#astronomical twilight likely to be night

[aizenette]

Could you write an Ichihime fluff one shot? If requests are open!

ғʟᴜғғ! ɪᴄʜɪɢᴏ x ᴏʀɪʜɪᴍᴇ - 'ɪɴᴅɪɢᴏ'

Twilight bled into a deep indigo, the last sliver of sun sinking below the desert horizon. Ichigo Kurosaki stretched languidly beside Orihime Inoue on the worn picnic blanket, a comfortable silence settling between them. They were miles outside the city, on a desolate stretch of road leading who-knows-where, chosen specifically for its unobstructed view of the night sky.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Orihime murmured, her voice barely a whisper. Ichigo tilted his head to look at her, the dying light painting her face in soft hues of orange and purple. "Yeah," he agreed, a low rumble in his chest. "Way more stars than you can ever see in karakura."

They had packed light for the impromptu stargazing date. A basket filled with sandwiches orihime had made (egg salad for him, of course), a thermos of cool green tea, and an old star chart ichigo had dug out from his closet. It was more than enough. The real stars of the show were the sky above and the warmth radiating from the person next to him.

After a while, Ichigo sat up, brushing a stray blade of grass off his shirt. "Hey, remember that time we went to the observatory with urahara?" Orihime giggled, the sound tinkling like wind chimes. "How could i forget? You tripped over your own shoelaces trying to impress me with your 'astronomical knowledge.'"

A grin tugged at Ichigo's lips. "Hey, at least i knew which way was north."

"Barely," Orihime teased, scooting closer. "But you did look cute trying to play it off."

Ichigo huffed, a playful punch aimed at her shoulder. She swatted him back playfully, their laughter echoing in the vast emptiness.

As the stars twinkled brighter overhead, a comfortable silence fell over them once more.

"Ichigo?" Orihime's voice was soft.

"Hmm?"

"Tell me about your mom. What was she like?"

The question hung heavy in the air. Ichigo's gaze drifted upwards, seeking solace in the infinite expanse of stars. His mom was a constant ache in his heart, a missing piece that could never be replaced. "She was strong," he finally said, his voice thick with emotion. "Always had a smile, no matter what. And she had this laugh... like wind chimes."

A beat of silence, then Orihime's hand slipped into his. her touch was warm, a silent comfort against the cool desert night.

"I wish i could have met her," Orihime said sincerely. Ichigo squeezed her hand back. "Me too. I... I think she'd approve of you."

A blush crept up Orihime's cheeks, hidden slightly by the veil of darkness. "Really?"

"Yeah," Ichigo said, his voice firm. "You're kind, and brave, and you make the best egg salad sandwiches in the whole Seireitei."

Orihime let out a peal of laughter, the sound like music to Ichigo's ears. They sat in comfortable silence for a while longer, their hands intertwined, a silent promise spoken beneath the watchful gaze of a million stars.

As the night deepened, a cool breeze swept across the desert. Ichigo shivered slightly, pulling his jacket tighter around him.

"Cold?" Orihime asked, her voice laced with concern." A little," he admitted. Without a word, Orihime scooted even closer, leaning her head against his shoulder. Her warmth seeped into him, chasing away the chill. Ichigo wrapped his arm around her, the gesture as natural as breathing.

They spent the rest of the night like that, content in each other's company. Ichigo pointed out constellations he vaguely remembered from the star chart, embellishing the stories with his own flair.

Orihime listened patiently, occasionally correcting him with a gentle smile. Hours melted away, marked only by the occasional shooting star streaking across the inky canvas above. when the first sliver of dawn light peeked over the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and gold, Ichigo knew it was time to head back.

"We should probably get going," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. Orihime stretched languidly, her back popping with a soft crack.

"Yeah, I suppose."

Ichigo helped her up, their hands lingering for a beat too long. The unspoken emotions hung heavy in the air, a silent promise waiting to be fulfilled.they packed up their meager belongings in comfortable silence.

As they drove back towards the city, the rising sun bleeding across the horizon, Ichigo stole a glance at Orihime. Her head was resting against the window, a peaceful smile playing on her lips.

A fondness bloomed in Ichigo's chest, as warm and bright as the colours bleeding across the dawn sky. He reached out a hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from Orihime's face. Her eyes fluttered open, the surprise quickly melting into a gentle smile. "We should do this again sometime," Ichigo said, his voice barely a murmur. Orihime's smile widened. "I'd like that." The drive back to the city was filled with a comfortable ease. They talked about inconsequential things, the future plans for their restored lives, their shared love for Urahara's wacky inventions. But beneath the surface, a new current flowed, a unspoken understanding that tingled with unspoken possibility.As they pulled up to Orihime's apartment, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, Ichigo turned to her. "I, uh, I had a good time tonight." "Me too," Orihime said, her cheeks flushed. "Thank you, Ichigo." Ichigo nodded, his heart hammering in his chest. He leaned forward slightly, unsure of what he was doing, but drawn to her by an invisible force. Orihime met him halfway, their lips meeting in a soft, tentative kiss.It was a brief touch, more of a promise than a declaration. But it sent a jolt of electricity through Ichigo, leaving him breathless and wanting more. He pulled back, a goofy grin plastered on his face."See you around, Inoue." "Ichigo," Orihime replied, her voice barely a whisper. "Call me Orihime." Ichigo's grin faltered for a moment, surprised by the simple request. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. "Alright, Orihime." He watched her disappear into her house, a warmth blooming in his chest that had nothing to do with the desert night. Today had been perfect, and the future, like the dawn sky, stretched before him, filled with the promise of something new.

[hannahssimblr]

Evie doesn’t appear phased about what I did in the abandoned church. When we left, scrambling back over that rocky wall, I already hated everything I said to her all evening. I can't even count all of the stupid things.

Yet she is unphased like she hasn't figured it out yet, laughing and chatting on my bicycle as the first glimmer of light from the seaside appears on the horizon. If I had pulled any of that shit with Michelle, with the torch and the spooky stories I was inexplicably compelled to tell afterwards, I would be dead already. Buried.

“Can I confess something?” Her voice is soft and close to my ear. “You don’t seem like a person who is into ghosts and stuff like that.”

“No?”

“No, you seem too cool.”

“I’m not cool.”

She pauses. “I think you are. You remind me of some of Shane’s friends from home a bit.”

“Culchies.”

“No, just very sporty, popular boys who, like, get invited to house parties.”

“You don’t get invited to house parties?”

A derisive laugh, “No, I’m not cool.”

“Well, if I threw a party, I’d invite you.” 

The road thins and slopes towards the sea as I pass the welcome sign to the village, freewheeling over palm fronds, and through the sand piles gathered by the curbs until the last, empty, open street lies ahead. I have no concept of what time it is. It is after midnight at least, but before four, because the sky is still that even, deep blue of astronomical twilight. 

It is disappointing to reach the gates of the caravan park. 

“Do you want me to bring you all the way?” I ask her.

“Yeah, okay.”

And so we gain another two minutes, which I use up telling her about the ganja guy in that caravan by the tennis court. She finds the story amusing. It seems she feels that way about a lot of things I tell her. This is not unfamiliar. At school, I grew accustomed to people who hung around me and acted like every word I uttered was hilarious, not because they honestly thought so, but because they wanted me to give something to them, attention, or popularity, validation of some sort. It just doesn’t seem that way with Evie. 

“What time is it?” she climbs off the pannier rack and rubs the side of her neck. 

I check my phone. “It’s half two.”

“Wow. I should really get to bed. I barely slept last night and I’m so exhausted.”

“You didn’t?”

She wavers. “Um, no, I was just wound up from being in Dublin and all. My mind was racing a bit, like, it tends to do that.”

We say nothing for a beat. I should probably get back on the bike and go home, but instead, I stand there scouring my brain for some way to spark another conversation and keep her where she is. 

It takes too long to think, and within a second she has turned away. “I better go inside.”

“It was nice to hang out with you,” I call after her as she climbs the weatherbeaten planks of the mobile steps. 

She smiles, fiddles with a piece of her hair, then, almost as an afterthought, she tries the door. 

But it is locked. 

Another attempt, jiggling it this time, then she pats her pockets with growing alarm. 

“Everything okay?” 

She shakes her head. “I’m locked out.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah,” with hands at her temples, she stares at the ground in disbelief, “I remember where I left them. They’re in my room.”

I’m stumped. It’s not like I can bring her home to my house. That’d be weird, and I don’t even want to think about the questions it would arouse. What if the guys were to come home to find her, God forbid, brushing her teeth in the bathroom? What would they think I did? Could I even blame them for thinking it?

“Oh! Hang on!” She says, and without explaining herself, she darts around the side of the mobile home, vanishing through clumps of overgrown grass until she’s swallowed completely by darkness. 

“What the fuck?” I follow her. 

I find her at the back, where moss has sprouted between slits in the PVC sliding. 

“My window,” she explains, “I thought I left it open.” Her thumbs find a sliver of space at the base of the frame, and with some effort she shoves it upwards, heaving out a heavy sigh of satisfaction. “There!”

She pauses. “Do you want a glass of water? You must be tired from cycling all that way.”

She means an actual glass of water. It is not an innuendo and I know it. 

“Yeah, that’d actually be really nice.”

Nobody needs to know that I agreed, that I’m doing this, that I am actually crawling in her bedroom window behind her, because God knows, I don’t know what I would tell them if they asked. This is one of those moments where my behaviour is inexplicable even to myself.

As I clamber over her bedside table, narrowly avoiding knocking her lamp to the floor, I catch her kicking a pile of clothes under one of the twin beds. I smile. She’s messy. 

“Okay, stay here,” she orders, and hurries out the door, leaving me alone in her room, surrounded by her things. 

One of the two narrow beds is unmade. I choose that one to sit on while I observe this little box room. An old, painted dresser, a 90s-era television set left unplugged, a bedside table and a lamp. Without question, the rest of the stuff is hers. There is a suitcase, still unpacked, a tennis racquet, and a few plastic bottles of water at various states of fullness. An orange bikini hangs up to dry by the window, and I don’t stare at it. The door handle squeaks and I snatch a book from the bedside table so I can pretend to be interested in it. 

“What are you doing?” Evie stands frowning with my cup of water in her hand, and I feel like she has caught me doing something illegal.

“Just looking at your books. Is that okay?”

“They’re not interesting books, just silly romance novels and stuff.”

It’s like I’ve only just landed in my body. I hadn’t even realised what I was looking at. Turning the book over to its baby blue cover, looping cursive across the front, I shrug. “If you like reading them, then who cares?”

She hands me the cup and sits next to me on the mattress. “I know I should be reading the classics, but I tried to read Catch 22 a couple of months ago and found it bad.”

“Really? I like that book.”

Her cheeks redden. “Oh, well, it’s not really bad, that’s not what I meant, it–”

“It’s okay, it’s not for you. It’s fine not to be into something.”

She frowns at her lap and brings a fingertip to her mouth before catching herself like she’s remembering she doesn’t bite her nails in front of other people. I want to talk to her more about how it’s alright if she has an opinion that is different than mine, that it doesn’t make her wrong, or anything like that, but I decide against drawing attention to her embarrassment at all. I suspect she might prefer it that way. 

Under the window, a black, linen-covered notebook sits flat, loose pages jutting out from the side. Laying the water and the romance novel down, I reach for it.

Quick as a whip, she moves to block my hand. “You can’t see this.” 

“What? Why not? What is it?”

“It’s personal.”

“What, like your secret diary?”

“No! Not like that. It’s none of your business.”

She doesn’t say a word, so I adjust my tone to be gentler. “Come on, let me see it. It’s no big deal.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s messy. My work is messy.”

“Uh, yeah, like all sketchbooks. I’m just curious about it, please.” 

She says in a tiny voice: “I don’t want you to judge me.”

“But why would I do that?”

“Because. You’re a real artist, and I’m just… a hobbyist.”

I scoff. “I’m not a real artist either,” not by any stretch of the imagination. 

“Well, those people at the Berlin art school would disagree.”

I’ll be a real artist after I go to Berlin, not before. I wish she knew that. Right now I’m just a sixth-year student who likes to draw pictures of his own feet. “You’re saying all this based on nothing. I’ll show you my sketchbook sometime and you’ll see. You don’t turn into a prodigy just because you get accepted into art college.”

“Okay, well, you’re not allowed to be mean.”

“I’d never”

“If you think it’s shit, I’ll know,” she warns as finally, she relinquishes it to me, “I’m really good at reading faces.”

“I bet.”

Finally, I open the cover. I do not underestimate the value of this worn-out sketchbook that she was so incredibly protective of, and hope my hands are not dirty, that they don’t smudge the corners of the pages. I am careful to be very thoughtful about each piece that I encounter. 

She has a tight line, surprisingly. I expected to find something more loose and free-form, floaty figures with dozens of wandering, light lines, some voile curtains in the wind, perhaps, but her hand is deliberate, cautious and exact. It says something about her that I didn't expect.

I pause on one page, one close to the end of the sketchbook, with a drawing of a man and a dog. It’s this beach. The land’s shape in the background she roughly drew looks familiar to me, but I sense her anxiety when I realise I haven’t spoken in a while. 

“These are really good,” I assure her. “The way you’ve captured the movement… You can tell that he’s resisting the wind here, there’s a great weight to it.”

She seems to melt with relief. “Thank you. I’m trying to get better at drawing things that are moving. I got too comfortable drawing still things and then got way too focused on the details. Like my cat,” leaning in close she flips back near the beginning, “See, she was sleeping, so I felt like I had time to draw every little thing. Like all the individual hairs and everything. I got way too caught up with it.”

“I like these too, though. I get what you’re saying about there being a lot of detail, but I dunno, it still works for me. I think the line work is really sensitive. I think you’re a really good artist, like, everything in here is honestly great.”

“Really? You don’t have to say it just to be nice.”

“I’m not! I really think that.”

“Okay,” she pulls the sketchbook off my lap before I can change my opinion, and stashes it safely beneath the bed, out of reach. With a quick toss of her hair over one shoulder, she looks at me with a challenge in her eyes. “You’ll have to show me your work now. This is a transaction that works both ways.” 

“Yeah, I will. The next time you’re over at the beach house, I’ll show you what I’ve been working on.”

“I bet it’s unreal.”

“Don’t hold your breath. Not as good as yours.”

She rolls her eyes. “As if. I bet I’ll look in your sketchbooks and they’ll look like DaVinci did them.”

“Well, if you think that, I promise you’ll be disappointed.”

I should thank her for showing me her work, but it feels like a kind of weird thing to do, a thing a boy who was insecure and hungry for her approval would do. Someone like Liam. 

Liam. 

Should I feel bad about Liam? Here I am, in Evie Kilbride’s bedroom, getting her to show me one of her most private and precious possessions while he, what? Sleeps under Lion King themed bedsheets at home? I wonder if he’s ever been in her room, or in any poor, suffering girls’ room. 

Why am I so obsessed with being nasty about him? What is wrong with me? Perhaps inherently I am a mean person. 

When I adjust myself on Evie’s bed, I rest my thigh against hers. Her skin is cool. She doesn’t move away. 

“When you go to Berlin,” she says, “Will you know anybody there?”

Oh yeah, Berlin. I exhale. “No, I’m going on my own, which, like, I’m kind of excited about.”

“Scared though?” She prompts, and I admit: “Yeah, a little bit, I suppose. More excited.”

“I think I’d be scared to leave and be away from everybody I know.”

“Yeah, I get that, but I wasn’t really thinking that way when I applied for university there. It was honestly more about the experience I’d have and what I’d learn from doing my degree there. Plus, when I applied, I didn’t actually think I’d be going on my own.” 

“No?”

“My girlfriend at the time and I applied together, actually, but she didn’t get in. It was brutal. We got our letters on the same day.”

“You decided to go alone, anyway?”

“Yeah it felt like the best choice for me, I just didn’t see myself being in Ireland anymore, I don’t want to waste my early twenties in this horrible recession, and I don’t want to graduate into it with no job prospects. I just need to get away from it.”

“And your girlfriend?”

I hesitate. It’s not like I don’t want to talk about Michelle, it’s just… I usually avoid any conversations that might lead to some necessary explanation of the arduousness of our relationship. “We broke up. We called it quits before our exams. I didn’t want to put her through the long-distance thing, like, honestly, I didn’t want to put myself through it, because I knew I couldn’t handle that. I really just… I don’t want any attachments when I go, like, no responsibilities towards anybody else. Having a relationship while trying to navigate the changes that are ahead of me,” I sigh. “It would be too hard.”

“Wow. How long were you together?”

“Almost a year.”

She hums sympathetically. “It must have been a hard decision.”

“It was. She’s a great person.”

“Well, you can always get back together at some point in the future, you know, like maybe someday when you graduate…” Her sentence trails off as I shake my head decisively. 

“I don’t think so. It’s just over. I can’t really see us picking up where we left off, like, nothing to do with her or the relationship, per se. It’s just that I feel like I can’t ever go backwards. Once it’s done, it’s done for me. I just don’t really hang on to other people in that way.”

Her leg shifts away from mine, and the warmth of the atoms between us dissipates. She rests against the wall, her head lolling gently to one side, makeup flaking beneath weighty lids. 

“You look a little sleepy.”

“I am.”

I smile. “Then sleep. I’ll leave.”

“Okay.”

Hugging her sort of seems like the right thing to do, but I overthink it, hesitate too long and then just get up from the bed. “Okay Evie, I’ll see you again soon.” 

It’s her who demands a hug, holding out her arms to me and making a little hmph sound, so I kneel on the bed and let her wrap her arms around me. Her face nestles in my neck. She’s all warm cheeks and the flutter of eyelashes. 

“I’ll text you when I’m free to hang out again.” 

“Mm,” she has already laid down, and I can’t resist one moment where I just look at her. She’s so cute. She has the loveliest face I may have ever seen in real life.

“Goodnight,” I whisper, but I doubt she’s even heard me, and then, as quietly as I can, I climb over the bedside table and leap down onto the dew-sprinkled grass below, leaving behind no trace but ripples in the glass of water on the bedside table, lying untouched next to her sleeping face. 

Beginning // Prev // Next

Corresponding LG Chapter [2]

[star-wars-writing]

The Twilight Prophecy

Summary: In a world where the Sun Court reigns in perpetual daylight and the Moon Court thrives under starlit night, an ancient prophecy emerges to challenge the status quo. Crown Princes Cody and Obi-Wan, heirs to their respective thrones, find their destinies intertwined when a mysterious sorceress delivers a cryptic warning

A/N: So this one might be a bit different, once again it started with a prompt for the Codywan bingo @codywanbingo with theme Romance. but things might have gotten out of hand. @swfandomevents

The prompt for this was sharing armour. for now this is a one shot, but if you guys, the readers are open to it. depending on your reactions to the one shot I might be convinced to make it a series.

In the Moon Court, nestled in the heart of a kingdom where night reigned supreme and the stars whispered ancient secrets, life unfolded like a perpetual dance under the celestial dome. The court, an architectural marvel of pale stones and silver spires, mirrored the tranquil beauty of the moon it revered. At its center was the royal family, presided over by King Qui-gon, a ruler as enigmatic as the moon's hidden face, with Crown Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi, his eldest son, at his side.

Crown Prince Obi-Wan, with hair as fiery as a comet's tail, stood in stark contrast to the cool, muted hues of the court. His red locks, a rarity in the realm, were often likened to a stray strand of the sun caught in the lunar embrace. His presence in the court was like a steady flame; warm, illuminating, but never consuming. His eyes, a deep blue reminiscent of the twilight sky, held the calmness of the moonlit night and the intensity of a thousand stars.

King Qui-gon, a figure both respected and slightly feared, ruled with a wisdom that seemed to flow from the moon itself. His silver hair and beard, like the frosted edges of the moon, framed a face etched with the lines of time and responsibility. He was a king who spoke little, but when he did, his words held the weight of the night sky.

Anakin, Obi-Wan's younger brother, was the court's untamed storm. With hair as dark as the space between stars and eyes that sparkled with unbridled energy, he was a stark contrast to Obi-Wan's composed demeanor. Anakin's restless spirit often led him to the court's training grounds, where his prowess with the sword was as renowned as his impulsive nature.

Ahsoka, the youngest, was the court's dawn. Her laughter brought light to the dimmest corners, and her curiosity was as boundless as the night sky. Her presence was a gentle reminder of the dawn that followed every night, a symbol of hope and renewal in the Moon Court's often somber ambiance.

Life in the Moon Court was a delicate balance of tradition and the subtle magic that permeated the air. The nights were filled with quiet conversations, the rustle of silk robes, and the soft clinking of teacups. Scholars and astronomers were as revered as knights, their knowledge of the stars and the moon considered essential to the kingdom's wellbeing.

Music was the soul of the court, with melodies often drifting through the corridors like a soft breeze. Instruments that mimicked the sound of the night—gentle flutes, stringed instruments, and soft drums—created an ambiance that was both soothing and enigmatic.

The courtiers moved with a grace that mirrored the phases of the moon, their robes flowing in silvery and blue hues, adorned with motifs of stars and celestial bodies. In this court, every gesture, every word spoken, was as measured and deliberate as the lunar cycle.

In the heart of it all was Obi-Wan, a prince not only of blood but of the people. His days were spent in council meetings, where he listened more than he spoke, his judgments always fair and thoughtful. His nights were dedicated to the study of ancient texts and star charts, seeking wisdom in the patterns of the cosmos.

Yet, beneath the calm surface, there was a current of anticipation, a sense of a destiny not yet fulfilled. Obi-Wan, more than anyone, felt this unspoken promise that hung in the air like a pending eclipse. It was a feeling that whispered of changes to come, of paths yet to be walked, and of a bond that would define not only his fate but that of the Moon Court itself.

**** 

In the resplendent Sun Court, where day held sway and golden light bathed the land in warmth and vitality, the rhythm of life pulsated with a vibrancy befitting its celestial patron. The court itself was an architectural splendor, its walls and towers crafted from sun-kissed stone that shimmered like the surface of a star. At its heart was the royal family, led by King Jango, a monarch whose presence was as commanding as the sun in the zenith sky, with Crown Prince Cody, his eldest son, shining brightly by his side.

Crown Prince Cody was the embodiment of the Sun Court's ideals – his bearing noble and his gaze as piercing as the midday sun. His hair, a rich brown, like the fertile earth nourished by sunlight, complemented his sturdy, yet graceful demeanor. Cody's presence in the court was like a steady beacon; guiding, assuring, but always approachable. His eyes, reflecting the clear blue of a cloudless sky, held the promise of endless horizons and the resolve of daylight.

King Jango, a ruler whose reign was marked by prosperity and strength, led with a firm but fair hand. His hair and beard, peppered with strands of gray, spoke of years under the sun, commanding battles and councils alike. His decision to ascend the throne after King Jaster, his father and the former king, abdicated, was accepted with reverence by the court. Jaster, still a respected figure, remained a guiding star in the court's firmament, his wisdom as perennial as the sun itself.

The younger princes, Rex, Wolffe, Fives, and Echo, were like rays of the same sun, each unique in their brilliance. Rex, with his sharp mind and tactical acumen, was often found in the company of the court's strategists, his keen insights as valuable as any seasoned general's. Wolffe, more reserved, shared a deep interest in the court's engineering feats, his innovative ideas reflecting the Sun Court's continuous quest for progress. Fives and Echo, inseparable in their mischief and mirth, brought a spirited energy to the court, their laughter echoing through the halls like the playful dance of sunbeams.

Life in the Sun Court was a grand tapestry of color and celebration, where the arts flourished under the generous patronage of the royal family. The days were filled with lively debates in the council chambers, the clanging of swords in the training yards, and the hustle of trade in the bustling marketplaces. Knights and scholars alike were esteemed, their roles pivotal in upholding the court's glory.

Music in the Sun Court was a bold symphony, with brass and percussion leading the charge, their sounds evoking the power and majesty of the sun. The courtiers, adorned in vibrant colors – oranges, reds, and yellows – moved with a confidence that mirrored the court's solar inspiration. In this court, every action, every word resonated with the intensity of the sun's rays.

At the center was Cody, a prince whose responsibilities encompassed not just royal duties but the aspirations of his people. He was often seen engaging with his subjects, his approachability as a leader as cherished as his strategic mind. His evenings, though less public, were spent in deep study and contemplation, his gaze often turning skyward, where the setting sun met the rising moon, a silent acknowledgment of a world beyond his own.

Yet, beneath the Sun Court's radiant facade, there was an undercurrent of expectation, a sense of a destiny intertwined with that of another realm. Cody, more than anyone, felt this looming promise, a sense that his path was not his alone to tread. It was a feeling that hinted at a convergence of day and night, of a bond that would bridge the gap between the Sun Court and a kingdom not of light, but of moonlit shadows.

*** 

In the twilight-kissed ruins of the abandoned castle, where history whispered from every stone, the annual council of the Moon and Sun Courts convened. This year's gathering was marked by a significant change – for the first time, Kings Qui-gon and Jango had brought their sons, introducing the next generation to the intricate dance of diplomacy and trade.

The castle, a relic of a forgotten time, stood at the very edge where day melted into night, its once proud walls now softened by age and draped in ivy. Its grand hall, though worn by years, echoed with renewed life as the delegations of both courts assembled, their robes fluttering like banners of night and day.

Crown Prince Obi-Wan of the Moon Court, his fiery red hair a vivid contrast against his silver-hued attire, stepped into the hall with a quiet confidence. His gaze, curious and observant, swept over the Sun Court's delegation, taking in the bright colors and bold patterns that seemed to capture the essence of sunlight.

Across the room, Crown Prince Cody of the Sun Court, his stature both noble and approachable, mirrored Obi-Wan's curiosity. His hair, the color of fertile earth, was complemented by the golden embroidery of his attire, reminiscent of the rays of the midday sun.

As the council commenced, King Qui-gon, his voice as serene as a moonlit night, spoke of the Moon Court's rich deposits of moonstone and star silver, precious materials sought after by the Sun Court. King Jango, his tone warm and commanding, offered in exchange the Sun Court's abundant harvests and solar-infused elixirs, items of great value to the Moon Court.

The discussion of trade routes, quantities, and protections unfolded with a practiced rhythm, the two kings negotiating with a mutual respect forged over years of such meetings. Amidst the bartering and agreements, Obi-Wan and Cody's eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

During a recess, the princes found themselves standing near an ancient, vine-covered balcony. "First council?" Cody inquired, his voice casual but friendly.

"Yes," Obi-Wan replied, a slight smile on his lips. "It's more... vibrant than I expected. The exchange of goods, it's like a dance of resources and needs."

Cody nodded. "It's the rhythm of our courts, isn't it? Day and night, each providing what the other lacks. Balance."

Their conversation, initially revolving around the intricacies of the council, gradually became more personal, veering towards their lives within their respective courts. Obi-Wan spoke of the tranquil nights and starlit ceremonies of the Moon Court, while Cody shared tales of sun-drenched fields and lively festivals under the sun.

As the meeting resumed, and they returned to their delegations, there was a mutual sense of understanding, a recognition that they were not just princes of opposing realms, but custodians of a delicate balance.

Throughout the rest of the council, as their fathers deliberated over the final details of the trade agreement, Obi-Wan and Cody exchanged occasional glances and subtle nods. In those brief moments, a foundation was laid for a relationship that would, in time, transcend the mere exchange of goods and speak to the deeper bond between day and night, sun and moon.

During a lull in the council proceedings, as the courtiers mingled and the kings conferred in hushed tones, Crown Princes Cody and Obi-Wan found themselves gravitating towards each other, away from the throng. They walked side by side towards one of the castle's ancient archways, which framed the setting sun on one side and the rising moon on the other, a perfect intersection of their two worlds.

Cody's gaze lingered on the horizon, where the sun's fiery farewell kissed the moon's cool greeting. "It's quite something, isn't it? The sun and moon, always chasing, never meeting."

Obi-Wan nodded, his eyes reflecting the twilight hues. "Yet, here we are, standing where they converge. It's poetic in a way."

Their conversation, initially a shared admiration for the celestial dance, slowly turned towards the more personal. Cody's posture, relaxed yet attentive, and Obi-Wan's thoughtful demeanor, created an atmosphere of ease and openness.

"You know," Cody began, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity, "I've always wondered what it's like in the Moon Court. Is it as tranquil as they say?"

Obi-Wan's lips curved into a soft smile. "Tranquility is one word for it. It's a world of introspection, of seeking wisdom in the stars. But it can also be... isolating. The night is beautiful, but it's also vast and endless."

Cody's eyes met Obi-Wan's, a spark of understanding in their depths. "I suppose the Sun Court is its opposite then. It's always bustling, always bright. Sometimes it feels like there's no space to breathe, to think. The sun can be overbearing at its zenith."

Their shared laughter at Cody's words was a brief, harmonious note that seemed to bridge their contrasting worlds.

"I imagine that's why these councils are important," Obi-Wan mused, his gaze returning to the horizon. "They're not just about trade and politics. They're about understanding, about seeing the world through each other's eyes."

Cody nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Do you think we'll ever achieve that? True understanding between our courts?"

"I believe so," Obi-Wan replied, his voice carrying a quiet conviction. "Understanding begins with individuals. It starts with conversations like this."

Their dialogue was interrupted as the council bell tolled, signaling the end of the break. As they turned to rejoin the others, their steps synchronized, there was an unspoken agreement between them – a commitment to bridge the gap between day and night, sun and moon, one conversation at a time.

As they parted ways at the archway, the brief contact of their hands was like a spark – fleeting, but potent enough to kindle a connection that promised to grow stronger with each passing council. In that moment, unnoticed by the busy courtiers, a seed of change was planted, watered by the hope of understanding and the possibility of unity in a world divided by light and shadow.

On the third evening of the council, as the twilight sky melted into a tapestry of stars and the crescent moon, a grand dinner was held in the castle's ancient dining hall. The long tables were adorned with candles that flickered like distant stars, casting a warm glow over the assembled nobility of the Sun and Moon Courts. At the center of this constellation of courtiers sat Kings Qui-gon and Jango, their presence commanding yet genial, a testament to years of leadership and diplomacy.

Opposite their fathers, Crown Princes Cody and Obi-Wan were seated beside each other, the candlelight playing across their features, softening the lines of their royal bearing. As the dinner progressed, the hum of conversation filled the hall, a blend of laughter, clinking silverware, and the subtle rustling of fine garments.

Cody turned towards Obi-Wan, his expression open and curious. "Prince Obi-Wan, I've been meaning to ask – what is it like to train in the ways of your court's mystic arts? I've heard tales of the Moon Court's connection to the stars."

Obi-Wan's eyes lit up, a spark of enthusiasm breaking through his usual composure. "It's a lifelong journey of learning, Prince Cody. The stars and the moon guide us, teaching us about balance and the flow of the cosmos. It's more than just training; it's a way of understanding our place in the universe."

Cody's interest was palpable, his gaze intent. "That sounds... profound. In the Sun Court, our focus is often on the tangible – the strength of the body, the mastery of combat, the art of governance. I wonder what it would be like to look beyond, to see the world as you do."

Their conversation, rich with the exchange of ideas and perspectives, continued seamlessly, almost as if the crowded hall around them had faded into the background. As they spoke, their fathers occasionally glanced their way, noting the ease of their interaction with a mixture of surprise and quiet approval.

Obi-Wan, usually reserved, found himself intrigued by Cody's genuine curiosity and the earnestness with which he spoke of his own experiences. "Your world sounds fascinating, Cody. There's a certain... vitality to the way you describe it. I admit, there are times I wish the Moon Court had a bit more of the Sun Court's vigor."

Cody smiled, a warm, inviting expression that seemed to reflect the very essence of his court. "And I sometimes long for the tranquility and depth of yours. Perhaps that's the key, isn't it? Learning from each other, finding harmony between day and night."

Their dialogue, rich and engaging, continued throughout the dinner, touching upon topics from the philosophical to the mundane. It was a conversation that wove a thread between them, a connection that went beyond their titles and responsibilities. In the shared laughter, the exchange of insights, and the subtle understanding that passed between them, a foundation was being laid – the first stepping stone in a journey that would redefine not only their relationship but potentially the future of their courts.

As the final day of the council dawned, the ancient castle found itself enveloped in the soft, ethereal light of twilight, where night gently handed over the reins to day. It was in this tranquil hour that Crown Princes Cody and Obi-Wan, drawn by a shared sense of purpose and curiosity, found themselves atop the highest tower of the castle.

Standing side by side, they watched in silence as the horizon blurred the lines between their two worlds, the night's darkness fading into the warm embrace of the morning light. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of dew and ancient stone.

Cody broke the silence, his voice soft yet clear in the quiet of the morning. "I often stand on the battlements of the Sun Court at dawn, watching the world awaken. There's a sense of endless possibilities with each new day, a new beginning."

Obi-Wan turned to face him, the first light of dawn casting a golden glow on his red hair. "In the Moon Court, we watch the stars fade into morning. It's a reminder that even the longest night has an end, that there's a rhythm and cycle to everything."

Their eyes met, a mutual understanding flickering between them. They were princes of different realms, yet in this moment, they were simply two individuals, sharing their hopes and dreams.

"What do you dream of for your future, Cody?" Obi-Wan asked, his gaze returning to the horizon.

Cody's eyes reflected the sky's changing colors. "I dream of a kingdom that thrives, not just in strength and prosperity, but in wisdom and understanding. A kingdom that looks beyond the horizon, that learns from others."

"And you, Obi-Wan? What are your dreams?" Cody's question was tinged with genuine interest.

Obi-Wan's response was thoughtful, his words measured. "I dream of balance. A balance between tradition and progress, between the mystic and the tangible. I want to lead the Moon Court into a future where we are not just observers of the night but active participants in the world's tapestry."

Their conversation flowed naturally, as if the barriers of their titles and duties had been left at the foot of the tower. They spoke of their aspirations for their people, their personal hopes, and the challenges they anticipated. In the shared confidences and laughter, a bond was being forged, strengthened by the understanding that their dreams were not so different after all.

As the sun fully broke the horizon, bathing the world in its light, they stood in a companionable silence, each lost in thoughts of the future and the role they would play in it.

It was Cody who finally spoke, his voice carrying a newfound resolve. "Perhaps our courts are more alike than we thought. Maybe this is just the beginning, Obi-Wan. A beginning of something greater than just trade and alliances."

Obi-Wan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I believe you're right, Cody. This is a beginning. And it's one we can shape together."

As they descended from the tower, the first rays of the sun meeting the last whispers of the night, there was a sense of promise in the air, a feeling that this meeting was the first step in a journey that would bridge the gap between their worlds, guided by their shared dreams and visions for the future.

As the final day of the council waned, a serene twilight enveloped the ancient castle, softening the edges of shadows and light. The grand hall, alive with the closure of the five-day meeting between the Sun and Moon Courts, was suddenly hushed as an unexpected figure appeared at the entrance. A sorceress, clad in robes that shimmered like the starlit sky, stood with an air of enigmatic power.

The hall fell into a deep silence, the bustling energy of the courtiers replaced by a palpable sense of anticipation and unease. King Jango of the Sun Court and King Qui-gon of the Moon Court, their expressions shifting from surprise to guarded wariness, stood to confront this unforeseen visitor.

Crown Prince Cody and Crown Prince Obi-Wan exchanged a tense glance, both aware of the potential gravity of this moment. They stood alert, their attention fixed on the mysterious sorceress.

She stepped gracefully into the room, her presence commanding the attention of all present. Her voice, clear and resonant, echoed through the hall, her words weaving a rhyme that carried the weight of prophecy:

"In twilight's embrace, where night greets the day,

A trial looms near, a path shadowed and gray.

Heart and armor must meet, in a bond forged anew,

Uniting sun's blaze with the moon's silver hue.

Together, two realms must face a dark hour,

A union of souls, their greatest power.

Should this bond break, or fail to be found,

Both sun and moon shall lose their crown."

The sorceress's words, cryptic yet haunting, resonated through the hall, leaving a ripple of whispered speculation and concern. The courtiers and delegates exchanged uneasy glances, pondering the ominous implications of her message.

Cody, his expression a mix of skepticism and contemplation, turned to Obi-Wan. "Hearts and armor... Could she be speaking of us, of our courts?"

Obi-Wan, his eyes thoughtful, nodded slowly. "It seems so. This prophecy... it suggests a unity deeper than mere alliances. Something more personal, perhaps."

King Qui-gon and King Jango shared a concerned look, the implications of the prophecy not lost on them. The sorceress's mention of hearts and armor hinted at a bond beyond political ties, suggesting a personal connection that could hold the key to their realms' futures.

As the sorceress turned, her cloak billowing around her like a dark cloud, she vanished into the twilight as mysteriously as she had appeared. Her departure left a trail of questions and a sense of foreboding that lingered in the air.

The council, now officially concluded, left the members of both courts with more than just diplomatic resolutions; they carried with them the weight of a prophetic warning. As they began to depart, Cody and Obi-Wan remained, their shared glance one of determination and newfound understanding.

As the sorceress's enigmatic presence faded into the twilight, a restless energy began to stir in the grand hall. The initial shock of her visit slowly gave way to a flurry of conversations among the courtiers and delegates of the Sun and Moon Courts. The once orderly gathering turned into a mosaic of hushed debates and speculative discussions, with the sorceress's prophecy at the heart of it all.

In one corner, a group of Moon Court scholars huddled together, their brows furrowed in concentration. "Hearts and armor, sun and moon... It's as if she speaks of a union, a convergence of our realms," one mused, his fingers tracing the patterns on his star-embroidered robe.

Nearby, a cluster of Sun Court knights speculated with a mix of skepticism and concern. "Could it be a ploy? Another kingdom sowing seeds of fear and discord?" a knight questioned, his hand unconsciously resting on the pommel of his sword.

At the center of the hall, Kings Qui-gon and Jango convened in a quiet, intense discussion. Their expressions were a study in contemplation, weighing the potential meanings and implications of the prophecy. They were leaders seasoned by years of rule, accustomed to navigating the murky waters of political intrigue and veiled threats.

Cody and Obi-Wan, standing a short distance away from their fathers, exchanged their thoughts in a low, earnest conversation. "It's hard to dismiss her words as mere madness," Cody said, his gaze lingering on the spot where the sorceress had stood. "The prophecy... it felt charged with truth, or at least with purpose."

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting a deep introspection. "Indeed. And the reference to hearts and armor... it implies a personal sacrifice or a personal bond. It's not something we can ignore."

Their dialogue was interrupted as Anakin and Ahsoka approached, their youthful curiosity evident. "Do you really think there's something to her words?" Anakin asked, his tone a mix of excitement and skepticism.

Ahsoka, her eyes wide with a blend of worry and wonder, added, "It felt like she was speaking directly to you, Cody, and to you, Obi-Wan. Like you're a part of this prophecy."

The conversation was cut short as King Qui-gon addressed the room, his voice carrying a calm authority that quieted the murmurs. "We will consider the sorceress's words with the seriousness they deserve. For now, let us not jump to conclusions or let fear guide our actions."

King Jango nodded in agreement. "We have always stood strong, united in our differences. This will not change. Let us return to our courts and contemplate our next steps with wisdom and caution."

As the delegates began to disperse, the air still tinged with uncertainty, Cody and Obi-Wan lingered, their thoughts lingering on the enigmatic prophecy. There was a sense of an invisible thread weaving through their conversation, tying their fates to the words of the sorceress.

*** 

As the Moon Court delegation embarked on their nocturnal journey back to their realm, they traversed under a star-studded sky, where the cosmos painted stories in the vastness above. The soft sounds of the night were punctuated by the rhythmic canter of horses, their hooves gently tapping the earth, harmonizing with the nocturnal symphony of the wilderness.

Crown Prince Obi-Wan, astride a graceful steed that moved with an almost ethereal grace, led the procession. The horse, a magnificent creature with a coat as dark as the night sky and eyes that reflected the moon's glow, seemed an extension of Obi-Wan himself, moving with a quiet dignity that mirrored his rider's temperament.

Obi-Wan's posture was relaxed yet alert, his eyes occasionally lifting to gaze at the celestial tapestry above. The cool night air brushed against his skin, carrying whispers of the forest and the secrets of the night. His mind, however, was far from at ease, troubled by the words of the sorceress. "A union of hearts and armor..." he whispered to himself, the prophecy resonating within him, a puzzle waiting to be unraveled.

The thought of Prince Cody surfaced unbidden in his mind – their recent conversations, the shared looks, the subtle but unmistakable connection that had begun to form between them. Could this enigmatic prophecy be alluding to something beyond the political, something personal that tied them together?

Lost in thought, Obi-Wan hardly noticed when his younger brother, Anakin, rode up alongside him, breaking his contemplation. Anakin's horse, a spirited animal with a fiery mane, matched his rider's energetic and bold spirit.

"Lost in the stars, brother?" Anakin asked, his voice carrying a light, teasing tone, yet tinged with concern.

Obi-Wan smiled faintly, acknowledging Anakin's attempt to lighten his mood. "Just pondering the sorceress's words. They hint at something deeper than alliances – a bond of a more personal nature."

Riding on his other side, Ahsoka joined the conversation, her horse a dappled gray that moved with a lively step. "It does sound daunting, but we've faced challenges before. And we'll face this one together, whatever it may be."

The siblings continued their journey under the night sky, the conversation veering between light-hearted banter and thoughtful discussions about the future. Despite the uncertainty of the prophecy, their bond as a family offered a comforting sense of solidity against the unknown.

Upon reaching the Moon Court's castle, a silhouette of spires and turrets that seemed to rise out of the darkness itself, Obi-Wan dismounted his horse, his gaze lingering on the stars above. Though the path ahead was shrouded in mystery, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, fortified by the support of his family and the intriguing possibility of the bond foretold in the prophecy. In the quiet assurance of the night, Obi-Wan found a silent resolve, a determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead, guided by the light of the stars and the strength of newfound connections.

As the Sun Court delegation made their way back to their kingdom, the journey was bathed in the brilliant light of the sun, casting long, golden shadows across the land. The entourage moved with a steady rhythm, the sound of hooves and the occasional clink of armor punctuating the air, resonating with the vibrant energy of the day.

At the forefront, Crown Prince Cody rode a majestic horse, its coat a lustrous golden hue that seemed to capture and reflect the sunlight. The horse moved with a proud, assertive gait, mirroring Cody's own confident and resolute nature. Cody sat tall in the saddle, his posture embodying the strength and poise of the Sun Court.

The warm sunlight played across his face, highlighting a thoughtful expression that seemed uncharacteristic of his usually decisive demeanor. Cody's mind was preoccupied with the sorceress's enigmatic prophecy, her words echoing in his head like a distant drumbeat. "Hearts and armor... a union beyond our courts," he mused, the idea both intriguing and unsettling.

Cody's contemplation was noticed by his younger brother, Rex, who rode up beside him. Rex's horse, a sturdy and reliable steed, matched his rider's practical and steadfast spirit.

"Something on your mind, Cody?" Rex inquired, his tone casual but perceptive.

Cody glanced at his brother, his expression softening. "Just thinking about the sorceress's warning. It suggests a bond that goes deeper than mere alliances. I wonder if it's pointing to something... or someone."

Rex nodded, understanding the weight of such thoughts. "Do you think it has to do with the Moon Court? With Prince Obi-Wan, perhaps?"

Cody's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the sun continued its relentless journey across the sky. "It's possible. Our interactions have been... different. There's an understanding there that I can't quite explain."

As they continued their ride, the conversation turned to the implications of the prophecy and what it might mean for the future of their court. Despite the uncertainty, Rex's presence and pragmatic insights offered Cody a sense of groundedness, a reminder that he wasn't alone in facing the challenges ahead.

Upon arriving at the Sun Court's castle, a magnificent structure that seemed to rise like a phoenix from the land, bathed in perpetual sunlight, Cody dismounted his horse. He stood for a moment, taking in the sight of his home, the walls glowing as if lit from within by the sun's eternal fire.

The journey back had left him with more questions than answers, but in the bright light of day, Cody found a sense of clarity and resolve. Whatever the prophecy entailed, whatever trials lay ahead, he knew that the strength of his court and the potential of the bond foretold would guide them through. The sun's unwavering journey across the sky was a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, the light would always find a way to shine through.

****

As I said at the beginning, depending on your reactions, I might make this a series, but I would love to hear if that was something you wanted or not? If this one shot has satisfied your curiosity or not.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

From Sky and Telescope Magazine

The highly anticipated Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will come into evening view for Northern Hemisphere observers starting October 11th.

Note to Editors/Producers: This release is for viewers in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere from latitudes 25° to 50° north. This release is also accompanied by high-quality graphics; see the end of this release for the images and links to download.

For the first time in years, we're about to see an easily visible comet. Friday should bring the first evening glimpse of the comet, low in the west during twilight. The comet will appear higher in the sky and become easier to spot through the weekend. By early next week, it will be at its best for viewing.

For tens of thousands of years Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (pronounced choo-cheen-SHAHN), also known as C/2023 A3, has been falling in toward the Sun. Astronomers discovered it in early 2023 as a tiny, distant speck in large telescopes. Having just swung around the Sun on September 27th, it's now passing its closest by Earth, coming within 44 million miles of us on October 12th. For the next days, it will be showing off during its brief time of glory in the Sun's warmth and light.

How to See the Comet

"As soon as October 11th, ambitious comet spotters may pick up the comet during twilight just above the western horizon," says Sky & Telescope Contributing Editor Bob King. "Binoculars will help you see the comet throughout its appearance."

About 40 minutes after sunset on Friday, find a spot with a good view down to the western horizon. The first thing that will catch your eye will be the bright planet Venus, the Evening Star — that's your starting point. Hold your fist out at arm's length; the comet is about 2½ fists to Venus's right. The comet will still look tiny in Friday's twilight — like a hazy star with a small tail — and will set while twilight is still in progress.

But that's just the warm-up.

The next evening, on Saturday, October 12th, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will be a little higher and easier to find, and it will remain in view until a little later in twilight. Every evening thereafter, the comet will appear higher and more obvious. As twilight fades on Monday, October 14th, it will be two fists to the upper right of Venus (if seen from the northern U.S.) or to the right of Venus (if seen from the southern U.S.). As twilight turns to night, the comet will remain in view, its long, straight tail pointing up from the horizon.

The following few days should provide the best views as the comet gains height in our skies — despite light from the waxing gibbous Moon.

Around October 20th, a window of true darkness begins to open up between twilight and moonrise if you're far from the skyglow of city lights. But by then the comet, now high in the sky, will have started to fade and shrink. It will diminish into the distance in the following days, becoming invisible to the unaided eye later in the month even under ideal, dark-sky conditions.

Comet Origins & Fate

The comet came by its name from its discovery at both China's Purple Mountain Observatory (tsuchinshan means "purple mountain") and South Africa's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). The two teams picked up the comet independently in early 2023, when it was still beyond Jupiter's orbit and some 50,000 times fainter than the faintest stars visible to the unaided eye.

The comet's solid nucleus, the source of the whole show, is a dirty space iceberg, probably just a few miles wide. It fell in toward the Sun from the cold and dark outer solar system, originating in a region referred to as the Oort Cloud. As the comet nears the Sun's warmth, some of the ices in its nucleus (water, frozen carbon dioxide, and other volatiles) evaporate. The ensuing haze of sunlit dust and fluorescing gas forms the comet's visible head and streaming tail, which can be many millions of miles long.

In September, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was visible to the unaided eye before dawn in the Southern Hemisphere, then before dawn in the northern parts of the world, brightening all the while. It swung around the Sun on September 27th and, fortunately for us, enters the Northern Hemisphere's evening sky while still glowing brightly. But as it recedes from both Earth and the Sun, it will dwindle relatively quickly — there's no hope of seeing it with the unaided eye on Halloween evening. It will probably remain visible through binoculars through early November. Its orbit is only weakly gravitationally bound to the Sun, so it will spend future ages coasting ever farther out of the solar system, probably never to return.

TOP IMAGE: The bright Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will first become visible in the evening sky on October 11th, appearing between Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius, and Arcturus, the brightest star in Boötes. While opening night will have it competing against twilight, it will be both higher in the sky and more visible against darker skies on subsequent evenings. Sky & Telescope illustration

CENTRE IMAGE:

In this image taken from Namibia on September 30th, the comet was positioned over the eastern horizon at dawn. It was as visible to the unaided eye as in the photo. In the days to come, the comet will be visible over the western horizon in the evening. Gerald Rhemann / Michael Jaeger

LOWER IMAGE: This close-up photo of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, taken from Namibia on September 30th, shows both its ion tail (blue) blown back by the solar wind and the dust tail (white) blown back by the Sun's photons. Gerald Rhemann / Michael Jaeger

[lex-jots]

The Florist's Almanac: Popping Sparks and Lighting Cherries (Finn/Reader)

Finn heard them set down the knife, step closer until they were at his side. When he met their gaze, their eyes were darkly, sinuously playful. He kept his expression doelike, mutely offering them a cherry. His partner was excellent at making plans.

AO3

Note: Attempt #1 at writing Finn! Inspired by the birthday stream! This was the effort of several days of frustration, talking to myself, and a concept map that looks more like a conspiracy board. I will be taking criticism regarding his characterization for this fic because God DAMN he is a DOOZY of a character to write holy hell. Enjoy!

Finn’s partner was good at making plans. Just today, they came home with an idea: a picnic on a nearby hill, where they could watch the sunset and then stargaze when night crested upon them. He loved it when they got that determined spark in their eye, he thought while he washed fresh cherries at the sink.

Sunflower was stationed behind him at a counter, slicing strawberries on a cutting board. The afternoon sun was dipping close to the treeline, though it still had a ways to go before it hit the horizon. The sun cast everything in the kitchen in a honeyed light: the cool water rushing over his hands, the candy-red fruit, and, of course, his Sunflower, when he could find opportunities to throw them glances. It made his heart swell. Between the stresses of the shop and the secret years of wondering as to whether he would even find anyone who would like him for him and the sheer shock of having landed someone so charismatic and lovely and beautiful, there was little he wouldn’t give for more afternoons like this.

“I’ve got the blanket packed already,” Sunflower said. He could hear each delicious slice of their knife. “Do you think we’ll need much else besides the fruit?”

“I could get the kettle going,” Finn suggested. “Brew some tea and take it in the thermos, in case either of us needs a drink. After the sun goes down and it starts cooling off a bit, it could be nice.” The weather was a bit warm still, but Finn liked tea in all environments, and Sunflower never complained. Still, maybe he should pack some water, just in case…

They oo’ed. “Good idea. Oh—and bug spray. Lots of bug spray.” Slice, slice.

“I think I already put it in the bag, but I can double check when I’m done, if you’d like.”

“Please do.” Slice, slice. “I’d wear deet as perfume if I could.”

Finn laughed, glancing up at the sun over the treeline. It wouldn’t be long and they’d be watching the sun set on a blanket together, waiting for the stars to come out. Finn was no astronomer, but he had a few constellations under his belt: the Big Dipper, of course, was his good old faithful; he could point out the North Star easily enough; Cygnus was a fun one, if he could see the haze of the Milky Way; Cassiopeia, Taurus, the Pleiades…

And, call him a hopeless romantic, he thought there was something sweet about the idea of huddling close, one arm wrapped around them while they took turns pointing up and inching even closer, like a poetic exercise in seeing from the other’s perspective. And being in the dark, existing for no one but each other. And—okay, keep calling him a hopeless romantic, but he enjoyed any excuse to just be close.

Speaking of which…

Finn glanced surreptitiously back at them, then back at the sun hovering over the treeline. “The sun’s starting to get low,” he said casually. “Did you know twilight lasts roughly the same amount of time it takes for human eyes to adjust to the dark?”

Sunflower hummed. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yep,” Finn said brightly. “About twenty minutes.” He plucked a cherry out of the bowl and shifted it around his mouth, sucking on it for a moment.

“Huh.”

Finn dared a glance at them again. Their expression was warm but focused, fully engrossed in the strawberries. The mood was still mild and warm. The slicing continued without stopping.

They mused, “I wonder if that’s, like, an evolutionary thing, or something.” Slice, slice.

“You’re probably right.” He bit down on the cherry, salivating at the burst of sweet. “Soo, we’ll have about twenty minutes to kill before the stars come out.” Finn waited.

Silence. He wondered if he overdid it by lingering on the so for too long, or by specifying twenty minutes. But the longer Sunflower paused, the more Finn struggled to hide the grin twisting his mouth.

“I’m sure we’ll find a way to pass the time,” they said, a hint of that sharklike deviousness was underlacing their tone. They were playing it cool, but the slicing had stopped; he could practically hear all the planning going on in that mischievous, brilliant head of theirs. It made his heart speed up. They sure would.

“You sure?” Finn asked with casual, innocent concern. “I don’t want to bore you.”

He heard them set down the knife, step closer until they were at his side. When he met their gaze, their eyes were darkly, sinuously playful.

He kept his expression doelike, mutely offering them a cherry.

A lazy smile grew on their lips, wolflike and sugar-sweet. “I’m sure I can find something to do to occupy my time.” They popped the cherry in their mouth.

The way they emphasized it, Finn knew it was now set in stone: he was that something.

“Oh. That’s good. I’m glad,” was all he could think to say, fighting a stupid smile with all his might. If they touched him on the neck, the wrist, the chest—anywhere his pulse was—it would have all been over. The jig would have been up. And how thrilling it would have been.

But they stepped away, back to work on their strawberries. Slice, slice. Finn let himself grin from ear to ear, eat another cherry, and indulge in daydreams of the twilight to come.

Yes, Sunflower was excellent at making plans, especially when their imagination was sparked. Finn loved their fuselike determination, almost as much as he loved lighting it.

[kodesh-hakodashim]

Nothing ends Poetically — There are No Happy Endings — The Chrysalis — Grave of the Caterpillar Sunset — The Ichor the Day Bleeds

The Poets — Ah! — The Poets — They’ll tell you how the Moon loved the Sun, How each Morn the Sun came to find her dying, How The Moon was set free by His Nightly Death

But ask The Astronomer — she’ll tell you How she saw the Moon chase the Sun — Peppered her Lover — with Arrows — Hunted Him — like a Wolf after prey.

“A Murder of Cosmic Dimensions — The Sun fell for the Rising Moon Painting the Dusky Sky in His Blood — The Sunset is the Blood the Day Bleeds.

As the blood dried — Sparkling Twilight — The Night buried the Sun In Sheol — Hades — below the Earth — Darkness — Cold Darkness — Dusty Darkness” —

So ends the Platonist’s Narration –  À Moi — L'histoire — D'une de Mes Folies — For even Mark’s Good News ended With Trembling Women — An Empty Grave —

But The Poets — Ah! — The Poets — Divine — They turn Blood into Beauty — Self — Destruction — to Poetry — And I pray they will with mine.

Nothing Ends — Permanently — The Author — The Finisher — Creates New Reality — The Women Run — Proclaim The Son — As the Dawn Springs — And The Day Bleeds —

-The Day Bleeds

[missrosiesworld]

Beyond Calculation

During his time in the science club, Senku had stocked the closet with snacks for the long hours he spent after school.

A strawberry-flavored Pocky stick dangled from his mouth as he tightened the bolt on one of his latest rockets. It was about the size of a small person and still in its early stages, but Senku was confident this one would make it into orbit. It had to. When it did, it would be a monumental breakthrough.

Still, he wasn’t so absorbed in his work that he didn’t sense the eyes on him. "I know you're there, Selene," he said without looking up, his voice casual. "It's, like, ten billion percent obvious."

Selene smiled softly, leaning against the doorframe with her arms loosely crossed. She hadn’t expected to remain unnoticed for long—Senku had an uncanny ability to sense everything around him. Soft waves of silver-white hair cascaded around her olive complexion, catching the last light of the setting sun through the window.

“I really need to work on my sneaking,” she teased as she stepped into the room, her voice light but touched with genuine amusement. Her gaze shifted from the half-constructed rocket to Senku, her deep violet eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Another rocket, huh? Still aiming for the stars, I see."

Senku’s nimble fingers worked the nut into place as he responded, his tone as casual as hers. "Not the stars this time. The moon." He paused for effect, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "I think I finally nailed the fuel-oxidizer ratio. By my calculations, this rocket should have enough thrust to make it."

Finally looking up, his sharp red eyes met hers. For a moment, the usual calm in his gaze gave way to something brighter, a glimmer of excitement. "How's that for aiming?"

Selene raised an eyebrow, her playful curiosity shifting to genuine intrigue. "The moon, huh?" she repeated softly, her admiration clear. She stepped closer, examining the rocket with renewed interest. Something stirred within her, a connection she always felt to the celestial body they were talking about.

"You always aim higher than everyone else, don't you?" she teased, though her smile was warm, reflecting his excitement. There was something she admired deeply about that—the way Senku always faced the impossible with unwavering confidence.

“The moon is... a pretty big leap,” she mused thoughtfully. "But if anyone can make it happen, it's you." The words weren’t flattery. She had seen the hours he poured into his work, the meticulous calculations, the relentless pursuit of progress. If Senku believed he could reach the moon, Selene knew he would.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, where the sky had begun to darken into twilight. The moon hadn’t risen yet, but Selene could feel its presence, as if it were always watching over her. It wasn’t just a celestial body to her—it was a part of her very essence. The thought of Senku sending something there, something he had created, stirred something deep within her.

"Sounds like you'll need a good astronomer when this rocket takes off," Selene said, her violet eyes locking with his, a playful but sincere offer hidden beneath her words. “I could give you some pointers about my territory up there.”

She leaned back, crossing her arms as if already imagining herself standing on the surface of the moon. "Besides, someone’s got to make sure you don’t blow yourself up on the way, right?"

Senku twisted the final nut into place before turning his full attention to her. His gaze followed hers to the window, where the night was beginning to settle, casting long shadows across the room. A low chuckle escaped his lips at her suggestion.

"Not so fast, star girl," he said, smirking as he turned back to her. "This thing still needs to pass a flight test. Don’t start claiming real estate on the moon just yet."

His expression grew smug as he added, "Though I suppose having a cute astronomer around might be useful."

Selene felt the heat rise to her cheeks but quickly masked it with a playful scoff. "Cute astronomer, huh? Careful, Senku, your compliments are almost as rare as your breaks," she teased, tilting her head with a smirk of her own.

The nickname "star girl" was one he had given her when they first met in the science club. It stuck, and over time, she’d come to appreciate the way he said it, even if he pretended it was just another casual remark.

Stepping closer to the rocket, Selene let her fingers brush the cool, smooth surface of the metal, tracing it gently. "You know," she began, glancing at him from the corner of her eye, "with this and your calculations, you’re not far from doing something extraordinary." There was a spark of excitement in her voice, mirroring the energy she had seen in Senku’s eyes just moments ago.

She stepped back, meeting his gaze once more, her smile softening as her tone grew more serious. "But seriously, if you pull this off, it’ll be your first big leap, Senku. One that’ll bring you closer to everything you’ve ever wanted."

Her voice lowered, carrying a weight of admiration that filled the space between them. She leaned against the workbench, crossing her arms again. "Just don’t forget the people cheering for you when you’re up there," she added with a wink, her lightheartedness slipping back in. "Because no matter how many calculations you run, I’ll still be here, making sure you don’t fly too close to the sun."

The smirk on Senku’s face softened slightly as he watched her fingers trail over the rocket, the delicate movements captivating him for a moment. His gaze followed her hand before shifting to her face, catching the flicker of excitement in her violet eyes. That same spark of determination inside him surged in response.

"Yeah, I know," he said quietly, his voice lower than usual. "And I don’t intend to forget."

He stepped away from the workbench, closing the small distance between them to lean against the bench beside her, their shoulders almost touching. The quiet closeness between them spoke volumes, even without words.

Selene's breath hitched slightly as she felt Senku’s presence closer than before, his warmth radiating next to her. Despite his usual calm, unshaken demeanor, there were moments��rare, fleeting moments—where Senku let the world slow down just enough for them to exist in the same space without words filling the air.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, catching the unusual softness in his expression. There was something unspoken between them, something that neither science nor calculations could fully explain. It wasn’t often they found themselves so close without bantering or debating, and Selene could feel her pulse quicken in the stillness of the moment.

“You’d better not forget,” she said softly, her voice teasing but gentle, like a breeze under a moonlit sky. She nudged his shoulder lightly with her own, the brief contact sending a spark through her. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”

In the quiet of the room, with their shoulders brushing in a moment of vulnerability, Senku felt surprisingly at ease. For once, there was a reprieve from the usual chaos, from their back-and-forth exchanges. He glanced at her, meeting her gaze, and found himself noticing details he often took for granted—her soft, silvery hair, reminiscent of the night sky, and her deep violet eyes, reflecting the soft glow of the desk lights.

He let out a low 'tch,' breaking the silence as he looked away. “You make it sound like I’d forget you that easily."

Selene’s heart skipped a beat at his words, the quiet tension between them suddenly charged with a new energy. She turned her head slightly, her eyes locking onto his, the subtle shift in his tone making something flutter inside her. His usual sharpness was still there, but this time, it was softened by something warmer, something unspoken.

A small smile tugged at her lips, though she tried to play it off. “Well, you’re a guy with, like, ten billion things going on in that genius brain of yours. I figured I’d need to remind you once in a while,” she teased, though her voice held an undeniable softness.

For a moment, she allowed herself to stay in that space, where they were close enough to feel the weight of their shared silence, the gravity of the moment pulling them nearer. She didn’t need to be a scientist to know there was something between them—something beyond calculations and the stars, something that tethered them together in ways neither of them had fully acknowledged.

She let out a quiet breath, her smile lingering as she leaned in just enough for their shoulders to press more firmly together. “But it’s nice to hear I’m not so easy to forget,” she murmured, her voice softer than before, the words carrying more weight than she let on.

Her violet eyes searched his again, looking for any flicker of what he might be thinking, hoping that maybe—just maybe—Senku felt it too.

Their shoulders pressed closer, the warmth of his arm against hers sending a shiver through him. Senku tried to ignore the unfamiliar fluttering in his chest, the way his breath caught in his throat when he met her gaze again. Something in her voice, in the way she looked at him, sent his heart into a strange, unfamiliar rhythm.

What the hell is this?

He turned fully, shifting his body toward her until their faces were only inches apart. Their breaths mingled, and for a fleeting moment, the rocket, the science—everything—faded away, leaving only her. “I could never forget you, star girl,” he murmured, his voice quieter than usual, as if the words carried more weight than he intended.

His sharp red eyes softened in the proximity, reflecting the dim glow of the room’s lights. For a second, it wasn’t about science or stars or even the grand ambitions they both carried. It was about this moment, about how she had somehow slipped past all his barriers without him even realizing it.

The nickname "star girl" left his lips with a warmth that hadn’t been there before. It wasn’t just an offhand remark anymore—it meant something deeper now. His heart pounded in his chest, its rhythm foreign and unsteady, so unlike the usual logic and calculations that filled his mind.

Selene’s breath hitched at their closeness, her violet eyes widening slightly as her own heart raced. She searched his gaze, caught off guard by the intensity of his stare. There was a vulnerability in his eyes that she had rarely, if ever, seen before. Her pulse thrummed in her throat, unsure of what to say, unsure of what his words truly meant.

“Senku...” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her gaze flickered to his lips for a brief second before returning to his eyes. Everything about this moment felt both new and strangely familiar, as if they had always been heading toward this point without realizing it.

The air between them was thick with unspoken words, the tension that neither had acknowledged until now finally surfacing. Selene wanted to say something, to tease him like she always did, but the words seemed caught in her throat, tangled with the realization that maybe, just maybe, this was more than she ever thought it could be.

Her hand, almost instinctively, brushed lightly against his, and in that moment, everything seemed to hang in the balance, waiting for whatever came next.

The soft touch of her fingertips against his skin sent a jolt through him—sharp and electric. Time seemed to slow as he stared into her eyes, his mind reeling from the implications of his own words. For the first time in his life, Senku felt completely out of his element, adrift in emotions that logic couldn’t explain. His grip tightened around the workbench, the cool metal beneath his palm doing little to ground him.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his throat went dry. The carefully crafted thoughts that usually flowed so easily were suddenly useless. He swallowed, the sound unnaturally loud in the quiet room.

Selene watched him, her heart pounding as she noticed the shift in his expression. It wasn’t often that she saw Senku Ishigami—the unflappable genius—at a loss for words. But here, in this vulnerable moment, it was as if his usual confidence had faltered, and in that hesitation, she saw something deeper, something he had never shown her before.

“S-Senku,” she whispered again, her voice barely a breath as she unconsciously leaned in closer, closing the small distance between them. The heat between them was palpable now, her fingertips still lightly brushing against his hand. Her pulse quickened, and the air between them thickened with everything left unsaid.

Selene was close enough to see the subtle rise and fall of his chest, close enough to notice the flecks of light reflected in his sharp red eyes. For the first time in a long while, she found herself unsure of what would happen next. The world outside seemed to blur—the science club, the rocket, even the stars faded into the background. All that remained was this moment, hanging precariously between them.

She let out a small, shaky breath, her eyes searching his face for any sign of what he might do next. “You don’t have to say anything,” she whispered, her voice soft but steady. The words were meant to reassure him. "Just... don’t pull away."

It was a confession in its own way, one that left her feeling exposed, vulnerable. But right then, she didn’t care. All that mattered was the space between them and the unspoken understanding that something between them had shifted.

Senku’s heart raced in his chest, pounding faster than he was used to. His mind spun, flooded with a whirlwind of logic, data, and calculations. But none of it made sense—none of it could explain what was happening, what had sent his brain into this chaos.

Then she spoke, her voice soft but firm, both a request and a command: Don’t pull away.

"I wouldn’t even if I could," he mumbled, his voice low, the words barely more than a whisper. His hand shifted beneath hers, and before he knew it, his fingers had intertwined with hers, locking them together in a gesture that felt oddly intimate.

Selene’s breath hitched the moment their fingers connected. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her, one that seemed to settle deep in her chest. For a moment, she forgot how to breathe, the world narrowing down to the simple, profound connection of their hands. The genius, the scientist—the boy who always had the answers—now stood inches from her, vulnerable in a way she had never seen before.

Her violet eyes softened, surprise and tenderness flooding her as she watched him, her heart racing just as fast as his. It wasn’t what she had expected, and yet somehow, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

She tightened her grip on his hand, as if to reassure him—or maybe herself—that this moment was real. "Good," she whispered, her voice so quiet it was almost a breath. The faintest smile tugged at the corners of her lips, a spark of something new flickering between them—something she had only half-admitted to herself until now.

The closeness, the intertwining of their fingers, the quiet breaths between them—all of it made Senku's heart pound even faster than before. He could feel her pulse through her skin, rapid and erratic, the rhythm mingling with his own in the stillness of the room.

"You’re shaking," Senku said softly, his voice low and even. He reached up with his free hand, lightly touching her cheek, his fingers tracing the contours of her face before gently brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear.

Selene froze at his touch, her heart stumbling in her chest. The warmth of his fingers against her cheek, the tenderness in his gesture—it was so unlike the Senku she knew. The scientist, always so logical and composed, now touched her with a kind of softness that made her feel both grounded and weightless all at once.

Her violet eyes fluttered open, locking onto his, her breath caught in her throat as his hand lingered near her ear, brushing aside the silvery strands of hair that had fallen across her face. The tenderness in his voice, the quiet acknowledgment of her trembling, sent a wave of emotion through her that she wasn’t entirely prepared for.

“I guess even I’m not immune to this,” she whispered, her voice barely steady, her lips curving into a faint smile. The vulnerability she felt in that moment was almost overwhelming, but the warmth of his touch grounded her, made her feel... safe.

Leaning into his hand, Selene closed her eyes for just a moment, savoring the feeling of his skin against hers. There was something comforting in his touch, a quiet understanding that didn’t need words. For all his sharp edges and genius wit, Senku had a way of making her feel like she belonged—like she was important in his world of calculations and impossible dreams.

“You always know how to keep me steady,” she added, her voice quieter now, as if afraid to break the delicate moment between them. Her fingers squeezed his hand, her heart still racing, but no longer from uncertainty. It was something more now, something that felt like trust, maybe even something deeper.

Her eyes fluttered open again, meeting his gaze, and for the first time, she allowed herself to fully embrace the closeness between them. "What about you?" she asked softly, her voice carrying affection and curiosity. "Are you... okay with this?"

His touch lingered on her cheek, his fingers tracing the line of her jaw, his expression softening with each word she spoke. The feel of her skin under his fingertips, the sound of her shaky breath, the warmth of her presence—it was all new to him, uncharted territory. For once, Senku found himself without a plan, without calculations to rely on.

He took his time responding, his fingers still gently exploring the contour of her face, as if memorizing every detail. "Surprisingly... yes," he said at last, his voice quieter, softer than usual.

Selene’s breath caught again at his words, her heart fluttering at the rare softness in his tone. It was a side of Senku she rarely saw—vulnerable and open. The warmth of his touch lingered on her skin, each gentle stroke of his fingers sending ripples of emotion through her, making her chest feel both light and heavy all at once.

She had always admired him for his unshakable resolve, for the way his mind seemed to work ten steps ahead of everyone else. But here, in this moment, with his hand tracing the lines of her face, Senku wasn’t thinking about the future. He was here, with her, in the present. And that alone made her feel something deeper than anything she had ever expected.

A small, relieved smile tugged at the corner of Selene’s lips. “Good,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Because I... I don’t think I could handle it if you weren’t.”

Her words hung in the air, heavier than she intended, but she didn’t regret them. There was something freeing about finally saying what she had held inside for so long. The connection between them, whatever it was, had been growing quietly—subtly—within the spaces between their conversations, shared moments in the science club, and long nights spent talking about the stars.

Her free hand lifted slowly, mirroring his movements as her fingertips gently brushed against his face, tracing the line of his jaw just as he had done to her. “You’re... not as steady as you think,” she teased, her voice affectionate, her touch lingering as her eyes met his. "But that’s okay. I don’t mind catching you when you fall."

Senku chuckled at her words, the sound low and deep. Her touch on his face sent a shiver through him, sensations both strange and comforting. He didn’t pull away, didn’t try to compose himself. Instead, he let her see him—the real him—in all his confused, illogical vulnerability.

His fingers grazed over her ear, along her jaw, and down the side of her neck, tracing a path that felt as natural as breathing. "You’d probably catch me before I even realize I’m falling," he said jokingly, though there was a hint of truth in his words.

Selene’s smile widened, a soft laugh escaping her lips. The warmth of his touch, the way his fingers traced her skin with such gentleness, made her heart race. In this moment, time seemed to stop. The world outside their little bubble faded into nothingness. It was just them, wrapped in the quiet vulnerability that hung in the air between them.

“You’re not wrong,” she teased back, her voice soft but full of affection. “I’ve been watching out for you longer than you know.” Her hand still rested against his face, her thumb brushing lightly along his cheek. For all his genius, for all the ways Senku saw the world through the lens of logic and science, he had a way of making her feel seen in a way no one else could.

Her violet eyes softened as she gazed at him, taking in the rare, unguarded expression on his face. The fact that he was letting her in—showing her this side of himself—made her feel like maybe, just maybe, she was as important to him as he was to her.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “I’ve got you.”

The words weren’t just a promise—they were the truth. No matter what challenges lay ahead, no matter how high he aimed or how far he reached, she would be there, by his side. That was something she was certain of, even when everything else in the world seemed uncertain.

Senku’s chest tightened at her words, an unfamiliar emotion welling up in his heart. It was more than just affection, more than just trust—it was a deep, profound belief in each other that went beyond logic or reason.

He leaned into her touch, his gaze meeting hers, the vulnerability in his eyes replaced by something deeper, infinitely more powerful. "I know you do," he murmured, his voice low and rough, a rare crack in his usual composure.

His hand moved gently from her jaw, his fingertips tracing the line of her collarbone with a tenderness he rarely allowed himself to show. There was something raw in the way he touched her, a silent acknowledgment of everything that had been left unsaid between them.

“And I’ve got you,” he added softly, his voice steadier now, his gaze locking with hers. The words were simple, but the weight behind them made her heart skip a beat. It was a promise, one that didn’t need to be wrapped in grand gestures or scientific explanations. It was just them, here, together.

Selene’s breath slowed as the words sank in, her pulse steadying with the warmth of his hand against her. The world outside seemed to disappear as they stood there, close enough to feel each other’s presence in the quiet room. No more calculations, no more rockets—just this moment, hanging delicately between them.

Without thinking, she stepped closer, closing the distance between them until her forehead gently rested against his shoulder. Her arms slid around his waist, drawing him into a soft, quiet embrace. Senku hesitated for a brief second, the unfamiliar closeness catching him off guard, but then he relaxed into her touch, his arms wrapping around her in return.

They stood like that, holding each other in the stillness, the gentle rhythm of their breathing syncing as the tension between them melted away. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it didn’t need to be. The quiet intimacy of the moment said everything they hadn’t been able to put into words.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Senku allowed himself to just be—to exist in this moment without needing to think ahead, to calculate. Here, in Selene’s arms, he found a kind of peace that no experiment or achievement could provide. She grounded him in a way that nothing else could, and in this simple act of holding her, he realized that some things didn’t need to be solved—they just were.

[marzeephan]

MLP next generation: Star and Sky

Formally introducing Twilight Sky and Shining Star, Twilight's children, before you ask for their other parent, yes they do have one but I will not reveal them for now, also, they aren't Twi's partner, they acted more like a donor, but the kids do know their other parent, they just spend most of their time with Twilight.

Onto the info!

Twilight Sky:

Age: 19

Family: Twilight Sparkle (mother), Shining Star (twin brother)

Cutiemark: a starry sunset colored sky with an orange and yellow colored star in the middle

Occupation: Student of the princesses and current Princess of Friendship

Sky Facts:

- She is a very chill mare, which leads those who don't know her to think of her as a mysterious and withdrawn princess, which she isn't.

She is actually a little withdrawn and doesn't tend to share her life details with many ponies, but she doesn't do it in a malicious way, she is just like that, once you get to know her she is actually the nicest pony you'll ever meet and a really loyal friend. Think of her as a more soft version of Rosa Diaz from Brooklyn 99.

- She gained her cutiemark at 6 years old, a very young age, she got it at the same time as her brother, only they weren't toghether that day, she was spending the evening with Flurry Heart, surfing the sky and as the sun was setting she looked at the sky and felt a deep connection, she closed her eyes and at that same time the sky suddenly changed its color for a dusk pallette, Flurry was mesmerized, it was as Sky changed the color of the Sky herself...

Sky still with her eyes closed, lost control of her wings and as she fell a beam of light revolved around her. Flurry manged to catch her as they were very high in the sky and asked her if she was okay, she said that she was, that she felt like she just woke up from a very long nap, and there it was, her cutiemark.

-Many ponies think she is named after her mother, and while she kinda is because twilight is a family name, her mother actaully wanted to name her children after someone close in the family, so she is actually named after Twilight Velvet.

Shining Star:

Age: 19

Family: Twilight Sparkle (mother), Twilight Sky (twin sister).

Cutiemark: a constellation formed between three yellow and orange colored stars, each one of different size.

Occupation: Student of the princesses and current Prince of Friendship.

Star Facts:

- He is a calm and sweet stallion, but he unwillingly is very very clumsy and dorky, which he tries so hard not to be because it embarasses him, but people actually see this a a sign that their prince is just another pony like them. He is also a huge bookworm like his mother and you can always find him at the library or at the astronomy tower.

- He gained his cutiemark at 6 years old, a very young age, at the same time as her sister, only they weren't together, he was spending the evening with his grandpa Night Light, who is an astronomer (as i headcanon him), to wait for the sun to set so they could gaze the stars. When the sun set, and the moment the sky changed its color, Star started to see the starts appear in it, his eyes closed as he felt a deep connection with them, at that moment, all the stars in the sky abruptly appeared, and milions of new stars that weren't ever seen before appeared too, Night Light was shocked, he didn' t see anything like this in his entire life, he looked down and saw that Star was laying on the ground,a beam of light around him, and them the light dissapeared he asked Star if he was okay, Star answered that he was, he just felt like he had been woken up from a long nap, and there it was, his cutiemark.

- He was named after his uncle Shining Armor.

Facts:

- Their family, the mane six and the princesses were a little shocked that they weren't unicorns, but as Twilight never revealed the identity of their other parent, they just assumed it was because of their genetics. However, a small portion of the ponies in equestria weren't happy upon hearing that the new royals could not wield any magic, these ponies were groups of ponies of the high elite, old ponies with closed minds and etc, so their opinion wasn't really taken as important and despite this the birth of the twins was celebrated in all of equestria.

- The day Star and Sky got their cutiemarks, the majority of ponies assumed it was a great day and that that was it, but Twilight and the Princesses, especially Celestia and Luna, knew that it wasn't normal that the sky and the stars acted like that, they had magic, and much more than that, the princesses concluded that their fate and destiny would be something that could change equestria.

-And so, they started studying and training in magic, from a very young age, Twilight discovered that although they weren't unicorns, they had a great amount of magic inside that would cause them problems if it wasn't worked on. The closest magic experts worked along with the princesses to find something that would channel their magic without causing them to losing it or causing any damage to the royal siblings. After many time of work, the prince and princess were granted a special crystal for each one of them.

- These crystals are pictured in the drawing, Star channels his magic through his hooves, so he wears the crystal as a bracelet, as for Sky, she channles her magic through her wings, but Twilight was struggling to find an accesory that wouldn't restrain her wings while wearing it, so they tried a pendant, and it actually worked, whenever she uses magic though, she wears the crystal on her back, so it reaches the start of her wings, but as long as she isn't using magic she just wears it as a normal pendant.

- Star and Sky know that they can't be the only non unicorn ponies in all of equestria that can use magic, as the Princesses and all of equestria believe, so in the time they aren't studying or attending royal duties, they do a lot of research on magic, and actually work on devices that could channel pegasus and earth pony magic.

-They have been together all of their lives and can't fathom being without the other, even though they are very different.

And that's all, I will not be writing all of their story in this post as I haven't yet finished creating this universe (who knows if i'll finish it), but feel free to ask anything you want about them in the comments, I'll try to answer as much as possible :)

Hope you like them, and thank you for taking the time to read this!

[sysmedsaresexist]

Hello and Good Morning/Night/Afternoon/Evening/[Polar Night]/[Civil Twilight]/[Nautical Dusk]/[Astronomical Dawn]/[Witching Hour]/Noon/Midnight! I hope that you are doing well! Semi-recently (to be honest, it was probably about a month ago) a number of my friends (3 systems, over 130 alters(I don't know the exact number because they seem to form alters quite quickly and not all of the alters are on simplyplural) told me that they had DID. I have done some research on it and as such I feel confident that I know at least the basics. I have also looked on Tumblr for DID related content to help me understand my (great number of) friends better and also to show them stuff that I thought they'd like (and I am very happy to report great success on that front). Through this (admittedly likely not that great) research I have found you! You seem to be a very cool and also helpful person(s). However, you appear to be very focused on 'discourse' within the (Tumblr?) DID community and with "endogenic systems" in particular. I was wondering, therefore, if you might know of someone (ideally on Tumblr as that is the only social media site that I have) that may be able and willing to help me some. I do not have DID (so I am a "singlet" or a "DIDNT" as I have seen coined). I can provide some additional (vague) information if it is helpful. Hopefully this ask has made sense and was not too boring. Please do not feel any pressure to answer this. Thank you if you decide to read and/or answer this and have a most wonderful [insert proper "time of day" here e.g. day, night, May]!

OMG

DIDNT

I love it

But anyways, I'm going to leave this to my followers. There are MANY blogs I'd recommend, but spoons are low these days. I know every type, from pro to anti, follow me, and I'd like to leave it to them to tell us if they have the energy to answer questions. That'll also give you a chance to get a peek at their blog and see if anyone stands out to you.

I ask that blogs that are open to questions give this post a comment!

[russell-crowe]

edit: it is not looking as good as i hoped it would rn but there is still a slight chance esp for those further north! :)

anyway tonight there's another round of aurora chances coming up! it's likely not going to top friday night, but if the timing is right it looks like it is going to be better than last night's display - which was still photographed as far south as austria, but not as dramatic as the previous night.

you can use spaceweatherlive to check parameters & a rough estimate of where the northern lights are. the graphs can be confusing but they are rather useful, as there is a satellite between the sun and the earth that will show what will impact in 30-60 minutes (depends on the speed of the particles) - so if you see a spike or change in the graphs, they could impact the display in a similar time frame, which makes it easier to decide if it is worth to stay outside for a bit longer. :)

and you can use this website to find out when it's true night and dark enough for the best display in your location - night and astronomical twilight are both sufficiently dark enough for visibility.

oh and this is a decent website for up to date cloud coverage!

[gameyface46]

I made a Niko costume for Halloween and like one person recognized it while I was handing out candy I AM SO GLAD. Literally no one else recognized it yesterday, even when I went out in the wild. tbf, I wasn’t wearing the hat or scarf due to time and budget restrictions, time more than budget.

Making it was so tiring because I’m a procrastinator, and also while I was cropping the pattern so I could split it, I accidentally cropped it to 8” by 11.5” instead of 8.5” by 11” so I had to restart and I spend all night working on JUST the sweater… that day I came home at like astronomical twilight carrying a heavy sewing machine and a bunch of fabric all the way from the bus stop to my house IT WAS A MESS. I also REALLY wanted to make the Sun to go along with it, but like I said time restraints. I procrastinated way too hard. But hey. Now I have a Niko sweater I can wear! Since it is a sweater it’s gonna come in handy in the winter months! I’d show pictures but I don’t like posting photos of myself here for obvious reasons.

Spoilers below this, so fair warning to ya.

Also, Silver, Calamus, Alula, Lamplighter, Entity.

SCALE. Does it mean anything? Probably not. It’s a coincidence. Besides, when have scales meant anything in this game? There is no justice! You can argue there’s a moral dilemma where you must weigh your decisions, though… still, probably a coincidence.

Also, quick question. What is Niko wearing on their legs? It’s not shoes and pants, it’s not socks and pants… what is it? Oversized pants? Pantyhose? Stockings and shorts? I don’t think it’s the latter two, that doesn’t make sense, but the bottomwear they’re wearing looks almost skin-tight? I wasn’t sure what to wear for my costume so I just chose brown pants… have the character designers ever revealed what they’re wearing?

Also, for the photo rule.. uh… here.

[angel-anachronism]

OKAY IVE NEVER REQUESTED BEFORE SO IM SCARED BUT I REALLY LIKE YOUR WORK AND IM JUST WONDWRING IF YOU COULD WRITE A RICKY X FEM! READER WHERE THEY ARE LIKE STARGAZING TOGETHER OR SOMETHING?

OK, I'M BACK FROM THE DEAD! Sorry for not posting in such a long time, but life has been going downhill for me lately, and I just feel so unmotivated, so I'm very sorry for making you wait such a long time! My mom has gotten an operation to get rid of a cyst out of her vocal cords, and she's mute for some time, which has made me go through a very deep depression, and exams have made me go through it even deeper.

But now I'm a little better thanks to friends and family. I'm still very sorry for making you guys wait such a long time for me to write oneshots, but I promise that I'll try writing more!

Anyways, here's your order of a scenario Ricky stargazing together with (Y/N) <3

We also reached over 100 followers, which I still cannot believe! Thank you, guys, so much, I love you all very much!

Anyways, sorry for rambling, so here's the oneshot <3

(Tw: None!)

Rewrite the stars (Ricky x Fem!Reader)

(𝓨/𝓝)'𝓼 𝓟𝓞𝓥

My life was pretty boring until I met this boy named Ricky at school.

Ricky had always been fascinated by the stars. He would spend hours looking up at the night sky, marvelling at the beauty of the constellations and imagining what it would be like to explore the vast expanse of space.

Despite his love for stargazing, Ricky had always been a shy and introverted boy. He had developed a condition that made him unable to speak, and this had always made it difficult for him to make friends and connect with others.

But then, when we first met at choir practice, we immediately hit it off. I saw beyond his silence and understood the beauty and depth of his soul, and he understood mine too.

I'd never felt happier in my life until this boy came into it, and I'm thanking every star in the galaxy for making our meeting even become true.

Speaking about the galaxy, today is a very important and rare day for astronomical events. Today is the day when a solar eclipse occurs!

I and Ricky were very excited about this event, and so we made a plan to witness it: We were going to go to the top of Uranium's highest hill tonight and I might even confess my crush on him... That idea makes me blush.

As I stood on the hill, overlooking the vast expanse of the valley below, I couldn't help but feel my heart racing with excitement. The solar eclipse was about to begin, and I was standing here with the one person who had become so special to me over the past few months: Ricky Potts.

I glanced over at Ricky, and I could see the excitement in his eyes. Despite his inability to speak, he had a way of communicating with me that was so pure and genuine. I felt like I could understand everything he was thinking and feeling, without him ever saying a word.

As we stood there, gazing up at the sky, I noticed how the air around us had grown cooler, and a sense of calm descended over the hill. I felt like we were the only two people in the world, lost in our own private universe.

I looked through the eclipse glasses that Ricky had brought along, and I gasped as I saw the sun slowly being obscured by the moon. The bright disc of the sun was being replaced by a dark circle, and it was as if the world had been plunged into twilight.

Ricky pointed up at the sky, and I followed his gaze to see the corona of the sun blazing around the dark circle. Even though he couldn't speak, I could sense his excitement and wonder, and it made me feel so happy to be there with him.

As the eclipse continued, we stood side by side, lost in our own thoughts and feelings. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this moment, for being able to witness such a rare and beautiful event with someone who had become so important to me.

As the eclipse ended and the world slowly returned to its normal brightness, Ricky turned to me and smiled. I knew that even though he couldn't say the words, he was thanking me for sharing this experience with him.

"Hey Ricky...I have to admit something to you..." I said. Ricky looked confused. "I like you...And I mean like LIKE you! Wouldyoupleaseacceptmetobeyourgirlfriendprettyplease?" I said the last part faster than sonic the hedgehog could ever say, which made me blush even more.

Ricky started blushing and looking at the ground. Did I do something wrong? Before I could ask him, he signed for me to sit down next to him, and so I did.

At that moment, as I felt the whole universe revolving around us...we finally kissed.

At that moment, I felt like the luckiest person in the world, and I knew that no matter what the future held, this memory would stay with me forever.

𝑅𝑒𝒷𝓁𝑜𝑔 >> 𝐿𝒾𝓀𝑒 (𝒩𝑜𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝒸𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓆𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇𝓈)

[thatblackravenclaw]

That Night On The Ferris Wheel

(Images above are from Pinterest)

Blog Details | Let’s take a trip

Dean Thomas x black!fem!reader (no y/n)

warning(s): reader hinted to have a fear of heights, cursing, reader hinted to have anxiety, smut, fingering in a public setting

word count: 1.2k

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“Come on, it’ll be fun!” Dean grips my hand as he pulls me to the Ferris Wheel.

“What if it gets stuck?”

“It’s not gonna get stuck.” He says with an eye roll.

His stride gets us to the line in half the time it would’ve taken me. My heart beat is in my ears and the world turns into a kaleidoscope. I’ve never been on a Ferris Wheel. I never wanted to. They’re high and barely safe. You’re putting all your safety in the hands of a teenager who barely knows how to work the mechanical box and are just here to earn minimum wage, if even that.

The line goes faster than I would like.

“It’s going to come off of the hinges.”

“The box will malfunction and the wheel will speed up.”

“You’re gonna be stuck at the very top for hours.”

Why are my thoughts so loud? I’m going to throw up.

“Hey.” Dean’s voice pushes through my thoughts. The world silences, but his voice.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m right here. I’ll always be right here.”

The line moves. Halfway there. His words slow my heart beat back to its normal rate. I give him an acknowledging nod while praying that the line slows down.

It doesn’t.

Soon we’re second in line and my nightmare is coming true. I could tell Dean that I’m uncomfortable with this and don’t want to go on. He would say okay and we’d go on another ride. That simple. I don’t want to though. I want to do this. I want to overcome this fear. Prove that I can do it. Not for Dean, but for myself. That’s why I don’t say anything.

The Ferris Wheel comes to a stop and the previous couple walk out of the car, bright smiles across their faces. The sight doesn’t ease me any. The only thing that eases me is the smile on Dean’s face when I look up at him. He looks down at me and I can’t help but return the smile. He squeezes my hand and we walk up the stairs to the car.

There’s not much space. Our thighs squish together as we both sit in the car. There’s a slight rocking as we get settled and my heart rate picks up again. This cannot be safe. I quickly grab his hand and squeeze it along with my eyes.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m right here. I’ll always be right here.”

I take an inhale as his words echo through my head. As I exhale, the Ferris Wheel starts to move. I don’t open my eyes, not trusting my calm demeanor to last long. I allow myself to loosen my grip on his hand and stretch mine out on my thighs.

The Ferris Wheel creaks as it rises. Children and teenagers scream and laugh as they ride the other carnivals attractions. Dean is going on about something going on with his flatmates. All I can hear is Seamus… Kitchen…, and boy toy. I love him, but his roommate is the last thing on my mind right now.

“Sweetheart,” He asks.

“Mhm?” My tone is squeaky.

The wheel comes to a sudden stop. No. No, this can’t be happening.

“Why are we stopped?” My eyes stay closed as I ask the question. It’s stuck. I bet a million pounds that it’s stuck.

I feel his upper body shift away from me. The car creaks with his movement. I accidentally open my eyes and realize just how high we are.

“Holy shit.” My voice barely above a whisper.

“Damn, I think the mechanical box stopped working.” I open my mouth to give him an ‘I told you so.” when he quickly tells me to shush.

Tears prick in the corner of my eyes. I feel myself start to hyperventilate. I avert my eyes to the sky and work on the breathing exercises that my therapist gave me.

The sky has transitioned into an astronomical twilight. The stars are dimly lit due to the city lights, but I can vaguely point out Spica shining bright next to the first quarter moon. You can just make out the Mare of Serenitatis clearly. The more I stare at it, the closer it seems to get. The change of focus only works for so long. Then, he starts speaking again and I’m reminded of the predicament we’re in. My eyes widened with realization as I looked at Dean.

“Hey, what did I say,” he asks softly.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m right here. I’ll always be right here.”

“Here, I wanna try something.” I raise a quizzical brow as he puts his hand on my thigh. His nimble fingers grazes my jean zipper before moving up to the button.  

“Right now?” A wave of nervous shakes roll through my body as I look around. You aren’t able to see the lower parts of our body due to the design of the Ferris Wheel car, but that doesn’t ease my nerves any.

“Do you trust me?” He unbuttoned my jeans and pulled down the zipper.

“Yes,” I responded without hesitation.

He grabs my leg closest to him and pulls it over his thigh. His fingers slip through my pants and trace from my clit, down across my folds, and back up again. He does the teasing motion until my clit is throbbing with need. I tried my best not to moan, but a whimper slips through every now and then. He proceeds to lay his palm on my lower abdomen while the tips of his fingers play with the band of my underwear. I shiver as his fingers touch my bare skin every so often.

“You gotta be nice and quiet for me, okay? Can you do that for me?” His voice now deepened. Arousal dripping from his tone. I lose the ability to speak any words and just nod my head. I can hear my heart in my ears, but at this moment it is only him and I.

He reaches inside of my underwear and completely bi-passes my clit. My look of confusion morphed into a calmed look with a satisfied sigh. His middle finger slips through my folds and gathers the slick on the pad of his middle finger. You can hear the squelching but not loud enough to cover the noise from the carnival. His finger then moves up my folds until it gets to my clit causing my thighs to twitch. The begging died in my throat as he circled my clit. I lean my head back but don’t let a sound slip out my lips so as not to alert other carnival-goers.

He puts a little pressure on it, just how I like it. I grab on to his arm to ground myself. He’s worked me up to a point that I feel like I’m floating. The pleasure was so far away. Now, my arousal grows and seeps through my underwear while he brings me closer to my impending orgasm.

“Dean,” I gasp out.

“Sshh. It’s okay. I know. I got you. Let go whenever you need to.”

His finger speeds up and slightly more pressure is added. My grip tightens on him. The world blurs as my eyes roll to the back of my head. I cum with a hushed curse and melt into the seat beneath me. Dean removes his fingers and lightly pats my clothed over-sensitive clit.

“Still scared?” He chuckles at my now weak figure.

“Fuck you.” I match his playful tone while attempting to zip up my jeans.

“Oh, I plan to.”

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Dean Masterlist | United Kingdom

[rustbeltjessie]

7 Snippets 7 People

Thanks to @blind-the-winds for tagging me!

The idea for this is to share seven out-of-context snippets of your own writing, and tag seven other people to do the same. Unfortunately, my brain is fried right now, and I can't even think of seven writer-mutuals (even though I'm positive I have many, many more than seven) to tag. So just know that if you're seeing this, and you're a writer and want to share, please consider yourself tagged; and tag me when you share, because I'd love to read it!

Since I'm not supposed to give context, I won't. All I'll say is there's some poetry and some prose (and some prose poetry!), some fiction and some non.

I ask if I can flip through the 45s and pick the next tune. "Sure," she says, and I do, slow and casual, like I don't know what I'm looking for, until I find it. Tobi Legend—"Time Will Pass You By." I want to tell you everything about this song and where I first heard it. About Wigan Casino in the early '70s, the "3 before 8," those songs they played every morning after we'd danced all night. How it was my inside joke with myself, doing the soul glide—slide one foot, swivel the other, I wish I could show you those moves right now—to those songs about time passing. Tobi's was my favorite. The passion rending her voice. The jumping beat paired with the swell of the strings. The lyrics—those bleary mornings, I always wondered if they meant as much to anyone else in the club as they did to me. But I can't tell you any of that.

—

You are a fried egg sandwich. On a winter day in Philadelphia when I'm down to my last three dollars & I'm hungry & cold. I mean you are, specifically, the sandwich I ate that day, just before Christmas, when I'd been wandering the wet streets of Philadelphia for hours, that day I watched the lights sparkle off tinsel & wrapping in store windows, displays of presents & mistletoe,

—

Lento, I say now. Lento, though the music of those years was fast and harsh. Slow it down. Keep us here, just a while longer.

Here, this pause between everything which came before and everything that would come after. Here, saying our last goodbyes to the star-doomed lovers; here, in a blood-red car, on a Baltimore-bound highway. My rock’n’roll sister and I in that burning room, where we slammed like boys, then batted girl-lashes to tempt the boys into buying us beer. The gold foam of it, the distorted fuzz of amplifiers. The night’s black eye.

—

It was weird, right. The five of us had been friends since we were babies, practically; we were inseparable as sisters and hung around at each other's houses so much you could hardly say who lived where. But I guess even sisters have their quarrels. I guess we've all got some ugly shit in us and we're most likely to take it out on the people we're closest to. And of course, it was summer, and the sticky heat made us mean. It was summer, and we were 12, and we were bored, and there was fuck-all to do in Mound City, Illinois.

—

Q: What do you call it when dead girls fuck? A: Two coffins bangin' together.

—

Blue as the churchbells ringing six times in the blue hour. Blue as an hour’s three twilights: civil, nautical, astronomical. Blue as sex, as sin. Blue, also, as the astronomical heavenblue of the Virgin’s robes. Blue as Mater Dolorosa; her punctured, burning heart, her seven sacred sorrows. Blue as a claddagh ring worn on a right hand with the heart’s point facing out towards the fingertips; blue as a claddagh that will never be turned in. Blue as a pigeon, dead in the gutter. Blue as the gutter we lay in, drunk, and the nightblue heaven of stars we wished on. Blue as a wish that can’t come true.

—

And thank you hum of nighttime, my sleepless lullaby—the air filter in the hallway, the nearby airport's machinations, and the trains (always the trains). And (thank you) the voice of a favorite singer, the whiskeyed gravel, the Midwest desperation, the loneliness, the smoke. And thank you the rain bringing toadstools to my garden, and the autumn.

[ladyhoneydee]

30 Day Song(fic) Challenge: Day 23

Today's Song(fic) Challenge prompt was "A song with a color in the title", and let me tell you, when I was planning these days out, I had a whole host of potential songs for this one! Too bad none of them inspired me on the night of, lol. After some desperate searching, I did hit on one, though: "August 30, 2023: Super Blue Moon" by Sleeping at Last. If you've never heard their work before, SaL does stunning instrumentals inspired by all kinds of things, including astronomical behavior, and this one just has such a peaceful, calming atmosphere that immediately gave me an image in my mind for what to write.

Under the Bluebell Moon

Game: Twilight Princess

Pairing: Link/Midna (nonsexual romantic love, as she's still in imp form)

Word Count: 1346

Keywords: rituals, longing, soothing

“On the night of the Bluebell Moon, everyone in the village goes out into the forest and the fields, and even the hills, if they’re careful. We each pick bluebells, and we give them to people we want to show our gratitude. For us, they mean something like…” He taps his chin in thought. “Fidelity, I suppose? Although that doesn’t quite cover it.” He tries again, with more words this time. “They mean love and gratefulness for who that person is, or what they’ve done for you in the last year, since the bluebells last bloomed, and the promise to love and care for them until they come back next year.” ... "If we were in Ordon tonight, I'd pick some for you."

Read the fic on Ao3, or under the cut!

The air smells of pine and safety.

Pine, because they’ve bedded down in soft fallen needles beneath a Lanayrish fir, on their way back south from a visit to Zora’s Domain. And safety, because Midna is lying next to him.

Next to, not on top of, or tucked within. In these warming summer nights, her small impish body doesn’t require his furry heat to be able to make it through to dawn without waking up from the force of her shivers. He finds he misses the feeling of her cuddled next to him. Less from any sense of pleasure the action could give, although it’s nice to be close to a person who knows and loves him so well. No, he longs for the vulnerability. Midna is just so good at pretending she doesn’t need anyone; doesn’t want anyone beyond what they can do for her. And maybe sharing body heat falls within those borders—it certainly did at the start, when she practically ordered him to keep her safe, mutt—but these days it’s something far more tender.

Past the evergreen canopy, he can see the full moon shining down. It’s the tenth one since they began their travels together. It’s a hard number to believe: it at once feels like he’s always been on the road, has nothing besides dust and travel and stone walls and sharp blades in his past; and like it was only yesterday that he was sneaking out to Ordon Spring with Ilia in the middle of the night, not because they had any reason to sneak or even go at all, but because they were kids, and that’s simply what kids do. 

“In Ordon, we have a name for the sixth full moon of the year,” he whispers. 

Midna says nothing, but he almost feels rather than hears her shift ever so slightly to face him. 

“We call it the Bluebell Moon.”

“Funny. It doesn’t look any more blue to me than normal.”

Link can’t tell if Midna is being sarcastic—well, she’s always sarcastic, but more at some times than others—or if, due to the Twilight Realm’s lack of celestial bodies, she actually doesn’t know.

“The moon doesn’t actually change colors,” Link hastens to correct her. “Well, I mean, sometimes it turns yellow or orange, especially in autumn, or when there’s a big wildfire. And sometimes it turns red, although no one knows why…” He trails off. He can practically feel Midna’s raised eyebrow and smirk through the darkness. “Well, it doesn’t turn blue, at any rate. We call it the Bluebell Moon because that’s when the bluebell flowers surrounding the village are at their peak.”

Midna is quiet for a moment. “Tell me more about them,” she eventually murmurs. Her voice is tired. Link wonders if she’s simply using the tones of his voice as a sleeping draught, but decides that whatever the case may be, he’s more than happy to do it for her. 

He stares up at the moon, at the crags on its surface. Each one with a different story. Each culture of Hyrule with a different belief. Even if he laid down his sword and started collecting the wisdom and tales of Hyrule tonight, he would die of old age before the anthology would be complete. The thought that the Twilight Realm might be the same is dizzying to the boy who has always loved a night of legends around the campfire. Even after he became one. 

“They’re called bluebells, but really, they come in all different colors,” he begins. “Sometimes they’re white or grey; some come up lilac or pink; some are a lighter blue than even the most worn and washed sleep shirt, and some are such a dark blue that they rival the depths of Lake Hylia.” This is how they’ve always been described in his village, but now, having plumbed the great lake’s furthest reaches himself, he can confirm it. 

“They really are a bell shape, though. A dozen can grow on a single stem, and they all point downward. I’m not sure what we must have called them before Hyrule began trading with us and introduced metal bells.” He ponders this for a moment. So much knowledge has been lost over the centuries, as generations of Ordonians slowly distanced themselves from their roots to the south in the name of sedentary fields stocked with corn and goats. 

“I’m not sure about other places, but in Ordon, we have our own seasonal rituals at this time of year. One of them…happens tonight.”

Midna turns to face him fully. Her eyes remain closed, but he can tell from her facial features alone that she is listening. 

“On the night of the Bluebell Moon, everyone in the village goes out into the forest and the fields, and even the hills, if they’re careful. We each pick bluebells, and we give them to people we want to show our gratitude to. For us, they mean something like…” He taps his chin in thought. “Fidelity, I suppose? Although that doesn’t quite cover it.” He tries again, using more words this time. “They mean love and gratefulness for who that person is, or what they’ve done for you since the bluebells last bloomed, and the promise to love and care for that person until they come back next year.”

He pictures this year’s Bluebell Moon, in a fantasy that blooms with both sweetness and pain in his chest. The children in Kakariko, with no bluebells nearby with which to keep to the tradition; he can only hope that they’ve found another way to celebrate one another and the village keeping them safe from harm. Hanch, Sera, Pergie, Jaggle, and Uli trading blooms, in gratitude for keeping one another going through the hardest year they’ve ever had to face. Rusl perusing the flower stalls of Castle Town’s market for any bluebells to give to the Resistance, or to keep in his room to represent his far-flung family. 

All of them missing pieces, all of them honoring what still remains, all of them hoping that they’ll be reunited by next year’s bluebells. 

And here Link is, laying beside the person he’s most grateful for, so very far from home. 

“If we were in Ordon tonight, I’d pick some for you.” His chest twinges, warm and sharp, at the confession. “There’s a patch that grows in the woods behind my house. I’d love to take you there.”

“I would pick some for you, too.” Midna’s eyes open in the dark. Scarlet set in yellow, glowing across the few inches between them. The opposite of the cool, watery tones of the bluebells back home, and yet they provide him with the same feeling of comfort. 

“I can warp us there, if you want,” she whispers. 

Link feels warmth rush through him like a summer rain. Midna is happy to offer warping when it comes to the needs of their quest or his physical body, but it’s taxing enough magically that she rarely supplies for emotional needs. That she would give him this chance now…

“No,” he breathes. “I know you’ll need all your strength for Hyrule Castle. But, Midna…” One leather-gloved hand reaches out to rest upon her own. “It means the world to me that you would do that for me.”

She purses her lips in that old familiar way. “Not just for you, wolf boy. I…” She takes a breath. “I’m thankful for you too, you know.”

She doesn’t speak the other words aloud—fidelity, love, the promise to stay by his side—but he feels them there, weighty and warm, in the darkness between them. Her small fingers lace between his and linger, for once not pulling away.

Link doesn’t know what next year’s Bluebell Moon will bring. If his family will be reunited at long last. If Midna will be there to hold his hand. If he’ll even be alive. 

But as he stares up at the moon, listening to the call of owls and nighthawks in the trees, with Midna beside him, he hopes, and hopes, and hopes. 

[merelygifted]

The Milky Way galaxy sparkles like fireworks in desert view (photo) | Space

Miguel Claro is a professional photographer, author and science communicator based in Lisbon, Portugal, who creates spectacular images of the night sky. As a European Southern Observatory Photo Ambassador and member of The World At Night and the official astrophotographer of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, he specializes in astronomical "Skyscapes" that connect both Earth and the night sky.

Join Miguel here as he takes us through his new image, "Zodiacal Light with Mars and Jupiter in the Pristine Sky of Lut Desert in Iran."

This is a panoramic image of single shots taken in a pristine magical sky.

The image features the arch of Milky Way shining bright above the Lut (Dasht-e Lut) desert, in Kerman, Iran, a few minutes before the nautical twilight starts and the stars become highly visible in the sky.