#also random but the tree is a ginkgo

[skyward-floored]

Leaves

Another Incredibles au fic... sort of a little character study? I suppose it could be that. I just started writing the other day and this came out, so it’s not much, but I figured it would be a shame not to post it. Maybe someone will like it.

Set when Sky and Warriors are preteens, and Time is a fairly-young adult. Little warning for implied past character death.

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Warriors walked slowly along the path he was following, his scarf trailing behind him as late afternoon light filtered past. It had been a bit of a detour to head here instead of straight home after school, and his legs were growing tired, but he’d been needing to come here for weeks, and finally had the time to today.

Warriors didn’t stop until the path curved, and he found himself at a tree with fan-shaped leaves that had begun to spread themselves across the ground.

There was a stone beneath it’s branches, and Warriors knelt beside it, gently brushing off the yellow leaves that had fallen on top. His hands brushed the letters carved into the stone, and he leaned back, smiling a little.

“Hey, Mom.”

A few moments of silence ticked by, and his smile faded, Warriors folding his hands in his lap as he exhaled.

“Um... I know I haven’t visited in a while, I’m sorry. Things have been kind of crazy lately. Time got in some trouble, and it was... a lot of stuff happened.”

He cleared his throat, and adjusted his scarf, shaking off the little flakes of ice that had begun to form on his fingers.

“We’re all doing okay now, though,” he continued, watching a leaf fall. “Time’s still kinda worried about me and Sky, even though we keep telling him we’re fine. He’s been sort of... clingy. But even though he’s been clingy, we finally convinced him to let us go out with him, so that’s been pretty great. We’ve already stopped some villains.

“Um... oh right, he hasn’t yet, but Time is totally going to propose soon. When he isn’t worrying over me and Sky, he’s acting almost giddy, it’s been so weird. He’s been so weird lately.”

Warriors huffed out a little laugh, then looked at the stone again, his smile slipping away.

“He really loves Malon. And I think you’d love her too Mom. I... wish you could meet her. We all do.”

He breathed out slowly, scratching his arm.

“I guess that’s pretty much it. I’m doing fine, in case you were wondering. Mostly just training with my powers. I figured out I can do really sharp icicle things if I focus really hard, so I’ve been trying to get better at that. I’ve also been working on making little stuff out of ice, but that’s not super useful...”

Warriors trailed off as a few leaves fluttered down around him, a weight much heavier than leaves weighing on his chest.

He closed his eyes.

“I miss you Mom. I... hope you’re proud of me. I’m trying.”

A leaf landed on Warriors’ head then, and he picked it up, running a thumb along it’s veins.

After a moment he raised his head, and let go of the leaf, conjuring some ice in his hands. He focused for several minutes, tongue slightly sticking out as he molded the ice in his hold, and slowly a flower appeared in his hands, made of pure ice. It was a little crude, and lacked the detail that Warriors would have preferred, but it would have to be good enough.

“I’ll come visit again soon,” he promised quietly, setting the flower at the base of the stone. “I have to go now though, or Time and Sky’ll worry. Even though I’ll be fine, and have powers to defend me, but you know. Time especially doesn’t need more stress.”

Warriors leaned back as a gust of wind blew some leaves past the stone in front of him, and he gently thumbed over the words again.

Then he breathed out, and got to his feet, noting that the late afternoon had trickled into evening while he’d been sitting. The leaves of the tree looked more orange now then yellow, and he tucked one in his pocket as it drifted by.

“I love you Mom. I’ll see you later.”

Warriors looked at the stone one more time, then gave a tiny smile, turning away and walking back down the path he’d come up.

A thin dusting of frost trailed behind him on the grass.

[welcometoteyvat]

 xingqiu, gold accents, ginkgo leaves, the light golden color tea gets in sunlight

hu tao, also gold accents, mahogany wood, smoky things, spider lilies unfurling in the dark. but it would be cool to edit her art so it’s more high contrast (darker outfit and hair) with stark black plum branches against winter snow 

chongyun, white, clouds, wisps of chill wind. fluffy things and a big fur coat

majority red palette ningguang would also be cool

and of course, zhongli with gold orange. old man can’t beat the geo lord cor lapis soulmates (ambiguous relationship) with azhdaha allegations

[kimbapisnotsushi]

miscellaneous high school shenanigans part two!!

tsukki's only ever been struck speechless twice in his life

the first was when hinata snuck into the mock training camp. the second was when he found out that kageyama didn't have any music taste whatsoever

after tsukki gets over the shock he's like "what do you MEAN you don't listen to music?? how do you just not listen to music??" and kageyama just shrugs and takes a slurp from his yogurt drink or whatever and goes "just don't"

i'm telling y'all kageyama doesn't listen to music the closest he gets is the rhythm of sneakers squeaking against the gym floor and hinata's bathroom song

also i think it'd be funny if yachi was just always taking cues from high school romance manga for living her life. right after becoming manager she picks up the first sports manga that catches her eye and uses that to guide her through the epic highs and lows of high school volleyball

hinata and kageyama: [yelling about something something passionate confession of emotional vulnerability something something partners and teammates something something reaching your dreams something something] yachi: oh my god . . . this is just like in slam dunk . . .

(i will be honest with you guys i have never seen slam dunk so i don't know if it matches anything in slam dunk but i respect slam dunk so i went with it)

honestly every day yachi is grateful she's living in a sports series because she does NOT think she could handle the backstabbing female love rival whose only purpose is to be mean to the female lead for getting involved with the male lead

i mean she COULD. but maybe after like thirty chapters of development and a major event.

(yachi thinks about this a lot. she rambles about her hypotheticals to tsukki and yamaguchi and although tsukki will never admit it, he finds it very entertaining)

i think konoha is really good at modern romance. i think he excels at the small everyday romantic things and makes people swoon without even realizing it. he's the fukurodani academy heartthrob but is completely oblivious to it

leans in to tuck an earbud into your ear when he wants to share music. walks you to where you need to go even if it's out of his way and never says anything about it. will take the stack of textbooks you've been asked to carry without a word. buys you a drink from the vending machine without being asked. really good at leaning against the wall/doorframes/over the window in a way that makes him look windswept and pretty.

just UGH konoha akinori i love him

the other third years would be soooooooo jealous but they get it. they too have fallen prey to his charms

on today's edition of making hq characters collect a random Thing™️ (following fukunaga + bucket hats): sakusa likes coasters

they're easy souvenirs from different places AND you can swap them out to match whatever you're feeling at the time!! plus they save his desk from water rings!!! they're functional, pretty, and he has less to clean up because of them!!!!

sakusa's favorite is this square white ceramic one with ginkgo leaves drifting off a tree painted onto it

(no it's not because iizuna-san got it for him as a bday gift or anything shut up motoya!!)

sakunami totally had a tiny tiny secret crush on asahi at some point

he just thinks asahi is really cool!!!! and handsome!!!! and maybe sakunami just wants to be cool and handsome too!!!!

sakunami has a really good poker face i guarantee you. nobody knows how wild his inner monologue is until they get him to open up around them

i mention this because one of the times dateko is discussing karasuno after a match with them (practice or otherwise), the others get around to talking about asahi and sakunami gives a dreamy lil sigh and is like "yeah . . . he's so strong . . . isn't it cool . . ." and everyone is just like. what the fuck

they were NOT expecting that from sakunami of all people and especially not about karasuno's ace

kogane is devastated because he doesn't think there's any way he could compete with asahi

cue the miscommunication in which kogane tries to be a little bit more like asahi to get sakunami to like him while sakunami wonders if kogane has a fever or something because he's been acting weird

ALSO keep in mind that kogane probably gets all his info about asahi from the rumors and whatnot so he's like "i have to be MEAN???? i have to BEAT PEOPLE UP???? i don't know how to beat people up!!!!! i can barely beat futakuchi-san in arm wrestling!!!!!"

sakunami please put the poor boy out of his misery the rest of dateko are SUFFERING

usuri is definitely the first to clock kiryuu's massive crush on bokuto. he's the first to realize that kiryuu is speeding down the highway in that direction even before kiryuu himself

kiryuu is like "wtf how did you know| and usuri is like "haha you know how perceptive i am!" when in reality he caught kiryuu sleep-talking about bokuto's muscles and how fluffy his hair looks

see also: akaashi on the fukurodani side realizing that bokuto has a major thing for kiryuu that bokuto is oblivious to

akaashi: hold on what—what did you just say??? bokuto: i SAID i wanted kiryuu to try holding me against the wall!! doesn't he look strong enough?? and he's so solid, i bet it'd feel really nice!! what do you think akaashi? akaashi, on the inside: god why can't i be of legal drinking age

conclusion: usuri and akaashi wingmanning bokiryuu while tripping headfirst into feelings for each other themselves

can you guys see my vision PLEASE tell me you guys see the vision usuaka would be so fucking funny

usuri is trying to woo akaashi via elaborately planned schemes that produce the perfect romantic atmosphere and situations but akaashi is too busy overthinking and analyzing every second they spend together that he simply does not notice. it's absolutely terrible and they need all the help they can get

it's okay, bokuto and kiryuu totally plan on returning the favor (mostly because bokuto really likes the idea of double dates)

[fyodior]

22, 30 and 59 for you and tsubaki-chan

sniff sniff rossi thank u so so much for asking!! and i'll be in ur inbox about u n dazai heehehhe

send me self ship asks pls

22. What reminds each of their partner?

obviously if i ever pass a store like sephora or ulta im thinking of her alsdkfsl but also everything rly does remind me of her in one way or another like im always just wondering what she'd think about something or what she'd have to say.... also this is rly weird but ginkgo tree leaves remind me of her. i can't explain why (not their smell ginkgo trees smell so bad) tsubaki is so annoying (not rly) bc she's texting me constantly with random stuff she sees like "thought of u!" "thought of you!" "thooougghttt of you precious :)" with everything. like everything. she's nearly as obsessive as i am

30. Your OTP gets to pick out each other’s outfits; what is each wearing?

tsubaki is kinda fascinated by that lolita fashion style so if she had the option to she'd put me in a full outfit with the big poofy dresses and bows and accessories.... if its just from our closets she's just dressing me ultra feminine. this boring but im picking out one of her regular outfits i love how confident she is and how happy she is when she's wearing what she loves. or just some sexy lingerie. that too

59. Who tops? Who bottoms?

its like 70/30 with tsubaki usually topping, but i will on the occasion :3 she likes getting fucked too....

[localplaguenurse]

Random curiosity but since we call ginkgo mc wifey what are the nicknames for readers of your other fics?

-Idol

For the pants smut the other readers referred to them as labourer so that’s what I call them as well. For the Zhongli dad fic I’ve been calling reader Mama because that’s what Kei calls her. I haven’t decided on what I’d call the reader for the divorce fic yet because wifey and mama have been claimed (and also she’s about to not be a wifey), so I’ve just been calling her reader for the time being. Since so far 2/3 names for reader have been fan suggestions, I’m open to nicknames for divorce fic reader.

Fun fact: before ginkgo trees was getting popular and everyone latched onto wifey as a name, I called them “the bride” and then “the caretaker” because they were the shrine caretaker. I like wifey more though :3

[geodethecrow]

7, 15, 20, 25, 31!

7 (what was my life like last year?): uhhh kinda like this year but also worse. my mental health last year was Not Good and I cried every single day of band camp but also I didn't have chronic pain yet last year so that was good.

15 (personality description): a very skittish cat with abandonment issues. except sometimes I get Really excited about things and then I'm like a kid in a candy store and full of whimsy

20 (favorite song at the moment): I actually haven't been listening to as much music lately because I just haven't had time to with marching band. the last song I really felt and put on repeat was Long Train Runnin' by the Doobie Brothers so let's go with that for the answer

25 (role model): Ross Gay!!! I want to write like him so much he's so cool

31 (3 random facts):

did you know that it's possible to have both a cyclonic (regular) tornado and an anticyclonic tornado on the same storm? it works differently than having multiple cyclonic tornadoes on the same storm and anticyclonic tornadoes are really rare. in having both cyclonic and anticyclonic tornadoes the storm kinda looks like it has a shrimp tail because the air is being pulled through the intake and then pushed out in two opposite directions like a backwards 3

the Blue Devils' streak of being undefeated since semis in 2019 was broken by the Bluecoats at DCI Broken Arrow this year!!!

ginkgo trees have remained evolutionarily the same for over 300,000 years. Ginkgo biloba, the same species of ginkgo that we see around us today, existed in the early Pleistocene era and even possibly before then. ginkgos are so old as a species that they've outlived the insect that originally pollinated them, and there's a poem there somewhere but I haven't written it yet.

[tookidjellyfish]

All you need to know about Sexual Stamina

Stress can be an amazing distraction that decreases your power stage and makes it difficult to experience intercourse.5 Among other health blessings, like lowering your blood stress,6 reducing strain can assist address a lack of libido.7,eight,nineMake way of life changes to reduce strain on your everyday life or attempt sports recognised to alleviate stress like massages, the royal secret normal exercise or respiratory exercises.Communicate together with your associate(s) Good communique is critical in case you’re coping with a low sex drive for your relationship.10 Sharing studies and expressing empathy to your accomplice’s perspective can provide greater insights into each different’s needs and assist bridge the gap among mismatched sex drives.

If you warfare to open up approximately your intimate courting, consider couples remedy or sex remedy. Sex therapists can help individuals or couples work thru sexual difficulties.11 Prioritize date night If you be aware a lower in intercourse pressure and are in a courting, it may help to plot a date together. In lengthy-term relationships, it’s clean to neglect the significance of creating time to maintain the romance alive. But, spending exceptional time together on date nights can increase intimacy and help reignite your initial enchantment.12,thirteen,14 Limit alcohol and hashishSome humans like to have a tumbler of wine or use hashish to relax before having sex, however it’s vital to apply materials sparsely. Too a good deal alcohol or hashish can negatively effect erectile feature and make you too worn-out to interact in sexual activities.Sixteen,17

Try maca root dietary supplements Maca root is a plant local to Peru. It is associated with ginseng and has long been believed to increase sexual preference. You can locate maca root supplements in maximum health food stores. Though not enough to be definitive, a few research observed that maca root positively impacted sexual choice in men independent in their testosterone ranges.18,19  Consider ginkgo biloba A tree local to China, ginkgo biloba has been utilized in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Studies suggest that ginkgo biloba can also boom sexual choice, especially while sexual dysfunction is resulting from antidepressants.20 This is concept to be because of ginkgo biloba’s have an effect on on the body’s blood glide and easy muscles.21

Add fenugreek Fenugreek — a spice frequently used in South Asian recipes like curry — is rumored to help with sex power. A randomized scientific trial in 2011 with wholesome males aged 25 to 52 concluded that fenugreek may impact male libido and help keep a regular testosterone level.22 Another 2016 have a look at found that fenugreek seed extract helped improve sexual characteristic in healthy middle-elderly and older men.23Try pistachios One observe located that eating 100g of pistachios every day for 3 weeks triggered guys to experience firmer erections and expanded blood go with the flow to the penis.24 While the have a look at did now not encompass a manage group and requires similarly research, the results on sexual function are thrilling.

[kihaku-gato]

@ayustar replied to your post “@ayustar replied to your post “Idk why I thought...”:

The graft idea actually sounds amazing.

​It's an idea that recently hit me earlier this month while milling about. This and last year I've been shown how to branch graft while a guy has been trying to get successful grafts from our old/dying Pewaukee tree with even me getting to take a crack at it (I don't think my own have succeeded but mine were onto MUCH older trees while his grafts were on young rootstock trees specifically for a direct graft and have so far been more successful).

He's mentioned trying to save that apple tree through chip budding after the window for regular grafting passed last year but sadly that window also passed during a time when he was too busy.

While I haven't tried chip budding and don't have much for direct grafting successes under my belt I cannot deny the sudden idea of trying that out on ginkgos is... very tantalizing.

It'd be hard to catch the window when I'm not familiar with it, and it'd be even harder yet to just, go and nab buds off of someone's random female tree (I know two female trees are on public property in London, a third one is off growing on someone's actual lawn), but it's still tempting.

@ayustar replied to your post “Idk why I thought there could be an ontario ginkgo...”:

They have some at my local nursery (a bonsai ginkgo even!) and I want one so baaaaaad. I gotta see if I have some pictures of the bonsai.

​Luckyyy. In my case I have 3 Ginkgo trees already (one former seedling, one possible reverted NOID, and Princeton Sentry) but been after a female tree for ages now.

I did have a female cultivar I got from a Guelph Arboretum sale a while back but it got wrecked accidentally by my dad which then put the nail in the coffin for it to die by the end of the season.

At this point I'm either gonna try to find a local female tree (unlikely since most ginkgos in the local towns are all young male cultivars, the closest I know of is in London which is WAY too far away now that I live on the farm again) to get seeds from yearly, or just straight up take a crack at chip budding and chip bud a distant female ginkgo onto one of my current trees to make it that it gets a female branch (which thinking about it may be less.... mess-destructive than an entire female tree on the farm).

But it's tricky cause female ginkgos are such unicorns around here. For good reason but still.

[ridreamir]

More Feral Ingo Crack (Homeless Cat Man)

"Feral Ingo" is my sort of mild Ingo-being-the-Joxter AU and I can't sleep so I decided I wanted to write some more. As always, these are reader inserts, so if you're not interested in such stories, my apologies. Continuation of:

( https://www.wattpad.com/1197993543-pok%C3%A9trainers-x-reader-requests-open-au-ingo-hisui ) I also saw a post of Ingo calling baby Sneasels "Sneaslets" and I really enjoyed that so yes, thank you to whoever came up with that Accidentally posted on the wrong blog... it was at 1:11 AM too ack thank you Tumblr >:( 

.

.

When he's not busy shirking his duties at the Training Grounds or on one of his frequent day trips down to the Highlands, his favorite pastimes are laying in soft grass and rolling up his pant legs to go creek walking. That is, if he doesn't feel like bothering you. Sometimes you're busy or involved with something that he can't stick his nose in, so unfortunately he's forced to leave you alone. But once you're done with that it'll be right back to following you around as he pleases. He's personally not aware that he looks like a grown feral man who death stares anyone who gets too close-- but the village children don't seem to mind, they love swinging on his arms and climbing him like a tree. He plays along as well. On the outside, he might seem like a composed adult, but if they egg him on, they can get him to do all sorts of silly things-- ranging from climbing trees to giving piggyback rides. When he feels like taking a nap, he finds a spot with shade and tips his hat down to cover his eyes. Aside from leisure, his ability to command others comes from his time working as a Subway Boss, something he doesn't entirely remember but influences his teaching greatly. When he gets serious, many people have noted that he's seemingly pretty scary. You don't personally find him so, but most people don't fistfight god and emerge victorious, so there's that. He leaves you little trinkets sometimes when he knows you'll be gone for a while. Usually, they're just random things he's picked up, but they hold a strange sentiment to them. You both share a rock collection. He would empty his pockets to buy the Pokeshi dolls you've made, so it's a bad idea to sell them to any Ginkgo traders. .

.

If you ever initiate any form of physical affection it will literally break him, but he really desperately wants it from you and just doesn't know how to ask. Though his tendency to stiffen up probably makes it seem like he doesn't like it when he really, really does. Your pinky touching his? He's become stone, the transformation will be undone in five-to-nine business days.

[ginkgomoon]

Gavin’s Old Days Date- Analysis

I received an ask just then about this date and so I’m typing my heart away at 2 in the morning. It didn’t really fully sink in to how much of a good date Old Days was until some time had passed, with the way how I looked at Gavin back then different to how I saw him now. This date brought back so many emotions and memories- especially when it’s such a well-rounded story with various hidden meanings and references which enabled me to have something to analyse!

This date circulates around Gavin and MC’s high school history in the span of days Friday and Saturday- on that fateful day when Gavin wanted to give the letter, to the night he waited for her.

It also has a circular storyline structure, from when MC first dreams of Gavin that catalyses following events. But something we also have to note is that the whole entire time until the very last few minutes- MC is ‘dreaming’.

The turbulent flow of time and space stunned me, and countless doors opened before me one by one.

The memory fragments poured in, and those images reflecting me and Gavin flew past quickly.

He turned his back to me and walked away, his white shirt fluttering in the wind, almost engulfed by the increasingly denser mist.

I shouted his name aloud and ran desperately, wanting to catch up with him, but the corner of his shirt was like wind that couldn't be grasped, dispersing between my fingers.

His figure became increasingly blurred as he was farther and farther, finally disappearing completely in the narrow field of vision.

Standing in the void, I seemed to have lost all directions and motivation forward.

Until a gentle breeze with a familiar fragrance blew the fog away.

There seemed to be dazzling sunlight piercing through the clouds, and after the mist dissipated, a completely different space-time appeared before me…

This part of MC’s dream is like a metaphor for Gavin’s sudden leave. The mini fragments of her memories and the information that she knew now compared to back in high school come together to try to form some comprehensible picture in her mind, which in this case- her dream.

(Which probably was helped by the presence of Black Cabin with the ‘“doors”. But I could also argue that it wasn’t, because this isn’t supposed to be the first time MC enters Black Cabin. Then again, dates differ from the main storyline.)

But just like how MC is Gavin’s North Star, without him, even she is lost and directionless. They both need each other. As they are each others’ mystery, they are each others’ answers.

“This uniform and medals are my beliefs, with you guiding me in the direction forward.” -Go See Him

MC wants to reach out, not wanting Gavin to leave her, just like how he left seven years ago. Though even here, Gavin’s wind helps guide her forward- to meet him again in this time-space.

Dreams are still a big mystery to us. Some say it reveals our deepest desires and fears presented by our subconscious. By listening to it, we are able to guide our efforts in achieving and chasing what we truly desire whilst avoiding our fears. And if some dreams are based on truth, then it can easily foreshadow what we are about to encounter.

As MC finally settles in appearing at their old school of Loveland High, she sees Gavin.

Through the crowds, he seemed to be looking at the girl standing on the middle of the flag raising platform with a speech draft in her hands. Without realising, he crumpled the letter in his hand even more tightly.

The infamous letter.

Moments ago he saw me, he was so shocked that his pupils contracted slightly. He also slipped when he was about to jump down.

“Who are you?”

The shock in his eyes was now replaced by alertness and uncertainty.

Gavin clearly doesn’t know this MC- because in this time-space, she doesn’t really exist. As I said above, as dreams can be based on truth and our desires, MC feels like she could have done something to correct their relationship in this course of time. But at this stage between her and Gavin, she doesn’t know much about it because he never explicitly told her and she wants to know. This dream is a manifestation of that.

MC: “Excuse me, do you know MC? I am her cousin.”

MC also experiences being her own cousin such as in Time Subway’s Loveland High Noodle Bar and STF Drill Ground.

Gavin looked at me suspiciously for a long time, and finally nodded indifferently.

Gavin: “Oh, what do you want with her?”

MC: “How is she doing in school lately?”

Gavin: “I don’t know her that well.”

Gavin helps MC locate herself- her high school self- but when she looks back, he has already disappeared. She then overhears students talking about Gavin getting beaten up by a hundred people and becomes an investigator into his whereabouts.

The next part of the date isn’t from MC’s narration, which led me to believe that this really did happen in MC and Gavin’s own universe. The ‘truth’ of the dream.

*Beating up happening*

Random Kid Who Doesn’t Have Better Things To Do: “I heard that our school overlord is transferring to another school. Is that true? Since you are leaving, why can’t you be good?”

Gavin: “That’s none of your business!”

Random Kid Who Doesn’t Have Better Things To Do: “True, but after you leave, your beloved girl will no longer be under protection, right? Don’t worry I’ll take care of her for you. And I heard she’s our campus belle.”

Gavin (fiercely with an angry face): “What did you say?”

*More beating up*

MC’s POV begins.

Finally, I found the alley from memory.

Gavin: “You won’t get off so easily next time. Try getting near her and see what happens.”

Gavin leaves and even MC wasn’t fast enough to catch a wounded, bleeding Gavin. She racks her brains to try to figure out where he is, and finally comes to the piano room.

And BEHOLD- Gavin casually sitting on a ginkgo tree dressing his wounds.

Gavin (annoyed): “Why are you everywhere…”

MC: “Are you waiting for MC? She’s preparing for exams so she won’t be here today.”

Gavin: “...I wasn’t looking for her.”

Gavin reluctantly agrees to follow MC into the infirmary and she starts to help properly dress his wounds.

MC: “Are you not a close friend with MC?”

Gavin: “... I’ve just heard her name before. She’s got good grades and she’s very kind.”

MC: “Have you ever talked to her?”

Gavin: “Nope.”

MC: “Then how do you know she’s kind?”

Gavin: “Why should I answer your questions?”

He looked a little vexed, looking away with his ears turning red.

MC: “Sorry, I meant well. It’s just that she’s mentioned you to me. She says you’re not as bad as what people say you are. You helped carry her books and took her to the infirmary…”

Gavin: “I just happened to be around.”

MC: “Err, then you must happen to be around quite a lot.”

Gavin: “How do you know all of this?”

MC: “She tells me everything. We even look very similar don’t we?”

Gavin: “But you act differently.”

MC helps Gavin finish patching his wounds and Gavin is noted to be unwilling to stay with her.

MC: “I have one more thing to tell you. MC is a bit slow. She is not as good as you think, and will also be blinded by rumours…”

Gavin interrupts me coldly.

Gavin: “She’s a very nice person. What she thinks of me has nothing to do with anyone else. If you're here just to tell me these things, then I don't need to listen to you.”

Gavin grabbed his uniform, but a white object fell from his pocket to the floor.

It was a crumpled letter. Stained in blood.

I went to pick it up but the paper slipped out and I caught a glimpse of the contents by accident.

Gavin quickly picked up the letter and put it back without saying a word.

There was a flash of dismissal in his eyes. He tried to flatten the creases on the letter awkwardly.

(RIP LETTER. He even tried to flatten it. GAVINNN)

Gavin’s view remains the same in their own universe- “You can’t change other people’s opinions but you can change your attitude towards them. Don't let yourself be easily affected. You shouldn't envy me. You’re different from me. You're kind and thoughtful. That's what makes you, you. Besides, I’m not as free as you think, and I care about a lot of things.” -Company Footage [Chapter 3-7]

The scene around her changes. MC figures that if this is the memory of her and Gavin, then the most important thing was to find him.

MC’s mind fixates on the familiar bloody letter- recalling its words. MC then sprints to the school library.

The library looked a little deserted in the darkness. Looking along the rows of bookshelves, I finally found Gavin seated next to the window.

At this point, Gavin has been waiting a whole day for high school MC to meet him. She didn’t read the letter that had the time he wanted her to come.

He turned around and the moment he heard my footsteps, and the glimmer in his eyes suddenly died away again when he saw me.

I realised that on this day, he had wanted to say goodbye.

He just frowned and looked away, uninterested.

MC: “Are you waiting for MC? She might have misunderstood. Sorry, let me apologise for her.”

Gavin: “It has nothing to do with you.”

He paused and said in a self-mockery tone.

Gavin: “I knew she wouldn't come anyway.”

I’ve never seen Gavin like this. At this time, he was still so young and one could easily read his emotions.

Only then did I realise how he described his past as a mere “regret” was an understatement. He had to endure the long wait and the misery of being understood silently.

(It’s 2am and I’m crying.)

I mistook the farewell letter as a threat and threw it away. I never tried to learn the truth and misunderstood him. And still was protected and cherished by him.

I never felt so sorry and never wanted to blame myself even more.

If I didn't know all of this, if we had never met each other after we went in opposite directions…

MC: “Although I know saying these now is meaningless...You’ll be a very awesome person in the future, and you will stick to your belief and to justice. And you’ll also meet the person you want to meet. Even though she might not be great and always troubles you, you will definitely meet each other in the future. So…”

But when I looked back up, Gavin was gone.

As if back to the beginning of the dream, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t catch up or make a sound.

And MC wakes up. (Circular storyline- starts and end with a dream- starts and ends with Gavin.)

“Why did it take you so long to answer? Did you just wake up?”

It was Gavin.

MC: “Gavin… I….”

Gavin: “Why do you sound so weird?”

MC: “I had a dream about you.”

Gavin: “Was it a bad dream? Don’t worry, it won’t happen. By the way, I'll be at your place soon. I brought steamed buns and soybean milk for breakfast.”

Just like how he bought milk and bread for her at the infirmary after she fainted during a school sports event.

The moment I saw Gavin, I threw myself into his arms, crying.

His strong chest, the familiar smell under his collar. This was Gavin, the Gavin who would never disappear or leave me.

Gavin: “Why are you crying?”

He tried to dry my tears clumsily, but both his hands were occupied, so he had to move to the table and put the breakfast down while I hung onto him like a koala.

Gavin: “Tell me, what was your dream about?”

MC: “In my dream, you skipped class, got into fights, and ignored me.”

Gavin: “...”

MC: “You also said, ‘it’s none of your business’ to me coldly several times.”

He held back laughter and listened to my tearful complaint. Then he suddenly took my hand, and slapped it on his palm.

Gavin: “Then bully me back now.”

MC: “Gavin, have you ever thought about… what if we didn’t meet?”

He gave it some thought and nodded seriously.

Gavin: “Yes I have. If I wasn't there, would the girl get bullied? Would someone be looking out for her? I’ve also wondered if someone would fall in love with her or give her a love letter.... Would she like someone else? So, if I were to meet her again, I must hold onto her.”

He took my hand lightly, and kissed it preciously, his voice soft.

“And never let her go again.”

(The same hands that helped dress his wounds. CRYING.)

All this time Gavin had regretted not being able to give the letter to her in person, presumably with the fear of rejection from the one person he cared about. Even if Gavin hadn’t had a conversation with her or knew her very well, the interactions they have had together was enough for Gavin to form an opinion of her- a strong enough opinion that even he refuses to listen to MC’s ‘cousin’ (interactions like wanting to introduce himself in the library but MC dashes off LOL).

Wanting to protect her continuously from the students during the alleyway fight and waiting day and night for her also really does showcase his determination and the effectiveness of having a glimmer of hope from and for someone goes a long way, especially with a loyal man like Gavin.

Additionally, MC states that he was cold to her, which shows that even someone who claimed to be her cousin wouldn't melt Gavin’s heart with secondhand words. (That wall that he built up between him and MC of how he bats each question she asks with another question LOL.)

Even in front of Cousin MC, he wants to keep up that tough and unbreakable persona, the one that high school MC is more familiar with- until the very end when he finally has to come to the conclusion that MC is not going to see him. This therefore really does make him think that she didn't want to meet him. And in the storyline, he really did have to live like that, thinking that she thought of him just like how everyone did- until they met again.

But after all that Gavin had been through, he’s willing to cherish every moment he has with MC in the future. Not basing their relationship off of the failures, misunderstandings and regrets- but their hopes and dreams of a better future together.

“Before you… I lower all my defences.” -Gavin

[maadorii]

home— k. nobara x gn! reader 

max.notes: i’m wayyyy overdue in writing nobara content i don’t know why but i felt this concept was fitting for her in a way. might’ve gone overboard with the imagery but you know me, when do i not? i might’ve also cried a little hehe

synopsis: change is, nor will it ever will be, an easy thing. luckly, she was the only constant in your life that never changed.

warnings/tags: hurt/comfort whoops, fluff

w.count— 831

your heart filled with gloom.

you could feel the uneasiness fester in the pit of your stomach, the slow spread to the tips of your fingers and toes as you stared out into the expansive greenery of the school campus before you. the glittering emerald green lake that illuminated the rich greenery surrounding it. bushes pretty pink camellias bloom in the radiant glow of sunlight. the flutter of cherry blossoms floating in the air like wisp. all while you sat underneath the evergreen of a ginkgo tree much too old. the buzzing of dragonflies zipping nearby. the cheeky chirping of robins in the distance. 

it was the start of spring. it was the beginning of change. 

you hated change, very much so. it was sometimes just so... unpredictable at times. it always just felt out of your control; as if there was nothing you could do about it to hopefully come out with a different outcome. but that was the baggage that came with being a jujutsu sorcerer. 

something new, sometimes random, came up everyday, whether it was a new curse that needed to be exorcised, new assignments, new missions. new everything. and sometimes think you might go into sensory overload from the amount of work that was so graciously bestowed on you. 

there were times where you wish you could end it all. just to get up and leave. find a new life away from being a sorcerer, to a place where no one knows your name. to start fresh... away from curses, away from tokyo.

there was nothing left to lose.

there was nothing left to prove.

all this life ever did, was bring you hardship, and pain, and death.

well... except maybe—

“hey! what’re doing there all alone?”

you looked over in the direction where the voice was coming from, only to be met with kugisaki nobara. she looked so bright, so pretty, today. the smile etched on her face was unwavering as she approached you. there was a bandage on her forehead she acquired from a recent mission. she was dressed in casual clothes rather than the school uniform.

you didn’t say anything when she sat next to you, under the shade of the ginkgo tree. it’s serpentine leaves hanging mere inches above you. it was quiet, too quiet for nobara’s liking. she can feel the tingles of your anxiety make it up her spine. from your closed off body language– how your legs were hugged tight against your chest, curling yourself into a little ball. the mellow glum in your eyes. the unnatural quietness that settled over your body like a weighted blanket that gradually increased in weight at the feeling of nobara’s eyes one you.

something was wrong. 

this wasn’t the first time nobara has seen you like this. and she was almost certain that this wasn't gonna be the last. some days were easier than others, but seemingly, today unfortunately wasn’t one of those days. 

the slight tremble in your shoulders. the sheen in your eyes that slowly built into crystal droplets of tears that cascaded seemingly beautifully, down the roundness of your cheeks. nobara could’ve sworn you cried stars from how they twinkle in the limelight of the sun that peaked through the leaves of the tree.

it was a dead give away. 

she wasn't the greatest at dealing with emotions, especially others. but she made it a point to help whenever it came to you. you were a different kind of different. someone she made a promise to always protect, unbeknownst to you. 

she wouldn’t allow you to wallow in your woe. not if nobara could do anything about it.

that was when she, a little bit forcefully, brought your head down to lay on her shoulder. your sniffling was brought to a stop from her actions. peering up, nobara stared straight ahead, not bothering to spare you a glance. you blinked once, twice, stunned to silence. and you weren’t sure if it was because of her actions or the fact you could see the slightest tinge rose on her cheeks. 

“kugisaki–” 

“it’s okay. you don’t have to tell me anything. just know... i’m here for you.” and that's when she looked down to your head still resting on her shoulder. her eyes... the golden ember of them illuminated with warmth. shining in their earnest kindness. they’ve always been so kind, especially when they look at you.

they were practically glowing. 

and you were hit with a wave of fresh, hot tears welding in the corner of your eyes, biting harshly on your bottom of your lip in an attempt to hold in your sob. 

she smelt like home. comforting and open. grounded and sweet.

nobara squeezed you a little tighter in her hold, resting her head on yours, underneath the aged ginkgo tree. watching as the world changed around the both of you, sometimes a bit too quick for your liking, you knew deep down, nobara will always stay the same.

copyright © 2021 maadorii. all rights reserved.

[joontopia]

Underneath the Ginkgo Tree | KNJ - Teaser

pairings: namjoon x female reader

rating: nsfw, 18+

genre: slight time travel!au, soulmate(if you squint)!au, strangers to lovers, fluff, angst, influenced by the movie The Lake House

series warnings: angst, fluff, pining, language, mentions of death, major character death, talks of mental health, description of hospital scenes, description of car accidents (more warnings will come with each chapter)

teaser warnings: a couple of dashes of angst, slight pining, language? (did i write curse words in this? probably idk) mention of a break up, talks of feeling lost

teaser word count: 2.9k

series release: 1st qtr 2021

a/n: thank you to my twin and soulmate, @escapingreality4now�� for reading over this and fixing my mistakes. thank you for always being so enthusiastic about all of the random ideas that I have and start to work on (even when it brings me away from the one WIP you’ve been waiting on an update for hehehe). I love you!

The lone ginkgo tree stood out among the others that were outlining the small clearing. It looks absolutely beautiful the way the golden leaves contrast to the dark green around them. It seemed almost magical and you silently scold yourself for leaving your camera back at the studio. You walk across the grass clearing towards the ginkgo tree, examining it along the way. As you get closer, you notice carvings in the wide base of the tree in the shape of a small door, looking to be about a foot tall and half a foot wide.

“How cute,” you mutter to yourself, crouching down to examine the door further. Placing your backpack up against the tree, you notice a small hoop attached to the door, the opening of the ring just big enough for you to hook two fingers. You pull on the hoop, letting out a small gasp of excitement as the door gives way, revealing a hollow opening in the tree. You peak through the doorway, seeing nothing but dried leaves and small sticks. A slight breeze blows past you as you start to close the door, moving around the contents inside the hollowed out trunk. The door was almost half way closed when something caught your eye.

You peak back into the small room, noticing something long and light blue under the rearranged foliage. You look around the hollowed trunk, making sure there’s no hidden creature that could jump out and bite you. “Oh God, please don’t let there be a snake,” you think to yourself as you reach in to retrieve the mystery item. Snatching your arm back, you let out a small breath and chuckle at yourself for the small overreaction.

“An envelope?” you say out loud, looking at the newly retrieved item in your hand. You flip it over while observing it, noticing that it's sealed with nothing written on the front.

“I wonder if anything’s in it,” you mumble to yourself. You reposition yourself with your back up against the trunk of the tree, opening the envelope as you get settled. The paper tears easily and you guess that it must be old. Finally getting the envelope wide enough, you pull out a piece of paper, unfolding it carefully to make sure not to tear it. You were happy to see the writing was still legible with only some minor smudges and dirt marks spread across the page. Noticing a small date at the top, you squint as you bring the paper closer to read, only able to make out a faint 2018 as the rest of the date was ruined by the dirt.

“Two years ago… Wow.” You pull the paper back, taking a quick look around the small meadow before you start to read.

Dear future me,

I hope when you open this letter, it finds you well. Maybe you finally asked out that cute girl in your Art History class. Or maybe, at the very least, grew a pair to introduce yourself to her properly. Anyways, I’m not writing this to give you a hard time. We’re dealing with enough of that as it is. I’m just hoping that writing this will be something to help me gain some motivation. Give me a sense of purpose. Things just feel stagnant lately. I’m in the middle of my Senior year of university and have no idea what I’m going to do once I graduate. Everyone around me seems to have everything planned out and I’m just… here. I’m hoping when you finally read this again, you’ll have found your path. I promise to try my best on my end to get you there.

Starting with Art History girl. Hopefully she likes nature walks or hikes. I would love to take her to this old ginkgo tree for a picnic. So let’s work on step #1. Figure out how to simply walk up to her without falling flat on your face.

This is hopeless. Sending you luck and well wishes from the past. - Joon

You flip the page around to see if there was anything only to be met with a blank back.

“I wonder if he ever came back to read this,” you think out loud. Taking a look around the base of the tree, it seems like this place has been unbothered for quite some time. You assume so, anyways, especially with how covered the letter was when you found it. You continue to sit there against the tree, looking out into the small clearing. “Maybe I should write a letter back.”

You feel a slight gust of wind, closing your eyes as you appreciate the soft chill kiss your face and the beautiful sound of the rustling leaves of the ginkgo tree. “I’m guessing I should take that as a yes,” you say with a giggle. The tiny laugh is cut short as you let out a small scoff and shake your head.

“Great. I don’t know what's worse; me talking to myself or to the wind,” you grumble as you reach into your backpack, pulling out a notebook and pen, flipping to a blank page. “Okay, well here goes nothing.”

You sat at the base of the ginkgo tree writing out your letter back to this Joon. Constantly erasing and rewriting half of it, feeling like you were getting too deep and personal with your reply. It wasn’t until the third revision that you finally told yourself that it didn’t matter. No one was going to find it and read it anyways. Once complete, you reach back into your bag, pulling out a yellow envelope meant for holding photos. You check to make sure it’s empty before stuffing your letter inside and sealing it. You place the envelope inside the hollow base of the tree and close the door.

Standing up, you brush the leaves and dirt off your knees, backside, and hands. Not quite ready to leave your newly found secret hideaway, you look around the area, eyeing many rocks of different shapes and sizes. Most of them being just the right size for making a rock tower. You check your watch for the time, mentally calculating just how much time you have before you need to be back at the studio. “5 minutes until noon. Just one tower, one wish, and then I’ll head back to the real world. Sound good?” you said out loud, looking up at the ginkgo tree. A small breeze picks back up as you start to search for the perfect rocks. The wind softly blows through the leaves as if it were trying to give you a response.

The sun sits high in the sky as Namjoon treks down the now familiar path as the wind blows softly around him. The trees and bushes make the most comforting sounds as their branches and leaves rub together through the breeze. He looks down at the blue envelope in his hand before checking the time on his watch. 5 minutes until noon. He’s out here earlier than usual. A bittersweet surprise due to his class being canceled. The very class where he was finally going to talk to the pretty girl who sat by the window. Or at the very least, sit right next to her awkwardly while not saying anything at all. He hadn’t planned on writing another letter, but with the surge of motivation the last one had left him, he felt like it wouldn’t hurt to do it again.

Namjoon readjusts the strap of his messenger bag on his shoulder as he enters the small hidden meadow. His eyes and lips turn up into a small smile as he looks at the lone ginkgo tree. “Hello, old friend,” he says as he approaches the base of the tree. The branches and leaves sway in the wind as if giving their own greeting back. Namjoon looks around at the empty meadow before placing his bag on the ground and kneeling before the small wooden door.

“I’m not here for long, friend,” he says as he looks up at the tree. “Just dropping off another.” Namjoon reaches for the small loop to open the door. Blue envelope in hand, he reaches in to place the letter inside, pausing when he sees something he didn't expect. There in the middle of the hollow trunk sat a clean, yellow envelope, seemingly untouched by the nature around it.

“I didn’t think anyone else knew about this place,” Namjoon mumbles to himself. He grabs the envelope from the opening, eyes going wide in a small moment of panic as he realizes his previous letter is no longer there. He lets out a low groan. “Oh no, someone read my letter.”

He hits his head with his palm, looking at the stranger’s envelope in his hand “Should I read it? They wouldn’t respond with their own letter just to laugh at me, right?” he thinks to himself. Namjoon looks around before adjusting himself to lean against the wide tree trunk. He opens the envelope, pulling out the letter. The faint scent of a female’s perfume follows, hitting Namjoon’s senses as he breathes it in. Appreciating the lovely scent while also finding it oddly familiar, but he just can’t place it. He takes a look at the letter and shrugs his shoulders. “Well I guess fair’s fair,” he mumbles to himself again as he begins to read the mystery letter.

Dear Joon,

I hope you don’t mind that I read your letter. It seemed to have been left untouched for sometime. I felt the least I could do is write back, even if you don’t ever return to this place. I would like to apologize in advance for using your letter as my own little outlet to vent. I’m sure there’s more interesting things you would like to know about the future if you were to ever find this. Not much has changed in the two years since your letter. The world is still a big mystery where people still feel lost. Myself included. I hope that’s not too discouraging. It’s normal to experience a sense of mispurpose and self doubt in college. Everyone feels lost at least once in their lives. Even if they felt like they had everything planned and figured out. The universe doesn’t make exceptions in that affair.

If you did figure a way out of your stump, let a girl know. I could use some words of wisdom myself. My boyfriend of almost two years broke up with me not too long ago. On White Day, if you can believe it. We started dating my senior year of university and I thought we were on the same page as far as our future together was concerned. But there I was, sitting on a bench in Yongsan Park, thinking I was about to be proposed to and end up getting dumped instead. He always talked about marriage, but I guess people tend to just change their minds.

But here’s the real kicker… my feeling of being lost isn’t from the heartbreak. I wish it were that simple. I'm feeling lost because when he broke up with me and ended almost two years of us, I didn’t feel sad. I felt relieved. Who in their right mind feels relief when the person they thought they were going to spend their life with breaks up with them? I don't know. Maybe love just isn't for me.

Anyways, that was a long drawn out way of saying, don’t place your sense of purpose on a relationship, let alone another person. People will only let you down. That being said, if Art History Girl doesn’t enjoy nature walks or picnics, she’s not the one. It sounds like the perfect date. - Y/N 2♥2♥

Namjoon reads the last couple of lines over again, smirking as he traces the small hearts you drew in place of the zeros of the year by your name. “Cute,” he mumbles to himself as he places your letter on the ground next to him, digging into his bag for his notebook and a pen. He quickly scribbles out a response, grabbing the blue envelope he brought and discarding his unread letter from it. Replacing it with the new one he just wrote. Namjoon sticks the now sealed envelope and letter into the holy trunk, closing the door before checking his watch again. Almost 12:35 PM.

“I guess I have time to eat lunch here.” Namjoon reaches back into his bag, pulling out the carefully wrapped sandwich his roommate made him this morning. After finishing his meal, he leans back against the tree, closing his eyes, enjoying the occasional breeze as the time passes. Deciding he spent enough time hiding from the real world, Namjoon stands from his spot against the tree, grabbing his bag in the process. He takes a quick glance at the small door, eyebrows furrowing as he does a double take, noticing the door is slightly ajar. “Didn’t I close this?” he thought to himself as he kneels back down in front of the door, opening it wider to see if anything was keeping it from closing all the way.

“What the hell?!” Namjoon exclaims as his eyes widen at the sight of another yellow envelope lying in the middle of the hollow trunk. His blue envelope, once again, nowhere to be seen.

You take a step back from your newly built structure, admiring your handiwork. You decided to build the little rock tower at the base of the tree, right in front of the little door. You tell yourself it’s to discourage any newcomers from opening the door, but you know it's just to discourage yourself from retrieving your letter.

“Okay, Y/N, now make a wish.” You close your eyes and bow your head by the rock tower. Searching your mind for the perfect wish, you finally land on the right words. Please let me be wrong about love. Please let it find me in this lifetime. You let out a deep breath as you open your eyes. Grabbing your bag off the ground, you take one more look up at the ginkgo tree before starting back towards the walking trail.

“I hope I’m able to find this place again,” you whisper to yourself as you take a few steps away from the tree. You’re only halfway across the small meadow when the sound of a snapping twig stops you in your track, causing you to turn around, looking for the source of the noise.

“Hello?” You call out as you look around the seemingly empty meadow. Finding nothing, you turn back around towards the walking trail. “The woods make noises, Y/N. Nothing to freak out about,” you mumble to yourself.

You barely take another step when you hear the sound of rocks falling behind you. You quickly turn around, hoping to catch whatever person or woodland creature that could be causing these disturbances only to find that you’re still alone in the meadow. You take a quick scan of the area before your eyes move straight to your rock tower at the base of the ginkgo tree. Or at least what used to be your rock tower. What resides there now is just a pile of rocks. The sight of your fallen tower alone isn’t enough to put you on edge. Rocks fall. You just didn’t expect to see the previously closed door at the base of the tree to now be wide open.

You take slow steps back towards the tree, scanning the surroundings again for anyone or anything hiding in the tree line. Telling yourself that it was just the wind as you make it back to the tree, you kneel down to close back the little door. Your movements halt when you sneak a peek inside the hollow trunk, your eyes landing on what should have been the yellow envelope you just left inside. Instead, in its place, you find another blue envelope. You snatch the envelope from the hollow trunk, tearing it open with so much force that you wouldn’t be surprised if you ripped the letter inside. You pulled the letter from the envelope and began to read.

Dear Y/N,

Thank you for writing me back. I’m going to be honest, I'm a little surprised to have found your letter. I didn’t think anyone else knew about this place, considering it's off a hidden path that's found off another hidden path. But I’m happy someone else gets to enjoy the beauty of this hidden gem of a meadow. Thank you for your kind words. It’s nice to know there are people out there who care enough to try and comfort a stranger. I’m sorry to read about your breakup. Those are never easy, regardless of the tenure of the relationship. I hope you don’t feel too troubled by your feelings around it. It could just be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes you have to close one door for another to open. I believe there is someone for everyone and they will find you when you least expect it. So if you return here to find this letter, don’t give up. Love will find you. I promise. - Joon

P.S. Thanks for the little 2020 joke. Got quite a chuckle out of that one. Maybe we’ll see each other at this ol’ ginkgo tree some day. You know, in the current year of 2018.

© joontopia 2020 all rights reserved - Do not copy, Do not translate, Do not repost

[maglors-anion-gap]

21. Do you ever want to write a novel/original work?

29. Where do you get your inspiration from?

40. What do you think your writing speciality is?

45. A fic you look forward to writing in the future?

48. How do you deal with coming up with titles?

For the writer asks? Thankyou and I hope you're doing good!

[for this ask game]

Thanks!! <3

21. Novels or original works:

I have some ideas that I’m turning over in my head. When I was 11-13, I lived in the same neighborhood as my best friend, and we would spend the bus ride too and from school generating literally binders and file folders full of story ideas and material. She still had all the papers lmao, I’ve been meaning to go through them at some point and see if she wants to collaborate on something. Based on our schedules, it will be an epic adventure to actually finish it, such that it won’t get published until we’re 80.

29. Inspiration:

Ahh that’s a good question! I actually have a really hard time visualizing new things or coming up with inspiration. One big thing is music. Lyrics often remind me of characters or events, and then I think “what would need to happen in a narrative to evoke this feeling?” Another is whatever I’m learning about. I wrote something for this year’s Tolkien reverse summer bang that included a snippet about the ginkgo tree being the only remaining organism of those it evolved alongside as a metaphor for grief and loneliness. Catch me inserting random botany (or any science, really) into my fic. The world is my oyster soapbox.

40. Writing specialty:

I would say probably descriptions. You can count on me to find the right word for something. Which is in direct contrast with the fact that plot is my huge Achilles heel. I will deliver you a final product that makes you Feel Things but contains zero conflict/journey/movement. :/

45. A fic for the future:

Hmm, I have a lot of WIPs just sitting around, in various stages of development and with varying levels of quality. I’ve really wanted to write a series of short vignettes about what happened in Harad and the eastern reaches of middle earth during the events of LoTR, and what the blue wizards were up to. I didn’t like the way Tolkien treated the Haradhrim, and I think there was so much unexplored potential that he perhaps discarded out of bias. I would be interested in exploring the dynamic between the independent governments of the kingdoms and Sauron’s influence. I don’t buy into the idea that they accepted him open-armed. And I definitely don’t buy that they were immediately on-board with providing sauron with an army to besiege Gondor. So: harad resistance fighters? What would concerted rebellion against an all-knowing totalitarian entity look like? That said, the oliphaunt in the room has to be addressed (centuries of numenorian/gondorian imperialism and hostility). Also, I just like the blue wizards, there’s so much blank space to work with.

48. Titles:

I hear that some individuals put their Spotify on shuffle and listen for anything that catches their attention and is even mildly related to the fic in question. It’s me, I’m individuals.

[thelibraryiscool]

Tagged by the talented @princess-of-france, thank you! Sorry this took a while to get to.

1 - nicknames?

None, really? Or none of much interest; I suppose Allie is itself a nickname

2 - zodiac sign?

Gemini

3 - height?

5′7″ (and a half!)

4 - hogwarts house?

Slytherin

5 - last thing I googled?

‘thank you in flemish’

6 - song stuck in my head?

none atm, about a week ago I had Queen’s ‘39 stuck for like two days, and I hope I’ve not brought it back now

7 - amount of sleep I’m getting?

7 hours or so

8 - lucky numbers?

a friend of mine and I decided it must be 22, I think (and suddenly I’m feeling like I’ve done this tag game before? oh well)

9 - dream job?

Professor of English Literature, I suppose.. Though sometimes I wonder. But also, something like a 19th century linguist

10 - wearing?

Sweatpants, a star wars t shirt, an old sweater - sleep clothes for when the central heating’s been turned off already because hello, it’s may, but it’s suddenly cold outside anyway

11 - instruments?

Tragically, none. I’d love to learn to play piano

12 - random facts?

I’m learning to knit and am currently 100(!) rows into the back of a cardigan. Alternately, back in my undergrad there was this reflecting pool (some of my friends and) I would sometimes go to sit by at night, and I still remember those as some of the most peaceful moments.

13 - aesthetic?

I.. don’t know? Light academia, maybe? I think that’s a thing. 

14 - favourite tree?

This spring I’ve been feeling very partial towards birches. But I also like ginkgos and eucalyptus 

15 - favourite flavour of crisp?

Pringles Originals

16 - crosswords or sudoku?

kinda both? I sometimes do sudoku to relax in the middle of working. And last summer I got into this website that gives you daily latin crosswords to do.

17 - which book would you recommend everyone read?

There’s a few that I’m fairly sure I have recommended (or at least talked up) to nearly everyone I’ve met. But objectively, it’s difficult to choose. I suppose the question aims at something educational, but maybe I’ll just say The Book Thief, simply bc it’s one of the books that have meant the most to me, and one I do think most everyone could connect with and get something out of.

I’m going to tag @ladybingley @brionbroadway @colorwheels14 @kahtastrophe @thesoundofnat and @smile-dance-breathe. Only if you want to though!

[localplaguenurse]

I FORGOT TO DROP A SECRET

I think in two ways, pictures and most creepily voices, all my thoughts are an amalgamation of different voices talking over each other. This doesn’t just stop at thinking and formulating ideas (that’s how abyss Wifey and many many of my ideas come from! A discussion of multiple voices!) the voices also comment on what’s happening to myself especially in times when I’m vulnerable (like a mental breakdown, expressing grief etc). I’ve come to realise that hearing voices isn’t actually a “good” thing but I don’t wanna get treated for it! I don’t know what I’ll do with myself if it’s only my voice up there!

As an example, whenever I wax poetry in your asks or comments it’s kinda like having multiple people holding different puzzle pieces and all of them are rushing to complete the puzzle. It doesn’t always turn out right and sometimes the pieces are in the wrong place, but that’s the best part about collaborating, there’s other people who can correct your mistakes or in my case other voices lol

I am in no way a qualified mental health professional but that is definitively not a good sign. Your perspective is very interesting though, so I suppose as long as you're aware of everything around you, and the voices aren't cruel, then so be it, y'know?

I think a lot in pictures, as I tend to day dream a lot. I work a very repetitive job and spend most of my free time at home, usually writing away (or trying). I wanted to be an artist and then eventually comic author when I was younger, which I think is a big part of why I do that. The problem is that I have all these amazing and symbolic scenes and pictures in my head, right, but I am nowhere near skilled enough drawing wise, so I try to find a way to capture the feeling through words instead. I also just get random hard hitting quotes, like when Zhongli and Wifey are professing their love to each other at the end of ginkgo trees ("I will love you after we forget or names and faces."), or others that get really dark in context.

Most of my inspiration comes when I'm in my room listening to music and pacing back and forth to stim. It's where I get all my good ideas from, and is why some of my chapters are named after songs.

If you were to look at me trying to brainstorm, it'd look like me walking back and forth, occasionally grooving, occasionally making a weird gesture, standing sill, sitting on the bed, getting up, sitting down, getting up to pace, repeat.

And then in my brain it's like imagery imagery Pantalone imagery what if pants has frost on him when he uses his delusion oh my god he leaves frosted boot prints when he walks imagery imagery "my darling, look at you..." *crane wives playing in the background*

[the-gods-are-laughing]

The Little Onigiri - an MLQC Choose-Your-Own One-Shot

There is no room for an onigiri in a fruits basket.

So they said in the anime MC loved to watch by herself at night.

She saw so much of herself in Tohru Honda. She, too, was an onigiri.

Different.

(She was also just as clueless when it came to the male protagonists but that’s just an aside from this writer.)

So when the Basket of Love auction was announced, her heart jumped in her throat.

The flyer was slipped under her door, and the door of every residence in Loveland City.

Every single woman would have the opportunity to create a basket of food and they would be auctioned. The basket’s winner would get an afternoon with the woman who’d made it.

Well. What did she have to lose?

It was her day off, so she went down to the market for supplies and a basket.

She had no idea that four men noted her in her travels, each having gotten a flyer as well.

Lucien. Gavin. Kiro. Victor.

They were all determined to win the basket. And her heart.

Days passed. The auction was coming up soon. And every day after work, MC was up making handmade onigiri.

There might not be room for an onigiri in a fruits basket. But this onigiri would make her own basket.

Finally, the day arrived, bright and clear.

Nervously, MC dressed up nicely, did her hair, and gently carried her basket out of her home, a gingham cover hiding the onigiri from view.

Lucien noted her footsteps and planned to leave once the coast was clear.

Gavin was flying above her, making sure she got there safe, though she didn’t know it. She was too busy worrying about if the onigiri had come out okay, if whoever bought it would like it, what if no one bought it at all, and a myriad of other worries.

Kiro was in disguise, walking nearby. His wallet at the ready in his back pocket, fingering it absentmindedly.

Victor was taking a car at his leisure. As he was wont to do.

She arrived, moving to place her basket gently on the long table on the stage, standing behind it, looking nervously at her feet.

One by one, other women arrived and did the same.

Then, the announcer cleared his throat.

It was time.

One by one, the other women got their bids and went away. Until finally, it was her turn.

The bidding started. She closed her eyes.

There weren’t many. She felt tears building up behind her eyes.

Then a voice yelled out a high number, and her eyes shot open.

She knew that voice.

———

Choose Your Suitor!

———

Gavin:

She couldn’t believe her eyes. That was definitely Gavin, and yelling out a number that had to be most of his yearly salary!

Her jaw dropped.

“SOLD!”

Gavin grinned, coming up and scooping her up in one arm, the basket of onigiri in the other.

“Gavin, what…?”

He smiled at her, the tips of his ears bright pink.

“I wasn’t about to let anyone else get an afternoon with you. Or eat the food you made. Now, come on. I know the perfect spot for this.”

He flew them across the city. She buried her head in his chest, holding on tight. He was enjoying this a little too much.

Finally he set her down. “Open your eyes, MC.”

She did and looked up at the ginkgo tree she knew so well, the one by the music room at their old high school.

He smiled at her and gestured to a picnic blanket. He must have set it up earlier.

She blushed and sat down.

Gavin smiled and sat down opposite her, back resting against the ginkgo tree. The leaves shimmered in the afternoon sunlight.

“Now… Let’s see what you made.”

He eagerly removed the gingham cloth and blinked.

“Riceballs?”

She blushed and murmured, “There is no room for an onigiri in a fruits basket.”

Gavin blinked. He had no idea what that meant.

She looked up and explained about the show, about Tohru, how she’d never fit in and said that line.

Gavin smiled, reaching out to cup her face gently. A gentle blush rested on both their cheeks.

“Well, if you’re an onigiri, so am I. I don’t need fruit at all. Just you.”

And he kissed the woman he’d always loved, in the shadow of the ginkgo tree.

And that moment was worth every single penny.

Kiro:

“SOLD!”

She blinked. “Ki-“

He rushed and put his hand over her mouth. “Shhhhh, not so loud! I’m in disguise, remember?”

She blushed, nodding, and Kiro moved his hand into hers, the other grabbing the basket.

“Come on! I know exactly where we should eat this!”

The next thing she knew, she was in a car heading away from the festival. Kiro pulled off his sunglasses and hat, grinning at her as he brushed at his hair.

“I’m so excited to eat what you made, Miss Chips!! What is it?” “I can’t tell you, it’s supposed to be a surprise for when you eat it!”

“Fiiiiine.” He pouted adorably. “Good thing the place isn’t far. I don’t think I can wait that long!”

MC couldn’t help giggling. She hoped he liked them. She’d worked so hard on them after all.

They parked in front of a large building. She blinked up at it.

“Kiro? Where are we?” He blushed. “My apartment. I thought it would be nice to have some privacy, and since my address is private, we don’t have to worry about being swarmed by fans.”

MC blushed too but smiled. “Okay, let’s go up.”

Kiro blinked. “Wait, really? I mean, yeah, of course! Let’s go!!”

Excited, he grabbed her hand and the basket, rushed past the doorman and into the elevator, nervously moving from foot to foot as they slowly went up to the highest floor.

“Okay, here we are!” Kiro chirped, happily running out of the elevator to his apartment’s door. “Come on, Miss Chips!!”

MC laughed, following after him into a place any fan would give at least two body parts to see even once.

The apartment was nice, but obviously a bachelor pad. A bit messy, piles of books and DVDs in random places, laundry needing to be done and thrown haphazardly around the floor. Kiro coughed, a little embarrassed. “Please don’t mind the mess. I’ve just been so busy lately…”

MC smiled. “It’s okay. My place is even worse!”

Kiro laughed and moved into the kitchen. “Now, let’s see what you’ve made!”

MC sat at the table across from him, nervous as Kiro tossed away the gingham to tilt his head at the basket.

“Man, that’s a lot of riceballs, Miss Chips! You must have taken forever on this!”

MC nodded. “I did. It’s… Kind of meaningful to me.”

“Why’s that?” MC explained about the show, and how she identified with the main character and the quote.

“There’s no room for an onigiri in a fruits basket, huh?” Kiro looked thoughful.

Then he reached out, grabbed one and started to eat it.

“Mm! With riceballs this good, who needs fruit? We can be onigiri together! What do you say, Miss Chips? Maybe we can even start a line of onigiri-flavored chips!”

MC laughed, reaching for one herself.

Somewhere far away, Savin suddenly got a headache as Kiro grinned at MC, his eyes sparkling.

He was so glad he’d won.

Savin would be very, very annoyed.

Lucien:

A murmur rippled through the crowd as a man made his way forward. He had that effect on people, in general. The sunlight shone on his raven hair, the wind making gentle ripples in it and fluttering his long black jacket.

He smiled softly up at her, his eyes dancing.

“Lucien…?”

“SOLD!”

The crowd parted for him, still whispering as he came up to MC.

“Hello, MC.”

“Lucien, what are you doing here?”

“I’m buying your basket. Now, how about that afternoon I’m supposed to get with you? Shall we?”

He held out his arm to her, ever the gentleman.

Blushing, MC put her arm in his and they walked off, Lucien carrying the basket in his free hand.

He lead them away from the festival, back the way they had came.

The weather was perfect for the walk. Lucien smiled softly down at her.

“Lucien.. Are you sure? That was a lot of money…” “Worth it, if it means time with you and food made by your own hands.”

She blushed, eyes down at her feet as Lucien chuckled above her.

“As shy as ever, huh? Don’t worry. We’re almost there.”

He lead her into their building, but to his door instead of hers. “Come on in.”

He hung up his jacket and hers, and set a pair of house slippers in front of her.

“We can’t have you catching a cold. Put them on.” She blushed and murmured to be excused as she put them on and walked inside. Lucien put on a pair himself and carried the basket to living area, placing the basket on a small table as he sat on the couch.

“Now… I can’t wait to see what it is you’ve made. I did so enjoy those cream puffs you’d made me…”

MC’s face was bright red, her eyes looking at the basket as she murmured softly, “I hope you like it…”

He smiled. “I’m sure I will.”

And without further ado, he pulled the gingham away to reveal the contents of the basket.

“Riceballs?”

MC nodded. “Because there is no room for an onigiri in a fruits basket.”

Lucien understood. He’d heard her show from his own apartment and had listened to it. He had no idea it was so meaningful to her though.

He reached out, taking an onigiri and taking a bite.

“Mmmm… Delicious.”

She blushed even deeper. His voice seemed so much huskier, even compared to the last time he’d said that, when she’d made him those cream puffs.

He picked up another and held it to her lips with a smile.

“Care to have one?”

She gently bit from the onigiri and his breath caught in his throat.

If this was the result, he’d have paid ten times the price. No, twenty. A hundred.

This moment was nothing short of priceless.

Victor:

She blinked repeatedly as a man walked to the front of the crowd.

“Victor…?”

“SOLD!”

Victor smirked, coming up the stage to stand in front of her. She stared up at him.

“Well?” His voice was as sharp as always.

MC blinked and blushed, handing him the basket.

Victor took it in one hand and held out the other.

MC stared at it. This didn’t feel real.

“What, are you so dumb you can’t even recognize me right in front of you? Come on. Take my hand.”

Yup. That was Victor all right.

She sighed and put her hand in his. His smirk returned as he lead her off the stage.

“Wait, Victor! Where are we going?” “I bought an afternoon with you, not just the basket. Did you really think I’d not take it?”

Well, he had a point.

He opened the car door for her, letting her inside and following in after her.

Soon enough, they were at Souvenir.

Once they entered, Victor locked the door behind them, keeping the sign on the window to “Closed.”

“Now… Let’s see what you tried to make this time.” He sat down at one of the tables, the basket in front of him, as MC sat opposite him.

He took the gingham off and stared at the basket.

“Riceballs?”

MC murmured so softly, he almost didn’t hear it. “Because… Because there’s no room for an onigiri in a fruits basket…” His brow furrowed. “Explain.”

So she did.

“Hm.” Victor leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. “And you’re an onigiri, huh?”

MC nodded, blushing.

He smirked at her, grabbing one from the basket and taking a bite. Not bad.

“Well then. I guess I’ll just have to add onigiri to the menu.”

She blinked up at him. “Really?” He twirled a riceball in his long fingers, still smirking.

“Needs a name though. Dummygiri, perhaps. Awfulgiri. Dummyball…” She looked so cute when she pouted at him like that.

“Kidding. About the name anyway.” He took another bite.

“Help me come up with one. I’ll make it a special.”

He eyed her surreptitiously over the riceball, his smile hidden behind it.

He was glad he’d won the auction. Won time with her.

He’d never admit it to his dummy, but he loved her and spending time with her.

His little onigiri.

Every second with her was worth all he paid and more.