked in the heat, worn by the feet of a thousand steps. Spices laced the air - nutmeg, basil, and fresh fruit. Thomas had quite quickly fallen into the role of gracious host as Alastair and Anna bantered and the others chattered. “Not unless you can bring back my long lost brother from the abyss.” Anna answered, and silence fell. Cordelia turned to Anna however, brows furrowed. “What does your brother look like?” She inquired, concentration deepening as she gazed at Anna as if she were a puzzle. “Well, he has purple eyes. And he would be around my age, maybe a bit younger.” Anna answered, clearly baffled. James stopped walking right in the middle of the street as him and Cordelia made eye contact. Thomas and Alastair also exchanged gazes. “Is there anything you four would like to share, or are you going to continue to communicate telepathically for the rest of the day.” Anna asked, shifting. She was quite unfamiliar with the warm blooming in her chest like a rose, shining and glowing like a weapon fresh off the forge. It was hope, hope that maybe she wasn’t crazy for the first time in her life.

Shaking herself, Cordelia turned to Anna. “Unless there’s a large amount of purple-eyed teenage fugitives on the run for our kingdom…”

“We have your brother. He arrived just a few days before you. Shivering and sweating and grinning like a banshee. He also claimed to have murdered the king of Solis. On that precedent alone, we allowed him to stay. He’s in his quarters now.”

Anna froze. She could feel the frost of shock spreading slowly over her skin as she struggled to form words. After all these years, all this time, she found him. Her brother with his love of science and the rare, genuine smile that always summoned a smile from her in return. A warm hand slipped into hers. Turning her head, Anna’s eyes met Ariadne’s. The silent encouragement in Ariadne’s eyes nearly brought Anna to tears. “May I- May I see him?” Anna asked tentatively, afraid some cruel god would snatch him away before she could see him. “Of course you can.” Thomas said, understanding in his tone. “Just this way. We’ll arrive back at the castle in approximately 15 minutes. From there, I’ll give you a guide to his rooms.”

“Thank you so much.” Anna whispered. “You have my eternal gratitude.”

“None needed, Lady of Death. Everyone deserves loved ones to hold close. Sadly, sometimes the world has other plans. We’re just glad you made your way back to the hearth.” Alastair said quietly, and the others all nodded. From that point on, they were all friends. After all, a friendship forged when you are the version of yourself you hate to show are the strongest friendships of all.

“Mr. Christopher, you’ve a visitor.” the guide called, knocking on the heavy wooden door embossed with a crescent moon. “They may come in.” Came the response from within the room, and Anna’s eyes widened. If there had been any doubt in her mind, none was left now. The decades passed and sands of time could not erase the sound of her brother’s voice from her head. Anna opened the door, and slipped inside, closing it behind her. The boy on the bed looked up, hair messed over his eyes and papers strewn over every possible surface. It didn’t take long for the question in his face turned into confusion, then shock, then wonder. All in the span of just a few moments. “Christopher?” Anna breathed, not daring to take a step forward lest he should evaporate like a mirage. “... Anna? Is that you?” Christopher replied, voice also quiet and strung through with lights of amazement. “Yes, it’s me. It’s Anna!” she replied, joy cracking her face. Christopher’s face morphed again then, and he stood and strode forward. Finally, after so many miles of pain and oceans of blood and battle, they were here. Embracing in a hug and words left unsaid flew, the pair had found each other again.

“I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too! I thought I’d never see you again….”

“I thought the same! They took me away, and I wasn’t able to look for you.”

“That is ok. I doubt you would recognize the me you found anyway.”

“The same could be said of me. It took me years of planning and work, but I finally struck back.”

“And I am more proud of you than I could say. I too have blood on my hands, but I hope that staining them deeper won’t ever be necessary again. If needed, I will fight to make it so.”

Drawing back, Anna examined Christopher and smiled deeply. “You’ve grown into a fine young man. A far throw from the gangly boy I knew. If only mother and father could see you now…” Anna trailed off as a shade of grey permeated the otherwise yellow bright moment. “And you as well.” Christopher said, his wonder saving the memory. “You’re glowing. You look happy. Content.” he added, grinning. “I am… I’ve found a life worth fighting for. But more about me later. We have much catching up to do, dear brother.” Dropping into the armchair by the fireplace, Anna relaxed. Christopher sat on the bed, only succeeding in making his piles of sketches even more messy. “Tell me. What have you been doing these past years we’ve been apart? I am quite certain it’s a grand tale.”

“Now I must confess I’m dying to know how you ended up on the run with the most infamous assassin in five kingdoms.” James said to Ariadne as the two, accompanied by Alastair, Thomas, and Cordelia sat in the royal common room. It was a set of large and comfortable rooms for the royal family to relax and have fun in. Ariadne chuckled quietly, thinking over the chaos of the tale herself. “I couldn’t hardly put it into words for you myself. I had been long since questioning my parents’ actions and the way they behaved around anybody without a large purse or a legitimate heir. I just didn’t know what it was I could do about it. I trained myself, yes. In bladework and poisons and a myriad of other things. But these skills languished in my arsenal, so to speak. I was not allowed to do anything I loved, contained in the palace and all it’s parties.” Ariadne paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “The day they forced me into an arranged marriage with somebody I despise was my breaking point. Anna appeared, and it was like she was the escape I was looking for. The escape dressed in black with a dagger, that is.”

Cordelia’s thoughts raced, connecting the dots quickly and smothering her grin. The way Ariadne used Anna’s first name, how her eyes and voice softened at the mention of her, how she would always smile. The quick gazes and hidden laughs. Turning to James, she raised her eyebrows and nearly fell over laughing at his responding smirk. James was observant and had apparently also been quick to notice what she had. “I wish them all the happiness and wishes.” Cordelia vowed, before tuning her ears back into Ariadne’s story.

“So, I agreed to go with her. I set fire to the barracks before we joined up with Matthew and Lucie. Lucie was confined within a loveless marriage, so she was also eager to leave. Anna staged my death, and we set sail. Matthew delivered the note and… here we are.” Ariadne finished, leaninging back in her chair and smiling. “Not the most exciting tale in the books, but it’s my story, so I will cherish it within my heart.”

“On the contrary, I believed that story most riveting.” Cordelia piped up, leaning forward. “There remains only one question.” James said, standing. “Would you and Lady Anna be interested in joining us for dinner tonight? Christopher is also invited, of course”

“We would be most honored to have you.” Thomas added.

“I would be delighted to.” Ariadne smiled. “Anna is I’m sure still talking to Christopher, but when she returns to our chambers, I will extend the invitation.”

“Tell her there will be wine and games!” Alastair called to Ariadne as she exited. “I will tell her. I could never forgive myself and I doubt she would forgive me if she missed out on such an opportunity.”

Once Ariadne had vanished down the hall, the four sat in quiet. “I like her.” Thomas finally said, his voice betraying how deep in thought he was. “I do as well. I’m very glad she was able to find herself a place where she’s truly happy.” Cordelia added. “As much as I’d like to stay and gossip about our new arrivals, I’ve some matters to attend to.” Alastair said, standing. “I’ll come with you.” Thomas replied.

Sighing with a bit too much gusto to be believable, Alastair nodded assent. “I guess we will get these chores done quicker together.” he said, accepting Thomas’s extended hand. “Yes I’m sure that’s why.”

“O do shut up.” Alastair shot back, and soon their voices faded.

“Would you like to take a stroll with me, my fine warrior?” James asked Cordelia, eyes twinkling. “I would love to, James.” Cordelia replied, a small smile twisting her lips. “Well, then, let us go. The winding paths of the park await us.”

“Fancy seeing you here.” Ariadne said as she flopped onto the bed of their quarters. Matthew and Lucie had been assigned a door across the hall. “Life does bring us much surprise.” Anna shot back, kicking off her boots. “Did you and Christopher have a pleasing chat?” Ariadne ventured cautiously. “We most certainly did.” Anna replied, slipping back into that soft smile. “He’s grown up so much, Ariadne. So much. And it hurts and heals my heart simultaneously to see it.” Anna said, much quieter this time. “I know you grieve for memories lost, and I understand it. It is right to feel pain, right to grieve. Just make sure you’re not missing out on a chance to make new memories while grieving the past.” Ariadne said, once again gently holding Anna’s hand. “What did I do to deserve you?” Anna asked. “You set me free.” Ariadne answered, and Anna grinned. “And I am very glad I did. Now, what’s this dinner party you mentioned?”

“Oh yes! We are invited to dinner with Cordelia, James, Thomas, and Alastair. Christopher will also be there I believe. Alastair requests I tell you that there will be wine and games.”

‘Well in that case, I’m in.” Anna said jokingly, and Ariadne laughed again, a musical sound to Anna’s ears. “In that case, I will see you in about a half-hour at the party.” Standing, Anna kissed Ariadne softly before breaking apart and bolting for the showers. Sighing and filled with happy butterflies, Ariadne also stood and began to change. “It’s the beginning of a new age. And I’ll be damned if I keep wearing the shackles I just escaped.”

“To new friends, and old. To shining futures and pasts laid to rest in unmarked graves. This is now, and it’s for living and love. I give thanks for the wondrous new souls we’ve met, and the tales they brought with them.” Thomas toasted, raising his champagne elegantly. Everybody else raised their glasses in silent succession, toasting to everything Thomas mentioned and more. And then, the party began. It was in the private royal dining room, and it came with a ballroom. Thomas and Alastair had invited some other close friends and family, and Cordelia and James had done the same. All had been instructed on the situation, and planned to be discreet. A large number of suits and dresses had been delivered to Anna, Ariadne, Matthew, and Lucie, along with a note saying they could choose any one of the options. The rooms were full of life, shining and glittering and shifting. Champagne sparkled and fragrant scents of roasted meats and delicate creamed desserts rose up. Lively violin music flowed from the ballroom, and each person was a vision in velvet and satin, a walking kaleidoscope of dancing and laughing and color. Anna and Ariadne danced, quick as quicksilver and breathless with happiness. Anna was wearing a finely cut suit of ebony and snow white, while Ariadne was resplendent in a twilight blue gown that sparkled with stars and twirled as she did. “You are as gorgeous as an angel.” Anna called as she twirled Ariadne. “And you look like a goddess sent to Earth.” Ariadne called back, cheeks flushed with the blush of life. “Oh stop I might actually blush for once.” Anna said, bringing Ariadne close before dramatically dipping her. “What a sight that would be.” Ariadne mocked, laughing. “Maybe someday, I’ll get to witness this amazing phenomena.”

“You can keep hoping, Princess.” Anna replied, laughing as Ariadne lightly smacked her. “I think I will. After all, we’ve got plenty of time.”

The previous song had ended with a dramatic flourish, paving the way for a slower and more romantic piece. Alastair and Thomas slowly danced, staring into each other’s eyes. “What a week it has been. And it’s only been the first week.” Thomas said as the pair revolved on the dance floor. “Indeed. It might be awhile before we have any semblance of peace again.” Alastair replied. “Even you can't deny that you like our newcomers.” Thomas snarked back, no true bite in his voice. “I do, much to my dismay. I can admit they are fun and Anna especially is very fun. At least she knows how to drink and have fun, unlike you.” Alastair shot back, chuckling. “Oh shut up you. I'm plenty of fun.” Thomas said, affecting a wounded air. “I suppose you can be, but-” Thomas cut Alastair off and kissed him, holding him even closer. Alastair, drunk on happiness, held Thomas close as they kissed and the violins played a song of hearts broken and mended, souls torn and sewed back together.

Cordelia and James sat along the wall, laughing and joking with Lucie and Matthew. The squad had quickly become fast friends. Cordelia leaned forward and kissed James, while Matthew wolf whistled and Lucie slapped her hand over his mouth to shut him up. The scene could be described as perfect, if such a thing exists. Music and songs and beauty and, most importantly of them all, new beginnings. What the future held was a mystery, and what the past held was unchangeable. But the now… well the now was whatever the people living in it made it. And everybody present at that party had chosen to make it something glowing with love and happiness and the treasured thing that is friendship. Twists of fate and acts of free will were what brought these people together, but it was their choice to stay. They could’ve shunned each other, torn themselves to bits and pieces while laughing. They could’ve betrayed who was supposed to be their enemies - stabbed them in the back and ran before they could be found by the accusing eyes of their victims. They could’ve done all of this, and more. But they didn’t - they chose to do the opposite. To nurture the compassion in their souls, the love blooming in their hearts. To make friends and lovers and family who would stand by them through the storm of the future, the unknown, and anything else that could be thought of.

[kissjane]

DELAYED DATE / Short(ish) fic

#12 from this prompt list.

TW / Mental illness, mention of suicide (but no actual attempt)

We dated in high school but then you moved away but now you’re back in town

“Have you guys heard?”

Basile came running towards them, ten minutes late for the gang’s weekly pizza night. As soon as he was near enough, he came to a skidding halt, bent double, his hands on his knees, his face red and ruddy, taking in gulps of oxygen while he tried to tell them his big news.

“Daphné told me, she heard from Imane, who had it from Sofiane, so that must mean it’s true, because obviously Sofiane would not just make something like that up, would he? Anyway, so Daphné heard it this morning when the girls went all shopping together, and she came over to my place to tell me just as I was about to leave, so that’s why I’m late, sorry about that, guys, have you ordered yet? You remembered to leave off the mushrooms on mine, right? Anyway, so what do you think about it, huh?”

He looked around expectantly.

“Baz, my man,” Arthur said, shaking his head fondly but exasperatedly, “why don’t you sit down first, and then tell us this piece of bombshell gossip Daphné thought was more important than pizza with your friends.”

Basile did as suggested, and then looked around again with aplomb, eager to share his news.

“Eliott is back in town!”

Silence fell, as Yann and Arthur glanced over at Lucas.

“Eliott Demaury?”, Yann asked after a long beat.

“Of course, Eliott Demaury, do we know any other Eliotts?”

Basile was so extraordinarily proud of surprising his friends with his announcement that he completely missed how Lucas suddenly had gone pale.

“We should text him, ask him if he wants to hang out again, like before!”

Lucas noticed how Yann elbowed Basile in the arm while Arthur frantically shook his head, and it made him feel bad. If the boys wanted to hang out with Eliott again, they should be able to. But Yann knew, and Arthur could probably guess, that Lucas would very much prefer not to. But whether Basile tried to set something up or not, chances were Lucas would run into Eliott at some point anyway.

“Yeah, sure,” he therefore said. Better to meet him with Yann there for emotional support, than running into him alone and when he was least expecting it. This way, he could prepare.

But not enough, it turned out, when Basile immediately took out his phone, and before anyone realized what was going on, announced gleefully, “That’s arranged! He’s coming over.”

Lucas choked on his own saliva, and a worried look appeared in Yann’s eyes, but the damage was done, and when a familiar figure walked up a few minutes later, Lucas took a big gulp of air and hoped for the best.

“Hi,” a hesitant voice came, and Lucas had to close his eyes against the memories crashing over him.

Eliott calling him late at night, his voice warm with sleep.

Eliott whispering nonsensical words in Lucas’ hair, against Lucas’ skin.

Eliott breathing out Lucas’ name into Lucas’ mouth, his lips taking on the shapes with Eliott’s.

“Hey,” he crooked, willing himself to act normally, to just greet him like an old friend he hadn’t seen in a while.

And why wouldn’t he? Of course, he had had the biggest crush on Eliott for most of the time they’d known each other, and Eliott had definitely given him the impression it had been reciprocated, until he had just disappeared – but nobody needed to know that.

Only Yann knew the full story – he had confronted Lucas one night, a few weeks after Eliott had left. Lucas had barely left his room for days, not speaking, eating only because Manon forced him. When he finally came back to school, he had been silent, withdrawn, and pale, and he snapped at the boys a couple of times for no reason. And then Yann had shown up, demanding answers, and Lucas had broken down and cried his heart out, telling his best friend about his whirlwind romance with Eliott, and the bitter taste it had left when Eliott had just packed up and left, not answering Lucas’ attempts at communication.

He would have sworn, only this morning, that he was definitely over Eliott Demaury, after three years – although maybe his glaring lack of any boyfriends in that time might suggest otherwise. Oh, sure, he’d kissed the occasional guy here and there, but nothing serious. And now, seeing Eliott, watching his grey eyes shine and his hands gesture wildly, he was forced to admit that the reason nothing ever went further was that he was the farthest thing away from being over him.

Basile was already jumping around Eliott like a young puppy, bouncing up and down, asking him how he was, what was going on, whether he was back for good, where he had been, why he had moved without notifying any of them – all in rapid-fire, without giving the older boy a chance to reply.

Finally, Eliott spoke up.

“It’s not the happiest story, but if you guys are up for it, I would like to tell you all.”

He stared straight at Lucas, and Lucas needed to turn his head, afraid of falling for Eliott all over at the slightest opportunity. He steeled himself not to believe any of his beautiful words this time, not to walk into his trap again.

But Yann nodded solemnly, and Eliott gangly sat down, folding his long limbs and hunching his shoulders.

“So, uh, I am bipolar. I don’t know if you guys know, but it’s a mental disorder…”

A silence fell. They all knew what that meant. Lucas had finally told the gang about his mom’s admission into the mental ward in their last year, and Basile had told them about his mom’s mental illness.

“We know,” Arthur said. “That sucks.”

“Uh, okay, yeah, it does. So we didn’t know at the time, but a lot of the stuff I did at my old school was due to episodes. It’s also why I failed my bac and got expelled from my other school and came to your high school. But like I said, nobody knew at the time and so, one day, I went into a manic stage and I tried to jump off a rooftop because I thought I could fly. A police agent managed to talk into me enough to get me down safely, and I got brought into the station. They called my parents, and they thought I had tried to commit suicide – which wasn’t true. I had everything to live for, and I wouldn’t want to give up –”

He looked at Lucas again. So did Yann. Both sets of eyes were trying to gauge what Lucas was thinking, feeling, but Lucas was numb.

“Anyway. They had me admitted into a psych ward near Le Havre, where they had moved to a few months earlier, that same night. I couldn’t keep my phone or anything, I couldn’t contact anybody, I –”

Again, his eyes found Lucas, pleading.

“I wanted to call you so badly, I swear, but they wouldn’t let me, and then when they finally gave me my phone back, it was weeks later, after they had diagnosed me, and I just �� I thought you would be better off without me. Or that you would have forgotten me, or had moved on, and so I just… didn’t.”

Lucas saw Eliott’s eyes shine with something different now, as if he was blinking back tears. He wasn’t sure his own eyes looked any better.

It remained silent for a while. The boys looked from one to the other, unsure what was going on.

“So why are you back now, then?”, Yann asked, when nobody else made a move.

“The simple reason is that I finally got accepted into the Arts program at the University of Paris,” he answered, but his eyes still never left Lucas.

Yann nudged him with his elbow, willing him to ask the obvious reason, but Lucas was still too much in shock to do so.

In the end, it was Arthur who finally broke the heavy tension.

“And the complicated reason?”

Eliott took a deep breath.

“I had to leave something behind I never wanted to leave. Or someone, rather. Someone who I hadn’t even known all that long, but who meant everything to me. Someone who I missed every goddamn day I was out there. Who I have written thousands of texts to, and deleted them all, who I wanted to call millions of times, but never did. Someone I made so many drawings for over the years I could barely get them all to Paris with me – I just hope he gives me a chance to show them to him one day.”

“Sound like someone pretty important,” Yann said, when Eliott’s voice broke.

“The most important person I ever met,” Eliott agreed. “I loved him then, and I hate the fact that I never got to tell him, so I just hope I get to tell him now.”

“Do you – still?”, Lucas whispered. “Love him?”

Eliott nodded. “I never stopped. Please, Lucas,” he said, suddenly giving up all the pretense, beseeching him, “I swear I never meant to hurt you, it all happened so fast, and I know I am years too late, and you probably have somebody else by now, I just – I need you to believe me. I fell in love with you the first day I saw you walking the hallway at school, and I never stopped.”

Basile gasped.

“You are in love with Lucas? Our Lucas?”

“Oh, come on, Baz,” Arthur said as he stood up. “Let’s go get pizza. You coming, Yann?”

And as Basile still protested indignantly – “But I didn’t know! Lucas never said anything!” – Arthur and Yann dragged him along, the latter winking over his shoulder at Lucas.

As Basile’s voice finally died down, Lucas lifted his eyes to Eliott’s, and then dropped them to his mouth almost immediately.

“Lucas?”, Eliott said tentatively, gingerly reaching out a hand to Lucas’ shoulder.

“You drew for me?”

He didn’t know why he came up with that, after everything Eliott had said, but he was rewarded when Eliott smiled.

“Hundreds of times. Hundreds of happy hedgehogs and raccoons.”

Lucas smiled.

“Do you… I mean, maybe… If you wanted… You could come with me and I could show them to you?”

Eliott’s tone was hopeful, but cautious, and suddenly Lucas didn’t want to waste another minute. He’d pined over Eliott for years, and here he was. Nobody could predict the future, but tonight, he wasn’t going to let Eliott slip away.

“Only if I can stay the night,” he said, softly, and he laughed as Eliott’s eyes went wide and his breath hitched.

“I can’t wait until we get there to kiss you,” Eliott replied just as softly, when he was sufficiently recovered.

“Please don’t.”

And when their lips found each other again after all those years, they both knew it was going to take a while to get to the drawings – but neither of them overly minded.

[solbabies]

Im a hoe for the classics and by classics i mean popular x nerd trope,, so how about an Elu au with popular!Eliott and Nerd!Lucas 😎

Voila! Here is a great classic trope! Thank you for the request, and I hope you enjoy it! 

Find more of my Elu work on AO3 as @Book_Lover2001

_______________________

It was all because of a pen. A BiC to be exact; a round stic, blue ink, fine point, 0.8mm pen. Not quite technically a butterfly, but all the same in the matter of science.

The test was going to be easy. Multiple choice and long answer-- show your work, of course-- and Lucas had studied all weekend. He was on his way to acing the biology unit test. As Mrs. Rigaux began to unpack the stack of papers, Lucas reached for his backpack’s front pocket to find an empty space where his lucky pen was only moments before. Panic began to mildly set in. He just had it last class.

“Imane,” Lucas whispered to his seat partner who held a stoic, yet slightly nervous look. “Do you have a pen?” She rolled her eyes at him with the air of a disappointed mother, before searching through her own bag and retrieving what he had asked for.

“Are you coming to the meeting tonight?” she asked him quietly, as she handed him the pen. He tilted his head, unsure of what she was talking about.

“What meeting?”

“The meeting for the foyer?” she said as if obvious, before signing heavily. “The one that Daphné told you about? The student commons that we’re refixing? Dude, you’re honestly helpless. Sometimes I wonder if you’re actually smart.”

“Hey,” he defended, but didn’t take it to heart. She was always like this. “I’m smart.”

“Then where’s your pen?” she countered with a mocking smile. Mrs. Rigaux began to pass out the sheets of paper, weaving around the class as it started to fall silent.

“I swear, girl, I had one. I must have left it in my last class or something.” A paper was placed forcefully in front of him as they were shushed by their teacher.

“Do I need to separate you two?” she tisked as she handed Imane her sheet. “No more talking.”

When the end of the day came around, Lucas had already forgotten about his missing pen, although at the time of its disappearance he had been contemplating putting up ‘missing person’ signs.

“Lucas,” his name was spoken with a smooth tone as he opened his locker. Lucas was clutching his books to his chest as he pulled it’s door open, effectively hiding the person from his sight.

“Eliott,” he returned in a similar voice.

“Are we still on for tomorrow?” he asked as if Lucas hadn’t just rudely shielded his face from him.

“And what are we doing tomorrow?” he replied, as he attempted to fit all his papers inside the small space. Eliott had moved around to stand at Lucas’ other side, his back resting against the neighbouring lockers.

“You promised to teach me chemistry,” the older boy said with a smile pulling at his lips.

“Eliott, you are an L student,” Lucas brushed him off, shutting his locker in the process.

“Doesn’t mean I don’t want to learn science, and you are a really, really good S student-- the best I heard.” Lucas didn’t know whether he wanted to punch him or blush; maybe both.

“I think you’re confusing me with Imane, but I will gladly set you two up for a study date if you’d like?” Lucas told him, beginning to walk away. Eliott followed like a puppy chasing after it’s owner.

“Come on, Lucas. I know you tutor other people, why not me?”

“Those kids are actual ‘S’ students, taking ‘S’ courses, plus I have better things to be doing than humouring you for an afternoon. Don’t you have a party to plan or something?”

“I’m offended, my love, horribly offended…Unless you want a party, then I’ll throw you a rager-- in your honour of course.”

“I don’t ‘party’ Eliott,” he responded, shifting his backpack from one shoulder to the next. Lucas didn’t like parties, or large crowds at all. He didn’t like being looked at in the halls, or being passively judged by the countless people in Eliott’s circle of friends. Lucas preferred to stay at home with his books or his video games, watching random videos online until three in the morning. 

The hallway was beginning to clear itself out the further they walked into the school.

“Sticking around?” Eliott noted the direction they were moving in. Lucas looked at him from his peripheral vision. Sure, Eliott was objectively hot, but objectively a lot of people were.

“Hey, man!” Someone greeted Eliott as they passed a group of first years. Eliott nodded at them but didn’t break away from Lucas.

“I’m going to that foyer meeting for my friends. Feel free to leave.”

“Sounds like fun, I’m in,” Eliott shrugged. Lucas stopped walking, turning to look at him carefully, watching him with curious eyes.

“Why are you like this?”

“Like what?” Eliott asked, tilting his head, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“You’re going to come to the foyer meeting… voluntarily?”

“You’re going.”

“Yeah, but--”

“So I’m going.”

________

“I hate him,” Lucas told Yann as he flopped down on his best friend’s sofa. Basile and Arthur were stretched out on the floor, arguing amongst themselves about the Fifa game they were struggling to win.

“Why?” Yann asked, leaning back against the arm rest. Lucas blinked at him, his jaw clenched as he tried to verbalize his feelings.

“I… I don’t know! He’s just so… so…”

“Hot?” Arthur offered, not taking his eyes off the screen. Lucas nudged him with his foot, earning a noise of annoyance from the taller boy.

“Persistent,” Lucas concluded. “He won’t give up.”

“But… you like him?” Basile asked, curiously.

“Of course I don’t like him.”

“But he’s hot?” Basile questioned.

“I guess, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to date him.”

“But he’s also a nice guy,” Yann added, unhelpfully. “Always helpful, cheerful, popular-- everyone likes him.”

“Except me, apparently. Why do I have to like him? He walks around like the god of the school, just expecting me to… I don’t know, fall to his feet like everyone else? He’s always coming up with stupid excuses to see me, or talk to me. Every corner I take, I’m surprised when I don’t find him following me. He’s always listening to me, even when I’m purposefully talking absolute nonsense to bore him. He came to a foyer meeting today because I was going and then he volunteered to paint the mural for the common room because I mentioned how ugly it was and--” Lucas cut himself off, letting his brain catch up to his mouth.

“And what?” Yann asked, hanging on his last word.

“And I thought it was really nice,” Lucas spoke with a softer tone, surprising even himself. “I guess sometimes I get disappointed when he’s not at my locker waiting for me at the end of the day… like that one time he was sick and I was a bit worried something happened to him. Sometimes he leaves me these little drawings when he’s got football practice and can’t make it. I…” The boys were all staring at him as the realization dawned on him. “Do I like Eliott?”

________

Eliott was talking to some girls, a horde of girls actually. They were all smiling and giggling at something that he said, but he looked completely unphased by their reactions. His smile seemed more focused on what he was talking about, rather than who was listening.

“Ugh,” Alexia said, as Lucas and the Crew walked out of the common room. “He’s so hot. I can’t.”

“Aren’t you dating someone?” Lucas noted, watching the scene unfolding in front of him with an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach.

“So?” she replied, waving off his observation. The girls all laughed taking off down the hall with a chorus of ‘goodbyes’ to Lucas. Instead of heading to his next class, which would start soon as the lunch hour came closer to ending, he stood frozen like an idiot watching Eliott talk. The way his smile pinched the corners of his eyes the more he droned on about whatever was so fascinating. The way his hands moved as he explained something to the girls who so obviously didn’t care about anything other than staring at his angular face and model-esque physique. The way that Lucas knew, even without seeing, that Eliott’s eyes were probably shimmering as he laughed at his own joke. None of it settled right with Lucas.

Before he could register what he was doing, Lucas was marching across the hall with purposeful strides. Without a word, Lucas yanked Eliott into the nearby empty classroom, ignoring the confused and slightly shocked faces of the girls.

“Lucas!” Eliott spoke with a stern voice, completely caught off guard by the sudden and very unexpected action. Lucas had his arms crossed, his foot tapping against the ground as he glared at the popular boy with narrowed eyes.

“I don’t know how you did it,” Lucas said, his voice low. Eliott’s face twitched, unsure of what was happening. There was a pause.

“Did what?”

“Make me like you.” Eliott drew back his head at the answer, his mouth curving into a small smile. “Don’t look so smug, I’m still trying to figure out when you altered the chemicals in my brain.”

“The chemicals in your brain?”

“Yeah, with your… pheromones! God, I hate you!” Lucas shouted.

“Well clearly you don’t,” Eliott chuckled, finding Lucas’ inner turmoil utterly entertaining. Taking a breath, Lucas realized what he had admitted and what he had abruptly done, and he was mortified with himself. His cheeks turned pink with embarrassment, his mouth opening slightly only to close.

“I…” Lucas began slowly. “I don’t know what came over me. Sorry. Can we just ignore what I just said? Great, I’m leaving.” Lucas reached for the door knob, but Eliott stopped him, his fingers curled around Lucas’ wrist.

“Wait,” he started. “You can’t just leave.”

“Why not? I said stupid things and now I’m going to leave so we can pretend it never happened.”

“So, you don’t like me then?” The question hung in the air and it was as if his words were suffocating him.

“No.”

“No, as in you don’t like me, or no, as in you do like me?” Lucas raked his teeth across his bottom lip as Eliott waited for his answer. His hand was still holding Lucas in place, and it was as if Lucas’ entire body was on fire.

“The… latter.” Eliott’s eyes softened, his touch dropping from Lucas as he brought his arm back down to his side.

“What changed?” Lucas ran his own hand soothingly up and down his arm, as if trying to comfort himself in this moment of honesty.

“I don’t think anything did,” he finally said. “I think I just lost my pen.”

“The butterfly effect?” Lucas raised his brow, as Eliott gave a soft laugh. “I listen to you when you talk, you know. You mentioned it once because it was in a book you were reading.” All Lucas could do was look at him. He didn’t understand Eliott, or why he does the things he does, or why he acts the way he acts. Lucas was barely processing the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to him.

“Kiss me,” Lucas blurted out against his own better judgement. Something passed before Eliott’s eyes, as his smile grew into a genuine expression that made Lucas’ heart ache. Eliott stepped forward, drawing Lucas closer to him by his waist. Their lips were so close Lucas could feel the static between them.

“You can change your mind.” But Lucas didn’t want to. Rather, he tipped his head up, closing the space between them, wrapping his arms around Eliott’s neck to hold him even closer. It felt as if something clicked in Lucas; like a lock turning open with the right key, or the last piece being fitted into a puzzle. Eliott felt like something he had been missing, and finally the last code of his cipher has been discovered.

By the time the bell rang, they were breathless and reluctant to pull away.

“I have to get to biology,” Lucas sighed, running his fingers through Eliott’s hair.

“I have to go to philosophy.” They both made a face.

“I’ll see you at my locker?”

“Now that I’ve seduced you, I don’t need to stay an extra hour to wait for you,” Eliott teased playfully. Lucas, who had begun to move for the door, paused.

“You waited an extra hour for me?

“My day ends earlier than yours,” Eliott replied with a shrug, as he draped his arm over Lucas’ shoulders to walk into the hall.

“But--”

“Don’t feel bad, I didn’t mind waiting,” Eliott said, dropping a kiss on the top of Lucas’ hair. “Plus, it actually forced me to do my homework when I was bored.”

“Why are you so…”

“Perfect? Handsome? Amazing?” Lucas was going to say stupid. Stupid for wasting his time on Lucas.

“Sure,” Lucas gave in. “All of the above.” As Eliott tucked him closely into his side as he walked him to his biology class, Lucas could already feel the eyes on him making his entire body tense.

“They’re all jealous,” Eliott whispered in his ear as they rounded a corner. “That they never had a chance.”

“Never?” Lucas highly doubted that.

“Never ever. You’re all I’ve ever seen, since the first day I transferred here.”

“No pressure or anything,” Lucas muttered lightly. Eliott’s laugh rang in Lucas’ ear like a song that made his heart skip a beat.

“Absolutely none, my love. Absolutely none.”

[thesculptedflower]

Nobody smart plays fair / Chapter 2

hi, could you do a sequel to "Nobody smart plays fair" (where after nygma and the reader (the contestant from his show "The Riddle Factory") became a couple, he plans a surprise  special candlelight breakfast for the reader, and even provides her with a beautiful penthouse apartment (nygma wanted the reader to have a better place to live) after a bit of flirting and sharing a passionate kiss, the reader didn't want nygma to spoil her to much)

Nobody smart plays fair / Chapter 2

After the night at The Riddle Factory, your life took a turn for the better. You and Ed made your relationship official, and you basically moved to his place until you’d find your own place. Place that would be better than the abandoned apartment in the Narrows, that had probably something dead in the walls. Ed was more than happy to offer you a place to stay, but he understood that you also needed a place of your own, where you could have your own time. You didn’t exactly like all the crimes Ed committed, but if he stayed from killing any innocents and kept stealing from the corrupted banks, you were fine with it. He wanted to keep you safe from everything, so he would never bring his loot to home. Everything he did, he did for you, to help you get on your feet again.

Rain was softly drumming against the roof of Ed’s apartment. It was still very early, but you could smell the delicious scent of freshly baked bread and coffee. Still half asleep, you turned to cuddle Ed, but found an empty spot next to you.

’’Ed?’’ You said drowsily, lifting your head up to look around the room. 

It was still dark, the dark clouds hanging heavily over Gotham. But the soft glimmer of the candles all over the room, brought light to the gloomy morning.

’’Ah, you’re awake.’’ Ed said happily, coming over to you, with a brand new morning rope. He offered you his hand, helping you up from the bed. You groaned as you left the comfort of the warm bed, but you were quickly greeted with the softest fabric of the rope and a loving kiss to your lips.

You smiled against his lips, your hand caressing his cheek. When you pulled apart, you could see that he too was still a little tired. 

’’Good morning dear.’’ You whispered, pressing your nose softly against his. ’’It smells amazing in here.’’

Ed smiled proudly, leading you towards the small kitchen. ’’I wanted to treat you a little bit. It’s going to be raining the whole day, so I thought we should start the day right.’’

The kitchen was lit with only candles, the atmosphere mimicking the first date you had together, at The Riddle Factory. Ed pulled a chair out and helped you sit down. You watched his every movement as he prepared your plate. You loved the way he put all his being to cooking the most amazing meals. How his eyes lit up when you complimented his dishes. You couldn’t wait to see and taste what he had done this time.

Ed turned around and placed a plate in front of you. It had two slices of freshly baked French bread with thin slices of tomato and mozzarella, garnished with few leafs of basil. On the side were scrambled eggs and slices of bacon. For a ’’morning dessert’’ he had made oatmeal muffins with blueberries. Everything smelled amazing. 

You were in awe of everything in front of you, and you knew Ed could see it. You looked up at him as he poured you a full cup of freshly grated coffee, his own blend. 

’’I tell you this every time, but you’re incredible Ed.’’ You praised him as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to your cheek. He let out a soft chuckle. ’’So I’ve been told.’’

The two of you enjoyed the breakfast, getting ready for the new day. Ed would make you laugh with all his jokes, even when you tried to stay a little quiet, for the sake of the few neighbors you had. When there was a quiet moment between you, you could see him looking at you, memorizing your features. Like he was always a little worried he would lose you. You had learned to recognize those looks on his face, so you could help him get out of his head. 

You stood up form your chair and made your way to his side. He was a little surprised, but didn’t say anything. You edged him to move back so you could sit in his lap. You sat down on his lap sideways, both legs hanging over the other side. You wrapped your right arm around his neck and pressed yourself gently against him. You could feel him pulling you even closer. You spent a few moments just looking down at his brown eyes. Ed had told you how he was scared of something happening to you because of who he was. The Riddler had enemies, and he was sure that even GCPD would surely use you against him if they had the chance. You understood his fears, but reassured him that you would be safe with him. You had lived in the Narrows after all, you knew how to keep yourself unseen.

’’I’ll allow you to memorize this moment, because it’s pretty perfect.’’ You teased quietly, pulling Ed out of his thoughts. He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. You could see pain in his eyes, from the love he lost long ago. But you could also see happiness. Happiness that you had brought him. 

’’You’re breathtaking.’’ He whispered, his thumb drawing small circles on your cheek. You smiled, pressing a tender kiss on his forehead. ’’And you’re phenomenal.’’

You finished eating and did the dishes together, enjoying the peaceful silence between you. The only sound came from the rain outside and the occasional clattering of plates. When you were ready, Ed asked you to take a look inside your closet. You looked at him, a little confused but did as he said anyway. You opened the door and laid your eyes on a beautiful black dress with an emerald green rhinestones embroidered on the front. You lifted your hands over your mouth, shocked by the beautiful piece of clothing. Ed came behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and laid his chin on your shoulder. ’’I hope you like it.’’ He said.

’’I love it! And it’s matching to your suit.’’ You said excitedly. You could feel him smile. 

’’You should put it on, I have something to show you.’’ 

You turned to look at Ed, not sure what he would have to show you at 9 in the morning. He could see you were confused. ’’Do it for me, I’ll get dressed up too.’’ He said as he pulled his famous green suit and your dress from the closet. He handed the dress to you and smiled from ear to ear. 

’’Just trust me.’’

* * * * * *

You drove a few minutes in the rainy streets of Gotham before pulling in front of a new apartment complex. Ed had covered your eyes so you couldn’t see where you were going. You felt excited, still totally clueless about everything. Ed got out of the car and came to open the car door for you. He took your hand and helped you out. ’’Careful now, there’s a few steps ahead.’’

You walked carefully, trusting your sight to Ed. You tried your best to listen all the sounds around you, but since it was so early, there wasn’t a lot to hear. Suddenly you stopped, and you heard a sound of an elevator call. Soon you were in an elevator, rising up for minutes. When you finally reached the top and Ed led you out, he asked you to stop. He removed the cover from your eyes. You were standing in front of a door. You turned to look at him. ’’Are you ready?’’ He asked. 

You nodded carefully and he opened the door. You couldn’t believe your eyes when you stepped in to the apartment. It was a gorgeous penthouse apartment with windows as tall as the walls. You could see all of Gotham from up there. You tried to take everything in, but your head was spinning.

’’Ed, what is this?’’ You asked, admiring the brand new kitchen and all the expensive furniture.

’’It’s yours.’’ Ed replied calmly, his hands is his pockets. 

You turned to look at him your mouth open. You couldn’t believe what he just said. 

’’Mine?’’

’’Yours.’’ 

You shook your head in disbelief as you walked in circles around the open living room area. ’’Edward, no, it can’t be. You wouldn’t.’’ You tried to make sense of all of it, but failing. Ed laughed sweetly, coming to stop you. He grabbed your chin gently and made you face him. 

’’Your old place doesn’t fit this new, The Riddle Factory winner you’ve become.’’ He started, looking down at you lovingly. ’’You needed a place that you could call home, a place that you could escape when the world gets too real. When everything that I do, gets too real.’’ You could hear a hint of sorrow in his voice as his eyes fell to the floor.

You lifted a hand to his cheek, pulling his attention back to you.

’’You’re spoiling me Ed.’’ You said, smiling up at him. He returned the smile.

’’Only the best for the winner of my heart.’’

You laughed softly, pressing yourself against his chest. You could hear his heartbeat hammering in his chest, he had clearly been nervous about showing you the apartment. 

’’I love it, thank you. But you need to let me do something for you next time.’’ You demanded, refusing to be spoiled rotten. Ed laughed mischievously, pulling away just enough so he could look down at you. 

’’How about we get that done immediately?’’ He flirted, his hands wandering on the curves of your body. The grin he had on his lips was clearly telling what he meant. You bit your lower lip and pulled him down to a passionate kiss by his tie, before finding the bedroom.

’’My pleasure.’'

[t-o-m-hollands]

California Dreaming Harry Styles x y/n

Summary: Harry is having a bad morning, and you try to cheer him up.

Themes: Super fluffy, dreamy one shot.

Warnings: None, except maybe mentions of alcohol?

Word count: 1,7 k

A/N: First of, this is based on this post . It’s also inspired by a dream I had and somewhat similar to my story Happy Place. Also, the house is slightly inspired by Dakota Johnson's house. I listened to honeymoon by lana del rey and fine line by harry styles while writing this. Please leave feedback if you can. Not proof read as of yet

In a hotel room somewhere far away from home Harry wakes up that morning to a wave of inexplicable and unavoidable sadness. Blinking slowly, he lays unmoving, and stares out the window. The view is one of a dark sky, and seemingly never ceasing rain. It’s like the whole world has been painted grey.

He wakes that morning and there is a heaviness in his chest, slowly spreading its way through his body. He doesn’t want to move out of bed. Doesn’t want to face the day. Nor does he particularly want to stay in bed, but it seems like the better option.  

The only glimmer of light, the speck of colour on an otherwise grey canvas, is the woman lying next to him, still asleep. He draws her closer to him, finding comfort in her warm body, the familiar scent of her and he listens to her soft breathing; trying to make order of his own thoughts.  

When you wake you smile up at him, and gently you press a kiss to the tip of his nose, and he can’t help but smile. Eventually you get up, but he stays in bed, and the places your body touched burn when you leave. So, he turns to the window and he observes the rain again. If anything, it’s increased. You don’t mind the rain, you never have. In fact, the sound of raindrops against the window has a soothing effect on you.  

He stays in bed while you order room service and only when it arrives does he sits up. He leaves for the bathroom and when he comes back he crashed down on the bed again, seemingly drained of energy. You get him to eat his breakfast as the news show on the TV in the background. After having eaten he gets you both to lay down on the bed again, and god, he feels exhausted already.  

“You know” you say, touching the frown between his eyes with a gentle finger, as if you’re trying to erase it. “One day we’ll buy a house somewhere in California, up by the mountains. And I’ll plant a garden.”

“Yeah?”  

“Yes, right outside the French doors leading to the kitchen I'll plant a lemon three and each year we’ll watch it grow taller. And I’ll plant some herbs too. Basil, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. And lavender of course. I’ll plant tomatoes too, and peppers and squash and spinach and radishes as well. All the good stuff”.

A smile tugs the corner of his mouth and something close to hope shines in his eyes.  

“And have you seen our living room? It’s got big windows to let in the never-ending Californian sunshine. And in an antique cabinet, that by the way; we’ll find some Wednesday afternoon as we’re strolling through a Fleamarket. We’ll see it and we’ll share a glance and we’ll both know that we have to have it. We’ll store our records there, but even though I'll constantly collect new ones, only the good ones get to stay in the antique cabinet. We’ll listen to a new one every night as we cook dinner. I can see it in front of me right now, clear as day; you chopping vegetables and me drinking wine, some obscure band from the 70’s playing in the background that I'll dance along to, even though I claim to help you with the food.”

He smiles for real then, beginning small before it spreads all across his face, eyes twinkling with love.

“Only the good ones will end up in the antique cabinet. Therefor we’ll call it heaven.” You’re smiling too now and he caresses your arm, gently touching you as you speak. You’re lying next to each other in bed, almost nose to nose.

“Sometimes when we cook dinner together, I'll tell you about my day as I pour us some wine and you’ll tell me about yours while you chop the garlic. Some nights we’ll slow dance in the kitchen, just because we want to and because it feels good to be close to you and I've missed you.”  

He leans in even closer and presses a soft kiss against your forehead. You’re so warm and the warmth spreads through him.

You continue.  

“On cold evening we’ll light the fire in the living room, and I'll play you some music and we’ll read or talk, but never about the weather. Or maybe we’ll argue over a game of scrabble but we always make peace before we go to bed. And on some nights, we’ll have friends and family over and we’ll drink tequila and talk and play music and someone’ll end up dancing on the table and we will all laugh until our stomach's hurts. And you’ll feel loved. On other nights we’ll sit on the porch, just the two of us, sharing a jug of sangria and we’ll watch the sun set over the horizon, while I read through my scripts and you play on your guitar.”

He can see it so clearly in front of him and he wants it all so badly it hurts.  

“Oh, and you know what?” you laugh and he shakes his head, still looking at you with stars in his eyes, still slowly touching your skin; as if he’s unable not to. “Our neighbour will be an old retired priest, but he’s now dedicated beekeeper. And I’ll pick some sunflowers and lemons from our garden and I’ll exchange them for little pots of honey and I'll bake us a honey and lavender cake. We’ll eat it sprawled out on blankets on the grass under the beaming sun”.

“You’re amazing” he breaths out. He didn’t mean to say it, doesn’t want to interrupt your storytelling, but you’ve replaced the heaviness in his stomach with the same warm feeling whiskey or chamomile tea leaves behind and he needs you to know how miraculous you are.  

You laugh in response and kiss the tip of his nose again before you continue.  

“There won’t be a single white wall inside our home. We’ll paint our hallway a sunshine yellow, I can see it now, how we’ll argue and laugh, and sing and dance and bicker as we stand there, both of us with a paint roller in each hand, colouring the white walls yellow; over time filling the space with coats and hats and odd shoes. Art hanging on the walls. In fact, all around the house art work we’ve collected over the years will hang. And in my office a gigantic bookshelf will be overflowing with books. Inherited books, borrowed books, bought books and odd books found in flea markets were the previous owner has already covered the work in dog ears and scribbles. And sometimes I'll buy books in languages I don’t understand. I'll sit with you out on the veranda, soaking up sunshine, and I’ll try to guess the meaning behind each word. And I'll guess what the book is about based on odd words here and there that I'll understand and we’ll laugh about it and you’ll call me silly but really, you want to kiss me”.

He leans in and kisses you and for a while every thought escapes you both and it’s like the sun has finally come out, even to the steady beat of the rain still drum on in the background. In the end he pulls away and asks you to continue your story.

“We’ll have a blue tiled kitchen and copper pots and wicker baskets everywhere. And all the plates will be in different vibrant colours, bought on different occasions at different places. When family or friends come over for dinner they’ll all have a favourite plate and they’ll shout ‘I want the yellow one!’ or ‘the red one is mine!’ My personal favourite will be sunflower yellow, yours will be sea blue. And somewhere in the house we’ll have a pink bathroom or powder room. At first, you’ll say no to this idea but in the end, you’ll give way because you’ll know it’ll make me happy. Just like I’ll make way because I know that it makes you happy that the dog sleeps in our bed in the morning”.  

He cups your face, stroking your cheek with his thumb and Christ, how did he ever get so lucky?

“There will be no plywood in our home. The walls will be of stone or wood, build endure. Built to last” you say with a serious tone. “And on the days where you feel especially burdened or sad, I'll play all your favourite songs on our old piano. I’ll sing them until you’ll beg me to stop. But you can’t help but smile too, especially when I’ll play you Here Comes the Sun, or California Dreamin’. And on those rare rainy California days we’ll stay inside and watch movies, even though we never agree on what to watch. In the end we’ll settle for something badly made and ridiculous and I'll lay on the sofa, my legs in your lap and a blanket draped over us, and we’ll laugh at all the bad jokes. Because we feel loved and laughter comes easy with you.”

He can’t quite describe the feeling in his chest then except it feels like his heart is imploding. This is what love is.  

“And I'll collect ceramic works, little pots and pieces made by friends and artists alike, and I'll place them all over the house and I'll pick flowers from the garden and I’ll put them in. Sunflowers and jasmines to be exact. And when the jasmine dies, I'll press the flowers in my books and I’ll use them as book marks. And when you’ll borrow one of my books and you travel far away, you’ll find that when you open up the first page the scent of jasmine will hit you and it’ll remind you of me, of the fact that you’re never alone. It’ll remind you of home”.

*

So when i first wrote this late at night and i felt rather proud of it but clearly that was just tiredness. Not proud of this one now but i’ve been promising a harry styles one shot for some time now so here it is.

Please leave feedback

[stshyt]

his labors in this line were much prospered

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[ratsoh-writes]

I have a feeling I'm either going to get Honey or a Horrortale skele, so here we go for Matchups! -🍊

Personality

-introverted

-nervous/jumpy/sensitive

-artistic/creative

-very sleepy. I stay up till 5am and sleep till 2pm.

-helpful! I like feeling needed lol.

-sensitive. I have an abusive mother im in therapy for, so I need someone soft :(

Hobbies

-im very artistic! I love drawing, painting, listening to music, even making it, anything that keeps my hands busy and my ADHD at bay.

-minecraft! I've just downloaded the game, I've had it for a year now, and I love the building in it lol. The mobs scare me tho.

-rps!!! I LOVE roleplaying!!!! Rpg games, DnD, hell, I even have a few oc based text rps on discord I'm into. It gets me SO excited when I make up little stories with my friends, the gremblin in my enjoys shiny new universes

Dislikes

-Snarky/teasing/snappy jokes, or being teased in general. I'm a sensitive person who takes a bit too much to heart. Mal and Red scare me.

-loud noises/crowded areas. Another trama trigger for me, I feel trapped in a situation and it makes me paranoid. I'd rather sit outside and watch a thunderstorm than go to a local fair.

-being pushed out of my comfort zone and/or being forced to get in contact with family I've kicked out of my life, the whole 'well family is family!' saying means jack shit to me. I've put my demons at bay, I don't want someone to push me out of my comfort zone, or else I feel sick with nerves. I don't like traveling or being around a lot of people, I'd rather just text someone than see them face to face, words come easier then. Brain weird.

Deal breakers

-anyone who forces me to be social. I have anxiety, leave me be dammit. If someone kept pushing and complaining about it, it would make me feel guilty and blegh. Let's not go down that rabbit hole.

-cheating, I have a low image of myself, I don't need someone flirting with others or being all handy with them. Once the wound it made, I'm not letting the knife near me again.

-someone who yells a lot. Loud voices, especially male ones, make me panicked and scared. If Edge ever lectured me I would simply. Cry.

-someone violent, which is a given. Sorry mafia men, but blood scares me. I'm a wheeny.

-someone forcing me to change. I'm chonky, so being forced into a diet or something would make me think low of myself, I couldn't stay with someone like that. Or someone pushing me to get anxiety meds or giving me a bedtime. I like my independence and I'm working on myself, I don't need to be pressured to do it faster.

-passive aggressiveness, it makes me confused on what to say in an argument and that junk.

Flaws

-most of these have already been said, but I'm introverted with low energy, I don't like going to big events or traveling away from home.

-sensitive. Any jokes aimed at me can and will be obsessed over to oblivion, I'm not the teasing type.

-awkward. I was kinda isolated as a kid, so social skills are hard. Don't expect me to pop up on conversations all the time, I mostly listen to what my friends say and nod along.

-hygene. This is also something I'm working on. I've had depression episodes that sometimes still surface, sometimes it's hard to even leave my bed, let along brush my teeth, hair, etc. Some days I'm just not feeling it. I also come from a neglectful house, so I wasn't even raised with those habits. But I'm trying, and that's what I'm focusing on. Don't be like 'ewEwW yOu HaVeNt BrUsHeD yOuR TeEtH tOdAy?!' That's both hurtful and annoying, life sucks man

-god aweful at spelling, sorry rat

Attraction

-someone who's soft and caring. I never had a motherly figure, and I'm too old now for my dad to watch me like a toddler, so I want to feel the love I mostly missed out on. Not babied or anything, just loved and cared for. Hug me, please. Alternatively: aha mommy kink go brr

-cuddly/affectionate. I need to feel wanted, since I was raised in a house that I wasn't, so words of reassurance are really nice, especially if that person wants to be around me close enough to cuddle

I tried making this as neat as I could, since I tend to ramble a lot, so I hope this layout is easy to read! Tell me if I need to add any physics stuff, thank you for the matchup! -🍊

Alright, you were right on probably getting a horror lol. I think the best fit for you is……..BASIL (horrorswap papyrus)!

Here’s the tricky bit. Getting to know basil is here. He’s also extremely anxious, to the point where he’s practically non-verbal to anyone he doesn’t know. But once you do get close enough for him to crush and even confess, you’ll get to see a butch more protective and attentive side to him. Basil is a protector at his core and actually prefers a timid SO unlike honey who likes confident and organized characters.

Basil would be great at balancing between encouraging you to be your best self and not being too pushy. Gentle is basically his main personality trait. And considering who it is here, it’s hard to feel nagged with him being the one giving you those gentle reminders.

You like cuddles? You’re getting your cuddles. Basil is shy about touch so it’s up to you to initiate, but when you do, you’ll find that he’s pretty much touch starved. He likes having you in his lap the most. Basil has mild insomnia so cuddling with a SO is the best way to help him doze off

Basil hasn’t been introduced to the wonderful world of video games yet. Minecraft would be a great starter! If you manage to get him into it, he’ll wind up getting addicted to sims most likely. Or FarmVille. He likes chill games

One important thing about dating basil is that your basically going to have to go vegetarian. You can eat meat outside the house when he’s not around, but the sight and taste of raw meat is a trigger for him. Luckily he’s a wonderful cook and makes up for it in his baking and pasta ;)

I was also thinking of rust and possibly slim for you. (Yes I know slim is a mafia but he’s great at keeping his work hidden)

[hazelandglasz]

Buns Buns Buns - Klaine AU

Inspired by this post

On AO3

At first, it felt like a good idea. After all, Blaine and Santana had met during their apprenticeships at Maison Kayser, and they had immediately felt a connection. 

A connection based on good-hearted (most of the time) teasing, sure, but also on queer kinship and boundless support.

On the night after their graduation, the pair got completely hammered on Cranberry Vodka.

Blaine laid down on the couch while Santana sat on the floor by his head.

“I loved working--meep--working with you,” Blaine hiccuped, tipping the bottle toward her. “You com-complete me.”

“Same,” Santana bawled out. “You’re the only one I’ve been partnered with who didn’t try to sex me up and who understands what I need without me saying iiiiiiiit!”

Blaine tentatively patted her head before sitting up like a Jack-in-The-Box. “I got it!”

“Got what? Chlamydia? I told you that Roger wasn’t worth it.”

“Wha--No! Not Chlamydia. And nothing happened with Roger.”

“Not for lack of trying, Mini Twix.”

Blaine rolled his eyes at her. “Can you shush one second so I can tell you my amazing idea?”

Santana swigged the bottle to get another mouthful of vodka. “Go ahead.”

“We should open our own bakery.”

Santana almost choked on the vodka but she was a pro and swallowed without sputtering it everywhere. “Have you gone mad? Has the yeast turned your brain to mush? We cannot open a bakery!”

“Why not? We have an excellent resume, with our apprenticeship and Mr Kayser’s recommendation letter. We are young, sure, but motivated. The apprenticeship paid off our student loans, so we could potentially get a loan to rent a place.”

As he talked, Blaine got on his knees while Santana sat on the coffee table.

She scratched her hair and hummed.

Which, in Santanese, meant that she was at least considering it.

Which, in Blainese, meant that she was on board.

Which, a month later, lead to the opening of “Buns Buns Buns” in the heart of Brooklyn, serving brioches, empanadas, and mookies.

Which, really, felt like a good idea--except when Santana gets an idea.

Particularly when said-idea is to combine two of her favorite hobbies: make fun of Blaine and try to find him a date.

The thing is, Blaine doesn’t exactly mind the teasing. After all, he’s more than able to reply to any of them, and as previously stated, it’s one of the bases of their relationship. Anyone who knows Santana Lopez knows that teasing is her way of showing her love.

But the constant nagging about his singledom hits a little bit closer to home, is more painful too.

Blaine hasn’t chosen to be single, okay. He believes in love and romance, he knows that somewhere, there is someone for him, waiting for him, someone who will love him for everything Blaine has to offer.

He is young, though, and he knows he has time to find the proverbial Mr. Right.

And the subject would be a lot easier to set aside if Santana wasn’t constantly singing under her breath whenever they pass each other songs about being alone forever.

Her 21st cover of “Lonely” makes him explode in the kitchen and slam the door to walk his anger away.

(She managed to find some helium to sing it in the highest pitch ever heard by a human ear.)

When he came back, Santana had the decency to be apologetic, telling him that he should take a week off work to chill, have fun, just … be, for a little while.

“And what Buns Buns Buns?”

“Oh, I can manage. It’s a slow week anyway, a lot of people are leaving the city anyway. I’ll just experiment a bit.”

“No x-rated experiment, Santana.”

“I still think we should have Muff Muffins for a Ladies Night type of promotion--”

“No. And no ‘dick-clairs’ either.”

“I didn’t think about it, but that is an excellent name.”

“No.”

“But--”

“Santana, please, no. Promise me.”

Santana rolls her eyes but agrees to promise not to do anything that could shock the kids from the school next door.

“I can do some redecorating, though. We should remove the December decorations anyway.”

“Hm, okay. Nothing extravagant, okay, we need to get ready for Easter.”

“Yessir.”

Blaine smiles at her. “All right. I do need a break.”

“And when you come back, I will take a couple of days off,” she adds, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

That was so sweet.

Blaine should have seen it coming.

Because now, he’s back, a notebook full of ideas and concepts of baked goods they could add to their menu, a spring in his step, and he nearly faints at the sight of his beloved window.

Which has been defaced, somehow, in his absence.

Well, defaced. That may be an over-exaggeration. The drawing is good, he can admit that, and it looks like a sticker so it won’t be permanent or anything.

But still.

Not exactly the aesthetic he envisioned for their shop.

He’s going to kill Santana whenever she comes back from her couple of days off--no, you know what, he’s going to go to her place tonight and kill her then.

Except, she may be spending her days off with Brittany, or Dany, or both, and does he really want to inflict this on his sight? On his brain?

Nah, it can wait. But she’s going to suffer, oh, she’s going to suffer.

Now, quick side-note about Blaine: when left alone, he has a tendency to … fill the silence.

Most of the time, by singing or humming to himself, but right this instant in time, he is talking to himself.

Counting the ways he will have his vengeance while baking and preparing new batches for the menu while considering when there will be a lull in the clients’ visits to experiment on his Easter cakes.

He’s so deep in his thoughts while putting the last batch of cookies in the lower oven, he doesn’t even hear the bell over the door ringing.

“Oh, um. Hello?”

Blaine straightens up quickly, dusting his hands over his apron and already all smiles as he turns to face the new client.

Oh boy.

“Hi?”

The man standing in the store’s entrance (with Santana’s ridiculous drawing creating a shadow over his tan jacket) is, truth be told, without a doubt the most beautiful man Blaine has ever seen.

“I work at the school around the corner, and I just started,” the man says, clutching the strap of his messenger bag, “and I, um, I kinda wanted something sweet to end this day.”

“Sure,” Blaine replies, walking to the window case. “Cakes are the answer for pretty much any trouble, in my opinion.”

Cute Client Looking for Consolation Cake smiles at Blaine, cocking his head to the side. “I like that. What do you recommend?”

Blaine happily goes over the different options, until CCLCC settles on a box of Cheesecake cookies.

“I hope this will improve your day,” he tells him after ringing his order.

“Oh, your shop has already greatly improved it,” CCLCC replies, his eyes darting to the sign. “And for what it’s worth, I personally think it doesn’t do you any justice.”

Blaine frowns. Glances at the sign. Glances back at CCLCC. Puts two and two together.

And turns a bright shade of red.

“Oh.”

CCLCC’s face matches the strawberry and basilic pies.

“Oh, gosh, I’m sorry.”

“No, no it’s--”

“No, it was crass, and we don’t even--”

“I promise, I mean, I get easily embarrassed--”

“--know each other, oh my God, everything looks delicious but I’ll never be able to come--”

“--but I am flattered.”

That seems to put a cork on CCLCC’s embarrassment. “... Oh.”

They smile at each other like a pair of … well, like a pair of shy twenty-something years olds who have a crush and are embarrassed about being too obvious.

“Madre de Dios.”

Blaine nearly jumps out of his skin at the sudden appearance of Santana’s voice in the shop.

“San’!” he exclaims, and even to his ears, it comes out far too loud. “What--what are you doing here?”

“I came to ask you what you thought of my artistry,” Santana says, expertly flicking her hair over her shoulders as she steps out of the shadows, “and here I am, in the most awkward episode of Gay Bachelors in Bushwick.”

“Santana.”

“I don’t think I know you, though. Santana Lopez, co-owner of this magical place. And you are?”

“Kurt Hummel,” CCLCC replies and Blaine feels better about having a proper name to call his customer. “Choir teacher at the block’s school.”

“How nice.”

“It is a school focusing on the arts, after all, and--”

“I said nice, not interesting. What do you think of our new décor?”

Kurt blushes again. “Well, like I told, um, the gentleman--”

“Blaine. It’s only fair you know his name, since you’ll be screaming--”

“Santana, no.”

“Spoilsport. Anyway, neighbor, you were saying?”

“Like I told Blaine, I think it is a bit unfair to him.”

“Oh?”

Kurt’s flush intensifies. “Oh.”

“You won’t say more than that?” Santana approaches the window. “I thought I captured the bubbliness of his hmph!”

Blaine grabs a discarded brioche from the basket and sliding under the counter, pushes it in Santana’s mouth. “If you shut up I won’t kill you for putting that monstrosity on our window,” he whispers angrily, before turning to Kurt, pushing Santana behind him. “I’m sorry about that, Kurt. I hope we will see you again. Have a nice day!”

Kurt looks at them, his mouth stretched into a disbelieving smile before nodding. “Thank you. You too … Blaine.”

The moment the door is closed, Blaine sighs in relief. Santana is happily nibbling on the brioche. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Blaine looks up at the ceiling, waiting for some deity to come to his help. “What on Earth for?”

“I know you, Anderson,” Santana points the remaining of the brioche in his face, “you’d have waited months and months before even attempting a proper conversation with Sweet Lips over there. Now, at least, you know he likes what you have to offer.”

Blaine drops his head to his chest. “I think I would have preferred to come back to sexual cakes.”

“Easily corrected.”

“Santana, no.”

“You’re not really angry, though.”

“Angry, grumph. Embarrassed and on the verge of ashamed? For sure.”

“Aw.” Santana wraps her arms around Blaine, her chest to his back. “I didn’t want you to be ashamed.”

“Embarrassed, though?”

“Oh, for sure.”

Blaine lets her hug him for a couple more minutes before stepping away, arms crossed over his chest. “This,” he says, pointing at his cartoony double, “has to go.”

“Oh, another couple of days!”

“Begone.”

“Pleaaaase?”

“No. You take it off.”

“But I’m on holiday!”

“Santana. Take. It. Off.”

Santana sighs. “You should be careful, Blainey,” she tells him as she walks out of the shop, “some people could misinterpret your words.”

“I really doubt that. Remove that obscenity from our window!”

“When I come baaa-aaack. Byyyeee!”

“Santan--oh, fuck it.”

#

Kurt expected a lot of things from his new job.

For it to be challenging, for the neighborhood to be surprising, for New York to be everything he hoped for and more.

So far, his expectations have been met: the students are challenging to say the least, the neighborhood of Bushwick is nothing he expected, and New York is a dream and a nightmare all rolled into one.

But of all the things he has to get used to, Blaine the Baker hasn’t left his mind for the past couple of days.

Sure, the window sticker made him laugh, at first, but when he saw Blaine’s butt as the baker was busy with the oven, his heart stopped before starting back at twice the speed.

And then he saw his face, and his heart made a valiant attempt to jump out of his chest to land on Blaine.

The fact that the cheesecake cookies were absolutely to die for doesn’t help in chasing the baker from his daydreams.

“Mr. Hummel.”

Why, yes, they could hyphenate their names, or Blaine could be Mr. Hummel.

“Mr. Hummel? Sir?”

Oh, Blaine would feed him pieces of brioche in bed before kissing him tenderly, that would be so romantic and delicious …

“Mr. Hummel!”

“Hm? Yes? Wha?”

His students snicker, and it’s 100% deserved. “What song do you want us to perform for the Open House Day?”

Oh the Open House Day. Perfect! The whole neighborhood is invited.

So, Blaine will come.

So, Kurt can be at his best and win him over.

“Open House. Right! I know just the song.”

#

Santana and Blaine arrive at the school carrying baskets of goodies, and Santana can’t help but tease her friend all the way from the bakery.

“Remember, Blaine, this is a school. No hanky panky with your hot teacher.”

“Santana, may I remind you that I’m not you.”

“Shame. Your life would be funnier.”

Blaine laughs at that. “That much is true.”

The headmistress welcomes them in, smiling at the mini chocolate buns. “All the parents are talking about your shop,” she tells them as she guides them to the seats. “I must confess, I am a big fan of your concoctions too,” she adds, smiling like a naughty schoolgirl.

When she walks away to welcome more visitors, Blaine and Santana smother their laughter.

“I feel like a rockstar,” Blaine whispers to Santana when they spot people pointing at them and murmuring.

“That’s because we are,” Santana replies, flipping her hair around her.

Everybody sits in the gymnasium and the headmistress taps on the microphone.

“And now, before we guide you in groups through the complex, please welcome our choir, guided by our very own Kurt Hummel.”

Blaine doesn’t even try to contain his smile at the sight of Kurt. He looks particularly handsome, dressed in black as he bows to the applause coming from the room.

The choir launches into a medley of Beatles and Rolling Stones songs, immediately winning over the crowd of parents and teachers.

The kids may be very good, but Blaine only has eyes for Kurt, who is playing the piano to accompany the songs, and often singing along with them. Kurt is passionate, he smiles at all his young students, even the ones awfully off-key.

He’s mesmerizing.

Blaine had a medium-sized crush on Kurt, but to see him like this, it’s …

Blaine has no words.

It’s like all of his life, all of his decisions, everything lead to this moment in order to make sense.

“Oh, wow.”

“Earth to Blaine?”

Santana looks down at him, standing up from her seat like everyone else--when did that happened?--and she is smiling like the cat that got the cream. “Ah, now, you’re back with all of us. Care to walk around the school now, or do you need to be left alone a moment?”

“No,” Blaine replies grumpily, following her.

“Oh, Blaine, look who our guide is,” Santana singsongs.

Of fucking course.

“Oh, hi, Blaine,” Kurt welcomes him. “Did you enjoy the songs?”

“Immensely. The kids were great, thanks to you.”

Kurt’s cheeks turn pink and he has a pleased smile on his face. “Thank you.”

Blaine doesn’t pay attention to a lot of things during the tour, besides Kurt and his voice and his everything.

(Okay, he may be a gentleman, but Blaine is honest enough to admit that he lets his eyes drag down Kurt’s back and focus on his ass. It’s a nice ass. Given the way they met, it’s only fair.

Shut up.)

Santana stays with a group of parents who are apparently asking about “Buns Buns Buns” capacity to prepare a birthday spread, which leaves Blaine to stand close to Kurt.

“Aren’t you going to help her?”

“Oh, no. She is very good at selling our stuff.”

Kurt shakes his head. “Your friendship is an odd one.”

Blaine smiles. “She’s a good cookie.”

“If you say so.”

“Oh, you’d know so too, if you could get to know her.”

“I’d rather get to know you.”

That sentence was said softly, barely above a whisper, just for the two of them.

Blaine looks back at Kurt and smiles. “I’d really, really love that.”

“Good.”

“You know where to find me.”

“That I do. I have tomorrow afternoon free …?”

“That’s a date.”

Kurt beams at him. “That’s a date.”

As he walks back to Santana, Blaine almost feels like he’s walking on a cloud or on a meringue.

Almost.

Because Santana is never going to let go of the fact that she managed to bring them together.

(She never lets go of it. Blaine and Kurt’s grandchildren hear the story of how her artistic talent brought them together. Kurt doesn’t tell them, but really, it was their grandfather’s buns who won him over.)

[feathers-and-fisticuffs]

Listen To The Distant Thunder...

[Chapter list HERE]

Kabu strummed his guitar quietly as he watched the clouds gathering on the dark horizon, leaning back against the tree behind him.  Nanu sat with his head resting on Kabu’s shoulder, his eyes closed, just taking in the sound, heart aching.

“And if the music stops There's only the sound of the rain All the hope and glory All the sacrifice in vain,”

The first drops of rain began to fall, the two young men mostly staying dry under the leaves of the tree, the deep rumbling of thunder like a drumroll in the distance.

“And if love remains Though everything is lost We will pay the price But we will not count the cost...”

Nanu’s last night in Hoenn before going on to Alola for his new job, and it was starting to rain.  He wanted to believe, something, somewhere, had a cruel sense of irony, as drops plinked down onto the polished wood, tears that fell just like the rain.  They listened to the distant thunder as the strumming of the guitar fell away to silence.

Word had started to spread across Galar of the two young children who Rose left behind, and although Bede was used to being in the spotlight and handling paparazzi and questions and fans and chaos, Kabu was doing everything he could to keep it all away from Basil.  The damn leeches were everywhere, it was almost impossible to avoid them, and once they realized he was also housing Cyrus, a known criminal... It was only going to get worse as time went on.

Cyrus didn’t seem as bothered by them, and had scared most of them with his delightfully dark and deadpan humor that they mostly stayed away if he was out and about.  His two “friends”, as he called them, started coming around more and more as Cyrus started to heal, and once he was able to move around mostly out of his wheelchair, they began to join Basil with his lessons.

They started with simple things, basic reading, writing, arithmetic, and Cyrus couldn’t help but be impressed with how smart the kid was.

“Rose made me attend lessons.”  Was his defense, though he sounded less than thrilled by that fact.  He wasn’t thrilled with having class now, either.

Having Lincoln around helped, especially as they taught him sign language, and the more Basil absorbed, the more fun he had with it, as Lincoln was quite talkative when he wanted to be and Basil was thrilled to have someone other than Cyrus and Kabu to talk to.

Cyan mostly sat quietly in the corner, sketchbook in his lap, doodling idly and looking uncomfortable around everyone.  Basil had taken a dislike to Cyan but an interest in his sketchbook, so he’d sit as far away as he could while still being able to watch him draw, squinting nosily until Cyan would gesture for him to come over and get a better look.  Sometimes, if he was in a good mood, he’d show Basil how he drew something, or explain a little about his art, but normally he was quiet, closed off, just wanting to have alone time with Lincoln and Cyrus.

Basil, however, wanted to be anywhere but in a lesson.  He would much rather be running around, training his Pokemon and exploring, and Cyrus knew this.  He did what he could to make the lessons interesting, but he could only do so much.

“How come you don’t have any Pokemon?”

Cyrus had been ignoring the hand in the air for five minutes now, he could tell that Basil’s question did not pertain to the lesson.

“That is irrelevant.”

“Do you have pokemon? Do they not like you?  How come you never have them out?  Do your friends have Pokemon?  Can I see them?”

Cyrus groaned.  “Focus on your lesson, please.  Pokemon have nothing to do with your homework.”

Basil crossed his arms. “I can’t focus anyway so you might as well just answer the questions.”  He smarted off with a smirk.

“No, I don’t have any Pokemon.  You don’t get to keep your Pokemon after you get arrested for trying to bring an end to the world as we know it.  I don’t know if they liked me or not, that is their business and it doesn’t matter anymore anyway.  Lincoln does have Pokemon, I don’t know if he’ll let you see them that will be up to him.” He snapped bitterly.  “Can we continue with the lesson now?”

Basil frowned at that, and let Whisper out of his ball, cuddling the Meowth close.  He couldn’t imagine being separated from his pokemon.

“I’m sorry Mr. Cyrus… do you want to hold Whisper for a while?”

“No I do not want to hold Whisper for a while.  I want you to finish this equation.”

Basil dropped the cat pokemon in Cyrus’s lap anyway, before leaning over and getting back to work.

Cyrus growled, annoyed that he wasn’t being listened to, however the Meowth was very warm and very sweet, and he couldn’t help reaching over to give it a pat every so often.

If only for Basil’s sake.  He wasn’t doing it for himself, of course.

************

“You should bring an umbrella with you, there’s rain coming…”  Kabu followed Cyrus to the door.

“It’ll be fine, a little rain never hurt anyone.”  He assured the older man, leaning on his cane as he rushed off to take a walk with Cyan and Lincoln.

“Bye Kabu see you later!” Basil rushed past, almost making it by before Kabu wrapped him in a hug and pulled him back inside.  

“Now where do you think you’re going?”  He teased.

Basil squeaked and giggled. “Hop and I are going to Circhester to have a snowball fight!  Let goooo!”

He let Basil go, smirking. “Alright, just be safe.  It’s supposed to storm and I want you home before that happens!”  He called after him.  

“Okaaaaaaaaay bye!”

Basil stopped to say hello to Cyan and Lincoln before disappearing down the road.

Kabu watched them and smiled, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, taking in the scent of rain yet to come.  He was so proud of how far the two of them had come, Cyrus could move around pretty freely with the help of a mobility aid, and Basil only needed his cane on bad days.  The doctors told him they expected him to make a full recovery, though it was close, any more injuries and things could have been much worse.

He felt… at peace.  He couldn’t remember the last time things felt so right.  For once, everything was going his way.  He was happy.

“Lincoln, wait up!  I’m old, I can’t run that fast!”  Cyrus called, smiling.  Lincoln was running back and forth through the trees, chasing his Spinarak and giggling.

“He hasn’t looked this happy in months…”  Cyan mused. “You haven’t looked this happy in… well ever.”  He had his hand on Cyrus’s shoulder, an old habit, to keep him steady.

“I haven’t felt this happy in well ever.”  He responded, sounding almost surprised.  “I don’t know how to describe it.  I feel… good.”

“You look good.”  Cyan pecked his cheek.  “I’m so proud of you.”

“Bean!  Get down from there!”  Lincoln was hanging upside down from the branches of a tree, spinarak dangling beside him.  “You’re going to fall and bust your noggin!”

Cyan laughed.  “This is as good a spot to set up camp as any, hm? Are you sure you want to have our picnic out here?  We can go somewhere where you don’t have to sit on the ground…”

Cyrus waved the thought away.  “No, no, I want this.  I want to be out here with you.  And this will make Lincoln happy too.”  He groaned and tried to sit down, letting Cyan guide him down the rest of the way with a grunt.  “There. See?  I’m fine.”

Lincoln plopped down from the tree and sat beside him happily.  “Are you going to catch any Pokemon today?”  He signed excitedly.  “It’d be good for you to have a companion!”

“I don’t know, Bean… I don’t deserve a pokemon after what I did.  And besides, the old man would just take it away from me if he found it.  He doesn’t trust me further than he can throw me, and I’m pretty sure he’d throw out his back just trying to lift me.”  He smirked, and Lincoln snickered behind his hands.

“You keep saying that but that isn’t true you know.”  Cyan noted. “Like it or not he does trust you. He wouldn’t let you teach his son if he didn’t trust you, you’ve seen how protective he gets.  And he’s done wonders for your back, too.”

Cyrus couldn’t deny that.

The three of them ate in silence, just enjoying nature and happy with the company.  It was nice to have time together, just the three of them, and they didn’t want to waste the time with idle chit-chat.  Eventually, Cyrus made them pack it up.

“The wind’s getting strong, we better get back before we get blown away.”

They made quick work of packing their meal and helped Cyrus to his feet, staying much closer to him on the way back, noting how much slower he was moving.

Cyan kicked himself for not thinking to bring the wheelchair with them.

On the way back, Lincoln stopped suddenly, grabbing Cyrus’s sleeve and tugging urgently, pointing to a patch of tall grass.

“What?  What is it, Bean?”

The three of them paused then, watching as the grass quivered, something zigzagging through it haphazardly.  Finally, the mysterious creature emerged.

“Oh, Arceus…”

Standing before them, looking dizzy and confused, was the cutest, fluffiest Eevee that any of them had ever seen. It’s fur covered it’s eyes, and it shook it’s head trying to clear them, before catching sight of it’s tail and chasing it a few more round, plopping over on it’s face when it got too dizzy.

“That’s the most pathetic thing I’ve ever seen in my life…”  Cyan covered his cheeks with his hands.

Cyrus groaned and crouched down to get a better look.  “Come here cute thing…”  It started to wobble it’s way over to him.

More rustling was heard, and suddenly a second Eevee flew past the first like a zubat out of hell, knocking it over before latching onto Cyan’s boot, gnawing and growling.

“Hey!  Get offa me you little ankle biter!”  He tried to nudge it away but it was determined to make an example of the shoe, however its tiny teeth weren’t doing much of anything.

“Catch it catch it!” Lincoln signed excitedly.

“What?  No way, it’s vicious!”

Cyrus reached out to brush the fur from the fluffy Eevee’s eyes, but was met with a fingerfull of needle like teeth.  “Ow!”  He didn’t pull away, watching as it tried to suck and chew at it gently.  “Cyan, they’re just babies!  They don’t know any better they’re just hungry!”  He pulled his finger away finally, watching as the Eevee stood on it’s hind legs and spun around before losing its balance and collapsing.  “Well aren’t you a pretty little dancer!”  He cooed.  He couldn’t figure out why, but he had a sudden need, an urge to catch it.

“Come on, I’m sure they’ll leave us alone, we need to get back before the rain hits.”  Cyan huffed and started trying to walk, but the Eevee kept getting underfoot.  “Hey! I said beat it!”

Lincoln giggled.  “They like you!”  He looked to Cyrus, who was watching them with a small smile, and handed him a pokeball, pressing it into his palm.  “Go on… it’s okay.”  Lincoln smiled and squeezed his hand before stepping aside to let him work.

Cyrus whistled.  “C’mere, little dancer…”  The Eevee perked right up at that and scrambled back over.  “You want to come with me?”  It hopped back up and spun around again, making happy noises. Cyrus smiled and tossed the ball towards it.  “Alright, if you insist…”

He watched the ball shake, once, twice, three times, then the satisfying click of a pokemon well caught.

“Cyan you can’t leave his friend here.”  He scolded.

“I’m not taking it!  It’s mean!”

Cyrus and Lincoln both gave him the look.  He caught the Eevee.

They made it halfway back before the thunder started to break apart the sky and the rain started to pour, taking refuge under a bridge to wait it out with their new little friends.

************

Hop, Basil, Marnie, Milo’s brother, and the new champion all met in Circhester for the most epic snowball fight of epic snowball fights.  They had invited Bede to join as well, but he hadn’t gotten back to them. Basil promised them he’d come around to their games eventually, after all they always had fun playing when they were little, he just needed a little more time to adjust.

Bede had also told him he was going to see Rose, and Basil could only imagine what that had done to him.

He pushed the thought out of his mind while they played and laughed, he hadn’t had this much fun in a long time and he was going to enjoy every second of it.  He rolled his eyes when Hop tried and failed desperately to flirt with the Champion, and rolled them doubly when the Champion gave his attempts in return to an oblivious Hop.  It was like watching Nanu and Kabu try to dance around their relationship and it was painful to watch.

The all eventually got tired out and stopped for lunch, piling into the cozy little restaurant and chatting happily.  Basil was thrilled that they had all accepted him in as a friend, and he quickly lost track of time as they drank cocoa and gossiped about their siblings.

The snow outside was starting to pile up.  The Flying Taxi’s stopped flying over Circhester.

************

“He should be home by now…” Kabu was trying not to let himself relax too much, but Nanu’s arms were so inviting.  “Something’s not right, I told him to be home before it got bad out…”

Nanu pulled him close again, kissing his neck.  “He’s fine, Kabu.  He’s just doing what we did when we were his age.  He probably lost track of time, he’s out with friends.  They’ll keep each other safe.”

They were snuggled together on the couch, watching the rain come down through the window as the lighting blinded them yet again.

“I don’t like him being out in this weather.  The rain is one thing but Circhester?  The snow gets so bad you can’t see your hands in front of your face what if he gets lost?”

“He’s with friends! He won’t get lost.”  He turned Kabu’s eyes away from the window and towards his own.  “You’ve gotta let the kid have a little breathing room, babe.  He’ll be okay.”  He planted a kiss on Kabu’s lips, smiling at the small moan of frustration it brought and Kabu pulled him even closer.

Both of their phones started going off, startling them out of their kiss.

“What in Arceus name..?”

Kabu grabbed his first, scrambling to his feet.  “No more flying taxis.  I’m going to go get him it’s getting too dangerous out there—”  As he spoke, a crash of lightning shattered the earth and the wind tossed a large branch against the window.

Nanu pushed him back down onto the couch.  “Stay here, I’ll go look for him.  He’ll feel safer with you here if he does happen to show up.”  He tossed on his jacket.  “But he’s fine!  He’ll be fine!  Keep your phone on you!”

Kabu didn’t want to stay.  He didn’t want to sit and feel helpless, but he knew Nanu was right.  He was okay, he was with friends.  They’d keep each other safe…

************

The three strongest trainers in Galar gathered in a huddle in the lobby of the Battle Tower (Aside from the new champion, of course, but behind closed doors Leon swears his win was a stroke of luck and not a feat of skill).  Piers, Leon, and Raihan spoke in hushed whispers, just loud enough to be heard over the raging storm outside.

“What about Marnie? He’s had his eyes on Spikemuth for as long as I can remember, I won’t let him hurt Marn, I’ll kill him before he gets the chance…”

“I don’t think he wants to hurt anyone.”  Leon soothed. “I don’t think he’s going to come after anyone.  But we have to be there for Bede and Basil, because he’ll try to get in contact with them and if he does, it’ll be bad news if no one’s there to intervene if his intentions aren’t good.”

“And the Champion?”

“Your brother’s gonna be alright, Rai.  Don’t worry about it.  We just have to keep our wits about us, and—”

They looked up as the bell on the door rang, announcing the stranger’s presence.

“Excuse me sir, the battle tower is closed…”

The stranger was wrapped in a large, ill fitting coat, with a hood that covered his eyes, and a scarf that covered the rest of his face.  He unwrapped slowly, ignoring the warning.

“The battle tower is closed, you need to leave.”  Leon warned again, hand twitching near his pokeballs.

The hood came down, and the scarf came off, and the stranger had revealed himself, though he didn’t look much like himself anymore, a shadow of his former grandeur.

“Please… I need your help.”