#ballad of song and wine

[the-danmei-multiverse-and-angst]

Danmei I've read & Love and My Ratings (mostly angst with happy endings)

MDZS/Mo Dao Zu Shin (Angst) /5🌟 TGCF/Heaven Officials Blessing (Angst) / 5🌟 Yuwu/Remnants of Filth (❤️‍🩹🥹 Angst) /5🌟 Sword Named No Way Out (Angst) /5🌟 Would You Like to Have A Drink /4🌟 Wu Chang Jie (Angst🥹) /5🌟 War Prisoner (Angst) /5🌟 Cold Sands (Angst/Bittersweet Ending/not a HE but not a bad ending) /5🌟 The Ugly Empress (Angst) /5🌟 Swallowing the Seas (Modern/Angst) /5🌟 Mo Du/Silent Reading (Modern/some decent Angst) /5🌟 Cherry Blossoms Upon a Wintry Sword ( Some Angst) /5🌟 Nan Chan (Angst) /5🌟 Misvil (Mistakenly Saving The Villain/Angst but with comedic tone...hard to explain but has TWs) /5🌟 Blind Concubine (Angst/No HE, Bittersweet? Haven't read in a long time) /5🌟 Spring Trees & Sunset Clouds (Angst) /5🌟 Huitian /5🌟 Ballad of Song & Wine (Qiang Jin Jiu)/ 5🌟 Peerless /Wushuang /5🌟 Can Ci Pin/ 5🌟 Kaleidoscope of Death/5🌟 Global University Entrance Exam/5🌟 Mist /5🌟 Copper Coins ( A little bit of Angst to me, but still a great story, HE)/ 5🌟 Governor's Illness /5🌟 Faraway Wanderers /5🌟 It's Not Easy Being a Master (Angst)/5🌟 Record of the Missing Sect Master (Angst) /5🌟 Stranger (KR novel) /4🌟 Thrive In Catastrophe /5🌟 The Legendary Master's Wife /4🌟 Rebirth of The Supreme Celestial Being /4🌟

I wrote a poem for Cold Sands danmei novel years ago, right after I finished the novel because I was so inspired by the story and it made my heart ache. Here is the poem:

Wings clipped by truth The fall swift and harsh Lies unveiled  Fate strung a web of deceit  A trap, snaring the victim This bird, tied down Voice cut-out -silenced Never to sing Never to cry out Never to sing its beautiful melodies once more Never to give sound to its pain The world itself, what a beautiful cage- A big and wide unknown, and sometimes deceitful place Freedom- is only a short illusory image  Unobtainable- A Mirage in the desert when one is dying from thirst Just out of reach, as though grasping at sand as it slips through your fingertips And as the dark begins to unravel Twist and unwind- Mighty is the weight thrust upon the heart, Subduing its pulse, the beating drum- a strangled ba-thump...ba-thump...ba-thump... An anchor drowning the soul, Just as as heavy as one that bears a crown upon their head,  No escape is possible now  As the strings of fate tighten, the birds wings are broken Fragmented and shattered Unable to never fly Never again to soar the skies

(End/ Extra below)

......

Did you ever once hear the Greek tale of a boy, the boy who wanted to fly close to the sun?

His father created wings of made wax for his child and warned him, told him not to fly to high, to not fly to close to the sun.

However, the boy, Icarus, didn't listen to his father's words.

He flew, soaring higher, and higher, as close as he could get to the sun. His wings made of wax were melted away by the suns brilliance and Icarus fell to earth.

To his end.

And the Lotus flower, that blooms at the bottom of a lake, steeped in mud, struggles and craves, longing and yearning for the suns brilliance, but they can never touch the sun.

And a bird, born with wings to fly, can only fly so high, but never crossing that line, that boundary.

And sometimes love is just the same.

Not every story can have a happy ending, no matter the toil, the strife, the pain.

And some times, no my matter how much you love someone, you may forever be enemies, on opposing sides, love hidden deep in your heart, and all you can do, is to stare wistfully at the horizon, yearning until the end.

[myonelian]

my wallet says no to 40 cm lanzhou plush but my heart says yes ❤️

[plumblossomsreveries]

2nd songyu prompt from @noswordinourlake! for @DanmeiAction (twt)! TYSM FOR DONATING!! ✨‼️💞💖 artstyle kinda changed from the first one to the second one but I hope u like it! I feel like they deserve to have a happy ending where they can just have one slow morning tgt! 🫶

(I wasn’t able to dm u for some reason so I hope you don’t mind me posting on here and tagging you! Pls dm me for the non watermarked pic 🥹🙏💖✨)

Og twt post ft another songyu drawing I did for someone else that kind of fits to show their “happy ending”

[lavendarneverlands]

put 5 songs you listen to, post it, then send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers <333

Thank you so much lovely🫶🫶🫶

Oh goodness this is a hard question because I like way too many songs😂 though I am a huge Swiftie & since I’ve on my TOG binge have been listening to a lot of fan playlists so let’s let my history decide🤣 these have been in a heavy rotation:

“Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” by Taylor Swift

“Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan

“Please Please Please” by Sabrina Carpenter

“Blonde” by Maisie Peters

“Can’t Catch Me Now” by Olivia Rodrigo

@impossibelle @iwantavaldezinator @idfendyr @shadowhunters77 @archerons-elain @cheap-spirits @maevecrom @endlessdaydream @somethingsomewhereanywhere @korepio

p.s. as always, no pressure tags :-) 💕

(Heads up for some tags: this is my main account, the side-blog ur probably used to seeing (as I’m more active) is @acourtofquestions I have a terrible habit of mixing up pages/conversations; so if ur going “who tagged me?” it’s just me lol)

[mathmusicreading]

@yummysuika @ospreywhite I really appreciate your translation work; can you explain more about shichen timekeeping to me? Because I know a tiny bit of modern Mandarin Chinese, but I can't recognize the shichens as the zodiac animals:

Zi (I don't know "rat", so I actually can't make any argument here.)

Chou (I don't know "ox", but I reasonably could have expected "niu" for "cow".)

Yin (I know "tiger" as "hu".)

Mao (I don't know "rabbit", but to me "mao" is "cat".)

Chen (I know "dragon" as "long".)

Si (I don't know "snake", but now I find it interesting that it sounds like death, like snakes could be seen as evil in Chinese culture similar to how they are seen in the Christian world.)

Wu (I know "horse" as "ma".)

Wei (I know "sheep/goat" as "yang".)

Shen (I don't know "monkey", but I would have expected "Sun" or "Wu" or "Kong" because of "Monkey King".)

You (I know "rooster/chicken" as " ji".)

Xu (I know "dog" as "gou".)

Hai (I don't know "pig/boar" unless "pork" and "pig" are the same "siu".)

I tried asking my parents, but they just starting talking about how the Chinese zodiac is actually a 60-year cycle with the 12 animals and the 5 elements. So are these shichen names the "Pre-Han dynasty semi-descriptive terms"? Is it kind of like the difference between "midday" and "noon" in English? The former is a "descriptor", the latter is a "name", but they "mean" the same thing?

(I tried checking the etymology for "noon" on dictionary.com, so to be fair "ninth hour" is a descriptor, but in Modern English it's not really recognizable as such and so for the sake of my shichen question, I'm calling "noon" a "name".)

Or is this another language/dialect or due to the evolution of language (changing words and pronunciations)?

I was also looking up the Dragon Boat Festival being on the unluckiest day of the year, and it says, "The Chinese name of the festival is pronounced differently in different Chinese languages. Duanwu (端午) literally means 'starting horse'—i.e., the first "horse day" of the month according to the Chinese zodiac." so I was able to get the exact character for "wu". I think it's interesting that Wikipedia says "literally ... horse" but putting 午 into Google Translate yields "midday, noonday, seventh earthly branch, 11 a.m.-1 p.m." It's unfortunate that Wikipedia only says "different Chinese languages" for "Duanwu" instead of specifying them or time periods, but I appreciate it listing different romanizations by country for Cantonese.

Would you say there's any pattern to Chinese writers or English translators using the above terms vs. using "hour/time/head/body/tail of the (insert zodiac animal here)"? Like if one sounds better for a historical fantasy setting, or choosing to use the pinyin in English instead of translating to not be translating literally? ETA: I should have gotten onto a computer sooner. I asked my parents and then you guys because searching "shichen" in Wikipedia just resulted in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_units_of_measurement. But further digging took me to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_timekeeping. I'll probably get answers there (Maybe I'll even be able to explain to my dad why he was thinking of ten stems and not matching mathematically with "60 is from 12 times 5, not 10 times 6" when he was trying to lecture on the 60-year cycle for the Chinese zodiac, lol.), so my apologies for bothering you. I'd still appreciate your thoughts on what was formerly the last paragraph about writing and translation choices!

[himasgod]

How would they spend New Year's Eve with you?

Characters: Tartaglia, Diluc, Kaeya, Venti, Albedo, Rosaria, Razor Barbara, Eula, Zhongli, Xiao, Yanfei, Keqing, Chongyun, Beidou, Ayato, Thoma, Kazuha, Raiden Ei, Itto, Shinobu, Alhaitham, Cyno, Tighnari, Neuvillette, Wriothesley, Furina, Lyney.

(Happy New Year everyone! I hope all your resolutions come true and that you have a great New Year with your loved ones! Enjoy this, should I do a part 2 with the characters I have left?)

Tartaglia

Childe would invite you to spend New Year's with his family at Snezhnaya. He would want you to experience the warmth of his home, despite the cold outside.

His siblings would be excited to meet you and would share laughs as Childe tries to cook something special (and probably needs help).

At midnight, he would take you outside to watch the snow fall under the lights of the lanterns, holding you close as he whispers, "Making you happy is my greatest achievement this year and all those to come."

Diluc

Diluc would prefer an intimate celebration at Dawn Winery. He would prepare an elegant dinner with fresh ingredients from the region, serving specially selected wine from his cellar.

At midnight, he would take you out onto the balcony to watch the fireworks that the Knights of Favonius organize in the city.

Though he doesn't say it openly, he would make a toast with you, his words laden with sincerity and affection. "To you, and to all the good things that await us this year."

Kaeya

Kaeya would insist on taking you to a party at the tavern. He would want you to enjoy the lively atmosphere and laughter.

Just before midnight, he would pull you away from the hustle and bustle to walk together under the moonlight. "I want to start the year with you by my side," he would tell you with his charming smile.

He would probably steal a kiss from you just as the clock strikes twelve.

Venti

Venti would host an outdoor celebration, complete with music and poetry. He would bring his lyre to play songs as the wind carries his melody throughout Mondstadt.

He would dedicate an improvised ballad to you, telling of the special moments you've shared.

At midnight, he would take your hand and dance under the starry sky.

Albedo

Albedo would prefer a quiet celebration at Dragonspine, showing you the wonders of the winter landscape. He would prepare a warm spot in his lab spot to share a simple yet special dinner.

As a gift, he would give you a painting he made especially for you, capturing a meaningful moment you two shared during the year.

At midnight, as the aurora lights up the sky, he would tell you, “The time we shared is a masterpiece I don’t want to stop painting.”

Rosaria

Rosaria wouldn't be the type to celebrate loudly, but she'd agree to spend New Year's with you if it meant some quiet time.

She'd probably take you to church to light candles and reflect on the year that's passed. Afterward, she'd invite you to walk the silent streets under the snow.

At midnight, as the world seems to freeze in stillness, she'd look at you softly. "I'm not good with words, but you make every day worthwhile."

Razor

Razor would prefer something simple but meaningful. He would take you into the woods of Wolvendom, where he would light a small fire to keep you both warm.

He would share roast meat with you and talk about how he sees the new year as just another cycle in nature.

At midnight, with a shy smile, he would say, "Thank you for being my lupical. I will always take care of you."

Barbara

Barbara would host a quiet evening at the cathedral, singing a special song for you as candles lit the place.

Afterwards, you would walk together through Mondstadt decorated for the occasion, enjoying sweets and watching the fireworks from a nearby hill.

At midnight, with rosy cheeks, she would take your hand. "I promise that this year I will sing more songs that make you happy."

Eula

Eula would take you out to a fancy dinner, making sure everything is perfect for you. Even though she might not admit it openly, New Year's is a chance to show you how much she values ​​you.

Afterwards, she would take you ice skating under the starlight, gently guiding you even though her face shows a slight shyness.

At midnight, she would look directly at you and say firmly, "This year, I want to give you back all the happiness you've given me."

Zhongli

Zhongli would plan a traditional celebration in a quiet place, such as the lantern-lit harbor. He would make a special tea and tell you stories about the ancient New Year traditions in Liyue.

He would hold a small ceremony, writing wishes on red paper and burning them so that the smoke would carry his words to the heavens.

At the stroke of midnight, he would take your hand and look deeply into your eyes. “Thank you for being my companion on this long road.”

Xiao

Xiao wouldn't be quite sure how to celebrate, but he would agree to spend the New Year with you because he values ​​your company more than he admits.

He would take you to a high place, like the Wangshu Inn, so you could enjoy the fireworks away from the noise.

Even though he might not be the most expressive, his actions would speak for him. "I will protect you this year, as I have done so far," he would say with a slight smile.

Keqing

Keqing would be busy organizing events in Liyue, but she would find time to spend the night with you.

She would take you around the lantern-lit streets and buy little lucky charms to share with you.

At midnight, she would allow herself to relax and confess to you how much she values ​​your support. “This year will be better because you are by my side.”

Chongyun

Chongyun would invite you to spend a New Year filled with quiet activities to avoid getting emotionally overheated. Maybe he'd take you to a serene place near Liyue where you could enjoy the winter scenery.

He'd make you a refreshing dessert to share, probably something he learned especially for you.

At midnight, though shy, he'd take your hand and look at you with sincerity. "I hope this year we'll continue to share moments like this… with you everything feels more balanced."

Yanfei

Yanfei, ever practical, would make sure you had everything ready to start the new year off right, even checking your contracts or reminding you to burn incense for good fortune.

You would spend the night wandering around Liyue Harbor, enjoying the fireworks and eating street snacks.

At midnight, she would give you a small amulet she made herself and smile at you. “It’s so that justice and happiness will always accompany you this year.”

Beidou

Beidou would host a party aboard the ship, inviting her crew and close friends. The night would be filled with laughter, stories, and songs as they sailed under the stars.

SHe would challenge you to a friendly drinking competition, but she would also make sure you were comfortable and happy.

At midnight, as fireworks lit up the sky, she would take you to the bow of the ship, wrapping you in her cloak. "With each passing year, I have more reasons to love you!"

Kamisato Ayato

Ayato would host a fancy dinner party at the Kamisato Mansion, making sure everything was perfect. He would invite Ayaka over for some family time before she retired so Ayato could be alone with you.

At midnight, he would take you out to the garden to enjoy a private fireworks display organized by the Yashiro Commission.

He would gently hold your hand and whisper, “I hope this year brings us both peace and happiness.”

Thoma

Thoma would surprise you with a warm and cozy celebration. He would cook your favorite dishes and decorate your house with Christmas decorations (even though it's not Christmas anymore) and handmade garlands.

He would insist on writing wishes for the coming year together, placing them on a decorated tree.

When midnight comes, he would hug you tenderly and thank you for making his life brighter.

Kaedehara Kazuha

Kazuha would prefer a quiet, poetic celebration. He would take you to a cliff where you can watch the sea lit up by fireworks.

He would bring a haiku he wrote especially for you, giving it to you as a gift.

As the sea breeze caresses your face, he would hold you close and whisper, "The wind will guide us to new horizons together."

Raiden Ei

Ei is not used to festivities, but she would strive to understand the importance of the New Year to you. She would take you to the plane of Euthymia for a quiet, private moment.

She would prepare a tea ceremony, practicing diligently so that everything would be perfect. As you share the tea, she would talk about what it means to her to have you in her life.

At midnight, she would take your hand and promise to protect the time you share, saying, "You are a constant light in my eternity."

Arataki Itto

Itto would host a boisterous celebration with his gang members, insisting that New Year's must be an unforgettable party.

He'd set up ridiculous games and challenges for everyone, making sure you'd have fun (though he'd probably take winning too seriously).

At midnight, he'd pull everyone aside and take you to a quiet corner. "Hey, you're the reason this year was the best of my life! Let's smash it together this year too!"

Kuki Shinobu

Shinobu would make sure Itto didn't go overboard, but she would also find time to celebrate with you in her own way.

She would probably take you to a nearby shrine to make wishes for the coming year, helping you write them down on little ema wooden tablets.

At the end of the night, as you two walked home, she would say something like, "Thank you for being my constant amidst all the chaos. I'm sure this year will be amazing because you'll be with me."

Alhaitham

Alhaitham would plan a relaxing evening at home, reading and sharing your favorite books. He would make an effort to cook something special, though he might ask for help if he's unsure of his culinary skills.

At midnight, he would make a simple but honest toast, saying something like, "A new year of learning and growing together."

Although he may be reserved, he would show you his affection with small gestures, like lacing his fingers with yours while you talk.

Cyno

Cyno would propose a New Year filled with games and pranks. Maybe he would even invent a TCG to celebrate the occasion.

Just before midnight, he would look at you with a mix of seriousness and affection, promising that he will always be there to protect you.

Although he is someone who is reserved with his emotions, his actions would show how much he values ​​you.

Tighnari

Tighnari would prefer a quiet celebration in nature, taking you to a special corner of the Avidya forest to gaze at the stars.

He would share with you curiosities about how plants react to the change of year, showing you night-blooming flowers that only open at this time.

As midnight came, he would wrap you in a warm blanket and say, "Though nature's cycles change, my affection for you remains constant."

Neuvillette

Neuvillette would prepare a serene evening in his home, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water flowing nearby. He would serve you an exquisite tea accompanied by traditional sweets.

At midnight, he would take you to the balcony to watch the lights reflecting in Fontaine water.

He would dedicate to you some soft but meaningful words. "The flow of time seems more bearable when I am with you."

Wriothesley

Wriothesley would arrange something more relaxed but full of detail. Perhaps a walk through the less cold areas of Fontaine or a dinner prepared with simple but well-crafted ingredients

He would surprise you with a small gift, something meaningful that shows how well he knows you.

At midnight, he would hold you tightly, whispering in your ear: "You are the best of this and every year."

Lyney

Lyney would make the New Year an unforgettable spectacle, organizing a private magic show just for you. Each trick would be filled with little details that represent his affection.

He would surprise you with a gift hidden in one of his tricks, perhaps a necklace or a handwritten letter with his deepest thoughts.

When the clock strikes twelve, he would gently take your hands and say, "With you, every year seems like a magical act of fate."

Furina

Furina would turn New Year's into a dramatic, extravagant event. She would throw a themed party in her (and your) honor, making sure everything was perfect.

She would insist that you both dress in fancy outfits, saying that you both must be the center of attention.

At midnight, when fireworks light up Fontaine, she would take your face in her hands and say, "See? We are the brightest couple of this year and of all those to come."

Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request, they're opened and would help me so much! <3

[berriblossom]

Oh, Great Divine!

☆| It's time for a SAGAU, more so a comforting one. Reader's gender is ambiguous and gender neutral, archons adore reader, in this sense the Nahida tag is platonic!|

☆ Tags/warnings! | Socially Aware Genshin AU, archons and people of Teyvat treat the reader as a god or heavenly figure, religious references (cathedral of Mondstat and Narukami/ Sangonomiya Shrines of Inazuma) some minor lore for reader, Reader is referred to as "Their Grace" or "My/Your Grace" and "The Great Divine" ALL PORTRAYALS ARE FICTIONAL!! anyway, enjoy.|

Within the lands or nations of Teyvat, for centuries the practice of worshipping an Archon was beyond common, more so for those who wish not to believe in spiritual practices concerning the gods of each element are more on the rare side to find. However even if such existed, there was one thing to never be doubted within the lands of Teyvat.

The Great Divine's presence over mortals and immortals alike.

The creation of Teyvat in many national mythos credits the sole ideas and creation to the Great Divine. Even the archons and the sources of their celestial names were blessed upon them by their divine grace. Depending on which nation you visit, some may say that their archon is specifically blessed by their grace.

In Mondstat, the nation of wind, song, freedom, wine, and bard's ballads, once every 100 years they celebrate the freedom blessed to them by Barbatos and the Great Divine. A tradition stretching for the last millennial to show the love and deeply routed affection given by its people and archon. Yes, Barbatos, or now the "drunken" bard known as Venti among his people. Every festival of a "New Eve" as they call it, is another 100 years for him to show his affection for his beloved divine. Despite his defiance to Celestia and the natural order placed after your departure, he still fully believes in your care and love for humans and archons alike. To Venti, whispering to the wind like he did with you thousands of years prior, even in his wind-spirit form. You'd sit together where now the great tree at Windrise and speak about the future of Teyvat, something despite having the authority over you simply spoke to him as:

"For what will come, Your nation will prosper and learn the true meaning of freedom and song..."

So to this day, he sits under that tree and thinks of the years since, missing your warmth from curling up in your hands as a wind spirit to laughing and humming beside you in his divine form. He has seen it for the last few hundred years, the art, songs, plays, books, and even food and weapons made in your name, and every hundred years he repeats the same. A small prayer from his soul is whispered into the wind as he tells his deep care and love for his dear grace. And the people of Mondstat no different, all gather at the great Cathedral and warmly sing about the Great Divine and Lord Barbatos as they place to wine, food, and gifts at the altar of your image. When alone Venti will sneak in and sit under your statue, missing the warmth of your hands but relishing the love in your image.

In Liyue, the nation of Geo, contracts, and the adepti, the greats divines are influenced by the first contract Rex Lapis made with them over 7000 years ago, even before Liyue was a fully combined nation. Zhongli remembers the conversation you two had, sharing a simple game of wit and tea. Then he was immature to your influence and power but now he relishes in it. Proudly in his vast historical knowledge, preaching his love and the power the great divine holds. How you could shape the sea with a flick of your wrist, how you've created mountains from your fingertips, how your vast knowledge is spread throughout teyvat as a bible to be studied and read over and over again. But mostly what he and all of Liyue celebrate is the contractable care and affection you give him and the people of Liyue.

This time around Liyue is a time spent every hundred of years a new eve of dawn as it is called, one Zhongli and his fellow adepti never get tired of. A time to give gifts of care to neighbors, friends, and even coworkers in the busy harbor. Even the Northland Bank celebrates by lowering interest on loans!

(But only for this amount of time and by the next New Eve of Dawn the Interest WILL reset)

But mainly it is a way to give worship to the Great Divine and their trust in Rex Lapis and his Adepti to protect and serve Liyue. Everything Zhongli has done was for your gratitude and divine love. So when a New Eve comes, he sits anywhere in Liyue, the mountains, hills, somewhere to overlook the harbor, and enjoys a warm cup of tea. Your favorite while imagining your smile as you talk, the games you'd two play. He watches his disciples and Apeti celebrate with gifts, food, and songs at your altar set around Liyue. He sips his tea and awaits your fated return, happy to share more memories and stories with you.

Within the land of Eternity, formerly transcience, Inazuma's style of celebration differs slightly from some nations. The Grand Narukami Shrine would hold a private ceremony, cleansing the sacred Sakura tree and your statue underneath, barhing the precious stone engravings with crisp clean water. Meanwhile the people if Inazuma would be celebrating on their own occasions, firewroks light into the clear sky, dancing ceremonies at the teahouse fill with guest.

However, the new electro archon herself sits alone at the top of Tebshukaku. Quietly walking down memeory lane in her mind. For the last five centuries of the New Eve of Dawn celebration, she'd sit in her space of Euthymia alone in solitude quietly sulking at the idea of your everlasting figure. How her and Makoto would chat down the lane of inazuma speaking about plans of you, speaking of your visions of the nation of electro, Makoto laughing at how embarrassed Ei used to be around you and your divinity. Now Ei smiles solemnly..

She knows now that she as archon must take the mantle, for in your teachings that it the goal of the heavenly principles you've left. Fated to return, she prays that you'd come to her first. She dreams and imagines in her meditations within her quiet Euthymia that you'd hold her. That her loneliness would be cured indefinitely. But for now she waits, with a plate of dango and some ofdly colored tea, shit eats alone as the fireworks set off atop Narukami island, she whispers a promise to herself and her nation on your honor.

"For it will be fate...my grace...you shall return to us...to eternity...we shall be reunited."

Far off in the lands of eternity, however, the island that formed the resistance sings and dances around the bonfire, the resistance army of Sangonomiya and Watatsumi laugh as they praise the late OmiKami, or the serpent god Orobashi. The fire dances as troops tell stories, shrine maidens sing and laugh, and her priestess sits while holding a book. She smiles softly. Kokomi looks above at the horizon and sees the corpse of their late god, she wishes silently to herself and for her ancestors to below the sea. That once the great spirit of life and forefather of the vishaps would return to bring life to the benevolent serpent. But for now, she sits alongside Gorou as they watch the troops enjoy the holiday.

Within Sumeru, however, and alongside it, Fontaine...the New Eve of Dawn has been on the academic calendar differently, which is how some older nations react. For those in the rainforest, it is a blessing of Lessor Lords Kusanali's birth. For the dessert, it is the bringing of a new promise for the scarlet sand kings doubted return. Within the nation of dendro, it is a holiday of now academic activities, no scholars shrouded in work, but a day off. The people worship by their own will and sit in taverns, bars, and cafes to drink mereily while chatting with friends. Some visit your altar within the Akademiya, and others pray at home.

Nahida sits on a branch of the great tree that houses the knowledge many wish to obtain, in her hands an ancient seed of fate, she herself has no memory or knowledge of where it came but holds ot and teasures its existence. For she has a kindling that it is tied to this divine spirit that is expected to awaken. From her small conversation with Apep, the seed is treasured. Hence, she holds it and feeds the growing plant bits of dendro elemental energy. She sighs as she watches the sun set and the cheers from the streets and grand bazars performances. Nilou must be dancing now, she thinks. She hums a small song while kicking her feet, her hands warm with caution. She may not know you yet, but she knows already... Your spirit and divine will watch for her and her nation. The goddess of wisdom has many questions for the great creator of this world, but for now, she just hums and sits happily, a great birthday gift indeed.

Meanwhile, in Fontaine, similarly, it is deemed a weekend off of work. Many go home, some go to the Opera to catch performances of the holiday, others read tabloids of the steambird that some random person in the court has the great divine in their basment all along. All fiction truthfully. Furina reads her book as she makes another plate of pasta macaroni. For the occasion, she bought extra special ragau to taste amazing. She dances around her kitchen listening to soft music. For years her mind would have doubted and even hated this day, anxious fears of disappointment and disapproval looks from her days as stabding archon. Would you have hated her? Did you think she failed fontaine and you? Was her a cursed human taking title of archon an insult to you? Furina had nightmares even of the prohecy and your return to see fontaine gone and underwater. But now, as the prophecy and fontaine were safe and out of fear, she ate and asked a good question this new century.

"What kind of pasta would their grace like..."

Soft rainfall drops onto the steps of the Palais Mermonia, the evening rain was forcasfed but welcomed, Neuvillette wrote on the papers softly, agreeing to a few celebratory events the Opera wanted to hold. Usually Lady Furina would be jumping for the task but here he was. Dread builded in his soul. This time of year brought many pains to Neuvillette.

A new century meant a new set of hundreds of years he gets to oulive humans, melusines maybe, but also the clock inches closer and closer to your return. Neuvillette spent early years of his lofe researching and discovering his species and kind for decades. Figuring that if you are the forefather and creator of vishaps and the sovereignty. Why was so many things done the way they were? Why ddi the power the gnosis and archons hold come from them? Why can't he understand your implications, even such his ancestors didn't wish to think against? What power do you hold and how did aid Fontaine in the end? He knew Focalor and Egeria spoke to you, even asking for forgiveness before your departure, so why? Neuvillette, places his pen downs and stands to look out the window of his office to look down at the streets of the Court of Fontaine, a glass of crisp water swirls in his hand. He sips slowly and sighs, coming to think.

"In this new century...please with it, may you come along too my grace."

In the nation of fire, victory, war and passion, raors could be heard from the stadium of flames as people of different tribes shouted and cheered the competitions down below. Surfing races, climbing achievements, conbat bouts, even break dancing competitions held. Mavuika sits at her throne above as her people cheer and celebrate, raising glasses, foods, gifts, and money even in your image. She slips away from the fesitivites to be alone in the speakers chambers, past the sacred flame, and into her personal get-away. Now empty, she stares at the famous wheel of the sun, Natlan has held for centuries, the same you blessed the first pyro archon with, as their rules of ruilibg were left in your favor. She smiles as she too holds her head high, similar to her ancestors before her.

She remebers before she was even archon, how her parents would tell stories of the Great divines influence, love, and power. That the spirit of victory belongs to the pyro archon yes, but the strength was given by you as well. She remembered your fave engraved in ancients temples and stones around Natlan and now some statues around the lands too. She knows too well her nation is blessed by your, not only for the peoples cheers and vitcories but the long-lasting stay they've had against the threat of the abyss thus far. Maybe when you return and ward off the abyssal threats for good, she top could ask something of you...for that she won't know until she sees you herself.

"Until we meet my grace...may your memeory burn eternal.. and your power live within my people."

-> Did i go overboard, yes...but eh...hoped you enjoy, and also i may make a small series out of this..who knows..

[punkshort]

Roommates | 9. hold onto each other

Pairing: pornstar!joel x f!reader

Chapter Summary: You build up enough courage to finally talk things out with Joel and tell him how you feel before the wedding is over.

Chapter Warnings: language, food and alcohol consumption, lots of smut (18+ MDNI), unprotected piv sex, oral (f!receiving), pussy pronouns, fluff, discussions of mental health, shower sex, mirror sex, having sex while on the phone (don't know what else to call it, also don't know if that requires a warning), thigh fucking?, dirty talk, idiots in love

WC: 7.6K

A/N: I will not apologize for what you're about to read. (It's filth. Pure, unadulterated filthy smut).

Series Masterlist

"That is the man you were roommates with?" your mother asked enviously as she gazed at Joel across the dance floor, who was standing with another groomsman while he held up his mom's pink sparkly phone to record her dancing with Tommy.

"Yep," you said longingly, tearing your eyes away from him to look back at your mom. She tilted her head to the side and her brow furrowed ever so slightly.

"He looks familiar."

Your eyes widened and you tried your best not to scream into the palms of your hands as images of your own mother stumbling across Joel's porn filled your head.

She snapped her fingers with a smile. "Mitch and I saw him at the bar the other night! He must have been helping Tommy, he was carrying boxes of alcohol."

You shook your head. "No, Mom, that couldn't have been him."

"No, I'm certain it was. I remember even telling Mitch at the time they looked alike. And I would never forget those arms. The way they practically burst out of his T-shirt-"

"Mom!" you whined, begging her to stop.

She chuckled and took a sip of her wine. "Oh, please, let me have my fun."

You groaned and drank the rest of your champagne. Well, at least she didn't recognize him from porn.

The song changed to another ballad and you watched as Mrs. Miller kissed Tommy on the cheek before breaking away and motioning towards Joel. A small smile tugged at your lips as he pocketed her phone and took her hand before leading her around the dance floor. His face was filled with such love and adoration that it made your heart melt.

As you continued to watch Joel and his mother move around the dance floor, you felt yourself growing nervous again. Now that the cake was cut and the first dances were done, most of the significant parts of the wedding were over. Which meant soon you would need to muster the courage to talk to Joel.

Fuck, maybe you should have one more drink.

No, you didn't want to be drunk when you told him. He needed to know you meant what you said. You've done enough to him in the past year, jerking him around and unintentionally hurting his feelings. If you had any shot in hell, you had to make sure you were somewhat clearheaded.

Your mother was just finishing up her cake when she looked over your shoulder. Her eyes lit up excitedly and she straightened up in her seat, smoothing down her dress. With a frown, you turned to see what she was looking at then felt your heart skip a beat when you saw Joel approaching.

"Evenin'," he said to your mother, his voice deep and syrupy. "I'm Joel, brother of the groom." He stuck out his hand and your mother giddily handed hers over while giving her name. He brought her knuckles to his lips and she giggled, making you roll your eyes.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," she gushed, her cheeks tinting pink already.

"Pleasure's all mine, ma'am," he answered, dropping her hand with a smirk. She gave you a look and raised her eyebrows.

"Ma'am, did you hear that?" she loudly whispered to you.

"Yes, I am sitting right here," you said flatly.

Joel cleared his throat and you looked back up at him.

"Was wonderin' if I could have this dance," he said to you, then glanced at your mother. "If you could spare her, that is."

Your mother giggled again and waved him off. "Of course! You two have fun, I was getting ready to go home soon anyway."

You quickly said your goodbyes to your mom before allowing Joel to lead you out onto the dance floor. He took one of your hands and held it out to your side, the other sliding around your waist while you rested your hand on his shoulder with a smile.

"I'm so honored," you told him with a teasing lilt to your voice as he slowly lead you around the dance floor.

"Why?" he asked, brows furrowed.

"I haven't seen you dancing with anyone else except your mom."

He smirked and tilted his chin up to look somewhere over the top of your head. "You been watchin' me?"

Your cheeks warmed from embarrassment but you didn't really care. "Maybe."

He hummed, smirk still stretched across his lips as he looked around the banquet room, but he wasn't really looking at anyone or anything in particular.

"You look handsome."

His eyebrows shot up and he looked down at you once again. "Thank you?"

You giggled and felt his fingers grip your waist a little tighter. "Is that a question?"

He grinned and shook his head. "Tryin' to flatter me, what're you up to?"

The butterflies began to stir in your belly once again so you dropped your gaze. "Well, there is something I wanted to talk to you about."

The smile slowly slid from his face when he heard the serious tone to your voice. "Everythin' okay?"

"Y-yeah, everything's fine," you quickly assured him. Just then, Michael Bublé's voice faded out and the DJ picked a Black Eyed Peas song that instantly caused the dance floor to break out into cheers, completely ruining the atmosphere from a moment ago. "Nevermind," you said as you attempted to step away, but he tightened his grip. "I'll tell you some other time."

"Tell me now."

You winced when a handful of girls nearby began to drunkenly scream along to the lyrics. Joel looked frustrated when he finally dropped his hand from your waist but kept his other hand firmly wrapped around yours. "Follow me."

He lead you through the crowd and as you passed by your abandoned table, you grabbed your clutch. Shit. Were you really going to do this? Were you really going to pour your heart out to him in the middle of his brother's wedding? What if he shot you down? What if he got mad at you for trying to drag him into your messy life once again? What if you were about to ruin the fragile relationship you just rebuilt?

He pulled you into the lobby, which was relatively empty given the time of night, and found a small area with a few couches and chairs and a television airing the local news on mute with the closed captioning on.

"Alright," he urged when you sat down next to him on one of the couches. You could hear the bass thumping from the closed banquet room and people's laughter echoing over the music, but otherwise it was quiet. You fiddled with the hem of your dress, trying to give your nerves a chance to settle, but it was no use.

"So, I told you I've been in therapy," you began, staring down at your lap, pretending to find a loose thread in your dress.

"Mhm."

"Lately, I've been working on my insecurities and self destructive tendencies. Specifically, related to you."

His fingers that were once casually tapping on the back of the sofa suddenly stopped.

"Okay..." he said slowly.

You cleared your throat and kept your eyes pinned to your lap.

"... and your job," you added, biting the inside of your cheek. "I've been working on... learning to be okay with it. Focusing on the source of my insecurities and why I feel the way I feel about it and I think I've made some progress."

"That's... good," he told you, clearly confused. "But why are you tellin' me this?"

You sucked in a deep breath and forced yourself to look at him. He was staring at you softly with his perfect lips pouting so enticingly, giving you the final bit of courage you needed to say what you wanted to say.

"I'm telling you this because... because I want to be with you, Joel. If you'll give me another chance, I want to do this right." His expression remained unchanged so you barreled ahead. "I don't care about your job. Not anymore. I just want to be with you. You make me happy, you make me laugh, I think about you all the time." You were growing more nervous with every passing second where he didn't say anything, so you continued to fill the silence with your own rambling thoughts. "Any time something good happens, I want to call you. Any time something bad happens, I want to call you. It's always you. It's always been you. And I'm sorry for everything I put you through and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to fix myself, but I couldn't -"

"Stop."

Your words died in your throat at his harsh tone. Biting your lip, you closed your eyes and tried not to cry as you waited for the sting of his rejection, but to your surprise, it never came. Instead, you felt his fingers gently pinch your chin. You opened your eyes to find him leaning forward, his gaze seeming angry despite his soft touch.

"You don't need to fix yourself," he said bitterly. "You're fuckin' perfect."

You exhaled loudly, a dry chuckle slipping past your lips as you wiped away a tear or two. "I'm not."

"You are," he told you firmly before finally closing the distance between you and brushing his lips softly against yours. "You are," he whispered again and again, each sweet kiss becoming more urgent than the last. You grabbed the collar of his shirt with both hands and held him close, pressing your mouth against his tightly before leaning back and pushing your foreheads together with a smile.

"Is that a yes?" you laughed.

"'Course it is, you kiddin' me?" he said quietly before sliding his hand up to grip the back of your neck, his nose gently nudging yours, the both of you taking a few tender moments to soak everything in with matching smiles. "I should probably tell you somethin', though."

One hand dropped from his collar and you tipped your head back a fraction so you could look him in the eye. "What?"

He grinned and tucked a stray piece of hair behind your ear. "I quit my job."

Your eyes widened and you leaned all the way back in surprise. "What?!"

"Months ago, actually," he said with a laugh. You smacked him on the shoulder but you weren't mad. In fact, you were smiling so much it almost hurt.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

He shrugged. "I didn't wanna pressure you. You said you were workin' on yourself and all that."

Your lower lip trembled and you smacked his shoulder again, but with less force. "I can't believe you," you whispered before tugging him forward and sliding your tongue past his lips with a moan. There was something so beautiful to be had in that moment. Each of you had done something monumental to try to make it work between you and it was so moving, so powerful that you found yourself getting carried away, completely forgetting where you were as you climbed into his lap, his hands immediately dropping to squeeze your ass. But who could blame you, when you've waited so long for that moment?

Joel pulled his head back with a sharp inhale, breaking the kiss when he heard a door across the lobby open and close. "Do you... we oughta... they're probably wonderin' where we are." He lifted one arm so he could check the time on his watch, then glanced back up at you. You were staring down at him, breathless and needy, your eyes already drifting back down to his mouth.

You didn't need to say anything.

"Fuck it, c'mon," he said, quickly lifting you off his lap so you could both stand. In your eagerness to race to the elevator, you almost forgot your purse. Doubling back as fast as your heels would carry you, you grabbed it from the couch and hurried back just as the elevator doors opened.

He jabbed the L4 button numerous times until the damn doors slid shut.

"Christ, wanted this for so long," he whispered, eyes squeezing shut when you pushed him up against the side of the elevator. "Wanted you for so long," he corrected himself after a moment. Your mouth found the exposed patch of chest at the top of his shirt and your tongue slipped out between your lips, flicking against his skin as you continued to leave wet kisses everywhere you could find. You made it to the hollow of his throat when the elevator dinged and you tore yourself away to drag him down the hall.

"Which room?"

"Don't care."

You picked yours. Your fingers were shaking as you raked through your small clutch, then tapped the hard plastic against the sensor, getting frustrated when you were going too quick and the door wouldn't open. Joel chuckled behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist, digging his hips against your ass so you could feel his arousal through your clothes.

"Not helping," you muttered before forcing yourself to slow down and finally the door gave way and you stumbled inside.

His mouth was on you in an instant. Eager lips pressed against your own, champagne soaked tongues reunited, tangling together while you recklessly shoved his tuxedo coat over his shoulders, leaving it crumpled on the floor near the bathroom as you made your way to the bed.

Joel's hands slid up and down the back of your dress, fingers plucking at the fabric, trying to locate the zipper without having to pull away. You tugged one of his hands to your side without looking, blindly leading him to his target. He smiled against your lips and yanked the zipper down so fast, he nearly tore the fabric.

Leaving your dress in a pile at the foot of your bed, you pulled away from the kiss so you could fall back onto the mattress. Your chests were heaving in unison as you both fought for air, staring at one another, anticipation growing thick.

His eyes drifted down your almost naked body while his fingers worked the buttons on his dress shirt, lips parted to suck in more air as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Is this real?" he asked, eyes catching yours once again after he shrugged off his shirt.

"I think so," you replied quietly, sounding just as incredulous. "I hope so."

He loudly unbuckled his belt, then the fly of his pants as you laid before him, sprawled out over the plush comforter like an offering.

"Ain't ever lettin' you go after this," he warned as he stepped out of his pants. "Never again, hear me?"

You nodded. "Please don't."

He cupped his palms around the backs of your knees and tugged, pulling you to the edge of the bed with one rough motion.

"As pretty as these are, they gotta go," he murmured, hooking his fingers around the lace edge of your panties and sliding them down your legs. A little pained sound rumbled in the back of his throat when he spread your knees and saw the evidence of your arousal between your legs. He fell to his knees and rested the side of his face against your thigh as he gazed down at your aching center.

"Missed you," he whispered lovingly into your folds before dragging his tongue, slow and broad, through the entire length of your slit.

"Oh, my god," you whined when his lips puckered around your clit and gently sucked. "Were you talking to me or her?"

You felt his lips twitch against your sensitive skin and released your bundle of nerves with a little moan. "Was talkin' to her but I missed you, too."

Some sharp, sarcastic comment was on the verge of slipping past your lips but quickly got swallowed down and forgotten when he began to lick, his tongue probing into your cunt while his upper lip pressed against your clit. The friction from his beard on the most sensitive part of your body made you see stars. Your back arched and you cried out his name, your breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he continued to lick and suck with a deep groan.

"Joel," you whimpered, legs weakly stretching and kicking under his ministrations. He quickly put a stop to that by grabbing both and tossing them over his shoulders then using his hands to grip your thighs, but still you writhed in his hold.

"Y'got know idea what you do to me," he whispered under his breath before diving back in.

"Fuck... I-I can't..." you panted, fists grabbing the comforter, pulling and tugging, desperate to grab onto anything. His fingers dug into the crease of your thighs, holding your hips against his face, fucking you relentlessly with his tongue as if he were afraid he would never get a chance to do it again.

He slid one hand flat over your mound and pressed down on your clit with his thumb. You bucked off the bed, everything feeling too sensitive, too sharp. But still, he pinned you down, his tongue that was once lapping at your pussy suddenly more focused and calculated when his lips puckered together in favor of loudly kissing your sex with a deep groan.

With two quick and firm circles over your clit, you fell apart. He was saying something, you could feel the vibrations of his voice, but you had no idea what he said. Your throat had grown hoarse, fingers grabbing for his hair while your heart pounded in your ears.

"It ain't ever been like this," he said, and finally you were able to understand him. You slowly opened your eyes to find him hovering over you, his beard and mouth shiny with your slick and his eyes so wide and soft it made your chest ache.

"I know," you whispered, running a hand through his hair. He leaned into your touch, eyes fluttering closed when you pulled him close and pressed your mouth against his. He pushed you up the bed so your head rested on the pillows, never once breaking the deep kiss. It was slower, now. There was no rush, no need to hurry to keep what you had a secret.

"Shit, my condoms are 'cross the hall," he mumbled against your lips. The very last thing he wanted to do was leave you. Not now. Not ever.

"Just make sure you pull out," you told him, apparently also unwilling to let him leave, and reached down between your bodies, fingers wrapping around his thick length.

"Y-yeah, okay... okay," he breathed when he felt you line him up with your entrance.

His brain went numb and his features went slack as he slowly eased inside you. He couldn't take his eyes off your face; the way your eyebrows pinched together and the sound you made when you gasped softly, your body being forced to adjust to his size after months without him.

"Fuck," you whispered, eyes welling with tears as you gazed up at him.

"I know, I know," he murmured, leaning down to brush his lips over your nose.

"Joel, I love you," you whimpered in his ear when he finally buried himself fully inside you.

"What?" he asked breathlessly, certain he misunderstood.

"I love you," you repeated, your teeth nipping at his chin as you writhed underneath him, willing him to move. His eyes squeezed shut and he wrapped his arms around your middle, nuzzling his face into your neck.

"I love you, too," he choked out, voice thick with emotion that he tried to stifle with kisses to your throat and jaw. "Love you so fuckin' much. Always did, I think."

He clenched his jaw and flexed his hips, pulling a sweet moan from your lips as you tipped your head back and closed your eyes. He was so slow with it, making sure you felt every inch when he dragged his cock in and out, your arousal painting his inner thighs every time his hips made contact with your skin. You might have felt embarrassed if you both weren't so preoccupied with trading love bites and occasionally whispering you feel so good, I missed you, I love you, I love you, I love you, chests pressed together, desperate to get as close as possible.

You unhooked your ankles from his lower back and slid your legs up his sides so your knees were resting near his ribs. With his tongue still tangled with yours, he blindly reached down to grab one of your thighs and gently pressed forward, pushing your knee towards your chest. Your eyes flew open and you gasped at the intense angle, but still he kept up the same pace. Every thrust was slow and deep, every groan was low and soft, and every whisper sounded like a prayer.

"Just wanna feel you," he murmured against your neck, his beard scraping your skin, making it feel warmer than it already was. "Wanna fuck you like this always. Shit, baby," he moaned when he felt you clench around him. "Shit, that feels good. Such a soft pussy..." he trailed off and latched onto your lips for a fast and messy kiss. "Oh, fuck... best fuckin' pussy I've ever had."

And oh, did you love hearing that. You smiled and threaded your fingers through his hair, nails scraping gently over his scalp with a deep sigh.

"Yeah? You love her, too?"

He grinned. "Y'know I do."

He hitched your other leg over his arm, practically bending you in half while grinding into you, watching as your breath quickened and your tongue shot out to wet your lips. "Joel," you whined, the pressure mounting low in your belly, "I'm close, I'm... fuck, I'm gonna come. Please," you begged, not really sure what you were begging for in the first place. Maybe for him to keep going. Maybe for him to kiss you again. Maybe for him to fill the hole in your heart that's been destroying you for months.

When you came, you squeezed around his cock, his name getting caught in your throat when his mouth crashed over yours.

"So pretty," he mumbled, voice a little strained as he tried to keep it together long enough for you to come down. "Love watchin' you come. Who makes you feel good, baby?"

"You do," you whimpered, weak fingers grabbing at his shoulders.

"'S'right," he said, his breath growing ragged. He could feel his stomach tensing and he knew he only had a few more moments. "Only me. Tell me you're mine," he pleaded, his sweaty forehead dropping to your shoulder.

"I'm yours, Joel," you told him, voice a little clearer but still shaky. "And you're mine," you added softly, corner of your mouth lifting when you heard him groan.

He pulled out and grabbed his cock, giving it only a few quick strokes before he painted your stomach with his release, the both of you watching in a daze until he stopped with a shudder and collapsed onto the bed next to you, chest heaving with an arm draped tiredly over his eyes.

"I'll get somethin'," he told you, gesturing vaguely towards your stomach with his eyes still hidden. "Just... gimme a second."

"Mhmm," you mumbled, catching your breath with your arms stretched above your head. "I need a shower, anyway," you told him, all the hair products and makeup from the past twelve hours beginning to feel like paint.

"Oh?" he questioned, sounding disappointed when he turned his face to you. "Okay, sure."

"Will you stay?" you asked, hating how pathetic you sounded. But he smiled warmly and pinched your chin before planting a soft kiss against your lips.

"'Course I'll stay," he whispered, kissing you slowly once more before releasing you.

Joel watched with a lazy smirk as you stood with a quiet ow under your breath, your body no doubt already sore.

"Gonna have to get that pretty pussy used to me again," he teased, laughing and dodging the pillow you grabbed from the other bed that you chucked in his direction before entering the bathroom and shutting the door.

He laid in your bed, staring at the ceiling as he listened to the water turn on and the shower door close. He kept waiting to wake up, kept thinking the past hour was some crazy dream or fantasy, but it was real.

You loved him.

For years, he tried to find someone like you. Someone who would love him for him and not just use him. Sure, in the beginning he didn't mind being used. But the past few years he found to be painfully lonely. Especially once Tommy met Maria, that ache in his chest grew every time he saw them together, or every time he heard Tommy on the phone or talk about her with such fondness in his eyes. Selfishly, he always wondered why not me?

Now he had his answer. He was just waiting for you.

He heard you humming in the shower, your voice echoing off the glass walls and he smiled. He imagined you in there cleaning yourself up, your perfect body all soapy and wet and he felt his cock twitch.

"Shit," he muttered, lifting the thin sheet to see himself begin to swell once again. Would it always be like this? Would he always have an insatiable appetite for you?

A minute later and he was almost fully hard once more. He palmed it over the sheet and he looked longingly at the closed bathroom door. What was taking so long?

Then a smirk spread across his face and he jumped up from the bed, cock bobbing at attention between his legs as he walked to the bathroom and quietly opened the door.

The mirror was fogged up and so were the glass shower walls. He could hardly see you through all the steam, but he heard you. He heard the water cascading off your body and your fingers running through your wet hair.

Carefully, he opened the door and was pleased to find your back was to him as you rinsed out the last of your conditioner. When he wrapped his arms around your waist, you jumped and screamed a little before collapsing into a fit of laughter and turning around in his arms. Fuck, you looked so beautiful. All the makeup was down the drain but you looked more radiant than ever.

He leaned forward for a wet kiss, his hands sliding down to cup and squeeze your ass before pulling on your hips, tugging you closer so you could feel how hard he was for you.

"Need you," he murmured, but he meant more than just the obvious. He didn't want to be without you now that he had you, not even for a second.

"Already?" you breathed, but he just nodded, his lips dragging down your neck, your skin smelling like roses and vanilla.

"Too much?" he asked, mouth trailing slowly over your shoulder. Your nipples were pressed against his chest and his cock nearly hurt from how hard he was.

"No," you whispered, letting your eyes slide shut as you curled your arms around his neck. "Never too much."

Without hesitation, he crouched and grabbed the backs of your thighs, hauling you off the ground so he could press your back against the glass. You wrapped your legs around his waist and gasped when the tip of his cock nudged at your opening, the width surprising you, even still.

You let out a loud moan when he pressed forward, sinking himself back into your sore, aching heat, right where he belonged. One of his hands supported your ass and the other was flat against the glass next to your head, his fingers leaving wet smudges as he rocked his hips into you, swallowing down every whine and moan that tumbled from your mouth. That perfect fucking mouth he dreamed about for the past year. And now it was all his.

"God, Joel, yes... right there," you cried out, cunt already pulsing and gripping him so tight that he had half a mind not to pull out that time.

"Yeah?" he groaned, his eyes dark with lust as he nipped at your chin, watching as your head rolled listlessly against the foggy glass while he drove into you over and over. "There?"

"Yeah," you practically whined, hand shooting up to grab his hair, fingers slipping through his wet curls. "No one's ever... I can't... you're so-" you rambled half formed thoughts as your heart hammered in your chest, your orgasm steadily climbing, unable to tell him what you wanted to tell him.

"No one's what, baby?" he growled, thrusting himself impossibly deeper inside your cunt. "No one's ever fucked you this good? Huh?"

"No," you whimpered, biting down on your lower lip.

"What else? No one's ever made you come this much? Tell me, I wanna hear it," he groaned in your ear, his hot breath melting with the steam from the shower.

You shook your head then nodded, as if you didn't know how to answer. And you couldn't. Not when he was fucking you like it would be the last time.

"No one's ever - oh, fuck," you gasped, swallowing a mouthful of air, "no one's ever m-made me feel so good. I've never w-wanted anyone the way I want you." You squeezed your eyes shut but he quickly bit your jaw, forcing them back open.

"Keep your eyes on me."

You nodded, jaw half open as you did as you were told. His brows were furrowed deep, eyes wild and skin flushed as he pounded into you, forcing you over the edge for the third time in less than two hours.

"I got you," he murmured when your body sagged from the effort. He wrapped both arms around you now and fucked up into you recklessly, chasing his own high as quickly as possible so he could take you back to bed and rest.

Even though the voice inside his head was screaming at him to come inside you, he miraculously pulled out, spilling himself all over the shower wall between your legs.

"You okay?" he asked breathlessly, setting you down but still holding onto your shoulders. You nodded and slumped against his chest, legs visibly shaking. He chuckled and reached for the shower knob, turning the water off before walking you towards the door. Swinging it open, he reached out blindly for a towel. Finding one, he wrapped it around your shoulders, swaddling you and keeping you warm while he reached for another.

He messily knotted it around his waist and led you to bed. You didn't even bother to put any pajamas on or remove the towel, you just buried yourself under the covers with a contented sigh.

Joel was about to turn back to the bathroom and clean up a bit before you spoke.

"Come to bed."

His heart clenched in his chest and he smiled as he rounded the bed and slid under the sheets to join you, unable to resist.

Quickly, you scooted over to him, tossing a leg over his stomach and an arm over his chest and buried your face against his neck. He held you close, breathing in deep before you whispered, "I love you, Joel."

"I love you, too," he spoke into your hair, his chest ready to burst with happiness as you both fell into a deep sleep.

When you awoke the next morning, you smiled before you even opened your eyes. Joel's natural scent combined with the floral shampoo you used that the hotel had left out filled your nostrils. You breathed in deep and buried your face further into his warm, bare chest. He stretched underneath you, muscles pulling under his tanned skin, his fingers digging into your shoulders as he flexed.

"Morning," you whispered groggily, eyes still closed. You felt his arms wrap around you as he rolled onto his side, tugging you against him.

"Mornin'."

It can always be like this now, you thought. Waking up next to each other whenever you wanted. No sneaking around, no more hiding how you felt. It was perfect.

Until Joel's phone rang shrilly on his nightstand. He groaned and, keeping one arm securely around you, reached behind him to grab it.

"Hello?" he answered, voice thick and rough with sleep. Your body responded instantly, your core softening at his voice like it was a command, but what came with it was also a tight hint of soreness from the night before.

You could hear Tommy's voice through the phone, but you couldn't make out what he was saying.

"Nah, I'm hungover as shit, gonna order somethin'," Joel said.

You thought he had been joking the night before about getting your body used to him again, but you began to realize he was probably being serious the more you squirmed around and felt the stiffness in your muscles and hips.

"Yeah, alright. If I don't see ya later, I'll catch ya at the bar tomorrow."

He tapped his screen and tossed his phone haphazardly behind him with a smirk. "C'mere," he murmured, pressing his swollen lips against yours, his hand drifting to cup your face.

Christ, you were sore but you still wanted him so badly.

You flicked your tongue against the seam of his lips, deepening the kiss the second he dropped his jaw. Right when you were about to curl your leg around his hip and roll over to straddle him, your own phone began to vibrate loudly against your nightstand.

You both froze, lips still seared together, then slowly opened your eyes.

"Hold on," you grumbled, rolling over so your back was to Joel, then picked up your phone.

"It's Maria."

"Answer it," he said, inching closer. He pulled you back against his chest, cock hard and pressing between your bodies as you begrudgingly answered the phone.

"Hey! Have a fun night?" you asked cheerily. Your eyes snapped up to see movement in the full length mirror across from the bed. It was narrow, but you could see from your stomach down. Joel was pushing the sheets off himself and you watched as his hand drifted in front of you, tugging the sheet away from your chest, exposing yourself to the cool air. When he palmed one of your breasts from behind, you had to bite back a moan so Maria wouldn't hear.

"So much fun! I hardly got any sleep," she was saying, but you could barely hear her when his fingers slid down to pinch your nipple. You turned your face upwards to gasp softly, hoping it didn't get picked up by the receiver.

"Yeah?" you asked, hoping that would be enough to encourage her, and it was.

Maria kept babbling about things that happened the night before, things you missed after you and Joel snuck away. She was telling you something about a groomsman who attempted to do a split in the middle of the dance floor and ended up ripping his pants when you saw Joel lift your leg in the mirror, hooking it around his inner elbow and spreading your hips wide. Embarrassment flushed your face when you saw your pussy in the mirror, already glistening with arousal.

Then his cock slipped between your legs, nudging at your folds, his smooth tip coating itself in your slick before he pushed forward, parting your swollen cunt. The pain was brief, yet intense, but you were entirely distracted with the way it looked in the mirror. How fucking big he was and how you opened up and stretched so beautifully for him.

"Did the phone cut out?"

"Huh?" you squeaked, eyes transfixed on your reflection, hips rocking steadily in rhythm with his. You felt him chuckle behind you, his arm pulling your leg up even more so you could see everything.

"I asked if you wanted to join us for breakfast? The rest of the bridal party is meeting at the restaurant downstairs in twenty minutes."

Fuck, he felt so good. Combined with the visual, it was almost too much.

"Uh, I'm gonna pass. I already ate, I'm pretty full," you told her, eyes briefly fluttering shut when he began to move faster, his skin lightly slapping against your ass. You thought you heard him mumble yeah, you are, and you had to bite down hard on your lower lip.

"Well, okay. If you change your mind, we'll be down there at ten."

"Okay, thanks! I better go, my mom's beeping in. I'll call you later," you said hurriedly, hoping you weren't being too rude but if you stayed on the phone with her for one more minute, you knew you wouldn't be able to hide what you were really doing.

Mercifully, she hung up and you tossed your phone onto the floor, uncaring where it ended up, and reached behind you to curl your fingers around the back of Joel's head. He leaned forward and kissed you. It was messy and heated, and the way you had to twist your neck was awkward, but it didn't matter.

"Fuck yeah, baby. Look how good you take me," he groaned in your ear when he spotted you glancing towards the mirror again. "So pretty, ain't it?"

"Mhmm," you whined, still entranced by the way his thick cock split you open and you knew for sure in that moment no one else would ever come close to Joel. You were stupid to try to fight it.

Your hand dropped to clutch your pillow, your stomach drawing tighter the faster he snapped his hips, every devastating thrust bringing you closer and closer to the edge.

"I'm gonna come," you whimpered, and he readjusted his grip on your leg, prying you open as wide as you would go.

You felt his teeth graze your shoulder, his breath hot and quick as his exhale puffed against your skin.

"That's right. Come all over my cock, baby. Give it t'me," he growled, hips slamming into you from behind so forcefully it almost pushed you off the bed, each thrust driving him deeper and deeper inside you.

Your eyes squeezed shut and you cried out when you came, your walls pulsing around his length, your body trying to suck him in and keep him there and fuck if he didn't want that, too.

At the last second he pulled out, watching in a daze as he dropped your leg, his cock now sandwiched between your thighs. With a deep groan, he watched in the mirror as he shot thick, white ropes of his seed all over your legs and the hotel sheets.

"I love you," he gasped, his sweaty forehead pressed against your upper back as he dragged in mouthfuls of air, waiting for his pulse to settle. "'M sorry, can't stop sayin' it."

You reached behind you and found his hand. Lacing your fingers together, you wrapped his arm around your middle, mumbling I love you, too, never tiring of it.

You waited a respectable amount of time for the bridal party to eat and leave the restaurant before venturing downstairs together, hand in hand. You contemplated just ordering room service but you weren't entirely certain you could keep your hands off each other long enough to eat, so forcing yourselves to leave the room felt like the best option.

The hostess led you to a small table towards the back of the restaurant, the room still buzzing with activity even though it was late in the morning. Your fingers linked together across the table as you sipped your coffees, exchanging little smirks whenever your eyes met.

"Can I ask you a question?" Joel asked, and you almost found yourself laughing at how serious he suddenly looked.

"Of course."

He glanced around the dining room quickly before leaning across the table. "You ain't on birth control anymore?"

You knocked the heel of your hand against your forehead. "I'm sorry, I should've told - no, I'm not. I took myself off the pill because I wasn't... y'know," you trailed off, embarrassment creeping up your neck.

Joel couldn't stop his smirk when he put it together so he pursed his lips and tilted his face toward the table, trying to hide it before saying, "so you're tellin' me you didn't have sex with anyone else since me?"

"Don't act so proud," you teased with a grin.

"I ain't," he said defensively, then thought about it for a moment before laughing. "Okay, maybe I am."

You giggled as you watched him take a sip of coffee, daydreaming about your future together and all the endless breakfasts you'll share. You imagined getting up early for work and showering, then coming into the kitchen to find Joel in just his pajama bottoms pouring you both coffees with unkept hair, asking if you saved him enough hot water because he still had to get ready for work.

Work. Suddenly, your smile fell when you remembered something. "Wait, you said you quit your job?" you asked, and he nodded, his thumb rubbing against the inside of your wrist. "So what do you do now?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "You ain't gonna believe it."

"Try me," you teased, knees bumping together under the table. You were close but still felt so far apart.

"I bought the bar," he said, sounding almost sheepish. Your eyes widened in surprise.

"Our bar? Tommy's bar?" you questioned, and he nodded. "H-how?"

He chuckled again and raked his fingers through his hair with his free hand. "What'dya mean how? With money."

"Yeah, I figured that," you said with a roll of your eyes, "but you just bought a house, too. How can you afford all that?"

He opened his mouth to reply when the server came to drop off your food. You finally unlinked your hands so you could pick up your silverware, and only once your waitress left did he respond to your question.

"Porn paid good," he said with a shrug. "I did it for a long time and I lived with my brother payin' next to nothin' in rent and utilities."

"Wow," you breathed in awe before shoveling some eggs in your mouth.

He watched you eat quietly for a few minutes before clearing his throat, drawing your attention from your breakfast.

"Why didn't you just ask me to quit? I woulda done it."

You paused your chewing and set your fork down on your plate.

"Because," you began, swallowing your food. "I couldn't ask you to do that for me. It wouldn't feel right and I was afraid if I did, you would grow to resent me."

His brows furrowed and he reached a hand across the table for you. "I woulda never resented you."

"You don't know that," you told him.

"I wasn't happy doin' it. Not like I used to be, anyway," he said. "Kept me from havin' certain things in my life. Could never make a relationship work and as I got older, it was somethin' I really wanted. I just didn't know how to get out. I mean, who can put somethin' like that on a resume?" he laughed softly. "Then Tommy mentioned his boss was lookin' to retire and I thought, hell... won't have to put shit on a resume if I'm my own boss."

You nodded and squeezed his hand, feeling guilty for never realizing he had his own internal struggles going on. Then you swallowed nervously before asking your next question, your curiosity unable to be ignored.

"Well, what about Sadie?" you asked, "she seemed really into you and she obviously wouldn't have had a problem with your career."

He gave you a small smile, eyes flashing with guilt when he thought back to his brief date with Sadie. The night he invited her over for board games and he ended up going down on you in the bathroom while she was left to talk to strangers in the living room.

"She was nice but there wasn't anythin' there. Not really. I was jealous of Sam and knew she liked me... I shouldn't've asked her over that night. It was wrong," he admitted, rubbing his chin. "She never stood a chance. She wasn't you, baby," he said softly.

You felt your chest clench from the tortured look in his eye, and for the millionth time you mentally berated yourself for spending so much time avoiding your feelings for him. Choosing not to deny yourself any longer, you stood up from your chair and closed the short distance between you. Cupping his face with both your hands, you leaned down and kissed him, trying your very best to put every ounce of love you had into it. It must have worked because you could feel his lips curving into a smile, then yours did the same.

It didn't matter how long it took, what mattered was what you had now.

Unfortunately, your bliss was short lived when you heard an all too familiar voice shriek excitedly behind you. You tore yourself away to swivel around in surprise, only to find Tommy and Maria standing a few tables away with their jaws hung open in shock, very clearly having witnessed your kiss.

"I knew it!" she exclaimed, tugging on Tommy's arm to drag him over to your table. "I knew something was up when neither of you wanted to join us for food!"

Cheeks blazing hot with embarrassment, you were about to return to your chair but Joel's arm wrapped around you, pulling you to sit sideways in his lap. "No more hidin', yeah?" he murmured in your ear. You grinned and gave him one more quick peck.

"Yeah," you agreed right before they approached. "No more hiding."

Please follow @punkshort-notifs and turn on notifications for fic updates ❤️

[antinousletmehit]

Apollo and his lover got into an argument which he regrets deeply but reader is very mad at him and won't forgive him easily.The whole Olympus tries to get them together because they're fed up with Apollo's sad love poets and songs.

୨୧┇Apollo x reader

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ───

The great halls of Olympus were rarely silent. Gods bickered, muses sang, and the sound of nectar filled goblets clinking together echoed endlessly. But this particular week had been… different. It wasn’t the usual chorus of divine rivalry that filled the air. Instead, a melancholic voice, rich and golden, reverberated through the celestial mount, dragging everyone down with its relentless woe.

Apollo was heartbroken.

He sat on the steps of his golden temple, his lyre in hand, his head bowed as he sang yet another mournful ballad about his lover. She had refused to speak to him after a bitter argument, one involving—according to Hermes, who’d gleefully eavesdropped—a misunderstanding about Apollo’s ego and her need for space.

“I burn brighter than the sun itself,

But her light I cannot see.

Oh, cruel fates, to steal her love,

And leave her silence haunting me…”

“By the Styx, someone make him stop!” Hera groaned, massaging her temples as Apollo’s lament drifted into the great hall. “He’s been singing that same verse for three days straight.”

“And it’s getting worse,” Ares grumbled, leaning against his spear. “I’m this close to starting a war just to drown him out.”

Hestia, ever the voice of reason, frowned. “We can’t let him continue like this. He’s hurting.”

“And we’re suffering,” Poseidon interrupted, shaking his trident for emphasis. “Even my sea nymphs are complaining about hearing his sobs through the waves. My ocean, for gods’ sake.”

“Alright, everyone,” Athena said, standing up and raising a hand to silence the growing complaints. “Apollo’s our brother. He needs help. Instead of whining, let’s figure out how to fix this.”

“Fix it?” Hermes snorted, lounging on the armrest of her throne. “Good luck. The only thing that will shut him up is making up with his lover, and she won’t even look at him.”

Zeus, seated at the head of the hall, finally spoke. “Then we’ll have to make her listen.”

All eyes turned to him, surprise flickering across their faces. It wasn’t often that the King of the Gods intervened in romantic squabbles, but it was clear that even Zeus couldn’t endure another hour of Apollo’s sob songs.

“Who agrees?” Zeus asked, raising a commanding brow. One by one, every god and goddess in the room nodded. For once in their immortal lives, Olympus was united.

———-

The plan was set into motion that very evening. Each god took on a task, pooling their talents to create an elaborate display of apology that Apollo could deliver to his lover.

Aphrodite crafted a wreath of the finest roses, their petals shimmering like rubies under the starlight. “No mortal or immortal can resist the charm of my flowers,” she said smugly, twirling one between her fingers. Hephaestus forged a delicate necklace of golden threads, inlaid with tiny opals that shimmered with every color of the sky. Hermes wrote a letter, overflowing with poetic charm, and tucked it into a golden envelope. “This will sweep her off her feet,” he said, grinning. “No offense to Apollo, but I’ve got more flair for words.”

Even Dionysus contributed, brewing a wine so sweet and rich that a single sip could soothe the angriest heart. “Pair it with the necklace, and she’ll be wrapped around his finger,” he joked, handing the flask to Hera. Meanwhile, Athena and Artemis tried to coax Apollo into proper behavior. Artemis, his twin sister, stood before him with her arms crossed. “You’re embarrassing yourself,” she said bluntly. “If you want her back, stop singing about how miserable you are and do something about it.”

Apollo looked up from his lyre, his face streaked with golden tears. “But what if she doesn’t forgive me? What if I’ve lost her forever?” Athena placed a hand on his shoulder. “She loves you, Apollo. That doesn’t vanish overnight. But love requires effort, not just poetry. Show her you’re willing.”

For the first time in days, Apollo nodded, determination flickering in his sun bright eyes.

The following day, Apollo, armed with the gifts and a newfound resolve, approached his lover’s dwelling. The other gods watched from afar, peering through enchanted pools and reflective clouds, each silently praying their efforts would end the wailing. Apollo took a deep breath and knocked on the door. When she opened it, her expression was guarded, her gaze flicking to the bouquet, the necklace, and the letter clutched in his trembling hands.

“What do you want, Apollo?” she asked, her voice cool.

“I want to say I’m sorry,” he began, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “I let my pride get in the way, and I hurt you. I’ve spent days singing about how much I miss you, but Athena reminded me that words mean nothing without action. So I’m here.”

She studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, she stepped aside, gesturing for him to come in. Back in the halls of Olympus, the gods watched as Apollo disappeared inside her home.

“Do you think it worked?” Hermes asked.

Artemis smirked, her arms crossed. “If it didn’t, he’ll be back here wailing in an hour.”

But the hour passed, and there was no wailing. Then another hour. And another.

At last, Zeus leaned back in his throne, a satisfied grin on his face. “Finally.”

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, peace returned to Olympus. And while they’d never admit it, the gods secretly congratulated themselves on the success of their rare, united effort.

[skylar-325]

Ten people I’d like to get to know better

tagged by @quiteboared

last song : Youth by Lee Know from Stray Kids

fav colour: lavender

last movie: Mufasa (watched it yesterday, ngl not the best movie very predictable T-T)

last book: Ballad of Sword and Wine book 3

last show: arcane season 2 (obsessed oh my god might start writing some jayvic to fill that hole in my heart like every other doomed yaoi )

sweet/spicy/savoury: spicy all the way and sometimes savoury. don’t like sweets at all

relationship status: forever one sided

last thing i googled: “side effects and treatment for a concussion” kim dokja be going through it

current obsession: where do i even begin T-T (orv, arcane, ouran high school host club,skk, qjj and link click) (consumption of art is my purpose in life)

looking forward to: i wanna say link click s3 but recent events make me a little scared to say that. let’s go with releasing this new fic i’ve been working on for a while. it’s a bit different from my usual work so i’m excited!

This was fun, thanks for tagging me!

Hope y’all don’t mind the tag, don’t feel pressured! @you-can-be-what-you-want-to-be, @lyrebirb , @why-i , @nelkey , @starlight-in-a-bottle , @convenientlybookish

[eu-nicola]

the ferrari couple

part 2

summary: when Charles signs with Ferrari, his life takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with you "Princess Ferrari". Together both become the perfect couple, but behind public perfection, the pressure of your careers leads both in other ways

warnings: nothing

word counter: 4550

author's note: english is not my first language, this is a request from @pperlaaiy

Time kept moving forward, but the pain of the breakup remained palpable for both of them. No matter how hard they tried to pretend they had moved on, there were small actions, barely perceptible details, that betrayed them. These were unconscious gestures, habits they couldn’t abandon, memories that lingered in every corner of their lives. Although they never publicly admitted it, those signs were enough for the most observant to know the truth: they hadn’t gotten over each other.

The watch was one of the most meaningful gifts you had ever given Charles. You had given it to him in 2019, shortly after his first victory with Ferrari at Spa-Francorchamps. It was an exclusive model, with a black dial and red accents, the colors of the Scuderia. On the back, you had engraved the words: "Time is always on your side. With love, your princess."

At the time, Charles had proudly posted about it on his social media. "A special gift from someone special," he had written, along with a photo where the watch gleamed on his wrist as he held a Ferrari steering wheel.

After the breakup, fans noticed something: Charles still wore it. Not always, but often enough for it to be noticeable. Every time someone spotted him with the watch, speculation flared up again.

"Why does he still wear it?"

"It must mean something."

"He’s never forgotten her."

Although Charles never spoke about it, the watch became a silent reminder of you, something he carried with him in his most important moments. He wore it during his first victory in 2021 and in several key interviews, as if deep down, he couldn’t part with what it represented.

On your side, there was also an item you couldn’t let go of: the ring Charles gave you for your birthday. It was a delicate yet meaningful design, featuring a small diamond at the center surrounded by a white gold band. On the inside of the ring, Charles had engraved the phrase: "Always with you, through every turn."

He had given it to you during an intimate dinner in Monte Carlo, with a look that said everything words couldn’t. That ring became your favorite accessory, something you wore almost every day, even to official events.

After the breakup, you began wearing it less frequently, but it never disappeared entirely. Sometimes, it appeared in your photographs—a glimmer on your finger that fans never failed to notice.

"Is that the ring?"

"We know what you’re doing."

"This isn’t over—they still love each other."

Though you tried not to give it much importance, there were nights when you found yourself spinning the ring between your fingers, recalling the moment Charles had given it to you. It was as if the weight of its meaning wouldn’t let you fully let go.

Coincidences were another element that kept the connection alive, at least in the minds of the fans.

Once, Charles shared a photo on his social media of himself at a restaurant in Paris, dining with friends. Curiously, a few weeks later, you posted a picture at the same spot, seated next to a glass of wine. The comments exploded immediately:

"Did they go together?"

"This can’t be a coincidence."

"Please, get back together."

Another time, during an interview, Charles mentioned a song he had been listening to lately—a melancholic ballad about impossible love. A few days later, you shared the same song on your Instagram stories, accompanied by a simple rose emoji.

These were small things, barely details, but for those who closely followed your story, they were undeniable proof that the love was still there, buried under the weight of your new lives.

What baffled the fans the most was the silence. Despite the rumors, speculations, and direct questions, neither you nor Charles had spoken publicly about the breakup. When journalists tried to dig into it, you both elegantly dodged the questions.

On one occasion, during an interview on Italian television, you were asked directly:

"Your relationship with Charles Leclerc was much loved by the tifosi. Is there anything you’d like to share about that time?"

Your response was brief but full of meaning. "It was a beautiful chapter in my life, and I’ll always be grateful for it."

Charles faced a similar question during a Ferrari event. His answer was nearly identical: "I only have good memories. I’ll always admire her as a person."

That mutual respect, combined with the silence surrounding the details, only fed the mystery. It was as if you both were protecting something you still considered sacred.

Though you tried to move on, the past continued to haunt you. The events at Ferrari, the places you used to frequent, even the people who knew both of you became constant reminders of what you had shared.

There were nights when Charles found himself looking through old photos on his phone, remembering the days when everything felt perfect. And you, though you tried to focus on new projects and a new life, couldn’t ignore the moments when his absence felt like an unfillable void.

You decided enough was enough. You had tried to be strong, to stand tall while everything that once made you happy now felt like an open wound. But there was a limit, and yours came in a moment of absolute clarity: you could no longer bear to see him, especially when another woman was near him.

Though you never admitted it aloud, there was something heartbreaking about being at the Grands Prix—in the paddock that once felt like your second home—watching Charles move on with his life while you seemed stuck in the past. So, after much reflection, you made a decision you never imagined: you wouldn’t attend another Grand Prix, at least for a while.

The decision wasn’t easy. You had grown up in this world; motorsport was in your DNA. Since you were a child, you had accompanied your family to the most iconic circuits in the world. Monte Carlo, Monza, Silverstone… All those places were filled with happy memories, but now, they were also imbued with his presence.

What finally pushed you to make that decision was a moment you witnessed in the Monaco paddock—the Grand Prix that had always been special for both of you. You were standing near Ferrari’s motorhome, watching Charles from afar. It wasn’t something you consciously did, but your eyes always seemed to seek him out in the crowd.

This time, he wasn’t alone. A tall, elegant brunette stood by his side, laughing at something Charles had just said. His smile was easy, comfortable, as if he had already left behind the weight of what you had shared.

It hurt more than you wanted to admit. You tried to look away, convincing yourself it meant nothing, but the buzz of rumors in the paddock wouldn’t let you escape.

"Did you see Charles? He seems to be dating someone new."

"They look good together, don’t they?"

"It’s surprising she hasn’t said anything."

Those comments followed you throughout the entire weekend. And although you tried to keep your composure, the damage was done.

There was something even more painful than the images of Charles with someone else: the absolute silence between you two. No messages, no calls, not even a polite greeting at the events where you inevitably crossed paths.

It was as if everything you had shared had vanished into thin air, as if it had never existed. But you knew that wasn’t true. You knew it because the emptiness he left in your life was real, and it hurt.

There were moments when you wondered if he felt it too, if he ever thought of you the way you thought of him. But the distance between you was an unbreachable wall, and you didn’t have the strength to try to tear it down.

A week after the Monaco Grand Prix, you made the decision to step away from the world of Formula 1. Sitting in the living room of your apartment in Milan, you looked at your calendar filled with event invitations, meetings, and races, and felt an overwhelming need to disappear.

You sent an email to your team, asking them to rearrange your commitments. “For personal reasons,” you wrote, “I won’t be attending any more Grand Prix for the time being. Please ensure that my absence doesn’t affect Ferrari’s plans.”

It was a brief, almost cold email, but writing it was one of the hardest things you’d ever done.

Your absence didn’t go unnoticed. The paddock had always counted on you, not only as the ‘Ferrari princess’ but also as a key figure at events, someone who represented the brand’s history and legacy. Journalists immediately began speculating.

“Why did she stop attending?”

“Is it related to Charles?”

“Does this mean something changed at Ferrari?”

Charles noticed too, although he never said it out loud. During the first races without you, it felt strange not to see you. Even though you hadn’t spoken in months, there was something comforting about knowing you were there, somewhere around the circuit.

However, over time, he began to accept your absence as just another reality of his life. Or at least he tried to.

For you, the days away from the Grand Prix were both a relief and a torment. It was true that not seeing Charles helped soothe the more immediate emotions, but it didn’t mean you stopped thinking about him.

There were moments when you’d turn on the TV and watch race replays, trying to ignore the sting in your chest every time the camera lingered on his face. You watched the interviews, the celebrations, and wondered if you’d ever reach the point where you could see him without feeling shattered.

You buried yourself in work, in projects that kept you busy, but there was a void that nothing seemed to fill. You felt like a shadow of the person you once were, someone who used to shine on the very stages you now avoided.

Meanwhile, Charles thought that with time, he would get used to your absence. At first, he justified it as a logical necessity for both of you. He was sure that by distancing yourself, you could heal—and in some way, so could he. But the more days passed without you, the more aware he became of how difficult it was to move on.

He unconsciously looked for you in the places you used to frequent: in the paddock, in Ferrari’s VIP areas, even at the dinners after the races. At first, that emptiness was easy to ignore, masked by the excitement of racing and his contractual responsibilities with Ferrari. But with every victory, every defeat, every interview, your absence became a weight he couldn’t shake.

One night, while he was in his hotel room in Singapore after another long day at the circuit, Charles was absentmindedly scrolling through his phone. Social media was full of pictures of him, as always, but there was something about the apparent perfection of it all that made him feel... empty.

Without thinking too much, he opened your chat. The thread of messages between you was still there, untouched, as if it had been waiting.

The last message was from months ago, one you had sent shortly after the breakup. Brief but full of emotions you could never fully verbalize: “I hope you’re happy, Charles.”

He had tried to respond at the time, but the words never seemed right. That night, however, the silence became unbearable. Before he could second-guess himself, he typed:

Charles: Hi

The word felt strange, like an echo in the void. He stared at the screen, wondering if you had changed your number or if you would simply ignore him. It wasn’t long before the typing dots appeared.

You: Charles?

Reading your response made his chest tighten. There was a mix of surprise and emotion in that simple message. He hesitated for a moment but decided to continue.

Charles: Yeah, it’s me. I know it’s been a while… and I don’t know if I should even be messaging you, but I wanted to know how you’re doing

There was a moment of silence. He thought maybe you wouldn’t reply, but then your response came.

You: I wasn’t expecting this message, but I’m okay. And you?

Charles: I’ve been better… I think I miss you more than I should

His fingers trembled as he sent those words. It was the first time he had admitted something like that, even to himself.

You: Charles ...

You could feel your heart race as you read the message. You had spent months trying to ignore those feelings, convincing yourself that distance was for the best. But there he was, opening a door you thought was closed.

You: I miss you too, though I tried not to admit it

Charles: It’s not the same without you. Everything feels… empty

You: I know. I feel the same. That’s why I stopped going to the Grand Prix. I couldn’t bear it

The conversation they never had

From that moment on, the words began to flow. Both of you let out what you had been holding back for months.

Charles: I always wonder if we made the right decision. Sometimes I feel like I let you go too soon

You: I don’t know if it was right or not, but it hurt. It still hurts

Charles: Me too. Every time I’m in the paddock, I look for your face, even though I know you’re not there. It’s like a part of me still hopes you’ll show up somehow

You: I do the same… but from afar. I watch the races at home, and it hurts to see you and not be there

There was a pause. Neither of you knew how to move forward, but neither did you want to end the conversation.

Charles: Do you still have the ring?

You: Yes

The message was simple, but for him, it meant everything.

Charles: I still wear the watch you gave me. I always carry it with me

You: I noticed. I thought maybe you wore it because it didn’t mean anything anymore…

Charles: No, I wear it because it reminds me of what we shared. Because it still means everything to me

Your eyes filled with tears as you read his words. There was a sincerity in them that completely disarmed you.

The connection that never died

That night, the conversation went on for hours. You talked about everything: the good moments, the mistakes, and what had led to your separation. But you also talked about how much you still cared for each other, even if you didn’t admit it directly.

Charles: I don’t know if things can ever go back to how they were, but I can’t pretend I don’t care about you. I always will

You: I don’t know if we can go back either, but I’m glad to talk to you again. I felt like I’d lost a part of myself when we stopped.

The words were a balm for both of you, but they also reopened a wound that hadn’t fully healed. Although no promises were made or decisions taken that night, one thing was clear: the love you shared hadn’t disappeared.

Talking to Charles had been like opening a door you thought was closed forever. Even though the conversation had lasted only a few hours, it left you with a mix of emotions: relief, nostalgia, and a sense of peace you hadn’t felt since the breakup. Talking to him didn’t fix everything, but it lightened the weight you’d been carrying.

For the first time in months, you felt light. The weeks that followed were more bearable. You didn’t talk to Charles again, and he didn’t write to you either, but that was okay. There was something comforting in knowing that, despite everything, the connection between you still existed. There was no need to force anything.

However, that calm was tested when you received an invitation to a charity event in Monaco, organized by various figures in motorsport. You knew Charles would be there—he was practically the public face of Ferrari—and there was no way to avoid it. You hesitated for days, debating whether or not you should attend.

Finally, you decided to go. You had spent months avoiding any place where you might run into him, but something inside you told you it was time to face the situation. If you had survived seeing him with other women on social media, you could survive this.

The day of the event arrived faster than you expected. The venue was the kind of setting you knew perfectly: a gala hall decorated with opulent luxury, filled with important people. It was the kind of environment where you had always moved with ease, but this time something felt different.

You prepared carefully, as if every detail was a piece of armor. You chose an Italian-designed black dress, simple yet elegant, that complemented your figure perfectly. Your accessories were minimal, but you wore the ring Charles had given you. You didn’t know exactly why you chose to wear it that night, but something inside told you to.

Before leaving, you gave yourself one last look in the mirror. You looked flawless, but there was something in your eyes—a mix of determination and vulnerability—that you couldn’t ignore. You took a deep breath, promised yourself to keep your composure, and headed to the event.

The hall was already crowded when you arrived. Cameras from paparazzi flashed incessantly as you walked in, as always. You knew how to pose, how to move gracefully through the crowd with calculated elegance, but this time you couldn’t help feeling more aware of your surroundings.

Charles wasn’t in sight at first, but you knew he was there. You could feel his presence, like an electric current in the air. You greeted acquaintances, exchanging smiles and polite words while trying to stay calm.

Finally, you saw him. He was on the other side of the room, talking with a small group of people. He wore a dark suit that highlighted his elegant bearing, and his smile was as charming as ever. For a moment, you stopped to observe him, trying to process how someone could feel so familiar and so distant at the same time.

He hadn’t seen you yet, and for a second, you considered leaving before he did. But you didn’t. You had decided to come, and you weren’t going to let fear control you.

As you chatted with one of the event organizers, you felt a gaze fixed on you. You looked up, and there he was. His eyes met yours across the crowd, and for a moment, everything else disappeared.

Charles didn’t look away. There was something in his expression that you couldn’t entirely decipher: surprise, nostalgia, maybe even a little sadness. You, on the other hand, tried to keep a neutral expression, though you knew your eyes probably betrayed you.

After what felt like an eternity, Charles excused himself from the group he was with and started walking toward you. Your heart began to race, but you forced yourself to stay in place.

When he finally stood in front of you, no words were needed at first. You both looked at each other, as if trying to read what the other was thinking.

“Hi,” Charles said at last, his voice soft.

“Hi,” you replied, keeping a calm tone, though your heart was in turmoil.

“It’s good to see you here,” he said after a moment. “I didn’t expect you to come.”

“I decided it was time to stop avoiding these places,” you answered with a slight smile.

The conversation was brief and polite. You talked about the event, recent projects, and superficial topics that you both knew meant nothing. But there was something in the air, an underlying tension that neither of you could ignore.

“I’m glad to see you,” Charles said before the conversation came to an end. “Really.”

You simply nodded, not knowing how to respond. You didn’t want to show too many emotions, but you couldn’t hide the weight that this moment held for you.

When he walked away, you felt a mix of relief and sadness. You had faced the moment you had feared so much, and although it wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t the disaster you had imagined either. You had proven that you could be in the same place as him without breaking down, and that was a small victory.

You didn’t speak to Charles again that night, but there were moments when you felt his gaze on you. Every time it happened, you tried to keep your composure and focus on the people you were talking to.

The noise of the party, though distant, still echoed in your head as you glided down one of the hallways of the building. The night had been exhausting, not just physically, but emotionally. Seeing Charles, talking to him, feeling his gaze on you throughout the evening, had drained you more than you wanted to admit.

You found an empty room at the end of the hallway, probably a break room for the organizers or special guests. You didn’t think twice before entering, quietly closing the door behind you. The silence was welcome, like a balm that soothed the inner noise that wouldn’t let you be at peace.

The space was lit only by the moonlight filtering through a large window. There was a painting hanging on the wall. You approached the back of a chair and slowly sat down, your eyes fixed on the painting. You tried to decipher it, but in reality, your mind was elsewhere.

Your head spun in a tangle of emotions. You had survived the first face-to-face conversation with Charles since the breakup, but that didn’t mean you were completely fine. There was so much that still hurt, so much that you still needed to say to him.

As you stared at the painting, time seemed to stop. Everything you felt took over you all at once: longing, the love that still lived in a corner of your heart, and the weight of everything that could have been.

You were so absorbed that you didn’t hear when the door opened behind you. You only realized you weren’t alone when you felt a familiar presence a few steps away. You turned your head slowly, and there he was, Charles.

You froze for a moment, saying nothing. He closed the door gently, as if afraid to interrupt the silence of the moment. His gaze was intense, but there was no trace of the usual confidence he radiated. Instead, he seemed as lost as you.

“Sorry,” he said quietly. “I didn’t know anyone was here.”

“It’s okay,” you replied quickly, your voice calmer than you felt.

He stood for a moment, as if unsure whether to stay or leave. Then, slowly, he walked over and sat on the same chair, beside you. The closeness made your heart start to race, but you tried not to show it.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The tension in the air was palpable, but there was also something comforting about sharing the silence.

“I needed a break,” Charles finally said, breaking the stillness.

You nodded, not taking your eyes off the painting. “Me too.”

He studied you, as if trying to pick up on every detail of your profile, every expression that might give him a clue as to what you were thinking.

“It’s hard, isn’t it?” he murmured.

“What?” you asked, though you knew exactly what he meant.

“Being here, pretending everything’s fine when it’s not,” he replied, his voice heavy with contained emotion.

You stayed silent, your fingers toying with the edge of the ring you still wore. You didn’t need to say anything; he already knew the answer.

Charles sighed, leaning slightly forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “Did you know... that I loved you even before we met?”

His confession hit like lightning in the middle of the calm. You turned your head toward him, surprised, looking for any sign that he was joking. But he wasn’t. His gaze was serious, vulnerable, and filled with an honesty that took your breath away.

“What?” you whispered, barely audible.

“I loved you before I met you,” he repeated, this time looking you straight in the eyes. “When I was at Sauber, before I joined Ferrari, I’d see you and think: she’s everything I want and will never have.”

You felt the air grow heavier around you. You didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to respond to something so raw and beautiful at the same time.

“And then, when I finally met you...” he continued, with a melancholic smile. “It got worse, because I realized you were even more incredible than I had imagined.”

You couldn’t help but smile slightly, your eyes glistening with tears you didn’t let fall. Without thinking too much, you extended your hand and took his. His touch was warm and familiar, and when he interlaced his fingers with yours, you felt an electric current run through your body.

“Charles...” you began, but couldn’t continue. Words seemed insufficient to express what you felt.

He leaned in a little closer, his eyes never leaving yours. You could feel his breath, and your heart began to race even faster. Everything else faded away: the painting, the moonlight, the distant music. There were only the two of you, as if the universe had decided to give you a moment outside of time.

“I miss you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

You didn’t respond with words. Instead, you let your gaze and the squeeze of your hand speak for you.

Charles leaned his head down, moving closer slowly, giving you time to pull away if you wanted. But you didn’t. You closed your eyes as his lips finally brushed against yours, soft and filled with a passion that had been held back for too long.

The kiss started shyly, but soon it grew deeper, more desperate. It was as if you both were trying to recover everything you had lost in the last few months. His hands slid to your cheeks, while yours clung to his shirt as if you feared he might disappear.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless. Your foreheads touched, and neither of you said anything. There was no need.

In that moment, all that mattered was that, for the first time in a long time, you were together.

[myonelian]

i did not know qjj had physical books published OMG

let’s just say im buying them (as soon im back from holiday) all and preordering them asap 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[tiresomespaceplant]

venti lore stuff i like to think about a lot bc brainrot <3

he's good buds with morax and they play catch with mountains sometimes [teapot landforms descriptions]

he was made into an archon by andrius, who gave up the title because he saw how much venti loved humanity and saw that he'd do better than he would. i love this because he was never destined to be a god, just a wind wisp who wanted to do good

despite being the god of freedom, he is eternally bound to his role of being an archon and looking after his people and his nation

however, despite being an absent god at that, monstadt lives up to it's name of being the city of freedom thanks to him

some people who worship him thinks that drinking is bad yet their god is a drunkard and downs 37 bottles of wine on the reg

he terraformed the whole of mondstadt, reduced pilos' peak (the highest mountain in teyvat at the time) to musk reef (a small island in the ocean), led his people to new land to remake their city better, and then went to sleep for 1000 years???????? Honestly i get it

when he saw how self sufficient his people are, he entrusted the freedom of his own people to themselves because he never wanted to become a tyrant -- which is super interesting as this realization took morax and ei a while to acknowledge

he's allergic to cats and he hates cheese

he says he knows every song from the past, present, and even the future. he's either a branch of or IS the god of time, in this essay i will

barbatos's past was recorded in books and epics but he, as a bard, decided to write ballads about his own mischief which came off as blasphemous to his devoted nuns... so he got kicked out of his own cathedral

the moment he became a god, he used his power to liken his image to his late friend so he could live out the dream of said nameless bard and roam the land outside old mondstadt

that said, it makes me think that the last sight he ever saw of his nameless bard friend was him dying no wonder he needs a drink or two when he decided to gain a corporeal form

he forged a treaty that said the old aristocrats sold mondstadt to the geo archon and liyue, only for the people to realize years later that it was fake and was only made to prank morax and overthrow the aristocracy LMAOO

in one of mona's voicelines, she tried getting a reading on 'that bard who sits around all day' only for venti to send a strong gust of wind at her so she wouldn't find out he was the anemo archon

xiao's voiceline about him implies he could play the flute, which leads me to believe he could play any instrument he wanted his hands on

venti's hobbies voiceline: "i like to drink! and i like the wind! if only there's such a thing like wind-brewed cider"

guys i might like venti idk tho

[coralinnii]

Hi! I saw that you were opening your requests for the next day or so to celebrate getting 2.7k followers! First off, I wanna say congratulations, and may you have a good day/night (almost wrote 'not' lol)!

Anyways, I read your rules, and wondered if I could get a fic with Leona, Vil, Malleus, and Lilia being in a relationship with a Venti! Reader? Essentially, Venti is a Genshin Impact character who plays the lyre, controls the wind, and has a playful personality.

‧₊˚✧ As Free as the Wind ‧₊˚✧

↳ Twst guys with a Venti!reader 

feat: Leona ❋ Vil ❋ Malleus ❋ Lilia  genre: humor, mild fluff note: no pronouns were used with the reader, Venti!reader is of legal age to drink, no spoilers regarding the Genshin Impact storyline, minor spoilers for TWST Book 7

Thank you reading my rules, always appreciate the extra effort people make! I deeply apologize for how late I am with this, but I hope you enjoy the post. Hopefully I captured Venti's personality well enough >_<'

2.7K Followers Writing Event 2023

Ooff, did he first thought you were a pain in his tail. 

Loud, cheeky, no fear of disturbing anyone for entertainment or favors… at least Ruggie has the decency to be useful. 

He scoffed when you smile and act as if he can’t sense a dangerous well of power within you, the playful persona you present may fool a common man but not Leona.  

He’ll play your game though. There’s no benefit to him to pry into your secrets. He finds this side of you, the one that would play a soft ballad for him for some booze money, much easier to deal with. 

This is a strange relationship, but Leona can respect someone strong and most of all, doesn't tell him what to do. You believe in free will and freedom above else, which Leona appreciates. 

“The concept of one king ruling over all... I can’t say I’m too interested in a land like that.” 

Leona laughed at your boldness. With you, there’s no sense about stuffy responsibilities and obligations. 

There are sweet days where you and Leona would spend the day in the greenhouse, Leona sleeping soundly as you play your lyre while humming your new poems, the wind carrying your melodic voice. 

“Huh, do you have a song for me? Hah, what do you want from me this time? Fine, I’ll let you play.”

Vil immediately clocked something powerful about you, your nonchalant persona is good, but you cannot fool a seasoned actor like him. 

No matter, though. Vil has no interest in delving into someone’s past like that. Vil assumes that if you must act so easy-going yet private about yourself, then he won’t pry into such things. One must have reasons, he supposed. 

However, Vil cannot let go of your pension for the “occasional” drink or two. Vil doesn’t care that you are older than your appearance suggest, alcohol impacts your body and health as you age so he rather you limit that little habit of yours. 

“Come now, Vil. Another bottle wouldn’t hurt~” 

“Hmmph, you don’t have to worry much about yourself when you’re drunk but I most certainly do, especially when you come to me reeking of wine.”

But you always managed to quell his anger by singing ballads and poems about your wonderful beloved Vil. That always lifts the Housewarden’s mood and you end up with a mere reprimanding. Hehe.

Vil will not, however, forgive you so easily if you get too mischievous with him. The beautiful man can respect your talent with wind and currents, but he doesn’t appreciate the gust you would conjure up if it messes up Vil’s appearance too much. 

“Don’t even think about running away from me. I know you were behind the sudden rush of wind, my mischievous one. Acting cute or sweet words is not going to work this time.”

However youthful you may appear, Malleus can sense an old soul within you which feels familiar and powerful. 

Malleus is often surprised by you, for your playful and bold nature while handling the wild winds as skillfully as you hold the lyre. You bear similarities to a certain someone that he can’t help but respect you and hold you to a higher regard than any typical being. 

Malleus doesn’t hate that easygoing personality of yours. On the contrary, he enjoys that spontaneous side of yours as you suggest the strangest of ideas to a powerful figure such as him. 

“Let's go jumping in puddles and see who can make the biggest splash!“

You are a sociable being, making friends so easily that it baffles the young fae. A few cute words from you and it was suddenly so easy to lower one’s guard around you. 

However, when you’re alone and don’t realize his presence, Malleus catches that gleam of loneliness in your eyes as you gaze from your tall resting spot. A look that Malleus feels a kinship with you in that regard.

”You would like to take a stroll with me tonight? Oh, a race in the sky, you say? Very well, but don't be conceited enough to believe I’m so easily bested.”

Dear Sevens, why would you ever let these two chaotic gremlins be in the same vicinity? Do you know no mercy for others?  

The two of you would hit it off so well, it’s almost concerning. Lilia finds you a delight to be around, almost a kindred spirit even. 

“So, you also took care of a dragon long ago.” 

“Yeap, but he sorta became a nation-wide threat when I decided to leave and go off on my own.” 

“Ah yes, those things do tend to happen.” 

(if you can’t tell who’s saying what, that really speaks to how similar a coincidence that was)

Jamming sessions ALL. THE. TIME. The campus has not known a single moment of rest as you display your musical talents in the courtyard while Lilia encourages you all the way, occasionally playing along with an instrument of his own.

Lilia is fascinated by your lyrical retellings of your world and would love to visit this kingdom that values freedom among all else, and of this dandelion wine you speak so lovingly about.

As a man with his own… history, Lilia isn’t the type to ask too much about you if he sees you dodging the question. He can recognize that familiar look of longing and loss, so Lilia doesn’t press further and instead indulge with you in one more glass of bittersweet wine. 

“What tales do you have to regale for tonight? I’m always captivated by these grand adventures of yours, it’s almost tempting for this old soul of mine, hehe.”

[ixiot-ghostrebel]

I don't know if your request is open can you write Creator reader who favorites Zhongli, Venti, Nahida?

They need love ok 🙄

Yep yep, got it! Lemme see what I can pull off :)

Favoritism! With The Archons (Discluding Ei and Furina—)!

(Warning: Might Be OOC!)

Nahida

She honestly loves the attention you give her! She's really happy to get to spend time with you, and really get to know you and who you really are despite your title as the Almighty Creator.

Loves it if you play with her—and especially loves to learn the kind of games that you played before you re-descended down to Teyvat. There's UNO...and that's pretty much all that I can remember but you get the idea—

Loves visiting you in your dreams to see what you dream of. The Almighty Creator would surely have dreams of all forms filled with creative and inspiring ideas!

Nahida would 100% try to ask you to hang out with her through the streets of Sumeru. She has no shame :D And, if anything, her people would see this as a blessing.

"Come on, Your Grace! I want to show you somewhere I found!" Nahida would also take you to the Aranaras, where you would eat fresh fruit, make flower crowns, and even play some hide-and-seek.

She loves making and meeting new friends, the Almighty Creator is no exception! Spend some time with her as much as you can, Nahida will cherish it!

Venti

Hohoho, you're down to hang out with this carefree bard? Well, the first hangout will definitely be inside the most extravagant tavern of all time!

Yes, he means Angel's Share. Or the Cat's Tail. Man has his standards and he ain't afraid to take you there. Prepare for the best wine you'll ever taste, because Venti sure as hell is proud of the wine of Mondstadt.

Loves to share ballads and songs with you. Some of them are even based off on you! Loves when you give him your feedback as well.

Give him apples. He'll be happy—that's not saying a lot. Any apple dish, he will eat. Even if the apple is very little.

"Yahoo, Your Grace!~ Wanna hear a ballad this amazing bard has made for you?" Would absolutely perform these ballads during Windblume Festival, so please praise him :D

Zhongli

OSMANTHUS WINE TASTES THE SAME AS I— *Aggressive Truck Noises Driving Pass*

Take him out for food, buy him any gifts, ANYTHING. This man loves anything you'll give as well (trust me)

Just take some time to spend with him. Strolling through the area, the market, it doesn't matter—he cherishes all moments with you, as you are a friend (and more cough cough)

Osmanthus wine. Yes.

"Ah, Your Grace. I am blessed to know that you have the time to spend it with me. Please, allow me to pour you a fine cup of tea." If you're a tea lover, you both are gonna have a really good time.

Zhongli loves to share stories, so if you like to know more about Liyue's history, you came to the right guy :)

He's also a good listener, so you can also share stories and he will be rapt with attention. He loves every single story you tell.

Ghost Rebel Side Notes: My procrastination is impeccable. I'm on a living streak, clearly. Welp, I hope this satisfies you—hopefully, the next request doesn't take too long (watch me eat those words).

✦ Check out The Ghost Rebel’s Blog Description & Info Page to See if Their Mailbox is Open! ✦

[spidersinyourshoes]

Phantom Troupe music headcanons because i cannot stop projecting my interests onto them

in honor of me creating 6 different playlists today, here’s my thoughts on what type of music the Phantom Troupe would be into :>

Chrollo

Likes classic goth bands such as The Cure and Bauhaus, and is also really into classical music

Avid collector of the most obscure type of music that no one has ever heard of

Like what do you mean the first hour of your playlist is just Gregorian chants??

Listens to artists who have roughly 7 monthly listeners, and somehow he is 3 of them

Also an insane music nerd

He just somehow knows everything about different genres and their societal significance

Will also go into long rants about music based subcultures and their relevance

Nobunaga

Bit pretentious with it lol

Just doesn’t get modern music

Big fan of anything from the 70s or 80s though

Any song he can get nostalgic over tbh

Probably likes Johnny Cash as well??

Just picture any music that you’d hear at a suburban barbecue organized by single dads and he’d know all the songs by heart

Feitan

I don’t see him as someone who listens to a lot of music tbh

But when he does it’s some obscure shit

Probably more into instrumentals than vocals

Again, doesn’t care much, just know that it has to sound haunting or moody, otherwise he’ll turn that shit off

Shalnark swears he once saw him nodding along to Elton John but no one believes him

That did happen actually

He blames Phinks

Machi

Another one who doesn’t listen to a lot of music, but does have a few playlists she rotates between

Went through an emo phase when she was younger and still knows all of the lyrics to basically every Paramore song

Now she’s more partial to artists like Lana Del Rey and Girl in Red

Likes chill songs that aren’t too intense, just here for some good vibes that don’t distract too much

Phinks

Dad rock.

That’s it. That’s the headcanon

Single-handedly responsible for half of Led Zeppelin’s streams

Argues with Nobunaga over who has the better taste in music even though there’s actually a lot of overlap in their tastes

Has a guilty pleasure for emotional ballads as well but he’d sooner die than admit that out loud

Shalnark

Listens to everything

And when I say everything I mean everything

Has about a million playlists all for hyper specific scenarios and moods, but the only playlist he ever actually listens to is just a massive collection of all his favorite songs

It’s definitely over 50 hours long, and will switch from Britney Spears to Pierce the Veil, then the entire Shrek soundtrack, followed by old school country, of course some lo-fi beats, and then goes right back to ABBA

Everyone hates it but he loves it

If it sounds good it’s going in his playlist

Half of the songs he listens to are in languages he doesn’t even speak

Franklin

Chill music because he’s a chill guy

Likes the blues and jazz

But can also appreciate some 90s grunge

When driving, he’s the only one allowed on the aux because no one else can be trusted to play music that everyone will enjoy

Somehow he just knows exactly what songs to play with different people so that everyone can enjoy themselves

Shizuku

Unironically listens to elevator music

Another one of those ‘If I like it, I like it’ people

Really doesn’t care about genres or what’s popular

But I do think that Sufjan Stevens is one of her top artists every year

Does tend to listen to the same song on repeat for hours without even realizing it though

Pakunoda

Her taste in music is timeless and classy, much like herself

To her, it’s important that music shows emotion or tells a story

Debussy and Chopin are some of her favorites

She likes smooth, elegant music, perfect to dramatically sip wine to

Also prefers vinyl records over their digital counterparts

Honestly her music is the perfect ambience for planning heists

Bonolenov

Bono, being the walking music instrument he is, has a very deep connection to music

He has an insane sense of rhythm, and likes his music to be very rhythmic as well

The type of music you can dance to

While nothing will ever beat the music from his own tribe, he also loves exploring traditional music from different cultures all over the world

Preserving that type of music is very important to him

He can probably deduce a songs hidden meaning or secret story very easily, even if others are struggling to even comprehend what they’re listening to

He can certainly appreciate the artistry of different genres as well

But culturally significant music will always interest him most

Uvogin

All genres of metal and rock

As long as it’s loud, he’ll like it

Definitely the type of person to listen to Motörhead at 3AM and fall asleep to Black Sabbath

Could definitely do the vocals in a metal band if he felt like it

Also listens to Frank Sinatra religiously

I’m sorry I don’t make the rules that’s just how it is

Kortopi

Probably really likes very experimental stuff

Something that’s unconventional and just a tad eerie

Has never made a playlist once and doesn’t plan to

Just picks a song he likes and then listens to whatever’s suggested next

Probably listens to haunted house music to relax

Like out of tune organs with creaky doors in the background

The occasional whisper of a ghost

Everyone thinks it’s really weird but he’s enjoying himself lmao

And of course, they are all theater kids in their own right, so play any song from broadway and they’ll sing along (some more enthusiastically than others)