#anyway i hope you all have a wonderful season~!!!! see ya next year hehe

[snkpositivity]

Merry Christmas!!!!! i wanted to say thank you to everyone here for being so supportive and making snkpositivity so much fun. i love the positive atmosphere we have here! i also want to thank the second mod, who joined me a bit earlier this year (and i haven't introduced yet, i'm so sorry..!) anyway, thank you mod momo for joining me here!!! i appreciate your help! thank you again everyone!!!! i hope you all have a happy holiday season~

[stargazer-balladeer]

Christmas Greetings from them [Genshin Impact]

Characters Included: Aether, Albedo, Amber, Barbara, Beidou, Bennett, Childe, Chongyun, Diluc Ragnvindr, Diona & Fischl.

Notes: .. AYE- TIME TO START WORKING- :DDD the child-like characters (qiqi, klee, diona, and paimon—) are all platonic. so no worries there- i also have to randomize Diona’s and Sucrose’s ;;w;; i’m just gonna imagine what’ll like if the two characters interact- some of this are long, some are short. So sorry abt the inconsistency :pp hope ya’ll like this! (Bc this is the first time i’ve done something like this- 🤧)

Ps: I have to cut this into several parts bc there is a maximum word count in one post- ;;w;; so i only added the ones that appeared here.

Additional Notes: based on the “wishes” thing. So like,, ya know, how we believe that if we make a wish on a star it’ll come true kind of thing? So,, when making a wish or prayer or something, they do it in a prayer position and think of it- and that person somehow receives it?? (I’m still not sure abt this part ;;w;; but let’s wing it-!). Also,, I refer “wish” as a prayer- 🤧 sorry if its confusing- hshs

Warning: some of the characters are OOC ;;w;; sorry-

Aether

With Paimon

“Oh? Is it already that time of the year again?”

“Of course it is! Don’t tell me you forgot-!”

“Oh-! Of course not, Paimon. Not with you constantly reminding me..”

“C’mon! Say your wishes! Oh.. also! You should probably say your wishes for your s/o!”

“Hmm.. you know what, Paimon. You could be useful sometimes.”

“Hey! What does that suppose to mean?!”

“Wishing stars.. this is for my beloved [Y/N], I wish that we can get to spend every Christmas season together. Though I may travel a lot, and may leave you one day, I hope that you’ll still love and cherish the limited time we have together. Always keep smiling that brilliantly for me, even if I’m gone. As much as this is becoming cheesy, keep me in your heart, okay? I’ll keep you in mine in return. Merry Christmas, [Y/N].”

Albedo

With Sucrose

“Sir Albedo-! Are you still busy with your research?”

“Hm..? Oh, Sucrose. Precisely, I’m almost done with it.”

“You should probably get some rest, sir! It’s almost Christmas Eve!”

“Christmas? Eve? Eh..? Is it already that late?”

“D-Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the time..?”

“I suppose so..”

“You should probably make your wish now! The stars are still out, so it’s not too late to make right now.”

“Ah, I forgot about that. Thank you, Sucrose.”

“Y-Your very welcome, sir Albedo-!”

“Stars that grants wishes, hear my wish. This is for my (princess/prince), my muse. How are you faring? I hope that you’ll come back soon so that we can celebrate this season of Christmas, and possibly more. Can you see the stars from where you are? Can you see how bright they are right now? I really do miss your presence.. I miss the sparkles in your eyes when I discover something new. I wish to see those again. Keep shining brightly for me, okay? Merriest of Christmas, my love.”

Amber

With Jean

“Amber? Are you still patrolling?”

“Acting Grandmaster Jean! Yep! I was about to head outside to patrol the area-!”

“You’ve been working very hard. I praise that trait though please don’t overwork yourself.”

“Hehe~ don’t worry, acting grandmaster Jean! I’m doing okay!”

“Well then, have you already wish?”

“Wish..? Ah! I forgot!”

“*chuckles* Of course. Better make that wish now before the stars vanish.”

“Okay! Thanks for reminding me, acting grandmaster Jean!”

“My pleasure, Amber.”

“Wishing Stars. I hope it isn’t too late to make a wish now-! I kinda forgot, so sorry.. hehe. Anyway, this is for my partner! How are you out there? Actually, where exactly are you? I kinda forgot where you went.. hehe, sorry. Make sure to eat plenty of food, okay? It’s important to eat 3 times a day to maintain a healthy body-! Also, you shouldn’t mind your weight! As long as you’re healthy, it doesn’t matter if you weigh alot! I’ll still love you no matter what! Merry Christmas, [Y/N]! Come visit me again!”

Barbara

With Noelle

“Oh? You’re still awake, Barbara?”

“Hm? Oh, Noelle! Good evening! Hehe, yeah. I was thinking of what wish I should make.”

“Ah. The legend of the Wishing Stars. I’m surprise that you believe in that sort of things.”

“Well.. it isn’t bad to dream, right?”

“I suppose. If I may, why not wish about your s/o?”

“[Y/N]..? Hm.. actually, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea-! Thanks so much, Noelle! You’re truly a good friend!”

“Hehe.. I’m just glad that I’m a help to you, Barbara.”

“O Wishing Stars, hear my wish. This is for my beloved [Y/N], of whom I wish to see again. Please let them be unharm. I wish I could accompany them in their journey but I have my role here as well. So I wish them the best in their travels. Please come visit though, I wish to see your face again, [Y/N]. And I wish to heal all the wounds that was cast upon you. Though I cannot heal the scars, you shouldn’t be afraid to show them. For they tell a tale of an adventure you went through. Come back in one piece okay? Merry Christmas, my beloved. Sweet dreams.”

Beidou

With Ningguang

“.. huh? Oh, what a surprise seeing you here, Ningguang.”

“I suppose it is quite a surprise, seeing as we coincidentally bump into each other in a hill. Tell me, what business do you have here?”

“I could say the same with you. It isn’t everyday you bump into a Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, in a secluded place like a hill no less.”

“I believe it’s the same reason as yours, peace and quiet.”

“Ah, same. Though, there’s another reason why I’m here.”

“Oh? And what is that?”

“To see the stars. Have you heard about the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“Ah, I’ve heard about it but never really took an interest on them.”

“Well, the simplest explanation is that when you wish upon a star, it’ll come true or be sent to that person.”

“Interesting. It is quite interesting what a human mind can come up with.”

“Hm.. myth or not, I was thinking of doing one anyway.”

“Go ahead. Don’t mind my presence.”

“Kinda hard when you’re the Tianquan..”

“Do you wish to make me leave then?”

“Nah, you can stay.”

“Alright.”

“I have no idea on how to do this but- o wishing star, hear my wish..? Can you send this wish to my second mate? I wish you were here, to celebrate the holidays with me and the crew. It’ll be a blast if you were here.. Though I understand that you can’t be here because of your personal reasons. Though it would be nice to see you again.. I hope that wherever you are, they are treating you well. Your health comes first, okay? Stop thinking of others for a change.. though that’ll be impossible knowing you.. just keep smiling, okay? Your smile is a treasure afterall, a treasure that I selfishly want to keep. Merry Christmas, my second mate. May we cross the seas together again.”

Bennett

With Barbara

“Oh, it’s you again, Bennett. Are you injured again?”

“Hey Barbara! Nope, not today!”

“Thank goodness. I see that lady luck decided to give you a break atleast.. anyways, if you’re not injured, why’re you here then?”

“Ah, I came to ask you on how to send a letter or something to [Y/N]! I don’t know what to get them, and I don’t have a clue on where they are either-! Besides, it’s almost Christmas..”

“Hm.. I’m not sure if this is true but why not give her a wish from the stars?”

“Wish? From the stars?”

“You know.. the legend of the Wishing Stars.”

“oh.. Oh.. OH! I see! That’s brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that?! Thanks Barbara! I owe you yet again!”

“*chuckles* I’m happy to help you whenever, Bennett. Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas too, Barbara!”

“Wishing stars, can you please send this to [Y/N]? I know I haven’t gotten anything for you this year, but next year, I’m gonna make it up to you! I’ll give you the best gift ever! Hope you’re doing well! Fischl is doing great, along with the people in the Adventurer’s Guild. Oh, and guess what? I didn’t get hurt today! I guess lady luck decided to give me a break.. hehe.. you know.. it isn’t the same without you. But take your time! You don’t need to come back immediately! I’ll wait for you! Even if it takes years for you to come back, I’ll wait! So please, come back okay? Me and the Benny’s Adventure’s Team will be waiting for you! Eat healthy and smile more! Merry Christmas! Love ya!”

Childe

With Teucer

“What are you thinking of, brother?”

“! Teucer! You know it’s rude to sneak up on people-!”

“Actually, I’ve been calling you for the past minute. You just haven’t responded to any of them.”

“.. really?”

“Really really.”

“Well, now that you have my attention, what do you need?”

“Mommy is asking when we will meet your s/o.”

“Eh? They want to meet [Y/N]?”

“Yep! Their curious on who they are after you mentioning them a dozen times in the letters you sent for them!”

“.. I guess I’ve been mentioning them a bit too much.”

“So, when? When?”

“Well, not anytime soon I’m afraid.”

“Aww.. what gives?”

“Their on a journey afterall. When they get back, I promise I’ll let them meet [Y/N].”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Okay..”

“Goodnight, Teucer. It’s almost your bedtime.”

“Goodnight, brother..”

“Stars above, would you listen to my wish, I wonder? Will [Y/N] even receive this? Oh well, couldn’t hurt to try. How’ve you been? Hope you’re still alive. Actually, I’m pretty sure you’re still alive. You’re strong afterall. Anyways, my family wants to meet you. You’ve already met Teucer which made the rest of my family jealous because, for some reason, they also want to meet you. I mean, who wouldn’t want to meet you? You’re amazing in every way, [Y/N]. When you return, I’m gonna ambush you and kidnap you to meet my family. That sounds like fun actually.. hm.. might as well do that. Also, you better be getting some sleep. I don’t want to see any bags under your eyes. Hahaha.. Merry Christmas, [Y/N]. May the Tsaritsa protect you from harm.”

Chongyun

With Xingqiu

“.. oh, it’s you.”

“Eh? Aren’t you atleast excited to see me?”

“Not really..”

“Boo.. and here I consider you a close friend-!”

“Well.. you are certainly a friend. But are we really that close?”

“That’s cold coming from you, Chongyun.”

“.. did you just made a pun?”

“Yes. And I have no regrets.”

“*sigh* why are you here?”

“I came here to inform you about something I found!”

“If its a prank, then leave me out of it.”

“It’s got something to do with your s/o~!”

“..”

“I got your interest, didn’t I?”

“*sigh* on with it.”

“So, one of the books I’ve read contained a legend called the legend of the Wishing Stars.”

“The legend of the Wishing Stars? Sounds like a fantasy that someone came up with during story time.”

“Well, anyways. It says, if you wish upon a star during the night, your wish, or prayer, would be heard.”

“And how is this related to [Y/N]?”

“Well, since [Y/N] is out and about, why not make a wish for their safety?”

“But how would we know if that’s true?”

“Couldn’t hurt to try now, would it?”

“.. how would I know this isn’t one of your pranks?”

“I promise it isn’t! Most people know of it actually-! Even the traveller!”

“Traveller? Oh.. I guess it can’t hurt to try it out.”

“Hmhmm! I gotta go now though. Afterall, I just escape from home. See ya!”

“And off he goes. *sigh* he really does do what he pleases.”

“Xingqiu didn’t actually tell me how to do this so I’m gonna guess instead. Stars in the sky, is it true that you’ll grant my wish? Well, it’s not like you can answer so I’m just gonna guess that’s a yes. How are you, my snowflake? I presume that you have a safe journey in wherever you are. If you ever feel peckish, just eat some ice cream, it always works. Nothing exciting is happening right now. Xingqiu and Xinyan are their usual annoying selves, and Xiangling tried to feed me a new recipe she made. Say, when are you coming back? Where exactly are you? Maybe I can follow, wherever you are. But my duty as a exorcists lies here. I hope that pendant I gave you serves its uses to repel any ghosts that dare to haunt you. Oh, it’s almost Christmas. Merry Christmas, snowflake. I hope that next year, you would be here with me instead of somewhere else. Until we meet again.”

Diluc Ragnvindr

With Kaeya

“And what exactly are you doing here?”

“Is that a way to talk to a regular customer here?”

“Shouldn’t you have duties to fulfill, Cavalry Captain Kaeya?”

“Oh? We’re using our titles now, master Diluc?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“*laughs* alright alright. I surrender.”

“Are you really here for the wine? Or are you here to annoy me as usual?”

“Well, I will admit that I initially came here for the wine but I brought a present for you, for Christmas.”

“I hope it isn’t another vase.”

“*laughs* of course it isn’t. Do you know the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“So..”

“So?”

“Aren’t you going to make one?”

“Why would I participate in a childish myth?”

“Well, it wouldn’t hurt to try now.. especially to your beloved s/o.”

“.. you’re just trying to provoke me.”

“And it’s working~”

“Hrm..”

“C’mon~ don’t you want the best for [Y/N]?”

“What’s your end goal?”

“.. pardon?”

“What will you gain in the end if I do make a wish? Don’t tell me you’re doing this out of the ‘goodness’ of your heart.”

“... hm.. I still wonder that.”

“You’re just playing around with me, aren’t you?”

“Look, we all want the best for [Y/N]. If you want to do it, then do it. If you don’t want to do it, then don’t. I just came to inform you about that silly legend.”

“.. do you even believe in that?”

“Who knows?”

“..”

“I gotta go now. Merry Christmas, sir Diluc.”

“...”

“I can’t believe that I’m participating in a silly legend but, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try. Wishing stars, shining brilliantly in the night sky, would you hear my wish? I wish the best for [Y/N]. I wish they are faring well and that they aren’t having any problems with enemies like Hilichurls or Treasure Hoarders in wherever land they are in. But, won’t you guide them back to me? I admit that I miss them dearly and I worry about them constantly. I miss everything about them, their smile, their laughter, their eyes, their hair, their warmth, everything. I want to hold them in my arms again and kiss them. When I meet them, I’ll remind them of my love again. Hopefully, next year, they would stay by my side in the winter season. This is a wish I hold dearly. May Barbatos.. or that bard.. keep you safe. Merry Christmas, my love. I’ll be waiting for you here.”

Diona

With Mona

“.. who are you?”

“Me?! Why, I’m Mona! The famous Astrologer of Teyvat! I have mastered and know astrology more than anyone in Teyvat!”

“Yeah.. and I’m a dog.”

“I- You don’t believe me?!”

“Nope.”

“Urgh-! And who are you?”

“Hmph. I’m Diona. One of the bartenders in Cat’s Tail.”

“... how are you working when you look so young though?”

“It was honestly just a joke at first but big sister Margaret decided to hire me for real.”

“.. ah, I see.”

“So, why are you here?”

“Well, this is the best view of the stars of all of Teyvat.”

“Ah, I guess so..”

“Say, do you know of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“My dad used to tell me stories about that.”

“Well, I supposed it could be use as a bed time story.”

“Wait, it isn’t just a myth?”

“Who knows? There’s no proof of its existence but some people swear they could hear the person’s voice in their head. It’s still unclear on how this things happen, but that’s what makes it wonderful, don’t you think? So many mysteries yet so little answers..”

“.. I don’t think like that.”

“Really?”

“Hmhm.. All I wanted to do is to make a wine so disgusting that nobody would want to drink it. I don’t really see anything else besides that.”

“Ah.. I see.”

“Say, if I make a wish right now, would they receive it?”

“Well, it’s not certain but it wouldn’t hurt to try. Afterall, we humans just keep trying, never giving up. That’s one beautiful thing in humanity.”

“...”

“Why don’t you make a wish right now?”

“Hrm.. okay.”

“Just put your hands in a prayer position and close your eyes and wish in your mind.”

“O shining, wishing stars. I’ve only heard about you through dad and this random lady. But would you hear me out? I just want to know if my friend is okay. Their name is [Y/N]. I wanted to know if their safe and alive. It’s only been a few days, but I’m already missing them. They better be alright or else they’ll be in trouble when they get back! I want them back so that I can finally achieve the dream of ruining the wine industry! Hehe.. I hope they aren’t overexerting themselves out there, I know what their like and I’m honestly worried. Please bring them back to me in one piece. I still have to teach them the bow-! I want to give them the present I have for them. I made it myself, a bracelet! Dad help me make it! Merry Christmas, [Y/N]! Come back and be my partner in crime again!”

Fischl

With Bennett

“Hey! Fischl!”

“Hm? Ah, why isn’t it Bennett from the Benny’s Adventure Team. To what I owe a pleasure to?”

“I was just wondering if you’ll be going to the party that the Adventurer’s Guild is hosting. So, are you going?”

“Hm. If one has time, then perhaps. Not everyone has free time afterall.”

“Ehh? You’re still busy? Shouldn’t you relax for a bit? Whenever I talk to you, you always seem busy.”

“It is, afterall, a Prinzessin der Verurteilung noble duty.”

“Ah.. I suppose.”

“Is there anything else you would like to say before we part ways?”

“Oh yeah! Do you know of the legend of the Wishing Stars?”

“I am aware of it but how does this have any interest in our current predicament?”

“.. uh..”

“What mein Fraülein is saying is, how did this legend became an interest to you?”

“Ah! Well, it’s becoming popular among the people around this time of year. Maybe you can make a wish for.. [Y/N]?”

“.. perhaps.. we’ll try to find some spare time later on to do the wish.”

“Alright! Well, I gotta go. See ya later, Fischl, Oz!”

“Farewell, young lad.”

“Farewell..”

“Are you, perhaps, planning on making a wish right now, mein Fraülein?”

“There is no impending dangers around us, correct? Then perhaps, I can spare some time right now to get it off my mind.”

“Whatever you wish to do is what I’ll abide to, mein Fraülein.”

“O great, shining Wishing Stars, hear thy wish, one that is coming from heart. One wonders how the other fares? Have the Gods and Goddesses gifted them protection in wherever they are? Because making the Prinzessin der verurteilung worry like this is unheard of. Still, I would be utmost be grateful to find any sign of them still active. I, Fischl, Prinzessin der verurteilung, want them to return immediately in whatever journey they are in. Though I would still understand if they need more time to search for what they need to search. I.. honestly miss them and their warmth. I want them to hold me again, to reassure me that I don’t need to be perfect always. Ah-! I broke off of character! My apologies-! Anyways, since it is the season of winter festivities, I wish them a merriest of Christmas. May next year come and let us celebrate it together as one. I’m forever in love with you, please come back to me in one piece.”

[ihatebnha]

Ok just read your himbo Shinsou and I love it!!!!!!!!! And it honestly feels pretty in character (imo, bare in mind haven't watched past S2 but have read A LOT of Shinsou fic). It makes sense he'd spend his highschool years so focused on becoming a hero to prove he isn't a villain that dating just kinda fell by the wayside! And in turn he has just become oblivious to how to handle romantic attention or what to do with his own romantic feelings.

Like I can just see his internal thought process as he watches you walking with your group of friends 'she cool. And I wanna hang out with her. But how do? Oh! That guy mentioned protein powder?!?!? I do use that, I guess that'll work.' walks up to guy and begins convo 'wow......this dude is way too into protein powder. Like unhealthy obsession. The things we do for people we lov- NO! Not love! Cause that'd be weird. I just think she's cool. And fun. And like the most perfect person ever..........fuck............I should probably say something about protein powder again before he thinks I'm stupid..........' he's not loving having to talk to gym bro all the time but like you said, it just gets him into your group enough to hang out with you sometimes so it'll work.

And it'd be funny if when he asked you out you were just like, i kinda thought we were dating anyway......ya know buying my drinks, giving me your jacket, making me walk on the opposite side of the sidewalk away from the road etc.

He'll just be like.....oh yea. That was 100% intentional. Not me not knowing how to articulate my feelings and so just doing everything but telling you how I feel! Not at all!

Also, it'd be hilarious if gym bro's girlfriend totally saw how Shinsou felt about you and would purposefully set up things and then say her and her boyfriend had to leave so you and Shinsou could hang out.

Hope you don't mind me rambling. I just really liked your writing!!!!!!!!!

(himbo!shinso piece here!) (@velvetyfleur asked to be credited for the idea of himbo shinso) 

Awww, hehe, thank you so much!!! I don’t mind your rambling at all, and in fact it makes me really happy and appreciative since i was actually afraid of it being a little... ooc.  

Shinso is so smart and suave, so i feel like himbo-ness is the sorta... the complimentary (?) opposite of that, if you know what I mean (where it’s a good au but not unseeable)... as just like you say, it makes sense for him to be the type to not really pay attention to anything except his goals... 

BUT YES about his internal thought process leading up to it... it’s funny bc i definitely imagine that at first, all he cares about is you, so he’d definitely willing to do silly stuff to become your friend, even if that means talking about dumb things to boys he doesnt know. it’s like a lightbulb goes off in his head when he realizes... i use protein powder... they like protein powder... they’re friends with y/n.... Inch Resting. 

IT’S ALSO so sweet to me that you bring up the gym bro gf setting you and him up, bc i def feel like the girls would all know about your crush on him, too... like, after he joins the group, when its game night and the boys are all in the one room and the girls in the next, everyone’s talking abt him trying to fluster and tease you to admit that you like him, too. plus he’s so hot they like admiring him too LOOOL... 

(shinso over in the guys room like:  i wonder if y/n is having fun rn...)(and yea he creams them all at mario cart)

but EHNIWHEY,,, thank you SO MUCH again, legend!! it means a lot to me that you like my writing😢 

(you should def catch up with mha tho so you can see shinso is season 5!!! you can do a little craft while watching or something, but i promise it’s worth it🥰🥰)

[i-choose-liam]

TRR Chapter Tie-Ins

A/N: Here’s the second chapter to my TRR Tie-in series, which I had previously titled The Crown and the Apron on my old account. But now that’s the name for my Liam x MC one shots on ao3. I would urge you to check out the previous chapter before reading this one, since it’s a series (though incomplete).

If you would like to be tagged for my future works, please let me know. And if you don’t want to be tagged anymore, don’t hesitate to tell me! I’m considering retiring the whole tag list thing altogether because I am really forgetful in general and then I get anxious, thinking I must have missed someone who asked to be tagged and now they are offended. Or worse – tagged someone who doesn’t want to read it. Yeah, things get really busy in this noggin.

Thanks in advance for reading!

Chapter 1: Once Upon A Time

Chapter 2: Welcome to Cordonia 

They welcomed him home. Everyone was in great spirits. His father made some jokes about bachelor-hood and freedom. His stepmother couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming Masquerade ball. 

"Your Highness?", Bastien cleared his throat, "Forgive me if I overstep but, you seem preoccupied. Are you all right?" 

Of course. His bodyguard would notice he wasn't himself, not his family. 

"You have every right to ask about my well-being, Bastien", Liam smiled, "I assure you, I am fine" 

Who in this godforsaken place would understand what storms raged in his heart? Who could he tell that while they discussed, laughed, formed plans about choosing his bride, he kept thinking about the girl he had left behind? 

The girl with starlight in her eyes, who had touched his face when she kissed him. The girl who wanted to know his soul, who made him feel alive and... breathing. 

Across the ocean, she was going on about her life, and he knew he would have to go on about his. 

'You can't fight fate', Liam reminded himself. 

"Is this him?"

Dani showed her sister the phone screen. 

It was a google image of Prince Liam of Cordonia. Riley stared at it in admiration, then regained her composure enough to roll eyes at her sister. 

"Of course it's him, Dani. Liam is not the kind of guy who lies" 

"Okay, lovestruck. Just checking", Dani typed in another name, "What's Maxwell's last name again?" 

"I really don't know. Go ask him" 

Dani walked to the bedroom door and poked her head out. Maxwell was sitting on the couch, looking at his surroundings. 

"Hey", Dani called to him, "What's your last name?" 

He was a bit startled at first, but replied, 

"Uh, Beaumont" 

"Okay" 

She stepped back in again and sat on the bed, next to Riley's luggage bag. 

"Help me", Riley sighed, "How many books?" 

Dani didn't look up from her phone.

"Zero, you nerd. You're going over there to seduce a Prince, not compete in a math olympiad" 

"What am I supposed to do there in my free time? I mean, I'm going to be studying Cordonian politics and history in depth, of course. I should also probably check out their library for books on the culture. Oh, I should take my laptop along to take notes. Maybe my Mac..." 

Dani growled and put her phone down. She stood up and grabbed her sister by the arms. 

"Riles... this is exactly why the school suspended you" 

"Put me on sabbatical", Riley corrected her. 

"Whatever. You were on the verge of a burn-out. Stop thinking so much! I know you can't just turn it off but try? You keep looking at this wonderful, fairytale opportunity as a research assignment. You're already sucking half the fun out of it", Dani begged her, "For once in your life, listen to your heart, not your brain" 

"Bu..." 

"Ssh" 

Dani pointed to her sister's chest, raising her eyebrows. 

"Listen. Can you hear that?" 

"Dani..." 

"Ssh! It's saying...", she tapped her sister's chest, "Li-am. Li-am. Li-am" 

"Get off me", Riley laughed and shoved her a little. 

Dani grinned and got back to her phone. She nodded, 

"Okay. Maxwell checks out too. But his insta has a picture of him pointing a sword at a champagne bottle. Huh" 

"I'll be fine", Riley put in five of her favourite books while Dani wasn't looking, "If anything turns out to be sketchy, I will just... karate-chop my way out of there. I memorised the number of the American embassy in the Cordonian capital. I have mace, my tazer..." 

"Jesus Christ" 

"...and my Wonder Woman pendant", Riley stopped to ask, "Do you think I'm making a mistake?" 

Dani had to rip her attention away from Maxwell's skinny dipping pictures. Her sister stood before her with that guarded look she knew too well. 

"No, of course not", Dani assured her. 

"What if Liam doesn't even remember me? Or what if he does? And we fall in love and get married and I have to become a princess? And then Queen?" 

"Hey, hey", Dani said, "One step at a time. Don't do this to yourself. Leap, Riley. This is an opportunity. You owe it to yourself after 23 years of relentless hard work. There's a super loaded guy outside who is going to buy you fancy dresses and shoes, just so you can impress a bunch of Europeans. Remember - you're doing this for Liam as well as for yourself. You deserve this, okay?" 

It scared Dani to see her sister tear up. Riley had always been the strongest of the two.

"I am not used to this”, Riley bit her lip, “I can't socialise with strangers and woo a Prince. This is your kind of stuff" 

"Well, I'm not the one Liam kissed on our doorstep, you know?", Dani grinned, wanting a reaction from Riley, "But if you want me to, I could pretend to be you and marry him. I could wear a low-cut blouse for when I see him, flash him the girls a little and..." 

"Shut up" 

Giggling, Dani watched her sister grumble and lock her bag. Riley stood up straight and took a deep breath. 

"This is it", she mumbled, "No backing out now. I told Maxwell I would come. I'm a woman of my word. Yes, I am" 

She checked her wristwatch, 

"All right. It's time. Please take care of the bills. If someone from my school calls, tell them I've gone to India for a "spiritual break". Or make it Bali. And please don't let Mr. Burns bully... where is Mr. Burns?" 

The twins emerged out of their room with the luggage, looking around for a particular someone. 

"Mr. Burns?", Riley called, "Smithers?" 

A happy yelp was the answer to Riley's voice. Their dog came bounding into the drawing room at the sound of her voice. He jumped on her, drooling all over her waist. 

"Who's my sweet, sweet boy?", Riley cooed and got on her knees to hug him, "You're my sweet boy. My good little Smithers" 

Maxwell approached them, 

"Aw! He's so friendly" 

"That's Smithers for ya", Dani said. 

Their attention was then drawn to the sound of a weak meow, coming from a sluggish grandpa cat. He ambled into the drawing room and deposited himself at Riley's feet. 

"And this is?", Maxwell asked. 

"Mr. Burns", Riley let go off Smithers to cuddle her cat, "He and Smithers have a toxic relationship. But no matter what we do, Smithers won't stop licking and loving Mr. Burns. Don't be a jerk while I'm gone, okay Mr. Burns? Be nice to Dani and Smithers. I love you so much! Muah!" 

Smithers began licking Mr. Burns' head affectionately. The old cat endured it with a sour face. 

"Okay. I have to go now. Bye", Riley kissed her pets again. 

She stood up and hugged her sister. 

"Take care of yourself. If you need me for anything - anything at all - just give me a call. I'll be back on the first flight" 

Dani smiled and wiped a tear. She tightened the hug, 

"Same" 

They let go and smiled awkwardly at each other. Riley picked up her bag and marched towards the door. Smithers woof'd and followed her. He stood looking up at her, wagging his tail. Behind, Mr. Burns slowly began to make his way to them. 

"Oh no, boy. Sorry. I'm going alone. I'll be back before you know it", Riley's voice broke, "I promise" 

Smithers and Mr. Burns stood looking at her with hope. Maxwell sniffed. 

"Come on, boys", Dani heaved Mr. Burns in her arms, and tugged on Smithers' collar, "She is going to be fine" 

Riley sure hoped so. 

Liam held his head with both hands. He had smiled at and indulged them as best as he could. The opening of the social season was upon him and here he sat, thinking about Riley. 

Why? Why should he think of her and make himself miserable? 

He tried his best to fight it. There wasn't anything special about Riley, was there? A working class American, brave and opinionated. It was kind of silly how she had blushed when she told him she wanted to find love. And her constant asking him whether he was enjoying himself had bordered on nagging. And that... that stupid dimple in her cheek when she smiled. 

Trivial! Ordinary! Unwanted! 

Liam released a hopeless sigh. 

He was lying to himself. He admired Riley’s courage, shared her opinions. That blush on her face had made his breath hitch. Her concern for his happiness had made him want to throw himself into her arms. And her dimple was adorable! He should have kissed it over and over again while he had the chance. 

This wouldn't do. He had responsibilities. He needed to think beyond his own interests at every point. Cordonia deserved a prince who put them first. And his future wife deserved a clean slate from his end. It wasn't her fault that her husband-to-be was hung up on a girl who could never be his. 

But he could dream of her, couldn't he? That wouldn’t hurt anyone. Only himself. And he was fine with it. Yeah. They couldn't rob him of his dreams.

Could they? 

"Hey, Dan. It's me. You're probably asleep but I just wanted to let you know I got here safe and sound", Riley spoke into the phone, "Maxwell is sweet. Found the asshole of the group though. It's that Drake guy. Anyway, I'm getting ready for the Masquerade ball. I had to pay for the dress myself. But Maxwell will probably reimburse me for it. He's my sponsor after all. Hah. Sponsor" 

Taking a deep breath, she sat down on a boutique chair. 

"You would love the dress. It's red and a little sheer in places. I feel like a femme fatale, hehe... I wonder if Liam will realise it's me in this fancy dress and mask. Yes, I'm wearing a mask" 

Maxwell beckoned to her from the boutique's door. Riley held up a finger to him, smiling. 

"I gotta go. Don't go out without having breakfast. And don't spend all your money on pizza. Cook. Kiss Smithers and Mr. Burns for me. Gosh, this still feels like a dream, sis. I wasn't even this nervous for my first moot court. Anyway... take care. I lov..." 

The voicemail cut her off before she could finish. Riley slipped the phone into her handbag. She rose, straightened her mask, and walked to Maxwell. 

She smiled at him and whispered to herself, 

"Showtime" 

Royal Readers: @thatspicegirlssong  @bowful @zaffrenotes @pixieferry @femmeshep @hopefulmoonobject @indescribablechoices @angelicfangirl @cordonianredruby @brightpinkpeppercorn  @princesaakl @romanticatheart-posts @cordoniaqueensworld  @cordoniantrash @blznbaby @museofbooks @smalltalk88 @stopforamoment @jyreusser85 @cordonianredruby @custaroonie @mynameiskaylabella  @lizzybeth1986

[redstarbonky]

tfatws ep 2 not-really-live liveblog (SPOILERS AHEAD! SPOILERS HERE! HERE BE SPOILERS!)

and i must reiterate again THERE ARE SPOILERS AFOOT

i can’t believe it’s only been a week! the suez canal fat boat incident has really slowed down the previous few days 🥴 something else different is that this is the first ep i’ve stayed up late to watch! hype hype hype!

anyway AAAAAAAAAAAAA I HOPE THERE’S SOME ZEMO. give me the bruhl. we only have six episodes...

i just appreciate this recap because SAM is in it and BUCKY is in it and TORRES is in it and SARAH is in it and WINTER SOLDIER is in it and oh hello john walker again

zipper shot...zipper shot...zipper shot...

i am open to john walker not being awful, i promise

is this his sister? friend? girlfriend? ok probably girlfriend

“they're gonna love you” ma’am..............have you looked at the fandom lately.............

they're doing the chorus girl thing to this guy! steve hated it too, john...steve hated it too

every time i see steve in the marvel intro i feel a little bit stabbed in the neck 🙃

THE SONG IS EVEN THE SAME. did they get a real band and flag team and dance team to do the performance?

is he not enhanced then? no serum? i find that hard to believe. eh, maybe he's doping

please i’m begging you to stop mentioning tony stark

BUCKY’S FACE...nooooo...literally looks like he's about to cry 😭

sam and torres my beloveds

sam 😭 pls 😭 i’m 😭 so 😭 upset 😭 about 😭 this 😭😭😭 *eternally shrieking*

androids, aliens, and wizards. sam is completely correct, that’s who they fight. they’re not on any of that friendly neighborhood spider-man business

bucky you’re a nerd, aren’t you

man sam haven’t you heard of the thousand yard stare? one of the most obvious PTSD symptoms that exists, observed even before we had PTSD as a diagnosis?? 😭

“no you’re not coming with me” said sam as bucky came with him anyway sdkfjsdjhbg

does torres know...about the...never mind

bucky: “i am juiced on experimental fascist serum, i am 100% sure i can survive this plummet into a forest”

redwing my beloved...

ahaha that little attempted swat :]

yeeeeaaaa white wolf nickname came back. sam’s “bwuh?” response to that made me giggle

sam just being casually cool as usual

SHHH GUYS THEY’RE COMING

[skyrim guard voice] “must’ve been my imagination” they really failed that spot check lol

alright get em lads! obtain hostage! ... that other truck should really be noticing them shouldn’t it

i immediately do not trust this girl but bucky switching off Business Mode to be polite to her is very nice and good

ok are these people ALL juiced on fascist serum? that’s a lot of juice?? WHERE DID THEY GET THE JUICE?? 🧃🧃🧃

NO REDWING!!!! REDWINDFKHNFGJHNFGJSDF AAAAAAAAAAA

redwing better be ok in the next ep.

john’s goofy grin was ok. not as good as steve’s tho. gotta say john has the “i used to play football in high school” look completely down pat. well done

bucky: [cattily hands the shield back]

JEEZ these fellas are made of iron

GO SAM! once again being casually cool

i just heard the shippers scream in delight at their roll in the goldenrods ahaha. honestly? this was probably the first hug bucky has had since steve ditched him. i don’t blame him for lingering a bit

lol do they have to just...traipse back through rural germany...

oh good their uber is here!

stop making fun of his PTSD symptom c’mon

sam is having none of this, clearly...

love how the last straw for bucky was hearing that hoskins has a dorky nickname. you’re one to talk, bucky

so, uh, supersoldiers...how's it hangin.

hmrhmhm if it were me, i would accept the homemade food politely, because if someone troubles themselves to MAKE food for me, i feel it would be rude to refuse, even if it were something i didn’t eat? i could give it to a family member or something instead? idk just seems rude for a guy giving them hospitality. hospitality is a near-universal virtue for a reason!

i feel like this villain group is really vague? i’m also waiting for HYDRA to be behind them all along

how this exchange went in my head bucky: “let’s do a crime...” sam, swatting him with a rolled-up newspaper: “no.”

sam being on the run with steve for two years...what did they actually do? did they hang out a lot? do some painting? fanfiction writers probably filled in that time already but i really wanna know

who is bucky’s mysterious acquaintance?!

sam is good with kids as usual...also that seems like a funny/sad dig at a lot of black heroes in comics having ‘black’ in front of their names. i don’t read a lot of comics but i sincerely hope they’re not still doing that

is this another amending? another name on the list? oh no...

jeez a whole lot happened in that scene :[ and a lot was implied! like, if the government had access to the serum in the 1950s, that creates some terrifying possibilities, especially if they were able to produce a great quantity. i hope isaiah is returned to eventually because his situation looked rough. he seemed pretty afraid of bucky but he stood his ground and didn’t sound afraid at all. his kid/grandkid/great-grandkid (idk he seemed really young) was very protective of him. it’s clear isaiah never told him about his run-in with the winter soldier but...it seems like he wasn’t totally surprised by isaiah’s outburst or super strength...aaa i’m dying to know more. pls marvel, go back and see them sometime

anyway yeah i can totally sympathize with why isaiah doesn’t want at all to tangle with whatever bucky has going on.

GO AWAY, COPS GO AWAY, COPS GO AWAY, COPS GO AWAY, COPS GO AWAY, COPS

[to the tune of “gidget goes to hell”] ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh bucky goes to jail

john what are you doing?? “ya bucky is mine now” no????

we now know the therapist’s name! dr. raynor! finally!

lol this is actually couples’ therapy? the shippers just popped in a shower of confetti hehe (but tbh couples’ therapy techniques work for any pair of people who have to be in close contact a lot, not just romantic couples!)

the way sam grabbed bucky’s chair and bucky’s like “whoa ok~” the number of fanfics arising from that interaction alone will be enormous mother of mercy

i want to hide under my blanket ashfgdfhg my face is pulled back into some horrible rictus grin aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

oh no. OH NO

IM GONNA CRY

the feelings...jsndfkj.....kbnvnnm...

sammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

😭😭😭😭😭😭 *dissolves into sadness forever*

hopefully this’ll be that trope where the two bickering parties say they will finish their current task and then never talk to the other again, but after all they go through, they decide to stick together :V please. my happiness depends on this

GO AWAY COPS oh it’s just john

GO AWAY JOHN I’M NOT SURE HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU AND I’M VERY EMOTIONALLY WRECKED RIGHT NOW

i cannot help but like battlestar? idk?? he’s cool??? i feel like he and sam and bucky would get along like a house on fire?? if there weren’t all the *makes john walker-shaped gestures*???????? i can’t not think of battlestar galactica though

sam was way nicer about that mess than he needed to be! anyway they’re totally gonna fight aren’t they. maybe in episode 5 or 6. i think sam would win because he can fly. obviously that overrules everything else. like the fact that i still don’t know whether john is JUICED

so uhhh...HYDRA. are they gonna

THEY’RE GONNA GO SEE ZEMO. HE SAID IT. SAM SAID THE THING. SAM SAID THE THING. THIS IS NOT A DRILL

isn't this “lacrimosa”? that feels fitting

aaaaand there’s helmut!!!!! at last!!!!!!!!!! it’s been so long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and he’s stuck in what appears to be an ultra high security prison

i wonder what creepy/manipulative/douchebag stuff he’ll say! “ah, sam wilson. what is it they call you? the man-bird? and james barnes! what is it they call you? the war criminal?”

just realized i totally glazed over during the flag smasher escape scene i’m sorry guys you’re just really vague. got any pamphlets? literature? any theory i could read? i’m actually too stupid to read theory please don’t send me theory

and now to wait eternally for another week ugh. just drop an entire season so i can binge it!! netflix does this WHY CAN’T YOU

[crashpaddiaries]

Dear Crashpad Diary #25

Weeeeeeeeee =) how are yous beasts?? Sweeeet I know! =) 

The story continues and the good vibes have been increasing exponentially!! haha

Today the post has loads of elements that will sound like coming from a movie or book written by Douglas Adams but it´s all provided by the Thai and supported by the backpacking!! haha

It´ll embrace black eggs and sweet olives, fire, friends, monkeys and fishes... loads of them!! =) I finished the previous post when we were getting to Tonsai beach... what a spectacular place... nature is in its full exuberance and the simplicity of that village brings an experience that everyone should live, at least one in life! So... getting there and overwhelmed by the beauty I shot a video and uploaded via Instagram right away... few hours later I received a comment on it.. a good friend of mine let me know that a Brazillian friend was there too... what are the odds of meeting an old friend... in a place like that?? haha Ok.. we are both climbers and the place is well known also because of the climbing... but we met when I first started climbing... just before moving to Ireland. I got in touch with testa so we could meet and climb together... And it gets even better... the same day I received another msg from another friend that was also there... haha And few days later a third friend arrived with his wife and daughter... It seems impossible but we all headed to the same place, coming from different points in this earth... we all are good and old friends but no one chatted about it before the trip... by a simply casuality we were there... this world keeps surprising me every single day... bringing me awesome experiences and fantastic and unexpected people!! The following days were amazing... I got to climb my first route in maybe 5 years haha twas great and sketchy hehe During the time we were there a weekend party to clean the beach was held by the community. The ran some competitions and contests... juggling and fire, climbing, beach volleyball... all the restaurants had stands and there were some shows... was great... we were so fortunate being there... synchronicity ma bro!! hahaha The restos were down to the beach cuz in that particular beach there is no restaurants in front of the beach... its quite weird but there is a huge wall just by the beach... we were wondering why but we couldnt understand why all the restaurants were hiding behind that wall and going through the jungle valley inland instead of being facing the stunning bay... well... people are crazy so you never know... Some days later muy friend learnt that the restaurants and guesthouses use to by the se and all... but few years ago a big hotel chain came down and bought the whole area in front of the beach planning of built a resort... they took all of them out that´s why they are behind the wall... however... after some researchs they came to a decision that it would not be a good business... the sand is not too thin and there are too many rocks on the beach... it does not attract tourists... so they shut down the project and cotributed with the destruction of the beach beauty by putting up an wall.... Shame on you Sheraton (http://www.lifegate.com/people/news/tonsai-displaced-hotel-wall). Anyways... the wall´s story is sad but does not prevent the travelers and climbing of having a blast... we got loads of climbing.. deep water soloing, kayaking, beaching and monkey robbering!! hahaha The monkeys in Railay Beach are darn well organised... they come as a wave taking everything from everyone on the beach... food or wathever they think is eatable haha so... if you´re there... whatchout for your stuff!! And the best part is that they will rob you... climb up a tree or wall and eat the stuff lookingh at you.. hahahahaha jumpy bullies!! hahaha Another thing that dragged my attention is the amount of Chilean people in Tonsai... awesome to see my hermanitos there!! Love´em!! =) As our last days in that beach were approaching fast, we decided for visiting the other islands in the surroundings... it is unbelievable how astonishing the nature can be!! Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi, Bamboo Island... one prettier than the others... but we were all surprised by the beauty under waters... Myself and Luh had never done snorkelling or scuba diving and we are until these days overwhelmed by how the bottom of the ocean can be fantastic... Fair enough... the forecast for spectacular beaches and sweet islands is more than positive so... timeto invest some cash buying our own snorkelling gear!! hahaha The next stop in fact was Koh Tao... world wide known as one of the best places for scuba diving =) what a fantastic life! hehe We got our tickets there when were still in Tonsai... we would take a boat to go to Ao Nang... from there a van to cross from west to east... get to Surat Thani and take the night boat... as you should know... I´m constantly hungry... so we grabbed some "snacks" on the way... 7-elevens (convenience stores) are everywhere here and they sell many many many different stuff.. also... "ready to eat" food... so we went for some food while waiting for the van in Ao Nang... rookie call!! haha I got a black egg that was already boiled and some olives... no way to go wrong with eggs and olives right??? Well... its true that the egg was black... man... It was black... it said sth related to oriental seasoning but hell nooooooo hahahah Twas sweet, weird and disgusting!! eeeeeew!! hahahah Well... At least I had the olives.... hahahahhaha poor thing... they were also sweet! hahaha man.... why??? We took the safe call and got a smoothie before heading the pier!! haha Hope you had fun reading it!! if not.... Grab your backpack and head Thailand... you´ll defo have fun!! haha

Cheers beasts... it´s been a pleasure sharing the stories and experiences with yas!!

All the best vibes, my smiles and kmooooon!! =)

Evan