#ardening services

[vfms]

An aesthetically designed garden or courtyard greatly augments the appearance of the property, which would help create a good impression for the clients and visitors. Think of a beautiful lawn filled with gorgeous flowers that are not only pleasing to the eye but also provide your workspace with a rejuvenating environment. We offer professional landscaping services to design and maintain such a space, enhancing its beauty and functionality.

[daniellandscaperssydney]

What type of landscaping or gardening service are you looking for?Gardening & Maintenance Service in Sydney

[neathbound-fiends]

Seeing someone else's OC with my name is so funny

[jonismitchell]

elena's reflection on how nino sarratore isn't as evolved as he pretends to be he just likes to prop women above men to get what he wants without sacrificing any of his own privileges for their freedom applies to 99% of "leftist" men today

[business4u]

Long-distance Moving Service in Fletcher

For reliable Long-distance Moving Service in Fletcher NC, we offer a complete package including packing, transportation, and delivery. Whether you're relocating to a nearby state or across the country, our experienced team ensures your belongings arrive safely. We take the stress out of long-distance moves with timely and professional service.

[eleganceeventsdesigns]

Unleashing Excellence: Choosing the Best Event Management Service in Anoka

Planning and executing a successful event requires meticulous organization, creative vision, and impeccable execution. From corporate conferences and trade shows to weddings and social gatherings, the process can be overwhelming without the right expertise. That's where professional event management services come into play. This blog will explore the significance of hiring the best event management service in Anoka and how they can elevate your events to new heights.

Expertise and Experience

Professional event management services bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. They have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in planning and executing various types of events. Their seasoned professionals are well-versed in designing event concepts, managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and ensuring a smooth flow of operations from start to finish.

These experts have honed their skills through years of experience in the industry, acquiring valuable knowledge and best practices along the way. They keep themselves updated with the latest trends, technologies, and event management techniques, ensuring that your event is at the forefront of innovation and creativity.

End-to-End Event Planning

One of the key advantages of professional event management services is their ability to handle every aspect of event planning, from conceptualization to post-event analysis. They work closely with you to understand your objectives, target audience, and desired outcomes. Based on this information, they craft a comprehensive event plan that encompasses all the necessary elements, including venue selection, theme development, catering, audio-visual setup, entertainment, and marketing strategies.

The event management team takes care of all the logistical details, ensuring that every aspect is executed flawlessly. They coordinate with vendors, manage timelines, and oversee the setup and breakdown of the event. With their attention to detail, they ensure that all elements are harmoniously synchronized, leaving you free to focus on networking, engaging with attendees, or simply enjoying the event.

Cost-Effectiveness and Vendor Management Contrary to popular belief, hiring a professional event management service can be cost-effective in the long run. Experts of best event management Company in Arden Hills have established relationships with vendors, suppliers, and industry professionals, allowing them to negotiate competitive prices and secure discounts on your behalf. They are well-versed in budget management, strategically allocating funds to maximize your investment return.

[skyfullofpods]

Random Podcast Recommendations Mega-List Part 1!

Updated: 07/12/23

Collected here in part 1 because tumblr has a limit of 100 links per post of my alphabetical list are the fiction podcasts from A-M I've recommended so far for my random podcast recommendations! Part 2 is here

A A Ninth World Journal Afflicted Aishi Online Alba Salix Among the Stars and Bones Apollyon Arden ars PARADOXICA

B Back Again, Back Again The Ballad of Anne & Mary The Beacon Believer Black Friday Breaker Whiskey The Bright Sessions

C CARAVAN Chaika Chain of Being Civilized Coexistence Come On In, The Water's Fine Copperheart Counterbalance

D Death by Dying Desert Skies Desperado Diary of a Space Archivist Dining in the Void Directive Do You Copy Dos: After You Down

E The Earth Collective Elaine’s Cooking for the Soul Electromancy The End of Time and Other Bothers Ethics Town Exoplanetary Everything is Alive

F Falling Forward Fan Wars: The Empire Claps Back The Far Meridian Fireside Folktales Folxlore Forgive Me!

G Gay Future Georgie Romero Is Done For Girl in Space The Goblet Wire Gone Great & Terrible Greater Boston Greenhouse

H Hallway to Nowhere Hand in Glove Harlem Queen Hauntingly Humdrum Hello From the Hallowoods Hi Nay Hit the Bricks Human Error

I Immunities InCo Inhale Inn Between In Transit

J Janus Descending Jar of Rebuke Joy to the World Jupiter Saloon

K Kalila Stormfire's Economical Magick Services Kane and Feels Keep It Steady The Kingmaker Histories

L The Last Echoes Less is Morgue Liars & Leeches Life On Pause Light Hearts LIMBO Lost Terminal Love and Luck

M Margaret's Garden Margaritas & Donuts The McIlwraith Statements Me and AU Mercury: A Broadcast of Hope Meteor City Middle:Below Moonbase Theta, Out

[samanthahirr]

007 Fest 2024 Intro Post

Well, I got here at a quarter to 9 for my meeting with Bill Tanner—the chief of staff's my main point of contact. And quite a good friend, really, since I've been servicing EPS's contract for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office here for the last three years, and…oh, sorry, I'm Bethany Arden, the EPS facilities manager for MI6's Vauxhall headquarters. You could say I know every inch of this building—because I do! From the physical-security perimeter barriers outside to every air vent and water pipe, there's no structural detail too small for my blueprints.

And today, I came bearing great news! The FCDO finally approved a budget for a much-needed refresh of the furnishings. Listen, can I be honest for a moment? I love this building to bits, but it's one of the ugliest in my portfolio by far, strictly on an interior design basis. You have to agree, this place's design aesthetic should have been buried along with Margaret Thatcher—all that walnut wainscoting and brown leather upholstery, ugh. Hardly the modern, agile look and feel you want to project to important visitors, is it?

Speaking of agile, you should see the new ergonomic chair designs in my supplier's 2024 catalogue. They've also got some surprisingly affordable standing desks that raise and lower with the press of a button—who says you can't be Equality Act-compliant and still be stylish, eh?

So, as I was saying, I arrived early, lugging this far-too-heavy-for-me tote bag of fabric and paint swatches…oh, could you? That's so kind, thank you. And I confess my nose was buried in another catalogue, bookmarking new seating units that might replace those dreadfully uncomfortable plaid numbers in the lobby, so I didn't even notice Doris at the front desk was asleep at her post for a whole five minutes. I mean, I did think it odd that Bill didn't answer my text right away; he's always appreciative of punctuality. But then someone started screaming down the hall, and when I finally looked around I spotted Doris, and those two guards passed out in the corner, and—

Well. Looks like I'll be rescheduling my meeting. Once all of this is…sorted. But don't you think we ought to call emergency services? Surely some outside help will straighten this out. No? Oh. Oh, I suppose you're right. Well, all hands on deck, as they say. I'm happy to help however I can.

Just, um, one more thing. Has anyone seen Bill?

~

Hi all, I'm samanthahirr aka Sam, and I'm so looking forward to my third 007 Fest for the @mi6-cafe! I'm on Station Atlantic, and I bring fic-writing, moodboard-dabbling, and enthusiastic-commenting skills to the team!

[azzyangelfish]

Eyes Like An Angel

By: azzyangelfish

Read it, or don’t…idk I hope you like it :3

Eyes are the windows to the soul. At least that’s how Christian remembered the saying. It didn’t make much sense to him when he had first read it, how could someone’s irises and pupils show a clear picture of who they were? That didn’t make any sense. Until he met him.

The wedding reception was simple but elegant, with a buffet-style food service, plenty of seating, the cake in the center of the dining room, and a large dance floor complete with a DJ setup.

Christian hadn’t had the time to say hello to anyone besides the pack before the ceremony, as he had been helping the mates get ready. However, now that the reception was underway he had started to mingle with the other guests. The first person he met was a girl who looked to be in her early twenties. Her jet-black hair was braided into a neat bun with gold jewelry that complimented her navy blue dress. What took Christian back was her eyes. Behind the golden frames of her glasses were her dark brown, nearly black, eyes. Despite their dark colour, Christian couldn’t help but feel as though he was being pierced by her gaze.

“Hello! You must be a member of the Shaw Pack?” Her voice was soft but sweet, holding her hand out for Christian to shake.”Oh, hi, yes I am. My name is Christian. And you are?” He took her hand and shook it, noticing how easygoing she was. “Nice to meet you, I’m Griffin, that’s my older sibling.” Griffin gestures to Angel who is currently talking to Arden. Christian was taken aback for only a moment before really taking a closer look. He realizes that, while they may not look identical, one thing remains the same between the two siblings. Their eyes.

Angel’s eyes weren’t quite the same colour as Griffin's, but the sharpness of their gazes remained the same. Christian knew that Angel was a middle child but he had never actually met either of their siblings. “Nice to meet you. I wasn’t aware that any of their family members were informed.” Christian mentioned casually, generally curious but not wanting to sound nosey. Griffin giggled softly and leaned against the table behind her, “Yeah, actually both myself and my brother are informed. I’m informed because of an incident that happened when I was younger. The Department couldn’t safely wipe my memories so I was just given informed status. I’m a paramedic back home. It's a cornerstone city like Dahlia so I deal with both empowered and unempowered people.” She says while taking a sip of her drink. Christian nodded softly, and, despite being his nosey self, decided to refrain from asking questions about whatever incident had led to her being given informed status.

Just as Christian was about to ask something, Arden came by. “I see you met Chrissy.” She teased and Christian rolled his eyes. Griffin smiled and a little bit of blush dusted her cheekbones. “Guess so, and you are?” The unempowered girl had shifted her gaze to Arden and it seemed as though Arden had no issues with that. Deciding to leave the two, very clearly flirty, pair alone, Christian made his way to the bar.

It was an open bar, and it wasn’t super busy at the moment. While waiting for his drink, Christian glanced around the room. Asher and his mate were sitting with Tank and Sam, seemingly chatting. Milo and Stealth were engaged in an expressive conversation with a few of the Keyton Pack members. Gregory Keyton was talking to Angel, who was laughing while David appeared to be blushing beside them. It was nice to see the pack not only together, but also to see them celebrating such a momentous occasion for the pack.

“Is this seat taken?” A low, smooth voice asked which startled Christian out of his thoughts. ‘Oh uh no.” The shifter turned around to see who he was talking to and locked eyes with a man who just so happened to have the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. The man smiled, his eyes crinkling in the corners as he did. He had on a navy blue suit with a navy blue tie to match. “Do you mind if I sit here?” He asked, his voice was deep but not at all gravely. Christian just shook his head and shuffled over. The man smiled again and sat down. He looked about Christian’s age, maybe a year or two older, with dark brown hair slightly bleached in some places, and hazel eyes that Christian swore looked bronze.

“Wonderful, thank you. My name’s Declan by the way. You are?” Christian felt the tips of his ears turn red. Why is this guy flustering him so much? “I’m Christain, uh, I’m a member of the Shaw Pack.” He said and looked back to Declan who nodded. “Ah, my younger sibling is your alpha’s mate.” The dots suddenly clicked for Christian. That entire family must all have that same piercing gaze, but Declan’s was weirdly comforting. To Christian, it felt like Declan was giving him a warm hug with just one look. “Oh, you’re their older brother? Also informed from what Griffin said?” Christian asked, to which Declan nodded and smiled once again. “Yep that’s me, and yes, also informed. I’m a SAR technician, I work with a few wolf shifters.” Christian nodded again, he wanted to keep talking to Declan. Christian felt his core thrum with energy every time that Declan talked and he felt happier than he had in a while.

“Are you here with anyone?” Declan asked before Christian could. The shifter shook his head and took a sip of his drink. “No, I’m by myself. Are you?” Christian asked and looked at the other man. He hoped that the answer was no. Declan shook his head. “Nah, I’m on my own too. Although everyone has been very welcoming.” He added and looked back at Christian, “Sorry if this is too forward, but can I just say that you have a beautiful smile?” Christian felt a blush spreading across his cheeks and he smiled bashfully. “No, it’s not too forward at all! Um, you have pretty eyes…they’re kind of like an angel.” It was Declan’s turn to blush but he moved a bit closer to Christian and leaned down a bit so that they were at eye-level. “Well, aren’t you sweet? Would you like to dance with me?” He asked while looking up to see that people had started heading to the dance floor. Christian blushed but nodded a bit more vigorously than he meant to. “Yes please, I would love to.” Declan smiled and took his hand, pulling Christian to his feet and leading him over to the dance floor.

The songs were a mix of slow dances and more upbeat dance music. Declan stood at just about half a foot taller than Christian, and he gently guided the pair through the first few dances. For the remainder of the reception, Christian was either dancing with Declan or talking to other guests with Declan at his side. By the end of the night, he had his number and a promise of a date later that week.

“So I’ll see you on Thursday then?” Declan asked while handing Christian his phone back after typing in his number. Christian nodded and blushed as Declan’s hand brushed against his. “Yeah, Thursday at Max’s” Christian confirmed and slipped his phone back in his pocket. Declan smiled and held Christain’s hand in his own, squeezing it gently. “See you then, love.” He said before giving his hand one last squeeze and heading out the door.

Christian stood there with a stupid grin on his face until Asher found him. “Oh, there you are Chris-whoa!” The beta looked quizzically at Christian. “Dude, are you ok? Why are you smiling so hard? Also who were you with all night?” Christian rolled his eyes but couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. “I got a date with Declan.” Asher’s jaw dropped. “You got a date with our alpha-mate’s older brother!?!?” Angel, who heard this, peaked around the corner and grinned. “Arden got a date with my sister!”

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in February 2024

🌈 Good afternoon, my bookish bats! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

❤️ We Ate the Dark by Mallory Pearson 🧡 The Paper Boys by D.P. Clarence 💛 Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada 💚 Your Shadow Half Remains by Sunny Moraine 💙 A Vicious Game by Melissa Blair 💜 Clarion Call by Cayla Fay ❤️ Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories edited by Sandra Proudman 🧡 The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton 💛 Truthfully, Yours by Caden Armstrong 💙 Outsider by Jade du Preez 💜 Cross My Candy Heart by A.C. Thomas 🌈 The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

❤️ An Education in Malice by S. T. Gibson 🧡 The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles by Malka Ann Older 💛 Never a Bridesmaid by Spencer Greene 💚 The Rewind by Nicole Stiling 💙 Good Christian Girls by Elizabeth Bradshaw 💜 The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha ❤️ The Terrible by Tessa Crowley 🧡 Blood Rage by Ileandra Young 💛 Call of the Sea by Emily B. Rose 💙 Sign Me Up by C.H. Williams 💜 Ways and Means by Daniel Lefferts 🌈 Peaceful in the Dark by A.A. Fairview

❤️ We Are Only Ghosts by Jeffrey L. Richards 🧡 Dead Ringer by Robyn Nyx 💛 Somacultural Liberation by Dr. Roger Kuhn 💚 Stormbringer by Erinn Harper 💙 A Saga of Shields & Shadows by A.J. Shirley 💜 Ghost Town by R.E. Ward ❤️ I Heard Her Call My Name by Lucy Sante 🧡 The Night Alphabet by Joelle Taylor 💛 Remedial Magic by Melissa Marr 💙 Bloom by N.R. Walker 💜 Entwined by Alex Alberto 🌈 Queer Newark edited by Whitney Strub

❤️ Tristan by Jesse Roman 🧡 How to Live Free in a Dangerous World by Shayla Lawson 💛 Daniel, Deconstructed by James Ramos 💚 Of Socialites & Prizefights by Arden Powell 💙 Lost Harbor by Kimberly Cooper Griffin 💜 Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee ❤️ Bunt! Striking Out on Financial Aid by Ngozi Ukazu & Mad Rupert 🧡 How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly 💛 Blackmailer’s Delight by David Lawrence 💙 Tile M for Murder by Felicia Carparelli 💜 Impulse Buy by Jae 🌈 Live for You, Die With You by Kalob Dàniel

❤️ Fairest of All by A.D. Ellis 🧡 Goddess of the Sea by Britney Jackson 💛 A Taste of Earth by Nico Silver 💚 The Moorings of Mackerel Sky by M.Z. Emily Zack 💙 How the Boogeyman Became a Poet by Tony Keith 💜 V is for Valentine by Thomas Grant Bruso ❤️ Crushed Ice by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James 🧡 When Tomorrow Comes by D. Jackson Leigh 💛 Bugsy & Other Stories by Rafael Frumkin 💙 The White and Blue Between Us by Kiyuhiko 💜 Guide Us Home by CF Frizzell & Jesse J. Thoma 🌈 The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett

❤️ Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender 🧡 Heart2Heart edited by Annabeth Albert 💛 No Time Like Now by Naz Kutub 💚 Bless the Blood by Walela Nehanda 💙 Vengeance Planning for Amateurs by Lee Winter 💜 Who We Are in Real Life by Victoria Koops ❤️ Prove It by Stephanie Hoyt 🧡 Mewing by Chloe Spencer 💛 Awakenings by Claudie Arseneault 💙 Born of Scourge by S. Jean 💜 Disciples of Chaos by M.K. Lobb 🌈 To Cage a God by Elizabeth May

❤️ Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly 🧡 What Feasts At Night by T. Kingfisher 💛 You Had Me at Merlot by Melissa Brayden 💚 Turning Point by Cathy Dunnell 💙 For the Stolen Fates by Gwendolyn Clare 💜 Season of Eclipse by Terry Wolverton ❤️ These Haunted Hills by Jana Denardo 🧡 Samson & Domingo by Gume Laurel III 💛 Lies that Bind by Rae Knowles & April Yates 💙 We Got the Beat by Jenna Miller 💜 The Diablo's Curse by Gabe Cole Novoa 🌈 Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh

❤️ Out There by Iris Eliot 🧡 At Her Service by Amy Spalding 💛 Green Dot by Madeleine Gray

[inkedreverie]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: modern! curtis everett x female reader

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: friends to lovers, age gap ( curtis is in his early 30's/ reader is in her mid 20's), idiots in love (mostly the reader), angst, angst angst, angst with a happy ending, swearing, jealousy, my attempt at adding humor

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Y/N has harbored feelings for her childhood best friend, Curtis Everett, for years. But as he gets busier with his new girlfriend, Y/N knows it's time for her to distance herself to avoid any more heartbreak. That is, until one fateful night, when everything finally changes.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 6.3k+

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫❜𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: Here it is! This originally was very self-indulgent since I grabbed inspo from a dream of mine and it kind of took on a mind of its own. As always, this is my first time writing for a new character, so please be kind if you comment!

𝐈𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐱 | 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐎𝟑

She knows that this is stupid. If she could program her brain to stop loving him, she would. Y/N scrubs down one of the tables at the diner, managing to catch a few glimpses of Curtis, her best friend across the room in one of the booths. His arm is wrapped around the shoulder of his newest girlfriend, Chelsea.

His lips were a few inches away from her ear as Y/N watched from afar. She feels another pang of jealousy shoot through her veins. Her mind filled with scenarios about what it would feel like if Curtis had his arms draped around her, whispering sweet nothings in her ear or inside jokes.

She notices his gaze move toward her and her attention quickly shifts back to the dirty table, pretending to not feel his gaze on her or the goosebumps that always prickle her skin when he looks at her. A part of her knew he wasn’t doing this on purpose. She knew that he had no idea the feelings she felt for him. And Y/N was sure it would stay that way, no matter how much it made her heart wrench in her chest.

A voice calls out to her, pulling her away from her thoughts. “Y/N, can you please take over table #6 for me?” Arden, her friend and co-worker asks with pleading eyes. Her heart speeds up. She doesn’t have to look to know which table her friend is referring to. It’s the one with Curtis and his girlfriend. Arden mouths her a thank you before she slips out of the back door to the diner. Y/N lets out a sigh, grabbing the menu and notepad from her pocket.

She makes her way to their table, plastering her best customer service smile onto her face. But the second she looks at them, she realizes that they aren't even looking at her. Her eyes dart between the two of them, her heart feeling like it's going to disintegrate into a million pieces right in front of them.

After a few seconds, she finds the courage to clear her throat. "Hey guys, what can I get for you two today?" she greets, trying not to let her voice crack or let Curtis hear the pain evident in her voice.

Curtis turns to look at her and he smiles, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Her heart breaks further when he pulls away from Chelsea, looking down at the menu in front of him. "Yeah, um, we'll both have the burger special."

"Great," she mumbles, forcing a smile on her face as she takes their menus. She turns to walk away when a thought enters her head. Maybe you shouldn’t give up hope yet. She turns around, not expecting the two of them to be lip locked. The sight almost makes her cry right then and there. "Do you two want your burgers medium well or medium rare?"

Y/N can feel tears form in her eyes, and her throat tightens, making it difficult for her to even move her jaw. She wishes she could just crawl under the table right now. Or just go anywhere but right here, in this moment. She clears her throat again, looking down at her notepad this time when she hears them pull away from their embrace.

"Oh, medium well, thanks," Chelsea says. Her smile is too big, too bright, and her voice is too chipper. It makes Y/N want to vomit. The urge to just run away comes back, but she doesn’t. Instead, she writes their orders down before she walks away, wiping away the few tears that managed to fall.

Y/N lets out a shaky breath as she makes her way behind the counter. She quickly punches in the order before she makes her way back to the tables she needs to clean. She busied herself with other duties as she waited for their order to be cooked. For the most part, she tried to ignore them but every so often, Curtis would whisper something in Chelsea's ear, causing her to laugh obnoxiously. How could he honestly be with someone like her? she thought, wishing it was her on a date with him instead of that red-headed idiot.

A bell goes off a few minutes later, alerting her that their food was ready. She grabs the plate and heads back toward their table. "Here you are," she says, placing their food in front of them. "Can I get you guys anything else?"

"No, I think we're okay," Curtis answers, smiling at her. That damn smile.

"All right, just wave if you need me."

By the time the end of her shift had run its course, she was more than relieved. When Curtis and Chelsea left, she made no attempt to wave goodbye. She was too hurt, too heartbroken. As she began to grab her purse and her jacket, a soft voice could be heard from behind, followed by the feeling of Arden's hand on her shoulder. "Hey, thanks for covering for me today. How are you holding up, sweetie?" she asked softly, leaning against the counter.

She turns around, the soft material of her friend's dress gently tickling the inside of her wrist. Y/N offers her a small smile, shaking her head. "I'm not gonna lie and say that I'm doing okay. We've been here together since this diner opened. It hurts, I'm not gonna say otherwise."

Arden nods, her smile showing just how sorry she was. "But Curtis is just a guy and if you could learn to love yourself then other men could learn to as well." Another sigh escaped her lips as she sat down at one of the empty stools, the sound of clanging dishes filled the room. "Arden, I do love myself. And I don't want anyone else...I want...Curtis." She whispered the last part. It felt painful just to even say his name and she wished she could go back to a time when she was ignorant of how she truly felt about him.

But that's a part of life, right? Falling for friends that wouldn't care to love you back? Heartache, and heartbreak. Tears threaten to slip from her eyes as she runs a hand through her messy hair. Arden lets out a sigh before moving from beside her, retreating further into the restaurant.

Heading home, Curtis leaned back in his chair, resting his feet on the top of the wooden desk in front of him. His mind was swirling with conflicting feelings. Chelsea was a nice girl. He had dated lots of women in the past but, none of them would even come close to the way he felt when he was with Y/N.

She was always making him laugh, or cheering him up when he was sad. She would go to the ends of the earth to make him happy but he couldn't get over this feeling, this desire to be something more. He had tried his best to make her jealous today but all it did was seem to put a damper on his friendship with her.

Would it really be that bad if something were to happen between Y/N and him? he thought. God, he wanted it to, but Curtis was sure that she had a line that if he ever stepped foot over it he would lose her completely. He was hesitant at first, but lifting his feet off of his desk, he pulled out his phone and quickly typed out a message to his best friend.

Curtis: Hey, it was nice seeing you at the diner today. How are you? His thumb hovered over the send button before he pressed it, his heart beating rapidly as he waited for her response.

It only took a few minutes for his phone to alert him of her reply. That was fast, he noted before opening up her message. The anxiety building inside of him disappeared with what he read next.

Y/N: I'm actually really good right now. :)

A breath escaped his lips as he ran a hand through his shaggy dark brown hair, suddenly feeling tired. Thank god.

Curtis: Why, are you okay? You seemed a little bit off today. Are we...good? He hit send, hoping that he wasn't making a mistake.

Y/N: Yup, I was just a little flustered. Don't you dare worry your pretty head about me. Everything is completely cool!

Another wave of relief washed over him. Not being able to resist the smile forming on his lips, he typed out his reply before saving the thread and turning his phone off, running a tired hand over his face.

Curtis: Perfect, meet you at the diner in the morning?? I could certainly use a chocolate chip muffin and my very own private barista.

What Curtis didn't know is that Y/N was secretly hurting inside. The image of him with Chelsea torturing her mind over and over. A few tears trailed down her cheeks but she quickly wiped them away.

Y/N: Sorry. Can't. I'm off tomorrow. We'll have to get together later.

Lies. The real reason is that she can't stand to be near him. Every time she sees him, her heart aches even worse.

Her chest was beginning to feel a little numb as she thinks about how different her life was only just a week ago. As she lay down, her sobs continued, covering her mouth to muffle the sounds so her parents wouldn't hear. When she finally fell asleep, she dreamt about a simpler time. Before feelings or the pain of unrequited love ever got in the way of their friendship.

—A few years ago.

The two of them were laying down on her balcony, laying on a blanket as they watched the stars. Her heart thumped at the close proximity but she pushed it to the depths of her mind. Curtis was her friend. She felt totally normal about how close they were, their hands only an inch away. Cutting through the silence, Curtis nudged her arm. "Hey, look, you see that? That's Cassipoea." he pointed up at the starry night sky before she felt his gaze land on her. He nudges her again. "Are you even paying attention to me, nerd?" he laughed.

"I don't remember asking you for a boring astrology lesson, dumbass." she snarked, the tone of her voice laced with sarcasm. When her lips lifted into a smile as she stared back at the sky, his blue eyes still fixed on her. He pressed a hand to his chest, pretending to be offended by her retort. "Excuse me for trying to cheer my best friend up."

Y/N glances over at him and feels an odd twinge in her heart, as though someone has stuck her with a needle. Her breathing halts for just a second and she had to shake her head. God, she must be really tired. Ignoring this sensation, she rested her head on Curtis' strong, muscular arm. "For your information," she started "I really appreciate it, okay?" She bumped his side, letting out a tiny sigh as she watched the starry night. Curtis grinned, wrapping an arm around her. "You better. I don't stay out late for anyone, you know?"

Unconsciously, his fingers caressed her shoulder blades, trailing in soft, rhythmic strokes from the inside of her shirt toward the end of her collar, until her upper chest was covered with goosebumps. There was another silence that filled the air before her eyes flickered up to the sky once more. "Curtis, promise me something. Promise we won't let anything stand in between us, okay?"

"Yeah," he replies in an almost solemn manner. There was a short break between them, with Curtis fidgeting on the blanket. He lay there, feeling confused. No girl had ever made him feel this way before, nor had his chest constricted so much that it hurt when the soft curves of Y/Ns shoulder rubbed against his own skin as they stared up at the stars together.

And it wasn't long before Y/N realized just how badly her heart was racing, just from a slight touch of his fingers. Maybe the movie night where they were closer than two best friends should have been had set off some type of reaction with the pheromones or something...

Y/N ignored it for weeks, pushing it off as the product of late-night delirium until it happens a second time—after a long party where she was acting completely sober, despite the fact that she was plastered. She watches as Curtis wraps his arm around a girl, feeling a slight pang in her chest again. As he rubs a thumb in his usual comforting motion, whispering something in the mystery girls ears. This time, she couldn't just let it go. Something felt different. Unusual.

"Oh god," her face filled with embarrassment and her cheeks felt hot when the realization hit her. She just looked up at him with large Y/E/C eyes. Why was she just having this sudden awareness? The very concept felt so simple, and yet was so convoluted at the same time. No, no. You're just confused. It's alcohol. Curtis is your friend, not someone you have a crush on. You're not that kind of best friend, that one that falls for him.

Finally, she understood what's been going on. But the thought was somehow satisfying and simultaneously terrifying—to realize how much you cherished someone else, while realizing that they would never want you in return. Y/N ran her hand through her curls before she got up and sat on the curb. She quickly texted her friend Arden, hoping she could come pick her and get her away from these conflicting emotions. A part of her knew this night was going to bring nothing but regret if she and Curtis continued their time together.

Her eyes flicker over towards him when the door opens, his dark brown hair looked greasy and matted to his forehead and his arms were bare; Curtis was wearing a band shirt and ripped skinny jeans that hugged his legs tightly. As the people slowly trickled outside, she pulled out her phone trying to busy herself. She needs a distraction, anything.

When Curtis found her, his entire face contorted in annoyance. "God, Y/N, we've been looking for you. Everyone already left. Where the hell were you?!" He asks in the most frustrated tone she had heard from him in years. She lets out a sigh, closing her eyes before they land back on his own.

She scrunched her face up at his tone, rolling her eyes. "What's gotten into you, party boy? Go back to what's-her-face. I'm fine." Her speech was slurred, part from tiredness and the other part from the alcohol still running through her veins. But he didn't listen and with one swift motion, Curtis yanks Y/N off the street and practically throws her over his shoulder. "Curtis! Seriously?!" She yelled, wiggling in his strong grasp to attempt to pull free. "Put me down! I already have someone—Curtis!" He interrupts her, ignoring her shouts and putting his hand over her lips. It doesn't take too long before she realizes that they're halfway down the street to their homes.

As he was almost back to his neighborhood, Curtis places her back onto her feet before bending over and pressing his hands to his thighs, panting hard. Y/N scowls, unable to hold back her embarrassment. "Really? Was it that necessary?" When she looks to the side she notices him leaning against a lamppost for support. The annoyance on her face dissipates and her brows knit into concern. "Curtis? What's wrong? Are you—you okay?" she asks, taking a step closer. The frown on his features pulls into an irritated stare.

"Am I okay? Oh yeah, totally, besides the fact that I just dragged your drunk ass for, like, two miles just to make sure you were going home safe."

Her eyes widen, her annoyance filtering back into her features. "Well, I didn't ask you to carry me, you know?" She groans, rolling her eyes as she starts to walk to her front door. She needed to lay down before she said something she'd regret. Heartache and alcohol never mixed well. Her thoughts lingered on her earlier revelation, that she had the biggest crush on this dimpled Adonis that wouldn't stop acting so difficult.

"So that's it? You just run the fuck away from your best friend just because you don't want to have an honest conversation like grown-ass adults? What kind of fucking nonsense—" When she stops, and whirls around to face him, Curtis nearly loses his balance, having expected a light tap on his shoulder. What he got instead is her fist smacking his right pectoral with such force that his first reaction is to reel back in shock and a little pain. God damn that's gonna hurt in the morning.

She shakes her head, turns back around, and opens her front door, careful not to wake her parents. "Goodnight, Curtis," she whispers angrily before walking in and shutting the door.

The sudden ringing of the alarm on her phone startles her, making her jerk up in bed. Y/N groaned, leaning over to silence it as she sunk back into the covers. She had fallen asleep, reminiscing about the happy moments of her friendship, all for her to wake from the memory of when she almost confessed her feelings to Curtis. God, why was her brain torturing her in the most imaginative ways possible?

All the coffee, pastries, and burnt croissants in the world could never fix this sadness. The first tear comes only seconds after her heart decides that yes, it was truly possible to feel this much emotional agony and break all the way through.

She swallows back a dry sob that threatens to leave her throat and instead forces her lungs to inhale. Shaking her head, she pulls herself back against the headrest and wraps the white pillow beside her between her arms, burrowing her wet cheeks within it and softly whispering under her breath. "This...is exactly what happens when someone falls in love with her best friend."

Nothing goes like it did in the movies. There is no passionate declaration of love in front of everyone she knows. She wishes she was in a John Hughes movie or better yet, one of her favorite rom-coms. Her thoughts linger back to what her friend had said. Maybe she just needed to move on from Curtis.

The rest of the following weeks she avoids Curtis at all costs. She ignored his texts, and his phone calls. Even avoided him at the diner, busying herself with other customers when she saw him with Chelsea. It was the only way she knew to protect her heart or so she thought. One night, after a late shift at the diner, she sighs, taking off her jacket and kicking off her shoes. Her body tenses when she hears the window start to slide open.

Turning around, she spots a hooded figure outside her bedroom balcony and she quickly grabs her wooden bat that she keeps just in case of an intruder. Pressing her back against the wall, she waits with bated breath as the figure crawls through her window and rises to his full height. She's just about to swing when he pushes off his hood, revealing that it's none other than Curtis. The man she had been avoiding for several weeks. She lets out a sigh of relief. "Curtis, what the fuck!?" she whispers angrily. "You scared the shit out of me!"

With the same grumpy and sleepy expression she always loved, Curtis gives an eye roll. "Calm the fuck down, Princess," he yawned, dusting off his shoulders as he leaned against her bedpost, completely unaware of the pain she's been in since that horrible party. His gaze flicked over to Y/N, and his lips dipped into a tiny frown, which only makes him more beautiful, because now his slightly slanted eyebrows give a very man-yet-boyish look to his perfectly chiseled features.

She crosses her arms against her chest, still miffed that he chose to enter her house without her permission. "Curtis, what are you doing here?"

In response to her inquiry, his eyes find themselves stuck upon Y/N in that very moment; his breath caught in his throat. Fuck he had missed her this week. But her cold demeanor showed no affection for him, other than her slight smile from when she first noticed him crawling inside. It made him wonder. Did she not care, or did she just want him gone? Suddenly her bedroom grew warm and it felt hot and humid, like a fucking steam bath.

And it was only the beginning of summer. Curtis stepped over her rug and started pacing from her bookshelf to her desk chair and her guitar. All in a clear, one way path that kept him exactly five feet away from her the whole time, not letting him feel the magnetic draw towards her that seemed so unnatural.

And yet... so completely natural. It was unnerving to say the least, or that's the closest word that could describe this sensation. The man squinted in thought and his throat dried out once again.

Did... did she dislike him?! The only conclusion he could come up with made the need to protect Y/N surface; making it the driving emotion in him right now, overwriting even his need to see a specific girl tonight. Y/N let out an audible sigh when the silence had turned more awkward than his visit. And was that how he perceived it now, was he just... visiting?! Fucking great. Her fists clenched and the muscle beneath her eye twitched, ticking in rage.

"Well?" she asked, raising her brows slightly, her hands now resting on her hips. Even though, deep down she knew he was probably here because of the missed calls and texts she had refused to answer.

Why won't he just ask what he wants and leave me alone?!

Curtis blinked, unable to read her current facial expressions; he'd known her long enough. He simply couldn't, for the love of everything, decipher them correctly. Fuck, how did one be tactful?! If it were her and some random fuck-nut (which would be literally unthinkable in the very obvious and unique way she currently preferred the people around her), she would've let him hit it and get the fuck out without saying another word.

But Curtis wasn't some random 'fuck-nut', and there was the little fact of not wanting to kick his feelings into the dust and out onto the curb. God, he was the last person she needed tonight. Well, he could stay then, stay in the place which felt so weird because he's suddenly made a stranger. Maybe the discomfort will be the end to her 'little-unrequited' problem, once and for all, that seemed to have been an issue lately around him.

As she met his piercing blue, puppy dog gaze, which always got her in the past, her eyes narrowed as she lifts her chin, determination etched upon her features.

"Soooo? Are you gonna say something or do you plan on standing in that spot all night and just look like some Greek statue?"

He stops pacing for the first time and looks up at her, letting out a soft breath as he ran a hand through his dark locks. "Alright, look," he murmurs and begins. "I'm... uh," Curtis struggled to find his words as his dark brows furrowed, trying his hardest to think of anything to say that would put an end to this discomfort. "Look, I just... shit." He sighs.

When he spoke again, his voice was strained, barely above a whisper. "...Are you avoiding me or what?"

Of course, the conversation circles back to the events leading up to the recent. Y/N tries to avert his gaze but couldn't pull herself away from his presence. She chews the inside of her cheek, as though debating her next words, considering not saying anything.

She sighs, her expression forming into something neutral and distant. "I've been busy. And I didn't think you'd notice." she shrugs, moving past him and sitting on the edge of her bed. She was treating him like a stranger and it only made his blood boil even more.

"I'm sorry, what the fuck?!" he asked, a little too loud. A frown etched over his features when he finally saw Y/N's face, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took a step forward.

"Okay, hold on," Curtis said, lifting a finger in the air, his eyebrows still knitted together into a frown, "You were busy? So what? That's bullshit and you know it, Y/N."

"What are you trying to say?" She stands up, facing him, her eyes burning into his own.

Curtis let out another sigh. "Look, we've been friends for like... fuck, forever. So stop acting like I don't know you." He crosses his arms. "Just tell me why you're avoiding me."

She let out a laugh, crossing her own arms against her chest. "You've been with Chelsea a lot. Thought I'd give you some space since—since we've barely hung out." She lied, she had been avoiding him for weeks for other reasons. But what was the point of telling him that, she was sure he would laugh at her, thinking it was just a joke?

Curtis shook his head. "Bullshit." He sighed. "Look, I'm sorry if I've been a dick, but I'm not the only one that has been fucking around."

Her eyes widen at his comment. "Excuse me?"

He let out a breath. "Why are you really avoiding me, Y/N? What did I do?"

"Nothing," she answers, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Well, then what the hell is the problem? Why can't you just be my friend? What the hell changed?" He asks, stepping closer. "It's like you've been avoiding me this past week."

She couldn't hold back any longer, her heartbeat felt like it was going to burst. "Because I love you, okay? And it hurts whenever I see you with Chelsea..." she whispers, tears forming in her eyes. "And it makes me feel stupid.." she pauses, wiping away her tears.

His eyes widened when she finally admitted the truth. The silence between them filled the room and he couldn't help but take in her words, as though they were his first taste of air after swimming in water for too long.

But the thought was so crazy. He was her friend. She loved him? His eyes dropped to her lips, then to the collar of her shirt. Then it hit him like a fucking wrecking ball. The feelings he had, the way his pulse would quicken, the desire to be close to her, and the want to touch her. This was it.

He had fallen for her.

His lips parted as he lifted his gaze to meet hers. "So, you do like me?" He asked, taking another step forward.

She lifts her chin. "Of course, I do. I have for a while. But you like Chelsea." She shakes her head. "I was going to tell you soon. But things just happened."

"You think I like Chelsea?" he asked, his eyebrows arching into a frown.

Her eyes flick up at him. "You're always with her. She's cute and—"

"You're an idiot, Y/N."

Her brows knit together as she looks up at him. "What?"

He lets out a laugh and shakes his head. "God, you're a fucking idiot," he murmurs.

She takes a step back, confusion filling her features. "Excuse me? Who do you think you are?"

His laugh dies out when he notices her move backward. He sighs, running a hand over his face. "I mean, you're an idiot," Curtis said. "Chelsea isn't my girlfriend. I only hung out with her to get you jealous."

"What?"

"I know I've been busy with her, and I'm sorry for that. But I was waiting for you to... fuck, I don't know. I was trying to make you jealous, but then I realized I couldn't stand her." He lets out a sigh.

"Well, it worked," she grumbled, tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear. "But, why? Why would you want me to be jealous?"

Curtis ran a hand through his dark hair. "Look, Y/N, you're the only girl for me. I didn't think it was possible to feel this way, but I... I love you. I mean, shit, you're my best friend. But, I want to be more. So much more."

She felt her heart flutter, her skin flushed, and her body was filled with warmth. It was all she had ever wanted to hear. But was it real, was she dreaming? "What? Really?" She whispered, not being able to speak any louder.

Curtis nods, and his eyes bore into her own. "Yeah, I really do. I mean, fuck." He laughs. "I can't stop thinking about you." He reaches for her hand and squeezes it. "So, if you'll let me, I'd really like to take you out."

She smiles, squeezing his hand back. "Yes." She whispers.

He lifts an eyebrow, his gaze dropping to her lips, as the distance between them closed. His lips were so close she could feel the heat from his breath against her own. She closes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath before Curtis places a hand on the side of her face and presses his lips against her own.

She felt like she was in heaven, her fingers finding their way through his hair as her other hand grasped his shirt. She pulls him closer, feeling his firm body pressed against her own. She didn't want to pull away, she didn't want to move.

As they parted, Y/N was left breathless and Curtis was left unable to form words. All he could do was stare at her, as his hand found its way back to the side of her face and he tilted her head so that his lips could reach hers again. The second kiss was sweeter than the first, filled with a newfound desire and passion.

When they parted, Curtis let out a shaky sigh. "Fuck, I missed you so much," he muttered.

She giggles and bites her lower lip. "Well, I missed you too"

He shakes his head. "I had to do something. I just didn't know what."

"Well... you made quite the impression," she smiled. "Especially sneaking in my bedroom window." She laughs, making a motion for him to follow her toward the bed.

Curtis leans in as he lies on the bed beside her, propping his head up on his elbow. He wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her close. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, as though he was admiring her. As if this was the first time he truly saw her as more than a friend.

She sighs happily, her fingers brushing against the stubble on his jaw, trailing up his cheek. "This feels like a dream," she whispers with a smile.

"Well, I guess you just made me realize that dreams are worth fighting for."

Her cheeks heat once again, resting her head on his chest, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I love you."

He smiles, his hand massaging the back of her head, his fingers weaving through her hair. "I love you too."

They lie there in silence, their hearts beating as one. Enjoying their moment. They had waited this long, so what's a little more time to savor every ounce of it.

In his arms, the same ones that have held her, even to this day as close as they were, she felt safe and loved, she felt content, her face nuzzling against his chest, her skin pressing to his. This was what it was like to be home. She would savor every second of it.

She pulls her gaze up and stares deeply into his blue eyes. God, they were so beautiful, so full of life, so perfect. Just like him.

"Hey..."

"Yeah?" he asks.

"Kiss me again, please?" she whispers, leaning her forehead against his.

"My pleasure," he smirks.

And he doesn't disappoint her, their lips crash together in a kiss that left her breathless and dizzy. And so utterly weak at her knees that she would've thought the world was ending, had Curtis not been holding her tightly. She would always be thankful for what she had, even if it was to learn it at the expense of a single moment.

She would never forget this, because all the years prior had led to this very one, and that was something she would always remember and treasure. Her heart swelled and beat for this man and only him.

Curtis guides her toward his backyard, a smile playing on his lips. His heart thumps in his chest as they get closer. "Keep your eyes closed. Okay, beautiful?"

"Okay!" She nods happily and squeezes Curtis's hands which are guiding her as he holds her waist with his free arm. As they reach his destination, he releases one of her hands and positions both of them behind her back. "Stay right here for me?" he whispers and places a soft kiss on her cheek.

She laughs and nods excitedly, keeping her eyes closed as Curtis had instructed. Curtis takes a step back, admiring Y/N before speaking once more. "Okay, open your eyes." Her eyes flutter open, revealing a small plaid blanket, some wine, as well as a box of chocolates. She covers her mouth with her hands in surprise, tears pricking in the corner of her eyes.

His heart swells at her reaction. She sniffles and chuckles softly, shaking her head. "I hope those are happy tears," he teases.

Y/N laughs and nods her head, wiping her tears away and closing the gap between them once again, wrapping her arms around Curtis's neck, and planting a kiss on his cheek, making him smile.

The two of them rested on the blanket after they had their fill of enough wine and chocolates. "This reminds me of when we were younger," she whispers, looking up at the starry night sky. "when we would just watch the sky and talk all night."

He laughs softly. "I remember. Especially when I first taught you about constellations." Curtis nodded his head in agreement.

Y/N bites her lower lip, attempting to hold back her laughter. Curtis raises his eyebrows, giving her an inquiring look as Y/N just shakes her head in response.

"What?" Curtis asked, furrowing his eyebrows slightly.

Y/N chuckles. "Nothing."

"What?!" Curtis presses once again as Y/N continues chuckling softly to herself. "C'mon, what is it? You're killing me, beautiful."

"Nothing. It's just I'm so happy," she says, leaning over and resting her head on his shoulder. Curtis wraps an arm around her shoulders in return, pressing a kiss to the top of Y/N's head. "Well, good. I wanted our first date to be perfect and well—" He began, but Y/N cuts him off. "Curtis..."

"Yeah?" Curtis questions. Y/N sits upright, taking Curtis's hand into both of her own, holding it close to her. "This has been perfect," Y/N reassured him. Curtis sighs happily as he rests his forehead against Y/N's, admiring her.

"...But the only thing missing is you kissing me right now," she confesses, wrapping a hand around Curtis's neck, waiting impatiently yet eagerly for his lips on her own. He smiles and presses a passionate kiss onto Y/N's lips, eliciting a soft moan from her lips as she parts them. Curtis takes this opportunity and deepens their kiss, causing Y/N to throw her other arm over Curtis's shoulder. 

They part after several minutes and gaze deeply into each other's eyes, sharing another kiss shortly after. Curtis presses Y/N onto her back as their kiss becomes more heated with every second. However, the moment is cut short as soon as she hears the clanging of the wine bottle falling over, spilling on her arm, causing her to groan against his lips. Curtis quickly rolls off of Y/N as she curses under her breath, frowning up at the wine spilled on her sleeve. He rolls his eyes jokingly. "Way to ruin the fucking moment," Curtis laughs softly.

She giggles softly. "I don't mind getting a little wet," she shrugs, grinning up at him. "Ha ha," Curtis remarks playfully, chuckling softly to himself, as Y/N adjusts herself closer to him again. They lie on the blanket once more with Curtis wrapping his arm back around Y/N's shoulder while she leans into his touch and snuggles next to him, feeling secure.

Curtis stares up at the vast sky as Y/N rests her head on Curtis's chest. "So..." Curtis clears his throat, breaking the short silence between them. Y/N turns her attention toward Curtis, eyeing him curiously. "What now?" Curtis asks her, looking back at her with curious eyes. Y/N bites her lower lip with thought and gives Curtis a shy yet affectionate smile.

"Stay over. And spend tomorrow morning in bed with me...," she says quietly and shrugs, feeling her cheeks beginning to heat up. Curtis widens his eyes as Y/N pecks Curtis on the lips teasingly. "Sound good, Everett?" Y/N asks seductively, feeling excited yet nervous at the same time as she stares back at Curtis intently with desire. Curtis smirks teasingly and raises his brows playfully. "That sounds perfect, beautiful." They both laugh happily as Y/N plants a gentle kiss on Curtis's cheek.

divider credits: @.cafekitsune & @.benkeibear

[vacantgodling]

RED DEATH & THE ORACLE'S FAVOR

Red pressed her face to the table, hiding her eyes. “I have no money to offer you, nor children to sell. I have no clothes other than those bloodied on my back. No riches, nor connections can this deal between us bring. But I do have myself, and any services you ask of me.” The Oracle pondered her brazen request, and smiled to himself at her earnestness without jest. Her head he raised with a kind hand, cupping her chin beneath his palm. “Raise your head, sweet Red, no need to grovel just yet. The night wanes to the hours, young. Come, I will give you lodgings for the night, and then in the marrow, our deal, we shall strike.”

Red like blood, that’s what she named herself. Red like death. 

All seek The Red Death for the howls of her moon scythe to fall down upon their enemies, like the jaws of a wolf on innocent sheep. Just as the jaws of The Wolf Queen close upon even the furthest reaches of this land and has spiraled this country into a seemingly endless ruin.

The vendetta Red has against The Wolf Queen is personal: she is responsible for the kidnapping of her elder sister, Iole. For years, Red has been scouring the land high and low, under rock and hill, to find her beloved kin. Her reputation grew from desperation; burdened with this curse that stole Iole’s life and their childhood away from them. Yet, this curse is her only hope of salvaging it. 

For sustenance, she kills. Shelter, she forgoes. She will not rest until Iole is safe with her once more. 

But she is running out of time and she has exhausted all options. A stroke of luck leads her to another cursed one such as herself, The Oracle; a young man named Hel. The man who knows everything if asked the question, yet he says nothing if not offered a worthy bargain. It is with him that Red strikes her final deal: they will traverse these war battered lands to find and protect The Hidden Prince, who will free this land from The Wolf Queen’s maw. And if she succeeds... The Oracle will give her the knowledge she seeks.

• • • Further Details

Inspiration(s): The folktale Snow White and Rose Red, Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) - but redone because it had such wasted potential, and general fairytale tropes

POV: third person omniscient with a folk tale, singsong cadence.

Themes: overcoming grief, childhood trauma, curses as blessings and blessings as curses, political power struggles, someone is haunting the narrative

TW(s): death, gore, body horror, mentions of child abuse and of SA

Features: all queer & all black cast, neurodivergency of many kinds, atypical romantic/qp relationships

main tag: s: red and hel / s: rdof <- main tag now but older posts are under red and hel

• • • Main Cast

ROSMARIN / RED (The Red Death) -> she/her, aro/grayace

HEL (The Oracle) -> he/him, mspec gay & poly

ARDEN (The Hidden Prince) -> he/him, straight (?)

IOLE (The Innocent) -> she/her

THE WOLF QUEEN (The Scourge) -> any pronouns though people tend to use feminine due to being the "Queen"

[sjsmith56]

The Flame Burns From Within, Part 3 - The Abduction

Summary: After spending the night together, Lord Barnes and Lady Arden attend church for the third reading of the banns. Lord Pierce makes his move.

Length: 5.1 K

Characters: Lady Arden, Lord Barnes, Ser Anthony, Lady Stark, Lord Pierce, Father Bruce.

Warnings: Minors DNI - contains some sexual content which may be unsuitable for readers under the age of 18, desecration of a church, threats of violence against women and children.

Author notes: The image used in the banner above was found by a Google search on courtly love. It was attributed to several different artists but it appears to be an illustration of Tristan and Isolde by Marc Fishman. The divider is from vecteezy.com.

<<Part 2

Part 3 - The Abduction

Lady Arden

The first banns of my engagement with James were read at the church that following Sunday morning. I sat on the pew in between my aunt and uncle, for they were that in practice. Their affections for me were genuine as were mine of them. The fact we were not actually blood related made no difference, not when I had been part of their family for over 16 years. Several parishioners extended their best wishes on my upcoming marriage. Not all were as happy. The House of Walker, minus their son, John, who had been promoted as a potential suitor, made it known to my uncle that they were sorely disappointed not to be given the opportunity to counter whatever dowry offer the House of Barnes had made. His answer to them was direct.

"There was never an offer I would entertain from your house that would entice me to accept John Walker as a suitable husband. I'm sure there are other families who would be thrilled to align themselves with your house. Perhaps you should approach them."

As my aunt, cousins, and I entered the carriage after the service, we drove past the head of House Walker, who watched us with hostility then with outright anger at my uncle as he rode his horse beside us. Two days later, a representative of the House of Pierce arrived, also to express their "dismay" at not being allowed to counter the dowry offer. He gave the man the same answer.

"Don't go riding in the forest, Arden," said my uncle, after that man had left. "Don't go riding at all. There have been reports of several different heavily armed parties seen there. If they want to kidnap you that's where they would do it."

I listened to him as I had the same sense of impending trouble that he admitted to. Something was coming and without the presence of my husband and his forces, any excursion from the castle would be dangerous. I found myself thinking often of the brief time I had with James before he left, realizing he had been truthful with me in conceding our initial betrothal had been for strategic reasons. His confession that the brief meeting we had in the library prior to our formal introduction had awakened the stirrings of love within him had touched me in a way I wasn't expecting. The longing I developed for another tryst with him was almost more than I could bear.

My mother's ring that was placed on my finger during the wedding ceremony was kept behind the hidden panel in my bedchamber. I wanted to wear it on a chain but the chances of it being seen in church made it too dangerous to risk. On the second Sunday after my secret wedding, the banns were read again. This time, my uncle's men accompanied us to and from church, riding alongside the carriage.

The following day, we had word from the Citadel. The king was no longer besieged by a hostile force as they suddenly withdrew, leaving in the dark of night. With other houses willing to support the king's force in maintaining watch against another strike, James outlined his intent to come to my uncle's castle before the banns were read the third time. The day before his arrival, the Houses of Pierce, Rumlow and Walker made their move, surrounding my uncle's castle. With the gates closed and the drawbridge up, it was a stand off. They couldn't come in, but we couldn't leave. Fortunately, for us, an allied house sent a rider to the Citadel, alerting James to the siege. His force arrived early in the evening before the third Sunday, when the final reading of the banns would take place. My uncle and his men stood watch from the battlements, ready to aid Lord Barnes if the confrontation between his forces and the others evolved into battle. With my window open I could hear most of the communication between the three forces.

"You will disperse," said my uncle, presumably to the assembled men of Pierce, Rumlow and Walker. "The agreement has been signed; the third reading of the banns is on the morrow. Lady Arden will marry Lord Barnes."

"We object to the marriage," said a voice I recognized as Lord Pierce. "You have never negotiated in good faith with my house, or the House of Rumlow or Walker."

"On the contrary. I listened to your offers and didn't accept them. According to the laws of the land, your objection on that basis is not valid. Now leave, so I can receive my niece's intended husband."

"Why him?" asked the voice of John Walker.

I recognized it at once as I always thought it had a whining quality to it. Every time he greeted me at the chapel on holy days (the only time he made an appearance at church), it was as if he was begging me to notice him. His habit of ingratiating himself into a conversation was tiresome.

"Instead of you?" countered my uncle. "Perhaps because you have always allowed others to lead you around like a tame bull, content to be told where to go or what to do. Not once do I recall you thinking for yourself. My niece deserves better than that and Lord Barnes is a much better man than you."

It went on like that well into the evening. I didn't know how James could endure it, but apparently, he did. Everyone was waiting for someone to do something. I grew tired of it and went to my chambers. They could stay up the night and blather on, but I longed for sleep.

It seemed that I had barely closed my eyes when the sound of the door opening from the secret passage woke me. I sat up inside my curtained bed, listening to the rustlings of who was in my room. Reaching behind a hidden panel on the bed, I withdrew a dagger, kept there after the warning from my uncle about riding in the forest. As I perched on top of the bedclothes, fully intending to use the dagger against anyone who opened the curtains I heard a whisper.

"Arden? Are you awake, beloved?"

It was James. Somehow, he was inside the castle and now in my chamber. Pushing back the curtain on my side I saw him, visible in the light from the embers in the fireplace. Dropping the dagger, I ran to him, throwing my arms around his neck, while he enclosed me in his arms. Even against the chill of his chain mail hauberk I wasn't inclined to let him go, until he laughingly made me step back.

"Let me get this off," he said. "I've been in it all day and my shoulders are weary from carrying the weight."

"What happened?" I watched him almost effortlessly lift the heavy tunic made of mail over his head. "I didn't think they were inclined to allow you into the castle."

"They weren't," he replied. "Then a sizeable force of the King's Guard arrived with the Duke. He demanded that Pierce give up the men from his house that were amongst the sell swords that attacked the palace. He was forced to disavow his own men to avoid an all-out battle that would have drawn all the allied houses against his, Rumlow's and the Walker houses."

The chain mail hauberk was dropped onto the floor with an audible metallic thud. At once, he removed his clothes, standing before me again in all his natural glory. Stepping towards me, he bunched the bottom of my night chemise in his hands as he guided me back towards the bed. By the time we got to the wooden steps into the enclosure, the chemise was also on the floor and his hands were on my waist. He saw the glint of the dagger in the bedclothes and quirked an eyebrow.

"Is this the usual greeting I can expect from my wife?"

"I heard the sound of the door opening and assumed the worst," I replied, picking it up and placing it back in its hiding place. "Once I heard your voice I discarded it. How I have missed you."

His face softened. "Truly, you have?"

Laying back on the rumpled bedclothes, I held my hand out to him, inviting him into my bed. He kissed my hand, then climbed in so that he hovered over me, taking in all of me with admiration. There was no hesitation as I smoothed my hands over his chest, enticing him to resume that which was shortened by necessity just weeks ago.

"Truly, I have, my husband," I murmured. "Have you not missed me?"

"As much as I would miss the sun's warmth upon me," he answered, lowering himself to cover my body with his.

His weight upon me was comforting and brought that longing for our joining again, deep into my core. Clasping my hand within his larger one, he bent his head to my lips, offering his mouth to me, before exploring my neck and chest in a manner that stoked the fire within me.

"Sit atop me," he whispered, then rolled onto his back, while holding me, so that I sat astride him as if he were a horse.

Grasping himself with one hand, he groaned as I lowered myself onto his thickening member. It pierced me as surely as a spear would, but the pain was replaced by the satisfaction of being filled once more with my husband's ardour. All the whispered conversations of the woman servants in our castle, describing their trysts with their husbands or lovers suddenly came to mind as I realized that I should ride James as I would a horse. With his hands everywhere upon me I bounced on him and brought him to a state of worship, where he called out to all the gods who ever existed. What a feeling of power it was to know that I brought him to this point, by his own desire. Then he pressed his thumb against that most sensitive spot of my body, circling it in such a way that left no doubt that he wanted us to be as one when we reached our bliss.

When it was done, and I felt his hot seed inside me once more, his hands slid over my sweat soaked body, gently lifting me from his prick, before laying me beside him in the bed. Again, his mouth sought mine and we clung together in the reflections of our glory. It was so different a joining from the first time on our wedding night but just as memorable, for me, at least. I never wanted to be apart from him, ever again, and I said so, gasping it out as I caught my breath.

"Dearest Arden." His mouth rested against my cheek. "After the banns are read tomorrow, you will return to the Citadel with me, and we shall be married openly by the bishop there. Then no one can claim you for their house for you will formally be part of House Barnes."

We shared another union shortly after, just as satisfying as the first one had been, before James pulled the bedclothes over us, and we slept, his body draped over mine from behind. Just after dawn, by the light coming in from a window, a small precise knock on my main door woke me, and I called out to know who roused me. It was my maidservant, Alice, telling me that I must bathe before attending church. Beside me, James stirred and tried to draw me back into his arms.

"Send her away," he murmured. "I wish to enjoy my wife's attributes once more before I rise."

"Can we be seen together by the servants, James?"

I posed the question to him in a low voice, after I told Alice to wait. He groaned a little too loudly for my wellbeing then opened his eyes and ran his hand through my hair.

"No, to be safe, we must maintain secrecy about us. I will return to my assigned chambers, regretting once more that I left my wife alone in bed. At least, it will be the last time."

He kissed me again, then pulled his tunic on, before picking up his other clothing. I saw him to the door of the secret passage where we kissed again, then he disappeared through it and I pulled my night chemise on, followed by my robe. Running my hands through my hair to restore some semblance of order to it, I opened the door to Alice, who curtsied quickly, then assembled my clothing for church, laying it out on the dressing bench before escorting me to the bathing room. If Alice smelled the scent of James and I joining on me, she said nothing as she wrapped my hair up and helped me into the bath. She kept her tongue when she spied a mark on my breast, given to me in a moment of abandon. When she lowered her face close to my ear and suggested I use powder on my neck, I automatically raised my hand to it, wondering what mark was there.

"Beard burn, M'Lady," she whispered. "Understandable. I have some powder that will conceal it, so it is not visible when you are in the church."

"Thank you," I whispered, grateful for the suggestion.

The powder worked quite well, disguising the red marks on my neck. I held my head high when I descended the staircase, meeting my aunt, uncle, cousins, and husband in the great hall. I wore a cream coloured dress, trimmed in gold and a head covering that still allowed the length of my hair to be seen. It was clear that James appreciated my appearance, for his eyes were full of admiration.

There was no stopping for breakfast as we were fasting before church, since the Eucharist was to be shared on this day, a holy day. Instead, we prepared to depart. James and my uncle would ride their horses, along with a small, combined force of men, while us women and the children would ride in the carriage. There were no delays, or signs of anyone in the forest who may have had designs on us. We arrived at the church in good time, and waited while James and my uncle removed their swords and daggers, as the church did not allow the carrying of weapons inside. Handing his weapons to one of his soldiers in the Citadel's garrison, James spoke quietly with him before joining us in entering the narthex, where we were greeted by several members of friendly houses. There was no sign of anyone from the Pierce, Rumlow, or Walker houses. From the entrance we walked into the nave, to the pew at the front that the Stark family had used for generations.

At the arrival of the procession to begin the service, we stood and listened to the choir singing. Father Bruce blessed the congregation then stood before us all and waited for us to sit before he spoke.

"I publish the banns of marriage between Lord James Buchanan Barnes of the Parish of the Citadel and Lady Arden Worth, of this parish. If any of you know cause or just impediment why these persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are to declare it. This is for the third time of asking." There was no response, just as there hadn't been the previous two readings. "The requirements for the approval of this marriage have been satisfied and the Church approves the marriage between the two named parties. It may proceed at their discretion before 90 days have passed."

He then proceeded to begin the service and we sat through the readings before the Eucharist was prepared. As we stepped forward to receive the bread, we heard sounds of fighting outside the church. James and my uncle stared at each other briefly then looked at the several heads of the various houses also in attendance. As one, they moved to exit the church, where their men had their weapons at the ready. The clergy asked the women and children to come into the altar area, as it was supposed to be a sanctuary for all. As the sounds of the fighting increased in intensity, there was a crashing sound, and a side door was breached. Father Bruce stood in front of us, beseeching the intruders not to defile the church with violence but they knocked him on his head, and those of his clergy, sending them all to the ground, bleeding from their wounds. From outside, three armed men entered the side door, Lord Pierce, Ser Brock of the House of Rumlow, and John Walker. They strode to where we were, and Pierce looked directly at me.

"Take her," he said. "Take Stark's wife and children. Lord Barnes will not allow the innocent to be slaughtered."

"The Bishop will excommunicate you for this," said my aunt, challenging Pierce, as one of his sell swords came for her. "You will set a war in motion."

"That was my intention," he smirked. He looked me up and down, making me feel like he had all sorts of plans in mind for me. How I longed to have a sword in my hand and plunge it into his chest. "I object to the marriage between Lady Arden and Lord Barnes on the grounds that my offer for her was superior." He put his hand to his ear. "I hear no dissenting voices, so my challenge is approved."

"Pierce!" A yell from the narthex drew his attention. James was there, his sword and tunic bloody. "That is not a valid impediment, and you know it. You have defiled this holy sanctuary with your actions."

Pierce nodded at the sell sword who put a knife to the throat of Morgan Stark. "This child's life is forfeit if you insist on challenging me," he stated, darkly. "Give me Lady Arden and the Stark children will live. Fight me on this and all his children, his wife, and every other child here will be slaughtered. Their blood will be on your head as I offered you a reasonable alternative."

I could see that James was torn between protecting me and keeping the others safe from this evil man's threats, which he had every intention of carrying out. Morgan was shaking in fear, as were her sisters. My uncle and several other remaining men stumbled in behind James, forced at sword point. He was holding his side, injured. When he realized who was in immediate danger, he moved to charge into the men who held his family. James stopped him, whispered to him, and slowly Stark backed down.

"I wish a moment with Lady Arden," said James.

"Take two," smirked Pierce, nodding at his men to let me go to him.

As soon as I got to him, James sheathed his sword and held me in his arms, kissing me on the top of my head. I knew what he had to do and that it would be the hardest thing he ever did, letting me go.

"I have no choice but to allow him to take you," he murmured, squeezing me tighter against him. "The deaths of the innocents must be avoided."

"I know," I answered, looking up at him. "It will be alright. He won't harm me other than try to force me into marriage with one of his sons." I lowered my voice. "Is our marriage still to be kept secret?"

"You will be safer if he doesn't know but if you find yourself in a position where you must object to a marriage then announce it openly and loudly," answered James. He placed both hands on my face and gazed into my eyes. "I will find you even if I must search for a lifetime. This action in the church on a holy day will turn many of his supporters away from him. Even now, he is likely moving his house to another location, as are the Rumlows and Walkers. Their lands here may be forfeit."

"Then why do this?" I asked, trying to stave off tears. "Why am I so important that they would take this action?"

James smiled sadly at me, ready to tell me but Pierce became impatient and drew his sword.

"Well, Barnes? What is your decision?"

He kissed me again and spoke once more. "I will find you. I promise." He looked from me to Pierce. "I will kill you for this, every one of you and your sons. Your lands are already forfeit and your names are to be forever associated with treason."

"Lady Arden."

It was a command from Pierce to go to him. Reluctantly, I did so, and the sell swords removed their weapons from Stark's children. Placing themselves in front of the side door, they allowed Pierce, Rumlow, Walker and me to exit where a carriage awaited me. A sell sword held his hand out to me to enter the carriage and I looked him in the eye. Although my first instinct was to refuse his offer of help, there was something about him that was familiar, so I took it and allowed him to help me inside. I was now in the hands of the enemy.

Lord Barnes

If there had been no women and children inside the church, I would have gladly damned my soul and made those three pay for their actions. Even now, their force waited outside, taunting us in our helplessness as they blocked any chance we had to follow. We stood at the door and watched as Arden was helped into a closed carriage. My only hope for her was that Riley, one of my men who had successfully infiltrated the force of sell swords that were recruited in the past month, would be able to keep Arden safe and possibly send word to us of where they were going. He helped her into the carriage, then took his place beside the driver. I gave no sign that I recognized him. Rumlow gave him instructions, but they were too far away for me to hear the destination. Then the despicable man stepped back and the driver commanded the four horses to leave, along with a sizeable contingent of men. After the carriage disappeared from view I turned back towards where Pierce, Rumlow and Walker were mounted on their horses.

"If any harm comes to her ...."

Pierce smirked. "We know. You'll kill every one of us." He looked at the church as if he were making a decision then looked at the commander of his garrison, Rollins. "Burn it down. No one gets out alive."

I pulled my sword out to prevent them and was met by several other drawn swords and ready bows with arrows aimed at my heart. As the three principals rode in the same direction as the carriage, Rollins prepared a fire in the church yard, then lit the arrows meant to become agents of death. They were launched onto the wooden roof, then he lifted several pieces of the flaming wood from the fire and threw them through windows broken by his men. I could hear the cries behind me as panic set in amongst most of the women and children. The men inside were doing their best to usher them towards another door but were blocked by flames as the fire on the roof had already broken through.

When an arrow suddenly pierced Rollins back and came out through his front, he looked down at it in surprise before falling over. Others in that contingent felt the steel tips of arrows that were expertly targeted. Returning into the church I called for everyone to come out the side door where I had been. More of my men who had been left at Stark's castle to protect it, arrived, and immediately set up a brigade to fight the fire, setting up a long line towards the river, hauling buckets. It wasn't enough to save the church, but it was enough to provide time for everyone to get out, including the priests who were still groggy from being knocked out. Each of them did have enough sense to grab something valuable and clutched it to their fronts as they stumbled through the open door, coughing and retching from the smoke that filled the interior. My men continued to fight the fire until Father Bruce put his hands out and said a prayer then shook his head.

"Let it go," he said, sadly. "It's burning too hot to stop now." He looked at me with a sooty face, broken by tears that streamed down his cheek. "They are all damned. Excommunication will be the least of their worries. Tell me, why is Lady Arden so coveted by those men?"

I sighed, as much for the answer, as for the knowledge that even she didn't know as I hadn't told her the complete truth of her heritage.

"She is descended from King Arthur, from a daughter who was born to Guinevere after she entered a convent, and was raised with another family. In her body is the blood of the greatest king who ever lived. Our child is destined to marry the child of the future king, and together herald an age unlike any other."

"But Guinevere was an adulteress," he protested. "How do they know her child was his?"

"Because those who wrote the history of King Arthur didn't reveal it to protect the daughter." I looked at Ser Anthony, who nodded as he also knew. "Arthur forgave Guinevere for her adultery, and they reconciled before his death. Their daughter was raised through her godparents, who knew her heritage but kept it secret so that an unworthy man did not use her to become king. Pierce needs her bloodline to make a legitimate claim against the throne. You recognized the ring so you must know that her mother was his original target, but she was killed defending her husband with a sword that she wielded almost as well as a man. While that happened, Arden was smuggled to Ser Anthony and Pierce lost track of her, until she came of age, and he saw the resemblance between her and her mother. I waited too long to claim her. This is my fault."

"No," said Ser Anthony, who had been listening. "It is mine. I should have trusted that the betrothal document between your parents and hers was valid. But I loved her so much that I found it hard to trust any man, especially one as powerful as you. I knew that you were once close to Lord Pierce and couldn't believe that you were enemies until I heard of your falling out with him from a trusted source. Even then, I delayed in receiving you and your delegation. My pride has brought us to this point."

Father Bruce looked at us with sympathy. Trust was not easily formed, not between men of power. Even though Ser Anthony and I were not inclined to seek power for ourselves, we still had influence, enough for Lord Pierce to consider us a threat. A thought seemed to occur to Father Bruce as he looked sharply at me.

"A betrothal document," he stated. "You were already formally betrothed before I married you in the Stark chapel?"

I nodded. "Our parents arranged the betrothal when I was 11 years old, and Lady Arden was still a babe in swaddling clothes. The marriage wasn't to be formalized until she came of marrying age. Of course, when her parents were killed, and she was placed in Ser Anthony's care that didn't happen." I cast my eyes downward for a moment, not proud of my behaviour after that happened. "For a time, I rebelled against the idea of marrying someone unknown to me and instead sowed my wild oats during my travels."

As a man of the cloth, I could have expected Father Bruce to chastise me for not living in a godly manner, but he must have been a more worldly man than I knew for he said nothing about that admission.

"Then you have a prior claim to Lady Arden due to an arrangement between your parents. If the bishop of the time approved the betrothal, any challenge to it would be a matter of honour between you and the man issuing the challenge. The banns have been read but Pierce's challenge was not issued at the time of the third reading. His challenge is not valid and that means you have the right to respond to it. You do intend to raise a force against him, do you not?"

"I do, with the King's permission, although I suspect Pierce will take his allies with him and force a marriage upon Arden, using her as his rallying cry against the monarchy."

Father Bruce stood before me; his eyes bright. "You will need a man of the cloth with you, to hold services for your men, and to administer the last rites." He gestured back at the burning ruins. "I no longer have a church. The local peoples will have to travel further afield to receive God's word, but I am meant to be with you, as a witness to the readings of the banns, and as the celebrant of the marriage performed in secret that was approved by the Bishop."

"So, we are formally married in the eyes of the Church?" I asked, as he had not informed me of the approval. "Why did you not say anything?"

"Because the Bishop was willing to let it go through the normal channels, hoping that it would mean less bloodshed. I don't think even he contemplated that Lord Pierce would do this. All the more reason why I should be part of your army now."

It was an offer made from the priest's heart and I accepted it. As he and Ser Anthony would inform the bishop of the attack and destruction of the church, I would return to the Citadel, assemble my army, and track the forces of Pierce, Rumlow and Walker. They would pay dearly for taking my wife, threatening the lives of innocents, and for the desecration of the church. This was war.

Part 4>>

Series Masterlist

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[orangepanic]

50 Random Character Asks: Asami Sato

You're lucky I love her.

1. Canon I outright reject

That she and Korra are soulmates. I think that was in a comic? Anyway no, after a few months of trying out a relationship in their early 20s they realize they want different things and break up more or less amicably.

2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on

Asami is actually bad at stuff! She's not perfect at everything all the time!

3. Obscure headcanon

As fearless and caring as she is Asami is also a bit squeamish and is not great with sick people because she's a sympathy vomiter.

4. Favorite line

"Why would there be fence posts but no fence?" Girl for a genius you were so close.

5. Best personality trait

Selfless without being a doormat.

6. Worst personality trait

Gets angry when she's hurt instead of admitting how she really feels.

7. Age/height/weight headcanon

She's 18-22 in canon, 5'9", 140lbs or thereabouts mostly because she's tall and all muscle.

8. Unpopular opinion about them

She's interesting and loveable all by herself without being Korra's girlfriend. She went four seasons without dating Korra but most of the fandom is only interested in her as part of a pairing that wasn't even in the original material. If you ever look up "facts about Asami" more than half of it is about her dating Korra. It's infuriating. She's a person on her own! I hate that the franchise and the fandom have reduced her to the "and girlfriend" tag along of the main character when she has so much to give just as herself.

9. Scene that first made me love (or hate) the character

Her standing up to her dad in The Aftermath. As someone who also idolized a dad who turned out to be a misguided asshole I can tell you that shit is hard. She should get a medal and a hug.

10. Best moment on screen (or in the book)

I love everything about this.

11. Faceclaim for the role

Arden Cho

12. Crack headcanon

Asami is a slob. She might look put together but her house is a mess and she's always losing stuff amid the jumble of things in her handbag. She grew up with a cleaning service and it shows.

13. Dumbest thing they’ve ever done

Trying to get with Mako again in Book 2. No. What were you thinking? You're so awesome, go find somebody, anybody who isn't the guy who ghost-dumped you for his "friend" six months ago! (eh HEM I even have a suggestion)

14. Most heroic moment

I was going to say standing up to her father in B1 or flying a biplane in combat conditions in B2 or kicking people in the face on top of a moving train or flying a basically untested piece of mecha onto a robot colossus, but I actually think it's this:

It's really hard to forgive someone.

15. Worst thing they’ve ever done

Nothing, Asami has never done anything wrong in her life and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.

kissing Mako in B2

16. Deepest darkest secret they won’t even admit to themselves

Asami is scared that she won't know how to be a mother when the time comes because she didn't really have one. Her dad mostly had staff to do the childcare parts of being a father but she doesn't want that for her family. Asami does want kids, she's pretty sure, but she never quite knows what to do with them and has no idea how she'll balance that with her own interests and ambitions. She's not interested in a stay at home role and finds herself attracted to people who are also as ambitious and dedicated to their interests as she is. She looks at people like Pema or even Korra who seem like such natural moms and then at people like Lin who are all about their career and doesn't see herself in any of them. Asami is desperate for a role model of a strong career woman with a loving family who can tell her how to have it all. Izumi

17. Quotes, songs, poems, etc. that I associate with them.

18. What they’d go to see a therapist about

Having her mother murdered at home. Having her father and idol try to kill her before being sent to prison for treason for funding and then leading an effort to overthrow the government right under her nose, then being murdered after she decides to try to forgive him and have a relationship again. Always coming in second place after the thing the person she loves loves more than her, and always being relied upon to put her own needs aside for the greater good. Being treated as a hot chick by everyone who meets her but rarely engaged intellectually. Asami Sato, half ATM, half meat slab.

I think Asami needs a lot of therapy tbh.

19. Vices/bad habits

She drinks too much when she's sad.

20. Scars

One on her collarbone from when she broke it riding her motorbike at 16.

21. Drink of choice (not just alcoholic)

I think she'd be into flavored fizzy waters.

22. Best physical feature

Um, all of her? Have you seen this girl? But if you ask her she'd say her hair.

23. If they were a scented candle, what would they smell like?

Lavender and engine oil.

24. Most annoying habit

She chews on the ends of pens whether they're her pens or not.

25. 3 things they’d want to take with them if they were dropped off in the middle of nowhere

Utility knife, a bunch of snacks, duct tape. She'd be fine.

26. What they would do if stuck in an elevator with [insert character of your choice from the same fandom]

It doesn't matter who she's stuck with because she fixes the elevator.

27. Their guilty pleasure

Sneaking chocolate into the spa so she can eat it while soaking in the hot pool.

28. How they feel about [insert character of your choice from the same fandom]

Can't answer this without a victim but Asami generally likes anyone unless they've crossed her, in which case watch the fuck out.

29. Eating habits

Asami cannot cook to save her life but generally tries to keep it healthy, which means a combination of salads, instant soup, and takeout. These are all things she can make. She finds it weird to keep a cook just for herself. Once she's married she happily lets her partner or hired help do the cooking.

30. Sleeping habits

Night owl, heavy sleeper, stomach sleeper under a big pile of blankets. Her partner sometimes checks to make sure she's still breathing.

31. If the had a tumblr what would it look like?

Just pictures of hot cars and the occasional Taylor Swift quote. I think she's more of a gamer geek than a fandom geek.

32. Something guaranteed to make them smile/laugh

Asami's feet are quite ticklish. Tickle her feet and she'll laugh whether she wants to or not.

33. Something guaranteed to make them cry

Being dumped.

34. How they react when they are feeling X emotion (sad, angry, excited, scared, etc.—can specify as many as you like)

For a very social person Asami saves her strongest emotions for more private moments. She gets a big smile and will do group hugs when she's excited but in canon we almost always see her turning away or leaving the room when she's upset or scared rather than seeking comfort. The only exception I think is in book 1 where she opens up to Mako about her mom. So I think if she was in a loving relationship she might get a cuddle if she's sad.

35. Their idea of a perfect day

At the beach with a group of close friends, alternating between swimming, games, and sitting under an umbrella with her sketch pad and a pretty little fruity drink. At some point there are massages. She magically doesn't get sunburned. She ends the day tired and happy and feeling loved and relaxed.

36. Their favorite season

Summer. It's the best season for racing and cute outfits.

37. What they really think about themselves

Asami knows that she's pretty and smart and successful. There's no false modesty there. But sometimes she wonders if that will ever be enough for someone or if there's something wrong with her because she keeps being left behind all the same. It takes a lot of steady unflinching love to get her over that final insecurity.

38. Favorite holiday

All of them! Asami loves holidays and celebrations of all kinds. Especially the ones that come with cookies.

39. Favorite game

Assuming auto racing is not a game, kuai ball. She would have said pai sho but she beats most opponents so fast that the only people she really enjoys playing with are Commander Bumi and General Iroh. She and Bumi have a standing game the first Sunday of the month right up until his death.

40. Favorite book

Asami doesn't have a single favorite book and rarely re-reads, but she's very partial to the kind of edge-of-your-seat gory sci-fi thriller that usually involves a lot of people being eaten. I also peg her as a horror movie fan; the more ridiculous and bloody the better.

41. If they could have lunch with anyone in the world (living or dead, from any fictional universe or the real world), who would it be?

The easy answer is her mom. Barring that, everyone tells her she would have loved Sokka so I think she'd be curious to meet him.

42. 3 comfort items

Warm food, warm blankets, and the smell of her workshop.

43. 3 favorite foods and 3 they despise

Love: sesame sticks, pork and chive dumplings, pistachio ice cream. Despise: Gommu's street gruel, tomato carrots, anything served with the head still on it.

44. Their happiest memory

Asami still vividly remembers her first pro-bending championship game. Her team won and she screamed herself hoarse before going to get victory ice cream with her friends.

45. Their favorite celebrity

Korra

46. The person they most admire

I think she'd really admire female world leaders like Suyin or Firelord Izumi. Maybe even Kuvira up until she decided not to step down.

47. Their dream job

Stock car racer or pro-bender.

48. Scariest moment of their life

Being ejected from the hummingbird suit.

49. Favorite toy as a child

She had a doll named Yina who she took everywhere. Yina wasn't her baby but rather her pretend sister.

50. A memory they’ve blocked out

Asami was home when her mother was killed. She called the police using the number her parents had shown her but she doesn't remember it.

50 Character Asks

[film-in-my-soul]

thankfully, not dead yet | 1,002 | andthentheybow / @andthentheybow

Summary: Maverick has decided that he absolutely hates bird strikes- this is the first one he’s been caught in, out doing a routine training exercise with Iceman, and now he’s pretty sure he’s going to die.

Put Me Down! | 1,266 | coriosnow

Summary: Goose picks up Maverick because he remembers he can. He also kinda started a trend for everyone to pick up Mav whenever they have a chance.

A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You | 1,376 | boobooblue / @letsboo-boo

Summary: "Isn't that a little tight on you?" Pete manages to choke out when Tom is close enough to hear him. Tom shrugs, a smirk on his face. "It was getting chilly. Figured you didn't need it with baby Goose plastered to you."

Nosedive | 1,503 | Charlotte_Lancer / @charlotte-lancer

Summary: A simple hike takes a turn for the worst.

i'd be home with you | 1,529 | davidbyrne / @katiesharms

Summary: “Promise me something,” Tom rasps after a few minutes, getting Pete’s attention. He looks up and signs, “what?” in response, trying to make sure Tom doesn’t use any of his energy on something like talking to him. Tom raises his hands and starts signing. “Promise me that you won’t try to follow me.”

Mom Said It's My Turn with the Maverick | 1,568 | aelibia / @topgunreacts

Summary: Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world…

Please see below for more recommendations!

The Window | 1,591 | aelibia / @topgunreacts

Summary: The rain fell. Ice and Maverick slept.

who cannot go | 1,621 | susiecarter / @susiecarter

Summary: Maverick felt fine. Completely fine.

there's something 'bout the way (the street looks when it's just rained) | 1,708 | hangsters (alittlebitoftheuniverse) / @hangsters

Summary: Neither of them are ever really sure how this became a thing for them.

What's the Problem? | 1,986 | thecarlysutra / @icemankazansky

Summary: “Please, don’t leave.”

that hunted so to see (the heart that wanted me) | 2,205 | susiecarter / @susiecarter

Summary: Ice used to think he had a pretty good handle on Maverick.

Miles to Go | 2,294 | dalearden / @dale-arden

Summary: Maverick has never had to act on being Ice’s emergency contact before. Not even with Ice spending most of his time in danger as he works, traveling the world and serving his country. Somehow, every time he goes away Ice always makes it home. Like it’s a promise Ice made and is determined to keep. It’s Maverick who is always in trouble, getting into ridiculous accidents and having things go crazy because he’s a hopeless adrenalin junkie who doesn’t know when or how to quit.

i would love you 'til it hurt | 3,012 | stardustsunflower

Summary: Ice looks at Maverick like something he can’t have. He knows Maverick won’t ever look at him back. Or at least, so he thinks.

steal me all the way from myself | 3,094 | StoriesofmyLife

Summary: His whole life, all he’d wanted to do was fly. His dad used to say that being up in the sky was closest thing they had to Heaven and the plane was closest thing to wings that he’d ever have. Maverick had never been afraid of flying. Until today.

doppio espresso (over ice) | 3,224 | seventeensteps

Summary: The bell jingles, and in walks the most gorgeous man Pete’s ever seen in his entire life. “What can I get for you today, sir?” Pete says cheerily, putting on his best customer service smile, offering everything and more. “Double espresso-” “On it,” says Pete’s unfiltered mouth, his hands already moving, before it belatedly occurs to him that he’s just cut a customer off. “Sorry, you were saying?” The man’s stony expression doesn’t change but Pete feels like he’s being scolded anyway. “Double espresso over ice,” he says. And boy, doesn’t that just absolutely obliterate the moment.

Destination Unknown | 3,255 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper

Summary: He remembers his life twenty-five years ago, when everything was simpler and he and Ice used to fall into bed together, smiling, laughing, the day’s work behind them and the future ahead. How Ice would hold him close, how they’d wake up tangled in each other’s arms, complaining about each other’s snoring, each trying to bait the other into a good morning kiss. And now Maverick’s a captain and Ice is an admiral, and they’re both pushing sixty, and the future they might have had together is out of reach, like a distant star or a long gone dream.

between the lines of fear and blame | 3,606 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper

Summary: Out of all the things Maverick had expected to eventually kill him — getting caught in someone’s jetwash, being shot out of the sky, his plane’s engine exploding — getting shot by one of his students in a civilian bar didn’t even make the top ten. He never expected Ice to take a bullet for him, either. There's a first time for everything.

let’s talk about sex, baby (let’s talk about you and me) | 3,730 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper

Summary: I keep coming in to take condoms from the health services desk because I think you’re cute and I’m pretty sure you must think my sex life is wild.

It Was Aliens All Along | 4,031 | Alexis_Tenshi / @tentacletenshi / @slimysuckers

Summary: Maverick had been waiting for Bradley to ask the question for months. He'd rehearsed his answer countless times. That didn't mean it was easy to explain. There was just no good way to say that their enemies had been space aliens all along.

Rhinestone Cowboy | 4,260 | omnidirectional

Summary: Maverick bangs himself up and gets rescued by someone he didn’t expect. A Missing Scene featuring contrived situations, questionable life choices, gratuitous product placement, and shirtlessness.

i am writing graffiti on your body | 4,796 | thecarlysutra / @icemankazansky

Summary: Pete Mitchell tells everyone he doesn’t like how bureaucratic and impersonal this soulmark business is, how there’s no surprise or spontaneity to it, but he’s lying. He likes knowing there’s someone out there who will love him no matter what, and he loves Iceman Kazansky a long time before he meets him. A Top Gun soulmate AU.

bring me back to you | 5,094 | qin_ling / @qin-ling

Summary: In which Maverick and Rooster take a little bit longer to find and steal that F-14. Meanwhile, their loved ones cope.

Mutual Admiration Society | 5,128 | omnidirectional

Summary: Maverick’s back at TOPGUN as an instructor, but it’s not the dream job he imagined. He’s in danger of flaming out... unless he can find a reason to stay.

As My Memory Rests | 5,978 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper

Summary: In which a motorcycle accident has more consequences than just physical.

I check it, I wreck it (I turn it around) | 6,103 | judep

Summary: Ice is Maverick's wingman and he will be Maverick's wingman as long as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is up there. Ice is a fucking firestorm and Maverick just can't seem to fight him because He is a maverick but Ice belong with him. To him.

It's (Not) Okay (But It Will Be) | 6,293 | StreetSweeperShenanigans / @streetsweepershenanigans

Summary: The mission was a success. Everyone was alive. Everyone was safe. Everyone was intact and well. Until it wasn't. The world around Ice and Maverick falls apart and upside down around them after Maverick suffers an unforeseen injury resulting from the mission.

Sailor's Delight | 6,374 | saurora_borealis / @tommyjop

Summary: Out in the desert, there’s nothing but land. Land and sky and that single stretch of road, and Maverick is usually the one who owns it. It’s all jutting, rusty red rocks over sprawling plains, and Maverick loves it a little, the way he feels like he’s flying even though he’s not off the ground. There's also not another soul for miles, which proves problematic when one crashes their motorcycle.

you're trying hard not to show it, but baby, i know it | 7,268 | StoriesofmyLife

Summary: Ice wants to know who Maverick was before he became Maverick. He wants to know Pete Mitchell, too, because they’re two parts of the same whole and Ice wants to love that part, too. Because Pete Mitchell was worth loving just as much Maverick Mitchell was worth loving. And God, does Ice love him.

the house that built me | 7,784 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper

Summary: Maverick goes home.

Melting Point | 12,293 | b777_36n

Summary: A collection of scenes throughout their relationship in which Maverick touches Iceman and he completely freezes up.

Take the Long Way | 13,781 | kerbyfullyloaded / @kerbyfullyloaded

Summary: Five times Iceman tried to get Maverick to come home and the one time he finally did.

baby, baby, i'd get down on my knees for you | 18,090 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper & simplecoffee / @academicgangster

Summary: Or, the Wooing of Iceman Kazansky by a Very Smol Mr. Darcy

Make A Wrong One Right | 18,803 | boasamishipper / @boasamishipper

Summary: Terrified, Maverick grabs the newspaper off the doorstop and tears the thread off, tearing it open. There’s a story about the nuclear reactor that exploded in Ukraine in April, and another about the death of Ted Lyons. Ronald Reagan is the president of the United States, the Cubs beat the Dodgers last night 9-4, and Aliens is the number one movie in America. The newspaper is the San Diego Union. The date is July 26, 1986. Maverick clamps a hand over his mouth and barely makes it back in the house in time to fall to his knees and vomit into the toilet.

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