#also i imagine the gloves to be dirty gardener gloves such as ones to use when handling a screaming mandrake

[handledwithgloves]

maybe it's from associating your art style with your username but i really love how fitting your username is for your art. the meaning is so pretty, bc it feels like you treat every piece with so much sensitivity, care, love, and warmth. it also sounds like handled with love!!! i think the pencil-like texture adds a whole other lovely dimension, making your art so distinct and easy to recognize. also really love how you draw faces so simply, yet with so much expression.

oh omg this is so skibidi of you to say to me 🥺🫶😭

originally my user name is a parody of ‘handled with love’ but i changed it to gloves because of my toxic takes 🤔

your take is so much nicer so im going to steal it 💯🔥🔥🔥 * this is a compliment to your compliment *

in all seriousness tysm for your kind words about my doodles 🥺🫶🔥 i honestly dont know how to draw like at all like i cant even learn colors

you have moved something deep within my heart with your speech of appreciation i wish your crops bear all the fruits of your dreams 😻💭🍓

[yelena-bellova]

Twenty Years Later: Joel Miller x Reader - One Shot #3

Talking to the Sky

Plot: While doing some gardening, Y/n deals with unpleasant memories.

Word Count: 753

Warnings: loss of a child, ptsd, (16+)

A/N: Miss me? I know it’s been a while but to be honest, fic writing has just not been a priority. But I wanted to finish this one and get it out since I promised to continue this every once and a while. Since we’re all preoccupied again because of award seasons, I thought it was a good time to revisit Rosebud and Joel.

This one’s a bit more sad than the last few, but I really wanted to do one just of Rose dealing with some of her s-it. Hope it’s somewhat enjoyable!!

————

Winter was somewhere in that middle bit. Jackson had weathered the worst of the storms, but the fierce cold hadn’t let up yet.

Y/n cursed her gloves, two times too big for her hands, as she dug up the soil of her backyard. She was attempting to plant a garden, emphasis on attempting. She’d done a fair amount of gardening pre-Cordyceps, but that was purely for pleasure. This had more weight to it.

Those who worked the greenhouses had helped her during their shifts. They’d taught Y/n which plants grew during which seasons, some blooming best in winter and others in the summer. There was a science to it more important than ever to know.

Y/n was planting a medley of vegetables, fruit and herbs. She couldn’t feel her knees anymore, the cold having sept into her joints within minutes. She built a few mounds, burying the seeds below and allowing enough space between piles.

She sat back on her feet, struck by a memory she’d been trying to ignore.

Flower bushes.

The looming warmth of a Texas spring.

Sarah’s laughter.

Dirt under their fingernails.

Y/n sighed, her chest aching from something far sharper than the cold.

Finding Joel in Boston hadn’t been the catalyst to bringing back life to her memories. Sarah had lived in her mind every minute of every day since the girl had left the Earth. Etched in her heart till the end of time. But between settling in Jackson and marrying Joel, living some strange version of the life they’d wanted, it breathed new air into Sarah’s ghost. Sometimes it rendered Y/n speechless, frozen somewhere between the past and the present.

She looked up the sky, the cloud coverage shielding her eyes from the sun.

“You hated when I made you do this,” Y/n spoke to the air, “You never liked getting your hands dirty but you were smiling. The whole time. So there was never much weight to what you said.”

“I remember that time we were planting those flowers in the backyard,” she continued, “Daisies or roses…I don’t really remember, just that they were beautiful when they bloomed that summer. That your dad wouldn’t admit to them prettying up the place because ‘What’s there to pretty up?’”

Y/n chuckled, Joel had never made a big deal about the little changes Sarah and her made to the house. They both knew he secretly liked them and loved the two of them too much to ever say no.

“He’s gotten worse, if you can imagine it,” Y/n looked down at her shovel, wiping some of the dirt off, “If you thought he was bad in the morning then,” she whistled, “But he’s also…better. He’s him.��

Y/n sunk into the snow a little deeper. The cold didn’t matter anymore. “The other day, I caught him humming to himself. He was doing the dishes and I came in from patrol and…it just reminded me of all the times we’d catch him singing and he’d deny it,” she smiled, “We’d literally be standing right there and he’d say it was the fridge or something.”

Her little laugh quieted, turning somber. The sweet memory inevitably turned sad.

“God, I miss you,” Y/n whispered as her throat tightened, “I miss you so much. Everything I do in this house, I keep looking over and expecting you to be right next to me.“

She paused, beginning to feel just a drop of the sun’s distant warmth. “And then your dad comes in or Uncle Tommy and it’s like you’re there. Making us laugh, calling us old…and for two seconds, it feels okay. Not perfect, but alright, and I can get through the rest of the day,” Y/n rubbed her running nose and looked back up at the sky, “Just keep doing that. Don’t ever leave us down here on our own.”

Y/n had long lost track of time since starting her work, and she didn’t hear the front door open. Joel was home from patrol duty. He walked through the empty house, looking more and more like their home each day, looking for someone to greet.

“Rose,” Y/n heard Joel call from inside. She wiped a melancholy tear away and got to her feet.

Taking one more look at the grey sky, she smiled, as if Sarah was radiating her presence down from the clouds. Telling her to get inside and hug her husband. Help make dinner. Make their remote corner of the world a little brighter. Just as Sarah would have.

——————

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[kahvilahuhut]

just a normal workplace conversation

Summary: What happens when you have two people, who have known each other since university, work on the same project leading different teams? Definitely completely normal conversations that definitely stay on the the same topic all the time (sarcasm). What else can you talk about on your way from one room to another.

Tws: mention of a wound

---

"Hey, Toby. Do you have a moment? Can I get your thoughts on something?"

Tobias turned around and saw Aleena leaning on the door frame, hologram gloves on. He waved his hand. "Sure! If we also get more coffee on our way to your little hologram room," he glanced at his three empty cups standing in the same corner of his desk, one clearly leaving a stain on his to-do list.

"Still a coffee freak, I see. Have you ever tried matcha?"

"Green tea is for evenings when you gotta calm down but don't want to sleep yet. Speaking of, hang on, need to write this down or I'll forget," he opened his whiteboard marker and wrote 'buy more genmaitcha' on his notes section of the board.

"I disagree with your tea opinions but sure, do whatever you want."

"Funny how you're talking about tea when all our office had back then was english breakfast and some flavored green tea."

"It had earl grey too."

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway," he closed his whiteboard marker and placed it in his lab coat's pocket, "what do you need my thoughts for? Though, if it's something anatomy related, I probably barely have any thoughts."

Aleena smirked and motioned him to follow. "Weren't you the guy with the heaviest physiology book in dorm?"

"Bold of you to assume I ever opened it," he chuckled. "I think I mostly used it as a press for things. Like if I accidentally fucked up my notebook's front page and couldn't straighten it out with bare hands or a ruler. Never been into collecting leaves, though. I even managed to skip the whole school year that had it."

"City kid."

"Hey, I was raised in suburbs, we had trees and plants there! A pair of pigeons used to make a nest in front of my house. I just, you know," he shook his hands, "don't want to touch anything dirty. One of the reasons I suck at gardening, too."

"Honestly, that explains while you prefer working in a clean lab environment."

"Hah, nothing better than the smell of dimethyl sulfoxide," he paused with a wide smile, "Get it? Because it doesn't have a scent. At least when it's pure."

"Missed your humor, lab boy. And your sweaters. Is that a bee?"

"Yes! I think the first time I knitted one like this was almost seventeen years ago. I've made at least four of these. First one got ruined when I accidentally knocked a wine bottle while leaning to- Well, anyway! Glad you noticed. I think Samuel hates it. Saw him today when I came to the office in the morning and he just stared at me and my sweater."

"He hates everything related to you, it seems, if I can be honest?" She looked around to make sure that no one was close by, "I heard he wanted to pick someone else as the lead chemist, and the project board overruled him."

"Oh, god, you should have seen his face when I mentioned in the interview that I've only been doing part-time roles for last decade due to health problems. I mean, he's a Mackie guy, though, so no surprise there."

"They seem to have not liking you as a personality trait. Which is funny, considering how your wife works there."

Tobias laughed. "I think Klara's the only reason why their agents haven't shot me in some dark alley yet," he paused, "Can you blame them though? Imagine a guy who tried to whistleblow one of your projects now appears on your new project rekated to the previously mentioned project."

"Christ, Toby, you know how to have fun, don't you," Aleena laughed and opened the door to hologram room. "Speaking of projects, that's one of the things I need your help with. I found something while looking through the old project's files. Since you were there, I thought you could explain it."

He walked in after her, slightly wincing at the bright lamp shining in the middle of dark room. "Oooooh. I'm already having a bad feeling about this." Tobias wasn't sure himself whether he said that about the thing Aleena was asking him about or that he forgot to refill his migraine meds in the bag.

"You said the same thing about taking Frank as one of the ad faces."

"Was I wrong?"

"You tell me - is he good in bed?"

"He sucks. Interpret that however you want."

"Alright then, keep your dirty secrets." She walked to the round, grey area on the floor and pressed a button on the screen next to it. A hologram appeared, showing a scanned part of a hand, stab wound clearly visible. Aleena switched on her gloves and waved her hands to zoom in on the inside parts of the wound. "This was the problem, wasn't it? The substance clogging literally everything around the wound."

Tobias nodded. "Uh-huh. And then they decided to use it as something to cause lethal damage with. And failed."

"Yeah, well. I was thinking, you know," she swiped her hand to the right and an animation appeared, "what if we managed to somehow make it only block the wound, like some kind of magic band-aid?"

"When they closed the project they were indeed theorizing that, if I remember right."

"So it might just work?"

"Hell yeah it might work."

[bokafix]

Garden DIY Delights: How to Garden Like a Pro

Uncover the secrets of DIY gardening with us! We share some practical advise, creative ideas, and guides to help you unleash your inner gardener and create your very own oasis, one seed at a time.

Imagine a world filled with vibrant flowers and vegetables, and the sweet scent of hard work paying off in the air. Sounds like a paradise, right? Well, you can create your green haven, even if you're just starting and have no gardening experience. 

While gardening might seem like an exclusive club for experts, we've got a secret to share: it's open to everyone! We're here to help you get the basics, uncover exciting DIY projects, and show you the tips and tricks that will make you feel like a gardening pro.  

So, get ready to dig in, get your hands dirty, and grow something amazing!

What Do I Need to Start Gardening? 

Before you embark on your gardening adventure, it's time to gather your new trusty companions: your gardening tools. 

Also, remember that your tool collection can grow with your gardening skills. Start with the basics, and as you learn, you'll discover your personal favourites. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spade or Trowel: Perfect for planting, transplanting, and weeding.

Pruners or Secateurs: Like scissors for your garden, ideal for trimming and shaping.

Garden Fork: Helps turn soil and mix in nutrients.

Watering Can or Hose: Your plants need hydration; these deliver it.

Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands from thorns and dirt.

Wheelbarrow: For moving heavy materials with ease.

Rake: Handy for smoothing soil and tidying up.

Now that you've got your gardening toolkit sorted, let's move on to choosing the perfect plants for your garden.

How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Garden?

To create your garden masterpiece, you need to choose the perfect plants. It's a bit like assembling a dream team, and here's how you do it.

Start by getting acquainted with your garden's personality. Does it need lots of sun or prefer the shade? Is it windy or calm? Next, define your garden's purpose. Are you in it for the beauty, the veggies, or perhaps to attract local wildlife? Knowing these quirks helps you select plants that will thrive in your space. 

Also, it’s important to consider your level of commitment. Some plants are high maintenance, while others are more independent. Be realistic about the care you can provide.

Lastly, remember that variety is the spice of gardening. Be sure to mix different plant sizes, colours, and shapes. This will help create a vibrant and exciting space.

Crafting a Masterpiece 101: DIY Garden Ideas

Gardening isn't just about planting, it's about creating a living work of art. And the best part? You're the artist! Here are three exciting DIY gardening ideas to add some personality to your green haven.

Step into Serenity with Stepping Stones

If you're concerned about constant foot traffic wearing down your lawn, here's a smart solution: position stepping stones at regular intervals and plant grass seed around them. Simply choose stones that are both visually appealing and comfortable to walk on.

Rise to the Veggie Occasion with Raised Beds

If you want to grow your food, consider building a raised vegetable bed. These are great because you won't need to dig into your soil, giving you better control over the nutrients you add. Plus, they keep your fruits and veggies safe from people and pets wandering around.

Here is a guide on how to build the perfect raised bed for your garden!

Birds are your Garden’s Best Friend

Birds aren't just charming garden visitors, they're natural garden helpers too! They eat pests and fertilise your garden as they go. To welcome them, craft a DIY bird feeder. Watch as your garden comes alive with their joyful presence and help.

Remember, maintaining your garden involves consistent watering, correct fertilising, and vigilant pest control. Avoiding common errors like irregular watering, improper fertilisation, and neglecting pest prevention is key. By attending to these aspects, your garden will thrive and flourish beautifully.

Growing from Challenges and Successes

As you embark on your gardening journey, think about your garden's personality, and its purpose and commit to its care. Also, don't be afraid to get creative!

Whether crafting stepping stones, building raised beds, or inviting feathered friends with a DIY bird feeder, there's a special project for every gardener.

So, remember that gardening is a continuous learning journey, where even mistakes become stepping stones to success. Nurture your garden with care, embrace DIY projects, and unleash the beauty of learning from every gardening experience. 

Looking for a handyman to help you with your garden? 

Download Bokafix and find local Fixers today!

[tcursebreaker]

Let’s talk about Elain

*everyone has the right to their own opinion but I also have the right to think yours is 💐stupid💐 hahaha*

I truly cannot wrap my mind around the Elain hate whatsoever.

Just like the rest of the sisters Elain had her entire world turned upside down. Think of her position, she was in love and soon to be married, and I’m not defending Graysen at all but he was described as “a mortal idea of a knight who would swoop a beautiful maiden onto his horse and ride off into the sunset” Like imagine her heartbreak. Him yelling about her mate and to take the ring off when none of this was her fault or what she chose. Having a clear vision (ironic lol) of how her life will go and that being ripped away never to return to normal.

But everything she did was for her sisters. Getting everyone to leave so they could use the house to meet with the Queens, asking for asylum even knowing how much Graysen and his father hates faeries, helping during the War to find the Suriel, ending up getting KIDNAPPED by the enemy. And STILL offering herself to help AFTER. She is always there and willing to help. Even standing up and saying I am apart of this court when she could’ve took the easy out, But no she walked up apart of the royal family in the Court of Nightmares. And like during Feyre’s pregnancy, Elain being the first one to notice with so many other people who know and love Feyre who could’ve noticed something was off. And with Nesta, even when she pushed her away, Elain was always there for her.

Moving on I just absolutely hate that Antis downplay her trauma. All three sisters have trauma, and each deal with it in their own ways. Each had so much shit happen to them, stop trying to skip over hers. She lost her fiancé (whether he’s good or bad she still loved him) , got dunked into the freaking Cauldron and came out a different species and with magical powers leaving her dazed and confused for so long, got kidnapped, watched her father die, literally killed the King of Hybern.So when people say she got it good or got it easy???

Next people love to call Elain a “boring gardener” but let’s talk about 1. This has been her favorite hobby since the beginning, even when having nothing she found happiness in this. Like idk it seems like a trend to hate the sisters hobbies for some reason??? I don’t get it. Let Feyre paint, Nesta read, and Elain garden in PEACE! 2. She gets her hands DIRTY! She’s not just cutting one rose and calling it a day. We all know L*cien got her the gloves but she likes the scars and pricks and really feeling her hard work. It’s not as easy as everyone makes it out to be. And if it makes her happy why shame it? I think it’s adorable to think about her in a floppy hat working hard to make gardens beautiful and having the cuts on her pretty hands to show it.

Also it’s just the funniest thing on one hand Elain is soooo boring and does nothing but flowers n bake but then suddenly she’s this super suspicious spiteful woman?? Of course she mourns her past life but she’s been making progress, she doesn’t cry over Graysen anymore, she found a purpose at the NC helping people with gardening ect. She has a newfound family, brother in laws, a baby nephew, good friends to enjoy her hobbies with ! Like why do anti’s try to make her out to be this vicious ugly-hearted evil person? And for the suspicious part it kinda makes me laugh because I feel like it’s obvious, mentioning Elain being more stealth and secret keeping like Spy arc lol

Bottom line even though we haven’t gotten Elain’s book or her POV yet, I honestly love her character a lot. There’s way more to her than people give her credit for, and I cannot wait for SJM to showcase her in an amazing light. I truly think Elain’s book has so much potential like DO not say this lightly but I think this could be one of SJM best books. There is so so much material, I know the storyline is gonna be great like love, pain, adventure, destiny vs choice and just all the wonderful Elriel tropes; light vs dark, star crossed lovers, boy obsessed plus way more. Literally this book is gonna have it all!! And I definitely think a lot of people are gonna change their opinion on her very quickly. I know I sound a bit overboard, she is fictional but it’s so sad to see all of the hate she gets for no reason. She is always sweet and helpful and strong even though we haven’t seen the peak of it yet. There is just wayyy more then what meets the eye and ugh I’m so excited

[bokutosworld]

home sweet home | hq boys with their kids! 

character/pairing: msby black jackals boys with their kids - hinata, atsumu, bokuto, sakusa!

wc: 1.5k words, pure fluff!

summary: when they finally get a much-deserved break from volleyball, there's nothing that the boys want more than to spend time with their little ones. but what do they do if you're not around for the day?

a/n: inspired by my fave korean show the return of superman! i just cant stop imagining how the boys would be like if they were left on their own with their kids<3 hehe

part two with schweiden adlers trio here!

---

HINATA SHOYO He wakes up feeling warm. When Hinata opens his eyes, the first thing he sees is the sight of his adorable son laying peacefully on his chest. He brings his hands to ruffle his messy hair, the little boy pressing his cheeks closer to his father's body. It's been a long time since Hinata felt relaxed in the morning, and he honestly thinks that he could stay in this moment forever. But after a few minutes, he finally gets up and stirs the little boy in his arms awake.

"Dad? Where's mom?" Seiji asked, his bright, inquisitive eyes mirrored Hinata's own and he felt proud that his son took after him. He explains that you were off to your parents' house for the weekend and this makes the five-year-old pout. Despite looking a lot like him, Hinata knew that Seiji was a mama's boy and, though he wouldn't admit it, sometimes felt jealous that you were hogging all of his son's attention. So he was over the moon to have time alone with the boy.

"But don't worry! The two of us will have a great all-boys weekend," he declares. All of a sudden Hinata lifts Seiji over his head and places him on his shoulders. The little boy then got excited, starting to loosen up and laugh as they ran out to the living room. "Wow, look at that, Seiji, you are flying!"

With his dad's hands carefully holding him tight, Seiji felt safe and extended his arms in the air as they playfully circled the house. When they got tired, the two boys collapsed on the sofa. Hinata reached over his to mini-me, wiping some sweat that has formed on his forehead, "Are you hungry now? What do you want dad to make for breakfast?"

Seiji looks up at his dad expectantly, waving his fists excitedly with a big smile on his face, "Can we do that again?" And Hinata happily complies, already looking forward to a great father-son bonding.

MIYA ATSUMU "Papa, can we pwease go to Uncle Osamu's shop today?"

This was the third time Atsumu heard the request from his daughter. The four-year-old has taken a strong liking to his twin, and while Atsumu mostly finds this endearing, he wonders if she likes Osamu better than him. He takes the little girl from her sitting position on the floor and sets her on his lap, brushing some strands of hair that have fallen.

"Aya, do you like Uncle Osamu more than me?" As if on instinct, the little girl shakes her head. Worried that she might hurt herself, Atsumu cups her cheeks to stop her movement, but only to be shocked to see that tears are threatening to spill from her doe eyes. Shit, he thinks. "Okay, darling. Don't cry." He brings her to an embrace in an attempt to calm her down. "Let's get you ready, huh. We'll ask free food from Uncle."

When the door to Onigiri Miya opens, Aya immediately goes to Osamu's side, slipping past the counter and running to his open arms. Osamu lifts her up, "Hello there, little girl. Do you want to cook with me today?" She beams and nods her head enthusiastically, waving a hand to her dad who was standing by the door. "Hey, 'Tsumu. Just take a seat wherever, we won't be long here!"

This was the fourth time this week that they have been to his brother's shop. At this rate, he might as well have Aya sleepover with Osamu and let her spend time with her cousins. He opens his camera and takes a selfie, along with a message that he sends to you. Back at Uncle Osamu's again. She loves food just as much as you, it reads. He hears a bell coming from the kitchen, followed by a pitter-patter of footsteps. When he looks up from his phone, he sees Aya running towards him holding a plate with a small riceball on it.

"Papa, look! I made it for you," she excitedly tells him. Atsumu is touched by the gesture, taking the plate to place it on the table and tacking his daughter in a hug. He peppers her cute face with kisses and Aya is giggling, her laughter fills the Onigiri Miya shop. Osamu smiles and takes a photo of the father and daughter.

"I'm so happy, Aya, thank you." Before Atsumu eats it though, he makes sure to take a photo of her masterpiece. Our little chef made this, he proudly captions it before sending it to you.

BOKUTO KOUTAROU When you left Bokuto alone with your two kids, he was confident that he can handle them on his own. But boy, was he wrong. The whole house has been turned upside down with the seven-year-old Naoki jumping all over the place, and the two-year-old Suki crying on her baby chair. Not to mention their golden retriever barking to add to the chaos.

Sighing exasperatedly, Bokuto approaches Suki first, taking her from the chair and swaying to calm her down. He's having a staring contest with the dog, Tama, as his eldest son continues to wreak havoc. Then an idea pops up in his head.

"Naoki, what do you think of taking Tama out for a walk?" The playful boy stops in his tracks, turning slowly to look at his dad. Bokuto moves closer to him and grins. He knows how the young boy has always wanted to walk the dog, only you were opposing in fear that he might let go of the leash. But Bokuto has complete trust in him, and if things go south, he could always chase the dog. He crouches to his son's level, looking at him in the eyes, "We'll keep it a secret from Mom. What do you--"

Before he could even finish his statement, Naoki was already putting on the dog's collar and leash. Bokuto smiles and walks to the kids' room to change Suki's clothes. He pulls out a baby pink dress and carefully dresses his daughter. He also pretties her up, tying her hair in two ponytails with pink ribbons. When they finish getting ready, the trio proceed to walk in the park.

He notices that Naoki is much more behaved and more mature this time, thinking that he definitely looks the part as an older brother. Feeling much more at ease, Bokuto walks with a spring in his step, subtly bouncing the little girl who is strapped to his chest. Suki giggles at his father's actions, and he can't help but kiss her forehead.

"Hey, dad," Bokuto hears Naoki quietly call out to him. He sees the big smile on his son's face and feels like a proud dad. "Thanks for letting me walk Tama." Oh, you bet he was going to brag to you about today.

SAKUSA KIYOOMI Sakusa and his six-year-old daughter, Shiomi, were currently taking a vacation at your parents' house. As much as you wanted to come along with them, work held you up and you had to send off your daughter and husband, wishing them a good time in the countryside.

It's been three days and the little girl has been enjoying time with her grandparents. Sakusa could feel his heart warming whenever he watches her helping her grandmother doing household chores or when she is sitting in the garden and reading a book to her grandfather. He knows how you never want to miss a moment of your daughter's life so he sends you random snapshots and videos throughout the day.

He was lounging on the tatami in the living room, a book in his hands, when Shiomi came running to him. The little girl tugged on his hand, "Papa, come with me! We're planting a tree!" Completely smitten by her, he puts down the book and goes along with her to the back garden.

Shiomi helps him put on some gloves and hands him gardening boots. "Wear these so your feet don't get dirty!"

As soon as he wears them, the two of them proceed to get their tools and start working in the garden. Time always seem to pass quickly when one is having fun, and before Sakusa knows it, they have planted three sprouts of trees and sowed vegetable seeds in the family garden. He glances at Shiomi who is still full with energy, her eyes shining as she proudly looks at her work.

Sakusa hurriedly takes out his phone. "Honey, come here." He beckons her, and removes his glove before wiping a towel to her face. "Let's show Mama what we did today."

Shiomi goes to the other side of tree, pointing at it before displaying the widest grin. Sakusa sets the front camera and their faces are shown on the screen. With the biggest smiles on their faces, he takes a photo and sends it to you, the caption reading: We missed you. Planting is fun!

[succulentsunrise]

How do your roses grow?

- With misdirection, confusion and ardent love.

My piece for the YamiChar Week, Day 1, combining the prompts "confession" and "garden"! 🥰

If you want to listen to music while reading it for an atmosphere, I recommend this one: Clair De Lune

| All | Day 2

Charlotte Roselei rubbed her hands together. The rising sun couldn’t quite shake off the chill of the early spring morning, and she had been working in the garden for some time now. Most of the sprawling garden of the headquarters was taken care of by the gardeners, but occasionally Charlotte would tend the roses. This was the first time she had tried actually planting them. The gnarled roots didn’t yet seem as beautiful as the roses would eventually be. With a sigh, she took off the dirt-covered gloves and wiped some sweat away from her forehead.

“Yo,” a gruff voice appeared out of nowhere.

Charlotte jumped, her grimoire appearing before her. Who dared! Her icy glare landed on a tall, broad figure with ruffled dark hair and scraggly stubble. She knew immediately who dared then - Yami Sukehiro wasn’t known for his etiquette or gracefulness. Her heart skipped a beat or two as she looked at him, that feeling of familiarity and fanciful crush overtaking her. He looked at her.

Silence ensued.

Charlotte thought he looked more clueless than usual today.

“Too good to answer?” Yami asked. “That’s hurtful, y’know.”

“No--no,” Charlotte stammered slightly.

She coughed, pulling herself together again. Seeing him made her always feel like everything was more difficult - sentences, thoughts, any kind of subtlety. Luckily for her, Yami was as dense as a rock.

“Why are you here?” Charlotte asked, hiding the dirtied gloves behind her.

Yami’s eyes followed her movement, as if he somehow knew. It was the strange dichotomy of Yami Sukehiro in Charlotte’s mind. She felt like he knew everything she thought of, everything she felt, and yet she also knew that getting her emotions through to him was like trying to fight quicksand. He was sharp, but not that sharp.

“Been gardening like the commoners?” Yami commented, ignoring her question.

“Gardening is a noble past-time,” Charlotte remarked with a chill she hadn’t meant to be there.

Yami stretched a little.

“Right. Well, I came here to ask you about something.”

“What is it at this time? It’s barely time for you to even begin waking up.”

Yami took one measured step towards her, leaning towards her slightly. His posture was relaxed, but there was something confident about it. Charlotte's heart jumped a little at the increased nearness.

“I wanted to catch you alone,” Yami said with a low voice.

A flush rose over Charlotte’s face. She couldn't get a word out of her mouth. Was she reading too much into that sentence? It was as if all her muscles had tensed up, clenching her insides and heart in anticipation.

“There was something I wanted to ask you,” Yami continued, his voice smooth and low, and another step bringing him face to face with Charlotte.

He leaned over her slightly, slow and deliberate. Charlotte looked away, her heart beating in her ears. From the corner of her eye, she imagined a kind of a gentle gaze in those dark eyes. She thought she spotted it there, nestled deep within. No, that was silly. She waited for the question, unable to concentrate on anything else. Yami stayed silent for a brief moment. Another. It stretched - too long.

“...where’s the bathroom?”

Charlotte felt her face turn hot red, and as an instinct, she smacked the broad chest in front of her.

“What!��� she spat out, part of her wanting to laugh, and part to cry. “You vulgar--”

Yami took few steps back, deterred by the smack, his expression dumb.

“I was in these parts and I really need to go,” he said matter-of-factly.

The tenderness Charlotte had imagined in his eyes had disappeared behind a dumb stare. She felt her blood boil - how dare he! She was embarrassed to be caught with these feelings.

“Go elsewhere,” she answered coldly, turning her back to Yami.

Charlotte could hear him sigh, and could basically see in front of her eyes him scratch his back. He did that often while sighing, when things got awkward.

“Well - I had another thing too.”

“What?”

“A confession.”

Charlotte tensed up, her eyes on the just-planted rose bushes. A confession! A love--no, she knew better than that. She had been disappointed by this man so many times! He never said or did the things her heart yearned for! Yet she couldn’t stop her hopeful heart from beating faster, nor the faint blush from collecting onto her cheeks. She hoped, despite knowing that it was most likely useless.

“I’ve known it for a long time,” Yami continued with a slow cadence. “And the reason I came here so early was so none of your squad would be awake yet. Don’t want any idle gossip.”

Known it for a long time? Gossip? Charlotte’s heart pumped faster, independent of her attempts of reasoning to herself that there was another explanation for everything.

“See, that night when it was just us…”

Charlotte turned slowly towards him, unable to raise her gaze up.

“...I know why you asked me to that restaurant instead of discussing it here.”

Charlotte gulped, stealing a glance at the serious face of the man that had stolen her heart.

“It was because one of your subordinates has a crush on me, right?” Yami asked suddenly.

Nothing could’ve prepared Charlotte for it, except for her insistent reasoning that this is what she should’ve expected. It felt like her very heart deflated inside of her, preparing the way for her spirit to leave her body. It was a gut punch without an actual punch. She stared at him for quite a while, examining those blank eyes and their intentions. It flashed to her mind that if there was anything behind them, that dumbness was a terribly good disguise.

“Don’t be silly,” she said discouragingly, shaking her head. “None of them have a crush on you.”

Charlotte felt Yami’s eyes on her, and for a brief moment, they looked at each other. For a brief moment, there was a fire in those dark eyes, meeting her cold gaze - for a brief moment, it felt like an invitation to a dance she didn’t know steps to. For a brief moment, Charlotte was certain Yami knew and he knew very well what he was doing. Then, the gaze became dull and turned into a sad frown.

“You’re breaking my heart, Prickly Queen,” Yami whined, turning away.

Charlotte stared after him, uncertain of what she had seen and how to react to it. Yami was clearly leaving, lifting one hand up to wave a goodbye.

“Not as much as you break mine,” she said softly.

“Hm?” Yami asked, his head turning around to look at her.

“I said: Go away before you give any funny ideas to my girls.”

“Ah. So cruel.”

“Get out.”

Their eyes met - a question and an answer. An invitation, accepted. Charlotte turned to her roses once more. How utterly confusing. This dance was a strange one. She couldn't even fathom how its steps went.

-

Leaving the headquarters, Yami lit a cigarette slowly. It was a very deliberate, thought out movement.

The roses were beautiful even at this time of the year, he thought.

It was too bad he hadn't been able to say what he wanted.

[writingforfunsies]

The Demon Brothers: Creative Outlets Headcanons

they are all immortals and when you've lived longer than you can remember, you're bound to find a creative outlet to destress, alleviate boredom, or you know, to just have fun!

Lucifer

He’s a busy demon. If he’s not working, he's sleeping, or cleaning up one of his brother’s messes, so he doesn't have that much time to just relax and explore his creative sides. 

That said though, it doesn’t mean he has no hobbies at all.

He plays the piano. He used to play it every morning, back when he’s still in the Celestial Realm, when he’d taught Lilith how to play the piano every morning and she’d sat besides him as his fingers moved across the keys slower so she could copy him. 

Nowadays, playing the piano feels very nostalgic and bittersweet, but you’ll hear soft, bittersweet melodies drift from the music room once in a while.

He also composes his own music, but that's an even rarer occurrence. The last time he created a new music piece was centuries ago. 

(Ever since MC came to Devildom though, he's been itching to write music for them.)

Practices calligraphy for fun. He has a whole set of brushes and ink and lettering pens. His handwriting is already beautiful but his calligraphy is even more amazing.

Another thing he does is gardening. He's got a great eye for landscape architecture, he's the reason why the house's backyard is pretty. 

He plants decorative plants and likes to cross breed flowers so the House of Lamentation's backyard is full of pretty shrubs and unfamiliar flowers. 

He is usually joined by Beel as he is the other brother that finds gardening very relaxing.

Mammon

He definitely shows his creativity by coming up with the most absurdly brilliant, out-of-the-box, original schemes to make money.

Mammon can draw, like really good. His drawings are very realistic. He prefers to use traditional media: charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, blenders, erasers, drawing pens, brushes, and maybe some watercolors.

He usually does architecture sketches.

But if you check his drawers, you’ll find several sketchbooks of his brothers in different candid poses. MC alone has taken up three whole sketchbooks. Mammon makes sure MC doesn’t see those sketches though.

Crashes Asmo’s Art Day regularly, claiming that if Levi’s invited then the Great Mammon should be too. Asmo and Levi always complains but they let him stay anyway.

Mammon also has a natural talent on jewelry making and metalwork. He makes jewelry from buttons, beads, pearls, diamonds, and crystals. From small pendants to elaborate neckpieces, simple anklets to ornate hairpins. 

Mammon has made metal bookmarks for Satan because the book lover always misplaces his bookmarks or destroys them in fits of rage when he doesn't like a book's ending.

He sculpts wood. It takes him months to finish one small piece because he only does it when he's really, really bored, he prefers to make his much more profitable jewelry. 

He keeps all of his sculptures in his room, small and detailed pieces of wood engraving of Devildom native animals lining up on one of the shelves.

Leviathan

This is canon but he draws! He doesn't think he's very good at it, but he really enjoys it. 

Unlike Mammon who likes to draw with his charcoal pencils and drawing pens, Levi prefers to draw digitally. He still switch to traditional media now and then though.

Has a monthly scheduled “Art Day” where he and Asmo hang out together, Levi draws with his sketchbook or his drawing tablet and Asmo paints. They basically just gossip and hype each other’s art.

Dabbles in making short animations but feels like it’s just not something for him. He makes short comics though.

He wants to be able to make his own video game someday though. Maybe after he learns programming.

He makes the most detailed cosplay outfits for his own cosplays. He sews really good and patches his brothers clothes when they ask. Where do you think Asmo learns how to sew his own clothes from?

Really good at dancing and he really likes it too. He's a natural at it. From the most intricate traditional Devildom dances to freestyle dancing. He can make new moves on the spot and can copy any moves from one look.

He’s a shy baby though, you’ll rarely see him dance when he’s sober.

Except when he’s playing DDR (Demons Dance Revolution). Then, it’s like he’s the most confident demon in Devildom.

Satan

Satan writes poetry when inspiration strikes him. He has also written short stories but he always comes back to creating beautiful poems. He’s got a way with words.

Photography is something he has only recently taken interest in but he has a great eye for taking breathtaking shots. 

Has become the family’s go-to photographer.

“Satan, take a picture of me and Mammon!” “Satan, take our picture, quick!” “Satan, help me get a picture for my Devilgram!”

He’s the reason Asmo’s Devilgram pictures always look like they’re taken professionally in a photo studio or something.

Satan loves art, likes to stroll through museums and stare at paintings for hours, but has little talent in creating them. Even so, he still likes to paint even if he's not good at it. 

Sometimes he just wants to slap paint on a canvas and make a colorful mess. It's fun. 

He joins Art Day every other month.

Another thing he does is knitting! It relaxes him. It gives him something to focus at when he's angry (um, angrier than usual), just to give his hands something to do that doesn't involve breaking anything. The simple patterns he makes are easy enough that they don't frustrate him. 

Rarely ever finishes his knitting though, you'll just find this 5 meters long knitted fabric in one corner of his room with the ends coming undone because he calms himself down enough to stop knitting.

Asmodeus

Regularly designs, cut, and sew his own clothes. 

Has a lot of sketchbooks full of drawings of flowy dresses and stylish coats and many aesthetically pleasing shirts. 

He has started his own clothing line and sometimes collaborate with Majolish. 

But for the most part, he designs clothes for himself and himself only, he doesn't want anyone else to wear clothes as fabolous as his.

Nail art? Nail art. 

Asmo paints all of the brothers nails and sometimes he'll persuade one of them to let him do a complete manicure, with glitter polish and shiny studs and all. 

Yes, even Lucifer. You just never see the results because Lucifer wears his gloves almost all the time.

Asmo creates beautiful makeup art. He doesn't really like a lot of makeup on his own face though, so his brothers' faces are his canvases.

He also has a great eye for interior decorating and flower arranging. He restyles his room every month.

Not many people know it but he paints. And he's very good at it. He has done a painting of each brother, the paintings can be seen on the walls of the House of Lamentation's hallways. 

Art Day with Levi (and sometimes Satan or Belphie) is spent with him in front of canvases, chatting with his brothers, paint splatters on his hands. It's the only day that he doesn't mind looking a little messy.

Beelzebub

He cooks, of course!  And bakes too!

It's one of the times he’s willing to wait to eat because cooking the ingredients first rather than just straight up eating them will make the foods taste better. 

Half of the food in the kitchen are his creations. Anything he can make on his own from scratch, he will; jams, ice cream, sauces, juices, bread, chips, etc. 

Likes to experiment and always do something different than the original recipes. 

He garnishes his cooking like it’s something you order from a five star restaurant.

Beel is another demon who has a green thumb. He likes taking care of plants and doesn't mind getting a bit dirty doing it so gardening is another hobby of his. 

If Lucifer plants ornamental plants, Beel grows useful plants like herbs and vegetables and small fruits. He's also good at topiary.

Always has an idea for a DIY project. 

His creations is scattered all over the House of Lamentation. Belphie's drawer divider is made out of yogurt cups. Broken drawer knobs recycled into Asmo's jewelry organizer. The coat rack. The bathroom towel holder. 

Even Lucifer's hanging Demonus rack is handmade by Beel when he's bored one weekend, with Mammon's help for the engraving decorations along the sides of the rack. Beel's got a bit of Bob the Builder in him.

He is very good at singing. His voice is clear and he has a broad vocal range. Has been caught unconsciously humming in class many times.

Has definitely sang Belphie to sleep.

Belphegor

Does his pranks counts as a creative outlet though?😂 Between him and Satan, Belphie's ideas are the most creative and out of the box, resulting on some of the best pranks they did.

Belphie does origami. It's relaxing, easy enough to learn, and doesn't take much effort and energy to do it. 

Has stacks of origami papers in his room: standard origami paper, foil paper, traditional Washi ones, the leather-like Momigami paper, all kinds of paper. 

He especially loves to make little origami stars and keeps them in glass jars in his room.

Belphie also has adult coloring books. 

And kids coloring books.

Coloring is relaxing to him. It's very calming to just lay down and fills a page with pretty colors for a while. It's not a tiring way to destress, he can color without moving from his bed, and it feels satisfying when he finishes a whole page. 

He sometimes joins Art Day if he's not too lazy to move. Still prefers to color alone where it's quiet though.

He also journals. It's another thing he can do that is inexpensive and not energy consuming. He writes about anything that comes to his mind, his thoughts, his ideas, memories. 

Definitely keeps a dream journal.

Also I headcanon that as the Avatar of Sloth, sleep and dreams are some of the things he can manipulate. He enjoys creating dreams; the worldbuilding, the story, the details. He can be really creative when it comes to making them, spinning the most vivid and imaginative dreams. 

They’re not necessarily good dreams though. After all, he is still a demon, his dreams will most likely mess up your mind than make you smile in your sleep.

[talkfantasytome]

Do you think there is a possibility that SJM is still working to make E+L happen? This is huge, forgive me for this, I put small letters so it doesn't get too big.

It's not like in ACOWAR they don't have interaction, they do (conversation about the heart, him trying to access her through the bond, her going to say goodbye to him, a conversation before that no one knows what was said, and the conversation when the war is over), but there are his and her traumas acting strongly and also the construction of what could be a love triangle, I realized this when I read it. In the other book we already started with Lucien not wanting to stay in the NC and barely looking at E and she the same, but then we also have in this book Mor saying that both of them are not ready for this now, that they should let them work it out on their own and she said they should let Lucien go find his place (which I understood that they were not going to be together at the moment because both of them were dealing with a lot of things and trying to find their place). At the same time there are Azriel's advances to Elain, which Rhys (innocently), says it was because of Azriel's mother. But after his bonus chapter, seeing his thoughts and Rhys' speech (saying that Azriel was seducing Elain away from Lucien) I understood better.

She also talks about Lucien with her ex-fiancé and says that she doesn't belong to anyone but that her heart belonged to her ex-fiancé. I think it is clear that her problem is not with Lucien but with the mate bond, the problem is that she has no choice and feels things towards him, we don't know what they go through and feel through the mate bond. I always found her reaction to his gifts a little strange, because she is described as a kind person who wouldn't hurt anyone, at the same time she opens the gift, sees what it is and doesn't return it, she lets others see her displeasure (despite people talking that she didn't like the gloves because she likes to get dirty in the book there is a passage talking about her wearing gloves when gardening, what happened in bonus feysand is her problem with mate bond's denial). Thinking about what she said about people not seeing her the way she really was (and Azriel was the person who said she was a seer), and her trying to fit into the NC (Cassian's words not mine) and putting it together with Az and Rhys thoughts I could understand (which may not happen and is fine if it doesn't but that is what I understood when I read the ACOTAR, that they had a personal journey before they had anything) I believe that maybe Rhys ends up helping them get closer by having E work together with him on something, they are both described as social people who like to play social games, so while Nessian's approach was the struggle theirs would be this social and political games that happen between the courts. (Rhys said he was going to push A+E away and we all know him, if E is in danger or needs training he won't let them be together and I believe neither will E because she felt rejected and ashamed, no one is going to stand behind a person after that.

Like, there is an old comment of hers about their journey (tension, growth and healing), which while I think is valid to remember I also know she listens to her characters so we can't take that as fact; she also said that when she is writing she thinks about when the couple will do something more and how it will happen, and we have the line (autumn boys have fire in their veins and fuck like) and Feyre looking at Lucien and thinking (trying not to imagine Elain subject to that ... fire); She also talks in her ACOSF interviews that she doesn't like to give an easy happy ending, that all the characters will have happy endings but will suffer a lot first. And there is one interview where she talks about how the couples would be touring in London and talks about them too, which leads me to believe that she thought of them as a couple for a long time and that yes she may still be thinking about them.

Do you agree with this? it could be true, I like your opinion a lot and I won't be hurt if you think differently than me =)

I believe that maybe Rhys ends up helping them get closer by having E work together with [Lucien] on something, they are both described as social people who like to play social games, so while Nessian's approach was the struggle theirs would be this social and political games that happen between the courts.

This, right here. Not saying it'll be Rhys doing this, but what you hinted at/pointed at is SO important and a brilliant reminder.

Rhys says that Lucien wore a fox mask for a reason - foxes are sly. Lucien can play court games. He knows what he's doing in them, and he uses diplomacy and his words to get the job done.

What do we know about Elain? This girl can convince anyone to do anything. Feyre told us so in ACOMAF.

Mates and endgame couples for SJM complement each other. You mentioned Nesta and Cassian. But let's think about others: Aelin and Rowan. Rowan didn't have water magic, he had ice and wind magic. He could use the wind to extinguish Aelin's flame, or to fuel it further. He could do both.

Elain and Lucien complement each other that way. Honestly, I would FEAR a court that had them working together for the court, because you'd never know how they'd get you. They'd be all smiles and politeness while playing the game so well you wouldn't even know they're the ones that took your court down.

I'm not saying Rhys will force them to work together. Honestly, I don't see us having that type of story, as it's so similar to ACOSF. But I DO think Elucien is still not only a possibility, but a plausibility. And Sarah isn't "working" to make them happen - Elain hit her and Lucien unsurprisingly. What that means to me is that it isn't work, it's easy for Sarah, like Nessian was. 😉 I could be wrong, but I do think we will see Elucien have that journey together and come out stronger than ever, with each other.

[hacawijo]

Azriel never said he was entitled to/deserved to be with Elain, those were Rhys’s words. Azriel said it didn’t make sense for two of the brothers to be with two of the sisters and not the third. Obviously it’s not the healthiest reasoning, but I think he’s reasoning in order to explain his strong feelings for Elain and to make sense of the powerlessness and envy he feels. Imagine pining after someone mostly unavailable and ultimately uninterested in you for 500 years, then finally finding someone else who makes you feel a lot of things and gets you better than maybe anyone else AND who is into you just as much as you are into them (he smells her arousal folks, Elain is super into Azriel and has been forever - literally fight me, I will give you receipts) and then to be forced to watch that person be essentially claimed, against their own preference, by someone else. Also, since when is it not absolutely certain that a fantasy romance ship is happening when someone expressly forbids it for political reasons??? That is such a classic trope!!

Azriel can’t catch a fucking break. How could you not have all of those feelings and then feel like fate screwed you when that person’s two sisters are destined for your two brothers? It’s a rationalization ADDED ON to the feelings he already has for Elain, he doesn’t have feelings for Elain because he thinks he’s entitled to her, he hopes that fate is showing him that his feelings are not in vain (AGAIN).

SJM herself said that she’s sprinkled breadcrumbs about Azriel’s story for a long time, which also makes me think Gwyn isn’t endgame because she’s such a new character. The moment between them in the bonus chapter actually reminds me a lot of Cassian’s moment with Emerie in ACOFAS. A lot of people predicted that he might be torn between her and nesta, but really it was just a way to flesh out that character outside of Nesta’s narrative. It seems more like SJM is trying to incorporate Gwyn into larger parts of the story and as more than just nesta’s friend. Perhaps what we need to glean from his interactions with Gwyn are the things Azriel values, and the personal growth he might go through, in a vocational sense, in the next book.

It makes him happy to make Gwyn happy because he ultimately cares very strongly for people who have suffered and survived and thrived. Cassian cares about what happens to the illyrians, Azriel doesn’t - the Valkyrie (to an extent) and the illyrians are Cassian’s mission, Azriel doesn’t have anything like that, yet. Azriel doesn’t like the violent things he does for the court, and that is probably part of why he feels so unfulfilled and lost. The most valuable things he has done have been the type of thing he did in saving Gwyn at Sangravah and training the priestesses with Cassian. This is all rooted, of course, in the suffering he witnessed his mother go through. All three of the illyrians are defined by the violence and wrongs done to their mothers, and two of them have found ways to make relative peace with those wrongs. Azriel has begun to and has done much to help wronged women and children and people, but I don’t think he’s had his Aha! Moment yet in the way that Rhys and Cassian have. His interaction with Clotho feels like an indication of his greater purpose, an alternative concern to his romantic woes re: Elain.

I’m not saying this means that Gwyn ISNT involved in a romantic way in the next book, but I think it’s hasty to assume it’s romantic just because Azriel has a meaningful, connected moment with her. Think about Manon and Elide or Feyre and Lucien, two friendships that bridged a lot of characters together and that could have gone in a romantic direction but didn’t. She tends to do that more with friendships than romantic relationships I think. I also think there was a clearer indication of Emerie’s interest in Mor than Gwyn’s in Azriel (I know there’s more interaction between Azriel and Gwyn, but Emerie is clearly into Mor when she says she doesn’t come around Windhaven anymore), and it seems almost as tidy to have Azriel and Mor end up with the other two Valkyries as for Azriel to end up with the third sister. Azriel, Mor, and Cassian are very nearly as much a sacred trio as the Illyrians. Also, I think it’s more likely that Mor will end up with Emerie because she hasn’t had a real romantic interest be yet revealed (the only thing I can think of is Viviane’s younger sister, but that was also superrrrrrrrrr subtle and I might have read too far into the text) and SJM pretty much never decides to start those in the course of one book (of which this extra Azriel POV chapter would be a part).

I also just want to say that Elain has been consistently uncomfortable with Lucien. He gets her the gloves for solstice, and it’s because he has a fundamental misunderstanding of her as a person. He sees her as something delicate to be sheltered and protected from thorns and elements, but that’s actually one of the things Elain loves most about gardening, and is probably how she wishes she could live her life if given the freedom and confidence. In the Feysand chapter, Feyre specifically mentions the gloves that Lucien got Elain and the consequences of Elain not wearing them. On the surface it seems silly because she hurt herself, using the gloves makes total sense, but Rhys and Feyre are actually talking about Elain as someone who is growing and who actually likes to get dirty and FEEL things. It would make COMPLETE sense for Elain to be with Lucien, he’s her mate and he’s courtly and traditional (for a high fey, anyway) and it would be very politically tidy. But maybe this new, changed Elain just doesn’t want that anymore. Maybe she thinks Azriel’s scarred hands are beautiful because they’re nothing other than what they are, and she’s not afraid of having her own scars (I.e. the thorns).

I don’t know for sure that it’s a great sign that Azriel got Elain jewelry. That could be an indication that he sees her beauty and delicacy similarly to the way Lucien does, and certainly he is protective of Elain. BUT think it could mean something different because it was juxtaposed with the pearl earrings that Lucien gave Elain. They were plain, we’ve never had any indication that Elain is interested in pearls or even regular jewelry. SJM OBVIOUSLY put much more thought into the description of the necklace and AZRIEL OBVIOUSLY put much more thought into his gift for Elain than Lucien did. He thought about Elain and what she means to him and gave her something that appears gently beautiful and informal but is even more lovely when someone PAYS CLOSER ATTENTION TO IT, as Azriel always does with everything, and especially Elain.

just can’t imagine SJM having anything that is awkward and at best uncomfortable and uncommunicative turn into an endgame relationship. Elain and lucien have no passion, neither sexual nor antagonistic nor romantic. All of her relationships tend to involve a pretty instant attraction and ongoing tension with tiny little moments sprinkled in from the get. Elain is only ever uncomfortable around Lucien. On the other hand, she is innately comfortable with Azriel pretty immediately (again ask for receipts and I will give them).

They also meet each other pre-cauldron, Lucien is literally like, “she’s my mate!” During one of the most traumatic and dissonant moments of Elain’s life. Remember how much Rhys DIDNT MAKE FEYRE’S LIFE OR TRAUMA ABOUT HIM???? He waited FOREVER to tell her about the bond, was pretty certain he could never be with her, would have been happy to never tell her and just have her be happy. Cassian was pretty sure of the bond with nesta and did not come close to mentioning it until they declared themselves together forever. Rowan and Aelin were also terrified to admit to each other that they were mates, again because they worried what it might do to negatively affect the other. But there’s Elain, fresh outta the cauldron, they all heard her screams and saw her terror and despair, and the first thing he says is “she’s MY mate.”

Also want to be clear I’m not trying to hate on Lucien. I mentioned above that Lucien is used to being pretty courtly and traditional, I think he was raised in the autumn court and has a very traditional understanding of what the mating bond means. I don’t think he is ever trying to claim Elain because he’s inherently trying to ignore her wishes or control her, but because he feels that bond and believes in the fact that it is sacred. Elain was born human, doesn’t really understand the significance of mates the way Lucien does. Of course she wouldn’t have a matching reverence. Elain is used to love and building trust and a relationship with someone over time and with patience. Which is exactly how her relationship with Az progresses.

Really think about Elain and Lucien, what about them seems compatible? He plays the game, he’s clever, his specialty is in people and he likes to have repartee with those he’s close to. Elain is pretty much always herself, she doesn’t change to suit her company, and she frankly doesn’t seem to love figuring people out. She loves being with the people she loves, but the politics of people don’t interest her - nature interests her. She’s kind in a way that Lucien would probably probably find boring in someone who isn’t his mate. In ACOSF, nesta is constantly thinking about the difference in her relationship with her mother from the relationships her mother had with her sisters. She makes it really clear that Elain never knew how to handle people in the same way as nesta or any courtier, and that she wasn’t really all that interested in intrigue or politic (which is why their mother was never interested in Elain). Elain and Lucien do not understand each other and do not understand the other’s passions or motivations. I like Lucien, I don’t love him the way that some folks do, probably because I never really got over his failure to feyre in ACOMAF, but I do want him to be happy. I think he can’t give Elain what she wants or needs and vice versa.

Lastly I want to talk about symmetry and fresh narrative. At this point, mating bonds are pretty played out. SJM has set a lot of groundwork re: the fact that mating bonds are NOT always perfect, and are NOT always happy. Rhys talks a lot about his mother and father. They were very unhappy together; they did not understand each other. It sounds like Rhys’s father was a politician and Rhys’s mother was wild and raw and genuine. This is part of the reason he waits so long to tell Feyre about the bond (and obviously he doesn’t even get to tell her, she finds out on her own). I am definitely not trying to say that Lucien is like Rhys’s father, he’s not, he’s a much better person, but I do think that the differences in Rhys’s parents’ values and passions mirror the dissonance that can be felt between Lucien and Elain as well. I think all of the wind was taken out of the relationship before it started because Lucien named Elain as his mate so quickly- it was really unearned. It is so EARNED in Feyre and Rhys’s story and Aelin and Rowan’s.

I think the idea of choosing love over nature is actually extraordinary. Elain, who has never really had a choice in her whole life, will make the most subversive and difficult choice of the series by rejecting her mating bond. And Azriel, who has never believed himself worthy of good things, will be chosen over a mating bond because he is so extraordinarily deserving of happiness and love and to be truly chosen as someone else’s paramour even beyond the influence of a mating bond. Is there any greater narrative validation of Azriel than that???? SJM writes grand, dramatic cosmic payback for her characters, and this would be a crowning achievement in that vein.

As for Lucien, what he has needed is a way out of the lines he’s always been expected to live in. He was never at home in the autumn court, he was never truly at home in the spring court, and despite Elain, he is definitely never at home in the night court. Lucien’s love, the thing that made him more happy than anything else in his life, was inherently unconventional, and then the convention he lived in destroyed it. Letting go of Elain and the mating bond will be the best way for him to reject the rules that have confined him for his entire, mostly miserable life. Elain will choose Azriel, and Lucien will choose to let her go, not just for Elain but also for himself. I’m willing to bet he might even give up his immortal life to be with Vassa and Jurian. Obviously that whole trio’s dynamic is still pretty murky, but I THINK he seems to be into Vassa (hell who knows - maybe he’s into jurian). Certainly he is happier with them than he has ever been anywhere else (tamlin was Lucien’s dear friend, but Lucien was also fucking terrified of him), and maybe it’s not and will never be about romantic fulfillment for him. That being said, that seems unlikely given SJM’s tendency to pair off her characters.

As for people being mad about the sex stuff...... have we not been reading the same books? Cassian and Rhys have both made it clear to Feyre that Az can get it, he hasn’t been chastely pining for Mor his whole life. Nesta also specifically confirms in this newest installment that Elain is not a virgin, hello bread crumb set up. Elain and Azriel are both sexually active adults who are sexually attracted to each other. Why should they not be able to have agency over their own sexuality in the same way as all of the other characters? Because they’re shy? Because they seem nicer and gentler?

I think it’s actually really infantilizing to make Elain a victim/inactive participant in her solstice interaction with Azriel. Sure, narrators aren’t always reliable, but SJM always uses the fey scent as a story device to confirm sexual interest and initial/general consent for the reader without suspicion or misinterpretation. I. E. Nesta and cassian both had really warped understandings of how the other felt about them for a lot of ACOSF, but they always came back to knowing for certain that they were sexually attracted to each other. That is something that SJM makes pretty freakin clear in most situations. I don’t think that Azriel thought anything that was darker or dirtier than anything Rhys or cassian has thought about feyre and nesta. In fact it was definitely less kinky than how cassian and nesta often thought of each other sexually before they really got together.

Also, a lot of elain’s reactions to Lucien in ACOWAR remind me of mor’s reactions to Azriel throughout the series. You could tell she was feeling some type of way, but in reality it was guilt and sorrow that she couldn’t return his feelings, not that she was tortured by her love for him. I feel like when Lucien goes to the continent and Elain displays emotion about it it’s more about the fact that she feels bad she doesn’t feel more for him even though she does feel the bond. I’m sure it was really confusing for her. Elain’s reactions to Azriel, though, remind me more of the little snippets of interaction between Aedion and Lysandra before they had more POV in the ToG series and also those between cassian and nesta in ACOMAF and ACOWAR before THEY had POV chapters.

Wow so yeah here’s my dissertation. I hope someone out there reads this and is like YES THIS IS WHAT IVE BEEN TRYING TO SAY, because I love when I find posts like that.

[amariaamaris]

Of Changes and Revelations

I got this idea from the other Marvel and TVD crossover that I did, it is going to be (hopefully) very different. I hope it comes out well and that I do it justice... I’m already working on a second part, I felt that this was getting a little to long! Please let me know what you think and if there are any grammar/spelling/punctuation things that need fixing. Constructive criticism is always welcome. This took me forever, there were so many roadblocks and questioning myself on if I actually wanted to write this. Thanks to my sister pushing me and my imagination running wild with promises of what I can do in the future with this... I decided to go through with it... so enjoy!

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

After it’s all said it done; after Esther failing in killing her children, Bonnie’s mother being turned to break the link, Abby bailing (again), Klaus forcing Bonnie to break the spell Esther did... The expulsion of magic that resulted inadvertently saved Finn’s life, knocking out the scooby gang in the process (including most everyone in the town). While also setting fire to anything flammable within the radius of the town (leaving only a select few homes and buildings untouched). It’s safe to say all the white oak is gone... along with multiple buildings.... (oops?) The poor trees are all fried, though luckily they have strong bark, so they’ll survive (it also helps that Bonnie helped to heal them).

All of it coalesces and brings Bonnie to locking herself up in her grams house for as long as she pleases with no acknowledgement of the outside world. She had methodically gone through the house and unplugged the internet, tv’s, shut down her phone, and all other electronics. She just wants to be left alone, Bonnie is exhausted; she’s tired of being used, abused, and taken for granted.

She had found a boundary spell in one of the grimoires to keep those with ill or selfish intent off her property and the fu- away from her (especially certain vampires). In the middle of the week Bonnie left her grams house and went to the school. At the beginning of the week she set up this time to test out of high school.

Bonnie made sure to blend in with the crowd to not be spotted by her “friends”; they may have not seen her, but she definitely saw them. She took the test within three and a half class periods and got the hell out of there. Bonnie drove away like a bat out of hell and made it back to her grams house as fast as she possibly could. She had completely moved into her grams house throughout the one after another of the supernatural shit show that she now calls her life (or rather did call her life). Not like her father was ever around for her to bother staying in his house.

The plus side of testing out of high school is that she can go and get whatever she needs without being worried about being ambushed by her “friends” or the Mikaelson's. Bonnie has also decided that she is going to take all the time that she needs to spend on self-love, working with her magic to learn, and embrace it joyfully. She also has been spending time in meditation and speaking with all of her ancestors. For once in her life, Bonnie Shelia Bennett has finally decided to be selfish and damn the consequences.

Little did she know that her new change would go right along with a huge change that will flip her world on its axis and bring up deeply buried memories.

————

Rudy Bennett knew that this day would come, he knew that eventually they would hunt him down. After all, he did abandon his post, he cut off all contact and went rogue. In doing so, also kept his child away from her culture and her people. He knows that if they find out about her and his lack of parenting, that would sign his fate.

Rudy couldn’t hide his shaking hands as he poured himself a drink and promptly chugged what was in his glass. He did decide that he wouldn’t run or hide, he was going to wait for them to come. He just got done pouring his second one when the lights flickered off; causing a shiver of fear to run down his spine, he could also feel sweat on the back of his neck.

When the lights flickered on, there were two Dora Milaje standing on the other side of his desk. Still as stone holding their vibranium spears, with the king and his cousin standing in between them. Both in different black panther suits (armor?), causing Rudy to gulp. Rudy could feel more sweat break out on his skin as he warily stared at his king.

“D’Kadi Dzube, you’ve been missing a long time.” Rudy or rather D’Kadi watched as both the men tapped on their collars and watched as the mask melted away and showed their faces. Rudy could hear his blood rushing to his ears as he felt himself pale a little. “You were once my father’s most trusted war dog. Then one day, you disappeared without a trace. Just a few months ago we found you... we also found some very interesting information. D’Kadi Dzube you have a daughter that you hid from your people. From my understanding you have been neglecting her as well.”

Rudy could hear ringing in his ears and the blood rushing through his body, he could imagine that he looked white as a sheet. Everything was blurring and before he knew it his eyes were rolling and he fell into darkness.

————

Bonnie could feel something coming to the depths of her bones, it would cause her to pause as her hair would stand up on its ends. Which would lead her to looking out the windows, but there was nothing there. It got to the point where Bonnie decided to add an extra warding to the house rather than the property. Evidently to keep anyone away from the structure of the home, while still being able to enter the yard (only if they pass the wards on the property that is).

Bonnie had started a cute little herbal and vegetable/fruit garden in her backyard, along with some landscaping spanning around the whole house. Along with flowers on both sides of the pathway walking up to the house. Bonnie has never before felt this free and happy. That doesn’t change the fact that she still feels a phantom twinge of pain when she thinks of how her friends haven’t even tried to come visit her. Not. A. Single. One.

Hell! Even Klaus showed up! Not that he could get on the property and it’s not like he was checking up on her... but still! Bonnie lets out an annoyed huff and shakes her head as she focuses back on her plants at the front of the house. She tries to work through her agitation; at her friends, the Mikaelson’s, the Salvatore’s, her parents, her grams for not teaching her from the beginning, at herself for not being smarter and wiser, and Bonnie might as well add the world to the list to. 

She very quickly finds herself falling into a flow of taking care of the plants as everything washes away. Bonnie has found that in many instances doing something like this puts her in a meditative trance that helps to center her. Two hours pass with Bonnie working on her plants, when she hears a car drive up and park on the curb.

Bonnie allows herself to slow down in her landscaping work, but doesn’t turn around - even as she hears the car doors open and shut. She can also hear strangely accented voices talking, both male... but she can sense more people with them. Hearing them coming closer makes Bonnie glad that she chose to wear a wide brimmed straw hat that belonged to her grams (she’s rather not have people recognize her before she can tell whether or not they are threats). 

“Excuse me? Are you the daughter of Rudy Bennett and Abby Bennett....” She freezes, but gives no answer. Bonnie can already feel her magic gathering, ready to motus the hell out of all of the people behind her. Receiving no answer, the people behind her exchange looks, “Granddaughter to Shelia Bennett?” Bonnie feels her agitation spike, causing her to rip off her dirty gardening gloves and throw them to the ground.

Bonnie turns around to look at them, noticing two men that look like cousins, two bald women that have what look to be tribal tattoos on their heads, and a random white man wearing clothing far heavy for how warm it is. Bonnie can practically feel her magic crackling at her fingertips and through her hair. “That depends on who is asking and why...?”

One of the cousins move to step forward, but upon seeing the look on her face, thinks better of it. Though, that didn’t stop him from kindly smiling at her, “My name is T’Challa, this is my cousin N’Jadaka, these two women are Okoye and Ayo, and this is James Barnes. I would like to speak to you about your father.”

Bonnie studies all of them and then flicks her eyes back to T’Challa, before she can respond with something biting, she hears whispers upon the wind. She allows herself to slightly tilt her head to listen better. After a few seconds Bonnie focuses back on T’Challa and the people he brought with him. “I’m not interested in talking about the sperm donor that calls himself my father. I could care less what type of underground cultish mafia he got himself into. If he owes you anything make Rudy deal with it, his problem’s aren’t mine to deal with.”

Bonnie quickly makes her way onto the porch of the house - without turning her back on them (she doesn’t have a death wish) - already knowing that whoever these people are, they aren’t going to let her off easily. N’Jadaka, the man with weird bumps all over his extremely musc- no! Bonnie quickly mentally shakes herself as he snickers with a smirk on his face. “I don’t think I have ever heard someone call people from Wakanda a cult or mafia. The little kitten does have a point cousin.” He runs his tongue over his teeth, “She should be wary, she knows nothing about her father’s history. “

“N’Jadaka...” T’Challa gives him a sharp warning look, not noticing Bonnie moving to open the front door to slip inside. “Where do you think you’re going kitten? We said we wanted to talk that’s what you’re going to let us do!” He moves to go onto the porch, but feels like he hit a brick wall, N’Jadaka also gets a nasty zap throughout his entire body. Causing him to hiss slightly in pain as the group takes notice of the wind picking up and hissing whispers upon the wind (not that they could make out what they were saying). They do notice how Bonnie seems to understand exactly what is being said upon her head whipping around to face the road. All of them watched as she ripped off her hat and lightly tossed it onto the porch swing, they heard the sharp angry hiss escape from her as her green eyes darkened.

The group from Wakanda evenly spaced themselves out as they turned upon hearing a car door slam, they all watch as a long blonde haired young woman walked around the car and onto the property. “Bonnie! Where have you been? We have all been trying to get a hold of you, you haven’t been at school, you haven’t been answering your phone or showing up to practice! We’ve been worried! Honestly Bonnie Bennett you better have a good reason for completely cutting all of us out of your life... who are these people?!” Bonnie stares at Caroline for a few seconds realizing that her chest no longer hurts when thinking of her ex-friends. In fact Bonnie realizes with sudden clarity that there isn’t pain when she thinks of her friends, only white hot fiery fury and looking at Caroline only makes her annoyance and fury rise at the audacity that she had to show up to her grams house unannounced at her house, at her sanctuary.

“Who they are is none of your business Caroline, in fact they were just leaving, like you will be. I’m not particularly in the mood to talk to people that ruined my perfectly peaceful day by arriving unannounced.” Turning her attention to the curious onlookers Bonnie continues “I don’t care to talk about Rudy and whatever shit show he’s gotten himself into,” looking to Caroline “and I don’t want to be forced to listen to lies! I’m well aware that none of you have noticed my absence up until a couple days ago. I’m also aware that none of you actually care for me, all of you just see me as some weapon to be used. Well I’m done being your sword and shield. I want all of you the hell off of my grams property. Do whatever you want with Rudy, it’s not my problem and I want nothing to do with it. Caroline you and the rest of those assholes can shove your lies and demands up your asses. I’m not going to be your quick fix to problems you brought on yourselves. Grow the fuck up and deal with them yourself! Now get the fuck off of my property!”

The front door slams viciously behind Bonnie, whose screaming voice still echoed in the air with whispers following it, the group from Wakanda all had their eyebrows almost to their hairlines. While Caroline’s jaw was dropped almost to the ground in shock and hurt. “You should leave Care-o-line, you’re no friend of hers.” N’Jadaka’s voice quickly pulls her out of it and brings up her misplaced righteous fury. “Oh, really, I am her friend. Who the hell are you? From the way it was looking none of you are friends of Bonnie’s! I’m her best friend!! You had to have done something to upset her, she would have never said something like that or treated me that way! All of you are the ones who should leave!”

N’Jadaka moves to step forward, but James puts his hidden vibranium arm in front of him and says only one thing in a harsh warning tone. “Erik...” Causing Erik to suck on his teeth for a second then back down. While T’Challa steps forward with his hands up in the universal sign of peace. “Miss...” Caroline huffs out her answer to his silent question, “Caroline Forbes!” He immediately gives a soft smile, “Miss Forbes, I believe all of us need to leave Bonnie alone for the time being. If it makes you feel better we will get into our car first, but we will only be leaving after you drive away. She is important to our people and I will not risk something happening.” Caroline works her jaw as the gogs in her brain slowly turn, her eyes sharpen for a few seconds, but she quickly gives in and slowly, dejectedly nods.

None of them notice the whispers on the wind that one small young Bennett witch listens too as they all drive away, with a contemplating look in her eyes.

————

The next day has Bonnie working in the backyard harvesting the herbs, vegetables, and fruits that she needs. Bonnie gives absolutely no reaction to N’Jadaka’s presence as he walks around the back of the house. “You know it’s seen as extremely rude to not only invite yourself to someone’s house, especially not knocking on the front door.” She has to hide her slight smile upon hearing him huff out a laugh, “I’d love to knock on your front door kitten, the only problem is... I couldn’t seem to get on the first step.” Bonnie can sense the question in his words, but chooses to ignore it and continue her work. She can feel him watching her and gets quickly fed up witch a harsh huff Bonnie stops what she is doing, stands up, and turns to face him.

She has to give herself a few seconds to get accustomed to the height difference between the two of them, to put it simply... he dwarfs her. Not only in height, but in sheer muscle mass, she averts her eyes to try and hide the affect he’s having on her. Bonnie decides to chalk it up to the fact that she hasn’t had any direct human contact for a while. “Look N’Jadaka...” “Erik” His interruption causes her to blink, “What?” Erik let’s out a quiet huff while a smirk plays along his lips. “My colonizer name kitten, is Erik. I’d rather go by it than N’Jadaka... has a lot more pride in it than my other name does.”

Bonnie quietly mouths colonizer with a confused look, but decides that they can come back to that later. “Fine! Erik... just...” Bonnie let’s out breath and frowns as her eyes play across the plains of his face and the outdoors. “I don’t know why... but my ancestors like you and they say that I can trust you. Now I’m going to do something that I never do... I’m going to trust my ancestors.” She allows herself to walk up to him and look him directly in the eyes “and if you ever... and I mean ever break that trust. I will personally find a way to kill you, slowly, painfully, and only when your begging for mercy will I kill you... got it?” While she was talking her finger was poking him in the chest to help emphasize her words with a sickly sweet smile upon her face.

Erik gives a slow smile knowing that he shouldn’t find himself turned on by her threat, but he is. He allows himself to carefully grab the hand she was poking him with and holds onto it. Erik chooses to ignore the quiet gasp that escapes her lips... for the moment “You got it kitten, would you like me to explain what you were very unwilling to talk about yesterday with my cousin?” He watches completely fascinated as her eyelashes shadow her eyes while she thinks it over, when she looks up and focuses back on him, she gives a hesitant nod. “Okay, but your helping me with my garden... if we have to talk about something that I would rather never have to think about again, your going to be useful and help.” Her words pull a sharp laugh out of Erik, as he grins and gives a nod in acceptance.

Once she quickly shows him what do to and what to look for, they start working. As they work he explains everything to her, everything hidden from her, everything that her father has done... everything. It completely shatters her, it obliterates everything she thought she knew about her father and his side of the family, everything she thought she knew and understood about herself; it sends her completely into orbit. She doesn’t even realize that she is crying, nor does she realize that she is raging at Erik and upon his body. Her fists swinging to hit his chest as her magic angrily swirls around them. Bonnie feels as though she is shattered into a trillion shimmering atoms being carried away upon the wind. She can’t tell if she will ever find herself... how can she? Bonnie doesn’t think that she can gather the exploded pieces... how can she find them? They have scattered to the wind getting caught in the trees, falling to the streams of water to be carried and caught elsewhere. Bonnie can’t even feel Erik tightly holding her as he somehow carries her inside of her grans house. And eventually, much later into the night, he helps to pull her back together, but for now. He try’s to help hold together what little is left of Bonnie Shelia Bennett.

As her true name echoes through her entire being...

Ahnika...

————————————————————

I hope you enjoyed it, please let me know what you think. The second part is on its way! Peace, love, and joy!

[chocolate-parfait]

um, if i can request another thing? I’m from a very hot country where snow doesn’t exist. How would Arthur, le Comte and Theo react to an s/o who isn’t bothered much by heat, but when snow starts to come around, she stares at even the slightest snow in awe? Maybe they don’t know why and asks Sebastian? General headcanons please! Thank you for answering the request!💕💕

Sorry it took me so long! I had some family/health problems so I didn't have time to write😭 +these turned more on the scenario side, hope you don't mind!

(Fun fact: while writing the part for Comte, I mistook the word "blister" for "blizzard" and realized my mistake only halfway through)

MC seeing the snow for the first time - ikevamp headcanons (Arthur, Comte & Theo)

Arthur

It was almost the middle of November and the days were starting to get colder. One morning, after cheerfully whistling to himself from his room all the way to the dining room, Arthur's gaze went to the window as he took a sit at the table, noticing that the garden, usually vivid with colors even during the winter, was now covered in a thick blanket of pure white

Just as he was about to let his mind wander into past memories, he heard a pair of two feet running towards the room. Turning his head to the door, he saw your lovely figure emerge with hurry from the corridor

"Arthur! It's snowing! There's snow everywhere!!" You almost yelled into his face with one of the widest smiles he had ever seen you wear. Before he could question your enthusiasm, you quickly told him to join you in the garden later as soon as he had finished eating. Then you took your coat and ran outside, euphoric like a little kid

After this unexpected scene, the stoic butler entered the room, sighing as he surrendered himself to the fact of having to serve everyone their food on his own. As he placed a bottle of Rouge in front of the writer, the latter asked him whether this was your first time seeing the snow. "MC-san's homeland is a country which tends to be subject to high temperatures throughout most of the year. I doubt she has ever seen the snow before today, thus explaining such an excited reaction". As soon as the words left the man's mouth, Arthur downed his meal in one go, thanked Sebastian and sped to your location. He wasn't going to miss any of your firsts, even if it was the weather!

After he reached you outside you two started doing all kinds of games in the cold. You did snow angels, played many matches of snowball fights (you dragged Theo into it and teamed up against him imagine receiving a snowball thrown with vampiric strength in your face👁👄👁) and you also did a snowman!

At the end of the day you were so cold and drenched in melted snow that you stayed in bed for two weeks with one of the first and worst colds you ever had in your life, though the experience was more than worth the scolding you got from a furious Sebastian

Comte

After a cold night spent snuggling together in search of warmth from each other's bodies, you two woke up to a blizzard surrounding the city of paris and violently submerging everything under a heavy layer of cold. It wasn't anything particular, especially during a month like December, and yet as Comte was already dressing himself you were still there by the window, eyes glued to the scenery on the other side of the glass. The pureblood made his way to you and embraced your body in his gentle arms, your back almost touching with his still undressed torso

"Ma chérie, is something the matter?". The warmth of your lover and the sound of his smooth voice brought you back to reality. You turned in his loose grip to face him and with slightly blushing cheeks you admitted "T-this is my first time ever seeing the snow..."

He had lived through countless winters during his long life he couldn't even remember what his first time seeing the snow was like, but being there during your first time brought him a certain sense of calm and hot happiness that spread from his heart to his whole body. "Let's get dressed and eat breakfast first, darling. We'll go outside after that, hoping that the weather will calm itself a little". Agreeing to his proposal, you wore the thickest clothes you could find and made your way to the dining room, hardly containing your excitement

After two hours the snowstorm finally reduced in its intensity, letting the snowflakes dance gently through the air. Covering yourself in scarves, gloves, hats and coats, you took your beloved's hand on stepped out into the garden looking like a stuffed ravioli. Three steps out of the door and you almost slipped on the frozen pavement, though Comte rapidly caught you, and he kept a tight grip on your waist for most of your stroll. After reaching the gazebo he let you go enjoy the wonders of winter as he cleaned a bench and sat back, happily watching you having fun. You started touching the snow and after seeing how soft it was you got hit by a wave of giddiness, and before you knew it you were rolling on the ground like a little kid, excitedly showing Comte your first snow angel. As time passed, your skin started getting more cold and red, so when you sneezed the pureblood decided it was enough fresh air for the day and took you back inside

For how much it pained him being a killjoy in such a situation, your health came before anything! He ran a hot bath and prepared skin lotions for you as an excuse. He pampered you for the rest of the day and promised to take you into the city once you had gotten enough rest

Theo

It was one of Theo's rare lazy days. No clients to meet nor exhibitions to attend, as everything was temporarily closed because of incoming Christmas. He got up later than usual and after opening the curtains in his room, a snow covered landscape greeted him. As he was about to turn away and get out of his sleeping robes he heard cheerful voices coming from the garden, Arthur, Vincent's and yours, though he couldn't see anyone from his window

On his way to get breakfast he met Sebastian in the halls and asked him what were you three doing. "MC-san said this was her first time seeing the snow as her homeland is usually a hot country. Sir Arthur and Master Vincent decided to show her some typical winter activities in the snow and they've been out ever since". He could picture your face in his mind: cute smile and eyes of a puppy staring excitedly outside. If you were a dog your tail would be wagging back and forth without interruption! "Master Theo, why are you smiling?" "You're imagining things, Sebastian"

And just like that he decided to come and check on you rascals. As soon as Arthur spotted him walking towards you, the writer's brain immediately thought of a mischievous plan. You were having a snowball fight, everyone against everyone (though the two vampires were definitely controlling their strength). Arthur threw you a snowball which you swiftly avoided, crouching down to make another one as a counterattack. Little did you know that the British man had moved laterally so as to have an approaching Theo right behind him, and when you threw your shot he ducked down. The thick snowball you had thrown with all the strength you could manage, landed harshly on your lover's face, making him stop dead in his tracks

Arthur that was already on the ground holding his stomach while laughing, when he received a kick on his back from a fuming Theo. "Theo! Are you okay?!" You and Vincent gasped and as you rushed to your partner's side you happened to trip over Arthur, bringing Theo down in your fall. Slowly you started laughing at how ridiculous the scene must've seemed, causing Theo to silently watch you with a smirk on his snow covered face

Then, before you could get up again you felt something icy cold on your neck, melting against your skin. Flinching at the sudden sensation, you turned to the art dealer, eyes wide with disbelief. "Heh, now we're even". But before he could add anything else, you closed your gloved fist against the ground and threw an handful of snow to his handsome face, laughing at his silly expression afterwards

"If a war is what you want, a war is what you'll get, Hondje". And so, the four of you had a snow fight to the death. The angel duo (you and Vincent) against the devil duo (Theo and Arthur), who used all kinds of dirty tricks to achieve victory despite meeting absolute defeat in the end. Vincent can absolutely destroy you in a fight, not even his brother Theo can win

Well, you all also got an earful from an angry Sebastian for breaking a window during your match, so you all were losers at the end of the day

[thefloorisbalaclava]

A/N: Thank you for this @tiffdawg​!

And thanks to @loki-098​ who is always helping me out. Also I used my favorite color.

“I dunno shit about flowers, man,” Frankie tells Santiago as they walk through the garden center at Home Depot.

“Ask someone,” Santiago tells him, pointing at one of the people wearing an orange apron.

They walk over and the employee greets them with a bright smile. “How can I help you?”

“He wants to plant a garden for his girlfriend,” Santiago blurts out and Frankie glares at him.

“I…want to plant a garden…for my girlfriend.” He sighs when he realizes he just said the same exact thing.

“Okay, well, what flowers do you have in mind?” the man asks.

“Uhhhh….” Frankie looks at his friend who only shrugs. “Pretty ones?”

“Wait…what’s her favorite color?” Santiago asks and Frankie is grateful for the save.

“Blue! Blue flowers. Got any of those?”

“Of course! There’s hydrangeas, the Himalayan blue poppy, forget me not, desert bluebell, blue dai--"

“That’s…a lot,” Frankie cuts in.

“We have all sorts, sir,” the man says excitedly. “It’s all up to you.”

“I know. That’s the problem. I don’t know the first thing about this.” Frankie feels like he’s back in school getting ready for an exam and this test he definitely wants to pass.

The man explains more things to him and he just nods and picks up whatever the employee happens to point out.

“Excellent choice, sir. Your girlfriend will love them.”

“Thanks for all your help.” Frankie turns to Santiago who has been pushing the cart.

“Think you got enough?” Santiago teases.

“It better be enough.” They walk up to checkout and Frankie cringes at how much he spends but nothing is ever too much for his sweetie.

*

Santiago helps Frankie unload the truck when he gets home then gets into his own car to head home. Frankie stares at the plot he set aside in the backyard for this then looks at his watch—he has a few hours until you get home.

He couldn’t decide if this was a good idea or not. He clearly knew nothing about flowers or gardening but you like them and that is a good enough reason to get him to do anything. Keeping it a surprise might prove a challenge too, but he picked the backyard for that reason. You hardly went back there—he mows the lawn, rakes the leaves, puts out the sprinklers. Now that it was warmer, he sometimes fires up the grill and that brings you out to the backyard, but other than that, he is safe.

*

Frankie works until the sun begins to set and he hears your call pull up. He looks down at himself and sees he’s covered in dirt but walks around to greet you anyway.

“Hey guapa,” he says as he wipes the dirty gloves on his jeans.

“Hey…Frankie?” You take in his appearance—looking him up and down. His cap is on backwards and there’s dirt smudged on his cheek and nose. Your laughter makes him smile. “Did you get into a battle with the weeds back there?”

“Something like that. Here lemme help you.” He reaches for your bags.

“Nuh uh. You’re filthy, sweetie.” You give him a kiss on the lips which he deepens, of course, his arms wrapping around you. Some of the dirt from his face is certainly on yours now. “Francisco!”

“Now we’re both filthy.” He shrugs and takes the bags from you. “I thought you liked it dirty anyway,” he teases. You gasp and hit him on the butt, making him laugh loudly.

“Boots off before you go through that door, mister!”

“Yes ma’am.” He easily kicks his boots off then toes them out of the way before pushing the door open.

“And we gotta hurry and get those jeans in the wash,” you point out.

“Hm, why? I got lots of ‘em?”

“Because I happen to really like those on you.”

He puts the bags down and turns to you. “Are you…checking me out?” He feigns shock.

“I’m always checking you out and while you look great in the jeans, I need you to get them in the wash now and you do the same.” You point towards the laundry room.

“You want me to get in the washer?”

“Oh, so we’re being a smart-ass tonight? Guess I won’t be giving you a nice little clean up.” You walk around him and head upstairs and can hear him scrambling behind you, hopping on one foot as he tries to pull his dirty jeans off.

*

Now in bed, Frankie has curled up and nuzzles you as you hold him close. This was an every night tradition and you love it. It is the only way he can fall asleep.

“Are there more weeds to pull?” you ask, playing with the hair hanging on his forehead. He smells like his soap and your shampoo.

“Yup.” His eyes are closing already and he yawns.

“Should I take tomorrow off so I can help you? I feel bad that you’re doing all this work on your vacation time.”

“Don’t worry about it, babe. I don’t mind.” He opens his eyes long enough to give you a kiss but once he puts his head back down, he’s out for the count.

“Goodnight Frankie,” you whisper, reaching carefully to turn out the light.

*

Frankie gets up early with you so he has all day to finish up the gardening. Your ‘see you later' kiss gives him all the energy he needs. He works through the morning and afternoon without a break. He doesn’t notice what time it is until he stands, holding his lower back and your voice reaches his ears.

“Frankie, are you still back there?” You are getting closer so he makes his way through the back door quickly to stop you.

“Heyyyy,” he says, standing in front of the backdoor awkwardly.

“Hey, dirty boy,” you greet. “How’s it looking out there?” You crane your neck but he doesn’t move.

“All done. How was work?” He takes off his dirty gloves and grabs your hand to lead you away to the living room.

“Same shit, different day,” you say. “Frankie…your boots.” You look down at the trail of dirt and stand.

“I got it, baby. It’s my mess.”

“God, I love you.” You kiss him then let him go get the broom. “You know, watching you do housework is…kinda hot.”

He freezes and looks up at you. “I’ll put a French maid outfit on next time and really spice things up.”

You snort and double over in laughter. “What an image.” You stop laughing for a moment and really think about it.

“Wait…don’t tell me you’re actually trying to picture it.” He disappears down the hall the leads to the backyard. You hear him kick his boots off.

“Maybe I am.” You shrug just as he walks out.

“You know what? I’d do it for you.”

“I’d hope so. You’ve had me put on some questionable things. I deserve something.” You chuckle at how quickly his face turns pink then red. After a quick kiss, you point upstairs. “Bath time.”

Frankie scurries upstairs as you follow behind, smiling from ear-to-ear.

*

After two weeks or so, Frankie is finally ready to show you what he’s really been doing. He sets up the grill as soon as you head out. Looking over at the blue flowers that were now in full bloom, he can’t help but feel proud of himself. Maybe he had a bit of a green thumb after all.

This time when you get home, he’s not covered in dirt, but he’s not in the front to greet you either. When you get out the car, your nose tells you why—he’s grilling. You walk inside and kick off your shoes.

“I’m home, handsome!” you call.

“Great. Go get into something comfortable and come get something to eat!” he shouts back.

“What? No kiss?”

“You gotta come get.” You can hear the smile in his voice.

“Fine,” you say quietly, heading upstairs to change. The smell of the food made you move a little quicker than usual. You head back downstairs and to the backdoor. “Did you need me to bring-" Your words escape you as you open the screen door to see Frankie standing off to the side in front of a bed of blue flowers proudly.

“You like it?” he asks.

Your eyes follow the blue all along the fence then go back to him. “Blue…my favorite. It’s beautiful.” You sniffle and walk over to kiss him.

“Just don’t ask me what kinda flowers they are because I can’t remember for the life of me.”

“How did you…how did I not know?”

“That’s kinda why I picked the backyard. You only come out here every once in a while, mostly when I’m grilling so…”

“My boyfriend is a romantic genius.” You look at the flowers again. “I’m gonna come sit out here every day now.” You pull your phone out. “Gotta take pictures.”

“For what? You can just walk out the backdoor to see them.”

“I know but I wanna have memories for when they’re not in bloom anymore…and I also wanna show off at work.”

*

“Are you happy? Do you really like the flowers?” Frankie asks as he climbs into bed and lays down beside you.

“I’m with you, of course I’m happy. And the flowers...no one has ever done anything like that for me before. I love them more than anything.”

“More than me?” Frankie asks jokingly.

“It is impossible for me to love anything more than I love you…although your cooking is pretty damn good.” You yelp and giggle as he grabs you and rolls you on top of him. “Seriously, babe…thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’d do it a thousand times over.” He kisses you softly.

“In a French maid outfit or…” You laugh.

“I’d do it naked for you.” You both laugh but then you really start to think about it. “There’s that look again. You’re actually trying to imagine it!”

“Can you blame me, hot stuff? You’d have dirt everywhere and I’d have to clean you up.” Frankie sits up, knocking you off him in the process. “What’s wrong?” you ask.

“Nothing. I’m just gonna go roll around in the dirt so you’ll bathe me.”

“You’re so silly,” you laugh. “Come here.”

Frankie gets back in bed and rolls onto his side. He reaches behind him to grab your arm and put it around him before lacing his fingers with yours. You sit up slightly to lean over him and kiss his cheek.

“Goodnight, Frankie. I love you, my little gardener.”

He chuckles quietly. “I love you too.”

[bandblogging]

Lemon trees & poppy seeds - (Ashton Irwin imagine)

Pairing:Ashton Irwin x reader

Words: 1k

Summary: Ashton's new hobby is gardening and for that you need a garden right? - Lemon tree boy essentially

_____

Whenever Ashton picked up a new interest he dove in head first. Sure his drumming worked out incredibly well but some things didn't last as long. The expensive coffee machine he had bought to learn the craft of coffee-making was only used by you at this point. You knew the basics and Ashton had decided that his favourite coffee shop might have a bit more experience than him.

This time however it was gardening. His first lemon tree was growing quite well and after spending so much time at home during this break this was his new interest. He had dragged you along to buy all the essentials a day prior and now it was time to plant. Gardening equipment was strewn across the backyard in a random fashion. The big planter boxes you had bought were the only things neatly organized in a row. Ashton crouched in front of one, filling it with potting soil from a bag that was carelessly ripped open. Even though it was only half ten in the morning it was already surprisingly warm. The plants would be more shaded in the even hotter afternoon but they would be exposed to the sun during the early hours. Ashton's cargo pants were already covered in dirt, a few dirty handprints on the tank top he was sporting. You stopped in your tracks, watching your boyfriend work for a moment. He had pulled one of his old bandanas out of the closet to keep his hair out of his eyes. A look you had kinda missed, not that you would let that slip to him though. He was whistling a melody that was unfamiliar to you, but in rhythm to his steady shoveling of soil. "Iced coffee babe?", you finally asked him and broke your silence. Ashton jerked up a little, breaking his rhythm before turning towards you. "That be great" He grinned at you widely. You smiled back and sauntered back into the house.

With you limited knowledge of the coffee machine and some things out of the freezer you managed to prepare some iced coffee that was at least comparable to the bought-kind. There were still two lemon and poppy seed muffins left over from the day before. You quickly grabbed them and placed them on the tray, ready to join Ashton outside again.

When you placed the tray on the grass next to Ashton only the last two tubs were still empty. "Getting along well?" You asked him. He nodded in response, grabbing one of the coffees and taking a big sip. "In a year we can make our own" - you gave one of the muffins to your boyfriend - "the poppies should bloom by next year, right?".

Your breakfast break was kept rather short as Ashton wanted to get as much done as possible before it got even hotter. You had changed your clothes and were now in similar cargo shorts, ready to help him out. Ashton had shed the tank top and was now working topless, a sight you could never get tired of. A smirk formed on your lips as you watched the muscles in his back and shoulders move. He was once again whistling a melody to himself while sorting out all the seeds and plants he wanted to sow. The second lemon tree sapling you had bought had already found it's place in a new pot right next the older one. "These ones are for vegetables, those for fruit or herbs and that one for flowers". Ashton pointed to the different planter boxes in front of him. You nodded and picked up the first packed of seeds. Leafy Salad, something you should be able to harvest quite soon.

As a team you managed to also plant sweet potatoes, peas and peppers, strawberries and herbs for the kitchen. Your fingers smell like mint and basil when you finished planting the produce, reminding you of the dishes you'd like to cook with them. Ashton brushed off his gloves on his pants, soil flying everywhere. "That looks good" He glanced over the work you had just done, approving of the new garden. "Just the flowers missing" He picked up the last packages and read through the instructions once again.

The various seeds were scattered across the soil and lightly covered, ready to start growing either this or next year. You pulled the water hose behind you across the grass, twisting the nozzle open once you were close enough to the boxes. The fresh soil absorbed most of the water quickly and your new plants were ready to grow.

Ashton joined your side, swiftly grabbing the hose and targeting you with the cold water stream. You let out a loud shriek, turning away to shield your face. Your top was soaked and the cold water pickled on your skin. "You asshole" You shouted out and ran towards him. You had to play tug of war for a moment before grabbing hold of the hose again and spraying Ashton. He yelped at first as the cold water hit him, laughing after slightly adjusting to the temperature.

You played like children for a while, spraying each other down with the water until you were shivering from the wet clothes that clung to your body. "Alright, you win." You announce loudly, letting Ashton cheer for himself.

"You know, I love how this place is coming along." - you muttered, watching the last drops of water fall from the planter boxes - "it's really getting cozy and homey now" "That's good, seeing as it's our home" Ashton placed his arm around your shoulder, pulling you closer to him. "Our home, huh?" Even though you had been living at his place for a while now, he had never officially asked you to move in and you usually still referred to it as his place. "Yes, our place, our home. Wouldn't be that without you here", he pushed a strand of hair out of your face before pressing a kiss on your cheek.

[snidgetwidgeon]

Insurrection Recollections Series: Royal Etiquette & Funding

Zelda sighed and began distracting herself with the clouds rolling by through the large windows of the Reception Hall. About a quarter of the size of the Great Hall, it was filled with amenities for entertaining delegates, courtiers, and their guests. At ten in the morning on Mondays, however- when nothing social was ever scheduled- Governess Beatrice utilized the space to teach young ladies from the upper and middle classes in Castle Town, as well as the noble families across Hyrule, about etiquette. She was currently standing at the head of the table, which was draped decoratively in neutral linens, and decked out with just about every dish, glass and piece of silverware one could imagine; including those that featured on the tables of all the races in Hyrule. Eye-catching pops of color were provided by the matching table runner and napkins, all in complementary shades of red, but to Zelda, it seemed frilly and way over the top.

Governess Beatrice must have known, or planned herself what the display was going to look like today, because she matched it perfectly. She wore a deep crimson gown over a cream chemise with long sleeves trailing from her elbow. In her hand, she held a fan which Zelda could swear was permanently attached to her body if it weren’t for the fact that it always changed to align with her elaborate ensembles. She was also partial to big hair and small hats.

As she droned on, Zelda went further into her daydream and thought she could see the Royal Crest in the clouds. Perhaps it was a sign from Hylia. Maybe if she prayed now, the power would come to her. What if she didn’t even need her robe, heirloom jewelry, or to be penitent before Hylia’s statue? Maybe she just needed to be open to celestial signs in the clouds. She clasped her hands under the table and moved her lips silently in prayer, eyes locked on the crest that had already begun to morph out of shape.

“Princess Zelda? Princess, may I have your attention please?” After no answer, Beatrice smacked her fan on the edge of the table. “Princess Zelda! Pray tell, what is so important that you are ignoring my class?”

Zelda snapped out of her focus and looked sadly at her instructor, “I thought I had received a sign from the Goddess.” She looked down at her hands, “But she has not answered my prayer.”

Beatrice was taken aback, reprimands dying on her tongue. “I see.” She did feel somewhat sympathetic, though still frustrated. When Zelda had first joined her classes, she been instructed to allow the Princess to seek the divine if she felt naturally inclined. After recalling the directive, Beatrice opened the fan with the flick of her wrist and offered graciously, “Perhaps your Highness would like to retire to the chapel to continue communing with Hylia?”

Zelda closed her eyes and nodded wistfully.

“Very well then, you may be excused.” Beatrice clipped.

Zelda stood and elegantly held her hands in front of her the way she knew Governess Beatrice liked. When she stepped away from the table, an attendant skillfully blending into the wall nearby, approached to push her vacated chair back in. They immediately returned to their position of observation.

Before she made her way out, she made a request. “Governess Beatrice, could Lady Agitha please accompany me?”

The two were inseparable, Beatrice noted, and the lesson was nearly done so she couldn’t see too much harm in it. “Lady Agitha, you may join the Princess. I expect you both to be diligent and learn from your peers what you’ve missed. Perhaps you can invite some of them to tea before Thursday.”

Agitha had leapt from her chair and practically scurried over to Zelda. She hadn’t yet grasped the finer points of subversion.

Beatrice clapped her hands, “Ah, ah! Girls... decorum.”

Zelda gave Agitha a look to ‘cut-it-out’ and took her friend’s arm in her own. They departed, Zelda’s steady steps guiding Agitha’s giddy ones.

~~~

It had been a few months of constant tedium and Zelda found that she could not always sealshit her way out of it. Twice a week, they learned how to speak, walk, stand, sit, breath, and exist as a lady. If it had to be done, there was a proper way to do everything, even blow your nose. But no one ever dared break wind. As far as Governess Beatrice was concerned, ladies did not poot.

Zelda’s eleventh birthday was approaching and Beatrice was using the event as a reason for the girls to begin perfecting their curtsies. First, they began by learning basic form. Once the general sweep of the leg, the dip of the head, and suspension of the arm was well practiced, she started to demonstrate the different levels one observed for varying degrees of rank. Zelda had been exposed to this all her life but Governess Beatrice was exceptionally exacting and expected nothing less than perfect preciseness. She thought of attempting escape again but she’d already done it twice this month. Anything more would surely attract suspicion.

Just as she started to feel a brain melt coming on after the fiftieth-odd curtsy, the Governess called an end to their lesson for that day. She entreated them to practice before later in the week when they would continue, and her excitement was practically terrifying when she announced they’d be presented with a varied wardrobe to study with. The morning was sure to be overflowing with petticoats, laces and frills.

Zelda wondered if she could play sick, or hide in the library. She much preferred it there, and recently she had managed to make a friend with an acquaintance of the Head Librarian Laslin. Her name was Impa and she had come to Castle Town recently with her older sister from Kakariko Village up in the Necluda mountains. They were here to research Ancient Sheikah Technology and were apparently already well informed on the subject. Zelda didn’t know much beyond the fact that the Astral Observatory was Sheikah. She adored that part of the castle and held dear a few faint, but very warm memories of her mother teaching her about the constellations.

“I’ll say it one more time ladies. You’d do well to practice on your own because we will be staying on this until you have all transformed into elegant herons.” She finished in the sing song voice that she thought made her seem nice, but really just grated on everyone’s nerves.

Zelda’s legs were so sore the following week after the extra curtsy lessons that it reminded her of the time she had tried ballet. The stiffness of her thighs made everything difficult, even using the lavatory; especially in her court dress. She smoothed the skirts and made sure everything was back in place before returning to the high tea being held in the courtyards. She was hoping she could get away with doing nothing more than sit and look pleasant for the rest of the afternoon, but just as she made herself comfortable under the pavilion, Governess Beatrice announced that they would be taking a stroll through the gardens.

Zelda sighed and rolled her eyes, which her friend Agitha had seen and giggled. She came to join Zelda as the sore Princess got up again and took her arm. “It’s better if you keep walking around you know,” she imparted as if she was full of infinite wisdom.

“How do you know that?” Zelda asked skeptically.

“Because my older brother told me. He goes on lots of adventures.” She paused as they both received parasols upon entry to the gardens, and ignored Beatrice’s spiel extolling the virtues of parasols. “He gets to do all the fun things with father while I have to stay here ‘because it’s tradition’,” she quoted her mother in a mocking voice.

“I thought brothers were no-good troublemakers.” Zelda stated with an air of query.

“Mine’s ok... most of the time.” Agitha laughed at her own joke while Zelda smiled, then continued, “When we’re both at home he helps me to find the best bugs.”

Zelda halted in shock and pulled Agitha to the side of the path so the other girls could pass. She whispered excitedly, “You like hunting for bugs!?”

Agitha dropped her parasol over their heads to whisper back, “I have a collection! I haven’t been able to add to it for a while though. Too much lady stuff to do,” she spat out with a scrunched face.

“I know the best rocks to look under, follow me!”

They were suddenly a flurry of giggles disappearing around the corner of a hedged bush. The other girls rolled their eyes and the teacher’s pet of the bunch took it upon herself to go and inform the Governess that there had been a break of rank in there very serious garden stroll.

Zelda dropped her parasol to the ground carelessly when they arrived in her old hunting grounds. There was a garden bed separated from the gravel path by a curved line of medium sized stones. She dropped to her knees and began turning them over one by one, inspecting the microcosm under each. Agitha joined her on the ground after folding and leaning her parasol against a bush with slightly more decorum, but once she was into the bugs, all sense of propriety was forgotten. They dirtied their dresses in the upturned soil and Agitha stood back up to hold out a layer of her skirts to make a receptacle. She directed Zelda which bugs to throw in and they devolved into fits of giggles as they rediscovered one of their beloved childhood activities. When they were found, Governess Beatrice was beside herself at their display of unladylike behavior.

All the other girls had followed to see what the commotion was about and were entertained beyond measure that the Princess of Hyrule was in trouble. They stood in their pristine, high tea finery, with slightly agape mouths hidden by dainty gloved fingers.

“Lady Agitha! Princess Zelda!” Beatrice’s head kept jerking back and forth between the two of them as if she couldn’t decide whom to admonish first. She decided on the royalty. “Princess Zelda, stand up at once! You have completely dirtied yourself!”

Zelda stood and brushed some of the dirt off the fabric over her knees. She started to tip the rocks back to rights with her foot while Beatrice turned her frustration to Agitha.

“And- Lady Agitha!” she admonished while straightening her back.

Agitha clutched her skirt closed around her waist and started to feel distraught that she would lose her new friends.

“What in Hyrule are you doing? It is very improper to be showing your petticoats in public. Put them to rights this instant,” she demanded. When Agitha hesitated, she became cross. She snapped her fan and came closer in an effort to appear more intimidating. “I said fix your dress, girl. You look like a harlot!”

Zelda glared daggers at the woman and vowed to get her back somehow, but Agitha took care of it herself.

Fear gave way to anger and she decided to unleash her new army upon Beatrice in frustration for not being allowed to be who she was any more. She hated growing up. With a dramatic cry of, “Have them, then!” she flung her dress open and the bugs were hurled in her direction.

The woman proceeded to scream, throwing up her parasol and flapping her fan all over to get the critters away. As she carried on, all the young ladies started laughing... and Agitha curtsied.

~~~

Four Years Later

Agitha kept moving restlessly from the parlor table to the tall balcony windows, peering out at the long and empty road leading up to the Windvane Manor.

After hearing her sigh for the umpteenth time, her older brother Theudric drawled, “At this rate, you’ll dull the marble. Why don’t you busy yourself and go check on the refreshments?” He was draped on the chaise lounge reading and when she came back over to scowl at him, he smirked.

“And miss her arrival? Absolutely not!” Her hip bounced a little and she admitted, “Though I do need to powder my nose.”

Just as her dress swished around the corner and out of the room, Theudric yelled, “Agitha! She’s here!”

“Finally!” She came peeling back round, almost slipping on the polished floors, and raced to the window only to find the same empty cobblestones. She heard her brother snickering behind his book and stomped over with a withering glare. “You remember the last time?” she threatened. “What ended up in your bed?”

His eyes went wide and he fell silent, burying his face in the book again, but his shoulders were still bouncing slightly.

It was still another three quarters of an hour before their guest arrived. Zelda appeared bright and cheerful, too excited to be tired from her journey, and refused offers of an afternoon’s repose. The opportunities to spend time with her friend were dwindling far too much so she wanted to take advantage of all the limited time they’d have. If she could give up sleep she would.

Agitha held her for an age in a warm embrace and then brought her to the parlor where they could all have luncheon. The moment they entered, Theudric snapped his book shut and stood ramrod straight, a slight color entering his cheeks.

“Zelda, you remember my brother, Theudric?”

Zelda smiled as he approached and gave a curt bow. “Princess Zelda, it is my pleasure to receive you to the manor. Lord and Lady Windvane send their apologies since they are away on business.”

“Thank you, and please give them my regards when they return,” she performed a small curtsy.

“Right,” Agitha announced. “Are we done with the pleasantries? Let’s eat! I’m famished.”

They gathered around the table and Theudric jumped to Zelda’s side to pull out her chair. “If you’ll allow me one more pleasantry.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Agitha stood near her own chair watching the lingering interaction and then cleared her throat.

Theudric shook his head a little in exasperation, “Oh, of course. Let me get that for you Aggi.”

They caught up while they ate and shared their latest interests. Agitha declared that she had a lovely surprise for Zelda in the lower storerooms of the house and Zelda spoke about her obsession with ancient Sheikah technology after the Divine Beasts had been discovered. A new friend, Dr. Purah, had lead the excavation for the last one in Eldin about two years prior and her younger sister Impa had begun advising the King on the subject. Zelda had since signed on to help where she could.

As she continued regaling her company with anecdotes about her translation work, Theudric sat riveted; he was so impressed with her academic achievements. A lot of people held the incorrect assumption that the Princess frittered away her time in court. She did make appearances in court- he had seen her himself on a few occasions when he went to the castle with his father on business- but she hardly wasted her time there. In fact, it seemed to him that she stayed the bare minimum that was acceptable. He vowed from then on that he would defend her honor and brilliance to anyone who stated anything to the contrary.

When he joined in the conversation and spoke of what their parents were up to lately, Agitha put on her most irksome, bored face. “Theu, that’s not interesting in the slightest- Zelda, have you had enough?” she interrupted herself to change the subject. “I can’t wait any longer to show you my new collection.”

Zelda laughed and regarded Theudric with a look of apology. “Forgive me Master Theudric, I appear to be summoned to the bowels of the house. Will you be joining us?” she asked as she stood.

He rose with her out of respect and opened his mouth but Agitha cut in, “He will not. He told me earlier that the day was so lovely he might go riding, and it’s about time I got you all to myself.”

Theudric put on mock dramatics, “I’m afraid I can’t join your Highness as I have a previous engagement with my horse. Missing an appointment with her would be a most egregious offense.” He bowed deeply. “Please forgive my absence.”

Agitha rolled her eyes and Zelda smiled bemusedly. She heard pandering like this all the time but it was much more palatable when delivered in jest rather than earnestly. It could become very tiring when people tried too hard and spoke only to her rank instead of to her person. It was why these less frequent opportunities to visit her friend away from the castle had become all the more important. She could relax and be herself out here, especially with Agitha. The only other respite she had was Gerudo Town and a trip there was even harder to wrangle as her responsibilities grew with each passing year.

“That’s quite understandable,” Zelda related. “My Rune also gets temperamental if I don’t visit him regularly.” She dipped her head and took one more little triangle egg sandwich from the table as Agitha dragged her off. “Enjoy your ride!”

Agitha led Zelda downstairs to one of the cooler, stone-lined basement store rooms. Behind the heavy wooden door that Agitha held open for her, Zelda’s breath was taken away by all of the glass terrariums lit by a plethora of lanterns. Each one had a manicured ecosystem and held from one, to many different species of bugs. Zelda bounced from one to the next as Agitha stood back, pleased with her reaction.

“This is wonderful Agitha! How did you manage to curate this?”

“Mother finally caved and said I could pursue my entomology hobby as long as it ‘doesn’t interfere with my other obligations’,” she quoted, exaggerating her mother’s shrill voice.

“I’m so happy for you. Oh! What’s this one? It doesn’t have a sign yet.”

Agitha approached to get a closer look. “Ah, that’s one of the rainy beauties, a Thunderwing Butterfly. Mother had a cow when I went to collect it because I was running around the meadow in a downpour.” She sighed, “Honestly, I’m so glad when she goes away because then I can just do my thing without her fretting over me.”

In a soft voice that sounded wistfully sad, Zelda offered a different perspective. “I’m sure that whatever she does, she does it out of love.”

Agitha was about to argue but when she noticed Zelda’s face after turning her attention away from the butterfly, she understood what she’d done. “Yeah... I’m sure you’re right.”

~~~

The next morning, Theudric found himself in front of the mirror trying to make himself look extra spiffy. He’d already asked his valet to put out one of his smartest ensembles. It included a red vest with gold buttons, brown trousers and calf-high boots. He was about to second guess if it was too fancy when he got distracted by his hair and proceeded to fiddle with it for a good twenty minutes. There were only so many things he could do with a short brown mop so finally, he just slicked it back and finished with a spritz of cologne.

He came downstairs, ready to entertain but he couldn’t see the girls anywhere. Their breakfast was half eaten and in his curiosity to find out where they could have gone, he gulped a bit of apple juice and grabbed a boiled egg to eat on his way out.

He wasn’t expecting to run right into them after turning the corner of the garden hedge, so he covered his mouth unceremoniously as he chewed quickly, the pasty egg yolk clinging to his teeth and tongue.

Zelda looked up and smiled radiantly under her sun hat. "Good morning Master Theudric." She was bent over the rim of a new large terrarium on a table, carefully placing a bit of hollow log inside to add to the habitat.

“Yes,” he finished swallowing his breakfast, “it is indeed a very beautiful morning. What are you ladies up to?”

Agitha gave him a withering stare. “What does it look like, genius?”

“Give me a break, I haven’t even been able to have my coffee,” he defended himself. “Had to come looking for you instead, didn’t I.”

“And just in time too. This one’s almost finished,” she said as she placed seedlings in pre-prepared holes in the soil at the bottom. “You can help us carry it downstairs.”

“Oh! Ah, I just remembered,” he started with a pained look on his face. “I have this thing.” He started to retreat and Agitha produced a flat and unamused expression that made him chuckle. “I’m just kidding Aggi. Are we carrying it or is it heavy enough that I need to get Genly?

“Mmmm, yes. I think Genly would be a good idea. I saw him in the stables earlier when I went to get some manure.”

“Wow, you aren’t messing around,” he said with a mix of curiosity and disgust.

“Only the best for my babies,” she answered.

His brow raised skeptically. “Riiiight... I’ll just go fetch Genly, then,” he stated while letting his gaze linger on Zelda as she brushed her hands together to remove the soil.

He had just turned away when she looked up to speak, the thought of allowing some self indulgence crossing her mind. “Master Theudric, do you mind if I join you? I’d love to meet the mare that stole you away from us yesterday.” Of course all three of them had known it was a pretense, but she enjoyed keeping up the ruse.

Theudric curtly bowed at the waist and gestured toward the stables. “Absolutely, your Highness. Posy would be enchanted.”

“She’s enchanted by hydromelons and if you visit her without them she’ll be a right little piece of twatittude,” Agitha warned. “I’m going to water this in. Don’t take too long.”

While Zelda bribed her way into Posy’s affections, Theudric searched the stables for Genly and found him organizing in the tack room. He was a kindly, middle aged man who’d worked for the Windvane family since he was about fifteen. His family ran the Highland Stable down south but rather than taking on the business and starting a family as he would have been expected to do when he got older, he decided to make his own way and live quietly alone in a little house on the grounds.

“Ah, Master Theudric,” Genly greeted him with a smile under his bushy mustache, tipping his hat. “Going for a ride this fine morning?”

“Morning Genly. Not at the moment.” He was about to continue with his request when an idea occurred to him. “Though maybe a bit later. I’m afraid I’m just after assistance with some heavy lifting. Aggi needs a new tank taken downstairs to her lair.”

“Righto,” Genly said as he laid some rope on the table to return to later. “Always happy to help; point the way.”

Zelda opted to continue making Posy’s acquaintance. She was entertained by the fact that the temperamental mare was pacified by hydromelons. They weren’t the usual fare at the castle stables and she thought perhaps she should acquire some for Rune to try. Maybe it would help them to bond better.

Theudric wasn’t long in returning and Genly, who was in tow to head back to what he’d initially been doing, took one look at them and steered clear out the other end of the stables to do something else. He tipped his hat as he passed by, “Your Highness.”

She smiled and nodded, then regarded Theudric with a hand on Posy’s muzzle. “Well, shall we get back? Agitha will certainly be getting restless by now.”

He leaned against the gate of Posy’s enclosure and smoothed his hair back with one hand before saying, “Actually, I’m wondering if you’d be willing to humor me for awhile. I’d love to hear more about the ancient Sheikah research you’re into.” His face was all keen interest.

“I’d be wary of that if I were you,” she warned. “Once you get me going on the subject, I’ll forget the time and talk you to exhaustion, I’m sure!”

His lips turned up into a dashing smile. “Try me.”

She seemed reticent but still in good humor, so he pursued a different tactic. “How about a deal then?”

She forgot her manners and snorted derisively, accidentally startling Posy. “Of what sort- oh, sorry Posy, I’ll leave you to the rest of your melon,” she said as she put the remaining pieces in her feed trough.

“A hobby for a hobby. You tell me all about yours while I escort you to mine. That way, there will be mutually assured boredom.”

She enjoyed his company. He seemed to not judge her natural proclivities and she appreciated that. “I really can’t fault your logic, Master Theudric.”

“Please, call me Theu,” he requested earnestly.

Agitha had just arrived on the scene to find out what had been keeping them and rolled her eyes so hard her whole body teetered to one side. “Uuugh, you’re not taking her to the Collie, are you?”

“Why not? If we take the horses, it will be a fun, midday outing. We can take a lunch.”

“What’s going on at the Coliseum?” Zelda asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

Theudric began to speak but Agitha cut him off again, “Only his pet project which daddy is sooo proud of.”

Before Agitha could continue teasing, Zelda said earnestly, “It’s a wonderful thing to have a father’s approval. I think I’d like to see the hobby that garnered such a thing. Maybe I can get some tips so father can see the value in my hobby as well.”

Theudric’s ears perked up and he asked, “Are you short of funding?”

“Honestly, I can’t complain. The research has been well funded, but it has grown to the point where we need a second location. There is an energy source that must be tapped if we want to progress as quickly as possible.”

“Sounds very interesting.”

“You say that, but there’s a catch. It’s almost as far east as you can get, near the Village of Hateno.”

“Ahh, the boonies. Father calls it bum ffff- never mind,” he caught himself from almost being incredibly uncouth in front of the Princess of Hyrule and straightened his posture. He just found her so easy to be around. Quite a different flavor from other young ladies he’d socialized with.

She suppressed a chuckle and caught Agitha’s bored expression from where she was sitting on a bale of hay, twirling pieces in her hand and waiting. “Agitha, are you going to join us? I think a ride with lunch sounds lovely.”

“It’s ok. You two go on ahead.” She stood up and stretched. “I’m going to finish the habitat for the second tank. I’ll send something from the kitchen while the horses get tacked up.”

Theudric looked incredulous. “Thanks Aggi.”

She left the stables and just as he was about to continue his conversation with Zelda, she poked her head around the corner. “Don’t take all day, you hear?!”

Zelda waved cheerfully and had a look at the other horses in their stalls. “So Theu, who shall I get ready to ride today?”

“Oh! Um...” he quickly turned away from her so he could hide the warmth he felt on his cheeks, no doubt manifesting as a full on blush at hearing his nickname as he’d requested. He led her to a brown and white spotted mare about three stalls down. “We’ll have to take Daisy because she’s the only one that Posy likes hanging around with.”

“Daisy and Posy, hm? All we need is another flower and we’ll be on our way to a bouquet,” Zelda joked.

And she made silly jokes. He was a goner.

Theudric led Daisy out to introduce them and laughed nervously. “Actually, you’re not far off. All the horses have been bred at my Uncle Talon’s farm on the other side of the field and he’s a... a quirky one. Names all his horses after flowers.” He leaned over to look past Zelda outside, “I’ll just find Genly to tack up.”

As he brushed past, she touched his arm, “It’s ok, I like doing it myself. Besides, that way Daisy can get to know me better before we go. Isn’t that right, beautiful girl?” she cooed, gently stroking Daisy’s face.

Theudric felt rude for letting his surprise show but she was paying more attention to Daisy anyhow. “Alright then, let’s get ready.”

He collected saddles and reins from the tack room and they got to work. She asked him about his project but he only touched on it briefly, wanting to share the full story during their outing when he could show as well as tell. He did let on that it was his innovation to combine the annual Kingdom Games with a harvest market. It would be a whirlwind fortnight of competition and bartering, boosting trade in the region for smaller, local farmers, and trades people. It was also ideally situated to receive the quality gem crafts and fabrics coming out of Gerudo Desert.

Zelda sat astride her mount first and was glad she brought her hat as she rode out into the clear summer day. Genly came past with another tip of his hat and handed her a packed lunch. “This came from the big house. I hope you enjoy your ride, your Highness. I’ll take care of the girls when you get back.”

“Thank you, Genly,” she beamed.

He shrugged shyly over the Princess of Hyrule remembering his name and passed Theudric’s lunch to him as he emerged next from the stables astride Posy. The two horses nibbled at each other and snorted, but otherwise got on.

“Well, then. Shall we?” Theudric asked.

Zelda clicked her heels and set off at a cantor. “We shall!”

~~~

The moment Zelda pulled away and the last of her small retinue were out of earshot, Agitha turned on her brother with a look of disdain. "I hardly get to see Zelda anymore. I'd appreciate you not stealing her from me next time she visits."

He finished waving and rolled his eyes at her as he turned to go back in the house.

When he didn't say anything, she kept on. "Theu! Seriously, you used to pay us no mind whatsoever. Why are you butting in?"

He kept walking through the vaulted foyer and answered nonchalantly, "I like her."

She froze in a silent gasp but recovered from the shock quickly, catching up to him in a flurry of clicking steps that reverberated off the polished floor. "Well- then-," she struggled to retain the argument after such a bombshell. "Then go see her on your own time and-"

He whirled on her, having become slightly annoyed at her petulance, "Honestly, I don't know why you're so upset. If she likes me back, you two could end up being sisters, and then you can spend as much time with her as you like."

A loud and deep gasp filled the room this time, as if she'd inhaled all the available air in the house, "YOU'RE RIGHT!"

She then left him with a bemused expression as she made a mad dash to her writing desk upstairs. She'd begin matchmaking right away, starting with a letter to Zelda. Subtle hints, not too overt. She'd have to gauge if he was even on her radar. Probably not, all she talked about was ancient Sheikah tech...

She giggled as she wrote, imagining the day when they could be sisters.

[jjbakaloskaiagathos]

Attention❕

Hello lovelies! Today we want to show you our first work “Kalos Kai Agathos AU: Small Stories” ✨ It will be small stories about Sophie and Carina’s pastime with their boyfriends and your favourite characters! We hope that you will like it!

Also thanks to our friend for this amazing art! Outfits and the reference of poses, location we chose ourselves! 😉

- Love, K&S ❤️

NB! Artist: ttosuto (twitter) ��

NB! We want to introduce our Russian tradition: planting potatoes on the first of May. Many people from all over Russia go to the countryside and start to plant this then they can get the good harvest on August. It’s so funny because characters from JoJo can treat this like a weird activity and they can misunderstand some things, however, we tried to use our imagination!

Kalos Kai Agathos AU: Small Stories 📖

Planting Potatoes 🥔

May is a favourite month of everybody. It is a period of warm, blooming and also a period of hard work. All of the countrysides and nature, which surrounds them, come to life. Many people visit their residential plots to plant fruit trees, fragrant herbs and various vegetables. The most popular choice always becomes potatoes.

A residental plot in the N countryside is not an exception. This place has been visited by a group of young people who have different occupations in daily life but today they unite to reach a common goal. This goal is to plant potatoes. Young people’s names are Higashikata Josuke, Giorno Giovanna, Okuyasu Nijimura, Guido Mista, Sophie and Carina.

- So, guys, I ask you to do these things: Josuke and Giorno are going to dig, Carina will deal with cinder and I will place potatoes. Oh, I forgot something important: Okuyasu, Mista, you will bring us manure. You're our dung beetles, - said Sophie, laughing out loud.

Mista, who heard this comparison, resented:

- Oi, we aren't dung beetles!

- Of course, you're not, - answered Carina calmly, - What do you say about scarabs?

- That's much better! - exclaimed the guy, taking Okuyasu and going to the big pile of manure.

The girls looked at each other, holding back laugh. Obviously, Mista doesn't know that scarabs are dung beetles.

The group of young people started to work. Though they worked together, this action was hard to do: the burning sun prevented and interrupted their movements. Heavy rays of the sun made Giorno to stay in his shirt, Josuke and Mista took them off but the first one put on his clothes on the red shoulders. Only Okuyasu wore his shirt with Hawaiian floral print. Honestly, he seemed so happy.

Eventually, the process was continued. The guys worked hardly that is why they deserved a break. They went to the rural store where the company bought icecream and limonade. Hovewer, that trip was so long because Okuyasu could not make a decision which icecream should he buy and Josuke was helping him; on the way back Giorno and Carina tried to stop Sophie and Mista not to make a local swim competition.

Returning to the vegetable garden, the guys started to work again. It was still hard but the atmosphere of friendship helped them to finish this activity.

At the end, the young people felt tired but at the same time they were happy. Mista was especially pleased: he attemted to hug everyone, but the guys turned away from his sweaty body. Сarina wanted to give him five, though looking at the dirty gloves, she changed her mind.

Everyone was sitting on the bench in the cherry tree's shadow when Josuke was standing, leaning on a shovel. He frowned his eyebrowns and looked pensively.

- Josuke, what has happened? You look so serious. Just relax, - said Sophie anxiously.

- Guys, I was thinking... All this time we had Giorno's Gold Experience...

Сarina lifted her head from Giorno’s shoulder, Sophie let out a nervous laugh and Mista took off his hat and threw it on the grass. Okuyasu asked:

- Guys, I don't understand. You know, this thinking is giving me a headache!

Josuke just patted on friend's shoulder and sat in the shade.