#and wish him a bright future full of many happy years | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

narizaki · 5 months ago

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spring's in your blood ― h. shoyo

tags 4+1, gn!reader, very light angst i think?, fluff

notes the four seasons that pass in shoyo's absence and the one that doesn't, wc 2.4k, this has been rotting in my drafts for like 3 weeks

spring 2016

spring represents many things.

come the new season, spring marks the end of winter. it greets you with blooming flowers and budding trees and animals awakening from their slumber. it rewards you for surviving the desolate season just a month before; the one that was full of powdery snow and gray clouds and the seemingly bottomless pit in your gut.

it signifies the beginning of many things. like the new school year, where you meet dozens of new people and get lost in the hallways and try to keep up with your work. or a new job, where you (once again) have to acclimatize to a new environment in addition to the endless list of demands.

spring symbolizes hope — the birth of something new and shiny and ready for taking.

what people forget, though, is that loss waits for no one. it comes when it wants to; all at once or one at a time, until you’re so full of it that you’re not sure what to do anymore. it forces you to curl into a ball at the end of your bed, your breath the only thing keeping you warm.

you lost many things during spring.

your youth, for one. graduations are meant to be happy ceremonies — celebrating the student for their years of hard work, and wishing them good luck in their future endeavors.

to you, graduation was only a bitter reminder that you and your friends were going separate ways. that you were growing up.

the loss of your relationships followed your youth. even if the majority of your friends weren’t moving far, if at all, there was a mutual understanding that your relationships would drift. it was only natural — balancing friendships with work and school became tiring after a while. when you had sulked over the change of pace, tsukishima had called you stupid and dramatic.

but when you both stood next to each other in the chill of the airport, you knew he understood.

hinata shoyo was someone important to both of you, even if the blonde would rather die than agree. that’s okay — you’d rather have shoyo to yourself.

spring is when you lost shoyo. when he flew across the world to pursue his dreams and to get better so he could continue doing something he loved. you understood; shoyo had been headstrong and put his all into everything he did, even the most mundane. he would go to the ends of the earth if it meant he could keep playing volleyball, and that’s exactly what he did.

it was why you fell in love with him, so you let him go.

summer 2016

you don’t think you’ll ever get used to the summer heat, in the same way you don’t think you’ll ever get used to shoyo being across the world.

tsukishima might’ve been right when he called you dramatic — it’s only been a few months and you think you’ve already been depleted of shoyo, with his bright orange hair and his endless amount of stamina and the positive energy he radiated no matter the circumstances.

he’s kept steady contact with you since his departure, much to your surprise. you’d thought the boy would get too caught up in his head admiring the new scenery and people — so when the first phone call you get is at 3 in the morning the day after he leaves, you’re equally surprised as you are confused.

“ah, sorry!” he exclaimed, having heard you yawn into the phone. “i can call you back later. i forgot what time it was over there. i’m sorry!”

you could only let out a small, tired laugh, telling him it was fine and that any contact was better than none.

neither of you get used to the time difference. shoyo still calls you at ungodly hours in the morning, profusely apologizing when you wake up bleary-eyed with a raspy voice because it’s the middle of the afternoon in brazil. you still call him at the start of each day, when it’s far too late for an athlete to be awake.

he always picks up.

you don't mention it, nor do you allow yourself to think too deeply about it.

the two of you talk about everything and nothing at once. shoyo tells you of his introverted roommate and his new job as a delivery boy — you think the way he gushes over the bike he uses to commute is cute. you talk about your job, and how he should be glad he decided to not go to college because fuck does it suck. you’ve pulled more all-nighters than you have in your entire life within the few months that have passed.

“did you ever find your wallet?” you ask. shoyo had texted you a week ago, sulking over how someone plucked his wallet from his back pocket when he got lost. you knew it was special to him — natsu had gotten him it, after all.

“no, i didn’t,” he sighs, and you frown. “but! i did run into oikawa!”

“ah, yeah,” you giggle, “saw the photo you sent. did you send it to kageyama?”

“sure did! had to show off to him,” he bragged, “oikawa and i went to one of my favorite restaurants. think he helped me out of my slump from losing my wallet. hey, if you ever come to brazil, i’ll be sure to bring you there!”

“i’ll be waiting. and, slump?” you question. you knew losing something valuable would suck for anyone, but you weren’t aware it’d pulled the spiker into a depressed state. it wasn't in shoyo’s nature to be depressed, you mused. typically, he was the one pulling people out of their slumps.

“yeah, i got all homesick and stuff when i found out i lost it,” shoyo replies, much quieter. “it was like i lost a piece of home, y’know. i miss you guys.” his voice trails off at the end, an almost melancholy hint to it.

you’re unsure what to say — in your few years of knowing him, you can count the number of times you've seen shoyo genuinely upset on one hand. you hope your hum of understanding comforts him.

“well, if it makes you feel any better, everyone back here misses you too.”

you resist the urge to say that you miss him.

“i’d hope so,” is his reply.

fall 2017

fall welcomes you kindly. you become better-accustomed with managing your time, and school no longer has as harsh of a hold on you as it did during the blazing months of summer in your first year of college. a soothing chill has settled along the city — not cold enough to make your nose twitch and turn red, but you’ve started wearing an extra layer and covering your neck with the scarf you bought with shoyo when you were second years.

you and shoyo still talk rather often — although the phone calls have noticeably slowed, as he’s found himself a solid partner for beach volleyball. heitor, if you recall correctly. you suppose it’s your fault as much as it is his, even if you know you could never truly blame him. while you have gotten better at balancing schoolwork, it’s only diminished the small amount of free time you already had.

you’re not mad. you don’t think you could even feel upset at shoyo for something you should’ve seen coming from the start. what were you expecting? you should’ve known that you would drift away from him, because you knew that was what happened to almost everyone after they graduate highschool. you knew this — it was the first thought you had when you had received the slip of paper that signified the end of your youth.

you suppose you’d grown too used to shoyo’s presence to notice the change earlier.

you try to talk to shoyo as much as he talks to you, but he’d always been better at it. it was in his nature to be social more than it had been yours, if his endless number of friends were to tell you anything. you’re sure he’s made good relations in brazil, even as a foreigner.

sometimes, you’ll see his occasional posts online of his endeavors — photos of the beach when the sun has barely risen, the ocean sparkling in the light, or they’ll be of the food he’s made, usually a homely japanese dish. you’ve even seen a picture or two of him watching one piece on a dinky t.v., and you distantly remember shoyo telling you about how he was able to bond with his roommate over the show.

you hope he’s doing well — conquering his dreams, that is.

winter 2017

winter does, as expected, not treat you nicely.

the chill it brings engulfs your entire figure, forcing you to wear layer upon layer and keep a few extra heat packets in the pockets of your backpack. even if fall gave you time to prepare, it will never be enough with the way winter comes at you with full force.

you suppose that’s why so many holidays occur during winter — christmas, new years, valentines day…the list goes on. people need a reason to distract themselves from the biting cold that forces a hole open in their hearts, only to close when the weather warms once again.

winter only widens the ever-present one in yours.

you can feel the pit in your stomach open more and more as the days pass. despite school not being in session, your time is filled to the brim with work and other priorities, leaving little to no space for your loved ones. you managed to find time to see your friends from high school — everyone but shoyo. even while karasuno’s old volleyball team is bundled together, complete with coach ukai and takeda, there’s still a space where you know he should be.

and if you look upset staring at an empty space in the wall, no one mentions it.

the holidays pass by with little notice. you join your family in celebrations, greet your high school and college friends alike when they arrive.

you send shoyo the same greetings — albeit with the timing likely off due to the time difference. regardless, he greets you back with the same fervor he’s had since the moment you met him. you like his message, planning on continuing on with your day by staying in bed watching the same three cheesy holiday movies they play every winter. you have work tomorrow, so you hope to savor the small amount of free time you have left, even if it’s spent rotting in bed.

your phone buzzes from next to you, and you’re half-expecting it to be a spam call. when you read the id, you’re surprised to see shoyo’s name — there’d been long enough gaps between calls that you had lost the habit of expecting them, and you recall the most recent one being maybe a month ago.

(the calls have slowed even more. you try to not think about it — try not to let yourself be hurt by it.)

you press accept and bring the device to your ear.

“happy holidays!” shoyo exclaims over the static. even if it’s been over a year since you've last seen him, his energy is still contagious as ever. the corners of your lips quirk up in a nostalgic smile.

“happy holidays, shoyo,” you reply, much calmer than your companion.

conversation comes easily from there — the once empty air around you is filled with the stories shoyo has and your amused giggles. you tell him about his old teammates, and he whines over his and kageyama’s childish scores. for reasons that don't surprise you, they’ve managed to keep track of scores regarding anything they could consider a competition despite shoyo being in another country.

there’s a moment of silence that beats on for a second too long — you’re about to say your goodbyes and hang up, but shoyo takes it as a chance to tell you why he called you.

“i’m coming back this spring,” he says, voice softer than what you’d grown accustomed to. your grip tightens against the pillow you're hugging against your frame, eyes widening.

“really?” you gasp, shocked.

“really.” he repeats, and you know he’s smiling, even if you can't see him.

spring 2018

over the past two years shoyo has spent in brazil, patience is truly a virtue he has learned. mastered, dare he say.

everything took time. cleaning his room. his roommate warming up to him. learning how to play beach volleyball. speaking a new language. maintaining a routine. learning how to fly again.

sometimes, though, he wonders what his life would’ve been like had he stayed in japan. would he still be as strong as he is now, without having to leave his life behind? shoyo knew that his departure was sudden — nobody expects a high schooler to up and leave the country the second they graduate, after all. even kageyama stayed in japan, going to the olympics shortly after they had completed high school.

shoyo knows what he left back in japan when he stood in the airport two years ago. that day, he left everything he knew — his mom, his sister, his friends, volleyball as he knew it, and you.

he’s waited for you for the past two years.

brazil taught him how to be a better volleyball player — showed him the importance of routine and training your body. it taught him to not rush into things, and that everything would come to him in due time.

so, in the same chill of the airport he left you in, shoyo meets you again. you’re staring at him, and it feels as if you are the only people in the building. he knows that his friends are waiting just by the two of you, but all he can focus on is you and the way your lips are slightly parted in awe and how much you’ve grown while he was gone and how much he wants to kiss you.

shoyo takes careful steps towards you, the same boyish grin you’d grown to love adorning his face. you’re frozen in place, but he figures that it’s okay because he’ll come to you. it’s the least he could do after leaving you in his wake just a few years back.

when he’s finally face-to-face with you, you’re still star-struck.

“you’re back,” you breathe.

“i’m back,” shoyo replies. he presses forward, cups your face in his hands, and kisses you, just how he wanted to all those years ago.

he can taste the salty flavor of your tears, and he nearly pulls back in concern, but you stop him. your arms wrap around his neck, pulling him impossibly closer to you. there’s an equal mix of cheers as there are sounds of disgust, but neither of you pay any mind.

the only thing that either of you are focused on is the fact that shoyo’s here, and he’s here to stay.

#haikyuu x reader #hq x reader #haikyuu fluff #hq fluff #hinata x reader #hinata fluff #hinata shoyo fluff #hinata shoyo x reader #shoyo hinata fluff #shoyo hinata x reader

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yuseirra · 2 months ago

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(Vague..hints about what 165 would be, I heard about it, I'm...scared to see that chapter. It sounds really horrifying, I can't phrase it otherwise.)

I think I'm going to jot down my feelings. I honestly feel so, so sorry for people who like this manga..; on the bright side it's been a work that's...imbued things in me to write and draw this much about myself but I wish that'd only have happened on a positive note.

I think the author is really being too much..;; They're being so cruel. For what? Can this story get across a proper message? That's what's most important to me and I can take it if I'm convinced it is but... This current route is so far from what most audience would believe as fulfilling or.. Feel happy about seeing. Unless this is fake and the last chapter has some sort of happy closure to it all.

I started reading onk after the anime came out last year and kept up with it, ordering the volumes and reading them. After Chapter 154 and listening to the opening for Season 2, I just thought, “Ah, this is what it is… This is it.” (If you read my oldest? theory posts about this work, this July, you’d know what I mean. I think I’ve figured it all out, and so far, nothing I’ve said back then has been disproven; on the contrary, it STILL makes the most sense.)

I have myself an idea of what this could be, but unless Ruby uses Amaterasu’s power to save everyone and bring them into a happy timeline in the final chapter, this is just...;;

Haha, seriously, this is... phew...

It’s true that Ai and the person she really loved had mutual feelings, but that person went completely insane and caused some incredibly serious issues, forcing Aqua to go after him with everything he had.

From how things are unfolding, I think these points have been confirmed.

We also learned that person was originally good enough to be called noble<I feed off this info like cow eats grass... That's the thing that keeps me going lol Kamiki is nuts...oh please...I really care for him

We know Aqua had a mission assigned from the gods.

For Ruby’s future, he had to capture their father, and this task required him to put everything he built in the story so far on the line.

I kind of understood this? Even if accepting it is a different matter.

No matter how important revenge is in Aqua’s narrative... it’s like, what should I even say? Kamiki ended up devouring Aqua’s story to such an extent that the latter part of the story feels overshadowed by him, and yet Kamiki hasn’t been explored in enough depth for that.

For those following Aqua, this progression feels incredibly harsh. Even if you were rooting for Aqua, the villain he’s up against should be properly fleshed out. Kamiki is full of gaps everywhere. Maybe some parts are intentionally hidden, but what they’ve done feels too much like a Deus ex Machina.

The things he’s been said to have done aren’t even within the realm of what an ordinary human could achieve, it's beyond logic. So unless he’s literally a god, it doesn’t make sense. That’s why I kept insisting he’s divine. When you look at the clues related to his character, there’s actual foreshadowing that supports this theory. If he isn’t, then nothing makes sense. I even wrote a post as soon as Fatal dropped. I just knew THAT had to be it.

There are so many actions he took that can’t be explained unless he’s something beyond human, things that even gods would need to intervene in, assigning missions to Aqua and Ruby. That’s the development that makes the most sense.

Even so, this plot is too much for fans who have loved and followed this series.

I kind of get it, but for fans who have been deeply attached and following this work(this includes me too), the final chapter… Even if there’s something to look forward to, it doesn’t seem like it’ll be worth getting your hopes up. And I'm usually a very hopeful person. It feels like the author wanted to try writing an ending like this, but even then, this... The last 10 chapters or so feel like they consumed all the preceding content.

If Kamiki had been more prominently featured and well-developed, that might have been different (I probably analyzed him more than anyone else out there, because there wasn’t much to go on, and I tried to understand what kind of person he was, filling in the gaps to infer his behavior and motives since his perspective was never shown). But Kamiki, who isn’t as well-developed as Aqua, now holds a weight in the story that makes Aqua sacrifice everything he’s built. I really wish they did both characters justice. I really liked them both.

In that case, he needs to be an unimaginably terrible villain. From what spoilers suggest, what he’s done is indeed severe. But if Ai truly loved such a person, and that’s flipped with the limited remaining chapters, the story becomes trash... Haha. Then what’s the point? I don’t know. That, I really don't wish nor see being contradicted.

Kamiki was kind but lost his mind. (Him being kind is something I never want to give up till the end. I just see it REALLY well too.) So he did a lot of things, I get that. But can something of this scale really happen in modern society, to the point where the protagonist must sacrifice their life?

If so, shouldn’t there be some justification brought in from outside the story to make it convincing? Hence, Kamiki is essentially a god, as suggested by his very name. He was a noble god who fell. There’s enough context, hints, and foreshadowing to support that. He was exposed to malevolence from a young age and became tainted by it. He probably did love Ai, which is why he wielded his power so recklessly, driven by madness to reunite with her.

But even with this, there’s hardly any explanation. Why he went mad, what he did with his life—it’s all glossed over in a few panels. If he’s the villain that the protagonist *must* defeat, there should have been more depth and depiction to fuel that narrative, but it’s incredibly ambiguous. The story just throws a few lines at us and expects us to believe, “He could do all this, so the protagonist had to die,” and that’s it. (That's why... I'm not really sure if they make it want to seem like he's THE bad guy either. Since it's rarely explored in detail so we can't sympathize with the victims if they exist and...hate this guy even more for it. That approach I agree with, because it shouldn't be that way if this story wants a message. But who knows. Scary stuff; it just makes you baffled and dumbfounded and go, "what is this?";; Again, it'd make me question, 'What kind of guy did Ai even love?' I do have my own answers for that. He's her previous divine husband who became hopelessly flawed upon losing her, THAT'S what, so it's not on HIM that he's turned out that way. But who knows.)

Do you think that’s convincing...?💦 I’m filling in the blanks myself, but this feels too much. Whether the final chapter is 50 pages or 100 pages, it can’t wrap this up properly unless Ruby turns back time to save everyone and bring them happiness. I’ve heard there are about 50 pages for 166, but isn’t that just two chapters’ worth? It’s basically the same as a double issue, and given how little content there’s been in recent chapters, even if they combine two, I don’t think it’ll be impactful.

I genuinely feel sorry for the fans of this series. Does this development make sense to you? I’m so baffled that I can’t help but laugh when I think about the plot. It’s not even funny; it’s just painful to watch. How many people would have wanted this kind of ending? I once wrote that over 70% of fans might end up hating the conclusion, that I have a bad feeling about the writer having some kind of personal ambition to create a "twist" and experiment on it out of their artistic desires - and if it ends like this, they probably will. It's not like I didn't see it coming. I did tell all the others who came to read this work upon reading my fanworks to wait until it's complete, there are some things I really appreciate about it, but I wasn't sure it'd progress on your usual, happy and safe route. It could have been that way. The answers were all there. There were many opportunities where there were chances of this story getting an ending many would be satisfied with,

And if I’m wrong about everything I’ve said here, I’ll be just as lost. I really won’t understand any of it. But I’m confident I’m right.

The traits of Kamiki match those of the husband of Ame-no-Uzume in at least ten ways. That god even had a story that said he drowned.(but if he really died, that's ambiguous and he is worshipped pretty well along with his beloved Amenouzume)That's just too much to be brushed off as coincidence, he's at least INSPIRED from that god.

I believe he was originally very kind. I can’t let go of that idea, because it’s been evident to me, and it sticks in my mind. But if that’s true, then this is the story of someone who was kind but went mad, and a son who became a vengeful spirit after his mother’s death. The mother, worrying about the father, left what was almost like a final wish: “If your father is still straying, won’t you help him with me?” But the son kills his father, thinking there’s no hope for him, and ends up dying himself in the process. If that’s really the story, then how... how can there be any positive message to take away from this?

I think I understand what’s going on. I think I do... but the story has been so unfriendly and, as a result, feels disrespectful to fans who have loved the series.

I'm actually thinking: if Kamiki IS Sarutahiko the god of guidance who's been TWISTED due to making EVERY possibilities of a future turn horribly wrong, are we WITNESSING his powers in real time?? Is THIS an extension of what he's capable of? because, I feel like.. He's been bringing sufferings to everyone including himself. Oh in that case I'd totally understand his pain. He really would be suffering. And he's THAT dangerous. What if this comic is being really meta, huh?? I think he doesn't want this either. Losing Ai just.. Totally shattered him I bet. But seeing how things are, I think it could really have been his powers that caused her to die in the first place, unintentionally though. I won't forgive the author if HE'S the one who's killed Ai AND he's been doing all these things in order to get her back afterwards, that is just...so rude. It has no point...

There’s still one chapter left, and I know it’s not right to make a judgment prematurely, but if things go on like this, it’s truly too much...; I genuinely feel bad for those who have loved this work wholeheartedly. And for myself... if it doesn’t end as I’ve thought, then I’ve been completely mistaken, haha. But I came into this with confidence, not about Aqua’s side of things(I thought HIM out of all should get a happy ending. I still wish for that to happen), but about what the story wanted to convey through Aqua’s parents. I believed there could be a meaningful message despite how difficult it seemed, so I took the initiative and interpreted it, drew a lot. If I’m wrong, I can only blame my insight... The story itself never changed; it just stayed there. But I was confident. I’ve never been wrong when it comes to instincts or analyses related to psychology. I thought I knew what this was...

I hope this work gets resolved in a way that is respectful towards its fans whom really cared for the series...they-we-deserve that as much as the authors deserve respect. We're in this together as a fan and the writers. We should care about each other.

#oshi no ko #oshi no theories #oshi no ko spoilers #hikaru kamiki #aqua hoshino #for the time being...the ones I feel most sorry for are the aqua fans and kana fans #next in line would be hikaru fans(ugghh...I guess I really liked what I made of him. I still don't think I'm wrong but)#spoilers #if hikaru looks bad..I don't think ai would be in that good of a spot either idk man #that's why they have to be gods #I just..see him as one. that guy..is not a normal human being. what he can do is illogical #I think he really did grant ruby and aqua's wishes-that's why he came to visit them! ge just couldn't live without Ai #long post

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sugar-lolya · 1 month ago

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Anything can be cured.

Sandor Cligan x reader

Chapter 2

Preparations for the king's visit to Winterfell were in full swing, food and drinks were only delivered to the castle, and the celebration threatened to be memorably noisy. The king's arrival would have been fun, but troublesome, and yet Crystal was saddened by the news of the death of the man who replaced her father. But just like Ned, she did not show her emotions to others, they seemed joyful and happy in front of the others.

.........

The king drives into the gates of Winterfell, followed by guards and a large carriage decorated with gold and lions carved on it. Robert clumsily dismounted from his horse and approached the crowd of northerners. All at once knelt down and lowered their heads as a sign of respect for the ruler. A beautiful woman of about thirty got out of the carriage first, followed by her children, two boys and a girl, their distinctive feature was bright gold-colored hair.

Robert looked at the people bowing in front of him, returning his gaze to Ned and Crystal standing to his right, motioned for them to rise. After exchanging glances, you got to your feet, and all the other people followed you. There was an awkward silence, Robert looked sternly, first at Ned, then at the Crystal. And suddenly he burst out laughing loudly, and hugged you two to him: "Ned, Crystal, how many years have passed since our last meeting, it's been a hundred years, sitting on the throne, time begins to flow more slowly. "After releasing you from the tight bear hug, the king looked at you joyfully.

"If my memory serves me correctly, it's been ten years, the last time we saw each other was at your wedding," the Lord of the North replied in a calm voice, but a note of joy seeped through the calmness.

"Ned, I want to visit the crypt now," Robert replied in a calmer voice. "As Your Grace wishes… Bring the torch!" - they retreated into the crypt together.

For the next few hours, the guests settled into their assigned rooms. It was time for the feast, the northerners and southerners were sitting at the tables, waiting for the king to appear. Finally, the king and queen entered the massive wooden doors, Ned and Caitlin, followed by Crystal, followed by the children in pairs from Stark and Lannister. After passing through the hall, the families sat down at the main table, the king announced the beginning of the feast and a joyful murmur swept through the hall, the room was filled with noise. Everyone was drinking, eating and chatting.

Crystal wondered why John was not sitting with them at the main table, according to Caitlin, "The Bastard has nothing to do at the same table with the king," partly the woman considered this statement true, but her conscience gnawed at her, because she was luckier than him. She could have been recognized as a bastard in childhood, thanks to the persuasions of the children, Rickard Stark agreed to name her Stark.

"Crystal," Robert said to her, "you're already an adult girl, but you still don't have a husband, maybe Ned and I will find you a suitable groom! "- the king roared with wild laughter, Ned put his hand on his friend's shoulder - "Your Grace, are you sure of your decision? Crystal is an adult and can decide for herself who she should marry," the two friends exchanged knowing glances, Robert turned to the girl, shame showed on his face, "I'm sorry, Crystal, I didn't mean to offend you, but I'm really worried about your future…"

"Your Grace, you have nothing to apologize for, I understand your concern, but I hasten to inform you that if I find the one, I will immediately inform you," Crystal took a small sip of spiced wine from her cup, "Please forgive me, but I'd better go get some fresh air, for it's too stuffy for me here," the girl stood up, curtsied as a sign of tribute to the king and walked slowly but confidently towards the exit.

It was fresh and cool outside, but the girl, who had lived in the north all her life, could not be touched by this. Crystal stood on one of the castle walls, looking into the distance. The sun has already set and dusk has fallen on Winterfell. The girl loved to see off sunsets and meet sunrises, it already seemed like a kind of ritual or hobby. Crystal thought about what the king had said, she knew that she should have been married a long time ago, but for a reason known only to others, she was unlucky. All the men who offered their hand and heart to her were either young narcissists or rich old men. Crystal was not satisfied with such a future, so she wanted to marry for love, although it was very unlikely.

..............

In the early morning, when the sun began to lick the earth with its rays, Crystal was already on her feet. She wore a white fur coat with white fur, gloves and boots, also lined with fur. Sometimes she had to go to the forest to replenish her supply of medicinal herbs. Although she was the sister of a lord, she did not like the prerogative of always loafing, so about 15 years ago she began to be interested in herbology, medicine and alchemy.

When she came out into the courtyard, she smiled slightly at the blissful silence. But suddenly there was a sharp sound. After walking deep into the castle grounds and coming out onto an empty area, Crystal saw Ser Rodrik, Robb, John, Bran, the two sons of the king, their servants and a man with the nickname "Dog". At the moment, there was a sword fight between Bran and Tommen, as far as she knew, that was the name of Robert's youngest son, and Joffrey, the elder, whom Crystal knew from Sansa's stories. The girl seemed to be obsessed with this boy. The woman did not like him, he was too proud and arrogant.

Coming closer, she greeted and curtsied towards the princes. At that moment, Bran knocked the sword out of Tommen's hands and ran gleefully to his brothers. The prince, dressed too warmly, because of the huge amount of clothes, could not get up from the ground, lying slightly twitching in attempts to get up. The maid quickly flew up to him and took his hands and lifted him up.

"Prince Joffrey, Robb," Ser Rodrik announced, "Now it's your turn, a new duel will begin," waving his hand towards the empty playground.

Smiling, Robb stepped forward, hot and sweaty from previous fights. "With pleasure"

Stepping forward from his entourage, Joffrey grimaced in a grimace of boredom, "Ser Rodrik, how much longer are we going to play children's games." The middle-aged man strained, inviting his gray sideburns with his fingers, "But you are children," the master of arms replied in an even voice. The Crown Prince arrogantly turned up his nose, "Robb, I may be a child, but I am the heir to the Iron throne. And I'm tired of simulating real sword fights." Ser Rodrik pondered, "And what do you suggest, real swords? ". "Gladly," Robb shouted, "only then will you regret your decision." Ser Rodrik, looking from the Robb to Geoffrey, sighed, "Real steel is too dangerous for you, you can take training swords with blunt edges."

Pushing aside the princes' servants, a tall man with an old burn on his face came up, "Who are you to argue with the prince about what to do and what not to do," the man looked very annoyed and was clearly hostile towards the old sir. "I am Ser Rodrik Cassel, master of the weapons of Winterfell, and I strongly recommend that you do not forget this, because I do my job - I educate knights." The old man's face turned a reddish hue, his eyes narrowed, and then turned into a thin thread. "More like women," the Dog spat out another taunt.

"Ser Rodrik," Robb turned to the man, "Can I do this, I can win it." The Sire turned to face the boy, "Then take the tournament sword," he and his decisions were adamant.

"Then we'll meet when you grow up, I hope soon, and not in old age," Joffrey spat out a sarcastic statement, his entire entourage laughed together, only the Dog stood with an emotionless face. Robb's aggressive curses rang out all over the courtyard, a little more and he would have attacked the Crown Prince with his fists, but a light female hand rested on his shoulder.

"Robb, my boy, calm down. It is not necessary to descend to such a low level in order to match the aggressor. The tongue can be very sharp, but not like a steel sword. Don't forget that. " - a slight smile touched Crystal's lips, she knew exactly what she was saying and how it would affect this or that person, I don't think you could call it a gift, rather simple erudition.

The Crown Prince turned purple with anger, but could not resist anything, "Tommen, let's get out of here! "all he could get out of himself was to turn around and turn his nose up and leave with his entourage.

Smiling warmly at the boys and Ser Rodrick, Crystal went on about her business.

It may have seemed to you, but you caught a glimpse of how, after your barb at the Crown Prince, his stern guard's face twitched into a terrifying grin, if you could call it that. Although the Dog scared many just by its appearance, Crystal was only interested and curious about it. What must have happened to a person in order for him to reach such a state.

Today Robert and Eddard are supposed to go hunting in the nearest forests, Crystal did not expect such an outcome of events, so she was going to go with them to control everything. No one should know her little secret.…

To Be Continued...

#a song of ice and fire #game of thrones #sandor clegane #sandor clegane x reader #game of thrones fanfiction #the hound x reader #hound #fictional characters

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hbyrde36 · 6 months ago

Text

No Vacancy

Chapter 11: Private Party

WC: 6366 | R: Explicit | CH: 11/12 | AO3 | Now Complete!

Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10

*EDDIE*

“Huh,” Eddie huffed, flopping down onto Chrissy’s neatly made bed. It jostled the carefully arranged mountain of pillows that were stacked up against the headboard, sending several of them tumbling to the floor. Why did girls always have so many goddamn pillows?

“So that’s why you never let me come in here before. You do live in a two bedroom!”

Chrissy bent to retrieve her fallen children and put them back in their proper place, except for the last, a bright pink fuzzy number with a cross-stitched peace sign on its front that she wacked him in the back of the head with. “I thought we’d moved past this. Haven't I apologized enough for the whole setup thing?”

He stuck out his bottom lip, arms crossed over his chest. “Will the lies never cease, Christine? I feel robbed! You and Robin were never sharing a bed?!”

“We are now and that’s what matters, right?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Eddie waved a hand through the air. “But where’s the pining for the person lying right next to you night after night?! Where’s the lovesick staring at the other person’s face while they sleep and wishing you could just tell them how you feel?! Where’s the drama?!”

“I think we've had more than enough of that around here—for life. Maybe now it’s time for us all to just be happy.”

“Happy…” Eddie repeated with a sigh.

He hadn’t meant for it to come off so melancholy. He was happy—really and truly.

It’d been a month of pure bliss since he and Steve returned from Hawkins together hand-in-hand. Since all four of them had come back together with apologies, and made up.

The weeks had been full of passionate nights, and sometimes mornings when he and Steve were both too tired to do much more than cuddle once he came home from the bar—punctuated by lazy afternoons by the motel pool, and double dinner dates with the girls whenever Eddie’s work schedule would allow for it.

But just there, in the background, in the dark corner of Eddie’s mind was this great big looming thing.

“Uh oh. Is the honeymoon phase over already? Did Steve finally realize all your flaws are actually annoying, and not cute quirks?”

“No! Of course not. And I resent the implication that my many eccentricities are anything less than adorable.”

Chrissy rolled her eyes. “Something’s bothering you. What’s wrong?”

Eddie hesitated. He was pretty sure it wasn’t a secret or anything, but it didn’t escape his notice that Steve hadn’t brought up the subject of his impending new job placement even once since their little talk.

“Nothing is wrong, exactly. It’s just… did you know Steve is staying here—or like, moving here—permanently, when the summer is over?”

“Robin mentioned he was thinking about taking a job at the elementary school, but I didn't know he’d decided.”

“Well, he has, and he wants me to think about staying too.”

Chrissy, who had turned away to rifle through the cosmetics bag sitting open on her dresser, froze, the tip of her mascara wand hovering just above her lashes.

“And are you?” She asked after a beat, resuming her makeup routine. “Uh… thinking about it, I mean?”

“Am I—” Eddie grunted, slapping his hand down on the bed. “It's literally the only thing I've been able to think about for weeks!”

“Weeks!” She screeched. “Wait, when did this happen?”

“The day we drove back.”

She gaped at him through the small mirror of her blush compact. “And you’re just telling me this now?!”

He shrugged. “I’ve been a little busy.”

“Eddie,” She sighed, snapping the compact shut and spinning on her heel to face him.

“So, what are your thoughts?”

While he knew she asked out of curiosity and concern for him and Steve and the implications for their future together, she was asking for herself too.

She’d often made comments over the years, during their all too brief phone calls and in letters, about them living near each other again one day, either in the same town like they did as kids growing up in Hawkins, or better yet, in side-by-side homes or at the end of the same cul-de-sac.

But those kinds of picket fence dreams were never Eddie’s style, or so he’d always told himself.

“I think…” Eddie stared down at his own hands now resting in his lap, nervously spinning his chunky rings around and around.

“Me and Steve, I think we’ve done this whole thing out of order. We’ve been living together essentially, since before we were a couple—before we were even friends really. Then we both said I love you within the first few weeks, and now considering permanent for-real moving? Moving towns, moving in together—on purpose this time? That’s huge! I mean, all that’s left after that is to get married, and grow old together, and die, and—”

Suddenly Eddie felt like he couldn’t get a full breath, what little air he did manage to take into his lungs doing nothing to ease the burning in his chest. His heart raced wildly, and he swallowed hard, tilting wide terrified eyes up to look at Chrissy.

“Oh god, do you think he wants to get married someday? I don’t know if I’m built for—“

“Ooookay, babe. Let’s just calm down for a second here.” Chrissy sank down onto the bed beside him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into her side—resting her cheek on the top of his head.

“For one—honey, gay marriage isn’t even legal.”

Oh right.

Her words should have filled him with relief, and they did, but to his surprise, just as equal was the feeling of disappointment brought on by the reminder.

“And for two—” Chrissy went on. “It doesn’t have to be all that. You can always have your own rooms, if say, you decide you want to stay here but you need to slow things down with Steve, or just want some space.”

“No—” He was shaking his head before she’d even finished. “No, I don't want to go backwards. I–I love having him right there. I love his face being the last thing I see before I go to sleep, and the first I see in the morning even though that means waking up at an ungodly hour. It’s totally worth it for his goodbye kiss. I love his sweetness, his gentleness, and the sound of his voice. The soft little smile he gives me when he’s half asleep and I crawl into bed at the end of the night, like I'm his favorite thing in the whole fucking world.”

Eddie took a big breath, he could wax poetic on everything he loved about Steve for hours if she’d let him, but what it really boiled down to was one simple fact.

“I just love him, Chris.”

Chrissy sniffled, leaning away from him to wipe carefully at her eyes with the edge of her sleeve. “Sorry. I just never thought I'd hear you talk about someone that way.”

Eddie sat up too, shaking his head at himself. “Yeah, me either.”

“So, what's holding you back?”

“Honestly? I wanted to say yes right then and there, the second he told me. The second I recovered from the shock, anyway. But he looked so nervous about it, and scared, and we’d just put things back together again, and—and so I’ve been doing what he asked.”

Eddie leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands.

“I really don’t want to mess this up, and I know I don’t have a lot of experience with this stuff, but I can't help feeling like it’s too soon, like we’re going too fast. What if it fizzles out, and a year from now we can’t stand the sight of each other?”

She snorted. “Highly unlikely.”

“How do you figure?”

“I think at this point you can admit that you’ve had a crush on Steve since high school, maybe even middle school. That’s a long time to carry a torch for someone. If it’s lasted this long, I’d say those feelings are here to stay.”

Eddie pushed himself to his feet, resisting the urge to stomp like a petulant child. “Jesus H. Christ. First Uncle Wayne, and now you?! I’m never gonna live that down.”

“Who’s had a crush on who since high school?” Robin's voice filtered in from the other room, just before she appeared in Chrissy's doorway.

“You didn’t tell me she was here.” Eddie scowled at Chrissy before swinging his gaze back around to settle on Robin.

They may have made nice since he fixed things with Steve, and Eddie did love the shit out of her, but he and Robin’s relationship was akin to that of a slightly antagonistic brother and sister, and he lived for the bit. “Don’t you have a job you should be doing, Buckley?”

Robin cocked her hip, leaning it against the door frame as she crossed her arms, giving him very pointed eye contact. “Don’t you, Munson?”

Frowning, Eddie glanced at his watch. He had a decent amount of time left before he had to be at the bar to start setting up for Chrissy’s surprise party later, but he still needed to go back upstairs to change, and to get a different little surprise ready for the other love of his life.

“So, you’ve had it bad for Steve since high school too?” Robin said when he didn't hit her with a comeback. “Jeez you two really are perfect for each other.”

Eddie began to roll his eyes but stopped mid-motion as he processed all of what she’d just said. “Wait… too?”

“Oh,” Robin’s eyebrows flew up. “He didn’t tell you?”

“No.” Eddie took a slow step towards her with narrowed eyes.

“Right!” Robin straightened abruptly, hooking a thumb over her shoulder as she started slowly backing away. “So, I’d better get back to the desk. I was just stopping in to say hi and, uh, grab my lunch… I left it on the counter.”

“Robin,” Eddie growled after her, “get back here and explain yourself!”

“I'll see you tonight!” She shouted back, followed immediately by the slamming of a door.

Coward.

Eddie sighed, looking back to see Chrissy with both hands covering her mouth, practically in tears with silent laughter.

“I guess I'd better go too, don’t want to be late for work.” Eddie grumbled.

“Sure, Eds,” Chrissy said, eyes still sparkling. “I’ll see you later.”

As far as she knew it was going to be a night like any other. Steve was off the next day, so once the motel office closed for the night, he, Robin, and Chrissy would come to Tide’s to hang out where Eddie could join in from behind the bar whenever he wasn’t busy with customers.

It being a week out from her actual birthday, she didn't suspect a thing.

Eddie had talked to his boss, and Dan agreed to close the bar to the public from ten p.m. on for a private event so they could celebrate his best friend with the fanfare she deserved. The older man also offered to handle the guest list, aware that Eddie and his friends didn’t know many of the locals yet, and promised to keep it to those he knew to be allies or members of the queer community themselves, so everyone could feel comfortable being themselves for the night without fear of judgment.

As the clock ticked down to party time, Eddie couldn’t stop watching the door, his eyes searching for Chrissy’s blonde ponytail, or Steve’s familiar swoop of chestnut hair, any sign that his three best friends had arrived. They’d put up the private party sign an hour ago, and slowly began to clear the bar of any straggling tourists while the weekend bouncer, Manny, sat out front on a stool, ensuring no one uninvited got inside.

At ten o’clock on the dot they finally arrived, and for a moment all Eddie could do was stare.

Weather due to the heat, which had hit another level as July turned to August, or as a personal assault on Eddie’s sanity, Steve had forgone his usual polo shirts and button ups in favor of an old Madonna tour t-shirt that he’d cut into a crop top, showing off even more tanned skin to its best advantage against the crisp white of the fabric.

It was an effort, but Eddie forced himself to look away and jump into action, ducking under the bar to rush over and greet his people.

He pressed a quick kiss hello to Steve’s cheek but didn’t let himself linger, going right for his best girl straight after, scooping her up into a tight hug and spinning her around.

Chrissy threw her head back, squealing with delight as her feet lifted off the ground.

“Happy Birthday, Chris,” Eddie said as he finally set her down, pressing lips to the top of her head.

Her eyes darted all around the bar, taking in the small crowd, the rotating lights, the decorations, balloons, and finally the big hand painted banner strung up above the bar.

“This is all for me?” She asked.

Eddie grinned, throwing an arm over her shoulder as he turned to address their fellow revelers.

“Excuse me everyone!” He shouted, waiting for the music to be turned down before continuing. “I want to thank you all for being here, and Dan especially for helping put this all together. I’d like to introduce you all to the birthday girl!”

Hearty applause broke out across the room, as well as shouts of, “Happy Birthday!” And even a few good natured wolf whistles when Chrissy leaned away from Eddie to steal a kiss from her girlfriend.

“Were you in on this too?” Chrissy shouted to Robin over the cacophony.

Robin nodded, “I take no credit though. I might have known about it, but Eddie did all the work.”

Before Eddie could correct the record and explain again that he really owed it all to Dan, the man himself was striding up to them.

“Evening, girls, Steve.” Dan greeted them warmly.

Steve, and the girls to a lesser extent, had been spending more and more time at the bar lately, and had all quickly become friendly with Eddie’s boss.

“And a very happy birthday to you,” the older man continued, inclining his head at Chrissy. “If you’d like, I thought I could take you and Robin around and introduce you to some of your guests?”

The girls agreed, promising to meet back up with Steve and Eddie a little later, before rushing off to mingle.

With a palm pressed to his lower back, Eddie led Steve over to the bar. Not that he actually needed the guiding hand, but Eddie was gonna go nuts if he didn’t get to touch Steve soon, and it was one of the few ways he could do that while still maintaining some semblance of decorum.

Steve slid into his usual barstool down the end by the corner, furthest from the speakers so they could actually carry on a conversation, pouting when Eddie let him go to sneak back behind the bar.

“I thought you’d be on this side of the bar tonight.”

“Trust me, sweetheart, with you dressed like that?” Eddie drummed his fingers along the bartop. “Keeping this wood between us is the only way I'll be able to keep my hands to myself.”

“Who said you had to keep your hands to yourself?”

“Steven,” Eddie warned.

“I thought this was a safe space tonight.”

“Yes love, but I don’t think Dan would appreciate it if I dropped to my knees for you in the middle of the dance floor.”

Steve sagged in his seat, letting out an over dramatic sigh. “Okay, fine.”

Eddie chuckled. Sometimes he wasn’t sure who was rubbing off on who more.

They chatted a little about Steve’s day on the beach while Eddie put together their drinks. The usual for Steve, Jack and Coke with lime, no ice, and a tequila on the rocks for himself. Apparently, the jellyfish were out in full force and it sounded like Steve had spent half his day treating burns with vinegar.

“So, Robin said something interesting earlier today,” Eddie said after a while, when Steve was finished with his stories, and he was pouring out their second round of drinks for the night.

“Oh yeah?”

Eddie opened his mouth to elaborate but quickly snapped it shut as his boss appeared at Steve’s side—alone.

“Abandoning our girls already, Dan?” Steve asked.

The older man huffed a laugh. “I was just getting in the way anyhow. Introduced them to Tracey and her partner Pat, and the four of them seem to be hitting it off. Figured I’d leave them to make friends. Tracey’s the manager over at Ocean First bank y’know.”

Eddie smiled widely as he met Steve’s eyes, and he knew they had to be thinking the same thing. Not to get ahead of themselves, but if Chrissy and Robin got in good with someone from the bank, it could make all the difference in the motel’s future.

“That’s, uh, a good friend to have,” Steve commented.

“You aint kiddin’!” Dan clapped Steve on the shoulder, his eyes scanning the room.

Suddenly he perked up, saying to himself “Oh, there he is,” and began to wave someone over.

Eddie followed his line of sight to the door and nearly choked on his own spit.

Motherfucker.

He felt all the blood drain from his face as another man approached, a younger man who looked to be about their age—a very attractive man who looked eerily similar to the one Eddie had seen from his hiding spot, kissing Steve goodbye on the fateful night that had changed the course of his life forever.

Eddie reached over, curling a possessive hand over Steve's where it rested on the bar. He held his breath, waiting for Steve’s reaction, but he was oblivious, looking down and taking a sip of his drink.

“Boys, this is my son, Danny.”

Steve's head snapped up at the name, looking horrified as his eyes landed directly on the newcomer.

“This is Eddie,” Dan continued his introductions, completely unaware of the sudden tension in the air. “My best bartender—though if you let slip to Brenda I said that I’ll deny everything. And this is—

Danny smiled, flashing a set of perfectly straight white teeth. “Lifeguard Steve.”

Eddie hated him.

“Oh! I see you two already know each other.” Dan chuckled, giving a little shake of his head. “Well, that’s a small town for ya! Anyway, I gotta go check on a few things so I'll leave you three to chat.”

Eddie watched the man walk away, wondering if it would be weird to ask him to stay, and when he turned back found that Steve wasn’t looking at Danny anymore, his wide worried eyes were now trained squarely on Eddie's face, hand tensing under his hold.

And whatever feelings of jealousy Eddie might have felt were gone in an instant, replaced with the need to prove to Steve, as well as himself, that he could handle this without doing any number of stupid things to ruin what they had.

He squeezed Steve's hand once firmly before letting go, leaning out to offer it to Danny, who took it with a raised eyebrow.

“Good to meet you, your dad tells me nothing but good things,” Eddie said, keeping his voice calm and even as they shook.

Danny tilted his head. “Ditto.”

Eddie cleared his throat, resisting the urge to wipe his hand on his pants when they separated. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Sure. Just a coke though, I’m driving tonight.”

As he poured the soda Eddie could feel the man’s heavy gaze lingering on his face, scrutinizing him. He set the full cup down but Danny didn’t take it, instead resting his chin in his hand as he looked thoughtfully between the two of them.

Eddie topped off his tequila, and braced himself.

“So, Steve,” Danny said, addressing Steve directly for the first time. “Is this the guy?”

Steve's face, which had already been flushed and radiating discomfort, burned a bright cherry red at the question, but he didn’t shy away. He shot off a soft shy smile at Eddie as he answered. “Yeah.”

Eddie’s mouth fell open, and he nearly dropped the glass he was holding. “You told him about me?!”

“Good,” Danny said, ignoring Eddie’s outburst, holding back a laugh as he finally took a sip of his coke. “I’m really happy for you, Steve.”

It sounded sincere enough that Eddie might have relaxed, but then the man’s gaze was swinging his way.

“And you—I hope you know how lucky you are.”

Eddie swallowed hard, nodding absently, too stunned and confused to form any kind of verbal response.

“Well,” Danny stood abruptly, leaving his barely touched soda to sweat on the lacquered wood top. “It was nice to finally meet you, Eddie, but I think I'll get out of your hair. I should probably go see if my dad needs help with anything anyway. And it was good to see you again, Steve. I’m glad things worked out.”

There was a beat of tense silence between them as Danny left, but as soon as he was out of earshot, Steve was falling all over himself to apologize.

“Oh my god, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I had no idea he was–”

Eddie couldn’t help cutting him off, saying again, “You told him about me? On your date?”

“I couldn’t stop thinking about you! I… Eddie, you have to know. You have to know the only reason I even agreed to the date with him was to get over you, and he could tell I was distracted.”

“Oh.”

“I know we never really talked about that night, um–”

Eddie reached out, once again covering Steve’s hand with his own. “Listen, baby, I'm not upset at you, okay? I’m not gonna freak out, or run away again, or any of that, I promise you. But I don’t think I need to hear the details.”

“No, Eddie. It’s not—” Steve shook his head. “That's what I'm trying to tell you. Nothing happened. Well, um, very little happened.”

“It’s fine, Steve. I was being an idiot then, and we weren’t—us. Whatever you did before we were together is none of my business.”

“But I couldn’t do it!” Steve blurted out.

“What?”

“We were—” Steve dropped his voice down so low that Eddie had to lean in close. “We were about to, and—”

“No, stop. I don't need to hear–” Eddie pulled back suddenly, waving his hands, only to immediately lean right back in, his chin practically resting on the bar, eyes level with Steve’s. “Okay, no. I mean, yes—no. Fine! Just tell me. It can’t be worse than whatever I'm imagining.”

“Oh my god, '' Steve groaned, burying his head in his hands for a second before looking up again, peeking at Eddie between the gaps of his fingers. “Not to put too fine a point on it, but he was two fingers deep in my ass and all I could think about was how much I wanted it to be you. So I told him I needed to stop.”

“Baby,” Eddie breathed. So many emotions coloring the single word.

It was so—sweet. And yes, admittedly, relieving in a way, though he’d had no claim to Steve at the time.

Okay, so Eddie was a fucking caveman, a jealous animal—so sue him!

But somehow, above all the rest, it was so incredibly fucking hot to learn that his baby, his needy boy had wanted him—and only him—so badly that he’d stopped practically mid-fuck with someone else.

Eddie’s breath picked up, and he knew his eyes had gone dark and heavy lidded, his hands balled into fists so tight his knuckles were turning white.

“Fuck,” Steve cursed, drawn out and breathy, his tongue darting out to lick across his bottom lip, leaving it wet and shining in the party lights. “Eddie, you can’t look at me like that, not when there’s hours till we’ll be home where we can do something about it.”

Eddie’s eyes remained fixed on Steve as he shouted from the corner of his mouth to his coworker. “Hey Dawn, I’m gonna step out for a smoke, you good?”

He wasn’t even technically on the clock right now, they could manage without him for a while.

“Yep!” The girl replied without even turning around.

Eddie untied his apron, only breaking eye contact to duck under the bar. He took Steve’s hand, lacing their fingers together as he pulled him along towards the kitchen.

“Where are we going?” Steve whisper-shouted from behind, barely audible over the music.

Eddie stopped just short of the swinging double doors, pulling Steve in by a belt loop to speak in his ear. “Somewhere we can do something about it.”

This late into the evening the kitchen was closed and empty of staff. The big overhead fluorescents had been shut off and every surface scrubbed to within an inch of its life, clean and gleaming in the soft glow of the emergency lights and the red exit sign on the back door.

Eddie continued to lead the way, past the prep tables and behind the line, all the way to the very back and through a heavy insulated door.

He tried to feel bad about how unhygienic it was to do what he hoped they were about to do in here, but in his defense the food was all wrapped up or in air-tight secure containers. Also bleach existed, and Eddie was more than happy to clean up after himself.

Besides, It wouldn't be the worst thing to ever happen in a restaurant walk-in.

It was a frenzy from the moment the door banged shut behind them. Eddie twisted his hand into the front of Steve’s shirt, pulling him in for a kiss. Their mouths connected, all tongues and teeth and hot steamy breath mingling in the frigid air. Steve’s fingers pushed into Eddie's curls, scratching at his scalp, tugging at the root, while Eddie's hands found their way to that slutty little bare strip of tummy that his boyfriend had insisted on teasing him with tonight, gripping hard on either side of Steve’s waist as he moved them further in towards the rear of the walk-in.

Steve hissed as his back hit the chilled metal of the wall, his skin breaking out in goosebumps under palms hands.

“Sorry, baby,” Eddie cooed in sympathy, grinding his own hardness against Steve’s as he nipped at his lower lip. “It was this or the bathroom, and I didn’t particularly want an audience.”

Steve pushed off the wall, grinning as he grabbed Eddie hard by the shoulders to spin them around, switching their positions and pressing him into the wall instead.

Eddie went willingly, delighted as Steve unknowingly played right into the dynamic he was hoping for tonight, and waited for Steve’s lips to find his again, even reached out to pull the other man in again, but Steve slipped from his grip to drop straight to the floor, a desperate and hungry look in his eyes.

With well practiced fingers Steve quickly undid Eddie's jeans, yanking them down to his thighs so roughly he might have stumbled without the wall to lean against. He had a second to feel the cold air hit his most sensitive bits of bare skin before Steve swallowed him down, taking him right to the back of his throat.

Eddie could do nothing but moan, letting his head fall back against the wall for a breath, waiting for his brain to catch up with the rest of him, so lost in the sensation of Steve's mouth, scorching where it engulfed him, that he almost forgot his surprise.

Winding one hand through Steve's hair in encouragement, Eddie used the other to take Steve’s hand from where it rested on his thigh to guide it around to his ass. Steve only hesitated for a moment before kneading at the soft plump flesh, still bobbing his head up and down the length of Eddie’s cock, but faltered and froze as his fingers bumped up against the base of the silicone plug that had been nestled in Eddie’s hole for the last several hours.

Steve pulled off with a soft gasp, letting the tip of Eddie's cock rest on his tongue as he looked up, watching Eddie’s face with something like awe as he pushed on the plug.

From the tips of his toes to the top of his head Eddie felt his entire body flush with a new heat, it prickled along his neck and chest, and he had to fight to keep his eyes on Steve and not let them fall shut at the sudden intensity of his need.

“Where did you get this?” Steve asked, sounding wrecked in a way that Eddie suspected had less to do with the brief blowjob, and more to do with his little stunt.

Eddie whined as Steve tugged on the toy, pulling it out about an inch before pushing it back in again, punching the air from his lungs.

“Would you believe there’s a little mom and pop sex shop not far from here?” Eddie forced out between panted breaths.

Steve hummed, grazing his lips over the skin of Eddie’s inner thigh as he released the plug, leaving it in place for now. “I guess this town really does have it all.”

Eddie chuckled softly and reached down to pull Steve to his feet, cupping his cheek as he pressed a soft kiss to his mouth.

“Fuck me?” He asked, fluttering his eyelashes.

Steve made a pained noise, tucking his face into Eddie’s neck, peppering kisses along the underside of his jaw. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, fuck—want it.” Eddie tilted his head back to give Steve better access to his throat. “Been thinking about you bending me over—dreaming about it.”

The words were barely out of Eddie’s mouth before Steve was growling, gripping him up again and moving him—manhandling him in a way he never had before as he gave Eddie exactly what he wanted—bending him over a low, blessedly empty shelving unit.

Steve pushed at Eddie’s shirt, dragging it roughly up and over his head before tossing it to the floor somewhere behind them. He leaned over Eddie’s back, pressing kiss after kiss down the entire length of his spine, pausing at the base of it, resting those big hands on Eddie’s ass again, spreading him wide and taking hold of the plug to gently pull it out, placing it on another nearby shelf.

Eddie swallowed back a whimper, his body clenching around nothing, suddenly empty after so many hours of being filled, but he knew what was coming would be even better, and the sound of Steve’s zipper coming undone only made him clench harder.

Eddie flushed again, another rush of warmth as beads of sweat beginning to form on his brow in anticipation. There was a brush of rough denim against the back of his thigh, and then velvet heat as Steve pressed in close, rubbing his hard length between Eddie’s cheeks, teasing over his hole.

“Condom?” Steve asked, sounding like it was a struggle just to get the word out.

They hadn’t been using them at all since both their test results had come back clear. And Eddie could appreciate Steve wanting to make the cleanup easier on him since they were out in public for the night, but it couldn’t have been further from what he wanted.

“No,” Eddie pressed himself back, his body shuddering as the tip of Steve's cock caught on his rim. “No, wanna feel it when you come inside me for the first time.”

“Fuck, okay.” Steve sucked air in harshly through his teeth. “Lube?”

“In my back right pocket.”

Eddie glanced back over his shoulder just in time to see Steve raise the packet to his mouth, tearing it with his teeth before pouring it over himself. Some of the cool wetness dripped down onto Eddie as well, and Steve spread it around with two fingers, pushing just the tip of one inside at first. When he was met with no resistance Steve plunged them both in at once, reaching and curling until he found that sweet spot inside Eddie that sent his eyes rolling back, and had him writhing and bucking his hips against the hard metal of the shelf.

“Please, Steve, I’m ready,” Eddie begged.

Mercifully, Steve didn’t make him ask twice, easing his fingers free before lining himself up, and inch by gentle inch began to push his way inside.

It felt like an eternity before Steve finally bottomed out, and Eddie wanted to cry with how good it felt to be full, really full, for the first time in he didn’t even know how long. It wasn’t something he let himself have very often. He really did prefer to top as a rule, but sometimes—sometimes he just needed it, wanted it, and tonight he also wanted to give Steve the last part of himself that he’d been holding back.

With shallow careful thrusts Steve began to move, draping himself over Eddie’s back, pressing lips to whatever swaths of skin he could reach.

Tears streamed from the corners of Eddie’s eyes, overcome with the feeling of being had in this new way by someone he loved, who loved him back. It felt incredible but he soon needed more. Eddie tried to rock back on instinct, but found Steve hands already on his hips, stilling him before he could move an inch.

“Steve,” Eddie whined.

Steve shushed him, rubbing small soothing circles into Eddie’s lower back with his thumbs. “You always make me feel so good, just let me return the favor.”

“I thought you were cold?” Eddie grunted, trying again to fuck himself back on Steve’s length, but the other man’s grip was like a vice.

“Not anymore,” Steve said, and Eddie could practically hear the smirk in his voice, though he did sink a little deeper, still keeping his pace frustratingly slow and even, like he was trying to drive Eddie insane. “Seeing you fall apart like this? We could be standing in the middle of a snowstorm right now and I'd still be sweating.”

And oh he’d definitely be paying Steve back for this later.

“Baby, please,” Eddie whined again, a high-pitched, desperate sound he could hardly believe had come from his own mouth.

“How soundproof do you think this thing is?” Steve asked.

“How should I fucking know?!” Eddie growled in frustration. “Why?!”

Without warning Steve snapped his hips, slamming into him so hard that for a second Eddie couldn’t even make a sound. He threw his head back, mouth wide open in a silent scream of pleasure—followed by an actual scream. Steve surged forward, slapping a hand over Eddie’s mouth, pulling his head back to hiss into his ear, hot breath ghosting over Eddie’s skin as he rammed into him again and again, hard enough to shake the shelving unit that was bolted to the floor.

“No reason.”

There was nothing slow or gentle about Steve after that.

For a while Eddie lost himself to the pounding rhythm and the loud slapping of flesh as Steve fucked into him impossibly harder and faster.

He’d never last at this rate, it was just too fucking good, and he wasn’t alone. Before long Steve was reaching for him, stroking Eddie’s cock as his own breaths became ragged and he began to lose his rhythm.

With one last powerful thrust Steve came, cock pulsing violently as he buried himself deep inside, and Eddie’s last coherent thought as he followed him over that edge, losing control as he felt himself being filled up with Steve’s release, was that they really ought to switch things up more often.

Steve laid across Eddie’s back for a long minute as they both came down and caught their breath, neither really wanting to move at all, but inevitably Steve grew soft and slipped out, leaving a trickle of cum slowly leaking from Eddie’s hole in his wake.

“Eds, honey, do you have your bandana or anything on you?” Steve asked softly.

Eddie looked back, biting his lip, suddenly shy about what he wanted as the afterglow began to fade. “No, uh, but I was hoping you would plug me back up instead?”

“Jesus, Eddie. Yeah—yeah, okay,” Steve stuttered, his dick giving a valiant twitch against Eddie’s leg.

Eddie was loose enough, and slick enough with the combined mess of cooling fluids that the plug sank home easily, and he was grateful he’d worn black jeans tonight to help mask any residual mess.

When their pants were back in place and he’d retrieved Eddie’s shirt from the floor, Steve took him in his arms and lowered them both to the floor, cradling Eddie in his lap as he kissed his forehead.

Eddie knew the rest of the summer would go by in a flash.

Before long the season would be over, tourism would slow as vacationers traveled home for the year, and the beaches would start to empty.

The new school year would begin.

Though they hadn’t talked about it, Eddie had seen the note on their dresser. He knew Steve’s final interview was in two short days, and he’d be expecting an answer soon.

And for once, the idea of it didn’t fill Eddie with panic.

He'd done his thinking.

He’d weighed the risks and pondered the worries, done the calculations in his head and realized there had only ever been one answer to this equation.

For now he let himself bask in the moment, so safe and comfortable in the circle of Steve’s arms, the brush of soft lips pressed to his brow.

He knew what he wanted—had known it all along.

Now he just had to find the perfect way to tell Steve.

Chapter 12

All my thanks and love to @penny00dreadful for being the best beta, friend, and cheerleader.

Reblogs are always appreciated and if you want to be tagged, just let me know! I'd be more than happy to do so 💜

Permanent taglist(open): @pearynice @hitlikehammers @bookworm0690 @wonderland-girl143-blog

@goodolefashionedloverboi @themagicalari @awkwardgravity1 @rocknrollsalad

Fic taglist(open): @manda-panda-monium @hellion-child @dreamwatch @brbsoulnomming @epiclazershark

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@kacatshi @warlordess @eddie-munsons-lunchbox @garden-of-gay @meela86

@gregre369

#steddie fanfic #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #90's beach motel au #no upside down au #steddie #buckingham #chrissy cunningham #robin buckley #no vacancy #steve harrington falls first but eddie munson falls harder #steddie fic #steve harrington/eddie munson #steve x eddie

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sketchehm · 13 days ago

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Okay now is Christmas and my day off, ohh and Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates! First I want to say thank you for making this mafia au! You have no ideas when I open up tumblr for a long times and what I see first is your post about this au and I'm reading all of it, it makes my days, you make my life more bright than ever, really thank you so much!! I hope you have a nice day! 🙌

And last is I want to join to rambling about your au too haha, I'm sorry to bother you, but yeah I read all of your lore about this au and get more larger and interesting! What I have in mind is who is the don before dream, well what if it was schlatt? And he was dream dad..? Well dream and sapnap and probably george too(?) Grow up in orphan together and their life is rough and force to join lil mafia group that lead by schlatt, and years life in bad treatment, idk if schlatt know if dream is his son or vice versa, both of them just doesn't care lmao (family issues) and dream shoot him and becomes the new don

Holy fuck you add elrich in this au too thank you so muchh!!! Lmao I love that post about elrich prefer to see dream wear his mask rather than to see dream deprivation face. Please interact more

Okayy so about kidnapping thing, I think dream doesn't care if his mafia group is crushed by team mafia (well maybe expect he still want to take revenge to Q) as long as he has sapnap and george at his side he feels enough, the large problem is how this was heard by outsiders? Namely las nevadas? We know Q want sapnap to join him but he refused, then he heard sapnap join team mafia and Q already predicted it was dream strategy to send sapnap there as a mole, then he heard the big news about dream mafia get a big blow and dream and george goes missing. Q feels happy in his chest because he's thought sapnap chose team mafia and betrayed dream instead, maybe just maybe they still can connect with each other again. Between spanish fellows a few days later Q have a meeting with rich to talk about this and rich feels... Not that amused...

Ahhh yess there's many many many angst here, about sapnap anxiety, dteam separation anxiety, george anxiety, welp dream anxiety too that he feels need to shoulder up all his problems alone, make him sleep deprived that may or may not have consequences in the future, but yeahhh I love your au so much 👉👈

Merry Christmas!!! You're so sweet I will cry 🥺🥺🥺

Sorry it took so long to answer!! I hope you enjoy <3!

SO Dream's previous Don was his father yes! But it was up in the air if I wanted it to be a DreamXD kind of figure but Schlatt fits better I think pfft (so I'm taking that me thinks hehe)

I guess that's how Quackity got in with Dream so quickly, he was already working under the Don before Dream offed him haha

This helps cause it gives more of a solid motivation of why Q will eventually betray Dream, he probably already had a plot to take out Schlatt and takeover before Dream butted in, now his plans were pushed back....but not by much...

Aside from that! I have it in my head that Dream was born and raised in the mafia family which is.....rough! Growing up with people always wanting to one up and take you out, it's a world full of selfishness and backstabbers tbh...not a lot of /real/ trust happening in mafia families! And Dream, well he did want to change that, he thinks Schlatt was shit. It's a miracle he wasn't overthrown earlier, but no one had dared to go against him. Schaltt did NOT like having an heir tbh, it's such a weak point he didn't care for. Dream was too soft in Schlatt's eyes. Not enough brute force coming from Dream, but he could recognize that Dream was still good at running his own division and associates and it pissed him off....Dream was a /threat/ and he did his best (without killing him outright) trying to bring Dream down...(that's not causing ANY sort of mental issues for Dream....nope!) Schlatt wishes Dream wasn't around and vice-versa, only Dream makes that a reality :3c

For George and Sapnap, I think George was def born in a crime family but was sent to Dream's family as a child due to....debts being unpaid....George is there against his will pretty much and has a bit of resentment against Dream cause he's the "heir"....that is until he finds Dream one day thrown out of Schlatt's office with a black eye and cut lip....he has always assumed any injury was due to him being shit at training or whatever. This...changes things drastically. They become closer. (They both never wanted to be born in this life)

And Sapnap! He def was a street kid, but I think BBH found him! And bbh was under Schlatt so eventually Sapnap found his way working in a mafia family. It was...rough...going from no rules and just trying to survive to....a /lot/ of rules and trying to survive....Sapnap def joins before George does and makes friends with Dream! He's the only other kid around! (Sapnap helps Dream figure out how to make it hurt less when you're getting beat....Sapnap had plenty of experiences out in the streets...)

George and Sapnap were also subjected to Schlatt's torment, of course, nothing like Dream though. BUT! I do think at one point Schlatt finds out that George and Sapnap are.../closer/ to Dream. And that will be used a /lot/ against Dream. (This MAY cause over possessiveness of the two, the fear of them somehow being seriously hurt and he has no control....)

FOR THE KIDNAPPING. SO. I did have set in stone Dream is crazy worried about his remaining family cause in my mind, the ones who remained would be the munchymc crew! I had in my head that shortly after the betrayals, he did call for a meeting with his most trusted Capos and was...extremely vulnerable with them. And they reciprocated his feelings. They're close. But George and Sapnap /are/ above them(at least, relationship wise).

There are plans in place in case Dream /died/, George and Sapnap were never supposed to take over as Don in that scenario, he didn't want to wish that dangerous position on them. But I think bbh did agree to take over if anything happened. And while that did stress dream out (bbh was the closest he had to an actual father figure), he couldn't ask for a better person. There's a lot of details in this plan that I do have in mind but I need to flesh out more. HOWEVER. Dream /knows/ that plan didn't really account for Sapnap and George /also/ being gone. So things are....becoming difficult to handle to say the least....while Sapnap and George were not publicly known to be close to Dream, they did handle a lot of affairs than most knew. George was able to take over for most of Sapnap's roles, but it was already a struggle at that point....

So Dream IS worried. But the stress of it is too monumental and he /does/ break as soon as ElRich called for him and requests his assistance. It was his confirmation that Bad is alive and doing things as they had plan. He needs his remaining family safe and by that point, he knows they'll be safe under the Team.

(I have ideas of ElRich interacting with Dream more but thats for another time heh)

NOW. about Q.... Q did keep close ties with bbh actually! (Bbh let the ties remain for Dream, to keep a closer eye on him). So when Q realizes Bbh is ridiculously more busy and is seen in other parts of Dream's territory that he doesn't usually frequent, it makes him suspicious. Q has plenty of connections. I had in my mind the wider crime world doesn't really know Dream (and George) is now gone. Not for a while, at least. Mostly because Team Mafia were not very "loud" with this abduction.

It's Q's poking around and trying to find out that leads to rumors of Dream potentially being dead. And Q finds out it was the Team that made Dream....die? Disappear? Whatever, he's/gone/ now. And he's gleeful. Everyone knows about the trade between those two families. Everyone has seen Sapnap acting jovial with the Team Mafia guys beforehand. He puts two and two together of course! Sapnap must've finally grown a pair and betrayed Dream, thank /god/

Funny(or maybe stupidly) enough, Q thinks he still has a chance with Sapnap! Q does start hanging out where Sapnap was seen frequently with some of the Team members, he never seems to be around anymore. Odd! Oh well! He can always go straight to the source! And starts pulling strings to get in contact with ElRich himself, surely he can buy Sapnap out of whatever contract he's locked in with the Team and bring him back to Las Nevadas! (He doubts Sapnap is very valuable to them now. Sapnap has done his job for them most likely, they probably don't even care for him anymore)

The meeting for that was...not great! Here's ElRich, listening to a guy say one his favorite dogs is /worthless/ and should just be given up to this....this /drug rat/. ElRich is plenty aware of the many times Q's men had tried to scam or underhand his own associates with the latest products on the market. And it's upsetting he can't send Q off with a bullet in his head for not only disrespecting his family member, but also making jabs at their latest two prized victims (though of course Q wouldn't know the extent of care Team Mafia has towards dteam and that's his biggest mistake). Not only that! Q also demanding to take territory that once belonged to Dream, talking as if he already owns it. This guy is absolutely ridiculous

So Q leaves with a big fat "No" for all and any request to see Sapnap and to any other requests he made, along with a few more threats that DO make him nervous...surely that'll be fine.....

(This interaction with Q will not be known to Dteam themselves for awhile, but they do start prodding them about their relationship with Q more. Which opens....a whole can of worms! Mainly it's Sapnap being reminded that he may have acted just like Q and betrayed Dream unintentionally and does not help his guilt whatsoever! He'll be fineeee......)

I think that's it for now! (I hope you had a Merry Christmas!!!)

#ehm asks #ehm aus #mafia mafia au

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thestobingirlie · 11 months ago

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I’ve seen you talk lots about Steve’s parents and i was wondering if you had any thoughts on Robins parents and how her and her parents dynamic as well as Steve and his parents dynamic could play into their friendship.

I am aware how they’re portrayed in Rebel Robin, but the books are not canon and was wondering if you had any further thoughts?

robin’s parents are also very fun to me!! i don’t have proper decided upon names for them like i do for the harrington’s. but i think in the book mrs b is called melissa? and mr b is called richard, which i think is funny lmao. so i kinda subscribe to those being their names.

now, i love the buckley’s being hippies. like they’re vegetarian, they spent robin’s childhood living in a van, she calls them by their names instead of mom and dad.

i think they accidentally joined a cult at one point, after which they moved to hawkins. for a bit more of a stable childhood for robin. i think they’re judged a lot around the neighbourhood, which makes it harder for them, but they love robin, and they want her to get as many advantages in life as she can. and robin is so bright. they know they can’t homeschool her if they want her to reach her full potential.

i think they’re very loving and affectionate, kinda the opposite of the harrington’s in that way lmao. and i think they’re very loving to robin. maybe she almost feels stifled a bit. i don’t think robin’s ever really had any best friends before steve, so she hung out with her parents a lot growing up. doing puzzles and helping in the garden. they would absolutely be supportive of robin being a lesbian (homophobic buckley’s my beloathed), but she still doesn’t tell them till she’s ready, once they’ve all gotten out of hawkins.

i think because of her parents, she really dislikes steve’s parents lmao. she can see from outside the affect their dynamic had on steve, whereas steve is more stuck in it. she jokes that steve’s dad is far more of the “dick” than robin’s is (because both are named richard lol).

robin will always be a dick harrington hater. number one!!! it takes steve a few more years to catch up to her in that regard. because he hates his dad, but he’s also his dad, you know? and i think steve’s parents are actually a source of strife within stobin. at least in the early years of their friendship. robin wishes steve would just cut and run, and steve sticks up for his parents when robin gets a little too into shit talking them, which can bubble up into arguments. not big ones, but they definitely have to take a bit of space after.

neither of them have stereotypical parents, but i think robin’s parents go against the grain almost in the same way that stobin’s friendship does. most people don’t get it, but it’s healthy and they love each other. so robin’s friendship with steve, it’s everything she’s ever wanted. it’s the kind of relationship she dreamed about as a lonely kid. whereas steve had a lot more of an unhealthy dynamic to look up to, so i do think he kinda romanticised a future with a partner where they never argued and they were always happy etc. and obviously real life isn’t like that. but i do think steve interacting with robin’s parents and seeing them interact with each other, it, like, heals something within him.

anyway, when stobin get lavender married the buckley’s are beside themselves with joy. they love steve. and they’re so excited to become parental figures for him (it’s a position they have to battle for with claudia. it gets bloody (they decide to split christmases)). they know it’s just a lavender marriage, but hey, they’re not very fucking conventional either!

#robin buckley #steve harrington #stobin #robin buckley’s parents #steve harrington’s parents #stranger things #asks #thenamesophiaisalreadytaken

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deathmetalunicorn1 · 2 years ago

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Either Female or Gender Neutral Perrito Reader (From Puss in Boots: The Last Wish) with Yandere Platonic Gods and Humans who’s very happy-go-lucky, optimistic and dreams to be a Therapist in the future, they’re easily trusting and naive but never fails to see the best in everyone and everything, they even view their traumatic past as a funny story (Their family tried to drown them by tying them up in the filthy and slightly ripped ‘shirt’ their wearing with a stone to make them sink, but they survived and with their positivity, sees they got a ‘free shirt’ from her ‘funny situation), and they’re endlessly loyal and persistent in making friends (Reader is a child, at least 8, and were abandoned when they were about 4 by their family)

-When you first arrived in Valhalla, you were only four, a mere child wearing a dirty, too big shirt, a large rock tied inside of it, and you were soaking wet.

-Anyone who looked at you could tell what happened to you, many feeling pity but also anger, as you were only a child.

-You were quickly adopted by many of the gods and the strongest warriors in Valhalla, and despite your cruel death, you were such a ray of sunshine, always smiling warmly and happy to sit with others to talk with them.

-Brunnhilde took you to a therapist, where you talked about the moment of your death, when your siblings gave you the free shirt and told you they wanted to play a game with you, calling it a funny situation.

-Your bright outlook on life, including your ‘funny situation’ had many of your adopted parents worried for your mental health, worried you were repressing your emotions since it was so traumatic.

-Four years later, now a healthy looking eight-year-old, you were the happiest person in the universe. You had a great big family full of people who loved you, you had a home, well balanced meals three times a day, and you were determined to help as many people as you could.

-Your therapist was amused but also flattered when you decided you were going to be a therapist, wanting to help others like how she helped you, even though you never said anything was wrong, you liked your weekly meetings with her.

-You always saw the best in people, even grumpy people who wouldn’t hesitate to yell at you, to get you away from them as they saw you as a pest.

-You could win anyone over by just being there for him, holding their hands and having such a happy outlook on life.

-Your family however, was very, very protective of you, you were so innocent and full of joy, they wanted to preserve that joy for you.

-If they saw someone being mean to you, you had at least ten different parental figures standing behind you, sending glares to whoever dared to be mean to you, forcing them to give you a chance, but you always wound up with a new friend by the end of the day.

-If someone made you cry, you were instantly in the arms of one of your many mother figures, from Eve to one of Shiva’s wives or one of the Valkyries, while all of your father figures were dragging the offending party away, telling you they were going to have a talk with them.

-You were overjoyed when one of your older, adult big brothers arrived in Valhalla, running over to hug him and he was shocked to see you there, demanding to know why.

-You just beamed brightly, telling him that you both were dead and you dragged him to meet your new family.

-You were sad, cuddling with Raiden when your big brother left without saying goodbye, but Zeus patted your head, “He said he had something very important come up and to tell you that he said goodbye.”

-You were quick to smile and bounce back, “I hope he comes back to visit soon! I wanted to show him where I play with the other kids.”

-Your family just smiled warmly down at you, hoping the same thing, knowing full well that he was never going to come back.

-But you didn’t need to know that.

-It would make you sad if you knew the truth, and they couldn’t stand seeing you sad.

#record of ragnarok #ror x reader

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simslegacy5083 · 10 months ago

Text

NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 9 Ep 21: Townhouse Times

The young townhouse dwellers powered through their initial issues and began to find their footing.

Luigi’s misery subsided as the virus ran its course and his eczema settled. As soon as he felt like his old self, he threw himself into making up for lost time. Everything, and everyone, took a back seat as he turned his full focus to catching up on his coursework and excelling at e-sports.

He even picked up some daily vitamins to help ward off further unfortunate “time outs” in the future!

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

Olive’s work in media engagement gave her an excellent excuse to escape her relative packed new home as often as she wished.

Her long hours at the office, exploring the town and cataloging all the coolest hangout spots for her followers on Sinstagram did not go unnoticed by her superiors who rewarded her with a quick promotion. She might still struggle with learning to balance friend time with “me” time, but her success proved she’d made the right decision moving away from the backwoods – she was officially on her way!

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

Hunter was also finding himself glad he’d moved away from home, though his “job” as a student wasn’t what made his time in Britechester bright.

As an only child, he’d often felt smothered by his parents’ expectations and undivided attention. Now he was free to explore all sorts of hobbies and interests with little more interference than taking turns picking shows with his old friend Tess.

Even the “problem” of his overly cheerful cousin practically solved itself as Luigi was too busy with schoolwork to wear down his patience.

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Tess enjoyed spending her copious class-free time with many more sims than just hunter and her other young relatives.

She didn’t see as much of Julio as she’d hoped, busy as he was with his senior year studies, but like Olive she enjoyed exploring the town, meeting new sims and even helping them with their problems. With the company of Hunter and the others she missed her boy less than she’d anticipated.

Tess told Chance that she wasn’t comfortable repairing herself yet, which kept him coming by often for minor tune ups. Time spent with her father after one of their repair sessions always left her face screen glowing a happy green.

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

Denton still struggled to coexist harmoniously with his messy roommates, but Tess had noticed his distress and rose to the challenge, pitching in more around the house to keep things organized and the filth under control.

Like Olive he was able to work from home whenever he wanted and found that moving to the city helped him gain a new perspective. His follower count grew as his streams became more relatable, peppered now with witty commentary about life in a university town.

In addition to his videogaming Denton found himself with a new interest in honing his magic skills. His parents had always treated magic as a practical tool, but the power his dream promised was intriguing. Time spent in the practice of the arcane paid off when he gained the rank of acolyte – and that, he was sure, was just the beginning!

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

Things, it seemed, were looking up all around for the 5 friends!

Unhappiness turned to hope for the future as they began to look forward to what each new day held in store.

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View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

#sims 4 #sims 4 challenge #sims 4 legacy #sims4 #sims 4 nsb #sims 4 not so berry #sims4nsbstraud #sims 4 let's play #sims 4 gameplay #sims 4 lets play

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mondaymelon · 1 year ago

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MELOOON!!! I'M DONE :D

Xiao is exhausted.

How can he not be? His thousand years of carrying a debt that is destined to consume him in the future bares down on him with no mercy. As the days pass he finds himself struggling to breathe, there are even days he can’t carry his spear to do his duties as a Yaksha.

He’s tired of it all. But if there’s one thing he would never get tired of is your presence. Bright, calming, pure. Such a stark contrast to him, a being corrupted and tainted with sin.

He could see your lips curve upwards as you beckon him to join you. His hand reaches out to your serene figure, his fingers twitching to hold you, to be loved by you once more. He knows better than anyone else he’s undeserving of such a thing, but he can’t help but be selfish of it.

Xiao’s hand was close to touching your own, but your figure dissipated seconds before he could hold your hand.

Xiao soon realized it wasn’t you he was reaching out to, but death.

You are dead. Your life has ended long ago.

There were days he considered joining you in days his karmic dept was too hard to bear but ultimately decided not to. He still had a contract to uphold with Morax, as much as he wants to die he can’t. His mind also drifts back to the promise he made with you, to live his life despite the hardships and losses he may experience.

“Life may be filled with pain and despair, but there are also many opportunities for happiness Xiao” He remembers the exact words you spoke to him thousands of years ago, your loving expression having been engraved into his mind. Your view on life is so bright, so beautiful, he envied your mindset and wishes he could believe the same.

It was always the two of you in your home, a place so warm and inviting. There was never a moment his mind wandered back to the horrors of his past whenever he was around you. He finds himself wishing, praying, that this won't ever change.

But he should’ve learned by now, that the only constant in this world is that nothing is constant.

“NO! (Y/N)!” Xiao lets out an anguished cry as he sees the demon plunge its claws through your chest. The Yaksha forces his battered and bloody body to move and pierce his spear through the demon's body, screaming in anger and despair as he doesn’t stop stabbing the thing that took your life away.

Once he’s (somewhat) calmed down his eyes slowly look over your cold and unmoving body. His vision blurs as he limps to where you are and collapse on his knees, grabbing and holding you close to his heart.

“(Y/N), forgive me… I failed you…” He quietly says before sobbing silently. He gets no response, you must have died immediately from the demon's blow.

He could’ve saved you. He was capable enough to protect you and your home. Yet your home is demolished, and your life ended earlier than expected.

If only he was fast enough…

if only he didn’t leave you this morning..!

He thought about bringing your corpse to the Adepti and begging them to bring you back to life. But he stops himself. That would be too cruel to you, and who knows if you would still be yourself once you’re brought back to life.

So he decides to carry on with his life, despite it being a living nightmare.

But he keeps your words in mind. Despite life being full of pain, there are opportunities for happiness.

So he bares through this nightmare. So that maybe, just maybe, once it’s all over he can have a sweet dream.

i love it. i love you good lord. im . im gonna sob. thanks circy <33

#★ ˎˊ˗ melonrambles!#★ ˎˊ˗ inbox... mooties!!#⋆˙⟡♡ᝰ.ᐟ - circy (peeling apart your noggin like the geto sugur and kissing that brain of yours but also hatefuly ripping it apart cause.)!!#now im sad.#uGLY WAILS AND SOBS WAUGHGHHHFHDOUFODSIJF #XIAO. HES SO #THE CHASM QUEST #I LITERALLY SOBBED #TEARS #WHEN HE FELL ??!?!#TEARS I NNM Y eYES

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angrysoulcycle · 1 year ago

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My Thoughts about the Twelfth Doctor

The Twelfth Doctor is the most beautiful kindest most wonderful man you will ever see. He will sweep you off your feet with just his mere movements. He is a shining star that everyone must see at night. I have never felt these feelings for this particular Doctor. There are reasons, reasons that I cannot say, which makes me drawn to him with such passion. The way how Peter Capaldi portrays this Doctor, you can feel the anger, loss and trauma that has affected Twelve over two thousand years. Nobody will ever, be it before or after, have the same presence as Peter Capaldi playing the Twelfth Doctor.

Another reason why Peter Capaldi played the Twelfth Doctor wonderfully is that no matter how many actors who will play the Doctor, nobody will ever compare to him past or future. The Twelfth Doctor has truly suffered the most out of all incarnations, yet he never once grew cold, nor did he ever cry. He may have been dark, ruthless, cold, rude and sassy, but he was warm, kind, strong, tough, full of empathy and compassion. When you stare into his blue eyes, you will find such beauty in them where you can see that he has seen so much trauma, horror, and heartbreak. When he smiles everything seems right and the world feels warm and bright. It may be childlike but you know that everything will be alright. When he spins around and does his eccentric ways it looks like he is dancing. Watching him makes you want to grab his hand and join him in that dance. Twelve is as beautiful as a lion but fierce like a dragon. I don’t understand why the universe treated him so horribly. I don’t understand why everyone said that he was too old. But he is the Doctor. Peter Capaldi is the Doctor. He will always be remembered as the man who deserved so much more than what he got. Every time he cries you feel so sorry for him that you just want to save him.

When Twelve gets angry you can see that the Time War has severely traumatized him to the point where you can see in his eyes that talking and remembering it makes him cry. It makes me, the viewer, want to tell him not to say or stop talking about it as it upsets him. To see Twelve go through what happened to him it makes me furious that someone like him is treated badly by everyone and yet he smiles with that beautiful smile he had and his determination of wanting to save people even when they betrayed him. He never abandoned them even though the situation tells him differently. His humor and dry wit makes him the most funniest Doctor ever.

He, of all people, deserved a happy ending. It isn’t fair that just because Twelve should not have existed doesn’t mean that he should have been treated the same as everybody else, that goes the same to every incarnation of the Doctor. I wish that he would come back because nothing is the same without him. That doesn’t apply to me but to all the Whovians in the community. He is the greatest, strongest, most beautiful, courageous Doctor that ever lived. To put it simply, he is one helluva Doctor.

#doctor who #peter capaldi #whovian #twelfth doctor

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justkeepwalkingnothinghere · 9 months ago

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1 year. 1 year. Wow. Has it really been that long? Has it really been that long since The Owl House bid us farewell? Since the final "Byeee!" that was heard 'round the world? We learnd the story of The Collector, we saw Luz die and get revived, we met Papa Titan. That night, every last one of us got the opportunity to witness Luz, Eda, King and Raine all come together to kick Belos's ass and take him down once and for all. We all watched as every last character came together to build a brighter future for the Boiling Isles. It was an emotional night for everyone. All of that was 1 year ago. And it's hard for me to believe. It doesn't feel real.

To this day, I can still recall how my night went. My parents were at my aunt and uncle's wedding. Adults only, small ceremony in their backyard, I could understand. Only problem is that it left me with no other option but to stay at home, alone with my thoughts, dread, worry and fear over the finale as the minutes ticked by. Waiting until the world would say byeee to a show like no other. At 5 in the afternoon, what would become the most emotional night of my life began with me going to my music, and listening to Lacrimosa on loop for 45 minutes. I listened as I went through Reddit, Tumblr, Discord, YouTube, seeing everyone get ready to watch the finale that I don't think anyone was ready for. I made one last post here wishing everyone good luck before I cut myself off from Tumblr for the rest of the night, not wanting to get any spoilers, as I was waiting until Easter morning to watch it myself. I decided to watch a bit of YouTube to maybe clear my mind and cheer me up, especially once I saw Zeez Vov Gee's TOH video contest was up. I had made a submission of my own, so I was excited to find out if mine had made it in (it did not, sadly). By the time I had finished watching, it was 8:20. 5 minutes away from air time. So, I said good luck to some friends in a TOH Discord I'm in, muted said server until the morning, and was about to switch to watching something else, as YouTube was also a no go. Until a farewell video appeared in my feed. I watched it, being met with the chorus of the song "As The World Caves In".

And I watched it again. And again. And again. One last viewing, this time singing along to the chorus in the literal seconds before the finale aired. A fitting event that was unintentionally timed to perfection. Couldn't have given a better last second send off if I wanted to. For nearly the entirety of the finale's runtime, I listened to the full song on loop, singing along, crying at the thought of getting a hug from Luz as it was really the only thing I wanted then, doing literal shots of milk, sitting and walking while everything swirled within me. Before long, it was past 9, and I hadn't eaten dinner. Stouffer's meatloaf and mashed potatoes. And you wanna know what I did? I ate it while venting to this claymation mouse. Just the two of us, enjoying our meals. For a bit, it felt like that mouse was listening as he chomped down on his chocolate. It was oddly nice. I at least got a break from my anxiety. Turning to dessert, a mini double chocolate bundt cake while watching 30 Rock and drawing glyph doodles, a pleasure that lasted for a short while before my parents made their eventual return. At 11 o'clock at night.

But my entertainment wasn't over just yet. After cleanup, I still had one last thing up my sleeve. I laid on my bedroom floor, in the dark, with my phone brightness turned all the way up. Caramelldansen played through my headphones as the strobe lights danced on the ceiling, getting in one last silent breakdown before heading to bed. My night had concluded after many hours of nothing but dread and anxiety, me constantly trying to keep myself sane. My parents and I had McDonald's for breakfast the next morning, witnessing a masterpiece of animation. And I was happy at the end! Belos was dead, the coven system erradicated, everyone was at the best places in their lives! It was peace and love in the Boiling Isles! How could I not be happy about that? Unfortunately, the joy wouldn't last long. Things settled in soon enough. At first, it felt like the show wasn't over yet. It felt like there were still some stories to tell. But the reality set in before I knew it and I was left sad. I kept thinking about how much the show meant to me, to many. All it had done for me in the handful of months that I had known it. I still wasn't ready for it's end.

Nowadays, a year later, I still haven't fully recovered. This time around feels a bit dark. My 2024 has been nothing but a mess so far, although I am getting through it. But with such a stark contrast to where I was last year, I can't help but feel like things are too different. Almost like a royal fallen from grace. Life in itself hasn't felt the same since Watching and Dreaming. I can't bring myself to watch it again. Today feels weird, and I'm probably not alone. Wherever your emotions stand on this anniversary, just rememeber this:

Us weirdoes have to stick together.

#toh #the owl house #toh watching and dreaming #toh anniversary #watching and dreaming anniversary #us weirdoes have to stick together #farewell owl house

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acacia-may · 1 year ago

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Snowflakes In the Window (AlBis & Fairy Tail Found Family Fic)

Preparing for her daughter Asuka's first holiday in their new tavern guildhall prompts Bisca to remember the first holiday season she spent with her Fairy Tail guild family and her future husband, Alzack. Even though their guild family may look a little smaller and a little different than it did then, Bisca knows that there are some things that last forever.

Holiday Slice of Life and Hurt/Comfort with a Happy Ending Post-Tenrou Island Arc (set during Asuka's first holiday and a pre-canon flashback). Some AlBis Romance.

Written for the Fairy Tail Guild Awards Holiday Gift Exchange 2023. Thank you for reading!

Link to work on AO3. Full text below the cut. Happy Holidays! ❄️

“Well, that’s the last of them,” sighed Alzack setting the final box on the floor of their new guildhall. Bisca bit her lip as her brow furrowed. Referring to this tavern as a guildhall was very generous, but the bittersweet half-smile that twitched in the corners of her husband’s mouth reminded her that it was all they could afford now that Twilight Ogre had kicked them out of their real guildhall. Something twisted in her chest just thinking about it. She would never forget how they had taken one last solemn walk through their now quiet and empty guildhall, how her eyes had burned as they said their final goodbyes, or how Alzack had wiped away a tear as he squeezed her hand, but the image that was seared most painfully in her memory was Romeo’s desperate pleading that they had to stay—how would their missing guildmates find them if they moved away from the guildhall—the sobs of a little boy who couldn’t understand that they wouldn’t be coming back.

The poor kid was still sniffling now as his father, Macao, tried to soothe him. “At least we’ll be all moved in in time for the holidays.”

Romeo huffed, muttering under his breath. “It doesn’t feel like the holidays here.”

A collective sigh rang out in the room. They had all felt it—felt something missing ever since so many of their guildmates had disappeared with Tenrou Island. They were missed and remembered always but especially in the holiday season. Bisca wasn’t sure why it was that their guild felt especially empty and quiet then. Perhaps it was because she could still remember the holidays she had spent with Fairy Tail—so rowdy and chaotic but so wonderful and almost magical too. She wished that there was some way she could bring some of that magic back, if not for her and her guildmates sake then for her baby daughter who would be celebrating her first holiday this year.

Bisca’s heart ached as she caught sight of her dearest little Asuka, sleeping soundly in the nearby bassinette Alzack had thoughtfully set up for her in a quiet corner of their new guildhall. As she gently stroked the little tufts of dark hair on her daughter’s head, Asuka smiled in her sleep, and Bisca found she couldn’t help but smile too.

There was a time not so long ago when Tenrou Island had first disappeared that Bisca had honestly believed she would never be able to smile again, but even in the worst of times, there were still things to smile about. Alzack had taught her that. Just when she had thought she would never be happy again, he had shown her that she could be, and now their daughter, their beautiful little girl Bisca loved more than life itself, showed her that every single day.

As Bisca met Alzack’s eyes over Asuka’s cradle, she knew he must be thinking the same thing and must be wishing to give their little girl the world. Bisca’s expression softened, and Alzack smiled at her as if to say: “even if we can’t give her the world, we can at least try to give her some of that Fairy Tail holiday magic we remember.”

Bisca supposed this was easier said than done, but she believed in them—believed in Alzack so she curled her mouth into a lopsided half-smile, quirked an eyebrow at him. “Got any bright ideas, Al-Al?” she teased in her best attempt to lighten the mood.

While their friends’ account of their overly-affectionate Edolas counterparts and their lovey-dovey nicknames for each other had once made them incredibly embarrassed, it eventually became something they laughed about, and they even pulled out those silly nicknames whenever they were feeling playful or wanted to make each other smile.

And Alzack did smile—though Bisca had to stifle a laugh as she noticed his face also blushed a bright, crimson red. She honestly thought it was sweet how he still blushed even after all this time. After they had married and had a baby together, a lovey-dovey nickname just seemed silly and not something to get flustered over, but Bisca supposed Alzack had always been shy about his feelings just as she had been shy about hers. Even as recently as a few years ago, she would have never dreamed of teasing him like this, so maybe he was still getting used to it. Even so, it was very endearing.

Despite his flaming cheeks, Alzack nodded at her with a slight smile before he turned to Romeo and Macao.

“Hey, I know it doesn’t feel very festive right now, but I think I have an idea of something that might fix that. We just need to bring back one of our traditions and make some snowflakes to decorate.”

Romeo’s mouth twitched—not quite a smile but enough that his father sighed in relief.

“That’s a great idea,” agreed Macao as everyone gathered at the one long table that had already been set up in their new guildhall. Reedus began passing out some art supplies: paper and scissors for everyone. A smile tugged at Bisca’s lips as she carefully folded her paper and began to make the first cuts to create her snowflake. In an instant, it was almost like she was back at her very first holiday season with her guild.

*-*-*

“Sorry I’m late,” mumbled Bisca as she shook some snow off of her hat. They hadn’t had many snowstorms like this back home, and while it had looked pretty from a distance, she hadn’t enjoyed it very much when she got caught helping an elderly couple push their wagon out of a snowbank this morning. That’s why she was late, but it seemed her guildmates didn’t mind or maybe they had all been working so intently on whatever project this was that they hadn’t noticed she was missing.

Erza waved to her. “You’re just in time. We were just starting to make snowflakes.”

Bisca’s brow furrowed as she took a seat next to Erza. With a smile, she unfolded the piece of paper she had been cutting to reveal a paper snowflake with an intricate diamond pattern Bisca found very impressive.

“It’s our guild’s holiday tradition since the time of the first master. We all make snowflakes, then hang them up in the window of our guildhall.” Erza reached for a piece of paper which she folded into a very small triangle. As she slowly unfolded it, she made careful incisions on the edges until by the end she had created a pretty snowflake patterned with diamonds. With a smile, Bisca clapped for her and her crafting skills which made Erza laugh as she handed her some paper and a pair of scissors. “Here you can make some too.”

Bisca blinked at Erza’s outstretched hand and the art supplies. She had never really been one for arts and crafts and wasn’t sure how well her paper snowflakes would turn out, but the Fairy Tail guild had been so good to her and had given her a place to belong when she hadn’t had one—it would be wrong not to at least try to participate in some of their traditions—so she took the supplies and decided to try her best.

After several attempts which Bisca herself would have classified as failures, however, she decided this was probably easier said than done.

She huffed—blowing that annoying piece of hair out of her left eye for just a second before it fell right back down again. Frowning with gritted teeth, Bisca frustratedly pushed it out of her face with her hand. While she was no stranger to having hair in her face, her previous bangs had managed to stay out of her line of sight. Ever since she had started to grow out her hair, however, there was a pesky, unruly lock on the left side of her head that just couldn’t seem to stay in place.

She huffed again—seriously considering just chopping it off with the pair of scissors in her hand, before she noticed someone staring at her from across the table—the newest member of their guild who Bisca was pretty sure was named Alzack. He was a very quiet person and seemed shy so, needless to say, neither Bisca nor anyone had really talked to him much yet. As she glanced up and met his warm, dark eyes, her cheeks felt warm but, luckily, he looked away abruptly—almost sheepishly as if embarrassed to have been caught staring at her. If anything, Bisca felt she should probably be the one embarrassed after making a scene about her hair.

“It’s growing out…” she explained, somewhat awkwardly pushing that piece of hair out of her face again. “This piece is really annoying…”

Alzack’s mouth twitched in the corners, but his expression softened—his eyes kind and understanding though they seemed to stare off over her shoulder as he nodded.

“I’m Bisca, by the way,” she added for good measure, and he nodded again.

“Alzack. Nice to meet you.”

Strangely enough, her face grew warm again as he smiled and she glanced down at the table—catching sight of his snowflake project. The snowflakes he had made were so delicate and beautiful.

“You’re really good at that,” sighed Bisca before sheepishly scratching the back of her neck. “Mine haven’t really been turning out.”

Alzack thoughtfully tilted his head towards her stack of snowflakes, but he smiled. “I like them.” A flush of rose filled his cheeks before he motioned towards their companions scattered throughout the guildhall making snowflakes of their own. “Everyone’s look different…”

Bisca followed Alzack’s line of vision—glancing around at their guildmates. At the end of their table, Happy was laughing while floating around Natsu, Gray and Cana as Natsu unfolded his newest snowflake with a curious tilt of his head.

“It still doesn’t look like a snowflake…” hummed Natsu before Happy swooped in and playfully grabbed it.

“No, but it does look like a delicious fishy.”

Gray shrugged his shoulders as he intently snipped away at his paper. “Give it up, Natsu,” he bantered. “Maybe you’d have better luck if we were making paper fire.”

“Or fishies,” chimed Happy, and Natsu huffed.

“You really think your ice magic makes you better at arts and crafts,” teased Cana playfully nudging Gray in the arm. Gray frowned but insisted, “Ice is basically snow, and if I can make ice magic then I can easily make some snowflakes.”

“Paper snowflakes,” Cana interjected as she added another small but pretty snowflake to her pile. “That’s different. Clearly…” she added with a playful, bantering smile as Gray unfolded his newest “snowflake” with its hard lines and geometric patterns.

Gray rolled his eyes, but a smile twitched in the corners of his mouth. “At least it doesn’t look like fish.”

“You wanna say that again,” huffed Natsu standing up from the table. Gray soon followed, but Erza, who Bisca somehow hadn’t even noticed get up from her seat suddenly appeared between them to intervene.

“Stop it. We’re supposed to be celebrating. Now sit down and finish your snowflakes.” Erza placed a hand on both boys’ shoulders and gently pushed them back down to their seats causing Cana and Happy to burst into laughter.

There was laughter coming from the other end of the table as well, and both Alzack and Bisca turned their heads to find the Strauss siblings practically cracking up as Bickslow turned his paper snowflakes into little hats for his “babies” who excitedly hovered around them. His team, the Thunder Legion, seemed less amused or at least they tried to appear that way, but Bisca caught Freed and Evergreen stifling laughter as they unfurled their own snowflakes—both elegant with curving, graceful lines. Even Laxus was trying his best to hide a smile behind the somewhat boxy snowflake he had been cutting out. The laughter was soon drowned out by applause for Mirajane’s beautiful cluster of snowflakes she had somehow managed to cut from just one piece of paper.

Bisca’s mouth curved into a smile. She supposed Alzack was right. Everyone’s snowflakes did look different, but that didn’t have to take the fun out of the tradition. Still, she didn’t want her sorry excuses for snowflakes hanging up in the windows next to the others.

“Do you think you could show me how you make yours?” she asked Alzack somewhat shyly. His face flushed, but he nodded. Bisca could have sworn his blush deepened as she leaned across the table to watch him. The movements of his hands were thoughtful and gentle as he carefully folded and cut the paper with a certain gracefulness that somehow translated to his snowflakes when they were unfurled. Bisca never could quite figure out how to make her snowflakes look like his, but by the end of the evening, she had a few snowflakes of her own that she was proud to hang in the guildhall windows beside her guildmates’ creations at the Fairy Tail holiday party later that week.

After all the snowflakes were hung, Bisca took a step back to admire them. “Thanks for helping me,” she said with a slight smile, and Alzack nodded.

“You’re welcome. Your snowflakes turned out really nice.”

“The whole display turned out really great.” Bisca tilted her head at the window. “And you’re right—they all do look different but…it’s still really beautiful.”

Alzack hummed thoughtfully before he quietly replied, “I think that’s the point...”

Bisca tilted her head towards him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“It’s almost like our guild. Everyone is a little bit different, but when we all come together, it makes something beautiful—a family.”

Bisca felt something warm spreading through her chest, and her face relaxed into a gentle smile. A family. After being alone for so long, she liked the sound of that, and from the look on Alzack’s face, it seemed he did too.

She met his eyes for just a moment, but before she could say anything that pesky lock of hair fell into her face again. She puffed at it irritably—trying to blow it out of the way before finally giving up and just pushing it off to the side with her hand again. As she tried her best to tuck it behind her ear, she caught sight of Alzack awkwardly fumbling around for something in his pocket. Bisca’s brow furrowed as his face flushed red and he handed her a small box tied with a bow.

“Maybe this will help…” he mumbled, seemingly unable to look her in the eyes.

Curiously, Bisca carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box to find a small hairpin with a snowflake in the corner. “It’s so pretty,” she sighed—her cheeks growing warm. “Thank you, but you really didn’t have to do that. I—I don’t have anything for you. I’m sorry. I…um…” As she turned away from him guiltily, she caught sight of the job board. “Well…uh…what about a job?”

Alzack’s eyes widened in surprise, and Bisca’s face flushed as she continued, “Um…I mean…you and I are both new and don’t have a team or a partner to go on jobs with yet. Would you…”—her voice hitched but she shrugged her shoulders in her best attempt at nonchalance—“want to team up with me?”

She didn’t look at his face as she finished her question. Surprising as it was, it was almost as if she couldn’t. She bit down hard on her lip—trying her best to ignore the palpable silence, but when Alzack finally answered, “I’d like that very much,” she couldn’t hold back her smile. If Bisca was being honest with herself, she didn’t know if she had ever been as happy as she was in that moment—standing in the Fairy Tail guildhall next her new partner surrounded by the snowflakes carefully made by her new family.

Something warm and affectionate ached in Bisca’s chest. It really was beautiful.

*-*-*

Bisca cleared her throat and wiped her now misty eyes as she turned her attention back to her snowflake project. Her detour through her memories had left her far behind her companions, especially Alzack who had a big stack of snowflakes in front of him. Bisca wasn’t entirely sure why he had made so many. After all, there weren’t many windows to fill in their new tavern guildhall. When the time came to hang them in the windows, however, she finally understood, and the realization made her breath catch in her throat and her chest grow tight.

There were, of course, several of Alzack’s delicately crafted snowflakes Bisca had come to recognize and love over the years, but in his other snowflakes she saw Erza’s diamond shapes, Gray’s geometric patterns, and Freed and Evergreen’s curving, flowing lines. There were Laxus’ boxy snowflakes, Cana’s small but pretty flurries, and Mirajane’s beautiful cluster of paper snowfall. Even Natsu’s snowflakes that looked more like fish made an appearance amid so many other unique shapes and patterns they had all come to recognize over the years. No, they weren’t exact, and they weren’t the same, but as she heard Macao gasp and Romeo start to sniffle again, Bisca was sure her guildmates saw it too. Their dear friends—their family were still represented, and looking at the beautiful window now, it was almost as if they were all together again.

As Alzack returned and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, Bisca wiped a tear from her eyes.

“What do you think?” he asked, and Bisca could see the tears in the corners of his eyes as well.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Good enough for our little girl?” he asked. Sniffling, Bisca nodded, but it was her husband who said the words she so desperately wanted to say. “I wish she could have seen them for real.”

Shutting her eyes tightly in a last ditch attempt not to cry, Bisca threw her arms around Alzack’s neck and pulled him into a tight hug. She could feel him choke on his breath, his shoulders trembling as if he was also trying not to cry. As she gently ran her hand through the hair on the nape of his neck, she whispered a painful, “Me too.”

Alzack comfortingly stroked her back. No more words were spoken, but they didn’t need to be.

Their tears had dried by the time Asuka finally woke up from her nap, and they walked her over to the window with loving smiles.

“Do you see those snowflakes, Asuka?” cooed Alzack as he held their daughter.

“Your papa made a lot of those,” added Bisca. “Aren’t they pretty?” Asuka’s eyes widened—blinking curiously at the window then at her mother and father.

“This the Fairy Tail guild’s tradition,” Bisca continued. “It’s how we remember we’re a family.” She turned to smile at Alzack then, leaned her head on his shoulder.

“That’s your family too, Asuka,” said Alzack. “And someday you’ll get to put your snowflake in the window just like Mama and Papa.” He paused, but he took Bisca’s hand and intertwined their fingers. “There’ll be lots of snowflakes in the window again someday. You’ll see…”

Alzack was once again right—though Bisca supposed at this point she should’ve expected it. It seemed to be a superpower of his.

Just a few years from now when Asuka was old enough to cut out her own snowflakes and hang them alongside her Fairy Tail family’s, the windows in their guildhall—their real guildhall in it’s rightful place in the center of Magnolia would be filled with snowflakes once again. Bisca would once again hear the laughter of Gray, Cana, and Loke chatting over warm mugs of cider and mulled wine. She’d once again be caught in the crossfire of the Thunder Legion’s annual snowball fight. She’d once again help the Strauss siblings hang holiday garlands from the rafters. And once again she’d watch as Erza, Natsu, and Happy built snowmen together outside of their guildhall—but this time they’d make sure it was a giggling Asuka who gave the snowman his button eyes, carrot nose, and fancy hat. They would all be together again, and Bisca would hold on tightly to Alzack’s hand as they turned to look at the snowflake filled windows of their guildhall—so happy and so thankful that their family had been reunited at last.

In that moment, Bisca would wonder about the first master’s reasoning. Why use snowflakes, something so fleeting and temporary, to represent their family? Snowflakes eventually melt. Winter eventually ends, and spring comes again. But maybe that was the point all along—that it is the love of a family that allows someone to find the beauty even in something dark and cold like a blizzard.

Bisca supposed there were very few things in this world that last forever. It was sad to think that good things didn’t last, but there was hope in knowing that the worst things didn’t last either. And if there was one thing that Bisca found comfort in, it was in knowing that she had her family—the one she had found in Fairy Tail and the one she built with Alzack—to cling to through all the uncertainties and impermanence of life. No matter what happened there would always be snowflakes in the windows of Fairy Tail guild because family lasts forever.

#alzack connell #bisca mulan #bisca connell #albis #alzack x bisca #bisca x alzack #fairy tail fanfiction #thank you for reading!

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