#bask ox

[mysticmindsartisticlives]

New 19 Days Chapter:

He Tian's insecurity is going off the charts the longer they stay at Buzzcut's place 😂 I don't think he was basking in Buzzcut's older sister's attention, but he was surely hoping her flirtation would drive Momo to possessiveness.

It's always entertaining watching He Tian mope around, but it's just as interesting when OX presents scenarios that display the difference between Mo and Tian's personalities. Momo's not someone who believes in laying claim over another person (he got enough of that from She Li). If that’s the attention He Tian likes, then it is what it is. Not to say Guan Shan doesn't get jealous, but he also knows he can't control what other people do.

Instead of being unafraid to claim what's his, Mo stews in silence with hurt feelings. And you know what? I don't want him to change. If I notice my partner becomes uncomfortable with someone flirting with me, I don't expect them to step forward. I either set a boundary in place to shut down the flirt or approach my partner to reassure them that I'm paying the flirt no mind - like He Tian did this chapter! Great job, Tian 🥰 I'm sure Mo appreciated it, after the initial embarrassment lol

[gingiesworld]

One

Lizzie Olsen x GN! Reader (Platonic)

Warnings. Death. Sad fic

Word Count: 6.9k+

Taglist : @natashamaximoff-69 @canvascoloredin @wizardofstories @louxbloom @wandanats-goodgirl @the-ox-fan20 @ladyqueenxoxo @aemilia19 @wandaromamoff69 @mfd-101 @dorabledewdroop @marvelogic

18+ MINORS DNI

One is all it takes for multiple disasters. It only takes one brick to bring down a house. It only takes one ingredient to ruin a recipe. It only takes one decision to implicate the lives of others. It only takes one to break another's heart. And it only takes one punch to end someone's life.

Lizzie was walking through the halls that she used to walk down when she was a teen with Y/N beside her. They were the one who made her day better. Just being in their presence was enough.

She stood before the faculty board and her eyes instantly found Y/N's eyes and their goofy smile. They were a huge supporter of her dreams.

Y/N and Lizzie both sat beside the lake as they basked in the sun. Lizzie had been having doubts about being a good enough actress to not be associated with her sisters. She loves her sisters, she just wants to achieve her dreams without their help.

"Are you sure I can be good enough?" She asked them. They gave her a bright smile to reassure her.

"Of course. I know you will be bigger than the twins." They spoke with such passion. "You are amazingly talented. Not just with your acting Lizzie. You have multiple and the one thing I love the most about you is despite your anxiety and panic attacks. You are determined to succeed and I know you will."

"What about you?" She asked them. "What will you do?"

"I don't know. It's hard being a kid in the system." They thought hard. "Maybe I want to be someone for those kids who have no one. Someone to listen to them when no one else will. Someone to encourage them to follow their dreams."

Lizzie could only smile at their big kind heart. They would choose a job with a poor salary and help the children who needed it most.

Lizzie soon found her way to their classroom. It was full of flowers and candles. The classroom was as full as it could be. She walked in and saw there were posters of her projects along with pictures of the two whenever they visited each other. She felt a single tear slip past the barrier and down her cheek.

Y/N was talking to the kids about ambitions and dreams. They were speaking emcouraging words to each of the teens before their eyes zoned in on the board with them an Lizzie.

"This woman right here had her doubts when we were 17." They told them as they pointed to Lizzie's picture. "She wasn't sure if she would make her own name without being associated with her sisters. But she did it. She got that far all on her own. She went to college. Worked endless hours in rehearsels and auditions until she got her first off broadway show." The teens listened to them intently. "She made it. She got that far all on her own without help from her name or her sister's fame." Y/N walked back to sit on their desk. "You can all do that too. Be who you want to be. Break the mold set by your families."

Lizzie soon saw how much their students loved them. She was only there today to see the school where she and her best friend went and where they went on to teach. She was proud of them. They had become the person they wanted to be. They became a light that guided the students to reach their full potential.

When her eyes caught sight of a bookend that she had bought them when they got their first teaching gig. She couldn't stop the tears from falling. She sobbed for her best friend.

"Miss Olsen?" Someone spoke, causing her to wipe her eyes before turning around to the student who called out to her. "We're sorry for your loss." She smiled at the kids as they all sat in their seats.

"You do realise their lessons were canceled?" She asked them all.

"We just didn't feel right to not be here." One of the students spoke.

"They believed in us. All of us." All of them agreed with the statement. Lizzie pulled up an empty chair and sat in front of the desk. She didn't feel right sitting at Y/N's desk.

"They were the best person I ever knew." Lizzie whispered as the students listened. "If you want to share some of the stories with them I am not going anywhere."

She listened intently as each student told her a different memory with Y/N. She felt her heart swell with how much of an impact Y/N had had on each of them. Just like they had an impact on her.

She was only supposed to be visiting the school to see where Y/N most of their days. She never dreamed that she would be back here without them. The one person who she could count on in moments like this. Now she didn't know who to turn too in times like this so she found comfort in their classroom and hearing the stories.

It was hard being back here. She saw all of their friends. All of the people that they had impacted their lives. Even their last foster parents too. She never thought she would meet all of these people like this. Not when her best friend was laying cold at the funeral directors.

"Why did this happen?" She asked her mum who was sitting beside her.

"I don't know sweetie." Jarnette spoke softly. "I just know they were extremely proud of you. Of everything you have achieved."

"It's just so hard mama." She cried as her mother wrapped her in her arms. She wanted nothing more than to comfort her daughter.

Lizzie was distraught. After hearing the news, she flew out straight away. She tried to make it back in time but she was too late.

The night that Y/N was taken, it only took one drunken punch to set the scales off balance. With that punch came a reaction that would change lives forever.

Y/N was walking arm in arm with a colleague who just wanted to have a nice meal with a friend after going through a break up. What neither expected was her ex to approach in a drunken stupor.

"Come on Jack, give me a chance." Steve slurred as he tried to grab his exes arm.

"No." She spoke shakily. She had seen him drunk before but not like this. He had some glint in his eyes.

"It's you isn't it?" He pointed his finger at Y/N. "You stole her from me."

"No. You cheated on her." They stated as they held Jack behind them. "You ruined what you had and I am being a good friend."

"Whatever. You just want to fuck her." He yelled as he pushed them back. Y/N stood their ground. They knew not to provoke him any further but they didn't expect him to throw a punch. A punch to the nose which caused the cartilage to puncture the membrane and cause a bleed rendering them unconcious.

She wanted to know what had happened. She knew that the person responsible was arrested. But she wanted to know why. Why did her best friend have to die?

Lizzie decided to go and see Y/N. She felt her eyes sting. This is going to be the last time she sees her best friend. Cold and gray. Eyes closed and a peaceful look on their face. She saw the ring that she got Y/N. She wore the other on her right ring finger.

Lizzie decided to surprise Y/N on their winter break. The two walked to their usual spot by the lake. Enjoying the silence in each other's company.

"I have something for you." She spoke nervously. She played with the velvet box in her pocket.

"You being here is enough Liz." They told her honestly. They could see the nervousness in her eyes.

"I wanted to get this for you as a thank you for always supporting me. Always being the one to push me to achieve." She told them as she pulled the velvet box out.

"You know I already agreed to marry you one day." They spoke seriously causing Lizzie to blush. "I'm joking." They chuckled.

"This is more of a representation of our friendship Y/N. One that I will carry with me for the rest of our lives." She told them as she opened the box with two matching rings. She placed Y/N's on their finger then hers on her own.

"I love it Lizzie." They whispered as they turned to give her a hug. She smiled as she enjoyed the comfort of her best friend's arms.

She played with the ring on her finger. The one that hadn't been hadn't been taken off in a decade.

"You know this wasn't supposed to be how the next meeting should go." She whispered as she looked at Y/N's resting features. "We were supposed to hang out. You were going to meet Robbie and grill him. Ask him all those uncomfortable questions." She chuckled as she wiped a tear from her eye. "It wasn't supposed to go like this." She whispered shakily. She hated that she was unable to hear their voice again. Listen to their laugh or see their smile. "I just really miss you and I never got to say goodbye."

She kissed their forehead before she left the room. She walked out of the building sobbing. She didn't care for the paparazzi catching these pictures of her. They were the last thoughts on her mind.

She just started to wonder how she would be able to go on without her best friend. The one person who she could always count on to cheer her up after a hard day. The one person she found safety and comfort in.

Lizzie was sat in her dark living room. Everyone else was getting the preparations in order for the funeral. They had to accommodate the amount of people who were going to be there.

She jumped at the sound of her door opening and closing. She turned around to see Robbie walking towards her. He engulfed her in his arms as she cried.

"I'm here for you." He whispered as she clutched his shirt. She just sobbed until she fell asleep in his arms. He had obligations with Milo Greene but he canceled them so he could be with his better half knowing she needs him now more than anything.

He lay back on the sofa and just let her sleep, slowly falling asleep himself.

Lizzie and Y/N were both dancing around the kitchen. Lizzie had convinced Y/N to join ballet with her which they did reluctantly but they just wanted to make her smile.

"I think we should check the cookies." Y/N spoke as they twirled Lizzie back to them.

"I think they will be fine." She smirked as she enjoyed dancing with them. "Would you be there to dance with me at my wedding?" She asked them.

"Of course." They responded softly. "Will you?"

"Definitely." Before they could dance some more, the smoke alarm went off.

"I thought you could bake." They teased her as she just lightly slapped their arm.

"Aww. They're ruined." She whined.

"That is what the smoke machine signals." They stated earning a glare off of the green eyed girl.

Lizzie woke with a headache, feeling an unusual warmth. When her eyes found the source she lay her head back down on Robbie's chest. His hand rubbed up and down her back soothingly.

"Why are you here?" Lizzie asked him confused.

"Because you need me." He told her softly. "I would rather be here with you. Supporting you. Comforting you. Being everything that Y/N was for you if you'd let me." He told her. She started to cry again as she nuzzled her head into his neck.

"They would have loved you." She whispered as she stayed in her position.

"I'm sure they would still attack me with those questions." He said with a smile. She remembers all of the times they did the same thing with her previous boyfriends.

"They would have." She lifted her head from its spot. She gave him a watery smile before she got up. He frowned as he watched her skulk to the kitchen. She started to get the ingredients out for Y/N's favourite cookies.

"What are you making?" He asked her.

"Y/N's favourite cookies." She stated as she started to weigh the ingredients.

"Do you want any help?" He asked her.

"No." She said as she got working. "Y/N usually helps." She let a tear slip and wiped it away harshly. He felt helpless. He didn't know how to make her feel better other than being there for her.

"Why don't you tell me something about them." He suggested as she started to make the dough.

Lizzie and Y/N were at their usual spot. Lizzie was lying there just sunbathing as Y/N stood admiring the lake. They looked over at her and smirked when they noticed her eyes were closed.

They slowly crept up to her and snatched her up into their arms and ran to the lake, jumping in with her in their arms.

"You twat!" Lizzie squealed as she moved her wet golden locks from her face as Y/N just chuckled.

"It was too good of an opportunity to pass up." They laughed as she splashed them. The pair ended up splashing each other in the sun, laughing with each other.

"Wow. They sound really fun." He observed as she nodded in agreement.

"They were the best. My mum used to say we were soulmates. Platonic soulmates. Whenever either of us needed the other, we were there in an instant." She said softly. He smiled as she spoke about them until she started to throw the utensils. "But now they won't be here anymore because they're dead."

He moved forward to hold her and stop her from harming herself. She fought against his hold. She tried everything but he just held her.

"He killed them." She kept repeating in sobs as he calmed her down. He held in his own tears from seeing her so broken. Like she had lost a piece of herself.

In that moment he became the one to be there whenever she needed. He may not be Y/N but he will become her One constant comfort for however long she needs.

Robbie was adamant to stay by her side through it all. He knows that she tends to push people away but he wasn't going to give up. No matter how harsh and venomous her words can be. He was going to stay for her.

The funeral was approaching and she wasn't ready for this at all. She wasn't ready for one final goodbye. It wasn't something that she ever thought she would have to do so soon.

Robbie brought in two cups of coffee as she was watching some old videos on her phone.

"Who's going to be the biggest star?" Y/N spoke as they pointed the camera at a shy teen Lizzie.

"Y/N. Stop." She whined as she tried to push the camera away.

"I will stop when you agree." They stated. "So who's going to be the biggest star?"

"Me!! The other Olsen!" She squealed.

"The better Olsen." Y/N cheered.

He watched as she smiled tearily at the phone as a young Lizzie and Y/N played through the phone. She thanked Robbie for the drink before she looked at him.

"The school wants me to do a speech after their funeral." She whispered as he rubbed her back soothingly. "I don't know what I'm going to say."

"Just say what's in your heart." He told her tenderly. She nodded as she moved on to the next video.

Y/N was dancing and singing along to Blink 182 All The Small Things.

"All the small things. True care. Truth brings." Lizzie laughed in the background as Y/N fell off the bed.

"Oh my god. Are you ok?" She asked once she had calmed down.

Lizzie laughed at the video with Robbie.

"They seem fun." He pointed out as she smiled.

"They were." She spoke softly. "They actually broke their arm when they fell." She laughed. Robbie smiled as she laughed which soon turned into uncontrollable sobs. He was quick to hold her in his arms.

"It's gonna be ok." Robbie whispered as he kissed her head as she cried into his chest shaking her head as she pushed herself away from him.

"No it's not." She raised her voice as she stood up. "Nothing is ever going to be ok again. Ever. They are gone. My best friend is gone. The." She took a shaky breath before continuing. "The one person who could always pull me back from from from this is gone and they're never coming back."

"I know that Lizzie." He said as he approached her slowly.

"NO YOU DON'T." She shouted. "THEY PROMISED ME. THEY PROMISED THEY WOULD ALWAYS BE HERE. THEY PROMISED!"

Robbie was lost on how he could help her. He wanted to help her but he didn't know what she needed. He just stood there and watched as she left the house leaving her phone.

Lizzie walked aimlessly with her arms around her chest. Hugging herself. Trying to feel some comfort. She soon found herself at the lake where they would spend most of their time together.

She stood and watched as wind blew through the trees and the grass. Everything looked as though someone hadn't just faded into nothingness. The ripples of the wind on the lake moving graciously.

"WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME?!!" She screamed. She wanted to get everything out. All of her anger and emotions.

"I didn't." She heard a voice in her mind. She recognised the voice. She knew exactly who it was.

"No. No. No." She shook her head with her eyes closed. "You're dead. You're not real." She muttered.

"Obviously."

She shook her head vigorously to get the voice from her head.

"You might want to scream."

She sighed as she felt the tears fall down her face. She looked over the lake and she knew she was alone. No one was here. This was Y/N's and her place. Their little part of LA that they could escape every trouble they had faced. But this bit of trouble was following her around.

She took a deep breath and screamed as loud as she could. She could feel her lungs and throat burning. She felt it all. The pain. The sadness. The anger. The denial. Everything she had felt since she got that phone call from her mother.

Lizzie was sitting in her New York apartment after she had just done a photoshoot. She had a glass of wine in her hand waiting for Y/N to call. Their daily call and conversation always made Lizzie feel better after a hard day.

She quickly picked up her phone when it rang. She sighed when she saw her mum's caller ID.

"Hey mum." She greeted her.

"Are you sitting down?" Her mother asked.

"Wow. Not even how you are." Lizzie teased as her mum just sighed.

"I need to know you are sitting down." She told her daughter.

"Yes. I'm sitting down." She told her mother. "Why what happened?"

"It's Y/N." She told her. Lizzie could feel the room getting smaller.

"What happened?" She asked her shakily.

"They uh. They're in surgery right now." She told her daughter. Lizzie instantly got on her computer and booked the next flight. "It's bad, baby."

"I'm on my way." Was all Lizzie said. She made sure she had everything she needed as she rushed out of the apartment to a cab and raced to the airport.

Lizzie found herself on her knees. Breathing deeply after she screamed holy murder.

"Feels better."

"No." She whispered into the silence. "Because you're not here. You're not real."

"I am just the memory you have."

"I miss you." She cried out. She knew that this whole conversation was in her head. She knows that.

"I'll always be with you."

She knew that she would have to accept that there is no miracle to bring them back. They won't dance with her at her wedding. They won't go with her to get her first award. They were gone. Gone for good.

Lizzie returned home late that night. When she walked in her home, Robbie engulfed her in a hug. He was worried for her. He had no idea how to know if she was safe or not.

"I'm sorry." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around him.

"It's ok." He replied as he squeezed her. "I'm just happy you're safe." He told her as he pulled back and cupped her face.

"Thank you." She whispered tiredly. "I'm just going to go to bed." She told him as he just nodded. He understands that she needs time and space right now. She knows that Y/N is not going to be coming back. She knows that she has to live her life without her best friend.

Y/N and Lizzie raced through the airport to meet halfway. When they did, Y/N wrapped their arms around her, lifting her up in the air and spinning her around.

"I missed you superstar." Y/N said as they set her back on her two feet.

"I missed you too." She smiled as they took her luggage from her and held their arm out for her to hold. The two walked out of the airport and towards Y/N's car. "So, anything happen while I've been away. Have you met someone?" She asked them, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Well there is someone." They spoke nervously. "Her name's Elle. She is really sweet. She's a medical intern."

"Wow. Smart and beautiful." She smirked at them.

"Yes she is." They said as they kept their eyes on the road. "What about you? I heard that there may be someone."

"There may be someone." She replied. "He worked on my latest project with me."

"Is he a good man?" They asked her.

"He is." She smiled thinking about Boyd.

"I guess I may need to have a little chat with this guy." They smirked as Lizzie just laughed. That is what Y/N is like. They are protective of her and she is just as protective of them.

Robbie watched as Lizzie slept. It seemed like she hadn't slept in a while. He hated seeing her like this and there was not anything that he could do to help her.

He was soon broken out of his thoughts when there was a knock on her door.

"Hi?" Robbie asked the unknown man who knocked late in the evening.

"Hi, I'm Boyd." He introduced himself. "I heard about Y/N and I wanted to see if Lizzie was ok."

"She is finally getting some sleep." Robbie told him as he nodded.

"Please can you give these to her." He asked Robbie as he handed her a card and another envelope.

"I will." Robbie replied. Boyd gave a thankful smile before he started to walk away.

"Lizzie deserves the best." Boyd spoke as he turned back. "Y/N always made sure of that. They knew that it wasn't me. I wasn't the best for her but you may be. You might be the one who truly helps her through this."

Lizzie was sitting on the stairs from waking up after hearing the door go. Robbie smiled at him before bidding goodbye. He smiled softly as he saw Lizzie's figure sat upon the stairs.

"That was Boyd." Robbie told her.

"I heard." She spoke bluntly. "What's that?" She asked, referring to the envelope.

"He said that these were for you." He told her. She took them from him and walked to the kitchen. She opened the card and huffed reading those words over and over again.

Sorry for your loss

My deepest condolences

All of them are just meaningless words. No one truly means them. They only say them in hopes to make themselves feel better. That's all.

Lizzie then opened the envelope. It was a scrapbook of old polaroids she and Y/N had taken while she still lived with Boyd. She must have forgotten about these.

The smiles on both of their faces in every one. The dates all signed on them too.

She also saw a note from Y/N on one of the two.

Y/N was sitting in Lizzie's living room with Boyd as Lizzie was in the shower. They had the pen in their hand as they wrote something on the back of one.

'We all think that happiness comes without reason.

Truthfully it is formed from the people we surround ourselves with.

The people who care enough to do anything to make you smile.

So please never stop smiling Lizzie.

The world would become a dark place if you did.'

Boyd watched Y/N intently as they wrote.

"You really care about her don't you." He asked them as they looked at him.

"I do. I would do anything for her." They told him. "That includes beating your ass if you ever break her heart."

"Why didn't you and her ever end up together?" He asked them.

"We never saw each other like that." They told him honestly. "Yeah we love each other and want the other to be happy. But she is destined for this life and I am happy where I am."

"You're a teacher." He pointed out curiously.

"I am. I enjoy helping kids realise their dreams and help them on the right path to follow them." They told him. "I never had anyone in my life to help guide me like that. I am a child from the system. Sent to different families until they decide they're sick of my existence." Boyd felt bad for them not realising just how deep it went. "I never want a child to feel the way that I did. Feeling alone like you have no one to guide you. Then Lizzie and I became friends in Freshman year and we have been best friends ever since."

Lizzie smiled at the little poem in Y/N's handwriting. His card may not have spoken any words of comfort but this gesture spoke paragraphs. To have something that even she had forgotten about was something special. To see all of those memories again made her smile. Smiling at the memory of her best friend.

Today was a day that Lizzie wasn't ready for. She stood in her mirror putting on some make up, getting ready for her final goodbye. Robbie was dressed in his best clothes, even though he didn't know them. He didn't want Lizzie to be alone. Y/N wouldn't want her to be alone either.

Lizzie sighed as she pinned her hair up. She wasn't ready to say goodbye. But in truth no one really is. No one is ever ready for it. To watch as the one person who has supported you through everything. The one person who you turned to whenever you needed someone.

"Are you ready?" Robbie asked her. She just shook her head with her eyes closed.

"No." She whispered shakily. Not trusting her own voice. "I don't think I'll ever be ready." They both made their way downstairs to see her mum and the twins stood there waiting. They all gave her a hug, letting her know that she isn't alone. She will never be alone.

"It's time sweetie." Jarnette spoke as she wrapped her arm around her. Lizzie just nodded and followed them all out to the car.

The drive behind the hearse was quiet. They never realised how many people they had helped. How many people they had pushed to achieve their dreams. Y/N was the light that shone in many lives. The guidance that helped many to achieve greatness.

Lizzie was asked to do the eulogy for them today. She has it in her pocket written out. She has it but she can't bring herself to stand at that podium. Looking at all of the faces who had been a part in Y/N's life. Whether it be a fleeting moment or a few years. So one of their students had taken Lizzie's place.

"Y/N was a well respected teacher. The coolest." They said sadly. "They were the one to push you to be the best you can be. They helped us through the hard times too." They took a deep breath before continuing. "They always told us about Lizzie. How they had been best friends since they started to walk the halls at school. They were extremely proud of her. Of everything she had achieved. When we asked them what they wanted to be when they were a kid they would say, 'I'm living my dream. I am helping make a difference in your lives. Pushing you to believe in yourself. That was my dream.'" They sniffled lightly before they continued. "They were the most selfless person I had ever met. They had the purest soul and I know that everyone who had ever had the pleasure of even having a conversation with them will miss their witty ways."

Lizzie couldn't help the tears that fell down her face. Her mum rubbed her back soothingly as Robbie held her hand. Her eyes never left the picture of Y/N that stood beside their coffin. The smile on their face was one she always loved to see. It used to bring her hope and comfort. But all it does now is bring her pain. The realisation that she is never going to see their smile again other than in pictures. Never hear them laugh again or tell one of their bad jokes.

Y/N and Lizzie decided to sneak a blunt down by the lake at their spot. The two were laying on the grass side by side looking up at the sky.

"Do you ever wonder what it would be like to fly?" They said, causing her to look at them.

"What?" She asked them, confused.

"You know, like that scene out of Matilda. The kid with the braids." They said as they snapped their fingers. "I would look awesome with braids." Lizzie laughed at their goofiness before turning her head to the sky.

"I think it would feel free." Lizzie spoke as she watched the clouds move slightly. "Not being defined by the laws of physics."

"Wow. High Lizzie is very philofosis. Philospica." Lizzie laughed at them, sounding out the word they wanted to say. "Philosophical! BOOM! I finally got it."

Lizzie just laughed at them as they celebrated in their mellow state of mind.

Lizzie stood there and watched as they lowered the coffin into the ground. She felt like at that moment time had frozen. She was stuck in this pit of grief and sadness. She had no idea how she was going to get out of this pit.

Robbie watched as she just stood there even when everyone else had left. She stood in the sun as Y/N lay in the ground. Ready to be covered in soil. Buried and to never see the light of day again.

"Come on Liz." He spoke softly as he reached for her hand.

"They used to call me that." She whispered.

"I'm sorry." He said quickly. She shook her head waving off his apology.

"It's ok." She whispered. "This isn't how I wanted the two of you to meet." She told him

"I know." He replied. "But I am here now. I am not going anywhere." He told her softly as he pulled her into him. "I am going to be here whenever you need me." He kissed the top of her head and held her as she cried. In that moment, he made both Lizzie and Y/N a promise. He was going to protect her heart. Help her whenever she needs to. Be a shoulder for her to lean on. Just be everything she needs him to be.

As the weeks went by, Lizzie closed herself off again. Everyone tried to reach out to her. But no one was successful. She was sat in her living room going through all of the things that she had from Y/N's.

She found a shirt of theirs and brought it to her nose, taking in their scent. She couldn't stop the tears from coming at the familiar scent. The scent that she will never smell on them again. She also had a letter from the school. Inviting her to speak with the student body.

Robbie brought in some food that he knows she probably won't touch but he will keep doing it until she eats. He will be her safety net. He will be the one to catch her.

"Do you know how many hits it can take to end a life?" She asked him. "One." She answered before he could speak. "All it took was one hit to take Y/N away from me. From everyone." She turned to face him and all he could see was pain. "I have hit and banged my head multiple times and nothing. Nothing fucking happens to me. But one punch was the end of them. How is that fair? How is it fair?" She started to cry as Robbie just wrapped his arms around her. He was just there for her. That was all he needed to be.

Over the next few days leading up to Lizzie's appearance at the school. She had been distant. But as much as she doesn't want to do it. She wants to make Y/N proud. She knows that in a time like this, there are a lot of people affected by losing Y/N.

She found her way to the cemetery on the day of the assembly. She stood before the temporary marker and the mound of soil which was still fresh. She hated that this was where Y/N now was. Completely alone and in the cold.

"You know I want to hate you for leaving me. I really do but I just can't." She took a deep breath. "I just miss you so much. The only person that could help me through this is laying in the ground. You are gone Y/N/N and I am still here." She wiped the tears that started to fall. "I am still here without you. We were a package deal. It was supposed to be the two of use against the world. You and I til the end." She just looked at the pathetic marker that only read their name and the plot number. Nothing else. Nothing with meaning. It broke her heart to see it like it. "It isn't fair Y/N. It isn't fair."

She turned to look at the sky, watching as the clouds floated by. Not caring that this month has been hard on everyone.

"Well I best get going Y/N." She looked back at the grave. "I uh I have a speech to give at the school." She sighed before looking at the grave one more time. "I miss you so damn much Y/N. So damn much." She whispered before finally making her way to her car where Robbie was waiting for her.

"Are you ready?" He asked her as she just nodded. She watched as the streets went by as he drove. Most of the peopoe they had passed had probably passed by Y/N without knowing them. Not knowing what an amazing person they were.

When they had arrived at the school, Lizzie just looked at the building before her. It was heartbreaking to walk through a building that was special to Y/N. It was the place where the two met. The place where they both changed each other's lives. The place where Y/N changed many lives.

"I'm ready." She whispered as he smiled at her. He held her hand as they walked through the halls towards the gym. They sat on one of the chairs provided at the end of the bleachers. There was a multiple videos of Y/N with their students.

There was one where Y/N was using a skateboard in the school yard. She smiled at the memory of them trying to perform a new trick they learned.

Lizzie lay there on the grass watching Y/N skate. She was amazed at how talented they were. They even tried to teach her but she gave up before even letting go of Y/N's hands.

"Be careful Y/N." She called out when they carelessly jumped and grinded on the bench. Before they knew it, they had hit a nut that was sticking out and flew and banged their head into the next bench.

"I guess I know how to fly." They chuckled as Lizzie glared at them.

"I told you to be careful Y/N." She scolded them. "That is going to leave a scar." She said as she observed the wound on their cheek.

"Hey, it can be my way to get chicks." They told her with a smirk. "Chicks dig scars." Lizzie just laughed at them before carefully helping them up.

Lizzie could tell by the hour long video of Y/N and their students, they were loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing them. When she was called up to give her speech, her nerves were starting to get the better of her. But she only had to look at the picture of Y/N on the screen to give her the confidence to do this for them. She took a deep breath before she looked up at the student body.

"You know, I was supposed to give them a eulogy at their funeral but I couldn't. I couldn't bring myself to read the words that I had written. The memories I wanted to share." She took a deep breath as Robbie gave her a comforting smile. "What all this has really taught me is that One is an important number. It has so much value to it. It took one person to change many lives for the better. Y/N touched so many lives. They pushed them to reach their dreams. Their.full potential. They pushed me to follow my own." She sighed as she glanced at the picture behind her. "They knew that I would make it. They knew I could do it my way. Without the connections through my sisters." She smiled at the students who listened to her intently. "They were the most amazing person I had ever known. I had ever met. They were mine. My protector and my number one fan."

She looked towards Robbie who just smiled proudly at her.

"I know that they have lived their dream. Their dream was helping you. Being someone to listen to you when you need it most. To push you to achieve your goals in life." She told them all. "Y/N Y/L/N is our guardian angel. They were our angel when they were alive, and they still are." She turned back to the picture of Y/N. "We will continue to live for our dreams Y/N. I love you." The whole school stood up and clapped for her as she walked away. She walked back through the halls towards the car.

She was ready to move forward. Move forward with Y/N in her heart. Live for Y/N.

7 Years Later

Robbie and Lizzie were now finally married with a four year old child. Y/N Riley Olsen-Arnett. She wanted to keep Y/N's name alive and her first born was special to her. Robbie knew how much it meant to her to name them Y/N so he agreed.

"Why am I called Y/N mama?" They asked her as Lizzie picked them up into her arms.

"Well my best friend is called Y/N." She told them with a smile.

"I thought it was Clay." They said confused, causing her to giggle.

"He is my best friend but I had another one." She told them. "They died 7 years ago."

"Will you tell me about them?' They asked her.

"Someday." She smiled as she tucked them in their bed. She kissed their head before leaving the room quietly.

The first thing you forget after losing someone is the sound of their voice, their laugh. It can be heartbreaking if that One voice was always the voice of comfort or reason. The one who would help you out of so many problems. Then without the pictures, you would surely soon forget the different features like freckles or scars. The colours of their eyes. They soon drift to become a distant memory. One that you hold dearly. One that you would cherish until you meet again.

All it takes is One to either break down a wall or strengthen it. Just like it takes One person to influence a simple or a difficult decision. All it takes is One action to completely change someone's life. For better or for worse.

One is the primary factor of the universe. It can be both dangerous and safe. It's how we perceive that One that counts.

[nekohime19]

Okay so I had this idea for a shadowpeach fanfic and I found myself writing the first chap. I'm not sure if I'll continue it but, hey, I never know 🤷.

Basically, it's a "what if Wukong stayed a bimawen" story. Wukong never truly rebelled against Heaven and stayed as bimawen and Macaque is captured and ends up being Wukong assistant.

It's the monkeys being stableboys! 🐎

Also I want it to be more JTTW faithful, so Wukong character and appearance is more faithful to JTTW, same with Macaque where he doesn't exactly have the same character or appearance than in LMK.

I think I'll call it the Bimawen Au.

The sun was piercing the last remainders of the night, chasing away the darkness in the earth's corners. The birds were singing outside of the wooden shack, perching on the trees highest branches, they celebrated the dawn in joy. Jing liked to see them. He found beauty in the way they ruffle their feathers, in the way their wings unfolded and cut the air around them. He wondered what it would feel like to fly, to taste the winds roaming the world and go wherever he wished. To live with his whims, never shackled by his earthly flesh. He liked to imagine himself as a god. How free must it be to live above others? To parade in the Region Above? But he never voiced those desires, keeping them in the confine of his heart, for fear of being punished by the gods, the spirits and the constellations living above him. Jing sighed and left the edge of his window, he ruffled his hair in a vain attempt of brushing them and took his white tunic. He put it on, the ragged linen robe falling right above his tights, on his loose linen pants. He settled his slash properly and left his room bare-feated.

To his surprise, his grandmother was awake. She was dandling in the kitchen, cutting peaches with great care, her work lightened by one single wavering candle. She looked odd in the dim-light of the dawn, there was something in her eyes that Jing had never seen before, something akin to fear. But what could she be afraid of? She spent most of her days with them, resting until her final breath, basking in peace. She was the eldest of their poor village. She was so old, in fact, that most people believed she already saw Ox-Head and Bull-Head and was intimate with them. Rumors, of course. Jing didn't partake in such baseless whispers. His grandmother was a good woman. She served their family dutifully and was simply awaiting for her fated end.

“Why do you look so tense, grandmother ?” Asked Jing as he approached her. She flinched, something unusual for her, and turned towards him with a tense smile. The expression was odd. As if it didn't belong on her wrinkled face. For a second Jing saw something overlapping with his grandmother's face, a wavering image of another, quickly brushed away by the candle flickering flame. Jing shook his head, perhaps he was still a bit drowsy, his mind was playing tricks on him.

“Why are you up so early?” Asked his grandmother, she eyed the peaches she cut for a bit, before finally taking one. Another oddness, his grandmother hated peaches, she found them too sweet. “You should be sleeping.”

Jing raised an eyebrow, something felt wrong, something was wrong. He hesitated a little, her bead-like eyes boring into his skin like an iron rod, before deciding that, mayhaps, he should return to his room. He eyed the way her teeth sinked into the juicy flesh, how sharp her teeth's edges were, almost like fangs, and gulped.

“I'm just… I heard a noise… I'll go back.” Mumbled Jing as he took a step back, sweat glistening on his forehead. His grandmother eyed him up and down, accessing something within her mind before shrugging and returning to her peaches.

“Yes, you should.”

Jing returned to his room with a nervous twitch in his fingers, he closed his door and went to his bed, eyes lost in the void. He flinched when he heard the sound of their house's main door opening, the old wood cracking in the silence. He closed his eyes when he heard the sky rumbling with thunder, shouts echoing outside of their house. He trembled at the sound of barking. When he dared to glance outside of his window, he saw a black-furred monkey wearing his grandmother's clothes being dragged in the sky by a man with three eyes.

Jing stayed paralyzed for an hour, eyes widened.

Later on that day, he and his family found their grandmother muzzled, sleeping peacefully in the attic. The very same attic his supposed grandmother decided to seal three months ago.

***

He was in prison.

Not that it was new, he often found himself in prison. Thrown in crass-covered floors, pushed behind cold wooden walls, left in the darkness. He was quite certain that, at this point, he visited every prison in China. He was a connoisseur of prisonnery art, if you could call him like that. He was intimate with the cangues, long time friends of the carved days on the wooden walls, and ally with the fleeting roaches stumbling inside of his cage. He knew it all by heart, the wooden cage almost more familiar than the outside world. Yet what he knew most about prisons was how to escape them. He was an artist in escapery, his claws sharpened specifically to pick on locks, his words carved to entice and lure the wandering wardens, his fur blackened to merge with the shadows and escape the nearby eyes. He was a monkey of many talents, and escapery was one of his best. What aided him the most in his escapery was his numerous ears. Six, three on each side of his head, able to hear from 600 li around him if he focused enough. It was particularly helpful to know warden' rounds and when to plot his escape, it was also great to blackmail the wardens, taunting them with their dirtiest secrets. After all, he could so easily let the fact that one slept with another wife fall out of his mouth.

Perhaps it was because he knew so much of prisons that he realized, the second he was thrown in this one, that he wouldn't be able to escape. It looked like any other prison with wooden walls, wetted floor and the rather pitiful sight of a slaughtered mat hidden in one corner. It was familiar. At least, he thought it was, until he tried to hear and was suffocated by silence. That never happened before, silence was unknown to him, something he never experienced in his whole life, until now. It was terrifying. To not be able to know what was going on outside of the cage, to hear nothing but his frantic heart and the blood flowing inside of his veins, he felt utterly alone. He was used to hearing everything, to hear the breaths of the ones besides him, to hear the numerous hearts of man's and animals, even the rush of water inside of plants. He was used to noise.

The black-furre monkey leaned on one of the walls and sat, his ears fluttering like the wings of a hummingbird, trying to catch even one speck of noise outside of his cage. He must be quite the sight. A monkey coated in his own blood, a red swelling bite mark on his torso, with ears vibrating like crazy.

A pitiful sight at most.

“Heaven's prisons are something else.” He chuckled as he looked up, the symbol of Heaven mocking him, carved on the ceiling like a brand of ownership. The symbol, like a lot of Chinese letters, made him think of rivers. One long stream separated at the foot in two different ways, cut at the middle by one short stroke, and at the top by another. It was almost sickening to see their pride as the great one. He had never thought much of the gods, not one to mess with the Region Above, not when he knew of their ruthlessness. He thought they would never act. They had never been one to mingle with the mortal realm. Perhaps, he took it too far… Or Heaven had plans for him. In any case, he had been captured and thrown here, that's all that mattered now.

He could only wait for his fate.

The black-furred monkey curled on himself, his long tail coiling at his feet, encircling him in a pitiful attempt of comfort. He buried his head in his knees and waited, ears still fluttering, in the mad hope of catching a whisper of his fate. The floor was cold, icing his butt so much he was sure the flesh was reddening. He had been stripped of his clothes after being captured, perhaps they had been afraid he hid something on himself. He was glad to have fur on his shoulders. From the look of the frost-covered bones besides the ragged mat, furless beings didn't last long here.

He exhaled, his breath cutting his lips, coming out in white puffs. He controlled his breathing, in and out, trying to reign in his feelings. He closed his eyes, letting darkness fall upon him, not that the wavering rays of light passing through the covered windows in front of his cage offered much to begin with.

The cangue which trapped his neck and wrists was not made of wood, like he was used to, but of cold metal. He was sure that if he wore it for too long, the fur under will disappear and leave in its wake only bruised skin. The metal was ice-cold, perhaps more than the floor, the coldness spread to his hands and head, enough to almost paralyzed them. He feared that he wouldn't feel them anymore if he stayed there any longer. He needed to move.

The prisoner looked up and glared at the front wall, he sensed that something was wrong with it, yet he wondered if he should still try and go against his keen instinct. He rose, his bones cracking each at a time, and walked towards the wall. The moment he tried to graze it with his tail, he was struck by a sudden pain and recoiled, as if burned. He looked at his tail and scowled when he saw his flesh reddening, it wasn't a feeling, he had been burned.

The one who thought of Heaven's prisons was a madman, internally cursed the black-furred monkey as he returned to his corner. He approached the ragged mat after a while and sniffed it, seeking warmth. He recoiled at the smell of disease and the sight of moths and stayed on the floor despite not feeling his butt anymore.

He waited patiently, hoping that he could trick the wandering wardens with enough luck. He waited but none came, none even bothered to bring him food. He was starved for four days, the fat on his body rapidly melting, leaving behind only a bag of fur and bones. He was feeling weaker and weaker with every passing hour. He relented and drank the water coming from the ceiling, despite it smelling rotten, and slept on the mat despite the filth. He ate the moths, trying to fill his body with something other than dry saliva. It was in the middle of the fourth day that someone finally came to him, someone he would rather avoid.

The macaque looked up from his ragged mat and narrowed his eyes at the newcomer, he was expressionless, armor catching the rare ray of light and absorbing them. Erlang looked good, despite being maimed four days ago, distantly the black-furred monkey had hoped the marks he left on the god's flesh would have lasted longer.

“Are you here to mock me?” Growled the prisoner, bead-like eyes glinting with murderous intent.

“You brought this on yourself, Six-eared Macaque.” Replied Erlang with an expressionless face. He opened his cell and walked towards him, steps echoing in the silence.

“Your lapdog isn't with you? What happened to it?” Sneered the macaque as the god got closer, Erlang glared at him with something akin to rage in his eyes. The macaque was genuinely glad Erlang's oversized dog wasn't here, the last time he crossed eyes with the beast, it had bitten him so hard its fangs broke almost every bone in his body.

“This doesn't concern you.” Spat Erlang as he crouched down before the prisoner. If the macaque wasn't tired and starved, he would bolt out of the cell. As it was, the black-furred monkey was weak and discouraged. Where would he even hide? He was in Heaven, in the Region Above, an entire different realm. Even if he escaped, he wouldn't be able to come down, he wouldn't know how. And even if he somehow managed to return to the mortal realm, Heaven would hunt him down for the remainder of his life. Perhaps the best course of action was to let them decide his fate. Erlang pulled on the chain tied to his cangue, the prisoner stumbled forward, forced out of his mat. He bared his fangs at the god in a weak attempt of intimidation but Erlang shrugged it off and pulled him out of the prison. They passed by other cages, each prisoner more pitiful than the last, before leaving the dungeons.

***

Heaven was a bright place. He didn't see much when he was dragged by the scarf of his neck and thrown in prison, too busy trying to bite and claw at Erlang. He couldn't see much this time either, his vision wavering because of his lack of proper food. But he did manage to notice the numerous palaces and terraces of the different Constellations and Stars Spirits.

Heaven was also loud. Now that he could finally properly hear, he was overwhelmed by waves upon waves of sounds. He didn't have time to regain his senses, he was already dragged around by the god. The black-furred monkey couldn't properly see where they were going, he was still railing with sensory overload, he only felt the pull of the chain becoming harsher and tighter if he dared to slow down even for a second. He at least noticed that they entered a lavish decorated palace called the Golden-gated Cloud Palace, the name carved on top of the front door. He was pulled inside, stumbling in the white corridors until they reached the Treasure Hall of Divine Mists, a white lavish room decorated with fiery red pillars and filled with Constellations and Stars Spirits. He was brought to his knees before a throne, heads pressed on the white stone-cold floor, still nude, bruised and imprisoned inside of the cangue.

“So this is the Six-eared Macaque?” The voice was deep, it resonated like thunder yet it held neither hatred nor anger. It was sharp, like the edge of a blade, but devoid of any pronounced feeling. The black-furred monkey tried to look up but he was still pushed down by Erlang. From under his sweat-covered lashes, he could only glimpse at the foot of the throne, a seat of gold and jade, carved with dragons. The feet of the Jade Emperor were lavish, at least the prisoner assumed it was the Jade Emperor. Who else could dare sit on this throne if not the Emperor of the gods? The hem of his robe was of the purest of gold, sawn by pearl-white threads, his shoes resembled the most intricate of woodwork, carved by the finest artisan. He distantly realized that the tip of the Emperor's foot was worth more than his entire life. The Constellations and Stars Spirits dispatched in the room, all perfectly aligned on each side of the throne, eyed him with warriness. Each one of his thrills made them flinch, the black-furred monkey didn't dare fathom why they seemed to fear him, what were they seeing instead of him? He never attacked Heaven nor showed his strength. He wasn't weak but he never abused his power, yet they looked at him as if they knew his nature. “Let the trial begin.” Those simple words made him shiver. A trial. They brought him to the feet of the Jade Emperor to judge him. Weren't they already aware of his crimes? Why would they bother with a trial? Mayhaps, it was a show of power, of humiliation, to put him in his place. It was the only reason that made sense in his opinion.

The prisoner was still not allowed to straighten, he heard someone walk towards him, their steps heavily resolved. The person stopped at his right. From the corners of his eyes the black-furred monkey recognized a pair of lavish feet and the low sweep of a lizard tail. They reeked of water, salted water to be more precise, the pure pearls sawn at the tip of the foot made him believe this was a Dragon King, those kinds of lavish ornaments weren't for anybody. He hoped it wasn't Aoquin, Dragon King of the South, but with his rotten luck and considering this was his trial, it was probably him.

“This wretched ape took my life for one year!” Accused the Dragon King, definitely Aoquin considering his lower tone and the way his voice echoed like the shrill scream of a hyena. The prisoner remembered when he disguised himself as Aoquin, it took him days to master his voice, finding the perfect pitch between a screeching cat and crays scratching a board. He did find it eventually and had in his search gained new respect for Aoquin, keeping such a voice was taxing on the throat. One of the Dragon King's feet was stomping on the snow-white floor, the black-furred monkey wanted to bite it, but he managed himself, he didn't want to aggravate his case.

“Do you have proof?” Asked the Jade Emperor, like always an example of true neutrality. The prisoner liked that about him, contrary to many mortal sovereigns that found themselves inflated by their position and used such occasions to showcase their power, the Jade Emperor cared about the result, there was a search for justice in the way he handled things. Mayhaps because he didn't get to the throne by birthright but by ongoing numerous tribulations, he didn't use his position to abuse others, especially during trials. It didn't mean he didn't have a sense of pride, the black-furred monkey heard enough tales to know that the Jade Emperor could be quick to anger if provoked.

The prisoner couldn't see, still pushed to the ground by Erlang, but he heard the familiar rustling of clothes (it sounded like silk, so perhaps Aoquin) and something being brought in the hall. He was rather curious. He wondered what the Dragon King brought to incriminate him. He probably prepared an entire speech devoted to putting him down, it was flattering in a way to be the object of such an intense obsession. If he wasn't a coward he'd mock the dragon by thanking him. As it was, the Six-eared Macaque was rather afraid of powerful beings such as the Jade Emperor, so he decided to stay still and obedient while he was under his gaze, hoping his fate would be kinder if he did.

“You see, it happened two years ago, in the middle of spring!” Began Aoquin, his voice softened by sorrow. The prisoner was certain it happened in the middle of winter but he let the dragon have his fun, what good were his words anyway? “I was relaxing in my crystal palace when this wretched ape came to my doors and asked for housing. I was surprised to see an ape in the middle of the water but I took pity on him and invited him in. He spent one week with me before departing. I thought we were friends! But the next day after his departure he secretly came to my room and knocked me out with some sleeping spell! He then tied me up and hid me under my own bed and took my appearances. He paraded as me for one year! Nobody even noticed the differences!! He messed with my domain, my finances, my harvests!! When he finally got sick of my life he left and my servants discovered me under the bed! My kingdom is in shambles because of him!” There were some inaccuracies here and there but for the most part it was true. It's not as if he wanted to leave Aoquin's kingdom in shambles, but it would have been idiotic to take over his life and not have fun with it. The whole point of taking another appearance is for pleasure. Either for luxury, glory or indulgences.

“What does the macaque have to say for his defense?” At the Jade Emperor's words, he was relieved of the crushing weight pushing him down and allowed to straighten. His back cried in pain as he slowly rose, his eyes roamed over the room, taking in the hall. They were more people than he thought, now that he narrowed his eyes he could also spot Constellations and Stars Spirits that lived in the Region Bellow. Was his trial so entertaining that even the far southward spirits came to witness it? He even spotted the bodhisattva Mansjuri among the rows of gods, his wheat colored face gleaming with this serene shine characteristic of buddhists disciples close to nirvana. The black-furred monkey gulped and turned towards the Jade Emperor, his face was of marbre, black beard shining like a river of ink, eyes boring into his skin. At the Emperor's side stood his prized advisor, the Gold Star of Venus, he was entirely dressed in white, his long hair and beard flowing on his shoulders like streams of snow.

“It is mostly true.” Muttered the prisoner, for what could he do but speak the truth? If he dared lie in this place his fate would worsen! The Emperor's face straightened at that, expression darkening.

“Erlang Shen, you were the one to capture the macaque, what do you have to say about his crimes?” Asked the Emperor, Erlang straightened, his arms tightly clasped behind his back in a very formal poise.

“I hunted the macaque for several days, he was posing as a common grandmother. He was rather… difficult to deal with… I had to borrow the wisdom of wind spirits to escape his hearing and Laozi diamond cutter to catch him. From my own investigation and the numerous rumors, he is known in the Region Below as the face-stealer, he had been captured numerous times by mortals but had always managed to escape one way or another.” Erlang Shen report was truthful and succinct, it held a hint of sharpness, perhaps the god still felt bitter about their strife. The black-furred monkey flinched when he felt the Emperor gaze pin him down, he knew what awaited him, but he at least hoped for some sort of mercy.

“Then he is found guilty. He should be executed for his crimes!” The sentence echoed in the room like thunder, the different gods all nodded eagerly, agreeing with the Emperor's verdict. The Gold Star of Venus frowned but he held his tongue, only gazing at the macaque with something akin to pity, more of the pity in losing a valuable asset than compassion itself. The prisoner shoulders lowered in defeat, he had hoped for mercy but as he expected Heaven was ruthless with criminals. It's not as if he wanted to make others suffer or spread misery, the only thing brewing inside of him was envy, it has always been nothing but envious acts. But when it comes down to it he did mess with people's lives, perhaps this was karmic retribution.

“Wait!” The cry pierced the hall, rumbling in the midst of whispers. The Emperor turned towards the one who dared to speak and frowned when he caught sight of the bodhisattva Guanyin. The prisoner turned towards her, surprised by her sudden outburst. She was graceful, her milk-white skin almost translucent, her movements weightless and her eyes filled with compassion. “How old are you?” She asked the macaque, her voice soothing like the kind swell of the sea.

“300 years old.” Carefully replied the black-furred monkey, he was immediately surprised by the gasps and whispers slithering in the room. Some dared to call him “a babe” and he had to bite his lips to restrain his growling. He wasn't an infant, far from it, he lived more than any other monkey in the mortal realm, perhaps because he wasn't exactly normal like any other. Celestials had an odd conception of time.

“Emperor, he's still very young, he has time to learn new ways. Perhaps, we should offer him a chance at redemption.” Proposed Guanyin. The prisoner perked up at the mention of redemption, he wasn't really convinced of mending his ways but the premise of escaping death was alluring all the same.

“How would you even try to change the ape? He's wretched.” Spat Aoquin, his arms crossed in anger. He averted his eyes when Guanyin turned towards him, even him wasn't presumptuous enough to glare at a bodhisattva.

“We could put him under the tutelage of the bimawen.” Guanyin's words silenced the hall, all gods and spirits stared at her with widening eyes. Even the Jade Emperor tensed in surprise. Aoquin almost choked on his own tongue, he then turned towards the prisoner with something akin to pity in his eyes. The black-furred monkey remembered hearing of this peculiar title, the spirits of the mortal realm whispered it with terror and reverence, but he never took the time to delve into the matter. Mayhaps he should have.

“Bodhisattva Guanyin, do you remember who the bimawen is?” Carefully asked the Emperor, there was something haunted in his eyes, as if he remembered a particularly challenging time.

“Precisely. It's because I remember that I am proposing this. Didn't the bimawen mend his ways? Perhaps, he would be able to guide the Six-eared Macaque.” Her words divided the hall, some found themselves agreeing with her logic while others thought it was terrible (they whispered about how putting two powerful beasts together could endanger the realms, but the black-furred monkey didn't pay attention, he was focused on the Emperor and his decision). The Gold Star of Venus leaned in the Emperor's ears and whispered. The prisoner opened his ears to catch his words. “Emperor” he began “The bimawen had been pestering us for attendants for a while, perhaps this could be an occasion. Moreover the Six-eared Macaque gift could be of great use to us.” The Jade Emperor frowned at those words, he turned towards the macaque and eyed him up and down, his gaze piercing every inch of the black-furred monkey. The prisoner remained still, trying to look as harmless as he could. “Who shall be the one to warn the bimawen of this?” Asked the Jade Emperor, silence prevailed in the room, every gods and spirits averted their eyes, hoping to not be chosen.

“I will.” Sighed Guanyin. “I will take care of this matter and present the Six-eared Macaque to the bimawen.” The Jade Emperor seemed greatly satisfied by her answer, he closed the trial with one flick of wrist and settled on his throne eased. The prisoner was pulled forward by Erlang Shen, the god gripped his chain and gazed at him with narrowed eyes. From this close, he could see the third eye resting on the god's forehead, the fiery pupil boring into him. Erlang then proceeded to pull him towards Guanyin, his chains creating noise in the silence. Erlang stopped before the bodhisattva and nodded respectfully, the black-furred monkey gulped once her shadow was cast on his small body. As a monkey he was less than four chi tall, everyone constantly towered above him no matter what he tried to do. Only children were of his height.

“Do you want me to accompany you in case this ape causes you some problems, bodhisattva Guanyin?”

“No need, Erlang Shen.” Replied Guanyin with serenity. “The Six-eared Macaque will be well in my hands.” Erlang, though reluctant, nodded and let the macaque go. He threw one last warning gaze at him before turning around and leaving, his footsteps heavy in the halls.

“Follow me, Six-eared Macaque.” The prisoner rushed to follow after her retreating figure, chasing after the hem of her pearl-white robe. At her side walked Hui'an, one of her loyal disciples, and Mansjuri, one of her Buddhist brothers. The black-furred monkey didn't even dare to lift his head once they left the Treasure Hall of Divine Mists, he was still nude and stuck inside of his cangue, he did not dare to do anything in this state.

***

Guanyin summoned her cloud bathed in auspicious lights and settled on it gracefully. Hui’an sat beside her and Mansjuri mounted his blue-furred lion. The prisoner hesitated before slowly stepping on the bodhisattva's cloud, the texture was soft yet firm, like bouncing water. He quietly sat behind Guanyin, his long tail curled around his naked butt as he tried to shield himself from the breeze of Heaven. As the cloud soared above the Region, he kept his head low, not wanting to cross eyes with any wandering gods.

Guanyin stepped out of her cloud before a smaller palace colored like jade and pearl, above the pearl-white doors were inscribed : Palace of Compassion. The prisoner awkwardly followed the goddess as the doors of the Palace opened. Contrary to the Jade Emperor palace, this one was less filled, some attendants were cleaning the corners of the humble corridors but not that many. Guanyin stopped walking before a carmin door and ordered her disciple with a single gesture. “Clean and clothe him, we will find the bimawen tomorrow morning.” The black-furred monkey watched until he couldn't see her robe flowing on the cleaned tiles, her Buddhist brother at her side. He was pulled inside of the room by Hui’an and some nearby attendants. They prepared a bucket filled with mid-warm clear water and pushed him to the corner of the room, where the floor was made of wood. They plunged a white cloth in the water and slowly began to clean him, passing the cloth on his bruised skin. He flinched, not used to the contact, and instinctively tried to recoil.

“Do not fret, we will not harm you.” Mumbled Hui’an, his sleeve raised to his elbows, hands wetted by the water. It was odd to be tented by him, if he recalled right, Hui'an was the second son of Devaraja Li, also known as Prince Moksa. He was far from being a nobody, yet he followed the bodhisattva, embracing his Buddhist name, Hui'an, wholeheartedly, tending to him, a monster monkey. The black-furred monkey couldn't help but flinch each time Hui'an touched him. The disciple sighed once he saw his reaction, compassion on his lips, very much like his master. He couldn't understand why they showed him so much kindness. He wasn't a good person by all means. Yet it did make his heart shiver pleasantly, he shoved the feeling deep down in his psyche before it could blossom in something more.

“We have to bandage his wound and… do something about this cangue.” Called one attendant, she was carefully washing his back, her round eyes narrowing now and then every time she stumbled upon one of his scars.

“Bring medical supplies and someone goes to the prison, asks for the key to his cangue!” Ordered Hui'an, the attendants nodded and rushed out of the room. The black-furred monkey narrowed his eyes at the mention of the key to his cangue, but he dared not to speak. His fate was in those people's hands, he might as well let them do as they pleased. Nonetheless, Hui'an noticed his discomfort, he put one of his hands on the prisoner's shoulders and squeezed it, a meaningless gesture of consolation, the black-furred monkey found it more uncomfortable than anything. He curled on himself, back pressed to the wall, and waited patiently for this to end. Hui'an looked at him with pity, again, and took the bucket, now filled with filthy water. He walked to the end of the room and opened the door leading to the inner garden of the palace, he hesitated after taking one step out, gaze lingering on the prisoner.

“I'm not gonna flee.” Sighed the black-furred monkey with furrowed eyebrows. Hui'an averted his eyes, almost ashamed, and stepped outside to empty the bucket. He was left alone for a few minutes, he observed the room, noticing how it wasn't much filled. Perhaps Guanyin wasn't one for fancy decorations. He wondered what his life would be like now. Was he fated to cater the whims of this so-called bimawen for the reminder of his existence? Who was even this guy? He heard of a lot of things in his life but he wasn't powerful enough to eavesdrop on the Region Above, everything that happened in Heaven was unattainable for his ears. As such, he truly had no idea about this strange title that seemed to scare spirits and gods alike. By thoughts alone, it should have something to do with horses. If bi meant avoiding, if ma meant horse, and if wen meant plague, then by pure logic it meant : To avoid the horse plague. Was it a title meant for some sort of horse doctor ? He mulled over the subject for a bit and frowned at some of his thoughts. Did they push him on this so-called bimawen to mock him? He knew some of the mortals' beliefs. He ought to after living among them for so long. As such he knew putting a female monkey in stables was considered a sign of good luck for the horses’ health. Somehow, they believed the blood shed by female monkeys’ on their menstruation circle infused the hay with some sort of healing property. The macaque couldn't really understand this belief, blood was blood, no matter the species, but mortals, in particular humans, tended to have the strangest minds. Were they mocking him by putting him under the bimawen orders? He frowned at the thought, even if he was quite the coward, he loathed to be made fun of the most.

Hui'an returned shortly after his musing, bucket filled anew with clear water, the attendants arrived a few minutes after him with arms entirely full. They put the clothes aside, and began to carefully put a shooting balm on his bruised skin, and then bandage his wounds. The most prominent was the bite swelling on his chest and the traces of the cutter on his back, it marred his skin with red, becoming white at the edges due to his poor hygiene. Once again, he endured the touches without liking it, bearing every graze with bitten lips. They sometimes wetted the bandages with water, but it did nothing to appease him. Once he was more or less healed, one attendant approached with a charcoal-black key in her hands. Hui'an took it carefully and slowly removed his cangue. He shivered once the cold metal hit the soft floor of the room, its sight unnatural within the light colors of the palace. As he expected, the skin under the cangue was marred by red and progressively swelling, his luscious black fur dried and abused by the metal. One attendant dutifully cleaned his neck and wrists with a cloth drenched in clear water, then Hui'an applied the soothing balm. Once he was deemed healed they helped him put on the hanfu they prepared for him. He wasn't used to the softness of the tissue, nor the pale green of it, it shone brightly against his midnight fur. It felt good to not be nude anymore, he hadn’t realized how vulnerable he had felt without any clothes on his shoulders before being properly dressed.

Hui'an nodded to the attendants in thanks before gesturing for the macaque to follow him outside of the room. The black-furred monkey wanted to stay and curl in one corner, let the darkness cover him, but he pushed past those urges and followed Guanyin's disciple outside. They wandered in the palace humble corridors in silence, their steps echoing on the wooden walls.

“I didn't know that the bodhisattva Guanyin had a palace in Heaven.” Mumbled the prisoner, he needed something to fill the silence, the lack of noises reminded him of the four days he spent locked in the silent prison.

“She doesn't reside here. The Jade Emperor offered it to her, but she spent most of her time on Potalaka Mountain.” The prisoner nodded at that, some deep part of himself whined a little at the thought of not seeing her anymore (not a lot of people stuck out their neck for him in his lifetime) but he quickly shook his head to brush away the thought, attachment was dangerous, he shouldn't indulge this part of himself. Sometimes, he loathed the part of himself that required company, for he knew enough by now to understand that bonds were weaknesses. “We should feast, and then I'll guide you to your bed. We will head to the bimawen tomorrow morning.” The prisoner nodded, the idea of food immediately raising his spirits. Hui'an guided him to a larger room, one with a wide wooden table. Guanyin and her Buddhist brother Mansjuri were already sitting before the table, strangely enough they did not touch the food. Hui'an bowed the second he spotted them, the black-furred monkey awkwardly followed his lead and bowed despite his injuries crying in pain. They settled before the two bodhisattvas and quietly ate the vegetarian dishes. The prisoner eyed Hui'an from the corner of his eyes and followed his leads when it came to table manners, he had no idea on what was the custom in the Region Above and he refused to make a fool of himself by eating like he always did. He used the spoon when Hui'an used it, the fork when he used it, the glass when he used it, and ate the same amount as him.

Vegetarian dishes tasted blend, he was not used to the lightness of it. He preferred the heaviness of meat most of the time, not caring if his cannibalism tendencies spoiled his breath. But he was very much aware that he couldn't practice this sort of diet in Heaven, as such he gulped the dishes despite wanting to vomit at the taste of them. He noticed rather quickly that the bodhisattvas weren't touching any dishes, he wondered if their buddhists teaching really stripped them of any earthly desires, even one as instinctual as hunger, it was an odd existence to consider.

“Are you not curious about why you are here?” The macaque flinched at the voice, he lifted his head and crossed eyes with Mansjuri, his gaze, like any bodhisattva, held nothing but endless patience and closeness to true peace. He was leaning over the table, his amber skin gleaming under the room's dim light, one of his hands rested lazily over the hilt of his sword.

“Brother, I do not think he is aware of his ability.” Quietly replied Guanyin.

“Mayhaps it has not manifested yet. I thought you were all-hearing.” Softly mumbled Mansjuri, his voice serene like the blossom of peaches dancing in the spring breeze.

“How are you both aware of my abilities?” Spoke the macaque, contrary to what they seemed to believe, he wasn't all-hearing, not in the least. But they spoke as if his nature had no secrets. Perhaps, as bodhisattvas they did have the possibility to peek at the secrets veiled by the universe, but even then, it was rather suspicious.

“When the Dragon King, Aoquin, sent a formal complaint about you, Heaven learned of your existence for the very first time. Based on tumultuous past experiences with monkeys, they seeked knowledge about you. Buddha Tathagata was the one to reveal your nature… and it worried Heaven.” Replied Hui'an as he laid down his dish. It explained a few things, as expected, if he hadn't bothered Aoquin, none of this would have even happened.

“What did the Buddha say?” Asked the prisoner, curious about his own nature.

“He qualifies you as a macaque with a sensitive ear, a discernment of fundamentals principles, a knowledge of past and future and a comprehension of all things.” the black-furred monkey cheeks burned at Mansjuri words. He wasn't presumptuous enough to question Buddha's words, but still he wasn't as great as what he was described as. He could glimpse in the past and the future, but it never lasted long. Perhaps, his abilities would grow with him, and one day he would embody Tathagata words. For now, he was nothing but a less-than-four-chi macaque with multiple pairs of ears. The rest of the feast was spent in silence, Hui'an guided him to a bed after this and left him in peace.

The prisoner collapsed on the wooden bed, his body still aching. He did not take the time to change, uncaring of this sort of thing, and closed his eyes. He didn't really know what to think anymore. If it was up to him, he'd spend his whole life indulging in pleasure, uncaring of others. But he had to think of his survival here. If there was one thing that could push him to let go of his ways, it was the fear of dying. He raised his spirits by telling himself that the bimawen could be kinder than most thought. It was his last silver if hope in this unfamiliar place, surrounded by people he did not trust. He curled in the sheet, relishing in the softness, it was almost painful with how unfamiliar it was. He laid his head on the wooden pillow and sighed. He didn't sleep much, a few hours at best, and stayed in his bed until Hui'an went to wake him up. Guanyin's disciple winced at his state, probably because the macaque didn't take the time to change before going to bed. He offered him a carmin hanfu in the guise of clothing and helped him change. Once he was properly dressed they headed to eat some breakfast, the black-furred monkey forced himself to swallow some dishes, perhaps vegetarian food will be easier to digest the more he tried.

Guanyin and Mansjuri looked the same as yesterday, perfect and serene in the way they held themselves. It was unsettling to not see one wrinkle on their skin, nor one sign of exhaustion. They looked anything but humans. But yet it would have been weirder if they did. They were above, close to reaching enlightenment, but deciding to stop in their own path to buddhahood to guide mortals. He couldn't understand this show of compassion, he couldn't understand the need to help others. All his life, the only thing that has ever mattered for him was himself. He never felt anything for others, and even if he did try, in the first years of his existence, it became fruitless. He lived for himself, basking in his own selfishness. He never thought of others nor of the consequences of his actions.

“Why do you help me?” Asked the prisoner once they finished their breakfast, unable to help himself after musing for so long on the uselessness of compassion. Both bodhisattva looked at him with softened eyes. He didn't like it. He loathed that look. He wanted to claw at their faces. Ruin their perfect skin, white as the moon for her, tan like the sun for him. He hated it. Why were they so impeccable? He wanted to make them bend, he was tired of looking up at everyone coming his way.

He wanted to spoil them, like he was spoiled, yet he restrained himself, for he was afraid of punishment.

“Because you need it.” Replied Mansjuri, his voice soft as always, yet firm, each word said with his utmost belief.

“Everyone can change.” Added Guanyin with a smile fresh as the first peaches of the spring harvest.

The macaque lips tightened, growls on the tip of his tongue. It didn't make any sense. They didn't make any sense. How could such selfless beings even exist? Perhaps, that was the divide between mere mortals and bodhisattvas, their intentions unfathomable for the likes of him. His eyebrow twitched angrily at the thought. He loathed to be looked down upon. He tightened his fists and hid it inside of his sleeves.

He needed to control himself.

***

Both bodhisattvas left the Palace of Compassion soon after breakfast, the macaque followed the hem of their robes, running after them, like the hound chasing the prize. Like always, Hui'an was at Guanyin's side, walking alongside her with ease. They summoned their clouds and Manocalmed for his lion, the black-furred monkey once again settled in the back of Guanyin's. If he was bolder, he would settle on the front, feel the wind in his fur, admire Heaven from above, but as it was he didn't want to anger them. The travel was incredibly short, the clouds fast enough to reach all corners of Heaven in a matter of minutes. Bodhisattvas and disciples stopped before a lavish mansion, it looked like it was made of stones but polished until it shone brighter than any jewels. The macaque wondered if the one living in this place wanted to capture all the rays of the sun, because each time light fell on the stone it became trapped within the smooth surface, making it shine even brighter. The roof was made of striking red tiles decorated with statues of monkeys. All monkeys were carved with joy on their faces, sculpted to be playing on the edge of the roof, running across the tiles with laughter. Plants and flowers bloomed at the foot of the door, completely untamed, creating a path of lush grass. Twenty four lances with banners screaming BIMAWEN were planted in front of the gates. Hui'an took the golden hoop resting on the stone gates and knocked, the sound echoing in the peaceful silence.

The prisoner suddenly heard whispers blooming behind the door, surprisingly enough they all sounded the same, as if a hoard of twins lived in this place. After a few minutes, the doors bursted open, violently slammed by a blonde-furred monkey dressed in red. The lavish round-neck robe looked ruffled, as if he slept with it, and his soft-winged futou was falling on one side of his head, unable to contain his knotted mane. His face was ball-like round and incredibly hairy, he had the beak of a thunder god and forked ears pointing towards the sky. His cheeks along with his body were sunken, almost as if someone dug into his very flesh. His fur was lush, abondant, so much that the macaque felt like he could drown in it. The monkey nodded at the two bodhisattvas (but unlike any other he did not bow) and smiled broadly at them, his upward fangs glinting under Heaven's halo.

“Bimawen.” Respectfully greeted Guanyin. “You weren't at the Jade Emperor audience yesterday.”

“The Jade Emperor does those things too early, it's never of great importance for me anyway.” Shrugged the blonde-furred monkey, seemingly unfearful of Heaven's wrath.

“This one would have. The Jade Emperor decided to heed your request and give you an attendant.” Added Mansjuri as he softly gestured towards the macaque. The bimawen brightened considerably, his eyes quickly falling upon the prisoner’s figure. The macaque felt uncomfortable under the intense scrutiny, he averted his eyes and bit his lips.

“That's good! It was time! Why is he so ugly though?” the black-furred monkey furiously perked up at the insult. Yes, he was perhaps not at his best, not after being starved for four days, but still it was incredibly rude. He glared at the blonde monkey, his eyes narrowed in slits.

“You're the ugly one.” He spat, fangs bared. The bimawen's good-natured expression immediately darkened, he glared at the macaque, his own fangs bared. The macaque flinched and ran behind Guanyin, hiding behind her white robe.

He messed up.

+ some notes to understand

Region Above : Heaven

Ox-Head and Bull-Head : The two servants of Yama who bring the dead souls in the underworld. There are several stories of people coming back to life and claiming to have seen those two monsters.

Cangue : wooden pillory used to shackle the wrists and neck

Li : Ancient Chinese measurement, 1 li = 576 meters

Bodhisattva : Buddhist sage who is very close to buddhahood but decided to stop to guide the others.

Chi : Ancient Chinese measurement 1 chi = 31,8cm (12,3in); 10 chi = 1 zhang ; 1 zhang = 3,18m (10,43ft) ; 1m = 3 chi. Here, less than four chi = less than 1,3m.

Next

[the-whispers-of-death]

One-Sided Love (Or Is It?)

Kali, who yearns to sleep side by side with Stone. There's a body-shaped dent in his mattress that can only be filled by Stone.

Stone, who turns his head to the side every time he's outside and looking at the stars. He craves to see Kali sitting beside him, star-gazing with him.

Kali, who finds himself jotting down songs from Bollywood movies. He knows the songs that Stone likes and tries to get the vinyl records of the albums he thinks Stone would love.

Stone, who uses his military computer to ship Kali books about wolves. He knows they're Kali's favorite animal and he know they'll bring a smile to his face.

Kali, who looks out at the night sky and smiles. He can see Stone basking in the moonlight, the way Stone's brown eyes sparkle would rival the stars.

Stone, who sighs wistfully whenever he's outside and it's a hot day. He can see Kali's body relax underneath the sun's rays, hear the way Kali laughs at everyone's complaints about the heat.

Kali, who remembers how his parents had loved Stone. He had brought the other man to his parents' ranch and Stone had fit into their little family so well.

Stone, who calls Kali his family when he knows the other man's not around. He listed Kali as his emergency contact, trusting him with his affairs when he's not around to make the decisions himself.

Kali and Stone, who take time out of their day to write a letter to each other. Kali struggles with not overwhelming Stone with his feelings and Stone, who is not a talker by any means, becomes a poet when writing to Kali.

"Ox, I almost strangled another captain because he thought he could insult my squad member. I thought about how you'd brush it off so easily while also ensuring his behavior stops. It's stressful here without you, but I hope you're doing well. You're in my thoughts always, I know you have had your share of pain. I wish to ease the ache in your heart."

"Mufasa, I stand underneath the sun and think of you. It's hot here, all the time, and I can't help but think you'd love it. Not a day passes by without me thinking about you. I hope you're doing well too, you've had your share of pain as well. Your shoulders are heavy with burden and I wish to take some of the load."

Stone, who rereads Kali's letters every night. He sits in his bed in his barracks and memorizes the words so he dreams of Kali.

Kali, who keeps Stone's letters tucked in his vest. He keeps them there, tucked right against his heart so Stone keep his heart beating.

Reblogs are welcomed & appreciated! Asks are open, feel free to pop in and talk or request something! (SFW requests only, please and thank you)

[exhausted-archivist]

Bestiary of Thedas

From bird to insect, fish to land animal. Every creature mentioned in Dragon Age, blighted and non-blighted, spirits and demon, created and possessed creatures alike are listed along with their breeds, subspecies, or variations.

If you want a more specific list, check out the post for Real World Animals in Thedas

Updated: 2023/11

Amphibian

Frog

Salamander

Toad

Horned Toad

Poison Toad

Birds

Albatross

Black-capped Songbird

Bluebird

Budgerigar

Bunting

Buzzard

Canary

Crow

Dove

Duck

Mallard Duck

Eagle

Falcon

Finch

Goose

Grouse

Gull

Hawk

Kingfisher

Lark

Magpie

Merlin

Mockingbird

Nightingale

Owl

Parakeet

Parrot

Partridge

Peafowl

Pheasant

Pigeon

Ptarmigan

Quail

Raven

Robin

Rock Darter - Native to the Anderfels, an insect eating bird.

Seagull

Simir - A bird hunted in Tevinter for the magical properties in their feathers.

Sparrow

Swan

Swift

Turkey

Vulture

Bald-necked Vulture

Fish and Marine Creatures

Blind Tetrava

Bluefin

Carp

Cetus

Cod

Eel

Lamprey Eel

Jellyfish

Krone

Mackerel

Octopus

Raytooth

River Herring

Shark

Squid

Giant Squid

Trout

Whale

Bony Whale-Shark

Pilot Whale

Whitebait

Crustaceans and Shellfish

Clam

Crab

Giant Swamp Crab

Crayfish

Cuttlefish

Lobster

Mussel

Oyster

Prawns

Shrimp

Insects

Bee

Bumblebee

Honeybee

Beetle

Cave Beetle

Death Watch Beetle

Dung Beetle

Glow Worm

Roof Beetle

Wood-burrowing Beetle

Butterfly

Cricket

Dragonfly

Firefly

Flea

Fly

Blue Flies

Giant Spider

Giant Poisonous Spider

Giant Spiderling

Poison Spider

Gnat

Hornet

Ladybug

Leeches

Locust

Maggot

Scorpion

Silkworms

Slugs

Snail

Spider

Wasp

Worm

Earthworm

Poison Worm

Tapeworm

Mammals

Badger

Honey Badger

Bat

Giant Bats

Bear

Black Bear

Brown Bear

Cavern Bear

Great Bear

Large Bear

Boar

Bogfisher

Bronto

Cat

Cattle

Bull

Cow

Ox

Qalab

Chicken

Cockerel

Cretahl

Dathrasi

Deer

Red Deer

Stag

Dog

Coursing Hound

Ferelden Shepard

Hunting Dog

Mabari

Pug

Rat Terrier

Sheepdog

Wild Dog

Wofun Hound

Donkey

Druffalo

Elephant

Elk

Ermine

Fennec

Ferret

Fox

Gazelle

Ghast

Giant

Goat

Ayesleigh gulabi goats

Mountain Goat

Griffon

Gurn

Halla

Hamster

Hare

Hart

Bercilian Sure-Foot

Greater Frostback Elk

Pride of Arlathan

Red Hart

Royal Sixteen

Tirashan Swiftwind

White Hart

Wild Hart

Horse

Amaranthine Charger

Anderfel

Anderfel Courser

Asaarash

Avvar Mixed Draft

Dalish All-Bred

Fereldan Forder

Free Marches Ranger

Frostback Mountain Horse

Green Dales Feral

Imperial Warmblood

Inquisition Barded Charger

Oath-Bound Steed

Orlesian Courser

Taslin Strider

Hyena

Jackal

Jackrabbit

Lion

Great Lion

Red Lion

Lynx

Marmot

Marten

Mole

Monkey

Moose

Mountain Lion

Mouse

Chip Mouse

Mule

Nug

Nuggalope

Avvar War Nug

Battle Nug

Greater Nuggalope

Greater Mountain Nuggalope

Gwaren Land-Hammer

Knuckled Thunderer

Tiddles Majoris

Otter

Pig

Rabbit

Raccoon

Ram

August Ram

Rat

Giant Rat

Sheep

Snoufleur

Spotted Cat

Spotted Hunting Cat

Squirrel

Tiger

Tusket

Voles

Weasel

Wolf

Black Wolf

Crag Wolf

Great Wolf

Wolverine

Reptiles

Adder

Death Adder

Basilisks

Cobra

Crocodile

Deepstalker

Deepstalker Matriarch - largest deepstalker

Deepstalker Leader - always male, second largest deepstalker

Deepstalker Runner

Dracolisk

Abyssal Hang-Tooth

Basking Longma

Blue River Bane

Desert Lightning

Hunter Shade Dracolisk

Mountain Dracolisk

Primal-Trained Longma

Sharp-Tail

Dragon

Abyssal High Dragon

Fereldan Frostback

Gamordan

Stormrider

Greater Minstral

Guardian of Mythal

Highland Ravager

Hivernal

Hunterhorn Shrikes

Kaltenzahn

Northern Hunter

Sandy Howler

Stonejaw

Vinsomer

Dragonling

Drake

Great Dragon

Guardian Serpent

Gurgut

Lurker

Phoenix

Quillback

Sand Stalker - a small vermin-like creature similar to deepstalkers

Sand Stalker Spitter

Sand Stalker Leader - larger than common sand stalkers

Varghest

Viper

Wyvern

Snowy Wyvern

Created Creatures

Golem

Varterral

Blighted Creatures

Bereskarn

Blight Owl

Blight Wolf

Blighted Werewolf

Bloodcrow

Corrupted Spider

Corrupted Spider Queen

Darkspawn

Archdemon

Broodmothers

Children

Emissary

Genlock

Hurlock

Ogre

Shriek

Darkspawn Magisters (Named and known)

The Architect

Corypheus

Dragon Thrall

Ghoul

Created Creatures

Golem

Varterral

Demons and Spirits

Spirits

Choice

Command

Compassion

Faith

Hope

Justice

Knowledge

Perseverance

Valor

Wisdom

Memory

Wisp

Wraith

Demons

Desire

Despair

Envy

Fear

Hunger

Pride

Rage

Remorse

Shade

Sloth

Terror

Vengeance

Possessed/Magical Creatures

Abomination

Arcane Horror

Ash Wraith

Corpse

Devouring Corpse

Devouring Skeleton

Enraged Corpse

Fanged Skeleton

Shambling Corpse

Shambling Skeleton

Skeleton

Skeleton Archer

Skeleton Mage

Walking Corpse

Dryads

Harvester

Revenant

Rock Wraith

Ancient Rock Wraith

Sylvans

Vampire

Werewolf

Wood Nymphs

Undefined

Glowing Slime

Firesprite

Wandering Hills

Sources

Dragon Age Origins + DLCs Dragon Age Awakening Dragon Age 2 + DLC Dragon Age Inquisition + DLC Dragon Age Inquisition Multiplayer Dragon Age: Last Court Dragon Age: Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas Dragon Age Tabletop Core Rulebook Dragon Age Tabletop Blood of Ferelden World of Thedas Vol 1 World of Thedas Vol 2 Dragon Age: Asunder Dragon Age: Masked Empire Dragon Age: Last Flight Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights Short Story: The Riddle of Truth Short Story: Varric Dragon Age Origins Armor: Clamshell Armor Armor: Dalish Gloves Codex: The Bow of the Golden Sun Codex: Bronto Codex: Deepstalker Codex: The Frostback Mountains Codex: Meditations and Odes to Bees Codex: Nug Codex: Rat Codex: The Vaterral Item: Fox's Pendant Item: Golden Mirror Item: Lamb Bone Item: Micah/s Lucky Deer Foot Item: Ox Bone Item: Rat Poison Item: Uncrushable Pigeon Weapon: Cat Lady's Hobble-Stick Dragon Age 2 Armor: Rat-Nibbled Gloves Codex: Broken Dowsing Rods - No Refunds Codex: Carta Bronto Codex: Pride and Rider Junk: Stuffed Parrot Quest: Redblossom Special Weapon: The Tiger's Tail Last Court The Acerbic Dowager The Applewoods The Arrival of the Divine The Boastful Neighbor The Cheery Baron Choose your quarry The Dowager Steps Forward Enlightenment Glass Glassblowers' Anger Graffiti A Life of Toil A Meeting with the Outlaw A Plea for Sanctuary River Herring The Sealed Chantry A Swift Stream Sylvian Raid An Unofficial Meeting The Well-Read Pig-Farmer You have cornered the bear You have the hind in view Dragon Age Inquisition Items and Codex Codex: August Ram Codex: Andruil's Messenger Codex: Bear (Inquisition) Codex: Constellation Tenebrium Codex: Correspondence Interruptus Codex: Crate of the Live Death Watch Beetles Codex: Cretahl Codex: Dirthamen: Keeper of Secrets Codex: The Folly of General Not-Shertan Codex: Ghilan'nain: Mother of the Halla Codex: Hard in Hightown Chapter 15 Codex: A Horsemaster's Notes on Mounts Codex: The Hunt of the Fell Wolf Codex: Journal of Gurd Harofsen Codex: The Lion of Orlais Codex: Moldy Journal Codex: A Nutty Affair Codex: On Avvar Cuisine Codex: The Perendale War Codex: Ram Codex: Scout Lace Harding Codex: Surviving the Western Approach Landmark: Crestwood: The Guide of Falon'Din Note: Charred Note Note: Sera's Cabinet of Wonder Whose it Was Valuable: Carved Cricket Charm Valuable: Cut Crystal Lion Valuable: Eagle Feather Charm Valuable: Falcon Crest Valuable: Glass Fox Valuable: Golden Ladybug Charm Valuable: Grouse Feather Charm Valuable: Raven Totem Valuable: Silver Dragonfly Charm Valuable: Vulture Feather Charm Valuable: Wooden Mabari Figurine Wartable Mission: A Present for Bianca Wartable Mission: Smash

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[lilyblackdrawside]

If you shift a letter in "ask box" you get "bask ox". I don't think you'd need to command one to do that though.

[dansnaturepictures]

10/10/2023-Lakeside and home

Photos taken in this set are of: 1. View out the back with some nice yellow leaves coming. 2 and 3. A gorgeous Red Admiral I was thrilled to see on the exuberant and shining buddleia still in flower nicely out the front. A powerful moment watching this supreme butterfly, seeing a few at Lakeside too this star of the year is out in numbers again. 4. Some lovely ox tongue enjoyed again today a key flower this week so far. 5. A view at Lakeside, making the most of a bit of meadow still long taking me back to serene summer days, with mowing going on. 6. Bright red rose hips. 7. Beautiful creeping thistle by the lake still looking great. 8. An august Carrion Crow, one of two I got top close views of basking in the glorious autumnal sunlight, it picked at the ground and had a beak full of bird seed at one point. 9. Beautiful oxeye daisy beside the steam railway track. 10. A Collared Dove, frequent in the garden today.

Some avian excitement came late on in my lunch time walk with a close view of a Cormorant overhead walking along the northern path, and a rousing distant view of a circling Buzzard which was nice after hearing one there yesterday. Great views of Jackdaw including a fluffy slightly white one, Magpie, Robin again, young Herring Gull, Mallard, Moorhen and Great Crested Grebes stood out too with Long-tailed Tit heard, with Starlings and Blue Tit heard enjoyed at home. Speckled Wood, I believe a Brimstone seen quickly, fine views of Migrant Hawker and joined post-mating Common Darter and a hoverfly on the ox tongue were nice insect moments at Lakeside. Other key plants seen were hedge bindweed, sweet little hedgerow crane's-bill a nice one for this time of year, broad-leaved clover, yarrow, dock, hawthorn berries and apples. Alongside ox tongue carrot seed heads looked nice in the precious meadow scene. Long-bodied Cellar spider was good to see at home today too. Another rich autumnal day.

[braskide]

❝  he has the strength of an ox. and sadly the grace of an ox as well.  ❞ (from Dona)

𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝; what tenderness has to be had when a spiral of death leaves trails of anger? yuna has few memories of true happiness throughout the years — once her mantle of naïveté came undone amidst pain and anguish, she promised herself she would not let the world crumble in sadness. today, she resides over what yevon would never allow in the halls of old bevelle: pure joy with intricated hands with friends, family and loved ones. a ball of some sort had become the event of the moment, one high summoner yuna would be the host of. she's careful with pushing boundries within the new bevelle, and yet something calls her heart for vindication of all the time spent believing falsehood. so she allows herself this moment of peace, of joy — and she personally sent for dona to attend, the new lead of kilika.

and how pleasant it has been, for them to eye one another across the sacred halls as more influent people swarmed the place — with a nod of her head directed at dona, and a tug of her lips, as she then returned to conversation with other figures that demanded the high summoner's attention now that she had allowed herself out of her work ridden chambers.

it is not much after yuna allows herself rest and respite, finally free of the hold of any new small conversation. she is always content to see familiar faces and ones that chant of her incredible dedication, but she realizes as of late how lonely sitting atop bevelle truly feels. she adheres to the side of the halls, chalice in hand as she hides her lips, and her eyes beam with surprise and joy when the familiar figure she had been happy to see joins her side, quietly and shuffling at her side. the high summoner is quick to offer her a similar cup found behind them with a polite nod, words coming from her lips as she accepts her offer.

❝ he has the strength of an ox. and sadly the grace of an ox as well. ❞

yuna's eyes point towards where dona's gaze rests, finding the figure of barthello left unattended at the center of the grand hall, curious of the subject in question. her hands retract to herself, cup laying against her arm, laughter erupting silently and filling her lungs — though it is short lived, as her lips turn to rest into a straight line, yet still upholding in curvers at the corner as barthello insists on performing traditional kilika dance moves that yuna almost fails to recognize. a calm silence follows, one yuna basks in for a moment long. ❝ i wish sir auron was here to see him. ❞ the flower of nostalgia blossoms deep within her chest, eyes at times misty with memories — thus yuna inches closer to dona, her arm shamelessly interliking with hers, now forced in proximity as she does so, yet unable to look at her, truly look at her, for too much must unravel if she allows herself to look into the dark pools of her eyes, and thus her gaze continues to wander off where dona's companion entertains the crowd. ❝ he would have thought the same as you, i'm sure. ❞

[davepeta]

Bask ox

igpay atinlay :)

[postanagramgenerator]

opinions on bears, the gay men, not the animal

ANAGRAM GENERATED:

opinions on bears, the gay men, not the animal

→

phenomenal hot man breasts, aye, ignition on

[ancientpathwayswitchcraft]

Discover the ancient wisdom of tarot illuminated through the eyes of the divine Hera. This unique reading delves deep into the messages of The Sun, II of Pentacles (reversed), and V of Pentacles, guiding seekers on a journey of enlightenment and introspection.

[fornassau]

He felt the snatch of his wrist, hard enough that it stopped him from moving, and the anger on his face when he looked back to him was ever present. Eleanor had said the same thing once or twice. Charles could act like a total fucking child sometimes, but he had a right to be angry after what just happened. He’d been basking in the glow, filled with cum and content and Flint had to ruin it. He snarled. “ Stop acting so fucking cold, then!!! “ Because it’s how he felt. It felt like a wall of ice now.

“ It’s still night — “ He brattily insisted and continued to fight against him until Flint said those words. He couldn’t go into the sun anymore. If he had color in his face it would have dripped out. He stopped fighting completely, hair hanging messily around his face, eyes and expression hidden in that moment. His angry shouting was no more, only a flat and questioning tone. “ What do you mean I can’t go out into the sun anymore.. “ And as Flint continued, his heart sank. Charles loved the warm sun. There was nothing like a cool breeze in the sails, the scent and splash of salty water on your skin, the bright sun overhead. There was no feeling quite like it.

“ But I’ve seen you in the daylight.. “ Now his in denial mind was running different scenarios in his head. Maybe .. maybe he’d be perfectly fine in the sun. Flint could do it, right? Right? He was confused now and still in shock of it. What he said next wasn’t him being childish at all. It was just the man being the stubborn ox that Flint fell in love with. “ I want to see it. “ He said sternly, looking up at him with absolute sorrow. Before Flint could try to stop him this time, he snatched it back whilst he was distracted. He was going above deck, god damnit. He was going to see the sun.

“ Was it too much? “ Charles asked as bloody hands framed the vampire’s face. It just.. seemed appropriate to say. He could feel a lot of his master’s own emotions. Slowly he ran his thumb over his lower lip, tracing that bloody tier before he brought the thumb to his mouth, sucking on it with a soft groan, tasting his own sweet blood.

That idle threat merely sweeper past him and he thought nothing of it, replying with a smirk. “ Because it’s your name. “ He was still high, still drenched in fluids and filled with them. “ But no. Because, it just felt right? “ Because it had. He’d surely call him Flint still, but in this soft and more romantic moment, the urge had simply rose to the surface. He could feel just how much it hit him when he called him that, the various powerful emotions it brought forth. In a move of surprising gentleness, he pushed his fingers through his now very messy red hair, smoothing it back out of his eyes and face in a pet, palm briefly gracing his cold cheek.

Charles didn’t know of Thomas, and his pain, but he could feel it. He dropped his hand down to rest over Flint’s dead heart, fingers caressing his skin. This would be the first time he made it clear to the other that he could sense his emotions. “ You carry so much pain here.. “ Eyes lifted to lock with his. “ Heartbreak and loss.. that I never even knew about.” Maybe, he could help him ease that pain. He hoped so.

[throwaway-yandere]

Waking Up A Lying Dragon (Yandere!Morax/Reader)

A/n: I do not condone any "yandere" actions in real life, this is just a twisted version of the character for entertainment. This will also just be a loose interpretation/version of the myth "Bakunawa". I'm not very knowledgeable on the topic. I'm very sorry if the details were so off. ((I swear I'm not obsessed with the master/servant troupe this fic is just in my drafts way before yandere ayato lmao))

Unreliable synopsis: A widow/er gets exiled to Teyvat, only to realize it is worse than prison.

Cw: Canon Divergence. Yandere themes. Power imbalance. Mostly gn!reader (the reader likes women.)

------------

There is a saying you've heard in Qingce Village long ago. Your memory is weak now, but it went along the lines of "it is hard to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep." The verbatim phrase had slowly eroded over time, as you can only pick up synonyms on what you hope the original passage was, but the meaning stands true.

You know well how much harder it is to convince those who chose to be ignorant more than those who are uneducated. Your world had always been a sea of ignoramuses and greed, the present is no different. You need only look at the man beside you for that frustration to resurface.

On a sunny day like this, you wished you can bask in the morning sun alone. "Zhongli", as he calls himself these days, sits with such eloquence and calm beside you that one would easily mistake him to be a righteous man. You scoffed. He is not.

Noticing your gaze, Zhongli straightened up. He adjusted his collar as a faint blush powdered his cheeks. There is a subtle smile on his face as he takes a small sip from his cup. You felt your stomach churn. Just what did he take your glare for? Although he is debatably more salacious in this new form he had taken, your gripe with him won't ever bubble to lust. You refuse to allow it.

You turned away. Hate him or not, you just can't win against him.

"For this lovely afternoon, we gather around here today to recall the tale of Rex Lapis's feat of sealing the terrifying sea dragon, Bakunawa! They are an absolutely perilous dragon that resides on Liyue's seas and our nation's greatest traitor! It is a story told often and one all of our children have heard, yet there had been recent developments found by the wonderful scholars of Sumeru, so keep your ears open!"

Iron Tongue Tian spoke in his usual velvety voice. Most passersby in the streets perked up upon hearing his implications of ancient discoveries.

You shook your head.

Bakunawa was a remarkable traitor in Liyue's Legends. With the archon's passing, it would be low for the storyteller to spread false news, right? Well. You have a fair share of encounters with corrupt and misinformed individuals so you're not placing bets on any of these.

You and Zhongli simultaneously placed your teacups down and eyed Iron Tongue Tian.

"So listen, let me tell you how it is... The tale begins centuries before the archon war, as a well-renowned xiezhi approaches Rex Lapis in candor..."

-----

"Salutations, Sovereign Lord Rex Lapis! This humble servant calls to bring forth news, should thee wish to hear it."

An illuminated immortal beast called out to him and bowed. Morax did not expect a xiezhi to approach him at this hour, but with how strangely uneven its breathing was it must be urgent. It's an even more curious thing for the intelligent ox-like beast not to label the news in either a positive or negative light. Especially when Rex Lapis himself bestowed these adepti the ability of hypersensitive tell spotting for the sake of maintaining law and order.

There are rarely any visitors allowed to enter Morax's domain. Considering how this was Yanfei's father, a friend of his, who was sent to deliver the message, it must be urgent.

Morax, in his human form, clothed himself with a lengthy hanfu with earthly tones. He may only be equipped with a fan and a pipe, but his presence alone is enough to make anyone tremble. The xiezhi learned of Rex Lapis' philosophies of Gold, and this is just one of many ways he displays placid intimidation. Who would even dare make a misstep when the Lord of Geo stood before them?

"Speak."

The pink-haired xiezhi lifted his head.

"There is a water dragon who trespassed Mount Hulao," he said. "They appear to be an outlander outside Teyvat. They're not particularly hostile, but they do not allow humans to interact with their nest either."

His gaze sharpened. "The dragon already nested in the mountains?"

"Yes, my Lord. They have already formed a domain for themselves by the lake, but Mountain Shaper's adamant on allowing them respite, if only for a moment..."

Morax hummed, uprooting the Vortex Vanquisher from the cracked earth. The xiezhi took a reluctant step back. The earth rattled in Morax's footsteps, and the way his golden light flickered through the cracks was amiss in his usual walks. Something tells the xiezhi that this was planned, yet he has yet to lay a finger on what caused his mood to churn into unusual distress.

"Then, shall you collect a few things for me?"

The xiezhi appeared visibly confused. His Lord would rarely ask for his assistance, as he preferred lower adepti to do his biddings. Perhaps this was a sign that this is more confidential than he thought. 

He nodded. "What is it that you wish for, my Lord?"

Morax pulled out a list from thin air. The parchment is pink and laced with a hint of gold. The xiezhi could slightly see through the paper and noticed how the handwriting is akin to Lord Guizhong. He bowed his head to avoid accidentally being on the receiving end of Morax's wrath.

"Hold your head up high, dear friend," Morax spoke as he handed him the scroll. The Adeptus nervously grabbed the list "it is your job to find the ingredients listed here."

Rex Lapis did not lie, the paper is filled with ingredients. However, the xiezhi expected it to be an instruction for smithing a powerful weapon, yet this was a guide on making "good tea". The poor lawyer cannot tell whether this was better than mining cor lapises or not, as one of the requirements entails a need to harvest violetgrass. Still, he would suck it up. Especially if he wants to be married to his mortal fiancé before winter comes.

The xiezhi gulped "T-tea recipes, my Lord?"

"Yes," Morax nodded, yet oddly enough there is a smile behind his stoic eyes. 

"It would be rude not to entertain guests, is that not right?"

---------

Morax entered the domain with ease. His guess was right that the rumored water dragon wouldn't endanger any of their visitors, as there was not a single hint of a trap or weapon. If anything, the realm was picturesque, with limitless orange striped skies, unfamiliar trees, and tropical pearls. The scenery was a stark contrast to the ones observed in Guili Plains. He can hear water flowing in a small stream. 

Was this meant to replicate their old home? Perhaps that is why the dragon chose Liyue. The north cannot accommodate those with warm tastes.

Morax instinctively reached for his weapon as he noticed something walking toward him.

"Greetings to the one who governs the Plains of Returning and Departing. I am Bakunawa, a Sea Dragon from outside Teyvat, and I'm humbled to be acquainted with Your Grace."

His alert demeanor stilled and his breath hitched.

It was you. 

You stood before him as an ethereal mortal cloaked with a cherry headdress and long pure silk that barely covered your form. The skin of your neck was bare yet laced with beads and golden tattoos. Had your eyes not glowed with vertical slits, he would've dubbed you as the most beautiful and handsome mortal he had ever seen. 

But it was not your form that he was enamored with. 

No, it was your presence.

Call it draconic instinct, call it fate. Not one label nor descriptor fits what Morax had felt when he first met you, and he was eager to spend centuries to figure it out.

"I must admit, I did not expect a personal visit," You chuckled softly "I fully expected for you to send your armed subordinates instead. Do I appear passable at best? I have heard from Mountain Shaper that you prefer conversations in this form."

"Y...Yes."

Morax caught himself. Did he, the Prime of the Adepti, stutter over something as minuscule as appearance?

He cleared his throat. Morax recalled from Guizhong's teachings that grueling conversations often start with tea and small talk. Well, if he must...

"You do not offend. You have a talent for upholstery. I bought jasmine tea. What is your motive for staying in here?"

"…"

"…"

"… Pfft-- Hahaha!"

You laughed while holding your sides. Even though you looked away, he could tell that your eyes were beginning to water. For a moment, Morax's knees felt wobbly as he watched your eyes brighten and crease over his comments.

Enchanting.

"You are as blunt and, err, interesting as they say!" You snapped your fingers in amusement. Your cheeks were rosy and your grin was wide. "Believe it or not my liege, I come here only to rest."

"It is your job to make me believe those words." Morax deadpanned.

"A fair point," you said. "However, I am not sure how to persuade you. Shall I recount the events that led me to your abode?"

"I will judge if the story alone will suffice," Morax spoke, "but proceed."

"Well then, let's pour ourselves some tea!"

-------

"There are seven moons where I'm from" You pointed to the fake sky above. "In my prime, I possessed quite a large stature. The mortals in my continent feared that I would swallow the moons out of ignorance, and would make strange noises with their damn pots and pans to rile me up– I know that look on your face. I've seen the same thing on Mountain Shaper's– Trust me, this will be relevant and it gets better."

You winked at the end of your ramblings.

Morax laughed curtly and crossed his arms. If you were sharper you would've noticed the faint pink blush on his cheeks. "I'll take your word for it. That does sound quite troublesome."

You clicked your tongue "It is. There is nothing more useless and vile quite like a human mortal."

Morax flinched.

"Are you not being too harsh with your judgement?" He took a sip of his drink. Morax hoped your opinion was not a threat. He had met adepti and yakshas alike who gaze at mortals with disdain, yet they were all charmed by their appeal in the end. "You may find that they aren't as bad as you say."

He almost wanted to fumble a rash apology after seeing your shoulders drop. You appeared akin to an orphaned child of a burned village, yet his point stands firm like a lone salvaged chapel.

You muttered, "They killed my sister."

Morax's eyes widened. He nearly spat his tea.

You gazed up and looked directly into his amber eyes.

"That was not the only thing they took from me," You grumbled. "They burned my mate's house and left her entire family to succumb to famine while I was away." 

"I pride myself on being a patient being, despite my undesirable circumstances, yet I had let my anger fester deep enough. I had decided to swallow a moon they loved so dearly in return."

You were certainly more loquacious when berating mortals, something Morax silently made note of. Despite your distaste for humanity, you still wore their skin to accommodate his preferences. The notion made the dragon's heart skip a beat a little.

"And did you succeed?" Morax gazed down at his cup while you chuckled sardonically. 

"What do you think?"

You opened your palm. Morax had to squint to see the little speckles resting on your hands. His eyes widened. There is no mistake. It is a culmination of both extracted stardust and starglitters. His breathing paced slowly. To think there would be a being who would dare defy the heavenly principles, even if such Teyvat's laws do not apply to them.

But that wasn't truly what caught his eye.

It was the gold ring on your finger.

"I succeeded, but failed to steel myself." You said. "In the end, these humans frightened me with their strange noises and led me back to sea. As pathetic as that sounds."

"The world I hailed from retained but a single moon," you spoke. "And I'd take a leap in the dark that this world used to have two more that accompanied that lone moon in the sky. I wonder if there's a crack behind that wall..."

Morax went silent. Those slew of words weighed a thousand threats, yet spoke of none. 

"You had done all of that for a mere woman?"

"Are you not fuc– Did you not listen?" It's a good thing you caught yourself. "Humanity took my sister. They killed her because they mistakenly believed her weight was sinking the island. Humans are rash. Cruel. And they do not deserve my pity. There were multiple atrocities they have committed, and... And I suppose that was when they crossed the line."

Morax felt perturbed. Your reasonings were far from enlightened, at least in his viewpoint at the time. "Taking their moons is not a fair act of justice."

'No shit.' You took a long deep breath. 

You heard this all before. The same lecture was spoken before you were shunned from your realm, and they all came from holier-than-thou dragons patting each other on the back over their skewed sense of morality when other creatures do not operate similarly. They are godlings with endless crimes yet these same faces would dare act empathetic over the lives you've taken after you've been driven out. 

If they were not driven by political motives, they were emotionally detached. They cannot and WILL NOT comprehend how one can be enchanted to meet a woman like your lover. It appears that Morax fits the latter description.

He doesn't know. He didn't know.

The silence was beginning to become a nuisance for the both of you. You coughed behind your hand. "I… admit. After her death, I am no longer a patient benevolent being. Sorry, let us both put that aside for now. What matters right now is the issue that I am stranded in a foreign land."

"And what is it that you hope to achieve?" He muttered, causing you to tilt your head.

"Allow me to phrase that properly, Bakunawa. I am, for a lack of a better term, 'a blockhead'. I have but a smattering of knowledge when it comes to these dealings and quite frankly I am reliant on Guizhong." Morax said, slightly massaging his temple after imagining Barbatos's grating voice. "What is it that you are trying to tell me?"

"My new friend, Rex Lapis," You inched closer beside him.

"May I tempt you and Lord Guizhong with a service contract?" You said. Maintaining his breath turned difficult as your fingers intertwined with his. 

"I assure you, I may have a questionable background but someone with my repertoire is hard to come by." 

-----------

You raised an eyebrow at Zhongli.

"I did not seduce you in any shape or form." You grumbled, giving him a dirty look "Seriously, Morax, what lies are you feeding your people?"

"OUR people have quite an imagination, my dearest spouse," Zhongli chuckled as his thumbs gently caressed your thigh. You cringed.

You divert your attention back to the storyteller, ignoring the way his filthy hands seem to crawl upwards.

You can tolerate this. You can tolerate this. You had to quietly chant that, lest you might just accidentally pray to the "deceased" Rex Lapis for your safety.

"The water Dragon went on to serve Sovereign Lord Rex Lapis and the late Lord Guizhong as their most loyal retainer for over hundreds of years. But alas! As you all may know, the latter turned to dust, and what comes after had crumbled Rex Lapis' foundation of trust...."

------------

The Dust had settled.

You were afar when it happened, fending off the great waves as you slash through the perilous winds. The dim skies accentuate the glow of your spear. You could no longer tell if the salt you taste is off your sweat or the ocean and the same goes for your blood and theirs. Guizhong purposely stationed you to fight silent enemies because she knew of your phobia. You appreciate her consideration. 

Some nights, you wished you were able to save her with just your appreciation.

Only when you emerged victorious against Osial's lackeys did you hear a shrill cry from Cloud Retainer. You snapped your head and reached your hand out in fear that the engineer needed assistance, slightly annoyed at her interference. When you leaped your way up, she was in pristine condition. Her feathers were barely covered in dirt just like her claws.

You sighed in relief. 

You never liked loud and sharp noises. 

It had always been your greatest bane.

"What the hell are you yelling for?! There is no time to coddle your eccentricities, Retainer!"

Her wing pointed to her north, trembling. You expected her to open her mouth with her predictable "One must" opening, but she didn't. You followed her gaze and occupied her telescope.

The shores of Yaoguang Shoal were far and truthfully the sight was left to your imagination. There were however, two silhouettes you were familiar with and the view was not pretty. Above the sands, you make out the form of your Lords and friends, Morax and Guizhong.

Your head lowered as you cursed under your breath. You just know that he is beside himself holding back silvery tears.

To have a loved one be stripped away...

He knows. Now he knows.

------------

"My Lord," You moved to pass the curtains. The beaded threads slide over and reveal the form of Morax's drained form. He still insisted on remaining human as he buried his nose in writing paperwork after paperwork. Out of respect, you entered his abode as one as well. It is no secret that you worry over his health. As his most trusted retainer, you had voluntarily stationed yourself outside his room for most of your free time. "I bought you some food and water from Mount Aocang."

There was no response.

You sighed. You should've guessed as much. You were in a similar state, might've been worse, a day after you knelt beside your wife's ashes. It was just unpredictable how the man you saw screamed and summon meteors from the sky grieving so uncannily silent.

"Why are you offering me fish?"

"Oh, I..." You scratched behind your ear. "I supposed it was an unconscious decision. I often gave my wife seafood when she was under the weather... My wife is an avid fan of seafood– was, an avid fan..."

You looked back at the memory of your old life so fondly, back when you waited for nothing more than eating with her by the banana leaves. Morax's face sharpened in a mocking pointed look. Your heart ached for a moment, fearing that the sentiment is not appropriate for those in grief to hear.

"Shut it."

Your sympathy slightly cracked. Perhaps it was not appropriate for you to mention your deceased loved one when he is in this state but to be so uncouth about it? A bit unacceptable. You pulled the plate closer to your chest defensively. 

"But you must eat–"

"I find seafood distasteful." He bit back. "The mere sight irritates me. Dispose of it. Now."

"Mo–"

"BAKUNAWA!!!"

You trembled.

His eyes looked directly into your soul and you felt it dissecting your being. Judging. Hateful. Words cannot fully describe how unpleasant it becomes being near Morax's presence when he was menacing. 

But Morax faltered when he saw you flinch.

He had almost forgotten your fear of loud noises.

"Do not mention your DEAD wife ever again." He spat and glowered. Morax picked up a pen again and hastily pulled out a parchment from his study table. You assumed it was yours as he began to inspect it closely. 

"I should revise your contract."

"You didn't hate seafood last time we dined with Pervases." You mumbled mostly to yourself, not wanting to uncover your grief over the young yaksha's passing either. It certainly will be the last time you ate with him. You didn't want to use Pervases as a dirty trick to distract Morax from condemning your wife's memory, but you knew that with him, you must grasp at any straws for an immovable force to budge.

"I do not like it now. Bakunawa. Throw it away. A mere mortal's preference will never influence my own." 

You scoffed.

A mere mortal? Had he become this petty? Using your deceased wife's favorite things as a weapon against you? Just so you would leave?

You want to be just as petty. You want to hurl insult after insult, but you have matured. He reminded you of yourself in the ocean many moons ago. You should know how grief comes in waves, clinging onto shore once in a while. This is a dragon stripped away from his closest confidant, much like how the love of your wife was taken from you.

If this is how he grieves, then you respect it.

He is a sleeping dragon, but it is not time for him to wake up. 

"I see. I shall leave you alone for tonight." You smiled faintly. 

"Get some rest, Morax."

After you left, Morax reached out his hand but you were already gone. He placed his pen down and rubbed his forehead. That was not how he wanted that conversation to go. He did not mean to be passive-aggressive, but he can't help but be irritated when you speak of the dead mortal.

You mention her name every moment you two were alone together, and he's starting to suspect that you do so on purpose. Her name is a constant reminder that while you penned your name in his contract, you will never belong to him. The gold on your ring finger solidified it. 

Morax sighed.

He wished you stayed with him until he felt better, and not the opposite.

------------

You turned back to your original form. Your human heart was uneased and erratic the entire time you were alone with Morax. It's strange because you always felt secure around him, but being around a grieving person is likely a complicated ordeal. The uncomfortable sensations seem to stem from your human vessel, and the tingles have yet to subside despite reverting to your old scales. 

You sat at a rock in Guili Plains. The field remains tilled with blood and residues of fallen divine beings. Ashes are scattered along with blood-stained mud. Traces of the battle left not one house standing. Morax was forced to move the survivors to the harbor. Had Guizhong survived, she would've calculated the damages and costs to repair the civilization. She would've been alongside you and Morax, pinching the bridge of her nose as she writes off what needs to be done. You could see it clear as day. Guizhong would've patted Morax's head and reassured him with hopes for the future. It left a bitter taste in your mouth just imagining it.

Because she reminds you of your wife. And now she had passed on as well.  

You wondered if the two finally met up there. Lord Guizhong had expressed interest in meeting your wife someday. You wondered if they were fast friends.

But you also wondered if she's happy in the afterlife.

Being a sea serpent dragon, your eyesight is not as great as a crane's which leads you to have doubts. 

Is it possible that Morax himself was the one who put Guizhong out of her misery?

"You may have won, but you shouldn't let your guard down, Bakunawa."

In one swift motion, your claws pressed against Beisht's neck. Her back was pressed firmly against the cracked concretes. A dangerous laugh echoed throughout the barren land. She, with her overflowing confidence, grabbed your hand and dug the blade deeper down her neck.

"Do you really think I'd come after you with my true form?"

Ragged as she may be, Biesht had been such an eye-candy. Her eyes were inviting and her lips were just as tempting. She's personally not your type, but you can see the appeal. Her sharp eyelashes and long painted nails are to die for. It's no wonder Osial tied her down as his mistress. 

But this isn't Beisht herself.

"A water mimic." You grumbled distastefully. Your claws retract and morphed back into human nails. With apparent distaste, you won't let her rile you up in your divine form. 

"Ten points to Bakunawa." She said sardonically.

"What are you doing here, Beisht? Your strength wanes-- you can barely maintain your mimic's shape. What could you possibly achieve by such a reckless ambush? Do you realize how idiotic your plan was? Do you have a death wish?"

"Tut-tut! Won't even allow me to speak? Such hostility!" Beisht snickered. "What's with your self-righteous attitude? There are no tales of chivalry and glory born from a wasteland. Don't suffocate yourself with such fake ideals, my fellow monster."

This serpent is the exact opposite of your wife.

"I…" You sighed. You were both equally jaded, the only difference between you two is that one is willing to hide it. "Why aren't you with your husband."

It was not a question yet she humored you anyways. "Trapped down there, but don't worry I'll join him eventually."

As she should.

"I wasn't fucking worried."

"To answer your previous question: I figured I should greet my new neighbor." She laughed. "After all, we're bound to be cellmates."

You clicked your tongue. Her smirk widened. Despite being at the bottom of this struggle, she seemed to be under the impression she had it under control. Your grip on the mimic's wrists tightened.

"What do you mean by that?"

"You're a serpent dragon like me, not a pathetic mortal. I'm sure you know what I meant, don't you darling? It's very similar to how Osial won't let me meet other beings."

You refused to meet her gaze.

You know. Everyone knows the look Morax gives you when he thought no one was staring. You know how both his human and draconic hands hover above your own when they shouldn't. They practically mirrored yours one fateful summer on the seaside. They were a striking similarity of who you once were to your wife.

A dragon's love can be suffocating. You admit that you are not free from criticism when you were just as hopeless. You once tried to court your wife by leaving human and animal hearts on her doorstep among other gruesome courtship methods. It was only through her mercy did you learn how love must be kept in moderation. She forgave you of your sins. It was only through her guidance did you learn that love does not translate to possession, nor should it be stifled by rigid rules.

He does not think the same.

Morax is desperately in love with you, but your heart belongs to another. That is a violation of your shared contract that neither of you had to acknowledge, and with how the winds changed and blew the cold away, so too will his disposition.

At that moment, you started to think that gentle reminders of your marriage won't be enough to keep the dragon at bay.

"He wants to lock me up to quench his obsession." You breathed shallowly. "He just hasn't discovered a sociably acceptable reason to do so."

"Smart dragon." She cooed and smoothed out your ruffled human hair. You quietly groaned. "I'm sure we'd be good friends under the sea. You'd be my favorite neighbor."

"I will be your only neighbor."

 "Oh? Do you want points for that as well?"

You gritted your teeth. "I don't need your approval."

"Hmm, but you need others, don't you? Poor poor Bakunawa," she mocked. 

"Finally got a taste of what it feels like to be accepted by society, only to sink back to the abyss. What a tragic tale." 

Beisht looked behind you. "I'll be heading off now, his servant approaches. Do visit my chambers sometimes, won't you, love? I just know we'd make great accomplices."

She kissed your cheek.

"Beis–"

Her water mimic fizzled out.

"Bakunawa, Rex Lapis calls for you." 

You snapped out of it.

The last Yaksha met your gaze. His arms were folded and he himself was just as indifferent. This command spells trouble for you, but you cannot bring yourself to complain. Xiao's eyes were tired and you do not wish to add more to his troubles. If he did saw Beisht and did nothing, it was likely due to the karmic binds.

You nodded. 

"I'll be there at once, thank you, Xiao."

-------------

In hindsight, you should've been warier at the fact that Morax summoned you close to the shore where Osial was imprisoned in. Yet you still needed to clean up the remains of this war. It is your sworn duty to help Morax's people. Even if it meant going door to door to exterminate foul sea miscreations.

A bit ironic, considering Morax's whole spiel about eating seafood earlier.

"You have called for me, my lord?"

"Bakunawa…" He said. You do not like how he looked at you. "There are things I would like to confess."

You do not like where this is going.

"Go... Go on..."

"Bakunawa, I..." 

He blushed as he took your hands. Morax's eyes were directly staring into your soul. You wanted to immediately pull away, but the thought of offending him with that more than your rejection started to creep in. You both stared at each other with uncertainty. From an outside perspective, it would look adorable. From your perspective, this was an absolute nightmare.

"I love you."

"Morax I–" You immediately stammered as he leaned forward.

His lips felt soft when pressed against your palm.

Morax pulled back. 

He squinted.

"So... You still chose her."

You looked at your hand. Your wedding ring glowed. 

With newfound resolve, you nodded.

"Always."

"I see..." Morax scowled. 

"You must hope that you will not regret your choice."

The ground shook below you.

You didn't realize what was happening until you screamed your lungs out from the fall.

"What the– What's this..."

Morax looked down at you, distraught.

"BAKUNAWA, YOU ARE CONDEMNED TO A LIFE OF ETERNAL IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLATING CLAUSE I OF SECTION A." A mechanical voice echoed around you.

"... What?"

"YOU WILL NOW UNDERGO PUNISHMENT BEFITTING OF TRAITORS. GLORY TO THE PRIME OF THE ADEPTI."

CLINK! CLANK!

You winced. Not due to physical pain, but due to the noises around you. You tried to turn back into a dragon but to no avail. Any effort you had in making the noises stop was futile until you regressed to a shaken mess.

Your eyes started to water as you gazed up at Morax through the glass. He stared back with discontent.

"M-Morax..."

You were wrong-- You were lied to.

Your assumptions and good intentions led you right into the dragon's trap. 

You weren't looking at Morax when he was grieving. You were looking at yourself through Morax.

The cold-blooded dragon did not inch closer to you when it rested. It did not take solace in the warmth and kindness you offered. The reason it drew near, the reason it wrapped itself around you, was so it could snare you-- trap you to become his.

It is hard to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep. And Morax had one eye open this entire time.

With how you ignored his affections for you, perhaps you were pretending as well.

Humans, dragons--- they're no different. All are filled with greed and unadulterated obsession. You never would've thought that a day would come that being shunned by humanity would be more enticing than receiving affection from a fellow dragon. There is no doubt that refusal will end with a terrible fate.

Because divine beings don't truly kill their enemies, they break them.

And you can't turn back to your original form.

You felt like vomiting.

The noise. It's getting louder 

They kept clinking. 

Clanging.

Clanking.

You could no longer hear your own thoughts.

"Make it stop."

 You gritted your teeth as tears start to blur your vision. 

You kneeled. 

Your nails are dug through the shell of your ears. 

You feel blood on your cuticles.

"MORAX MAKE IT STOP DAMNIT!!!"

You were sobbing. You were trembling.

He only looked down on you.

You can't tell what the scowl on his face meant from all the noise.

He left and robbed you of your only view of the outside world.

"MORAX!!! MORAX COME BACK!!!!"

He left you there for two hundred years. Trapped in the shell of the mortals you hated and the sounds they created.

------------

"And so, the terrifying Bakunawa was sealed away for trying to seal our moon! Legends spoke that they had fallen asleep and never reawakened when Osial recently reemerged, but a recent theory emerges from the sea…"

His hooked listeners leaned forward with anticipation, including Zhongli.  

"Theorists believe…

That Bakunawa had escaped, and roams Teyvat to this day!"

You laughed.

Your laughter was as misplaced as a joke told at a funeral, but you cannot help it. It was so surreal. The proclamation had you shaking in your seat, holding back tears. You could just die laughing from these hysterics. Your face felt numb. The audience looked at Zhongli's once elegant and composed lover reduced to nothing more than a mere maniacal madman. 

It was loud. It was jarring. It was eerie.

Zhongli held your hand to "fix you" and you stilled, but not without a final cackle.

Escaped? What an optimistic assumption! Morax took pity after watching you shrivel up in fear for two centuries. There was no means of escape from a domain created by Lord Guizhong. They all label you a traitor and now they think of you as a miracle worker. Can't they pick a side?

"(Y/n)." Behave yourself. That was a command.

You gave him a taunting look. Your face urged him to 'Go on. Call me by my real name' and he grunted.

"Pfft… Ah, my apologies, my husband," You waved your hand dismissively. Your hands were still jittery, and a few laughs managed to escape your lips. "Clause III, isn't it? I forget that I had come dangerously close to losing it. Do forgive me, everyone."

His grip tightened. Ah, right. You shouldn't mention your "freedom" contract in public.

"Clause III?" The boy behind you shared hushed whispers with his mother.

"… Do you not believe such stories, Mx. (Y/n)?" The storyteller spoke in low tones. "What do you find so joyful about such an alarming tale?"

Ahh, what a lark. You grinned briefly. Such manner of speech does not faze you.

"Oh no, quite the contrary sir I find it to be quite believable!" No man would ever believe such a reply. "Do tell-- What happens next?"

"W-Well," Iron Tongue Tian fixed his collar. One could argue that it was due to the summer heat, but you know better than that. "The tale ends here for today, if there is any more progress, I shall indulge everyone with the next chapter!"

"Oh no! We can't have that now can't we?" You looked around with a faux troubled expression. They stared back at you with varying degrees of discomfort.

Zhongli glared. "(Y/n)."

You sauntered to the stage and patted the storyteller's shoulder.

"Don't worry folks. I, (Y/n), shall continue this tale."

"(Y/N)!"

Zhongli called out to you, louder than before.

The earth trembled and clouds began to gather. Liyue Harbor slowly turned dim as the shades filtered sepia tones. The boy in the crowd held back tears, causing his mother to give you a dirty look. It wasn't just her, everyone looked at you the same way the mortals back home gazed at you.

With fear and hatred.

It was not (Y/n) they were meant to hate, but the true villain who sat with them. Your chest and eyelids felt heavy. But you were easier to hate as you tried to enlighten them with the truth.

Once again, Morax reduced you into nothing more than a blubbering, foolish villain.

The saying remains true. It is hard to wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.

Finally, you turned to Zhongli with thin lips. He's already in front of you with a hand reached out. Perhaps the only reason why no one dared criticize you in public was because you were this respectable man's spouse. You bit your lip. Deep down, you had never been this upset in over five hundred years. You want to go home.  

They were quiet.

There were no pots nor pans nor screaming to be heard, but the silence was just as loud.

"Let's come home, darling." He whispered threateningly.

Home is where your wife was.

"How…" You took his hand and whispered to his ear. Your voice cracked and your grip tightened.

"How can I go home?"

Zhongli did not answer. Instead, he dragged you away from the crowd. Neither of you spoke until you reached your shared house.

"Get some rest."

For once, you complied without question, something Zhongli greatly appreciated. You had enough for today.

You simply nodded and entered your bedroom.

Without warning, Zhongli's arms wrapped around your waist from behind. You stared at it. Those hands. They never once failed to reach out to you, but you lacked the will to grasp them. You shut your eyes close. Maybe it's time that you hold them as Morax insisted.

Your hands lingered above his.

Perhaps it's time you pretend to fall asleep as well.

[dansnaturepictures]

26/09/23-Thursley

Flora and fauna photos in this set are of: 1. A majestic Hobby it was a true joy to see gliding through the blue sky early on in the amazing time we spent here today. A quintessential bird of this habitat teeming with their famous prey dragonflies, I felt so honoured to get such fine and spectacular views of this beautiful bird I adore as I watched it swoop and noticed from this photo I was pleased to get of it that it has prey in its talons. 2. A Common Lizard, I believe the first of any I'd seen this year there were loads basking in the sun on the boardwalk today, big and small, it was enthralling to see these sparkling reptiles. 3. One of a few Red Kites it was great to see today too, seeing one circle overhead closely and fly over the bright blue water. 4. A stunning Black Darter, I am so pleased that we saw these today as it was the main thing I wanted to see here. It's a special sighting as my first of the year and first of the species I'd seen for two years as it takes my dragonfly and damselfly year list to 21 making it my highest ever. That means in 2023 all five of the year lists I keep (this one, birds, butterflies, moths and mammals) are my highest ever which is something I'm so thrilled about and underlines the incredible year I'm having for watching wildlife with so much seen. This has always been the main place for us for this species and today you couldn't move for them in parts of the board walk, it was amazing to see so many and get striking intimate views of them with some staying put long enough for a photo with my macro lens unusually for dragonflies. 5. Some bog asphodel I enjoyed seeing. 6. Some smashing round-leaved sundew it was a treat to see. 7. Emerald Damselfly, a star damselfly of my day, week and year. 8. Common Darter another seen so well today again this year, it was lovely to see these and the Black Darters mating and egg laying. 9. One of a few Stonechats it was nice to see. 10. Harvestman spider.

In a raptor fest other great birds of prey seen were Kestrel and Buzzard, and sensational views of singing Woodlarks including in the air and Dartford Warbler seen were two more Thursley specialties we enjoyed seeing. Jay, a few Carrion Crows, Jackdaw, Magpie, Pied Wagtail, a fair few House Martins, flocks of Meadow Pipits and Goldfinches, Siskin, Linnet, Mallard, a great pair of Little Grebes and Green Woodpecker heard were other bird highlights today. Red Admiral, Small Copper, Common Blue Damselfly, Migrant and Southern Hawker, grasshopper probable Meadow Grasshopper, Box Tree moth, hornet, a red ant and beautiful Fox moth caterpillars were other notable insects seen today. Other standout plants seen were of course heather with some still looking nice and purple I believe we saw bell and common heather and cross-leaved heath, gorse, rosebay willowherb, tormentil, devil's-bit scabious, cotton grass and hawksbeard/ox tongue.

[aspiringtrashpanda]

💚ZORO x ROBIN💜

This is for my spontaneous event, which you can find here!  Always happy to write ZoRobin for my darling @hiraethwrites​ 💕

“Hey love, look!”

Zoro’s hand tightened around hers, his thick palms squeezing her fingers and prompting a giggle to fall from her lips.  He tugged her to the next stall, ignoring her place in the queue of their current stop, eyes dead set on something up ahead.  

Robin’s anticipation grew.  It had to be something good for Zoro to drop everything and fixate.  

It had been Zoro’s choice to go to the mall to purchase a new pair of boots for the oncoming rainy season – something he had been avoiding due to his general distaste for crowded spaces and the majority of the population – though, it had been Robin’s choice to visit the department store that specialized in antiques.  

After an hour of milling about the various stalls, laughing at disturbing dolls attempting to portray children (though the result screamed don’t get it wet, don’t feed it past midnight), and marveling at the durability of ancient salt and pepper shakers, Zoro was getting antsy.  Robin couldn’t blame him.  Though she found endless entertainment in retro TV stands and loose Coca-Cola signs, Zoro could only look at so many blown glass vases before he considered himself officially bored.  

The plastic bag containing his new boots swung perilously close to a china tea set as he plowed on ahead, Robin swatting the bag away before it could get them banned.  She scurried after him, curiosity prickling the edges of her brain, her eyes searching their path ahead for what could have interested her boyfriend.  

Entering an area of the store dedicated more so to things considered retro, and not antique, Zoro beelined towards a boxy rectangle hoisted up on four rickety legs.  It flashed invitingly against one of the flimsy dividers that separated the vendors, prompting Zoro’s jaw to hit the ground.

Robin’s jaw hit the ground when she saw the absurd priced fixed to its side.  Her disappointment subsided, though, when she saw the enthusiasm in Zoro’s wild beam, the way his steely eyes light up, reflecting the flashing yellow lights that beckoned him to play.

“YO!” His large hands shook the pinball machine as he rested his palms on either side of the glass, the window that revealed the intricate maze of walls and lights and holes within shuddering under his strength.  “I haven’t seen one of these in ages!”

Robin hummed in amusement, watching in interest as Zoro pulled back a lever, releasing a small metal ball into the... court?  Playing field?  Was there even a sports term to associate with pinball?

“How about a little competition?” She tapped at the glass as the ball fell through the flippers closest to Zoro, signaling the end of the round.  

“What stakes we talkin’, here?” Zoro grinned, his fingers toggling buttons lining the side of the game, as if in practice.  

It was Robin’s turn to grin, leaning over the glass to examine the maze carefully.  She was taking it all in – which bumpers would send her further into the course, which combos would give her the greatest number of points.  Once satisfied, she rocked back on her heels and mused, “Loser buys milkshakes.”

“I don’t even like milkshakes.”

“Then, I suppose you better win,” Robin giggled, her laugh prompting Zoro’s eyes to temporarily lose their competitive edge, for soft affection to touch his features as he reveled in the sound of her happiness.  

Robin was so in love with this brilliant man.  This brilliant man who made her laugh, who challenged her, who kept her mind sharp and busy.  This brilliant man with the strength of an ox, the ferocity of a tiger, the playfulness of a puppy, and the devotion of a lovebird. This brilliant man who had stood by her side through thick and thin, who basked and preened in the light of her smile, as if her joy was the one thing that mattered most to him.  

This brilliant man, who managed to bounce the metal ball back and forth between approximately 6 bumpers before losing the ball to the trough.  

“Ah, shit,” He grumbled, stepping aside to give Robin her turn.  

She pulled the lever and started her match, her fingers flying over buttons as she impressed even herself with her ability to keep up with the ball as it flew across the course.  She paid no mind to the jarring squawks of horns or the obnoxious ringing of bells, refused to be distracted by the flashing bulbs lining the box.  

She beat his score in 15 seconds.  

She beat the top score in 5 minutes.  

“I love you,” Zoro whispered in her ear as he held her close.

“I can feel you trying to play pinball behind my back,” Robin replied.  

They compromised on bubbletea, wandering hand in hand throughout the mall, Robin happily slurping her espresso-based milkshake with tapioca balls.  Zoro had chosen a basic taro milk tea.

He forewent the tapioca, muttering something about them resembling pinballs.  

[rillils]

Hello! I’m abusing your ask ox today, but I went to a museum today and saw this amazing mosaic:

And I headcanon-ed Roman!Bucky and Roman!Steve being young and careless in the villa, and Bucky daring Steve to make the Annus he is sketching for the mosaic!master as crossed-eyed as he could.

Steve of course cannot resist the dare, and when the mosaic!master finishes the beautiful job that covers a whole wall, they cannot stop laughing. They name the mosaic Versi (short for versicus).

When Steve becomes emperor, he makes them move Versi To his new headquarters tile by tile because it reminds him of easier times.

(They have a laughing fit the first time Bucky sees Versi after he is saved and safely home again.)

Sorry for the inbox invasion! Just in case it sparks creativity :)

My darling T *____* You can "abuse" my inbox anytime, I promise you it will only make me happy! Just like this headcanon, it's so soft and amazing and I'm 3000000000% in love with it *squealing inside*

I know that you said that there was no need to answer this, but the thing is, I've been thinking about this ever since I saw your ask last night, and I hope you won't mind, but I uh... ended up scribbling this little thing based on your headcanon. Which is weird, since it usually takes me 45 business days to write even 100 words, but I guess for once I just ran with it. It's not refined and it's a little messy, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyways.

*

There is pleasure in this, too. In the togetherness that comes after passion, when they can lie side by side, soft-boned and content in the low candlelight.

It’s the most terribly self-indulgent thing in the world, and Steve rolls onto his side with that singular purpose, joy thrumming in his veins as he lets himself bask in the sight of his lover.

Bucky lies on his belly; their sheets rucked up messily around his hips. His body is a golden island above them, Venus emerging from a swirl of white sea foam, too inviting not to touch – and so Steve reaches out. Splays his palm over the small of Bucky’s back, watching him arch lazily into it, feeling the sweet hum under his hand.

“My lord’s hunger is not appeased, then,” Bucky murmurs, and Steve smiles – a soft, intimate thing just for the two of them to share.

“Never.”

He makes pilgrims of his fingers, guiding them along the well-known expanse of Bucky’s torso. He brushes his knuckles over the sleep-warm skin, following the long of dip of Bucky’s spine like a riverbed; skims over the frayed edges of a scar, and finds the sinuous slope of a shoulder, all the while wondering if mapmakers, too, ever get this privilege – if they, too, get to trace hills and gulfs and mountainsides with their own fingertips, before they lay it all on parchment.

“Steve.”

He looks up, only to find Bucky gazing back at him from the sheltered lee of his folded arms, where his head is resting. His eyes are bright with amusement, fond in that same way they’ll always be when he cups his palm to Steve’s cheek, says I can’t believe you’re not sick of me yet, whisper-soft in the light of dawn, and then Steve has to explain it to him all over again, one slow kiss at a time, how he wouldn’t, couldn’t grow sick of Bucky if he spent a thousand years just looking at him.

“I know. I can’t help it,” he apologizes, placing a kiss to the curve of Bucky’s shoulder. “You’re beautiful.”

“Ah, finally a worthy topic of conversation,” Bucky praises, making a show of turning on his side to face Steve fully. “Please, do tell me more about that.”

Laughter rumbles in Steve’s chest, warm like honey. He kisses Bucky like he can’t help this, either, and presses closer when he feels Bucky’s arm wrap instinctively around him, fingers curling over the nape of Bucky’s neck to tangle in the silky mass of his hair.

“Do you know,” he says after a time, his lips still tingling with Bucky’s taste, “that in my original vision, Versi should have had your likeness?”

“My likeness? My–” Bucky blinks up at him, clearly taken aback by the confession. “You were, you were going to have my face. The face of a lowly body-slave. Inlaid on the precious walls of your father’s house, piece by costly piece? Steve,” he’s laughing then, his chest shaking against Steve’s own, “were you looking to cause a scandal?”

“Yes I was,” Steve grins proudly, sneaking one foot in between Bucky’s ankles, just to have one more point of contact with him, one more spot of warmth shared between them. “I had this grand plan, you see,” he adds, stroking his thumb over the spot behind Bucky’s ear in a slow, gentle rhythm. “I would have had you celebrated as Bacchus, god of winemaking and earthly pleasures, and the whole world would have known how well I worshipped you on my knees.”

He can tell, without even looking, how his words affect Bucky. It’s in the way Bucky’s arm tightens around him, and his hand splays possessively at the base of Steve’s spine; in the way Bucky’s gaze flickers to his lips and lingers there, intent, no doubt remembering just how Steve used to drop to his knees for him, hurried and eager and flushing so prettily in his pleasure, when Bucky was supposed to be the one to serve him, strip him, dress him with caring hands.

How painfully young they were, and how wonderfully insane, drunk on this love and on each new way they found to express it. How they’d had to hide it all away, behind the barn’s closed door, or far, far into the underbrush; in the dense, quiet shadows of Steve’s bedroom at night.

The bittersweet taste of those memories thickens in Steve’s throat, and he swallows hard around it.

“I wanted them to know,” he says, softly. “I wanted them all to know what you meant to me.”

For a long moment, silence stretches between them. Bucky doesn’t say anything, but the familiar weight of his hand over Steve’s chest tells Steve that he understands; that they share no words now, because no words are needed; and that’s all the comfort he needs.

“And what feast would you have laid before me?” Bucky asks, after; his voice gentle like a caress. “Since I was to be Bacchus, and there can be no Bacchus without a feast.”

It’s easy, then, for Steve to smile again.

“I would have offered you what I offer even now,” he says, with all the confidence of somebody who has known the answer to this question his whole life. “It’s not the richest banquet, that much is true, but all of me is yours to feast on.”

“Not the richest?”

It’s such a wounded, mournful sound; so breathless, Steve nearly misses it. But when he looks in Bucky’s eyes, he cannot miss the emotion shimmering there. Nor can he escape the touch of Bucky’s hand, cupping his jaw as delicately as if it were made of glass.

“Steve. When I touch you, when I hold you, I hold the entire world in my arms.”

“Bucky–”

“No, let me– let me show you.” There’s a smile curling on Bucky’s lips as he says it; as he carefully rolls Steve onto his back, and pulls himself up to kneel in the vee of Steve’s parted legs. “Let me show you, love.”

He dips his head low to press a kiss to Steve’s knee, and Steve watches, transfixed, as Bucky trails more along the tender flesh of his thigh.

“Here are the strong pillars of my temple,” Bucky tells him, his broad hands stroking generously up Steve’s thighs, fingers catching in the coarse hair there, and Steve’s heart beats, drums, pulses behind his ribs.

“Here is the cradle where I lay at night,” Bucky murmurs against his skin, nosing along the crease of Steve’s thigh, brushing teasing lips below Steve’s navel, where his happy trail begins.

His fingers skate across Stee’s abdomen, stirring muscles that flit and ripple beneath the shell of Steve’s skin, leaving him breathless in the wake of Bucky’s worship. Steve reaches down to touch him, heart swelling with tenderness for this man – this treasure he’s already lost once, and swore to himself he’d never lose again – and Bucky catches one of his hands in his own.

“Here is the valley where my fruits grow aplenty,” Bucky says with one last nuzzle of Steve’s belly, “and here,” he vows, kissing the palm of Steve’s hand, “my cups of gold.”

And then he’s finally, finally bringing their bodies together, lowering himself into Steve’s waiting arms, lined with him from head to toe.

“And here,” he whispers at last, the tip of his nose brushing tenderly against Steve’s own, “here is the place where I find the sweet wine that drives me to ecstasy.”

He kisses Steve’s mouth with grinning lips, and Steve finds himself smiling too, wider and wider until they’re both laughing in their kiss, giggling in each other’s mouths in between half-smooches, joyful and breathless and perfectly silly, and Steve knows in his heart, he wouldn’t trade this silliness for anything in the world.

“You know,” he pants when they part, both arms wrapped snugly around Bucky’s shoulder, because, because that’s exactly where they should be, “I don’t think my plans failed completely, after all.”

Bucky peers down at him curiously, his eyes gleaming like gems in the dim light. “What do you mean?”

“Well, Versi still bears a striking resemblance to you, despite our worst efforts,” Steve reasons. “I think it’s something about his eyes...”

And if he finds himself tackled to the floor, a mere twenty seconds later, he knows it was worth it.