#as if it isnt as easy as just going. oops sorry i meant this one

[pseudophan]

if nothing else this cookbook thing has proven that my social anxiety is way worse than i thought because why am i kicking screaming crying killing myself over dming people on tumblr dot com

[mushyposts]

WOAH! THE CREW???? THE CREW FROM HIT FANFICTION NO THING DEFINES A MAN LIKE LOVE??? WOAH WOAH WOAH??? Anyway yes omg its them!!! This took me so long and im so tired but look at my ANGELS!

UM! Friendly reminder that I myself am not Inuit/Indigenous! I did research + had an Indigenous person helping me w the tattoos, but if theres anything wrong/disrespectful pls do let me know and I will fix it. All the tattoos r on a seperate layer so it'll be an easy fix and one i am more then happy to do. A few of the designs changed between this and my written description, so... Oops?? Especially Morqa. I got carried away ok.... ANYWAY I have some little notes abt their designs here and there so! Kaiqa: He used to have shorter bangs around his face but they annoyed him so he tried to let them grow out but that annoyed him so he would cut them again and then try to let them grow out and now he just has perpetual baby hairs that wont get any longer. Mikla: UM. Not much to say here. Isnt he pretty tho?? Buteq: SOMEHOW ENDED UP THE MOST MAJESTIC MAN EVER. HELLO?? The two beads on the right are for his nieces and the one on the left is for his sister! Neter: One time he got super cocky abt being 7 years older then Nitya which meant he was a better fighter and so Nitya was like "yeah?? ok bet." and then punched him and broke his nose and was like "hm where are those warrior reflexes?" so now Neter has a permanently bent nose. Sorqai: He got the scar thats through his beard in the same raid that cause Nitya and Konait (Kaiqas older brother) to die. Nitya died trying to get Konait and some other kids out of the mess, and Sorqai got injured trying to get to them to help. He's mostly numb on that side of his face due to nerve damage ! Causes him to lisp a bit, especially w the chipped tooth (which he got from tripping) Natai: He wears both his own and Nitya's necklaces their parents made them, and intends to only take of Nitya's and let it go into the ocean where he was buried when the war is over. His own way of keeping Nitya involved in the war effort, something that was really important to him. Kutai: Again, no real notes here but isnt he pretttyyy..... Kovak: Honestly, very likely one of my favourite character designs I've ever made. Im kind of obsessed with him. He doesnt wear his necklace from his parents because he wasnt on good terms with them at all while they were alive. He took it off before they died, and hasnt been able to bring himself to put it back on. he intends to give it to his kid when he gets back. Mori: UM! I dont have a lot of notes here. Mori has two kids ! Hence the three tattoos under their chin, I saw an inuit creator/source say that sometimes people will add lines as they have kids and I thought that was really lovely so yes!! Again im just. I think hes so pretty. Luqait: Im so sorry king I did u dirty posting this after that one chapter. Each one of the beads he wears is dedicated to someone he knew in the tribe who died, theres more not visible on the other side of the braids. I can say for 100% certainty theres one for Kya and Nitya. Saila: Saila was actually a design i struggled a lot with, but I think I got them to a point im happy with!!! They're a good amount intense, androgynous and also have that amber flash in their eyes. The amber comes from having Fire Nation somewhere in their ancestry, something I dont think will really come up in the fic, but a detail I think is good to know! Morqa: I changed Morqa's design the most, especially his hair! But I think he's ended up being a design I am most proud of. The piercings especially!! Eventually u will run out of space (that we can see ig??) king but today is not that day godbless.

OKAY! THERE WE GO... I HOPE EVERYONE LIKES THEM UM PLS BE NICE AND DONT REPOST AND IDK JUST.... I HOPE U LIKE THEM AS MUCH AS I DO i know oc's in fics arent always peoples favourites but the reception of these guys has been like. Beyond mindblowing. Im so fucking excvited and happy everytime people in my comments talk about how much they love the characters i've created. Like.... The fact that people enjoy the OC's and not just for what the give to Zuko, but for what they give to each other and their own individual stories is so incredible to me. I hope u guys like this and I hope it helps u visualise them better!! : D

[ann-writes-universes]

For The Better (Azriel x Eris x Reader)

A/N: Based on this ask! LIVING for an angsty/fluffy Azriel and Eris love triangle. (OKAY JK I accidentally posted this in a reply to that ask and had to delete it so the ask went poof, sorry anon. I hope you see this <3)

Warnings: My angst strikes again, mentions of possible infidelity, arguing, bit of asshole Eris (if you squint and tilt your head). 

W/C: 11.1k oops

–

There is no way you could ever  love someone more. You decided this much as you stared into his hazel eyes, rimmed with gold and so full of life. He was everything you had ever dreamed of- kind, fiercely loyal, so utterly easy to be in love with. You had begged for something like this since you were a girl, and the gods had delivered in the form of him. 

“You’re staring at me.” He muttered, lips pulling into a smile as he pushed your hair away from your face. You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, shrugging at the male as you leaned forward to steal a kiss from his chapped lips. 

“Sorry?”

“Apology accepted fair maiden.” Eris whispered, pressing you into the grass with his frame as he captured your lips once more. You gripped his sleeves tightly, allowed the Lordling to press you into the foliage below. Everything about this, about him, was perfect. You had loved him since before you could remember, since the two of you were old enough to grasp the concept and hold it in your palms. And he had felt the same, claimed you as his own the moment he could. And you had allowed it, let his fire consume you entirely. The bond you two shared was not that fated soul tie so many spoke of, but the kind that young love was meant to be- passionate, consuming, and fleeting. 

Ah yes, fleeting it had been.

You had loved the future High Lord of Autumn for thirty years. Had given him everything, and he did the same in return. Somewhere along the line, fuzzy as it was so many years later, the two of you had drifted- realized that it wasn't love you had shared but lust. You loved that flame haired male still, deeply and truly, but not in the way that lovers did. No- the two of you felt deeply for one another in a different way. In a way that allowed him to be overjoyed when your mating bond snapped with the Spymaster of the Night court. A way that allowed him to wish you well when you accepted the bond and married the angel of death. 

And it was a love that made room for what you felt for Azriel. 

If the love you had shared with Eris was a forest fire, the way you felt for Azriel was a comet, bright and powerful as it lit up the night sky. 

~

“You are absolutely pushing my buttons today, I need you to know that.” Azriel laughed as he threw his book to the end of the bed. You smiled widely against his chest and tightened the bear hug you had on him. With a deep sigh the spymaster wrapped his arms around you and burrowed his head into your hair. 

“I just wanted attention, that's all.” You mumbled against his skin, relishing in the feeling of his arms tightening at your words. He hummed into your hair and pressed a firm kiss there. 

“Do you know how long we’ve been together now?” 

“A long time, why do you ask?” He replied, raising a brow as you sat up, straddling his waist. You pressed your palms firmly into his tattooed chest, traced the patterns there momentarily as you shrugged. 

“45 years is a long time, isnt it?” You mused, letting your eyes trail up his muscular chest until it reached his eyes. A brow was raised and his head was cocked to the side, night dark hair falling over his forehead messily. 

Gently he flipped you onto the bed, hovered over you and allowed his arms to cage you in. The male pressed a firm kiss into the column of your throat, sucked the pulse there momentarily before meeting your eyes once more. 

“Got a whole lot longer to go, if you’ll have me.” He whispered gruffly, eyes always searching. A smile tugged at your lips as you raised your arms to rest on his neck. You pulled him towards you, the tips of your noses meeting gently. 

“I’ll have you for as long as we’re around, shadowsinger.” And he kissed you then, deeply, letting his love shine down the bond ever bright, and long. 

~

“What could I possibly accomplish in the Autumn Court that Eris can not?” You questioned boredly, leaning further back into the chase lounge. You had been absentmindedly tossing a small ball above your head, and Rhys was watching it with piqued annoyance as you questioned his orders. 

“Eris can’t get any more information from the ladies of his court. You know them, they grew up with you, they trust you.” He repeated, as if he had not said this a million times in the last hour. 

With an exasperated huff you turned your head to face him, noted his slouched posture in the arm chair he had taken residence in. “What you mean to say is, politics does not make good pillow talk?” 

Rhys cringed outwardly and rubbed the bridge of his nose between two fingers. Oh, you were pushing buttons. “I'm only Kidding, Rhys. I’ll go. Been a minute since I have been home. I wonder what those tree loving, forest fuckers are up to.” You giggled, resuming your game of solo catch. 

“Good. You’ll leave today then.”

“Where are you going?” It was Az, striding past the living room. He stopped at the threshold of the room, pulling on a pair of dark leather boots. You caught the ball in a hand, cut your gaze to the winged male. 

Rhys sucked in a breath and stood, “I have to meet with some colleagues in town for lunch.” 

“Your only colleagues are us, Rhys.” Azriel deadpanned, raising a questioning brow when Rhys only smiled and strode out of the house. “He’s awfully flustered…”

You cleared your throat and sat up, “He’s flustered because I’m being sent home for the week.” 

Azriel barked a laugh as he finished putting on his shoes, “You are home, darling.” 

Smiling faintly you stood and moved towards him, wrapping your arms loosely around his waist as you stared up at him. 

“Not this home, shadowsinger.” Your words had his gaze hardening and the hands that had come to rest on your waist stiffening. He flexed his fingers, took you in with a soft ‘oh’. You only forced that smile resting on your lips to be a bit more deceiving, a bit more convincing. Tapping his waist you pushed away from him, urged him towards the door with a soft kiss. 

“I’ll be alright. I'll go see my mom, get the info we need, and come home to you.” 

He nodded, reached for the door handle as he watched you gather your things from the living room, “Are you going to see Eris?” 

Your hand paused, hovering over a book you had brought down earlier. Scooping it into your arms you did not turn to face him as you continued your task, “I have to, yes.” 

“I see.” He muttered. 

“Az-”

“No, it's alright. Inevitable I suppose.” 

You turned to him then, shoulders hunched and eyes pleading. “It's strictly business, baby. Nothing more.” You stepped towards him again, pressed a kiss to the corner of his downturned lips, “Besides, I’ve only got eyes for you.” 

It seemed to ebb his mind a little, because the dark male smiled and chuckled lightly. With a promise to take you to dinner when you returned, the Spymaster was gone for the day, leaving you to get ready and head off. 

~

The Autumn court had not changed in nearly half a century. Jewel toned leaves blanketed the ground, and the air still smelled like the perfect mixture of wood smoke and cinnamon. You were nearly giddy taking it all in, reveling in the familiarity as your horse made its way slowly down the Vanserra Estate’s drive. You were to come here first, make contact with Eris and rekindle your place as a court’s woman. 

It was no secret you had left long ago, though the reasoning had been hidden well by your flame haired friend. The eldest Edoril child had simply moved to the Day court to study magic, a lie eaten up by Beron and his court. 

Slipping back into his ranks would be easy, begged for, as being a child of higher ranking officials made you precious to the Tyrannical Lord of Autumn who had always wished for you to become the Court’s next heir producer. Though Beron knew nothing of the mating bond you had accepted, you had taken precautions to make sure he did not find out. Majda had surgically wounded you in her quarters before you left, and used a healing salve so potent that most (if not all) of Azriel’s scent had been masked. Upon your arrival at the Autumn court you had hidden your noticeably Night Court tattoos with extensive glamours. Of course, these measures would only go so far, and you hoped you could get what you needed relatively quickly. 

Before you, the forest manor loomed. Just as the rest of the court, it had hardly changed. It was still as beautiful as it had been when you were a child. Color exploded around it like flames, oranges and reds licking up the bright stone walls. A stream broke up the rolling front lawn and twisted off into the darkened wood beyond. The trickle of water and the soft music of the birds was the only sound as you approached, the gravel clattering beneath the hooves of your pale mare. 

As though he had sensed your arrival, there he stood. Tall and stunning as his home, Eris Vanserra awaited you atop the steps. Hands clasped behind his back, and a smile wide as the Sidra he watched as you dismounted, straightened your skirts, and made your way towards him. 

“Lady Edoril.” He greeted, bending low at the waist and extending a hand towards you. Ceremony be damned, you raced forward. Eris only had time to huff out a breathy chuckle before you were toppling into him, arms wrapping tightly around his neck. 

“I’ve missed you.” You breathed into his hair, ever so politely he wrapped his arms around your back, squeezed tight. 

“And I, you.” His voice was a tight whisper as he sat you down and held you at an arm's length. Just like his court lands, he had not changed. The years had added nothing to his face other than a few more freckles and perhaps a scar or two. 

“How is he?” Eris asked in a hushed tone, glancing over his shoulder quickly before returning his gaze to you. 

“Wonderful as always, sends his regards.” 

The lordling nodded and took a deep breath. Offering your arm you nodded towards the entryway, “Are you ready for this?” 

“As I’ll ever be, Vanserra.” 

He chuckled, looping his arm through yours and leading you inside. As custom, several servants lined the entry hall, arms poised across their chests and faces hidden by dark cloths issued by Beron. What a pity it would be for him to gaze upon the faces of those he practically enslaved. The sight of them made you force down a shudder and physically pull a smile onto your features as Berron appeared at the end of the hall. The face you had grown to hate was wide with a grin that reminded you of an animal looking at its prey, and his posture was nothing short of defensive as you approached. 

The velvet of your skirts whispered against the marble below as you came to a stop and curtsied low, avoiding his eyes. “High Lord.” Your greeting was as formal as you could force it, and the polite smile and doe eyes you offered were so far from your current caliber that you nearly threw up on the floor. 

“What a pleasure it is to host you once more, (y/n). The Autumn Court has missed your beauty.” Beron spoke, and when his eyes raked over your figure, Eris noticeably stiffened beside you. Clearing your throat you cocked your head to the side, batted your eyelashes to hide the anger building on your features. 

“How kind of you, I am flattered.” You tried not to think of the male back home who would have ripped the bastard to shreds had he witnessed the exchange. Tried desperately not to think of what Berron’s head would look like detached from his shoulders. 

Eris nudged your side with his elbow, and nodded to his father, “Perhaps we should let her rest before the events tonight. She has traveled quite the length.” 

“Nonsense, Eris. The Day court is merely two days travel.” Berron jested though it came out in some terrible scoff.

“Events?” It was a question meant to steer the conversation far away from what you had been up to for the last 45 years, and when Berron returned his wolfish eyes to you it was clear it had worked. 

“A ball, in your honor sweet (y/n). Several members of the court have expressed great excitement at your return.” 

“Several?” You blanched, looking quickly to Eris who merely blushed and looked away, “I am flattered.” You grit it out, narrowly avoiding punching your longest running friend in the face in front of his father. 

So much for subtlety. 

~

After twenty more painful minutes of conversation Beron and Eris had dismissed you to a room to dress. They had provided a dress for you, hand picked by the Lady of Autumn herself. As you stood before the bed wrapped in nothing but a towel you stared at it, a pretty little thing of dark navy silk. The back dipped low and was secured at the base with a beaded sun whose rays curved around the hips. 

‘To honor the court which has hosted you’

The Lady’s note had read. And while the gesture was kind, the dark blues and stark gold of the sun reminded you not of the Day court but of the home you had left, and the sapphire Siphons Azriel adorned. You let a finger trail down the material, and wondered how you could secure the various weapons you had in a discreet way. 

A knock sounded at the door. 

“(y/n)?” Eris called softly, cracking the door enough to be heard, “Are you decent?” 

You glanced downward at your towel, “Uh, shit, One minute!” You called hurriedly, discarding the towel in favor of a robe. Tying it haphazardly you ran to the door to open it and usher him in, glancing down the hall to make sure no prying eyes had seen. 

“Yes?” 

When you turned to face him he was beet red, staring at your nearly fully exposed chest. With nimble fingers you clutched your robe tight and cleared your throat. Eris let out a hearty chuckle and flopped into a chair near the fireplace. 

“Not funny, dickhead.” You sneered, taking up your place at the vanity to begin getting ready. He had changed into a tunic of deep crimson, patterned with silver thread and beads, as well as dark trousers and boots. Atop his head he donned a silver diadem of twisted vines, characteristic of the next High Lord. 

“You've been home for two hours and have already nearly exposed yourself to me, must be something in the air.” He jested, lazing his head on the back of his chair. Your grip on your hairbrush tightened so much it nearly snapped the wooden handle. 

“Must I remind you that I have a mate who I love?” You didn't mean to snap at him, but when his reflection paled and his throat bobbed you softened. “I'm sorry.” You whispered, breaking his gaze in the mirror and returning to pinning your hair. 

“Don't be. I spoke wrongly.” 

With not a reply in mind you only nodded and brought up less meaningful conversation as you moved through the motions of getting ready. The two of you fell into conversation easily. You spoke of music, hunting, magic, and meaningless things you had been occupying your time with when you weren't doing important things. 

“Are you ready for tonight?” He questioned as you exited the bathroom, struggling to clasp the beaded sun on the back of your gown. 

“Yeah, it should be easy.” You grunted, sucking your bottom lip between your teeth. “Could you help me?” You inquired, turning to face your reflection in the mirror above the vanity. The dress was stunning, hugged you in the right places without being vulgar (though you wouldn't have minded). 

“Of course.” Eris replied, suddenly impossibly close to your back. His stature was imposing, nearly a head taller than you his shadow swallowed you whole as his hands skimmed the length of your bare spine, stopping at its base to secure the clasp. 

“Eris…” You breathed quietly when his fingers lingered and his breath fanned your neck. Clearing his throat he stepped away, admiring you as you turned to face him. 

“Stunning.” 

The smile you offered was painful. The thrumming of your heart lurched as you noted the mourning look he viewed you with. You thanked him quietly and began strapping various daggers to your legs beneath the dress. 

“And deadly.” He added with a low whistle. 

“Keep looking at me like that and I’ll kill you.” You chuckled, tightening a final strap before straightening. He held his hands up in mock surrender and offered a wink. 

“No harm in looking if I do not touch.” 

Rolling your eyes you held out your arm, “Escort me to the ball, Dipshit, before I send a message down the bond telling Az to castrate you next time he sees you.” 

“Yes ma’am.” 

~

Berron’s opulence knew no bounds. That much was made apparent by the silks and various other fabrics in jeweled tones that lined the ceilings and snaked around the pillars of his ballroom. Faelights lit the length of it in a warm hue and music dark and lustful filled its space. Usually empty and ghostly the room was now buzzing with the vibrato of life, and as you entered at the side of Eris the room erupted in soft awe and clapping. 

You offered the crowd a smile, tightening your grip on Eris’s arm as you became painfully aware of how many eyes were on you. Eris dismissed you quickly, let you fall among the throngs of women you had grown up with to gossip and gain information. 

“Is Helion as beautiful as they say he is?” It was Arien, a male you had grown up with who quipped the question. The smile that curved his lips as he drank deeply from his glass was nothing short of playful if not a bit curious. 

You rolled your eyes and shrugged, “I suppose, If muscles and brain are what you’re into.” 

The male before you fawned, fanning his face and giggling with the ranks of young women who surrounded you. “Who doesnt?” 

“I guess you’re right about that.” You chuckled, turning your attentions to a dark haired female at his side. If you remembered correctly her name was Lucy. Much younger than you, she was the daughter of an Army Captain, High Ranking in Beron’s mounted battalion. She was characteristic of Autumn Court beauty, Chestnut hair that flowed and curled softly to the waist, dark doe eyes and a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her perfectly sloped nose. 

“Lucy, correct?” You questioned innocently, twirling the dark liquid in your glass. Her smile was shy and she dipped her head in conformation. She would be easy to coax information out of, young and awestruck by the woman Eris had entered with. Briefly you thought she would be a perfect Lady of Autumn had Eris been like his father, impressionable, naive. 

“That's right!” You quipped, swallowing a bit of wine, “You’re Captain Jameson’s daughter!” She nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, Indeed I am.” She offered. 

“I remember now. You were a little thing when I left all those years ago, my you have blossomed into a stunning young thing.” 

She flushed noticeably and held her chin a little higher, her gaze cut across the room to where you knew a gaggle of Vanserra boys were standing. Oh easy she would be. Finishing your glass you handed it to Airen and urged him to fetch you another, to which he happily obliged if only to get closer to the brothers in question. 

You followed her gaze, let the smile you were holding back curl on your lip as you crossed your arms over your chest, “Which one?” 

“Pardon?” She questioned with creased brows as she turned her head towards you. 

“Which brother?” You mused, not taking your eyes off of the red headed sons, “I must admit they are all quite stunning, but which one.” 

“Oh, none.” She blanked but you watched her lingering stare on Eris. And despite yourself and the mission at hand you felt a flame of jealousy spark in your chest before being snuffed by the bond lingering there. Swallowing thickly you chuckled and began speaking to her of meaningless things, slowly steering her towards conversation of her father. 

“Shall we walk in the gardens?” You inquired after several hours of conversation and dancing with Lucy amongst other females who had proven less informative than the Jameson girl. The question was directed solely at her, and the others took their dismissal lightly. Lucy nodded politely, and handed her glass off to a passing servant as you did. 

“I’d love to.”

As you linked your arm with her own and directed her towards the garden doors you subtly signaled Eris of your leave. He offered you a nod before continuing his conversation with a brother who’s name had long since been forgotten in your mind. 

“So your father is not in attendance tonight?” The question was harmless, “I would have loved to say hello after all of these years. Offer him my regards.” 

“Oh, no.” Lucy sighed breathily, admiring the various plants and ferns manicured to perfection along the stone pathway. Night had long since fallen and the cool breeze custom to the lands was licking fervently at every exposed inch of skin as you steered the dark haired girl further from the home. The music was slowly fading from earshot and the few fae that dotted the gardens were becoming few and far between as the two of you strolled. 

“What a pity.” The frown you forced was effortless, “Pray tell… where might he be? The High Lord made such a fuss over this ball I assumed all of his inner circle would be here.” 

She smiled sadly, picked a leaf from a passing bush and twirled it amongst her fingers. 

“He’s on the coast, surveying another fleet that was just finished being built.” 

You hummed your acknowledgement, noted the information in your brain. Before now you knew of only 6 Autumn Court Fleets. And now there were more? That Eris did not know about? You rolled the stiffness out of your shoulders. 

“I suppose if my father were still living he too would be doing the same. Our fathers were quite close, you know?” She brought you to an abrupt halt, far from the eyes of those who had lingered outside and the earshot of those inside. 

“I do, actually. Which makes me wonder why you're doing this.” Lucy deadpanned, unlooping her arm from yours and turning to face you fully. You cocked your head to the side, and the confusion that marked your features was not fake. 

“Pardon?” 

With motions so swift you could hardly track them the dark haired beauty had shot forward and wrapped a hand around your mouth. Flames, bright and painful, shot up your side as she shoved the sharp edge of a dagger into the junction of your ribs. 

The only noise heard between her fingers was a stark gasp as your knees buckled and you fell into her. From afar it looked as though you were old time friends, embracing for the first time in centuries. 

“For you to know my father so well, It shocks me that you would think of him as dumb enough not to send his only child through some sort of training.” She hissed into your ear. Your hands were grasping her shoulders so tightly that your knuckles were whitening, and the dark navy of your dress was growing soaked with the metallic tang of blood. 

Lucy drug you to a bench, deposited the two of you on it in a way that rose no suspicion. 

“For a girl who has studied magic for 45 years your glamors are weak.” She threaded the fingers of your right hand through her own and extended your arm to view the dark swirls and patterns that were now visible, the glamors too exhausting on your struggling body. “Night court, correct?”

“Fuck you.” You hissed through gritted teeth, groaning as she pushed her free hand into the gaping wound at your side. 

“How proud of me Berron will be when the future Lady of Autumn brings you to him!” She grinned, her eyes widening madly. You gaped, stared at her with an opened mouth and slitted eyes. 

You couldnt help the laugh that bubbled out of your throat. 

“What the fuck are you laughing at?” She urged, her blood stained dagger pointed at your stomach. With a raised brow you looked down at it. 

Azriel had prepared you for situations like this, and 45 years in a court known for brutality would not allow you to die at the hands of a little girl. Mustering what strength you had left you lunged. “Training” or not the dagger she held clattered to the stone pathway below and you had her arms pinned to the dirt within seconds. Your own blood smattered onto her emerald gown as you straddled her, grinning wolfishly at her shocked expression. 

“For you to have me figured out so well its quite naive of you to think the High Lord of Night would not have sent me to a training or two.” You hissed, pressing your knee into her sternum as she geared up to scream. 

“You have approximately five seconds to tell me everything you know about those fleets before I kill you and Beron Vanserra finds us both dead in his garden.” 

“I'm not telling you shit.” She hissed, struggling beneath the weight of your knee. You huffed a shallow breath and nodded. “Fine.” 

With a twist of your hand her left wrist cracked grotesquely and hung limply when you raised the arm. Her scream of pain was stifled by your free hand. 

“Your pretty little eyes are next, Lucy.” You whispered, dropping your head to be level with her ear, “And take it from me, Eris wouldn’t like a girl with gaping holes for eyes, bitch.” 

She let out a great growl and turned her head to the side, taking your ear between her teeth and ripping. You stifled your scream and sat back, keenly aware of the blood dripping down your neck. 

Boots crunched roughly against stone and suddenly eris was there, wide eyed and breathless. 

“What the fuck.” 

“Eris! Oh thank gods you have to help me she’s insane!” Lucy cried, suddenly producing tears. She was staring up at him from beneath you. Surely the two of you looked like wild animals, blood smattered and rolling in the dirt. 

Eris glanced around frantically, and when he was sure no one was around he crouched down and looked into your eyes. 

“I need her in the woods.” You whispered, nodding towards her form. Lucy’s brows creased as he nodded and clamped a hand over her mouth before hoisting her out from below you. She thrashed in his arms to no avail and when you stood the Vanserra son paled. 

“You’re bleeding.” 

“No shit, Eris.” You grunted, clasping a hand over your bleeding side. 

“No. You're bleeding a lot.” 

You glanced down, swallowed down the fear that bubbled up when you realized just how much blood was pouring from your side. It should have healed by now��Glancing at Eris you retrieved Lucy’s blade quickly and sniffed its blood coated tip. 

Eyes wide you looked to the female who was breathing heavily in Eris’s arms. 

“Sneaky little bitch covered it in fae bane.” You shoved the dagger into a belt on your thigh and rolled your shoulders, “Your death is going to fucking suck.” You hissed.

~

Getting the Jameson daughter into a deep enough part of the woods was like wrestling a wild animal. Even with Eris’s strength she proved to be a hassle, and with your wound Eris had to continuously slow down so you could catch up. 

With her firmly secured to a tree by Eris’s flame magic you stood before her. The trek had destroyed your dress, and you had ripped the side completely to have easier access to the knives strapped to your legs. 

“What did she tell you?” Eris questioned, cupping his jaw with a hand. His other was on his hip as he stared at the bound girl, brows creased. 

“That your father had been building naval fleets.” 

Eris looked at you, utterly confused, “How many?”

You looked to Lucy and grinned, twirling a night dark blade between your fingers. “Im about to find out.” 

“The fuck you are.” Lucy spit, a mixture of saliva and blood falling to your feet. You glanced at it with mild amusement before surging forward. Ignoring the pain that shot through your side you pressed the blade against her throat. She swallowed, the bobbing of her throat drawing blood against the sharpened edge of your weapon. 

“You either make this easy or I send you back to your daddy in pieces.” 

Eris whistled lowly and shifted behind you, “Thats kind of hot.” He muttered. 

“Not the fucking time.” You ground out, not once taking your eyes off Lucy’s. She glanced downward at your hand. 

“You won't do it. Too messy for you, hard to explain how I died at a ball hosted for you.” She was grasping for straws, growing nervous. 

“I wont?” You purred innocently with a cock of your head. She shook her head, a motion that had you whipping your hand down and dragging the blade up the length of her arm. The skin flayed open easily and her pained scream was swallowed by the shadows of the forest around you. 

“How many fleets?” You asked again, pressing the blade against her jaw. Her lips thinned and she looked to the sky. Nodding you pressed it against her jaw and drug upwards. 

“Hopefully Beron only hosts masquerades in the future.” You grimaced as she screamed. Blood sticky and crimson dripped down her chin and collided with your own as it flowed down your arm and to the forest floor below. 

“How many fleets? Your fucking fingers are next.” 

“FOUR.” She sobbed into your palm. Your fingers had curled around her jaw, gripping tightly. 

“Only four?” 

“Four and he is training 500 more mounted soldiers. That's ALL I know.” She was sobbing so violently that her tears were cleaning her face faster than the blood could flow. If she hadn't torn a sizable chunk out of your ear earlier you might have felt bad. 

“Good girl!” You sputtered, becoming more aware of the wound at your side whose pain had snaked from your waist into your chest. Glancing at Eris you nodded and stumbled away from Lucy who was wracking with sobs. 

“She’s telling the truth.” You whispered, clutching your side. 

“You're sure?” He questioned, glancing between the two of you. With deathly precision you swung backward and silenced her screams as you pierced the skin of her chest with your blade, dragging downward against the sickening pop and crunch of her ribs. 

“Gods I hope so.” You sighed, collapsing to the forest floor with a groan. Eris’ eyes tore away from the now dead female, his magic releasing her form to fall limply forward. Surging towards you he caught you before you could fully fall. 

“We need to get you to a healer.” He urged, hoisting you into his arms. You were limp in his arms and fighting off the darkness that had begun to cloud your vision. Panic was snaking down the bond, only noticeable now that you weren't focused on the task at hand. 

“Can you winnow me home, Eris?” You muttered. The words urged you to cough, blood smattering the sides of your lips as the air forced itself from your lungs. He clutched you to his chest tightly, his heart quickening beneath your bloodstained cheek. 

“It'll be quicker if I run, it's only a mile or so back, I can-” 

You clutched his tunic tightly and urged him to look at you, “My home Eris.” You grit out, eyes wide with panic. “If you do not get me out of here he will break every law known to come to me.” You were pleading with him to listen to you. The anger that was surging down the bond was proof of your words you wish you could communicate to him. 

“Its too far. You wont make it there.” Eris retorted, tears welling in his eyes as he took in the palor of your skin. You had grown uncomfortably cold in his arms and the chill of the night air was not helping your shuddering. 

“The forest then. Somewhere that the ordinance does not exist. He’ll find me.” 

Eris only nodded at your words, and then that tricky little fold in the universe was swallowing you whole. 

~

“What the fuck happened.” Azriel screamed as the world reopened. As though he had known you would come here he had appeared first. Flanking his sides were Cassian and Rhysand, angels of swift death clad in leathers and armed to the teeth. All three males surged forward as Eris fell to his knees, your body clutched close to his chest. 

“She was intercepted.” Was all he could get out before Azriel was dropping down to scoop your groaning form from his arms. Without thinking Eris reached after you with a snarl. His actions were met with widened eyes and a low noise that reverberated through Azriel’s chest. 

“I suggest you remove your hands from my mate before I do it for you.” He growled, pulling you away from the flame haired lordling. Eris stood, dark conviction overtaking his features. 

“Excuse me?” He snapped, stepping forward. Cassian moved in, quickly taking you from Azriel who whirled around to face Eris. With quick hands Rhysand began to try and combat the fae bane with what knowledge of it he had. 

“You fucking heard me.” Azriel punctuated his words with his hands as he shoved them roughly into Eris’ chest. The Vanserra grunted at the contact and surged forward, anger flashing behind his eyes brightly. 

One swift motion of his leg and Azriel had the heir on his back, knee pressed firmly into his sternum. There was a murderous rage so stark on the Spymaster’s features that Eris paled only slightly before he was baring his teeth and clutching the male’s knee. 

“I suggest you get the fuck off of me before I ruin this little agreement we have.” 

“Agreement be damned. You so much as look at her again and I will fucking kill you.” Azriel hissed. As he stood he pressed Eris firmly into the dirt once more, the lordling releasing a gasp of air as the Shadowsinger stood and rushed back to you. 

“We need to get her back to Velaris. My magic can't help her now. The faebane is in her bloodstream.” Rhysand whispered, his hands clutching the wound at your side. The blood which coated them had Azriel visibly pale. With a nod the four of you disappeared, leaving Eris alone in the dark, gasping for air. 

~

Cinnamon and bergamot. 

Tree filtered sunlight and the unmistakable kaleidoscope of reds and oranges that were your forest home. 

The smells and images corrupted you, sent you falling down a rabbit hole of laughter and lute music light and melodic. He was there, beckoning you forward into the water, despite how cold it was for this late in the summer. His laughter floated on the breeze like a bird’s song, calling to you. 

“Its not even that cold!” Eris laughed breathily, his bare chest glistening in the afternoon sun. You dipped a toe in, hissed at the frigid temperature, and scowled. 

“You're a liar, Eris Vanserra!” You giggled, crossing your arms over your bare chest. He rolled his eyes playfully and surged forward impossibly fast in the water. Before you could turn tail and run he was dragging you in with him, laughing huskily as you screeched and went under. When you reemerged his head was cocked to the side, a triumphant smile overtaking his features. 

“See? Told you! Not cold.” 

Without warning tears began to streak down your cheeks and he was paling. 

“(y/n)... No, I'm sorry! Don't cry, look here I can use my magic to warm-” Before he could finish you were grinning widely and jumping up to shove his head beneath the surface. 

“That was a cheap shot!” He gasped as he came back to the surface, auburn hair sticking to his downturned brow. You couldn't help the giggle that bubbled from your chest as he lifted you in his arms and spun you in the water, pressing a firm kiss to your smiling lips. 

In your mind, this day would mark the most perfect one in history. 

“Race you to the island?” You keened, nodding your head in the direction of land that took up the middle of the lake. A smirk curled at his lips and he nodded pushing you away from him so he could get a head start. “Cheater!” You called before diving under the surface of the murky water. 

Mud clouded water faded slowly and the warmth of the sun faded to night. 

“You ready?” Mor whispered, fastening the last button on the back of your dress. Jasmine and lavender overcame your senses, and the lake had melted into the dark blues and blacks of your room at the House of Wind. You smiled brightly at your reflection in the mirror, took in the image of yourself in the most stunning gown you had ever seen. 

“I think I am.” You replied, turning to face the bustling blonde. She smoothed the night dark silk of your dress, making sure it was picture perfect. 

“God you’re stunning. If Az hadn’t snapped you up I would have.” She jested, chuckling when you blushed beet red. 

In moments the room had faded away, replaced by that of the cabin. The dress had been discarded across the couch and the light of the hearth licked up the planes of Ariel's face. He was stretched out beneath you, humming quietly as you rested bare atop him. He had yet to complain about being splayed across the floor, and you certainly weren't complaining about the break. You stretched your right arm out towards the flames, admired the patterns that now took up the skin. Looping his fingers through yours he extended his matching arm. 

“You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” He whispered, love and admiration flowing down the bond in waves. When you turned to him he was staring at you through dark lashes, eyes bright and hooded. 

Flushing you looked back towards the flames, a smile curling the edges of your lips. Freeing his hand from your grasp he gently clasped your chin between his fingers and turned your face once more. “I'm serious.” He spoke, voice gruff as he pulled you down to press a kiss to your lips. 

“You have ruined me, Spymaster.” You muttered against his lips, lashes brushing his own. 

“How so?” He questioned with a smirk. 

“I will never love someone as much as I love you.” It was a whisper, only for him to hear. He kissed you once more, deeply and lasting. 

“I should hope not.”

~

“Should it not have broken by now?” 

“In theory, yes.” Madja replied, rubbing a salve into your exposed side. Azriel’s brow furrowed and he leaned forward to watch, rubbing his hands together anxiously. 

“What do you mean, in theory?” He questioned, more bite to his words than he meant. When Madja cut him with a glare he raised his hands and leaned back, Looking to Rhysand across the room worriedly. 

“Fae bane is tricky. There's no telling how long it was in her system before you got her here. This fever could last hours or days. It takes time.” Madja informed, replacing your bandages with fresh ones before covering your frame with blankets once more. “The best thing you can do for her now is give her space. Let her body heal.” 

“Im not leaving her side.” 

Madja sighed and looked from Azriel’s convicted stare to that of Rhysand’s impassive gaze. 

“I’ll let you explain to him why its a bad idea for him to be here.” She mumbled as she exited the room, bags in hand. Rhysand sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. When he looked to Az the male only shrugged exasperatedly and adjusted himself in his seat by your bed. 

“Az-”

“I'm not leaving. She wouldn't leave me.” 

“Azriel you're connected. And before you say ‘no shit, dumbass’-” He fixed Azriel with a pointed stare who only shrugged, “On a deep level you are connected. Whether you like to think it or not you're suffering medically on some level because she is. The closer you are to her the harder it's gonna be for her body to fight off the infection.” 

Azriel mulled over the words, rested his forehead in his hands and tapped his foot uncharacteristically against the floor below. He glanced at your sleeping form through his fingers and then back at the floor, “Fuck.” He spat before standing quickly and striding towards the door before he changed his mind. “I’ll leave the room but I'm not leaving this house.” He spoke, glancing sidelong at Rhysand who only held up his hands in surrender and nodded. 

~

If you could have picked a moment to live in forever it would have been this one. 

The first time you had met Azriel you had known that he would be your forever. A few years after you and Eris had ended your love affair, he had brought you to the uncharted woods. He had explained its danger, instructed you to stay close as the two of you met with the Emissary of the Night Court. 

His beauty had struck you as something otherworldly, and it was safe to say that for the entirety of the hour your trio spent in those haunted trees you had not stopped staring at him. There was some sort of wicked beauty in the way his shadows curled around his shoulders and wings, whispering constantly about the unseen figures which lurked in the trees beyond. It was bewitching, really, to gaze upon the sculpted features of his tanned skin. Utterly captivating to hear the whiskey smooth lilt of his voice as he discussed politics and strategy with Eris. 

You had thought at one point in time that Eris was the most beautiful male you had ever seen. And while you still thought him beautiful, the beauty Azriel possessed was uncanny. Where Eris was a boyish pretty, not quite yet a man but malleable and soft- Azriel was hardened and forged. He had noticed you staring, had locked the image of your eyes and lips away in his mind to ponder on later. You didn't mind the fact that his shadows were more than likely alerting him to your lingering eyes, you hoped they were. 

You were nothing if not bold. 

At some point the morning sun gave way to afternoon and Eris ushered you towards home, bidding Azriel goodbye until the next time. 

“I hope you’ll be here next time too, (y/n).” Azriel added to his formalities with Eris as the two of you turned to head back to the Autumn court. You glanced over your shoulder, played coy with a dainty smile. 

“Of course, Spymaster.” 

~

Azriel thudded down the stairs, keenly aware of just how close Rhysand was behind him. Eyes not entirely seeing he navigated to the living room. Voices chattered quietly and above them all he picked out the lowest and stopped dead in his tracks. Bristling he halted, not flinching as Rhysand ran into his back with the sudden stop. 

“What the fuck is he doing here.” Not entirely a question the male pointed his Attention at Mor who swallowed thickly and looked away. Eris stood from his spot on the couch and dropped his hands at his side, no sign of fight left in him at Azriel’s sudden arrival. 

“I came to check on her.” Eris spoke, tone firm. 

Rolling his head to the side Azriel popped the bones of his neck and sucked in a deep breath before spitting out a harsh, “Shes fine, get the fuck out of my house.”

“I thought this was Rhysand’s house?”

“Oh you little basta-” 

“Enough.” Rhysand’s voice was cold as he shoved around Azriel and cut him with a cold gaze. He had raised his hands between the two males as though they were fighting dogs, an action that had Azriel nearly ready to scream. “This is my home and he is my guest. If you two idiots want to fight like children, take it elsewhere. I won't have it here.” 

And the look Azriel fixed his brother with was one of utter shock and confusion. When Rhysand offered nothing other than to lower his hands and slump into a chair he looked to Mor, and then to Cassian, and when neither of them could hold his gaze he tightened his jaw and nodded. 

‘He is her oldest friend. Think for a moment about what she would want.’ 

Rhysand’s voice floated into his mind, softer than it had been when he used it aloud moments before. Begrudgingly Azriel sat in a chair across from the couch, eyes never leaving Eris even long after the Autumn son had sat back down and began to talk to Mor once more in hushed tones. 

He hated him. Absolutely despised everything about the Vanserra. Of course he appreciated the political advantage he was giving them, respected him as a spy and a future High Lord. But no part of the Illyrian could give up the fact that he had loved you. Some territorial hardwiring in his brain short circuited everytime you brought the red head up- damn near caught fire at the thought of Eris’ hands all over you, of him inside of you. It had been years, and he knew you cared only for him- yet it dug a pit of jealousy in him everytime he thought of it. Part of the shadowsinger hated himself for the anger he felt towards the male, but any pity he had for the emotions he directed at Eris died when he pulled that little stunt in the woods. 

Eris had tried to take you from him- had held onto you when you had been in his arms. The memory of the hours past had him roiling with new rage, and his hand was wrapped so tightly around the wooden arm of the chair that it was beginning to splinter. 

Azriel only hoped that when you woke up the male was far away from the house, because he wasn't sure he could contain himself if Eris reached for you again. 

~

“Do you remember the day we met?” Azriel asked, watching your hands intertwine. Salt and seawater coated your skin, and the gentle sounds of waves crashing onto the shore lulled your eyes to nearly close. The two of you had spent the day on the beach, and when the sun had started to bid the world goodnight you had stretched out on the still warm sand. 

Far behind your heads the lights of Velaris were beginning to blink on, and the sky was becoming a myriad of purples and oranges as the sun sank lower and lower. 

“Of course I do. You didnt speak to me.” 

Azriel huffed a sigh and propped his head on his hand, dragging the other down the length of your side. 

“It was a business meeting. Of course I didn't speak to you.” 

“Are you saying that because I’m a woman?” You smirked, breathing a laugh when he rolled his eyes and sighed with exasperation before falling onto his back. 

“Thats not what I meant, and you know it.” 

He sat up, moving so he was hovering over you and leaned forward, relaxing his weight onto his elbows, “I know. I just like giving you a hard time.” you breathed.

“Oh, I know.” 

“What does that mean?” Your brow raised and he chuckled despite himself. Reaching forward he pinched your cheek gently and shrugged. If you could do it any form of justice you would paint the image of him above you right now. The way his hair flopped messily into his eyes and the way the pinks and oranges of the setting sun haloed him so perfectly. The colors shone like stained glass through the membranes of his wings and without fully thinking about it you reached up and ran a gentle finger across their expanse. He shuddered beneath the touch and watched your eyes track the motion. 

“You're beautiful.” You whispered. 

“And you are the most stunning thing I have ever seen.” He leaned impossibly close, the ghost of his breath tickling the shell of your ear, “I need you to wake up for me.” 

“What do you mean?” Your smile persisted despite your confusion as he sat back and stared into your eyes. 

“I need you to wake up.”

~

Darkness had swallowed the room whole. 

At some point Mor had gotten up to light the faelights which now cast an eerie glow on the room. Rhysand had come and gone, replaced now by Cassian who was arguing with Eris over some play they had seen half a century ago. 

“Im telling you the main chick died.” Cassian huffed, throwing his hands in the air for added dramatics. 

“No she fainted, it was for dramatic affect!” Eris retorted, raising his brows. Azriel sighed and leaned his head against the back of the chair. If it weren't for you in the room upstairs he would have slipped out of this house and into the city hours before. After the first hour of the males’ conversation he had decided undergoing torture at the hands of the Bone Carver would have been better than sitting in this room waiting. 

“She didn't die or faint, she was poisoned by the King and survived.” Azriel bit out, “Now can the two of you shut the hell up?” 

Eris cocked his head at the winged male, “We’re just trying to have a bit of fun. Could you lighten up?” And the whistle Cassian blew out was nothing short of a ‘oh fuck here we go’. 

“Excuse me?” Azriel questioned. He was still lounging in his chair, legs sprawled and head resting in his hand as he replied. Eris was the opposite, poised to strike. The red headed fae’s shoulders were tight, his eyes lit with a challenge he was dying to pursue. 

“I said. Lighten. Up.” He punctuated his words firmly, and stood just as Azriel did. Mor stifled a groan and retreated further into her corner of the couch, content to watch this play out rather than shove herself between the two. 

What Eris lacked in physical strength against Azriel, he made up for in swiftness. This much was made clear when the shadowsinger surged forward and narrowly missed grasping the lordling's throat. He was blinded by rage, a downfall that made it easier for Eris to grasp his shoulders and hold him at arms length as the illyrian slammed him into the nearest wall. 

“I can't stand you, prick.” Azriel snarled, shoving his elbow into his opponent's throat. Eris was putting up a good fight, causing the spymaster to sweat as he grappled against his hold. “You’re arrogant and too touchy with females you have no right to.” 

And despite himself a smirk curved the edge of Eris’ lips, “Funnily enough, (y/n) never complained about how touchy I can be.” 

And even the shadows in the corners of the room fell silent as Azriel was overcome with bitter rage. All Azriel could hear was ringing as he wrapped his hands around the pale male’s throat and began to squeeze. Eris coughed violently, swinging his free arm around to plant his fist firmly into Azriel’s neck. The winged male faltered, just enough for Eris to send them both tumbling to the ground. 

Glass splintered on the hardwood as someone's leg swept an end table into the wall. As the two rolled around on the floor, furniture moved and curtains were ripped from the walls. The metallic tang of blood was beginning to overpower the lavender candles Mor had lit, and Rhysand’s brand new rug was being torn to shreds while the two roiled.

“Maybe we should stop them.” Mor spoke, arms crossed over her chest. Cassian stood similarly beside her, safe in the threshold of the slowly deteriorating room. 

The General weighed his options, winced at a particularly nasty blow landed by Eris, and then shook his head. “Nah. Needs to be done. Once they get this out of their systems we should be good.”  

Mor grimaced as Eris cracked Azriel’s head against the floor, “I fear Rhys will have to move once this is over.” 

“I feel sorry for (y/n) if this is what she has to see every time you're on top.” Eris grit out from beneath Azriel who had his hands wrapped firmly around his throat. 

“Keep her name out of your fucking mouth.” Azriel punctuated every word with a crack of Eris’ head against the hardwood. The male groaned, heaving against the spymaster’s hands. In the threshold Cassian and Mor watched with twin looks of concern and interest. 

With no warning at all Eris released a great cry and shoved his competitor to the ground. Each male took heaving breaths. Laying on their backs, wincing and wheezing they stared at the ceiling. 

“When you two assholes get your shit together. See me outside.” Rhysand suddenly spoke. Mor and Cassian froze, both slowly turning their backs to face the High Lord of Night who had suddenly appeared in the entryway. His face was a mask of cool anger, and his hands were clenched into fists at his sides. 

Both Eris and Azriel cleared their throats, stood, and followed Rhysand out of the house. Feathers, torn from throw pillows, floated gingerly to the ground and Mor heaved a great sigh. 

“We’re cleaning this up aren't we?”

“Oh yeah.” Cassian huffed. 

~

“Have you lost your FUCKING minds?!” Rhysand seethed, the end of his question dying off as a couple strolled down the street opposite the trio. He smiled tightly at them and offered a wave. Once they were safely out of earshot the High Lord turned to the battered males before him. 

“(y/n) is upstairs, fighting for her life. What if she had woken up to you assholes destroying my house?” His brows were raised, arms crossed over his chest. Azriel thought briefly that he looked like a father scolding his insolent children. 

“He started it.” Eris seethed, still bristling with anger. 

“The fuck I did.”

“I dont care who started it. I'm finishing it. Get your shit together. If you care about her, act like it.” And then he was gone, shoving between the two to head towards the house. On his way he reared back and slapped both of them across the back of the head. The males released twin groans and watched as he disappeared into the ruble that had once been his entry way. 

~

Sunlight, warm and new cast soft shadows across the room. Your bedroom was glowing with morning light, and you watched as the colors of your stained glass lamp danced on your sheets. 

Raising a hand you let the rainbow of hues decorate your skin. The ache in your side was persistent, though not as painful as it had been in the Autumn Court. There was a dull throbbing in your ear, and you were relieved to find it whole when you raised a hand to inspect it. 

“You know, you could have just killed her.” 

You drug your gaze away from the kaleidoscope at your bedside, and locked eyes with Azriel. He was sitting at the foot of your shared bed, shoulders hunched and face battered. 

“I did.” You replied, voice gruff from misuse. The male before you smirked and nodded, turning his gaze away from you. 

“Eris had to burn her body so her father wouldn’t question why she was flayed open like a prize fish.” 

You couldn't help the prideful smile that curled your lips. You bit back the comment you wanted to let free, about how the bitch deserved it. Clearing your throat you gingerly kicked his side with your blanketed foot. 

“What happened to your face?”

“Eris.” 

“What?” You sat up, wincing at the soreness that combated Madja’s healing. Azriel turned quickly, reached out for you but was swiftly dismissed with a wave of your hand. “I'm fine.” 

“Lay back down.” Azriel commanded softly, moving around the bed to stand at your side and gently shove you back into the pillows. To ease the worry in his eyes, you complied. 

“Eris is here?” You questioned him again, raising a brow when his jaw tightened and he looked away. 

“Yes.”

“I’d like to see him…- to thank him.” 

Ariel's eyes widened and he blanked, “thank him?” 

“Well, yes. He saved my life.”

Azriel scoffed and moved towards the window, turning his back to you. “Eris is the entire reason you were in that situation to begin with.” 

You sat up once more, but began to stand this time. Muscles burned with the stretch but worked all the same, and it took you no time to be out of the bed and tugging on shoes. “I am the reason I was in that situation, Azriel. He is the reason I made it home.” You pulled on his shoulder, forced him to look at you. Cupping his face you brought it down to your level, ignoring the wince he let out when you gripped a particularly sore bruise. “Do you hear me?” 

“I hear you.” 

“Then where is he?”

“Downstairs.”

You nodded, pressed a firm kiss to the corner of his bruised lips, and turned tail for the door. The general functions of your body were kicking back on as the fae bane evaporated from it completely. You were moving quicker, yet still not quick enough to evade your mate's grasp as he reached for your retreating elbow. 

“Yes?” You quipped, hand hovering above the door handle. 

“You’re going to be really pissed at me when you go downstairs.”

“You hit him first didn't you?” 

“He deserved it.”

~

Eris was sitting in the rubble that had once been the living room, leaning heavily on his elbows as he hunched over on the couch. You took in the room with wide eyes- the apologetic look in Azriel’s eyes and the guilt on Eris’ own features was enough background information. 

“Well you two sure know how to spend your free time.” You muttered. 

“I'm glad you're alright.” Was all Eris said as he stood, quickly enveloping you in a hug. Azriel made a noise of quiet discomfort from behind you that had Eris pulling away with a worried glance over your shoulder. 

Ignoring the brooding male behind you entirely, you focused your attention on Eris. “You saved my life.”

“I wouldn't say that.” He muttered, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. 

“Had you not come to find me, Lucy would have overpowered me in minutes.” You retorted, rubbing a hand over your side. “You saved my life.” 

The lordling’s lips thinned into a tight line and he nodded curtly. He had looked better, that much was certain. Azriel had busted the male’s lip, and left him with two mighty large black eyes that were beginning to fade as he healed. Judging from the way his right shoulder was sitting it was fair to assume your mate had dislocated it… at least once. 

You turned to your mate then, took in his injuries. Eris had held his own. Azriel, too, was sporting a black eye and busted lip. It took everything in you to suppress asking if they were fucking or fighting on the living room floor. 

“Is anyone going to tell me why the living room looks like we hosted wild cats for a week?” 

The two males shared a glance over the top of your head, and it was Eris who sighed and loosened his posture. 

“We got into a disagreement,”

“A disagreement ruined the rug I just bought Rhys?” 

Eris flopped back into the tattered remains of the couch and groaned at the impact. Moving around you, Azriel sat in the only chair that had survived their brawl. You watched them with your arms crossed over your chest, brows pulled tight, and patience quickly thinning. You imprinted this moment in your mind, would use it as a reminder to wait for kids in the future. 

“Why did you argue?” 

A shared look again. 

“So it was over me?”

Eris huffed a sigh and Azriel shifted uncomfortable in his seat. 

“I said things that were out of line.” Eris spoke through his fingers. His chin was perched in his palms, hair mused from how violently he had been running his hands through it. 

“And I reacted insolently.” Azriel added, staring up at you. 

Eris looked to your mate, stared at him before dropping his eyes and groaning. “No. You reacted to a male being possessive over your mate. It was completely warranted.” 

Your eyes were wide at the admission, and you stared at him slack jawed. “What did you say to him, Eris?” 

“A plethora of things that no longer matters.” 

You couldn't help but sigh, kneeling to the floor you cupped Eris’ face in your hands. His gaze softened and he brought a hand up to touch your own. Azriel clutched his hands together, his foot drumming incessantly against the floor. 

“Eris, I love you.” Azriel made a noise of distaste that you silenced with a stare, “But not in the way I love Azriel. And I need you to understand that the things I told you in your home were not a threat, but a promise.” 

The red-haired lordling paled and you cocked your head, “You are my longest friend, and my closest confidant, but he is my mate and I choose Him. I will continue to choose him until the day I die.” A tear slid down your cheek, and he faught the urge to brush it aside. 

“Please. I am begging do not give me a reason to never speak to you again.” And when you finished speaking he nodded breaking your hold to stand and brush off his pants. 

“My deepest apologies, once more.” He nodded this to Azriel, and stared at you kneeling form a moment longer before leaving the river home. You let the silence of the room wash over you, your hands now unoccupied resting on your lap. 

Azriel began to speak, but when you turned to him crying he only quieted and moved to sit on the floor beside you. You allowed him to pull you into his lap, to hold you close as you cried silently. 

“Im so sorry.” Azriel whispered into your hair, gently rubbing your back. “This is my fault.” 

“No-” You sniffled, reaching up to grasp his still bruised cheeks. “No. I should have set that boundary long ago. I’ve known how he has felt for years, and yet I hoped it would fade.” You chuckled then, a mournful sound. “How selfish of me to assume.” 

Azriel only held you in silence, perched in the rubble of the living room. 

You knew that the boundary you had set was not unfair. Knew that in a million other lifetimes you would still choose Azriel, but Eris’ lingering absence still managed to tear a gaping hole in your heart. 

~

“Why are you here?”

Azriel was cloaked in darkness, the hood concealing his features lilted with shadows that whispered and creeped. Eris stared at him, bow lowered from where he had nearly sent the arrow home into the spymaster’s chest. His horse snuffed impatiently, stamping the ground anxiously as those shadows crawled along the ground. 

Azriel was being reckless, breaking several laws to be on the edges of the Autumn court’s forest border. Reaching upward he dropped the hood, stared at the mounted lordling before him and sighed. 

“We need to talk.” 

“I dont think we do.” Eris huffed, slinging the bow across his back and urging his horse back into a walk along the perimeter of his lands. Azriel trailed closely, grabbing the reins and forcing the steed to stop. 

“Please.” His tone was so pleading that Eris relaxed in the saddle. Still staring at the forest beyond he uttered a harsh ‘speak.’ 

And speak, he did.

~

No amount of warning could have prepared you for the scene in front of you. Standing in the threshold of a balcony at the House of Wind was a windblown (slightly petrified) Eris, and a coolly composed Azriel. 

“Why are you here.” It was directed to Eris. 

As he stepped forward you clutched the books you held against your chest and shot him a warning glance. He stopped in his tracks, looked back at Azriel who only nodded and encouraged him to continue. 

“I just came to say that Azriel and I spoke.” He swallowed thickly, “And I want you to know I am sorry. And that I am going to respect both you and your mate, if you’ll have me.” 

You stared at him, and then looked back at Azriel. 

“And I'm going to stop picking apart everything he does involving you.” 

You watched between them, focused on their words. Nodding slowly you moved away from them, headed towards the balcony doors opposite where they stood. You had a table out there, cleaned and ready to read at. 

“Are you going to join me, or not?” 

TAGS:

@brekkershadowsinger @piceous21 @younxii @momlo @morelovemorepeacemoretattoo-blog @highladyofillyria @crimsonandwhiteprincess @purplevitagen @isthataknuck @emptyporsche

[dreammutual-remade]

mua!you and lucas

request: hi may you please do a bullet point scenario about lucas and his girlfriend who is a make up artist for nct. thank youu- anon

word count: 3.4k

a/n: anon !!! thank u for requesting I lowkey struggled with this concept bc I was like uhhh how r they gonna u know,,, do the affection but once I figured it out this was so fun to write !!! I love Lucas hehehehehe. also I realized when I was picKINg this gif that I forgot to include the filming of the yearbook shiygeidfhvf pretend it didn't happeN okay

ps I have 8 requests as of now and I promise I will get to all of them pls have patience w/ me ily all <33333

good evening, Thots

let us dive in, shall we

alright so you had been doing makeup since you were a wee lass !!

of course it was , pretty terrible but like practice makes perfect and now you’re an absolute LEGEND

one of your friends convinced you to start posting tutorials and have an instagram acc dedicated to your Iconic Looks and the rest was history !!!!

you started getting hella attention everyone loved you bitch !!!

so you started advertising you were like ayy if y’all need your makeup done , hmu i am Skilled

at first you started out doing other gals makeup for formal dances and whatnot

then you climbed your way up the celebrity ladder and now you’re a god damn nct makeup artist ?????

things you did: THAT

alright so you got hired just in time for cherry bomb promotions

you took a look at some of their past looks and ,,,,, you were horrified honestly who did that to them

SM CAN GET FUCKED

anyways you Turned Their Shit Around and had them lookin bout fine as hell

all the boys had been super awkward around you at first and it was soooo funny

because you were pretty used to being v close to people you don’t know well

from all the years of doing other people’s makeup now you just go right in

you got real close to mark and he squeaked and like pressed himself back into the chair

like ? shouldn’t he be used to this by now ???

johnny was the only one who was cool with you the first time even if he was an absolute SLEAZEBAG

“sorry if i get all up in your face i’m just trying to keep your eyebrows FLEEKY U KNO WHAT IM SAYIN”

“nah i don’t mind having a face like yours that close ;)))))”

“oops didn’t mean to bump into your knee like that”

“that’s okay my lap is always open for u :}”

he’s the worst god i love him

you’re on the younger side too so he’s all,

c̢̖̲̹̞̰̪ͅa̫͠l̶̜̞l̠̝͇͠ ̪̙͕̲̫̯m̙̪͖e̱͙̦̳̦̝͢ ͕̼̳̰̞o̹p҉͖̘͙͍̞̲p͍̙͙͙̹̖͞a҉̠͓̠̜͕

and you’re all

NO

taeyong asks how old you are and as soon as he finds out you’re younger than him he becomes your mom

you’ll be doing his makeup and he’s like okay but have u eaten today ??? you look too thin please eat

“one: stop moviNG IM TRYING TO CONTOUR YOU and two: please are u my damn grandmother i’m FINE i’ve eaten plenty :&&;&,$,”

you and haechan just roast each other the whole time

“yet another pimple i see, hyuckie, have you been keeping up with the skincare regimen i sent you home with?”

“first of all, fuck you, second of all, you sent me home with a piece of paper that said ‘you can wash your face to get rid of the acne but there’s nothing you can do about the ugly’ you evil WITCH”

but it’s all in good fun and you and hyuck are besties at heart and can tell when it’s not a good day for teasing

whenever you can tell he’s down you make sure to be extra playful when you’re putting on his makeup, tapping him on the nose or tickling his ear with your makeup brush til he giggles

i’m soft gOD

THIS ISNT A DONGHYUCK FIC I GOTTA CHILL

the rest are pretty cool with you too!! yuta is a worse flirt than johnny though it’s like unnecessary but it’s funny and you know he’s , mostly kidding, so you let it slide

anyways !!! cherry bomb is coming to a close and you did That the entire time you had them absolutely GLOWING

but then you get some emails from your boss talking about a new NCT U song/concept that will be filmed toward the end of the year

((i think that’s when it was filmed ?? i’m so sorry if there’s inaccuracies in here i’m very bad with dates :’-)))))))

they tell you you’re traveling to the UKRAINE

THATS FAR

and VERY COLD

they also tell you that they’re gonna be debuting two new members in this unit and you’re a little Nervous since you’ve only been doing 127’s and Dream’s makeup for the past like , half a year

(u were responsible for the we young era,,,,, god bless u)

but you’re also excited because they described the concept to you and you’ve already got ideas to make everyone look Hot and Badass

your boss sent some predebut pics and said the new ones were Yukhei and Jungwoo and, wOW THEYRE PRETTY

jungwoo looks absolutely soft and squishy so you’re a bit worried about making him look ,,,,, BOSS but yukhei.

is a whOLE MAN

he’s got big eyes and lips that give him softer features but , the look in his eyes and like his cheekbones and ????? wow you’re gonna turn him into Daddy Material

anywhom

the time has come and we are on our way to the ukraine !!! yeehaw it’s cold as balls out here

you arrive and get to stay in the hotel for a night before you gotta Get To Work

you arrive bright and early with all your beauty products

you , as the resident makeup artist, look cute as hell even if you are rather cold

your nose is tinted a bit red even tho you have foundation on rip

you set up your little station in the main tent because they’re gonna film all the outdoor parts first

jaehyun walks in first with winwin and they he looks scruffy af

“jaehyun you DOLT did you not shave ??? you know that tickles my hand when i’m trying to make you hot”

“i’m already hot”

“uh huh go shave your face i guarantee you don’t want me to try”

“ugh, yes ma’am”

“hey winwinie~”

“good morning !!!”

winwin is Precious and Easy To Work With as usual

mark comes in next and he’s flustered and cute AS USUAL

of course he’s comfy with you now but you enjoy making him flustered

“mark, baby, you’re GLOWING today!!! go off king”

“y/N PLEASE ENOUGH”

doyoung comes next and his Flawless Skin makes the process so much easier for you ugh

reLEASE THE SKINCARE ROUTINE

COWARDS

anywhom you get to meet jungwoo next !!!

FUCKIN UWU

his blue hair ,,,,,,,, amazing

he’s so sweet and releases little breathy giggles every once in a while when the brushes tickle him

you’re finishing up with jungwoo when, the Man Himself literally stumbles into the tent

“hyUNG are you almost done we’re bout to film man”

and he is absolutely Large and you are , very appreciative god damn

even barefaced this man baby looks GOOD that is not fair :-(

“lucas!~ you still have to get your makeup done but i think y/n was almost finished. are you?”

jungwoo turns to look up at you while he asked and you, have to exercise GREAT restraint not to talk to him in a baby voice

so you just nod and then give him a once over and tell him he can go ahead to wardrobe

you wave yukhei over and you’re like hey uh ,,, yukhei? or should i call u lucas ?!/!:&:&

he cackles and asks you to call him lucas and asks your name and how old you are and what your star sign is and your favorite color and your nct bias

(when you tell him you love them all equally he’s all like Not For Long 

>:-))) soon i shall PREVAIL)

basically he’s questioning you and you’re like oKAY PLEASE IM TRYING TO MAKE YOUR FACE BEAUTIFUL

“my face is already beautiful thank u very MUCH”

“you boys are all the same jaehyun  already pulled that shit today, LAME”

he pouts and you tap him on the lip with the handle of your makeup brush and then Get To Work

you truly have him lookin RIGHT wooo shit he looks good

and as you’re doing it your brain is like that clip from sponge bob where squidward is like oh NO he’s hot !!!! :(

you’re doing his eye makeup and you’re standing, in between his legs like they’re so long and in the way it’s the only way to get close enough to to do it well and you’re highkey, Blushing

he’s literally just staring up at you while you do his makeup and your hands are starting to shake what business does he have with such big brown puppy dog eyes :((((

“hey quit staRINg at me dude”

“ am i making u,,,, nervous ;)”

“, YES pls stop :((“

“aw i’m srry :((((“

pouts AGAIN and you shove his shoulder a little for making fun of you

when you finish you just kind of nod and he takes that as a go ahead and like SPRINGS up

and you’re standing very close so he almost knocks you the hell over

you tip backwards and he grabs you by the waist to steady you while you basically grab handfuls of his clothes to keep you upright

there’s a pause where you guys are just.. pressed together before you fly apart and lucas awkwardly rubs the back of his neck like nervous boys do in movies AW

“i really gotta stop knocking people over i almost took oUT jungwoo earlier srry abt that :’-))))))”

you’re like haha it’s fine :’-))))))))))))))

it’s really awkward so he yeets out of there just as taeyong strolls in looking entirely too smug

“so, you’ve taken a liking to our newest member hmmmm ??”

“aw no jungwoo is just so cute !!”

“quit playing dumb you knew what i meant”

“okaY but literally nothing happened please don’t make this a big deal”

“it’s a big deal bbg it’s tOO LATE NOW”

you sigh and then do his makeup pretty quickly since even barefaced he looks unreal

fckin anime character

okay everyone is now made up and dressed (jaehyun came last freshly shaven , looking like a bar of soap as usual) and you’re on standby outside to fix any little blemishes they may get while filming

everything is pretty good because most of the boys are used to wearing makeup but lucas is Dumb and just like ?? rubs at his eye and wipes half of it off ????

you sCREECH as he’s doing it and he jumps and is like ??? what is it what’s wrong with you

“what’s wrong with me ??? wHATS WRONG WITH YOU I WORKED HARD TO MAKE YOU LOOK THAT ETHEREAL DAMNIT”

you have to fix it on the spot so y’all can stay on schedule so he does that thing where he stands with his legs super far apart so his face is level with yours

his legs are so far apart in order for him to be short enough rip (.... literally. pray for his pants u guys)

you fix up his eye and warm him that you’ll give him a black eye with your fist instead of makeup if he messes up your Artwork again

the shoot goes really well and you get to know lucas and jungwoo better throughout the rest of the filming

things are…. tense between you and lucas but not in like a bad way more like a we are both sort of attracted to each other and unsure what to do from here way

lucas gets braver as time passes and has become wayyyyy more flirty

the tension just sort of transforms to hardcore flirting and little fleeting touches jskdkfk

you havent stopped blushing for like 4 days straight

as you do his makeup he’ll stare up at you with fckn awestruck eyes and one of his hands will drift up to circle around your wrist as you tilt his head this way and that

its a GIANT hand too I just wanna mention that they're very nice hands thank you for your time

as you do his makeup you’ll purposefully let your hand linger on his neck and use your thumb to caress turn his jaw

when you stand between his legs to do his makeup he’ll scoot to the edge of the chair to get as Close As Possible until your hips are almost touching the inside of his thighs ???:$&:&:@:@

SPICY

but eventually the shoot is over :(((( rip

buT no worries ;))))) black on black is being filmed in like a month and you’ll see his goofy ass soon heheh

highkey black on black makes u , Hot And Bothered like the part where lucas is on the floor and doing thaT THING

YALL KNOW WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT

he highkey gets up and is like

did u like that babygirl ~~~ 😤😘💕🤪😩

and you just stick your tongue out at him and he sticks his tongue out at you and it’s Juvenile

“JUST MAKE OUT ALREADY!!!!”- johnny, from across the room

you: Red

lucas: wheezing

you guys pull all the same touchy flirty bullshit for this MV filming too and all the boys are like o.o

“hyung are u dating our makeup artist(¬‿¬) ” -chenle

“god i wish”

“what”

“i mean , no”

and now BOSS has been released and you’ve gotta do his makeup for all these stages and you two just , keep dancing around each other

when the boys get their first win for BOSS tho lucas is sO HYPE

because it’s his first time really performing live and they WON AND ???? THIS IS CRAZY

and he’s so happy he’s like shaking and he bursts into the dressing room after they all come off stage

he makes it there before everyone else because he RAN like a dork

you’re packing up all your stuff and hear the door open and you turn around to congratulate the boys but it’s just lucas and he runs in and pICKS YOU UP

he spins you around and sets you down and is like

JSDKSJDK Y/N WE WON ????

and you’re like

OMG YEAH I KNOW IM SO PROUD OF U ??!:&:@.

and then he just kisses you right on the lips in excitement

it’s just a press of lips and it was barely a kiss since he was still smiling so hard

his smile fades after and he looks , terrified

you also are terrified because ?

he’s Done It Now

the imaginary LINE has been CROSSED

but like, the barrier is broken now right ????

yolo

so you just shake your head and flick him on the nose

“damn you could have taken me to dinner first”

he laughs nervously because you haven’t made it clear whether or not you’re going to murder him and, That’s Scary

but you giggle and press up on your toes to kiss him more gently and tell him it’s okay and you like him and if he likes you back that would be GREAT

and he just smooshes you against him really hard and presses at least 26 kisses to your cheeks and it tickles and you’re like heY STOP THE LIPSTICK I PUT ON YOU WILL STAIN ME

“i like u too,, HEHEHHE”

“god you had to ruin it by cackling like the wicked witch of the west didn’t you???”

“absolutely, sweetheart :)”

okay the rest of nct u is on the way so you quickly agree that this should be a Semi Secret relationship because he’s so new to the scene and he’s probably not even allowed to date rn lol

but he INSISTS that he can treat you well no matter what and who are you to stop him honestly

he’s so blatant with the touching while you do his makeup now though that although you haven’t explicitly told anyone ,,, all the members of NCT know

he just loops his arms around your hips and pulls you close and blatantly admires you while you’re concentrated on his makeup

squeezes your ass every once in a while which makes you squeak and slap his shoulder

that little SHIT

one time taeil caught you sneaking in some food for lucas during dance practice and was like

“honestly just come in we all know you’re in a relationship gOD it’s so obvious”

so now you come to dance practice all the time with food for him and extra for the other boys

he’s always jealous

literally all the time

you’ll be doing marks makeup and hyping him up as usual

(baby bOY DESERVES IT)

and lucas will be :(((((( y don’t u say that stuff to me

“i literally say that and more to you and about you”

“okay but why not only me :(((((“

“oh my god”

or when you bring food he’ll be like NO she brought this for me go away you commoners !!!!!

honestly you feel like you’re taking care of a toddler sometimes except he’s HUGE

you have to be like

“now lucas, sharing is caring and i brought enough for everyone stop being gREEDY”

any free time he has he comes to your apartment

mainly because you guys want to be mushy and coupley and not have to listen to all the members whining and fake gagging

he’ll knock on your door at midnight with a blanket in hand and fresh out of the shower and looking CUTE

“can i sleep over :(((( i cant sleep without you:((((((“

BITCH

your heart melts oh my shosjdjdjckf

and this boy basically can’t sleep without you now because he sleeps over so much im emo

at first he insists on being the big spoon every time but after awhile Sleepy Baby Boy Lucas reveals himself

when he’s super tired he’ll just let himself in and climb in your bed and plant his head on your chest and his arms around your waist and just sigh contentedly

if he can’t sleep he’ll steal your hand and place it on top of his head and nudge you til you start running your fingers through his hair and scratching his scalp

uwu this is so cute

loves to hold your hands whenever possible

you guys can’t really go on dates since the relationship is Super Secret and he wants so bad to show you off but he CANT :/

so he just pretends y’all are out on the town and holds your hand at home when you’re just chillin

has taken to putting things you need in very high places so he can come up behind you and reach over your head to hand it to you

okay but like once in a while you both do your best to have a Normal Date where you go out doors you just have to be

Incognito Mode

so summer dates dont really work out since it’s hard to hide your identity when you’re not covered head to toe because it’s HOT

they’re mainly winter dates like ice skating and hot chocolate and fall festival stuff !!!!

he insists that you go to any festival in town like INSISTS

festival for a random and obscure flower?? you best believe you’re attending and going home covered flowers

he tried to make you a flower crown but it kept falling apart so he just stuck flowers all up in your hair AWE

forced you to pose so he could take pictures of you

(he made it his lock screen !!!! uwu)

this boy just, loves you so much and the day he tells you is when you’re both sick and dying because he got a cold and then gave it to you so you’re both laying in bed feeling Terrible

you’re laying there and feeling lightheaded and too hot but you’re both Clingy so you still hold hands at least lmao

and lucas tugs on your hand and you flop on your side to look at him expectantly

“yes, lucas?”

“hey”

“hey”

“guess what”

“hmmmmm what”

“i love you”

“oh, me too”

“like you love me too or you love you too”

“U2 is alright i guess”

“no i mean do you love me or yourself”

“both”

“sweet, self love is important too”

and theN YOU TERRIBLE PEOPLE PASS OUT HEHSHS

WHO CONFESSES THEIR LOVE LIKE THAT ????

when you wake up you feel slightly better and look over and see Your Man sprawled out over the bed with one arm haphazardly thrown over you

he rlly can’t sleep without a hand on you that is so so cute fuckdjkdjd

you remember confessing your love to each other in a delirious and feverish haze and snicker because it was RIDICULOUS

you gently turn to face him so you don’t wake him up and trail your fingertips up his arms to trace his features

his eyes flutter open and he’s literally unreal like he looks like an angel

and he smiles all sleepy like and brings his hand up to capture your wrist and kiss your palm

“good morning i’m no longer fucked up on theraflu and i love you”

“good morning i’m also no longer fucked up and i love you MORE”

he scoffs dramatically

“not possible !!!!!”

“is too !!!”

“is nOT”

“IS TOO”

“IS NOT”

and so on :-)

[diehardcoolkid]

50 to 60 for the ask 😇

50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore?

Grey, its just this really light sweatshirt i got during my 1 year in college.

51. Ever wished you were someone else?

Never not wishing i was someone else tbh

52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself?

If i couldnt change my physical body, id change how i see myself

53. Favourite makeup brand?

Idk anything about makeup. But uh, any brand that makes vibrant lipsticks i geuss.

54. Favourite store?

I… i geuss i dont… really go to stores anymore… which is weird. I guess newegg is my favorite online store.

55. Favourite blog?Oops. I skipped this one at first. I meant to go back but forgot. I hope this isnt weird of me to tag them, because im not mutuals with all of them but. @safeangels @astronomies @doverjazzghost @bathysphere @hsiaoes 56. Favourite colour?

The easy answer is red because i wear it the most. But this is such a difficult question. I like so many different colors for different things. I think tho, imma shift from red into a hot pink. Because thats the color of my favorite card sleeves.

57. Favourite food? 

Easy. Buffalo chicken, but like, only very hot. Not extremely hot.

58. Last thing you ate?

……. some boneless wings from BWW. I got wild, hot, and desert heat.

59. First thing you ate this morning?

……………… some leftover dominos pizza. I forgot to turn back on my alarms. So i was running late. And didnt have time for my usual cereal. But its very quick to heat up some pizza and eat that.

60. Ever won a competitio

Im p glad i got this one tbh. Because its basically the only interesting thing about me. When i was 15 i think. I was in the boy scouts. And a couple of troops around here got together and held a sort of Top Shot competition, if anyone remembers that show. It wasnt too big. Like 12 kids. But i won .22lr speed shooting, .22lr accuracy shooting. And the combined tomahawk/knife throwing events. There was only 5 events. I was, was really bad at archery that day, and i took 2nd in the iron sights competition, and thats because this was before i finally gave in to needing glasses. And admittedly i am v blind without them.

Thank you for the ask!!! Im sorry i took so long! I was gunna do it when i got home so i could desktop it. But then plans changed so i didnt get home till midnight! So im in bed doing this on my phone, i hope not too many mistakes.

[themoneybuff-blog]

Just solve the problem!

While the contractors were working to replace the siding on our new home last summer, they discovered a termite infestation outside the bathroom.

Further investigation revealed that the floor under the tub was not only wet and damp, but had actually completely rotted. So, we hired somebody to repair the damage. On the first day he was here, I went into the bathroom barefoot. Oops. I stepped on a shard of glass tile. That splinter was stuck in my foot for weeks. At first, it didnt really affect normal activity. If I wore sneakers and socks, I barely felt it. But if I wore sandals, I got a sharp stabbing pain in the side of my left foot. If I tried to run, the same thing happened. And forget about going to the gym! Now, the obvious response here is, Why didnt you remove the sliver from your foot? Great question! On the very first night, Kim did try to remove the sliver, and we thought she got it. But the next morning when I took Tally for a walk, I realized the sliver was still there. But I didnt do anything about it. I lived with it for weeks, a constant source of low-grade irritation. This, my friends, is a perfect example of a couple of things. First, its my familys mentality in action. For some stupid stupid reason, we Roths dont like dealing with medical issues. When were sick, we suffer for days (or weeks) before going to a doctor. When were hurt, we just suck it up. When I was young, my mother sprained her ankle. She limped around for months before seeking medical attention. In college, I broke a finger playing touch football over Thanksgiving. I dealt with the intense pain until Christmas break, at which time I finally decided to see a doctor.Second, this a perfect example of putting up with a problem instead of finding a solution. Most people myself included are willing to tolerate a great deal of dissatisfaction and discomfort before deciding to remedy whatever is wrong in their lives. Im not sure why this is the case, but its true. With the glass shard in my foot, most of the time I barely noticed. But sometimes the pain was especially bad. I remember one morning while walking the dog, it felt like somebody was stabbing me with a needle. I just need to solve the problem, I thought to myself and that reminded me of some wise advice I once received. Just Solve the Problem About a decade ago, I worked with a life coach. Each week, wed have an hour-long phone conversation about the ways I was trying to become a better person. I made great progress in some areas, but little progress in others. One day, we were talking about my inability to eat a healthy breakfast. Ive always been the sort of guy who knows he should eat a nutritious breakfast but doesnt actually do so. My coach had been encouraging me to make this a habit in my life, but I kept complaining about all the reasons it wasnt possible. Eventually, shed had enough. J.D., youre being ridiculous, my coach said, exasperated. This isnt rocket science. Millions of people eat a healthy breakfast every day. You can too. You need to stop making excuses. You need to identify the problem and solve the problem. Just solve the problem! This advice hit me hard: Just solve the problem. Obvious, I know, but that doesnt mean its not powerful. I began to recognize that, in so many ways, I deliberately lived in the problem instead of living in the solution. I realized that maybe I could fix the things that were broken in my life if Id only take the time to do so. (After all, Id already made the resolution to become a money boss and that had worked wonders with my financial situation!) With breakfast, for instance, the solution was to make it easy to have healthy choices. For me, that meant stocking the fridge with egg whites and chicken sausage. It meant learning to like yogurt. It also meant giving myself permission to spend a little extra on pre-packaged fruit and not kidding breakfast steaks. (I was eating paleo at the time, so a piece of filet mignon was perfectly acceptableif somewhat expensive.) Related reading: A few months ago, there was a thread on Reddit discussing why people choose long-term inconvenience over short-term inconvenience: I just spent at least 10 minutes undoing several screws using the end of a butter knife that was already in the same room, rather than go upstairs and get a proper screw driver for the job that would have made the job a lot easier and quicker. And I spent weeks limping around with a sliver in my foot rather than have Kim spend five minutes taking it out. How Do You Solve the Problem? Just solve the problem is terrific advice that can be applied to all aspects of life. For almost a decade now, its been a mantra of mine. Admittedly, its a mantra that I sometimes forget to repeat to myself. But when I do remember to heed these words, they help me get a hell of a lot done. But just how do you go about solving the problems in your life? I believe theres a six-step process that you can use to tackle the things youve been neglecting for too long: Recognize a problem exists. You need to be conscious that a problem is present before you can figure out what that problem is. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Its easy to get complacent, to just accept that this is the way things are. For instance, you might be unhappy with your financial situation; you might realize that something with the way youre handling money isnt working.Identify the problem. After youve recognized that things arent right, ask yourself why. What is the specific problem thats leading to your unhappiness? Is there more than one problem? Using the previous example, once youve realized you need to do something different with your dollars, you might find that debt is dragging you down.Diagnose the source of the problem. Next, try to figure out why your problem exists. How did it start? Why does it continue? Why does it make you unhappy? With our financial example, youd quickly discover that your debt exists because you spend more than you earn. But why do you spend more than you earn? When did you start doing this? Why do you continue to do so?Brainstorm solutions. Now that youve identified the problem (and its source), its time to figure out how to fix things. This is the fun part. Come up with a list of ways you can overcome the problem thats been holding you back. To get out of debt, for instance, you might take a two-pronged approach: boost your income by taking a second job while also cutting back temporarily on some non-essentials.Formulate a plan. Once youve come up with a solution to your problem, make a plan to turn these dreams into reality. How specifically are you going to implement your solution? What steps can you take today and tomorrow to solve the problem? If youre trying to trim your budget, you might draft a prioritized list of places you can cut your spending. Then you can write down concrete steps to take toward each of these goals.Take action. The last step is the most important. To solve any problem, you must take action. It doesnt do any good to identify the problem, to brainstorm solutions, and to formulate a plan if youre not going to do the work necessary to make things right. Youll never get out of debt if all you do is tell yourself you ought to spend less. You must truly spend less in order to eliminate the problem. Heres one way Im currently using this just solve the problem methodology in my own life. As you may recall, Kim and I both packed on the pounds during our 15-month trip around the U.S. Weve been home nearly two years now, but we havent lost any weight. Were both aware that a problem exists: Were uncomfortable with how we feel. Why are we fat? Why arent we fit? Whats the source of the problem? Well, alcohol is a big culprit. We drink far too much beer and wine. In fact, Id go so far as to say that all the extra weight that each of us is carrying comes from booze. The lack of fitness, however, is because we got out of the habit of exercising. When we first met, we both went to the gym five times a week. Thats dropped to zero times a week. Yikes. So, how can we solve the problem(s)? First, we can drink less. Second, we can choose healthier foods. (Our diets arent terrible, but they arent great either.) Third, we can look for ways to make exercise happen instead of coming up with reasons that it cant. Now that we have some solutions, we can develop a plan to put them into action. Kim recently spent a couple of weeks doing a medically-supervised water fast to reset her system. When I return from this road trip, Im going to make fitness my top priority. (Sorry, GRS. Youll drop to number two.) Im going to return to my trusty paleo-ish diet, commit to cycling every day, and do what I can to avoid alcohol. The Bottom Line I have a terrible tendency to overthink things. I make them more complicated than they have to be. That was certainly the case back when my life coach was trying to teach me how to eat a healthy breakfast. I mean, how hard is it to pull a yogurt from the fridge? I get frustrated when people come up with reasons that something cant be done instead of thinking of ways it can be done. Yet Im guilty of the same thing when I fall into the trap of overthinking the problems in my life. Taking my foot as an example, I used all of the following as reasons not to remove the sliver: Oh, the contractors are still here. We should wait until they leave before we remove the splinter. (But, of course, by the time theyd left Id forgotten about it.)Oh, my feet are dirty right now. We should wait until Ive had a chance to clean them.Oh, Kim just got home from work. I should give her a chance to rest before I ask her to remove the splinter. (But, of course, Id forget to ask her to help me later.)Oh, were about to leave. Itd be inconvenient to take the time to get the splinter out now. We should do it when we get home.Oh, Im tired. We should just go to bed. We can always remove the splinter in the morning. Looking back, its clear to me that these were lame excuses. Id come up with reasons not to remove the sliver of glass instead of looking for an opportunity to get it done. Eventually, I recognized how foolish I was being. Kim and I sat down one night and she spent 45 minutes searching for the splinter in my foot. And you know what? As soon as she pulled it out, everything felt so much better. Hard to believe such a tiny splinter could cause so much pain. And hard to believe Im so stubborn and stupid that Id live with that pain for a couple of weeks instead of simply solving the problem.

https://www.getrichslowly.org/solve-the-problem/

[themoneybuff-blog]

Just solve the problem!

While the contractors were working to replace the siding on our new home last summer, they discovered a termite infestation outside the bathroom.

Further investigation revealed that the floor under the tub was not only wet and damp, but had actually completely rotted. So, we hired somebody to repair the damage. On the first day he was here, I went into the bathroom barefoot. Oops. I stepped on a shard of glass tile. That splinter was stuck in my foot for weeks. At first, it didnt really affect normal activity. If I wore sneakers and socks, I barely felt it. But if I wore sandals, I got a sharp stabbing pain in the side of my left foot. If I tried to run, the same thing happened. And forget about going to the gym! Now, the obvious response here is, Why didnt you remove the sliver from your foot? Great question! On the very first night, Kim did try to remove the sliver, and we thought she got it. But the next morning when I took Tally for a walk, I realized the sliver was still there. But I didnt do anything about it. I lived with it for weeks, a constant source of low-grade irritation. This, my friends, is a perfect example of a couple of things. First, its my familys mentality in action. For some stupid stupid reason, we Roths dont like dealing with medical issues. When were sick, we suffer for days (or weeks) before going to a doctor. When were hurt, we just suck it up. When I was young, my mother sprained her ankle. She limped around for months before seeking medical attention. In college, I broke a finger playing touch football over Thanksgiving. I dealt with the intense pain until Christmas break, at which time I finally decided to see a doctor.Second, this a perfect example of putting up with a problem instead of finding a solution. Most people myself included are willing to tolerate a great deal of dissatisfaction and discomfort before deciding to remedy whatever is wrong in their lives. Im not sure why this is the case, but its true. With the glass shard in my foot, most of the time I barely noticed. But sometimes the pain was especially bad. I remember one morning while walking the dog, it felt like somebody was stabbing me with a needle. I just need to solve the problem, I thought to myself and that reminded me of some wise advice I once received. Just Solve the Problem About a decade ago, I worked with a life coach. Each week, wed have an hour-long phone conversation about the ways I was trying to become a better person. I made great progress in some areas, but little progress in others. One day, we were talking about my inability to eat a healthy breakfast. Ive always been the sort of guy who knows he should eat a nutritious breakfast but doesnt actually do so. My coach had been encouraging me to make this a habit in my life, but I kept complaining about all the reasons it wasnt possible. Eventually, shed had enough. J.D., youre being ridiculous, my coach said, exasperated. This isnt rocket science. Millions of people eat a healthy breakfast every day. You can too. You need to stop making excuses. You need to identify the problem and solve the problem. Just solve the problem! This advice hit me hard: Just solve the problem. Obvious, I know, but that doesnt mean its not powerful. I began to recognize that, in so many ways, I deliberately lived in the problem instead of living in the solution. I realized that maybe I could fix the things that were broken in my life if Id only take the time to do so. (After all, Id already made the resolution to become a money boss and that had worked wonders with my financial situation!) With breakfast, for instance, the solution was to make it easy to have healthy choices. For me, that meant stocking the fridge with egg whites and chicken sausage. It meant learning to like yogurt. It also meant giving myself permission to spend a little extra on pre-packaged fruit and not kidding breakfast steaks. (I was eating paleo at the time, so a piece of filet mignon was perfectly acceptableif somewhat expensive.) Related reading: A few months ago, there was a thread on Reddit discussing why people choose long-term inconvenience over short-term inconvenience: I just spent at least 10 minutes undoing several screws using the end of a butter knife that was already in the same room, rather than go upstairs and get a proper screw driver for the job that would have made the job a lot easier and quicker. And I spent weeks limping around with a sliver in my foot rather than have Kim spend five minutes taking it out. How Do You Solve the Problem? Just solve the problem is terrific advice that can be applied to all aspects of life. For almost a decade now, its been a mantra of mine. Admittedly, its a mantra that I sometimes forget to repeat to myself. But when I do remember to heed these words, they help me get a hell of a lot done. But just how do you go about solving the problems in your life? I believe theres a six-step process that you can use to tackle the things youve been neglecting for too long: Recognize a problem exists. You need to be conscious that a problem is present before you can figure out what that problem is. Sometimes this is easier said than done. Its easy to get complacent, to just accept that this is the way things are. For instance, you might be unhappy with your financial situation; you might realize that something with the way youre handling money isnt working.Identify the problem. After youve recognized that things arent right, ask yourself why. What is the specific problem thats leading to your unhappiness? Is there more than one problem? Using the previous example, once youve realized you need to do something different with your dollars, you might find that debt is dragging you down.Diagnose the source of the problem. Next, try to figure out why your problem exists. How did it start? Why does it continue? Why does it make you unhappy? With our financial example, youd quickly discover that your debt exists because you spend more than you earn. But why do you spend more than you earn? When did you start doing this? Why do you continue to do so?Brainstorm solutions. Now that youve identified the problem (and its source), its time to figure out how to fix things. This is the fun part. Come up with a list of ways you can overcome the problem thats been holding you back. To get out of debt, for instance, you might take a two-pronged approach: boost your income by taking a second job while also cutting back temporarily on some non-essentials.Formulate a plan. Once youve come up with a solution to your problem, make a plan to turn these dreams into reality. How specifically are you going to implement your solution? What steps can you take today and tomorrow to solve the problem? If youre trying to trim your budget, you might draft a prioritized list of places you can cut your spending. Then you can write down concrete steps to take toward each of these goals.Take action. The last step is the most important. To solve any problem, you must take action. It doesnt do any good to identify the problem, to brainstorm solutions, and to formulate a plan if youre not going to do the work necessary to make things right. Youll never get out of debt if all you do is tell yourself you ought to spend less. You must truly spend less in order to eliminate the problem. Heres one way Im currently using this just solve the problem methodology in my own life. As you may recall, Kim and I both packed on the pounds during our 15-month trip around the U.S. Weve been home nearly two years now, but we havent lost any weight. Were both aware that a problem exists: Were uncomfortable with how we feel. Why are we fat? Why arent we fit? Whats the source of the problem? Well, alcohol is a big culprit. We drink far too much beer and wine. In fact, Id go so far as to say that all the extra weight that each of us is carrying comes from booze. The lack of fitness, however, is because we got out of the habit of exercising. When we first met, we both went to the gym five times a week. Thats dropped to zero times a week. Yikes. So, how can we solve the problem(s)? First, we can drink less. Second, we can choose healthier foods. (Our diets arent terrible, but they arent great either.) Third, we can look for ways to make exercise happen instead of coming up with reasons that it cant. Now that we have some solutions, we can develop a plan to put them into action. Kim recently spent a couple of weeks doing a medically-supervised water fast to reset her system. When I return from this road trip, Im going to make fitness my top priority. (Sorry, GRS. Youll drop to number two.) Im going to return to my trusty paleo-ish diet, commit to cycling every day, and do what I can to avoid alcohol. The Bottom Line I have a terrible tendency to overthink things. I make them more complicated than they have to be. That was certainly the case back when my life coach was trying to teach me how to eat a healthy breakfast. I mean, how hard is it to pull a yogurt from the fridge? I get frustrated when people come up with reasons that something cant be done instead of thinking of ways it can be done. Yet Im guilty of the same thing when I fall into the trap of overthinking the problems in my life. Taking my foot as an example, I used all of the following as reasons not to remove the sliver: Oh, the contractors are still here. We should wait until they leave before we remove the splinter. (But, of course, by the time theyd left Id forgotten about it.)Oh, my feet are dirty right now. We should wait until Ive had a chance to clean them.Oh, Kim just got home from work. I should give her a chance to rest before I ask her to remove the splinter. (But, of course, Id forget to ask her to help me later.)Oh, were about to leave. Itd be inconvenient to take the time to get the splinter out now. We should do it when we get home.Oh, Im tired. We should just go to bed. We can always remove the splinter in the morning. Looking back, its clear to me that these were lame excuses. Id come up with reasons not to remove the sliver of glass instead of looking for an opportunity to get it done. Eventually, I recognized how foolish I was being. Kim and I sat down one night and she spent 45 minutes searching for the splinter in my foot. And you know what? As soon as she pulled it out, everything felt so much better. Hard to believe such a tiny splinter could cause so much pain. And hard to believe Im so stubborn and stupid that Id live with that pain for a couple of weeks instead of simply solving the problem.

https://www.getrichslowly.org/solve-the-problem/