#also i feel like there will probably be those self defense lessons as well but like

[ariastarke]

You want SJM to write another book about training to fight because you can’t comprehend a female character being badass and having agency unless she holds a sword.

I want SJM to write a book about Elain training to be a spy because it plays on themes of everyone underestimating her, her powers as a seer, claiming agency in the NC, becoming a hidden weapon, and still maintaining the roots of her character.

We are not the same.

[rainbowsmagicandshit]

Arthur repeals the magic ban! Yay! Druids, Catha, and all others come to Camelot to live peacefully under the reign of the Once And Future King! Yay! The Golden Age is starting! Yay! Merlin still hasn’t told Arthur about magic! …He’s just waiting for the right time. Things have just happened so fast and he just doesn’t know how to bring it all up.

Well, as Arthur and the rest of Camelot get more comfortable with magic, Arthur makes a decision. He’s tried teaching Merlin every type of weapon out there, and he’s hopeless with every one of them. But, Merlin still insists on coming with him on dangerous quests. So, Arthur decides to have Merlin try his hand at magic so he has some sort of self defense.

Merlin: ...You want me to what?

Arthur: I know! I know, Merlin! Magic can be dangerous! But I found a wonderful teacher for you. Say hello, Wallace.

Wallace: Hello

Arthur: He's perfectly trustworthy! And, it'll all be perfectly safe!

Merlin: Arthur, there's something you need to know. About me and magic--

Arthur: I know what you're going to say, Merlin, and--

Merlin: I really don't think you know--

Arthur: --please, for me, just try this. I know you don't really like magic. But please, Merlin. And, you know, even if you're crap at it--which you likely are like everything else--you could probably at least get your eyes to do the gold thing. That'll probably scare off some people from hurting you. Like a rattle snake.

Merlin: Arthur, really, you need to listen to me--

Arthur: I'll even do it with you!

Merlin: Arthur, really...Wait what?

Arthur: I'll do it with you! To show you how not dangerous it is! You have no reason to be scared of learning it, Merlin. It'll be easy.

Merlin: ...You're going to try to learn magic?

Arthur: Yes. How hard could it be. You're going to learn it.

Merlin, crossing his arms: Okay, then. I'd like to see this. Let's see you do magic, Once And Future Prat, Mr. Magic King

Arthur, smug at getting Merlin to agree: Good. Our first lesson starts now.

They both look to Wallace. Arthur happy, Merlin raising a judgmental eyebrow. Wallace starts with the history of magic and the theories behind using it. They don't get to the actually magic using part of the lesson day. Wallace does give them both some texts to study.

Their next lesson does get to the magic part.

Wallace: You want to really feel into the magic of the world around you. Feel the earth. Feel the connection you have to that earth. Feel the power that runs through it.

Merlin's enjoying it, letting the magic wash over him, and also peeking at Arthur who seems to be struggling with it. When asked, Merlin says he doesn't feel anything either. He wants to keep watching Arthur struggle.

Their next lesson, Wallace tries to teach them some basic spells. Lighting a candle. Moving a small object. Merlin laughs at all of Arthur's attempts.

Arthur: Well let's see you do better, Merlin!

Merlin just keeps laughing.

Their lessons keep getting interrupted by this or that. Merlin also has a very busy job. One would think that he'd have less work now that magic was legalized, but no. Now he just has more magic beasts roaming the lands, and people freaking out and attacking those magic beasts, leading to fights and stuff. He's always having to slip away to resolve the matter. He has gotten very good at calming dangerous magic beasts and relocating them. But, relocating takes longer than just killing, so he's still just as busy and gone just as much as he was when dealing with vengeful sorcerers.

Every single start of magic lesson:

Wallace: Did you do the homework I assigned?

Arthur, proud: Yes, I did. I did all the reading, but I did have some trouble with the spellwork.

Merlin, who was up all night settling a griffin family into a new nest on a tall mountain: Uh. No. Didn't have time.

Arthur: Merlin, this is your lesson!

Eventually, Merlin has his fill of watching Arthur struggling with magic, and decides that this time is better spent doing other things. So, during one of the lesson, when Wallace tells them to make the flower bloom, without looking up from the report he's going over, he waves his hand and his pot explodes with the force of plants that grow out of it instantly.

Wallace: ...

Arthur: ...

[chocor0se]

tim drake was totally obsessed with the waynes long before his batman & robin obsession. i mean, the only reason he figured out who they were was because of dick’s quadruple somersault which he saw at haley’s circus when he was like, three or something. or heard that dick could do it depending on how you see it.

picture a young, dick grayson at a gala with the distinct feeling that he’s being watched. cue camera cutting to tiny!tim watching him behind a curtain.

tim searching up anything he could get his hands on of haley’s circus. his obsession leading to him admiring bruce wayne more as well. imagine him reading through newspapers about bruce and dick because he wanted to know more about them. imagine him watching them and alfred through his bedroom window with binoculars like a true stalker.

tim slowly gaining an interest in batman and robin at the time, and finally seeing robin do a quadruple somersault and connecting the dots. suddenly his interest turns into another obsession, which he seems to have a lot of.

cue tim stalking the bats both in costume and out. tim falling in love with the second robin as well but also taking the occasional trip to bludhaven to take photos of the new hero, nightwing.

tim learning gymnastics and even a bit of self defense to be more like them. tim doing more etiquette lessons so he could go to more events to see the waynes.

basically tim loves both the waynes and the bats, and if his younger self saw him as both of those now he’d probably explode.

[blushstarot]

PICK A CARD: a message from my deck to you (timeless)

Pick whichever picture you feel more attracted to and skip to that pile.

Pile 1

queen of swords, the star, ten of pentacles (reversed).

In your past you went through a lot of bad situations, and probably were suppressing a lot of pain and suffering because of it. I see someone calling you out, a feminine energy, for bottling up all of your problems, or it might even be yourself snapping out of it, and working to get yourself to a better headspace. The past, although it hurts, have taught you a lot of valuable lessons, and when you look back to it, it feels like right now you are in tune with the universe. Maybe you are involved heavily in spirituality, and this has brought you peace and healing, making you feel all the issues that plagued your mind are now gone; however, you still have some more to learn and a long path to go. There may be some problems left for you to face, some that could involve your family, this could rock your foundations, specifically of the way you think and the things you believe. This changes might be sudden and cause you to break with traditions in dynamics in your family, but don't fear it, take this changes as something positive, and as an opportunity to learn and grow.

**As in all the PACs, just take what resonates and leave what doesn't, this is for entertainment only, so have fun with it!

Pile 2

page of swords (reversed), queen of cups (reversed), queen of wands.

You used to be one of those persons who claim to be brutally honest and direct on how you talk to people, but ends up just coming across as blunt and abrasive. This might have caused you to be seen as someone who is being defensive, cold, vindictive, cynical and that thinks is better than everyone else. Maybe some of you spread gossip about someone else, with ill intentions, and even manipulated (knowingly or unknowingly) someone closed to you. I would suggest working in your communication skills if you aren't doing it already. Right now, you might feel ashamed by your old ways, shallow and even directionless, but take this message as a warning to avoid becoming bitter with how you used to be, specially if now that you are trying to change things don't go your way. Sometimes you might still come across as sensitive, needy or clingy, as well as self-centered and with a lack of empathy, so watch out for when you unknowingly repeat the same mistakes you did in the past. If you keep going in this path of working on yourself, you future seems bright and optimistic, you might keep your chaotic energy, but I see a lot of growth and success in what you want to achieve.

**As in all the PACs, just take what resonates and leave what doesn't, this is for entertainment only, so have fun with it!

Pile 3

Eight of cups, the sun (reversed), knight of cups.

You feel like someone you care about abandoned you in the past, even if it didn't physically abandoned you, it could be more of an emotional thing, were they weren't present when you needed their support. This might have lead you to feel disappointed, lonely and looking for ways to escape your reality, making you overthink too much. Right now you probably still feel sad about feeling abandoned, and are refusing to see the positive things in life, making you cling to this negative emotions and use them as a way to filter how you view life and make decisions based on fear. I also see you trying to break free from this and starting to look for guidance, probably the main reason on why you ended up reading this PAC. You trying to change how you feel and expressing it is a good thing, take this message as an encouragement from me and my deck to start doing what your heart wants, and become who you want to be. One bad experience doesn't define you, you define who you are and only you can decide how to live your life. When you feel ready and safe enough, try to reach out to someone you trust about your feelings and your problems, I promise you're not a burden. If you continue this path I see gentleness, affection and warmth in your future, and exciting news too, the type of news you've been hoping to have for a while.

**As in all the PACs, just take what resonates and leave what doesn't, this is for entertainment only, so have fun with it!

Thanks for reading, let me know what you think of your message!

You can find more of my readings on my master list, and if you have any topic you want me to do, you can send me an ask requesting it. I have another reading coming out later, hopefully today, so when it's out I'll link it here.

Bye byeee ✨

[creatingblackcharacters2]

How to spot a Stereotype: An Example

Okay, so I talked about this in my Lesson 6 Stereotypes series, but I feel like people haven't quite... Understood what I meant. So I'm doing a mini lesson/application. First, I'd really appreciate it if you take the time to read the links in my posts, because that will provide you the historical and social context necessary. If you lack it, you will never be fully able to understand this. Remember, all I do here is provide the beginning steps. You have to be willing to do the rest!

One thing I constantly emphasize is that it's not the description of a character that (always) reveals an existing stereotype, but the writing! And again, until you grasp why anti-Black stereotypes are what they are, you will continue to be frustrated with how to avoid incorporating them, both in your writing and in your mindset. I'm going to use one stereotype as an example.

The Mammy Stereotype

"[Black woman character] is very fond, doting, and protective. She's like the team mom of the group."

On the surface, people who are worried about this stereotype will worry, because Black readers have long rolled their eyes and said we're tired of seeing this as one of the Only Options for Black women characters. And we are. Here's the disconnect: the attributes are not what we're tired of, but how they were utilized in the writing- often by non-Black writers!

Mammy: put simply, the caricature of the Mammy is the Black nursemaid that would take care of the Master's white children and the Mistress, prioritizing them above the well-being of herself, her own children, and her own community. She is fat and homely (so as not to attract the Master from the Mistress), unthreatening, sweet and subservient.

In other words, the only value she held was to serve white people's needs (and quench their guilt).

While the image of the Mammy herself is a strong imagery that has faded from its specific origin, I would say the modern day fan archetypes that ring of the Mammy stereotype are the Black woman character that "holds the Braincell", the "begrudgingly fond mother of the group", the canon love interest now relegated to the "mommy/mean lesbian" whose feelings are erased altogether, her new role to help the two white characters get together without acknowledgment of her own potential. She has no real story of her own, or as mentioned, has her own story stolen because "it doesn't look good with her in it" (which is its own bag of worms).

Now, people often give these characters motherly (or what society deems motherly) traits: caring, sweet, protective, loving, self sacrificial. Because they want to defensively show that "they're a great person! Nothing bad! I still think they're good! I'm not racist!"

But upon learning of the stereotype, there appears this insecurity- "oh, my Black woman character has these traits, is she playing into this stereotype?" When you get to this question, what you really need to be asking yourself is:

What makes the Mammy a Mammy?

They are a tool, a utility to white people with more power.

They lack autonomy. How they feel is irrelevant, if it does not serve the white person.

Nonthreatening so as to feel "harmless" to white people who bask in her "selfless" care.

They are not allowed to show frustration or upset at their lot or at life; it is seen as a negative attribute because if they are not caring, they have no use (and may now even be considered a threat).

They will also disagree with anyone else, even to the detriment of themselves, to the benefit of the white person. This is considered "selfless", rather than sacrifice (consider that "real" Mammies were originally slaves. They probably hated every single day with the people they "cared" for, but God forbid they speak on it. To white people, they were supposedly so happy and grateful! Smile and nod!)

Notice, out of the things I listed, "strong", "protective", "intelligent", and "caring" (on its own) weren't there! Because those aren't bad attributes for a Black character to have! Why would we ever suggest that?? Why would I be mad that a Black woman was any of those wonderful things to her peers? That's not the issue. The issue is that they are often used in service of usually white characters and their stories. They're a tool of the writer to coddle their white characters, versus a character that has their own inner workings and existence.

Knowing what you know now; things that would make your strong, protective, and caring Black woman character fit the Mammy stereotype can include:

If she is pushed to the side with no autonomy or inner life of her own, as the narrative centers the white characters and their needs.

If she is never shown to have any reason for acting outside of to the benefit of the white characters around her. That's the only time her presence counts.

If her disagreeing with, getting upset with, or refusing (or really, just not being "motherly") the white characters is deemed trashy by the narrative (whereas anyone else receives nuance or reason for their behavior).

If the white characters in the story treat her poorly, and it is treated as a good thing that she "stays calm" without any sort of reflection on her feelings.

You can come up with any sort of setting, plot scenario, and description of your Black woman character. But at the end of the day, what's going to make it the stereotype is how the narrative treats her, which you will only find out by writing it, and then reviewing your own work!

You're going to have to approach any stereotype this way. It's part of the *intent* thing I keep pushing 😅 if you don't intend to write a stereotype, you're going to have to actively understand what it is, which will help you actively avoid it.

[the-overreactress]

What are some of the insights you gained about Rory (and her relationships with other characters) from watching Seasons 5-7? You mentioned that recently, and I am SOOOO curious to know!

Thank you for this ask!!

Something I’ve always wondered about Rory Gilmore’s evolution is just how much her entire identity appears to be built on the praise (seasons 1-3) and critiques (seasons 4-7) from everyone else around her. When Rory is doing well and riding the high associated with her success in Seasons 1-3, we only see the cracks in her facade a few times (i.e. when she’s briefly questioned/prodded by Headmaster Charleston, Jess, Straub, etc.) Season 4 shows Rory in a severely vulnerable light, with her struggling romantically, socially, academically, and emotionally for the first time. Seasons 5 feels like an even more intense build up to the Huntzbergers rejecting her (the dinner with Logan & Mitchum not so kindly telling her the harsh words she’d likely never heard from an authority figure in her life: “You just don’t have it.”)

Or, how Rory might have interpreted it: “You’ll never be good enough for this job you’ve been wanting and working towards your entire life.” That’s a massive blow to the ego. This may not have been what Mitchum intended, but that’s absolutely how it landed with her. The proof is in the stolen yacht.

Her entire external life (I say external, because I am of the belief her internal life is a lot more nuanced) is built on living up to the expectations placed upon her by her mother, her grandmother, her grandfather, her teachers, her friends, her boyfriends, and the citizens of Stars Hollow. The second that world starts to crumble, either from external pressures or Rory’s own mistakes, her entire worldview is thrown into question.

Anytime she is prodded, she is forced to confront her lack of decisiveness, her lack of impulse control, and her lack of real self-worth. The first time I think we really see this is her first day at Chilton, but she eventually rises to the occasion. The second time is probably “teach me tonight” when Jess questions whether she’s actually ready and prepared for the career she wants. Then, she’s quickly defensive in the required therapy sessions at Yale, before devolving into a break down at a few simple questions from the counselor. She breaks down again and dyes her hair when faced with the notion she may not have a plan after graduation (And girl, same.)

Each and every time, you see the same shift in her expression: she’s unsure, she’s questioning, she’s weighing whatever the person or situation is telling her against her own understanding of who she is. Instead of finding the strength to challenge herself and outright reject those expectations, she finds herself utterly lost in them. And yes, so much of this stems from the “gifted kid” narrative, but I also think it’s a lesson in allowing your children to be who they really are, not who you think they are (or want them to be). I think Lorelai mostly did this unintentionally, but it still crops up whenever the conversation of “Rory is our golden child/Savior of the Gilmore Family Name” arises.

Do I really think Rory has what it takes to be a journalist? That’s debatable, but I’d argue yes. Technically and creatively, she’d excel. But her grit and tenacity come and go. They wane even in the face of genuine success/getting what she wants. I rewatched the last Friday night dinner scene in season 7. Lorelai says “You’ve worked so hard for this (the campaign job)” And Rory says “Yeah…I guess so…” like she’s trying to convince herself it’s what she wants (she does this a lot!) I tend to think she WAS excited by the opportunity, but considering how challenging a job like that could be, her trepidation makes sense.

I also want to briefly mention the parallel between Jess and Rory’s behavior after they are both told they aren’t good enough. Both say something to the effect of “I don’t want to be here, I don’t want to be around other people right now,” before making impulsive choices. Talk about going on the same journey!

This has all likely been pointed out before, but I am continually fascinated by how Rory in particular has become villainized for so much of her Season 4-6 behavior. While I think some of that criticism is valid (the pattern of cheating, for example), some of it also feels a little sexist. I also think we have to take Rory’s entire arc into account when considering why she makes the choices she makes. Her core identity is built on not only the expectations of everyone around her, but also her OWN expectations of herself, which we have to believe in some cases (maybe not the relationship stuff lol) are fairly high. So when she fails to live up to her own high school valediction version of herself, she simply…crumbles.

Okay, this was too LONG, but at some point, I would really love to do a deep dive into Rory’s thought process when it comes to Logan cheating on her and how she distinguishes her own cheating behavior from his. I also want to go into the revival more. I have many thoughts about that. 😝

[bloombubs]

Ooo can I please request an Adrian Chase x fem!innocent/civilian!reader where she’s Adrian’s gf and he’s teaching her how to defend herself? I feel like he’d make it a point to teach her a variety of ways due to all the enemies he has (and also the enemies the 11th Street Kids have) and he’s worried that would come after her someday. But Adrian would sooo flirt to his heart’s content while teaching her, wrapping his arms around her to help her aim, probably holding her longer and closer than he really needs haha, and giving her kisses and all that. Y/n being super nervous and Adrian finding it to be very adorable 🥺

💜💜

hi love! thank you for requesting!

notes: i usually say this, but i have no clue what was happening when i wrote this. i hope this is what you wanted! i had a lot of fun writing it. mentions kissing, both admiring each other, mentions guns, self defense, adrian being flirty.

In the heart of the dense forest, a few miles outside the city, Y/N found herself surrounded by the echoes of nature. Broken appliances lay scattered, bearing the scars of past target practices. Adrian stood behind her, his hands securely gripping her waist. His eyes, filled with a blend of pride and excitement, scanned the makeshift range he had set up.

Adrian's smile widened as he observed his collection, oblivious to the unease creeping over Y/N. The initial excitement from Y/N began to wane, replaced by the realization that these lessons were far more intense than she had anticipated. This wasn't the self-defense routine she had imagined. Y/N felt like a deer in headlights as she soaked in the scene in front of her.

Y/N prided herself on her ability to disarm an opponent or exploit their weaknesses, but holding a gun felt foreign and unsettling. It was more offense than defense, a realm she hadn't explored before. The forest, with its broken remnants and bullet-riddled targets, made her brows furrow. 

Y/N imagined herself and Adrian in a quiet corner of the gym from the past few weeks. They'd be all hands-on, practicing how she could pin him to the floor. She looked forward to catching his laughter when she messed up, watching him put his hands on his hips during her failed attempts, and seeing his muscles flex as he pretended to ‘attack’ her. Those few brown curls of his sticking to his forehead added to the picture.

Adrian cherished that day, finding delight in the sounds of his girlfriend's pants and whimpers as she attempted to tackle him to the floor or flip him over. To him, it was endearing, almost cute. Her petite hands clung to his muscles, and he couldn't help but appreciate the intimacy of the moment. Knowing that he could be equipping her with the skills to protect herself in his absence added a deeper meaning to their playful practice.

“Okay babe, the first step is to ground yourself—make sure you're balanced, at least for this training,” Adrian coached, his head leaning down to her ear. Y/N obediently looked down at her feet, searching for solid footing on the uneven forest floor. Adrian's presence was a reassuring anchor in the midst of the wild surroundings.

Her attention was drawn to Adrian's feet beside hers and how his large hands gently gripped onto her sides. The realization hit her; his fingers were rubbing small circles, a comforting touch that conveyed encouragement and support. The warmth of his hands against her sides provided a sense of security.

“Perfect, great, you're doing amazing—you're like a pro already,” Adrian praised, a warm smile spreading across his face at her minor advancements. His eyes held a mixture of pride and affection, relishing in the small steps she was taking.

“Really?” Y/N asked, her voice unintentionally sounding a bit more squeaky than she wished. She didn't want to convey nervousness, especially about something as basic as finding her balance.

“Uh—well, no, you're not a pro. Anyone could stand like this, but you'll be a pro in no time. It only took me two years, but you have me.” Adrian reassured, giving her a tighter squeeze. His touch conveyed reassurance, letting her know it was okay to feel uncertain. “Now, there's no ammo in the gun right now. Can't risk you hurting yourself, right? So, just lift it up, feel how it feels in your hand.” Adrian's hands shifted to encourage her to raise her arms, his fingers lightly pressing on her elbows. Y/N held the gun out straight, her grip causing her knuckles to turn white. She was visibly shaking.

Adrian licked his lips, suppressing a playful grin. “Are you nervous about holding an empty gun, sweetheart?” His voice carried a teasing note, his eyes filled with a mischievous spark. The lines between training and playful banter blurred as he continued to guide her.

After a few more minutes of patient guidance, Adrian had her in the perfect stance and grip, walking around her to make sure she would be able to handle the first shot. The forest seemed to settle around them, the rustling leaves offering a subtle applause to their makeshift training.

“Look at you,” Adrian murmured, his gaze lingering on her, “handling that gun like a pro.” He closed the gap between them, the air thick with a blend of tension and something more intimate. His hands lingered a moment longer than necessary, his touch intentionally gentle as he adjusted her stance. “There we go, sweetheart. Nice and steady,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear like the gentlest of butterfly kisses.

Allowing his girlfriend a moment to collect herself, Adrian watched as she took a sip of water, her eyes wandering over the old appliances scattered in the forest until they landed on him. He noticed her gaze fixed on his fingers, gliding over the gun, loading it with ease. Adrian had a familiarity with the firearm that mirrored an intimate knowledge of her own body. 

“Now, watch closely,” he said, his voice low and filled with a hint of playfulness. “It's all in the wrist.” As he effortlessly handled the gun, he couldn't resist glancing at her with a smoldering gaze, turning the training session into a flirtatious spectacle. Her cheeks turned a shade of red, and Adrian couldn't help but lean in, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. “You're a fast learner, and it's driving me wild,” he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. “Let’s see what you got.”

Adrian handed her the loaded gun, his fingers lingering on hers for an extra moment. “Just take a deep breath in and focus on your target. You can shoot it whenever you’re ready.” He instructed, his voice a soothing melody amidst the tension of the training. He stood behind her, unsure how she would handle the power of the gun. 

Y/N narrowed her gaze on the oven before pulling the trigger. The gun's recoil sent her body back a smidge, her eyes widening, and her hands feeling a bit of the shock of shooting the gun for the first time. The bullet shot straight into the oven—not where she was aiming, but hitting such a big target was inevitable.

Adrian couldn't help but grin at her reaction, a mix of pride and amusement in his eyes. “Not bad for a first-timer,” he teased, his hands squeezed her shoulders. “But I think you can do better. Let me help you adjust your grip.” Leaning in closer, his warm breath brushed against her ear again as he whispered, “You're doing amazing, sweetheart. Just let go a little and trust yourself. I've got you.” The flirtatious undertones lingered, creating a charged atmosphere as they continued their unconventional training in the secluded forest.

In the weeks that followed, Y/N and Adrian found themselves back in their favorite corner of the gym. Y/N no longer seemed as nervous as she was in the beginning of their lessons, although holding a gun still rattled her a bit. The air was thick with a blend of exertion and affection, as Adrian's genuine love for his girlfriend became the driving force behind their self-defense sessions.

"Hey, Y/N," Adrian said with a warm smile, his warm eyes filled with adoration as they locked onto hers. "Nice job back there," He couldn't resist peppering their training with expressions of love, his words carrying the weight of genuine admiration. Y/N raised an eyebrow as she looked at her boyfriend. It wasn’t like he just kicked her out from underneath her feet and now he hovered over her, pining her arms to the floor.

"Sweat looks good on you, too,” he remarked playfully, reaching out to gently wipe a bead of sweat from her brow. His large, calloused hand always felt good on her skin. Despite the public space, he leaned down closely to her, his eyes flickering around the details of her face. His hand went down to pinch her chin, before tilting her face to the side and pressing a few kisses on her cheek and down her jaw, nipping and tasting her sweat. One of his hands held him up as the the other caressed down her body.

"Adrian, stop it--we're in public." Y/N giggled, not putting much effort in swatting him away though.

As the playful display of affection concluded, Adrian couldn't help but let his sincere side shine through. “I've been on missions where knowing how to defend yourself is crucial,” he confessed, his tone carrying a genuine weight once he pulled away, determined not to get too distracted from the delightful hour they had spent training together. “Teaching you isn't just about that–it's about making sure you're safe when I’m not around.” He sat back on the floor next to her as she leaned herself up into a sitting position.

“Plus, I see how people look at you at the bar. And I think it’d be a little bit–no, super hot, if you could just ... .Put them in a choke hold and I can admire you–” Adrian began to ramble, fixing the glasses on the bridge of his nose.

“Adrian, I’m not putting anyone in a chokehold for just looking at me at the bar–”

“Please, Y/N?”

“It’s not a crime, Adrian–”

“...Fine.” 

[jinmindeulle]

twenty one petals | do kyungsoo

𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 commoner!do kyungsoo x princess!reader

𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 8.2 k

𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆 angst, romance | love at first sight, forbidden love

𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆 angsty, fluffy

𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 none

requested by @kyungseokie, thank you again! hope it's what you were looking for 🥰

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 　˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊ ＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚　 ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊ ＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚ ＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚ ＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ ˚

Twenty-one had always represented more than just a number to y/n.

She could finally obtain her freedom to go out of the Palace with only one guard, have her friends over more often, begin her self-defense classes, and learn more about the women she admired the most. Of course, y/n had always had history lessons for it was of utmost importance for a royal like her to be knowledgeable of her roots and ancestry. However, there was one particular Queen whom she had the most curiosity about. No teacher had dared to tell the story of Jeon Mindae, a royal who had vanished after eleven years of rule, and no one ever talked about what had happened to her.

As much as she was joyous about all those new possibilities, y/n was also terrified. Turning twenty-one had also meant that she was of age to finally get married, and the King was well aware of that. Her sister, barely a year older than her, had been married two months after her twenty-first birthday. Consequently, y/n was not expecting any other future for herself.

A week after her celebration, y/n found herself looking out of the window of her chambers, wondering how life went about for people whom she probably would never see ever again. She liked to contemplate all those various faces and create whole identities and characters, imagining stories, often romantic, for each person that called her attention.

Y/n envied them sometimes. Their lives could be different, more challenging, and less privileged, but at least they had certain freedoms to enjoy, even if they did not realize it. They could go out and about whenever, wherever, and with whoever they liked, they could lead an independent life, and above all, they could marry the person they loved. Those aspects of life were what y/n yearned the most, and ironically, was deprived of them. Her only alternative was her newly gained escapades. And she desperately needed to go out. 

Even though she had been able to leave the Palace for a couple of hours already, the guard who accompanied her was pretty annoying and watched her every step. He made sure people knew who she was and made her feel out of place, which was the opposite of what she had wanted. So, this time, she had asked the King to send another guard with her.

“Sir Sehun must accompany me this time, Your Highness”

“Why is that so, Princess?”

“I do not intend for people to recognize me when I leave the Palace. Sir Taehun was not fit for that role”

“For I trust Sir Sehun, I will assign him this duty. Await him by the gates”

“Thank you, Your Highness”

The woman could not help but smirk as she made her way out of the Crown room. Sehun was a dear friend of hers and she knew he was both, laidback and protective. She was the safest and most confident under his care. 

Y/n had to laugh when, after some minutes of impatient little walks around the gates, Sir Sehun approached her with his thick right eyebrow raised “Ma’am, may I ask why I was requested as your guard?”

“Well, Sir Sehun,” she interlaced her left arm with the soldier’s right one as he was offering, and began their walk out of the Palace “Taehun is a prick” she let out once they were out of sight, and a good distance from the nosy masses of the royal community.

“Nothing new. You just want me to let you live, then” he dropped off the formalities, as they usually did when together and in private — or at least away from those who could not live a life as anything else than aristocrats. 

“You know me so well”

The walk to the Cherry Blossom Market was quiet but pleasant. They both liked the silence and tranquility that the forest offered, and it was well known between them that it had to be savored each time, as opportunities like those were usually scarce. Upon reaching the first stalls, y/n sent a smile in Sehun’s way. That was her call for him to just let her go around but always under his careful watch, as she had promised. 

The beauty that y/n found there, she was sure could not be found anywhere else. Just the sight of people all dressed up in colorful yet comfortable ropes, some simple, some fancy, brought a new wave of giddiness to her body. The thought of being able to walk with them, passing as one more of the commoners, was what made her the most thrilled. She could pretend, just for a couple of hours, that she was one of the people she usually fantasized about through the glass of her window. 

A pair of the prettiest shoes caught her attention, and she had to stop to just admire them. Soft peachy colored silk embraced the pair, both adorned with delicate pink cherry blossom petals on each side. Sadly, she could not have them. The guards would snap them away from her the minute she went inside for the check-up. Commoner things stay with commoners. 

A light breeze took her out of her thoughts, and as she placed the shoes back where they belonged with a small bow to the stall owner, her eyes met a wooden bridge, which went over a quiet river. Cherry blossoms surrounded the area, their petals dancing their way to the ground, mimicking a snowy afternoon. After taking a look back to Sehun, who was well aware of her movements, she enthusiastically skipped to the beginning of the bridge, feeling the glee that the soft petals caressing her cheeks provided her with.      

The walk to the viaduct was calmer, yet never less eager. The middle of the bridge had a smaller number of people, so y/n decided that that was the right spot to rest a little and contemplate the delicateness of the running water, and how the pink petals bathed in it as if tired of hanging from a tree.

Although her hood was bothering her sightseeing, she knew people would recognize her out of paintings and written records, so she had the need to hide her face as much as she could. The risk was high enough with her hood up. 

Noticing how someone stopped right beside her and leaned their forearms on the railing, she took her gaze away from the river and to her other side, pretending to observe the cherry blossoms dancing to the rhythm of the wind. When the woman was about to walk away, she heard the person speak.

“Is it not incredible that there are over a hundred varieties of cherry blossom trees?” 

The deepness and smoothness of the voice that she now knew belonged to a man, had her stood still in her place. A shiver ran down her spine and she felt how her cheeks imitated the color of the most intense pink petals.

“It certainly is,” she replied, clearing her throat, still giving her back to the stranger. Though she was aware of the hazard that that man could represent, she physically could not move from her spot. It was as if the man’s voice had put a spell on her. 

“Are these your favorite?” he asked, and y/n could not help but crack a smile. 

“Fortunately, they are” 

Her body was moving without her taking notice, and suddenly she was no longer facing the trees but the very man who had interrupted her alone time, away from royalties, away from turmoil. And the sight in front of y/n had her sigh. 

A round face, giving him a youthful and friendly appearance, was complemented by brown almond-shaped eyes, which seemed captivating, warm, and inviting. His well-defined, thick eyebrows framed his eyes and added character to his face. The man sported a small, button-like nose that went well with his soft jawline. Though she tried to avoid looking at his lips, it had become an impossible task. Plump, well-defined, heart-shaped. Flawless. She last noticed that his dark brown hair was up in a topknot, all secured by a simple linen headband.

“Have you ever seen the Shirotae variety?” when his eyes met hers, y/n felt what she could only associate with what her romantic novels described as love at first sight. If it existed or not, she couldn't care less. For her, a man like him talking about her favorite tree and flower, looking at her in what seemed to be undivided attention and care, had to be hard to find — and that had her over the moon in just a couple of seconds.

“I have never left the Kingdom” she admitted, finally able to unglue her eyes from his. Overly conscious, she looked down at her feet, hiding her face as much as possible with the gray hood.

“Hwanggeum is known for having them all, though it is true that the Shirotaes are well beyond our borders. Are you from here, Agassi?”

It was the first time that someone had addressed her as a commoner, and rather than displeasing her, it encouraged her to keep talking to the man. He had not recognized her after all.

“I am, Seonsaengnim”

“So you are well acquainted with the Pink Shell” his faint smile had her melting right on the spot, but she somehow managed to conceal it. 

“It might also be the reason why they are my favorite. Though I have read about the other varieties, I have not had the chance to see them in person yet”

“Would you like to?”

If it meant that he could take her away and hold her hand for the rest of the afternoon, she would have yelled ‘Please!’. However, the sight of Sehun waiting for her by the end of the bridge, right behind the enticing man, had her come to her senses “I am afraid my father is not very keen on me going out often, especially out of the city”

“That was not my question, Agassi. Would you like to?”

“I would love to,” she nodded, and with all her might, bowed to say goodbye “It was pleasant to converse with you, Seonsaengnim. Have a good rest of your afternoon”

Walking past him, she tried to reach her guard friend as fast as possible. Her efforts, no matter how big, were cut short by a hand around her unclothed wrist. The warmth he transmitted was able to soothe her uncontrollable heart, just a little bit, for his hand over her skin, was not something her heart was expecting to feel.

“I still do not know your name” he recited, not letting go. “I am Kyungsoo. Do Kyungsoo”

“Pardon me Seonsaengnim, but I am not allowed to disclose my name” 

As if he sensed that that was all he was getting from her, the man she now knew to be named Do Kyungsoo let her hand go, and she was finally able to walk towards her guard. “Let’s go” she murmured over her breath, not stopping on her way back home. Sehun rapidly followed, not wanting to discuss what he had witnessed. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Do Kyungsoo stayed on her mind for the following two days, as if he had nowhere else to be. It was surprising how she could not just shoo him away. No matter how many classes she took, how many conversations she had or the piles of books she read, the man with warm eyes and plump lips would always come back. She was aware of the fact that the King would announce her inescapable marriage in the upcoming weeks, hopefully, months, and having met him, she did not want that day to come any time soon.

Three days had passed, and y/n could no longer bear it. She had to see Kyungsoo again, at least one last time.

“Indeed, Sir Sehun is available for you. Where are you heading to?” the King asked, and y/n raised her head.

“To the Cherry Blossom Market, Your Highness”

“Again?” With his eyebrows raised, he observed her every movement.

“I am truly in love with the cherry blossom trees, and these are the last days of their bloom. I yearn to admire them as long as I can”

A nod was the only permission she needed to perform a deep bow and leave the Crown room, looking for Sehun with her eyes. She spotted the guard standing next to the room’s entrance, already informed of his next duties. There was no need to say anything.

With her cloak on and hood already up, silence remained untouchable until they surpassed the main gates of the Palace. The discretion she continuously made sure to have had become sacred at that point. No one except Sehun could know about Do Kyungsoo. 

“Are you sure he is going to be there?”

“I am not, but this is the only way I can find out” she sighed, letting him walk by her side. 

“Why do you want to see him again?” he asked.

“Honestly, Sehun, I do not know,” the woman admitted “He has not left my mind ever since we met. The only certainty I have is that my heart is longing for him.”

“Do you like him?”

“It is hard to say. I have never felt this way, so I cannot compare it to anything other than what I read romantic in my novels”

“Not a great source, may I say” Sehun giggled, looking at her with small eyes. 

“I am sorry, Sir all-the-girls-love-me” her laugh synced with his, heading the conversation in a more relaxed direction. 

“Not only girls love me!”

Though tranquility had embraced her as they walked their way through the forest, the sight of the first market stalls made her heart race once again. He could be anywhere, but he was surely closer than before. 

When she felt Sehun squeeze her shoulder, she looked his way to find a comforting smile. She nodded. Words were not necessary between them.

Calculated but unconscious steps led her to the bridge where their heartwarming exchange had taken place. The trees were still there, now calmer than before. Petals were still falling, but their dance was more controlled and stable. The bridge itself had fewer people, and she thought that the stillness of the water could not be attractive enough for the masses. It was for her.

A deep breath was all she had to do to muster the courage and find the place where Kyungsoo had approached her. All she had to do was wait. But oh my! It was a true challenge. As she hummed a song that her sister had sung to her while she was little, y/n closed her eyes and let her mind wander around dangerous paths. His cute smile had popped up once again, and it was impossible for her not to smile back. The effect he had had on her in only a matter of minutes was incomprehensible. 

“Is it me that you are waiting for, Agassi?”

The feeling that her heart was about to jump out of her chest came back upon hearing his honeyed voice once again. Nothing could have prepared y/n for that moment, regardless of how many times she had imagined it.

“Yes,” she whispered, turning to him with rosy cheeks. Because she had expected to see his gentle smile, the seriousness of his expression took her aback “Oh… Is there something wrong, Seongsaengnim?”

“I now know why you did not want me to know your name, Your Grace”

Her surprise could not be veiled. How had that happened? Was she not careful enough? She would not have come back if she noticed any trace of recognition in his eyes. She could not risk her outings like that. 

“You are mistaking me for someone else” Her voice faltered, but her forehead was still up.

“I am not. You are Princess Y/n, daughter of King Younghee and sister of the future Queen, Princess Hara. I apologize for the boldness with which I addressed you the other day, Your Grace. It was only after our encounter that I realized who you were”

So that settled it. Her outings were over, her freedom was over. Seeing him was also over. She understood that good things only lasted for a short period, but she did not see the end coming so fast. 

“Why are you here?” y/n had to know at least that. Was he back to solely ask for forgiveness?

“I had wanted to see you again, Your Grace. I came back here the day following our meeting, but you were not here. That same evening, I traveled to the Grand Market to buy more merchandise to sell at the Market, and I saw the big portrait of your family at the entrance. How could I not know who you were?” the calmness with which he uttered his sentences had y/n in a trance. His eyes had not left hers, as if he had rehearsed for that exact instant together.  “After learning about your true identity, I knew I had to stop myself from expecting this encounter to happen again”

“But it happened” she murmured, feeling her chest expanding with a deep breath. 

“I genuinely tried, Your Grace” he shook his head, still not moving an inch from his spot “But it proved to be impossible.”

The silence that followed his statements permitted the woman to process her sentiments, one by one. There was nervousness. Uncertainty. Fear. But there was also expectancy. Excitement. Bliss. 

“We are not supposed to do this” he continued “A commoner can only dream of meeting a royal and give her the life she deserves. I know I am not able to do so. However, I am here. And you are here too, Your Grace”

“I needed to see you again,” she admitted, taking her hood away from her view. She had to see him in all his plenitude because it had to be the last time “only one more time. My mind was playing tricks and my duties could not be fulfilled if I had you in my head every hour”.

“I understand,” Kyungsoo nodded, and for the first time that afternoon, his fingers touched hers. Her lifetime seemed to pass right in front of her eyes as the caress of his warm skin against hers filled her senses. It was overwhelming, yet y/n wanted more. “I want you to have this. We cannot interact in person anymore, but I consider letters to be a very effective way to communicate. If that is what you want, Your Grace”

The eager nod she gave him made Kyungsoo show the first smile of the afternoon. His relief could be sensed, and that also gave her the reaffirmation she had been desperate for. With a discrete hand movement, she took the folded piece of paper, keeping it inside her cloak’s pocket. 

“I also know you will get married in the near future” his forehead furrowed, and y/n felt how her eyes welled up. That was a topic she was not ready to face, especially with him “Although that makes it even more dangerous and unfeasible, I am still willing to do this. Are you, Your Grace?”

Not following her heart was not an option. She would allow herself to be selfish this time.

“I am”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Your Royal Highness,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you with the utmost humility and respect, fully aware of the immeasurable distance that separates your world from mine.

Since the moment I first had the privilege of glimpsing your radiant presence from afar, my heart has embarked on a journey it had never before known. It is a journey filled with profound admiration, deep respect, and, dare I say, love that transcends all boundaries.

I am but a humble commoner, a mere speck in the grand tapestry of your Father’s noble kingdom. Yet, as I go about my daily toils, I find myself endlessly enchanted by thoughts of you. Your delicateness, your kindness, your voice—all of these qualities have illuminated my every waking moment from the second you answered my inquiry.

Please understand that I harbor no illusions of grandeur, nor do I seek to intrude on your world. My affection is a silent and solitary affair, a secret held close to my heart, and now to yours. It is a love that has to remain unspoken, for I am painfully aware that my place in society precludes any dreams of an impossible union.

I am content to serve my kingdom, my family, and my fellow commoners with all the devotion and diligence I can muster. In doing so, I hope to honor the same virtues that have earned you the admiration and adoration of all who have had the privilege of knowing you.

May your days be filled with happiness and prosperity.

With the utmost reverence and eternal devotion,

DKS.

His neat calligraphy imprinted in liquid ink had perfectly accompanied what he had expressed in that letter. Kyungsoo’s well-thought-out words had her heart leap in excitement and yearning. The man had probably spent an afternoon ardently writing, employing careful words and admiring sentences. 

In return, she had to let him know what he had done to her as well. The impossibility of their reunion could not make their days heavy with misery.  

My Dear Kyungsoo,

I wish nothing but good health and spirits for you in return. Your words have touched my heart, and I am deeply moved by the sincerity and humility with which you express your feelings.

Your admiration and respect have not gone unnoticed. I am grateful for your kind words and the sentiments you have shared with me. It is rare to encounter such genuine devotion and honor in this world, and your letter has brought warmth to my heart.

I must confess that your unwavering dedication to our kingdom and your fellow commoners resonates deeply with me. Your commitment to serving our people is a testament to the qualities that make our realm strong and resilient.

It is with a heavy heart that I must acknowledge the realities of our respective stations in life. The traditions and responsibilities that come with my position demand a life of duty and sacrifice, which I am still unable to come to terms with. Your affection is a gift I shall cherish in my heart, but I also have to understand the limitations that bind us.

I encourage you to continue your path with the same steadfast determination and honor that you have shown thus far. Your devotion to our kingdom is a treasure, and I have no doubt that your contributions will be felt and appreciated by many.

Please know that I hold your words and your spirit in high regard. 

With the deepest respect and warm regards,

y/n. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Weeks had passed, and letters had come and gone. What had first started as a timid and knowingly-impossible romance, was now a tragedy that only found its way to the surface through words of passion, endeavor, and selflessness. 

The only one who knew about their exchange was Sehun. Since he was made responsible for her outings, no matter where they were, he had soon suggested delivering the letters back and forth, as he had understood how hazardous their short encounters could be. Seeing each other from afar from time to time was not enough, but was the only thing they could do for their growing affection. 

When she did not go with Sehun, their letter exchange was not done over the bridge. The men had made up a system unknown to y/n, but extremely effective in turn. Despite knowing how she was putting herself at risk each time she hid her letter in Sehun’s sleeve, she trusted her guard. Because receiving Kyungsoo’s letter was the only time of the week she felt purposefully happy, she neither wanted to nor would stop.

But alas, as she had learned, everything came to an end. However, that was not the way she had wanted it to happen. 

“Kyungsoo was not there this morning” Sehun’s forehead creased, worrisome written all over his face.

“What?” she had to stop herself from actually yelling, and shielded her mouth with one of her hands “Not any trace?”

“None”

“He has never done this”

A knock on her chamber’s door startled both of them, and Sehun had to take a step back to allow her to reach the hatch next to him. She looked at him, puzzled, and with a deep breath opened the door. 

“Your Grace, Your Highness is requesting your presence in the Crown room”

“Is it urgent?”

“It is, Your Grace”

Thanking the maid, y/n closed the door behind her and hugged Sehun “I have a bad feeling about this”

Call it third eye, intuition, or merely understanding. The woman had not failed to see what was coming. 

“You are to get married next week, y/n. Everything has been settled, and I am glad to announce that your future husband is the best prospect I could find for you. You will meet him in three days when he comes to formally propose to you.”

When she squeezed her eyes shut, the tears that had shimmered them traveled down her pale cheeks. Y/n could only see Kyungsoo reciting his letters to her in his mellowed voice, promising her to find a way to be together, not caring about social boundaries anymore. She only wanted to hear his whispers, to feel his tender touch, and to experience what would be like to have his inviting lips caress her own.

But now, the King was taking that away from her. The possibility they had built through their letters had to remain impossible. 

“Why are you doing this to me, Dad?”

It was the first time in years that y/n had called the King dad. She had felt that he no longer deserved that title, no matter how painful it was to lack that figure in her life. After her mother’s passing, he changed. His anguish for his loss had duplicated hers and Hara’s. He had forgotten that he had two daughters who had lost a mother and had only started to care for his heartbreak. 

“You are more naive than I wished you were.” he declared, unmoved by her emotions “I could have waited some weeks, some months even. But your recent behavior was proof enough that you need someone to discipline you”

“What are you talking about?” a mess already, y/n felt how her future with Kyungsoo vanished little by little. The love they had both developed over months through words and glances from afar was coming to an end, and there was nothing she could do to prevent it from happening.  

“Twenty-one is the prime of your life, and albeit you are not becoming Queen, you have duties to fulfill. Disregarding that, you have been frequently meeting a commoner, y/n. Please, do not tell me that that is not accurate, because I have eyes all over my kingdom. The greatest way to get you back on track is to give your hand in marriage to someone who is well-versed in our world, and knows how to treat you”

“As a trophy? As garbage? As a scum?” 

“Has your sister protested like you are? How do you know you will be treated badly if you have not crossed glances with him?” his harsh tone would not scare her away.

“I do not have to do that to understand that he will make my life miserable. The one person who is able to make me happy is not him” Rage was getting into her quite rapidly. She had to fight for what she wanted. But how?

“The one person you are so sure about making you happy is no longer available. I am sorry, daughter, but this is your life.”

“What have you done to him?!” 

“Return to your chambers, y/n. That was all I had to say”

“Dad?! What have you done to him?!” 

The sorrow was unmeasurable. She had put Kyungsoo at risk, she had made him suffer the consequences of loving her. She had selfishly walked him to a dark place, which she did not even know what it looked like. Where was he? Was he even alive? 

The pressure that was building in her chest was somewhat relieved when Sehun went inside her room, with no knocking in between. He was the only one she had allowed to do that in case of an emergency. And God knows she was in need of what Sehun could provide to her, be it a hug or simple reassurance words. But luck was on her side — if one could say that after what she was about to go through — and he was there with more than just that.

“I know what happened” Taking her hands into his, he began to share the information he was able to gather “Taehun has been following us, and he was the one who told your father about Kyungsoo”

“That bastard!” y/n’s eyes flooded with tears as she squeezed Sehun’s hands harder.

“I have never liked him, but that just crossed the line” he admitted “The King sent his soldiers to capture Kyungsoo, and now they got him in the dungeons” “Oh my Goodness” the fear multiplied, and the sudden relief she had felt upon seeing her best friend disappeared to make room for that familiar pressure, this time coming back twice as bad.

“I have a plan” he nodded, placing his big hands on her shoulders “Jaemin is watching over him during the night shift… and he owes me”

Y/n could do nothing else than cry on his shoulder and thank him over and over again. She truly did not know what she would do without her loyal guard, without her Sehun.

—

With her fingers tightly gripping her dress sleeves, the princess followed the guard down the spooky stairs of the dungeons. Though not too far away from the Palace, they had to ride a horse to make it quicker — and she was not a fan of horses. However, this time, she did not really care. Kyungsoo was her only priority. 

“Why is this so smelly?” she whispered, coughing when the damp odor reached her nostrils.

“Do you think they would bother to clean this?” 

“Too busy standing next to the King, I guess.”

Just when the flight of stairs started to appear endless, y/n saw light coming from one of the corners, and she could finally breathe “He’s here, right?”

But the woman did not have to wait for Sehun’s response, because he was right there. Sitting with his back resting on one of the rusty cell bars, Kyungsoo looked drained. His face was pale and smeared with dirt and sweat. His clothes were ragged and mucky. Because his eyes were closed, she could only guess — and hope — that he was sleeping. 

“Stay back. I’ll talk to Jaemin first”

As Sehun walked towards the light, she could sense how the movement around him was slowly waking him up from his slumber. His eyes had lightened up when he recognized her best friend and a sense of easiness travelled down through y/n’s spine. 

“Come, y/n”

If Kyungsoo’s eyes had lightened up when he saw Sehun, the instant his gaze met hers he appeared to hold the stars and the moon altogether in his orbs. “You are here”

No time was wasted when the master key let him out of the cell. They embraced each other for the first time, and the relief that they both felt upon finally having their love in their arms was indescribable. Letters were incredible, but they lacked contact, they lacked tangible affection.

“I am so sorry” she cried, taking in the feeling of his arms around her waist, and how his left hand caressed the back of her head with soft strokes.

“None of this is your fault, my love” he whispered, and being able to hear his sweet voice calling her that endearment sent her heart jumping out of her ribcage “We were aware of the risks. And I am still delighted with the decision we made”

“How?” 

“Because I get to have you in my arms now” he let her go, only to place his hands on her cheeks, looking into her eyes as if they held the universe. “We will be fine”

“Why are you so confident about that?” y/n could not help but be hesitant about everything around her now. She had only questions in her mind, no clear answers in sight. 

“Because” he brushed her lower lip with his thumb, his eyes traveling down with it, and back to her orbs “what we have is not easily broken. They can try, but we fight back. And if it is not now, it will be then. We will be together, my love. Trust me”

And with that promise, Kyungsoo pressed his lips onto hers and sealed the deal. The initial surprise had her frozen, trying to figure out what was actually happening. But when everything was clear, y/n closed her eyes and let him in. His passionate way of kissing her was more telling of his love for her than any of his letters were, and that was a lot to say. He was an excellent writer. But when it came to kissing…

Their romantic moment was cut short when Sehun fake coughed in an attempt to get their attention. When their lips were mere centimeters away from each other, he was quick to intervene “I am really sorry to interrupt your… moment, but she cannot stay much longer”

“What do you mean stay?” the woman looked at her best friend, baffled by his statement “Is he not coming with us?”

It may have been a dumb question, but she did not see how they could not just let him go, at least to hide somewhere far away.

“That would be an overly bad idea” Kyungsoo uttered, interlacing his fingers with hers “That would get everyone killed. Me, Sehun, the other guard. We cannot risk it” he shook his head, and rapidly let her hands go to brush the tears running down her cheeks “We will find another way, my love”

“But…” she sobbed, suddenly feeling like a little kid in his arms “I do not want you to die, my darling” 

“I am not dying anytime soon. I have to become your prince first” he giggled, and that sent the butterflies in her stomach on a wild flight.

“Guys…”

“Sorry,” Kyungsoo apologized and pressed a kiss on her forehead “Go back to your chambers and wait for Sehun to tell you what to do next. Whether the plan takes a week, two months, or three years… we cannot know for sure. The only thing I know for a fact is that we are meeting again, and we will have our happily ever after. I promise you, my love”

y/n would recite those exact words for the following two years, be it aloud or in her mind. Kyungsoo’s vow was not to leave her soul anytime soon, and she decided to use it as a way to have him close to her heart every day. 

She had had to get married. She had had to share a room with someone she did not love. She had played the trophy wife role for too long for her liking. But Sehun had continuously reassured her that the plan was going smoothly, and if everything happened according to it, she would meet Kyungsoo in a short time.

“Hajoon wants me to become pregnant” she confessed, a halo of panic in her eyes “I cannot deal with this anymore” Her cheeks, very familiar with her tears by that point, wetted the beginning of her bluey sweetheart bodice.

“When are you heading to the tour around Hwanggeum?”

“In three days”

“Hold on for a week. We are getting there”

Do you know that feeling of time slowing down when what you only need is the wait to be over? That was what y/n was experiencing ever since she left Kyungsoo in that horrid dungeon, hoping that seeing him again would be a matter of days. Her heart was hopeful, but her mind was not so much so. She knew that rushing into what your feelings dictate never brings good results, but the urgency had become tangible as the months went by. 

He was in the back of her mind most of her days, but very much present when her husband pressed kisses on her forehead, and occasionally on her lips. Despite not liking him much, she had to admit that Hajoon was clearly not the worst. He had respected her boundaries and only touched her when she let him. She was suspiciously sure that he had a lover way before they had gotten married, and that was a strange relief for the woman. However…

“I truly wish things were different, y/n… but we have to produce an heir soon”

“It sounded like you really want that” she sarcastically replied.

“Your Father…”

“Of course” she nodded, putting her hairbrush away to look at him “I will tell him we are trying. A child is not part of my plans right now”

The only person in her plans was Kyungsoo, and the wait was becoming heavier on her. In order to relieve stress, she took the first book she could get from the history section of the library and headed out to the gardens. It was nice to just feel the breeze clash with her rosy cheeks, and just let it calm her nerves down. The copy she had blindly chosen was one she had never seen in the years and years she frequented the library, and that encouraged her to go through the yellowed pages before choosing a story. Y/n had to stop on page one hundred and thirty-six, one with its edge slightly folded. There, a sketched portrait of an elegant woman caught her attention. Her stern look was emphasized by a set of well-defined curls that framed her clear face, big eyes, and slim nose. Her lips were pressed in a soft line as if they had been like that for a long time.

Jeon Mindae.

The one and only secret that the royals were good at hiding, but could only conceal for so long. She had noticed how even after turning twenty-one, no one was mentioning her, not even to highlight the great advances that had happened during her short reign. But now, she was about to discover the truth.

In the annals of Hwanggeum's rich history, there exists a chapter of intrigue, love, and profound change that transcends the centuries. This is the tale of Queen Jeon Mindae, whose reign is forever etched in the hearts and minds of the people, for it was marked by an extraordinary love affair and a subsequent transformation of the kingdom's destiny.

Queen Mindae, known for her benevolence and wisdom, ascended to the throne during a time of prosperity and unity. Her rule was celebrated for the well-being and happiness it brought to her subjects. Nevertheless, behind the façade of a perfect queen lay a hidden love that would change the course of Hwanggeum's history.

Unbeknownst to her court and subjects, Queen Mindae had fallen deeply in love with Kim Beomseok, a commoner she had encountered during a secret exploration of her kingdom disguised as a humble citizen. Their love, while genuine, was forbidden, as royal protocol dictated that a queen must wed a nobleman from a neighboring kingdom.

For years, Queen Mindae and Beomseok carried on their love affair in the shadows, yearning to be together openly. The burden of the crown and the expectations of the kingdom stood as barriers between them.

The climax of this tale came during a grand ball in the palace, held to celebrate Hwanggeum's prosperity. On this fateful night, Queen Mindae mysteriously vanished, plunging the kingdom into a state of chaos and confusion. Wild rumors swirled about her fate, from kidnapping to assassination, as the people sought answers.

The official proclamation, issued by the royal council, declared that Queen Mindae had forsaken her throne to elope with Beomseok, her commoner lover, relinquishing her responsibilities. Her disappearance was thus presented as a voluntary act. Hwanggeum was left in the hands of Princess Miyoung, a distant cousin, who was chosen to rule in Mindae's absence.

Yet, the official narrative failed to quell the suspicions and doubts of the kingdom's citizens. In secret gatherings and hushed conversations, the people of Hwanggeum rejected the notion that their beloved queen would willingly abandon them.

The queen's true location was never found, and a network of loyalists worked tirelessly to erase Queen Mindae of Hwanggeum’s history. However, the people of Hwanggeum yearned for her return, not to rule, but to be a symbol of love and unity. 

To this day, the last of us are patiently waiting to get a glimpse of her once again, to see her next to her beloved Beomseok, and to thank her for her transparent and wealthy rule. Queens like her are not made any longer. 

She had to be more sensitive than usual because as she read each word, the tears were uncontrollably running down her face. It was like seeing herself in the mirror, but only seeing one difference: she had been unable to run away with her true love. 

How had been Jeon Mindae’s life after vanishing? Had she been happy?

She truly hoped she was. She knew the feeling of loving someone who you are not supposed to and fighting for it to be alive even after years of waiting. It was exhausting, yet worth it, if by the end of the line she got to see him again.

Y/n kept the book pressed against her chest to the third destination of their tour, as a way to keep Jeon Mindae’s story close to her heart. If what Sehun had promised a week before was true, she was about to see Do Kyungsoo after two desperate years of sharing a bed with a stranger, pretending not to die a little with each passing day. That was not the life she had wanted for herself, but what could she do? 

Just wait, said her best friend every day. So she did just that.

But now, seeing the premises of Gyulcheon, it was like the sun was finally shining for her. Its citizens were slowly gathering around their carriage, waving at her and Hajoon, who had sported the same fake smile for the last five days. 

The city center was prepared to receive them, and the line of people who had gifts for them kept on growing as they got closer to the Palace’s entrance.

Her husband leaving the carriage first, y/n waited for Sehun to open the door for her once it was safe to do so. High-end families and generals bowed at her as she walked all the way to the Palace’s porch, and she could only smile at them with faked enthusiasm. Hajoon, awaiting her at the first step of the staircase, took her by her elbow and led her to the seatings decorated with golden and ancient figures. For the next two hours, they met Gyulcheon’s citizens who had to welcome them with gifts and offerings, a long-held tradition which the princess found pointless. Why would rich people need presents from poor, unprivileged ones? How was that even fair?

“I have to apologize My Prince, but I was only able to afford an honorable gift for My Princess”

The voice she had longed to hear for so many days, months, and years, reached her ears in an unexpected place. Her gaze pinned to her lap slowly raised to meet the eyes she had yearned to see, and the knot she had had in her throat ever since that night in the dungeons, tightened. He was as beautiful as she remembered, like time had stopped as soon as they met. Fighting back the urge to throw her arms around him, she bowed at him with her head and took a deep breath.

“You do not have to worry. I am content if my wife is.” and with that, Hajoon turned to the next peasant, who was offering him a wrapped-up gift.

“Thank you, Seongsaengnim” In a murmur, she took the laced box from his hands, trying to at least brush his fingers with hers. The shiver that she felt traveling down her spine was a sign of how strong her love for him was, even after all those years.

“Please try them as soon as you can, Your Grace. I would be devastated if they did not fit you”

His low buzz had her dancing in a cloud of her own. However, the guard that was next to him made it clear that he had to move quickly. More people were waiting behind. 

“I will, Seongsaengnim. I thank you again. It was nice to meet you” Pressing the box to her chest, she bowed at him once more, Kyungsoo copying her with an even deeper one. When they slowly rose, it was as if they had already blended their thoughts. “I love you” was whispered from both ends and a soft smile graced their faces when the man departed. 

Later that day, and alone in the chambers she was offered for her stay, she quickly headed to the corner where all their offerings had been placed. Hajoon was in a meeting, so she had time to find the only one that mattered. The laced box was hidden under the hundred packed gifts, so she had to make a big effort to retrieve it once it was on her radar. Once in her hands, waiting was no longer an option. Not even taking her time to appreciate the decorations around it, she removed the cover and tore through the white tissue paper wrap. What she found took her back to that afternoon, the afternoon that had changed her life.

The pair of shoes she had caught sight of that day were in her hands. She would never forget that soft peach silk that embraced the pair, and how those pink cherry blossom petals adorned them so delicately. With a cheeky sigh, y/n concluded that he had seen her from the moment she had set foot in the Cherry Blossom Market, when she had run to the stall, too entranced by the shoes to even care who noticed her. 

His words from the morning popped up in her mind as she ran her fingers around the shoes, and she rapidly put them on the floor to try them on. She knew he had meant something with it — the plan had to be resumed. As soon as she put them on, a relieved giggle left her lips. They were about to be together, once and for all. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

“All set?”

She nodded to her husband and took Sehun’s hand to step into the carriage. Once inside, her best friend winked at her, and she had to suppress the smirk she wanted to give him in return. Nothing could make her happier than seeing him ride his horse by her window, Hajoon too preoccupied with his book to even spare her a glance.

Their long conversation was interrupted when the carriage made an unexpected stop, and her husband looked out of the window for the first time in hours “What is happening?”

As Sehun yelled “Ambush!”, everything seemed to occur in slow motion. Half a dozen men all covered in black from head to toe surrounded the wagon, one of them violently opening its entrance door as the rest engaged in physical fights with the horsed soldiers, less in number and not so much prepared to respond to such a sudden attack.

The man who opened their door was quick to take her by the arm and shove her out, not even caring to check if her clumsy fall had caused any harm to her body. Indeed it had, but she was too busy screaming for help to even notice that her wrist had twisted under her weight in her landing. “Please!” she yelled as the stranger dragged her to his horse and effortlessly sat her on its saddle. 

“y/n!” She heard Hajoon’s voice muffled by all the swording around them. When she looked behind her, the stranger had already taken his own weapon out of his scabbard, waiting for her husband to get closer. However, he was never capable of doing so — another one of the ambushers had his blade pressed to his throat. 

“Do not move.”

“Hajoon!”

Her cry was followed by her kidnapper gracefully jumping on his horse, slightly adjusting his position in front of her. Triggering movement with his heel, the brownish animal began his race right into the woods, the carriage quickly disappearing from sight. 

It was only about half an hour into their ride that y/n let herself breathe in the fresh air. His addicting scent reached her nostrils in the process, and a chuckle escaped her lips as she strongly wrapped her arms around the man. 

“I missed you” she whispered to his ear, and he squeezed her hand in his. 

“I missed you too, my love”

[kingwuko]

Also I've made a post about this before but aside from Airbender Wu I'm obsessed with the idea that canon nonbender Wu has the potential to be a competent badass like Asami but different, in his own style.

And I actually got this idea during the clip show episode and the wuko segments, when it occurred to me that Mako is probably training him to fight the way Mako himself learned to fight.

And I don't think that fighting style fits Wu's mindset, temperament, build, anything really, it's a style informed by street fighting and firebending, two things Wu could not be further removed from.

He's an earth kingdom prince used to fine silks and jewelry, expertly moving about the world with the grace and balance of a dancer even when confronted with physical aggression...

Say, doesn't that sound familiar to anyone else?

I'm just saying, he could be the earth kingdom royal to denounce the Dai Li and bring the Kyoshi Warriors to the forefront of their culture.

By becoming one himself.

When it comes to Wu learning to defend himself and fight, I have two favorite hc.

1. Yes yes yes to Wu training with Kyoshi Warriors. I will say that I'm hesitant to have him become a Kyoshi Warrior, because Kyoshi Warriors are women. (Though if people have hc about Wu's gender being different, that's certainly worth exploring!) But much like Sokka was permitted to train with them, I see no reason why Wu couldn't learn from them as well! I think if given the opportunity, Wu would pick up the fighting style quite well. The method of fighting practiced by the Kyoshi warriors, and originally taught to them by Rangi herself, is focused on turning your enemy's strength against them. Seems like an excellent style for Wu, as he's built much more slender. I think he'd be into the overall aesthetics, too. I also love the idea of some Kyoshi warriors becoming his royal guard and replacing the role of the Dai Li.

2. Training with Asami. Asami has taken formal self defense lessons since she was a child. She has the technical know how of self defense and since she learned it formally, I think she would be excellent at teaching it formally. To further my Asami-teaching-Wu propaganda, check out the description of Asami as a teacher from the Avatar Legends Wan Shi Tong's Adventure Guide:

As a teacher, Asami is encouraging and supportive—she prizes an individual’s own inventiveness when channeled appropriately, far more than her own ideas. When it comes to the overall tone and style of mastery conditions set to PCs, Asami will emphasize thought over force, clever ideas over direct results. Asami wants those who learn from her to see how problems can be solved in many ways, and there’s nearly always a better way, in addition to seeing how they can help others and don’t always have to solve the problem on their own.

I just feel like Asami would make a good, patient teacher, I think her formal training would translate well into teaching skills, I think she might actually appreciate Wu's creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, AND I think her foundation in self defense would be ideal for Wu to learn. I don't see him needing to be a fighter in the thick of battle right alongside the rest of Team Avatar, but he should certainly learn to hold his own to protect his own life and limb.

Regardless of how Wu learns self defense and/or martial arts, we can all agree on one thing, I'm sure. Mako is a terrible person to be teaching him. He was literally the worst teacher in Remembrances lol like what was he even doing. And you're right, his style of fighting does not match the kind of fighting that Wu should learn or that he would be able to master.

That's ok. Mako can cheer him on from the sidelines!

[fancyfeathers]

@zainiscompletelydone333 asked a question

ok so aside from the general "kids running away" story line i wanna make some extra headcanons if you don't mind author <3 Marguerite grows up loving outdoors. horseback riding, shooting, archery. mostly manly things. she has this weird FOMO and general desire to hate conformity that either comes from her aunt or father. she wears rather manly clothes and the people at gatherings are scandalised. albert doesn't care, he's proud his daughter can piss off the people he despises <3. although he draws the line at things that damage her health, like smoking. she was 7 when she tried to sneak in her father's room to try the open bottle of wine he left for a moment. Louis was more mortified than albert lol. tries to follow moran and james around, begs jack to teach her his ways, and occasionally meets herder to fix her guns. hyacinth used to have a crush on fred growing up, it largely had to do with the flowers he put in her hair. to hyacinth, everything in the world is too fast and quick and she feels like her fatigue makes her left behind. she grows to like fred becuase his nature is proof that being out of the loop or disconnected from society, or even people, isn't necessarily bad. it means you can appreicate little details and things. you can stop and ponder the intiricacies of things....leading her to take a liking to things like craftsmanship and fashion design. i think she has an artistic eye when it comes to her garbs, and believes her clothes and elegant get up will compensate for her rather, quieter nature. she wants to be flashy like her mother, but her personality doesn't allow it, so she constantly remains in this "i am better becuase i take time to appreicate little thins but i am not interesting enough like my mom or sister so i try on pretty dresses with an artistic expression so people will notice". despite her low energy, she has a temper and can shout, or resort to drastic measures easily like her father when overwhelmed due to keeping most of her feelings hidden. but she's very calm and witty, and knows how to make everyone laugh, even her 🩰 aunt and fred! even william or louis can't help but break out a chuckle when she makes fun of some rotten noble in a witty way though i don't know which of the twins will be more atached to their mother and which will be more to their father

Father Like Daughter (Yandere William James Moriarty and his darling having a genius daughter)

Oh my goodness yes!! Like I imagine that that the two are still insanely close despite their differences, like taking walks together, horseback riding, sneaking into their father’s study and stealing a bottle of wine (but only on evenings when Albert is not home and one of them will distract Louis while the other one snags it). I imagine that even in their teenage years that they share a room together and many nights Albert or someone else in the house would have to tell them to be quiet because it is nearing the early house of the morning and they need to sleep as well, and normally this is Marguerite keeping Hyacinth awake and her father is very cross by this because it is bad for Hyacinth’s health (then god forbid if their Uncle Louis is the one who caught them awake).

Then Marguerite, I imagine her being quite similar to her aunt, Albert’s darling’s sister who is married off to Mycroft Holmes, having a very brash personality and having opinions and doing this that put her on the outskirts of society. She is very similar Eloise from Bridgerton except her father very much approves of her personality and will probably teach her many things himself, though I imagine that he would leave shooting lessons for someone who is much more capable like Moran but will probably chaperone since it is Moran. I also have a very funny picture in my head of Jack teaching her self defense or something along those lines but she can never beat him in a fight, and one day when she lost she just hears clapping and in the doorway is her twin sister with the smallest of smirks on her face.

“Very gracefully done, sister.”

“Oh fuck you-“

“Marguerite Francesca Moriarty! Mind your language!”

“Oh he used your full name, you are in trouble.”

Her father was in the hallway, Albert cannot stand his children swearing.

Meanwhile I imagine Hyacinth and Andrei are rather close as well, imagining they both have an interest in the arts, taking her to go see plays and view galleries. She has horrible social anxiety and watches while her mother and sister can talk to people but when a stranger approaches her she gets horrible anxiety and runs off to hide behind someone like her father. She is extremely insecure about her condition and will often withdraw herself so it will never get in the way, she wants to be apart of things but can never push herself to do so. I imagine a lot of the time where the family goes out to attend social events that she forces herself to be awake and active for much of it as to keep up with her brother and sister, ignoring the pain in her joints and muscles, but eventually her father will notice…

“Louis, can take Hyacinth home? I think she is getting quite exhausted.

“Father, I am fine-“

“And you are a horrible liar, you get that from your mother.”

I think her enjoyment for fashion comes from the times she would stay home from events because of her lack of energy, I imagine her sitting in the garden while Fred is working and looking through old photographs from when her mother was in the marriage market before she married father and she would wear beautiful dresses that her grandmother, the twins’ great grandmother, who lived in Paris would make for her and send out to their granddaughter for her to wear. Then when her mother and father would return home from their outing she would ask her other about them and in that moment there was a light in her mother’s eyes before she took her daughter’s hand and les her up to her and Albert’s shared room and took out a trunk from the back of the closet and opened it and inside where all the dresses and jewelry she used to wear that her grandmother made her. So she finds a new hobby in repairing these dresses while her family is on outings she cannot go on, I imagine they end up looking like dresses from Bridgerton. So when she goes out to high society events she can handle, all eyes are on her, because while the dresses are dated for the time they are absolutely beautiful, intricate and detailed, catching the eye of many young men her age, after all it is considered quite attractive to have a wife with such an eye for detail. Though while Albert his daughter is finding herself through such expression, he is not so happy of the attention it brings.

(I made a Pinterest board for Hyacinth (link))

[blackbat05]

Golden Trio of Tennis ⭐️🎾 - Order of the Phoenix

Note: I think I might have gone crazy with these headcanons . Excuse me😂 If you have any ideas on what I should do next, drop me a DM!

Dark times. Fear is running high. Everyone has different ways to deal and manage with their emotions. Including our trio.

Carlos

Carlos is passionate 3000% in fighting back. He makes it known to everyone that he’s a rebel. That has gotten him into a lot of trouble.

The back of his hand is badly scarred as he exits Umbridge’s office for the sixth time this week. But he’s already planning the next revolt.

It’s brutal on the Qudditch Pitch. The Slytherins are out for Alcaraz’s blood. He almost had a bludger taking out his head.

So he sends a well aimed bludger to their Keeper and that’s how he got disqualified from the match.

Carlos rarely gets mad. He’s usually the happy go lucky one that shines brighter than the sun. But there are always exceptions.

Like now as he chucks his broom aside and glares at Umbridge for that decision.

That’s how he ended up in her office for the seventh time.

His scars are starting to become worse and Carlos cannot simply ignore it.

Jannik. But security is much higher now since Umbridge took over.

Wait a minute…

The golden retriever limps towards the Ravenclaw tower and waits outside until someone from the house sees him.

A second year boy ends up scooping the injured dog into his arms and informs Jannik about it. (Yes, they know that this Golden belongs to Jannik. Or at least comes to look for Jannik every single time)

Jannik

Jannik was deep into his potions assignment when the boy comes. He can’t believe his eyes.

Sweet, mild tempered Jannik could feel his rage bubbling in his stomach. That foul b-

He forces himself to cool down quickly to prepare the potion for the injuries from his diminishing potions kit.

He puts it in a dish and coaxes dog Carlos to drink it. But the dog only whines and crawls into his lap.

“Carlos… you have to drink it.” Jannik is weak at the sight of his friend who usually is so full of energy. But Carlos just wants to sleep.

So Jannik puts him on a pillow, wrapped in his Ravenclaw scarf.

He’s not as vocal as Carlos about disagreeing with Umbridge’s methods. But he does it in his own way by studying so much harder since Defense classes are literally a joke.

Somehow with Umbridge’s presence, students whose parents have been associated with Death Eaters get 1000% cockier. Jannik doesn’t give a shit though.

Some 7th year Slytherin tried to hex Jannik while he wasn’t paying attention but Jannik was too quick for him, hexing him right back with a jelly leg jinx.

WITHOUT being caught by Umbridge.

Because he also hexed the Slytherin’s big mouth.

Never, ever cross Jannik. He’s quiet but he’s a deadly fighter. When you hurt his friends, he’ll give it back to you tenfold.

And this time, someone has his back.

Holger

Although he’s from Slytherin, he’s almost if not even more reckless than Carlos and Jannik combined.

He openly talks back to Umbridge about her teaching methods and she can’t do anything about it.

Now this is where it gets funny.

Every evening, Holger would turn into his Animagus form, and find a way to sneak into Umbridge’s office when she’s away and take a piss on her desk, seat and on every surface that’s possible.

Ooooh the way Umbridge was seething during morning breakfast, Holger couldn’t help but to snicker.

During one DADA lesson, Holger’s retort had rendered her speechless.

“Cat got your tongue, Professor?”

Umbridge knows that Holger has something to do with this. She doesn’t understand why the child from an esteemed pure blood family would join those filthy half breeds and m*dbloods

Carlos is sitting beside Holger, having recovered from his injuries. He gives a happy Holger a fist pump under the table.

Yeah… Holger’s probably planning what to do next to terrorize that good for nothing woman. If it means that Carlos is back to his old self again.

[xf-cases-solved]

S1E22: Born Again

Case: In an episode I always get mixed up with Shadows (Shadows is better)—and one that David Duchovny is quoted as "detesting"—a little girl, Michelle, is found outside alone on the streets of Buffalo, NY, when she gets picked up by a cop and taken back to the station. While there, two detectives, Lazard (which I keep wanting to spell as Lizard) and Barbala interview her. Lazard leaves the room briefly, and in that time, Barbala gets launched through the window and gets pancaked onto the ground. The sanest assumption is that Barbala chose that moment to commit suicide, which still doesn't make any sense, but there's no way anyone else could have gotten inside without Lazard noticing, and Michelle couldn't have done it, bc she's just a little girl... right??

Hence the X-File. Mulder and Scully, and their team of deeply, deeply New York-sounding episode NPCs work together to figure out who killed Barbala. But as another bizarre death occurs, and weird coincidences start to pile up, Mulder starts to suspect that Michelle might be experiencing memories from a past life, as is the conclusion any sane and rational person would immediately jump to. 

A therapist has a cabinet full of unsettling, mutilated dolls; Mulder finally convinces someone to let him use hypnosis as a detective's tool, but then is denied a second time when he tries to push his luck; magic procedural cop show photo editing provides convenient evidence; and Michelle's mom just wants her daughter to be less creepy. (In her defense, her daughter is legit kinda creepy. X-Files kids are always fucking creepy.)

Does someone die in the cold open: Yes. Concrete pancake with a side of bacon.

Does Mulder present a slideshow: No, he's still recovering from the shame from last episode. (Jk, Mulder doesn't feel shame. Well. At least not about stuff like that. Shame and guilt about who he is as a person and the impact he has on the people he loves? That, he has in abundance, but that's neither here nor there.)

Does the evidence survive the investigation: Ig, but none of it was particularly good evidence to begin with.

Whodunit: A dead guy avenging his death by channeling himself through a creepy little girl using telekinesis. Probably.

Convictions: The one guy who doesn't die gets arrested for murdering Charlie Morris, AKA, who Michelle was in a past life or something.

Did they solve it: Maybe. The murder of Charlie Morris is solved, but that wasn't what they were investigating. They were investigating Barbala's death, and while Mulder and Scully but mostly Mulder can speculate on whether or not Michelle killed him (and if so, then how?), they have no definitive proof. (Also, cherry on top, Scully literally calls the status of the case "unexplained" at the end of the episode, so she agrees with me.) 

[how do i determine if a case is solved? check the scale here: x]

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: Learning a new skill from a past life. Have you ever wanted to pick up painting or drawing? Maybe sculpting, or perhaps knitting has caught your interest. Have you ever wanted to learn the art of Japanese paper folding? Sometimes it feels like there are a million new hobbies you could entertain yourself with, but simply not enough hours in the day to learn how to do them. This is why we suggest learning a new skill from a past life! Instead of wasting all that time "practicing," try channeling the lives you've lived before. Once you remember who you used to be before your soul inhabited this new form, you'll also be able to remember all the skills you used to have. Was your past self a talented musician? Well, it looks like you get to save money on those guitar lessons! Were you a gourmet chef in the 19th century? Well, now you're a gourmet chef in the 21st century! The possibilities are endless. Learn a new skill from a past life today!* *(Channeling your past self may result in knowledge that you experienced a wrongful death, and an uncontrollable urge for revenge may surface. We are not responsible for any violent behaviors, weird attachments to past loved ones, or inexplicable phobias that may arise once you have gotten in touch with the history of your soul.)

***

General Total Stats:

(green means stat has changed since last ep; red means new stat added to list)

Total Cases *Definitively* Solved So Far: 11 (guess they're not so high above bureau standards after all...)

Total Number of "Mulder/Scully, It's Me" Phone Calls: 1 (i promise you this stat will get extremely high extremely fast once they get into the swing of things. like, an ep i just watched had it happen 5 fucking times, so just be patient lmfao)

Total Number of Times Scully Has Conveniently Not Seen Something Crucial: 5

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Been in Mortal Danger: 7

Total Number of Times Scully Has Been in Mortal Danger: 8

Total Number of Sexually Charged, Uncomfortably Intimate, and/or Flirty Moments Between Friendly Coworkers: 11

Total Number of Autopsies Scully Has Performed On Screen: 3 (i don't remember it occurring, but my notes said it did so)

Total Number of Times Scully Plays Doctor: 2

Total Number of Times Mulder Talks to an Informant: 10 

Total Number of Times People Making Out in a Car Are Hurt or Killed: 2

Total Number of Nosebleeds: 4

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Tasted/Sniffed/Touched Something Questionable Without Following Proper Safety Procedures: 2 

Total Number of Times Someone Says "Trust No One": 1 

Total Number of Times Someone Says "I Want to Believe": 3

Total Number of Times Someone Says "The Truth is Out There": 1

Total Number of Cigarettes Cigarette Smoking Man Has Smoked: 6

Total Number of Maggie Scully Sightings: 1

Total Number of Lone Gunmen Sightings: 1

Total Number of Alex Krycek Sightings: 0 :(

Total Number of Times I Had to Look Up What State the Episode Takes Place in Even Though I Literally Just Watched It: 7½ (the people's accents in this episode are so strong it's impossible not to know it's in new york)

Total Number of Times I Had to Look at an Episode's Wikipedia Page to Fill This Out Because It Was Fucking Confusing and/or Too Boring for Me to Pay Attention: 5

[saphofthehollow]

PEOPLE I'M ONCE AGAIN REELING!!!!

I just finished A Curse for True Love and if y'all DON'T WANT SPOILERS THEN LOOK AWAY!!!!

I'm not entirely sure where to begin. I've had a teensy tiny difficult time getting into this series. From the first book to the third and final one, I've always picked it up, read the first couple chapters or so, out it down and needed to just take a break for a little while before getting back to it. However, I do think that's moreso because I always get hung up on the book I finished prior to starting a new one so I probably just needed time to process everything from my last read before getting into a new one but I never learn my lesson, so I just end up picking up a new one and putting it down for a while.

I didn't really get into the vibes of the trilogy until I was halfway through the first book, Once Upon a Broken Heart. That one was also a 4 star read for me. The Ballad of Never After was a 5 star and I'm certain anyone who has read the book and liked it can understand why.

Coming back to A Curse for True Love, it was again a 4 star read for me. Evangeline as a character has definitely shown development throughout the trilogy. She's undoubtedly grown from her naivety shown in the first book to understanding and judging people better in the second and third books in my opinion. We also got to see Jacks's development throughout the trilogy from his damn care attitude to actually getting his brief insights on events from past books as well as how much he loves Evangeline and wishes to protect her even if it's from himself.

Now coming to Apollo, I believe a part of me gets his behavior. He was betrayed by his friend who made him fall for Evangeline, he is out in a suspended sleep and when he does finally wake up, he's under the Archer's curse and the mirror curse where he is trying to get to his wife but the first curse makes him want to kill her. A part of me is able to understand how it must've been for him to go through all of that only to come back and see not only did his wife choose the man who betrayed Apollo's trust but his entire kingdom only mourned him for a week at best. I can sympathize with him a little for that.

But yeah no I still hate Apollo's guts.

Alright now this following part is where I think people would agree with me on. At least I hope so because if not, what the fuck is wrong with you?

First of all, this book is about Evangeline and Jacks, right? Then why did we get so little with both of them together? We have Jacks watching over Eva and protecting her when her memories are lost. We have him teaching her a little bit of self-defense. We have him killing that assasin and that moment in the hallway. Then we have the time in the Cursed Forest and the inn. After that it was the almost kiss between them stopped by the cuff and Castor taking Eva away to the meeting place with LaLa. Then it's the Phoenix tree and the Tree of Souls bit. And it's done. Do correct me if I'm missing something. I just... It didn't feel enough enough, you get me? Where was the insurmountable passion? Where was the obsession? Where was the possessiveness we know that Fates are capable of? Don't get me wrong, I still loved every bit of the EvaJacks moments we got but I needed more!!!!

Also, where was Luc? Where was Marisol? Where was Tiberius? What happened to them? They were major parts of the plotline in the previous two books but we only got fleeting mentions of Luc and Tiberius and I'm not entirely sure I caught any mentions of Marisol.

Additionally, can we please talk about LaLa? LaLa only came in towards the end of the book and I feel like we didn't get much of her either. Oh and Castor! The tension between Castor and LaLa?! I feel like I need a book on those two and we only caught like one scene with those two together. I need to know what happened between LaLa and Dane and how, if at all, things would work between LaLa and Castor given her being the Unwed Bride and Castor being the brother of her true love.

There were quite a lot of the Magnificent North for us to still explore too. There was undoubtedly a variety of things that could've been delved into from the legends, the places, the various stories that were twisted by the story curse and whatnot. There could've been so much more added to the plotline.

You know what we did get a lot of? Apollo. He was here, he was there. He was EVERY-FUCKING-WHERE!!! I won't lie, I did like getting some insight into his thoughts and feelings but I would've loved more of Jacks and even more of our EvaJacks. And yet, at one point, it partly felt as if Apollo was the main character and Jacks was a side character with how much interaction there was between Eva and Apollo compared to Eva and Jacks.

Overall, however, I did quite like the book. Despite all of the points I've mentioned above, I still feel that Stephanie Garber has to an extent lived up to the hype that the third book got after people read The Ballad of Never After. For me, The Ballad of Never After would be the best book in the trilogy but I cannot help but admit that the author has done a remarkable job at giving us a final book that did give us a good plotline, great character development and a beautiful happily ever after especially given that, it's difficult to be able to live up to the hype your books have garnered from the audience and the fear of disappointing your readers. As such, this series would be one of the few I'll always recommend.

I loved this trilogy, loved the world and am absolutely head over heels in love with our Eva and Jacks.

Now to move onto a new journey with new characters and plots while I leave this trilogy behind hoping to come back to it again someday in the future with the same enthusiasm, love and affection as I did when I picked it up.

[knight-already]

“Did James isolate her by driving people away like we see him do with Snape  ?” 

From @avegollum97​ ′s post about Severus being a godfather to lily’s and james’ second kid.

You just gave me something to think about.

Because that’s what he did ultimately... and it wasn’t just him alone.

It was her Gryffindor friends too.

I headcanon that lily’s ‘Friends’ you know :  **Alice, Marlene, Mary and Dorcas **were like the mean girls of  Gryffindor the plastics of their year. The female marauders what have you.

"**Evil takes a human form in * Regina George ***. Don't be fooled because she may seem like your typical selfish, back-stabbing slut faced ho-bag, but in reality, she's so much more than that. She’s the queen bee. The star. Those other four are just her little workers. " -- Probably any person in their year

I actually don't know who in lily’s friends would be THE  Regina George, cause we don't know a lot about them, something tells me  Marlene but we don't know them all that well to make that call. Lily actually could be Regina but I feel like she was slowly manipulated so she would fit more of a Cady role.

I also wonder if they were in cahoots with each other, because they way I see it is that the school isnt huge and the Gryffindor's like to keep in their circles. So they must have friends of friends. what's more we dont know that James wasnt dating someone.

One of Lil’s friends who was like, “Girl if you don't want him... MOther may I?”

an Lily be like go for it idc. but gets jealous.

anyway with a group like them as Friends I imagine it is hard to make and keep new friends. especially if ya’ll know mean girls... They will destroy you mentally and emotionally just for funzies some may even get physically and whoop yer ass.

So eventually that would have put lily in a ‘all my friends are James friends

as we know the only friend that wasn't a Gryffindor was Severus

Here is an example of the fem Gryffindor's not being angles and possibly bullies, but bulling psychologically starting with Lily first 

to be fair they are fifteen so take that as you will:

For the sake of fairness, I like to imagine that time when Lily was telling Severus,

"Do you know what  Mulciber did to Mary the other day”

We know lily is a bias source we cant trust her to give a reliable story when a Slytherin is involved -- because she will underplay what the Gryffindor did -- she did this to a victim -- her best friend Severus.

anything James or Gryffindor does that isn't good or straight up bullying she 'ok defend. James abused Severus right in front of her he's, "an arrogant toe rag" but anything a slytherin does even for self defense is "evil and dark magic. "

Yo I’ll never forgive Lily for telling Severus after being beaten down physically and psychologically, cause he lashed out at her, “Your just as bad as them.”

Biitch get outta here.

anyway back to this: “Do you know what  Mulciber did to Mary the other day”

I like to imagine Mary picked on either his weaker friend, maybe embarrassed them and

Mulciber -- his hands are rated E for everyone.

so he taught that girl a lesson cause we done been known that the staff wont do anything.

I know Mulciber is a future death eater but right now he’s a kid. A slytherin. And I choose to look at it from this angle. 

I like to think being a death eater wasn't a choice for some kids. If they agreed or not, it wasnt up to them maybe some like bella were into it. but look at her sister, she married a muggle but at the cost of losing everythin. 

Look at Sirius and his brother. 

Sirius realized it was wrong at age 11 but lost his family and everything at 15 (thankfully the potters were there for him but some wont be so lucky) -- regulus at age 18/19

They had to overcome years of brainwashing and teachings.

I know some ppl in this fandom think it was a super easy choice for a kid fresh out of high school to abandon their family, and friends, their lives, their riches, their lifestyle and fight them to the death.. But its not. It wasn't. 

I like to Imagine that after lily spoke to him about  Mulciber Severus stopped hanging out with him. (Doing to Severus what those girls were doing to her)

only for SWM to happen and badabing badaboom Seveus gets over powered by James and Co.

THat attack happened after their defence against the arts exam for owls --

That class was most likely Slytherin and Gryffindor, so only those two houses were around. 

So after the row between Severus and mulciber, where number was like why can't we hang out anymore. And Severus doesn't give him straight answers maybe mulciber makes a guess at Lily being the reason. And says ssomething against her and Severus gets mad and says something like what would you know about Lily your just a death water spawn. and mulciber says find okay I won't help you again. And he doesn't he just stands there watching to see if the mighty Gryffindor take a stand since Severus seem so keen on them.

***

Keep in mind  though it ight seem like I'm ignoring the whole ass war going on outside. and Severus becoming a death eater and calling her a mudblood. I’m not.

Lily is not responsible for anyone's actions but her own. 

if she chose not to speak to severus again thats her call and she’s right to do so.

If she chose to forgive a guy who abused he bestie, that on her. (yes i blame her for that)

***

Severus wasn't innocent but he and the Slytherins in general have faults but not all of the even a few who did become deatheaters for whatever reason but regret it to this day. are evil. and I just wish ppl would see that. 

How dear JK cancel Slytherin, like it was the houses fault,

Knight

[2346khith]

Been thinking about my weird sub zero au. I originally planned for Kuai to be very stoic and not used to life outside the clan. However then I realized … as an assassin he would have to travel the world and have to blend in a lot right. So he actually pretty used to regular life due to all his missions. See this is why I shouldn’t be the one to write stuff, my moronic ass was going to make him a complete fish out of water with out taking to consideration that his job factors and that he might actually act like a normal Joe. Course I wouldn’t say he acts like the average person though. He still has a lot of trauma and brainwashing caused by the Lin kuei so he might act somewhat closed off and defensive along with having some pop culture references and maybe has some self worth issues leading to him always to make up for stuff. Now as for some other traits, I feel like he very well verse in different languages and cultural norms and traditions. Just like in canon he be very well mannered and calm but I also like to think he be quite curious willing to get know more about people, although his assassin side might lead to him over analyzing everything. I feel like he would also collect small items from his travels as reminders of the places he went. I can see him talking with this au version of frost, who at the present of this au is still a child, showing her all the neat little items he got from different missions and tell her his personal experience at those places (minus the parts where he had to kill people.) I also think he’d be a good negotiator/ mediator since he also depicted as the calm one out of the more brash and more violent Lin Kuei members. I also wanted to note the old mortal kombat comics where he was shown wearing a business suit.

This may sound weird but when I found out about this, I kind of felt like he would have a charming and persuasive persona and would be stingy with money ( not exactly like Johnny cage but still there just less present and tone down) which yes I know sounds stupid but I can’t stop picturing it. Also for appearances wise I like to think he started to grow his hair out as the Lin kuei probably had restrictions on hair length for kombat purposes. Also also he’d be more jack than Bi Han . I don’t know I just see Bi Han always wielding scythes and spears in my head while Kuai hands more heavy melee weapons like axes and maces which could be a contrast to each others or there own personalities, I don’t know I’m rambling at this point. So yeah that how this au version of Kuai Liang is different from canon. Where as the mainline sub zero is a calm, cold and collect warrior mine pretty much a tired fresh out of jail terrifying, cool uncle who always insisting on helping you out, giving you life lessons, making sure your not in may trouble and is …. maybe on the neurodivergent spectrum (wasn’t my intention but now I can’t unsee it). Ah character assassination at it finest. Seriously guys please give me some feedback on how to improve or fix this or give me some suggestions for how this au works. I have no idea what I’m doing.

[dragon-business]

Kiryu and queer customs + Nishida’s touch

Oh, Kiryu learning about queer culture. Code phrases, secret language like in spy movies are all cool of course. But also have the context of the invisible wall, and hiding in plane site, and loneliness and fear. Kiryu knows a thing or two about all this already.

But there’s also the camp, the bars, and safe-spaces, and the relief of having someplace you can just relax and be. And also there’s anger of outlining yourself on purpose, just by not conforming to expectations.

Kink is welcomed at pride and in Majima Constuction ✊ Not cops, tho. Unless they are officer Majima 👉👉

(Nishida struggles 101: is it appropriate to cite your boss's fashion as an example of camp for Kiryu?) (Majima is high camp, expensive af, bright, leather, shoes too cool for this world)

– Kiryu, looking at straight porn: *cringe, disgust, looking away* Kiryu, watching naked men engage in the passionate manly bathhouse battle: *smiling, leaning in, tilting the head*

I feels like after discovering queer scene Kiryu’s tolerance for heterosexual stuff dropped. Can’t even sit through porn with a straight face 👉👉👉

Like, why even care, when martial arts movies exist. No more obligatory blank face sit through girl on balloon action :’D

Discovering he doesn’t have to do it (or enjoy it) was probably a relief, too. Unspoken rules of this world are weird and complex, but sometimes it works out.

(Remember how Kiryu immediately ranted to Rina about how boring the typical routine talks with cabare girls are? How tiresome it is to keep playing this game?) (And after that Kiryu told Goromi, that he doesn’t need to pretend with her, and it’s very freeing)

– In Kiryu’s brain, complimenting Goromi is how it’s Supposed to Be, you say nice things to ladies. But he’s still trying to understand what the rules are around mlm stuff. Gotta approach it right.

After many struggles and frustrations, Kiryu might ask Nishida for advice. His help is very needed. Someone gotta tell Kiryu that giving compliments is alright, and gender should not stop him.

Kiryu “gender is not important” Kazuma should get a moment of enlightenment there. Since childhood he has learned to compliment only the ladies. He made Nishiki and some other boys really uncomfortable a couple of times when growing up, and got told that boys don’t really say nice things to each other like that (it makes them feel vulnerable and defensive).

But still… Even if he and Nishiki would always talk all brotherly, and “hi, assface” eachother, Kiryu will always tell other people that Nishiki has the best taste in everything, great hair, and amazing karaoke voice. Because all of this is not compliments… it’s objective reality.

Kiryu himself doesn't really react when hostesses give him fake compliments, but gets super lost when approached on the street, or when girls poke at some unexpected topic. Like when Rina said he would be popular among men. 

Kiryu is an orphan with social issues, he would’ve loved to hear something nice, even if he doesn’t think he does. But he did tell Rina that he would like to be wooed and praised for once, not the one doing it.

Meanwhile, Majima suddenly got self-conscious about sending Kiryu a gift after Kiwami. Even if he did so much to surprise Kiryu, to train him, to get him to smile as well (it was an unexpected bonus at first, wasn’t really planned, but after the first one Majima started to chase those smiles like the fights)

Majima, holding a cue as a weapon: I came to challenge you! Translation: Kiryu seems to like spending time playing games. Also he smiles more when he is relaxed. Not gonna say anything about the fights then, we’re just gonna play some pool. We’re being chill. This can also be a lesson, right? Probably.

Meanwhile, a year later Kiry is watching construction boys flirt at the bars, and some mlm couples being all gooey: ……??? >C *is a bit sad now* 

He missed so much, apparently. A whole world of things. And Majima is in his denial arc now. Hitting on those “unwanted” feelings hard.

Is there some segway to be so at ease with yourself, to be openly affectionate? Is there a milestone he needs to pass? Kiryu can’t discern it >c It seems to just happen for everyone, and it’s upsetting.

And here Nishida’s help will be needed. Coming to Kiryu smoking outside the bar with a big sad frown on his face.

�� If Kiryu voices his frustrations, Nishida can explain that yes, society places a lot of weird expectations on people that couldn't possibly fit everyone. And everyone has to follow them even if it's uncomfortable and even if it hurts, just to be accepted, not shut off.

Sometimes to be true to yourself in this world means being alone, and shunned. So it's alright if not everyone can go for it, this is a heavy life to handle. But that's also why people who don't fit in the "rule and form", they need to stick together. Even delinquents form gangs. And queer people have their communities, and tight friend groups. And they make the world where the things that are taboo or different are safe to exist. That's our lot in life – sometimes, to be ourselves (to do just that!), we have to decide to do it. Have to make the world where we can do it, bit by bit. It can be a bar, or a street, or a family, or just another person you are willing to trust.

Because people aren't made for being alone, Nishida thinks. And they can't live with all of themselves locked away forever.

It's a scary path to take, but it's beautiful, too. Seeing the world from a new angle, seeing the new ways you can live and love, seeing beauty where others don't – it makes the world more beautiful, doesn't it?

So yeah, men can compliment other men, just because they want to. It's as simple as that, and also is not – not for everyone. Some rando in the street can still punch you. But also someone out there probably wants to hear these words, because he's also backed up into a corner by what he's supposed to be in this world.

So you can make a new one, safe and accepting world between each other, Nishida says. That's beautiful too.

Nishida's touch needs to be applied to and absorbed by the best of us. Kiryu was telling Rina to be herself, but it came to be a little bit harder to do in practice. Kiryu for sure will come to admire her bravery. Sure, it's more acceptable for women to be affectionate with each other than it is for men. Raises less eyebrows off the bat. But still, she just goes for it. And it's inspiring, in a way.

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