#bath and body works cider

[y2kbeautyandother2000sstuff]

Bath and Body Works Spiced Cider Pillar Candle

late 1990s

Found on Ebay, user stuff-n-things70 

[stingrayextraordinaire]

Bath and Body Works Moodboards // Plum Cider Warmth

There's a chill in the air, and the leaves are a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors, with notes of mirabelle plum, apple cider, golden rum, cashmere vanilla, and sugared musk.

[fallthings22]

[angelpassing-by]

THAT SHELL WE CALL A BODY

Characters: Kaeya, Neuvillette, Ayato [blu bois] x [fat!/size neutral!fem!reader] Cw: discussion of weight and body, self image issues, suggestive (?) [maybe if you squint your eyes in Kaeya's part], descriptions of food (i'm so sorry, i just love ice-cream and as a lactose intolerant i just spend all summer daydreaming about it, I literally can't shut up about ice-cream for three months straight), vage mention of dieting. I hinted at this like two months ago, but the Neuvi part just didn't come through as I wanted it, after redoing it several times [and experiencing that first hand] I think I'm now satisfied. So basically you are feeling bad about your body due to different things and the bois comfort you A/N: bad English be aware. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝓈𝓊𝓅𝑒𝓇 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓉𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓅𝑒𝒸𝒾𝒶𝓁. 𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒷𝑜𝒹𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝒹𝑔𝑒𝒹 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝑒𝓃𝒿𝑜𝓎𝑒𝒹. 𝒻𝒶𝓉𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝒶𝓁 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝒸𝓇𝒾𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻𝓊𝒸𝓀 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓅𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒷𝒶𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝑜𝓃 𝒾𝓉.

𝓚𝓐𝓔Ⴘ𝓐

It had been years since you last enjoyed a bathing afternoon in Cider Lake followed by a relaxing nap in the Sun. That's how you would spend your childhood summers, splashing and running around in the rocky shore. That was until your teens where you started to become self-conscious about your looks, you didn't look like you "were supposed to", although you weren't too sure how you were even supposed to look.

When you managed to start dating Kaeya the self-loathing began to disappear because, if someone as him, the famous Calvary Captain no less, could love you so deeply, how could you be unlovable? Nevertheless, you tried to hide your body as much as possible and limit the intimacy with each other.

"Maybe if my thighs were smaller, and if I had a slim waist. If, if, if..." As every summer you stand in front of the bathroom mirror, inspecting your body from all angles, comparing with those pretty girls you saw in books and movies. Maybe there's something wrong with me, you had tried it all, exercise, diet, but nothing worked and just made your anxiety sky rocket which in turn made you gain the weight all back again.

"Hey, pretty" your boyfriend suddenly pops behind you snaking his arms around you and plants a kiss in your exposed shoulder.

"Don't say that" you grumble suddenly mortified by the image you two make, him, lean and tall, and you, a tiny and chubby.

"Why?" He kisses your other shoulder and stares into your reflection. "You are the prettiest girl I've ever seen."

"I can't believe you, I'm so fat and ugly and- " Kaeya cuts you off.

"You are adorable and you are so fucking soft" His eyes lock with yours through the mirror and he continues softening his serious tone. "You were literally made for me to hug, your thighs are the best pillow when I come home tired, not to mention how hot you look whenever you wear something short" He playfully pats your butt and you can't help but giggle.

"I do have a great ass" You say and he laughs kissing the side of your neck. "So you don't think I'm ugly, even though I don't look like those thin models and actresses?"

"Don't be silly you are much hotter with your soft curves and those legs, damn, I'd be the happiest man if I got to die of asphyxiation between them." He responds, dramatically placing a hand on his chest as if your words had mortally hurt him.

He hugs you again, tighter. "Now seriously, you are pretty, and hot and beautiful and I don't think any other woman in the world could compare to your beauty. And even if you don't believe me, let me tell you that there's no more perfect body for you than your own. And I love you, and I love every inch of you, it doesn't matter how it looks because it's you, and the people who really love you will see how gorgeous you are. And of course, what a great ass you have."

That is the little push you need, seeing the feral look in your boyfriend's eyes as he ogles you, the way his hands hold you with such care and his lips place ghost kisses along the curve of your neck.

"Do you fancy spending the evening in Cider Lake?" You ask softly.

𝓝𝓔𝓤𝓥𝓘ℒℒ𝓔𝑇𝑇𝓔

"Dearest, is something wrong?" Your boyfriend's voice wakes you up from your thoughts.

"Um, yeah, just thinking, that's all" You answer trying to act normally as if thousands of horrible insults to yourself weren't running through your mind in that same moment.

"So, do you want some ice-cream?"He inquires pointing towards the parlor’s poster displaying some of the most delicious sweets you've ever seen, ranging from mint and berries to an elaborate chocolate dessert with sugar sprinkles and cookies toppings.

Your right foot starts bouncing nervously as you shift your gaze around, avoiding Neuvillette's piercing gaze.

"No, I'll pass" You respond. That's probably one of the hardest things you've ever done. There's truly nothing like having a cold ice-cream under the scorching heat of Fontaine's summer strolling along the crowded streets of the capital. But you saw that woman's look, the woman next to the pharmacy, just in front of both of you, that look you knew all too well: "she shouldn't be out here eating more, that's the reason she looks like that". Sadly, one too many passing comments and dismissive looks from your family had made you recognize it from a young age.

Neuvillette gives you a quizzical look but doesn't push any further. He orders himself something you don't have the courage to look at and meanwhile you focus on his pretty hair, the way it reflects the sun in his high ponytail. Of course he had let you tie a ribbon for him before going out and you smile inwardly reliving the sweet moment.

Which is, of course, spoiled by that woman, staring intently from across the street. When you try to return her stare she just looks you up and down with a peculiar face, one you sadly also know. The look that says, "maybe if you were better, you would look better, like me."

The burning shame sets across your face, painting your features reddish. You feel so, so stupid, after all this time, you think, it shouldn't affect me like this.

"Neuvi, can we go home already? I think I'm getting a bit tired" You urge your boyfriend as soon as he gets his treat, starting to walk a few steps ahead him so he can't see your watery eyes.

"Of course, darling, do you want me to call a doctor? I happen to know..." His voice is usually reassuring and warm, but now the world is just too hot and your head spins with anger and sadness. You stop focusing on his words as you both walk home, him, still a step behind you and you, still containing your tears.

At home, your boyfriend grabs your hands before you get the chance to get away, leading you to the velvety blue couch in the living room.

"Hey, are you fine? You've been kind of distracted this afternoon." His tone is laced with concern.

"Yes Neuvi" But your answer does not convince him.

"Are you forgetting love that you talking to the Iudex of Fontaine? Not even the most expert criminals can lie to me, and you, love, aren't really good at lying."

"'M sorry Neuvi-"

"I don't want to press you to tell me something you don't want to tell me, but I just want to know if there is something I can do about it."

Those words just break the little self-control that maintains your tears at bay. They start rolling around your puffy cheeks as heavy droplets of rain. With a concerned look, Neuvi hugs you closer, reassuringly tracing circles in your back with his hand. I'm between sobs and hiccups you manage to explain the situation as best as you can.

"- it's just, I know it must sound stupid, but -"He shushes you cupping your face in his hands.

"Nothing my pretty lady sais is stupid, do you want me to get that rude woman in jail?"

"What? No!" You exclaim with a horrified look, "It's not that important."

"Well, it is, staring disrespectfully at others is an offense and you have feelings, feeling that have been hurt, feelings that very much matter to me. Nobody should look down others and that woman had no business judging whatever you were or weren't doing."

You huff "What are you going to do then, send everyone that looks at me like I'm thrash to jail?"

"Of course, nobody has the right to determine how you feel towards your body" He gets up more determined than before, "Now, does my pretty lady want an ice-cream" His look is so serious that you can't help but feel like you are in one of his trials, but nonetheless, you respond with an equally composed voice, albeit broken at the end by a little chuckle.

"I'd like that very much Sir Iudex of Fontaine."

𝓐Ⴘ𝓐𝑇𝓞

You can't do it, you can't, well, that annoying little voice in the back of your head keeps you saying that you can't, all because of that stupid summer gala your boyfriend Ayato had convinced you to attend.

It had all started last week, with a scented letter from one of the many upstanding noble women in Inazuma. Ayato had come into your shared bedroom at night, just as you were going to sleep, waving it around. He was so excited you just casually agreed to be his companion, after all, as he had said, you had been a couple for a long time now and you always had refused to attend to such events with him.

He got you a delicately embroidered kimono made with the finest of silks just to match his attire, an ornate fan imported from Liyue, even sparkling blue glass hair pins. All you could do was cry for days. And now, again, you walk around the empty tea room adjacent to your bedroom feeling like an stranger.

You look like an ugly thing pretending to be a pretty girl. That's what that little voice reminds you each time you catch a glimpse from your reflection on the vases.

You will ruin his reputation, what will people think when they see him with something like you?

"Is everything all right Lady?"Thoma's voice startles you and you stop your pacing to look at the man's concerned face.

You nod absentmindedly and offer a weak smile. Thoma seems skeptical, however, he bows and leaves you alone again with your thoughts until your inner monologue is disturbed again not too long after.

"Dear, may I come in?" Ayato's voice is heard following two soft knocks on the door.

"Yes, it was Thoma, wasn't it?" You ask a bit too dryly as the door peeks open.

"Yes, but-" Ayato stops dead in his tracks when his gaze falls upon you. "Oh Heavens, you look truly incredible. Why didn't you tell me you were trying your outfit on? I would've worn mine too. Though I'm afraid nobody will look at me with such beauty by my side."

"Don't laugh at me." You huff with a scornful look.

"I'm not." He looks positively puzzled at your words. "You are stunning."

You cross your arms and narrow your eyes at your boyfriend, "Well, I'm not sure I should go with you."

"Did I do something wrong? Is it the dress? I should have ordered something more luxurious, I don't know what I was thinking. Maybe if-"

"No, no" You cut your boyfriend's panicked diatribe. "It's me." To that he truly looks dumbfounded. "Can't you see it? I look... not like you."

"What?" He tilts his head like some sort of confused puppy waiting for further instructions.

"I don't look thin and tall and imposing like you, I don't want others to judge you because of me" That wasn't entirely the truth, even if some high society folk spoke poorly about you, no one would dare to disrespect the Yashiro Commissioner. No, you just didn't measure up.

"That's not going to happen. Besides, it shouldn't matter what anyone thinks of you. Not even me." he gestures to himself "Although if you don't mind me saying, your curves look positively breath taking in this thin silk."

"I don't know if I believe you"

"Don't believe me, you don't have to like your body, but rather, see the value in what it offers."

He spins you around, the blue kimono shifting with your motions, one, two, three times, until you take his hand and begin dancing around the tea table. Now, the reflection of the vases depicts a lovely woman with a regal attire. Yes, she's chubby and soft, but that only makes her look more ethereal. And you realize a split second after that you are that woman.

Maybe you are just as beautiful as you boyfriend thinks, but even if you aren't, you are grateful to have a body that allows you to dance clumsily and with no music whatsoever in a tea room just before sunset.

[voidcat]

Deciding to stay up until New Year’s Day with Togame, but the two of you end up struggling to keep your eyes open as the hours tick, opting to try and keep the other person awake by any means whatsoever.

replying to this SO so late...... pls look away.... also this went differently from what i og planned but no complaints !!! im happy. kinda suggestive if you squint ig

It's ridiculous stubborn now. The hour is nowhere near late, let alone midnight and yet you feel your body fighting for a moment of rest. It's been a long week and a longer month, exhaustion certainly building up and taking its toll on your poor body and as much as you'd love to rest your eyes, you know yourself.

The moment your head touches the pillow, you'll be out until the next yea-

Alright, maybe bad choice of words on new year's eve to say.

While you're at war with yourself, Togame steals a glance your way. Your dearest, darling, warmest, softest huge hunk of a boyfriend that you love and cherish and won't hold back on the dramatics when it comes to expressing love is on the side against you today.

Starting from the morning up until now, he has been trying to herd you back to the warm embrace of your bed- which you've all successfully dodged so far.

As much as he finds your never ending resolve often cute, seeing you being this stubborn over something harming you hurts him. All your attempts at painting him as the bad guy- even if just to tease him, only makes it worse.

With a sigh, he watches as you organize the table and light your favorite candles, still trying to choose between the scents cinnamon and apple cider.

Finally satisfied with your work, you feel broad arms wrapped around your frame, pulling you to something sturdy and soft. Knowing all edges and turns of Togame's body by heart now, you let your weight drop and allow yourself to fall into his hold completely. Closing your eyes, you can feel his breath on your skin, bringing you comfort with his rhytmic breathing pattern.

"Why won't you take a bath?" you hear his voice by your ear, tickled by the sudden sensation. Before you can protest, he follows up: "At least, this way you'll get a little rest and your body will feel a lot better."

You try weighing the option in your head. It does sound tempting, you're being honest. The more you stay in the house, the more you see things that need to be adjusted, fixed or changed- so adamant on having the perfect entrance to the new year, you've already spent what litthe strenght you had left in you. Togame loosens his hold on you, allowing you room to turn in place and shoot him a grin.

"Well, will you join me as well or-?..." Seeing him raise a brow, his lip quirked up, amused by the offer but as if saying 'please be serious' you close your mouth shut. "Alright, alright, I'll take be right back." and free yourself from his arms.

As you step into the bathroom, you can hear him call: "Take your time."

The hot water is welcoming, and helps to scrub some of the exhaustion off your system. Freshly bathed, smelling nice, and putting on one of Togame's loose tshirts for the time being, you step into the living room, surprised by the sight that awaits you.

Lights turned off, the place only luminated by the glow of candles and you can smell hot chocolate in the air along with what you think are fresh pastries.

Chin resting against his palm, Togame takes in the sight of you relaxed. Patting the spot next to him, he invites you in to join, snapping you out of your haze.

The two of you sit in silence for a while like this. Legs crossed and leaning against him, you enjoy the treats and your boyfriend watching you smile and hum in content with each sip.

Sometimes being direct is the best way to go with things, so Togame decides to try his luck.

"I know you insist on staying up-" "Ah!" "So at least let me help, and rest like this." he pauses a tad too late and you avoid your eyes instead of speaking.

Between the faint sound of music coming from behind, he can hear you mumble a word and stop, see your mouth open and close a few times as your face grows flushed.

So he takes his chance, again, and leans in closer to you, bumping your cheek with his nose with an amused smile on his face.

"I-it's stupid, really." you manage to blurt out. "Hmm? When has my dear ever have a stupid idea?"

"I- Well..." another bump of his nose and you giggle, fake hitting him on the arm. "Heard somewhere whoever you enter the new year with, you spend it with them all year long and... well..."

Your voice comes out strong when you begin the sentence with borrowed information, voicing it out loud, but as you near its end, your voice falters and shakes, dropping to unheard volumes.

Togame pretends to ponder for a while, even bringing a hand to his chin, scrubbing his nonexistent beard.

"It doesn't sound to me that it states whether we should be awake or not though, does it?" "But Jo!-" you protest immediately.

"The point of the new year is to begin the year, awake and conscious!" This time it's you leaning into him, invading his personal space. One more enthusiastic outburst and you'll be nudging his cheek with your nose.

"I mean, if you insist..." before you can realize, he pulls your body closer to his, adjusting his position to be more comfortable for the two of you. Even in your tired state, you're awfully aware of his hands on your waist, his fingers digging into your skin no matter how gentle he holds you.

One hand travels up your spine and cradles your neck, guiding your face to his. With each second, the space between the two of you lessens one by one and you feel hot all over again, none of which caused by the shower you had a while ago.

His lips grazing yours, Togame speaks up again: "Maybe we can think of a few ways to keep each other up until the clock strikes midnight, yeah?" "...yeah" you nod, entranced by him completely.

Moving up, his lips are by your ear, "How does that sound?" he says and you nod slowly, "Words, baby, I need to hear you."

"Sounds good-" before the word can get out of your lips, you feel his teeth on your ear lobe. Hands gripping at the hem of his shirt, you bury your face to his neck and can hear him let out a hearty laugh at your quick surrender.

His hand on your neck moves up to your hair, slowly massaging and petting your head. Pulling back from your ear, Togame holds you by the chin delicately, nudging you to show your face. Bumping his nose against yours, he captures your lips slowly and you can taste chocolate on his tongue.

Warm and body feeling like dough waiting to be kneaded all around, you return the kiss in slow, sloppy moves.

Yeah, this feels like a better way to pass time until midnight. And if you happen to miss it? Well, you doubt you'll have any complaints by then.

[lovelytsunoda]

kiss me down by the broken treehouse // mick schumacher

summary: honeymoons in the midwest, heart shaped jacuzzis and scented bubble bath. this is how mick wants the rest of his life to be

pairing: mick schumacher x newlywed reader!

warnings: vague allusions to sex, two people being sickeningly in love, bathing together. nicolas cage should be a warning in itself

author's note: this is the last fic in the cozy collection and not gonna lie, it's making me very emotional. thank you for coming along for this cozy and warm, and sometimes scandalous adventure <3. i can't wait to share the christmas collection with you all.

the hotel suite was dim as she slipped the rose gold wedding band off her finger, dropping it on the dresser next to the almost identical one her husband wore.

mick was sitting by the window, lighting a tangle of scented candles as the heart-shaped jacuzzi tub filled with bubble bath.

"baby, what's all this?" she asked softly, leaning down to kiss him.

they had spent the day in town, visiting country stores and hiking trails, downing more apple cider than mick had ever thought possible. they were cold to the bone when they returned to the hotel, but that didn't stop mick from pulling his wife into bed and reminding her just how happy he was to spend the rest of their lives together.

"just another way to show how much i love you." mick hummed, reaching for the bottle of champagne he'd had room service deliver on their way back to the bed and breakfast. "i figured the best way to end the night was a nice bubble bath and a movie."

she smiled, giggling as she kissed the side of his head. "i knew there was a reason i married you."

she disentangled herself from mick, slender fingers making quick work of the belt holding her plush hotel robe together, fabric pooling over the floor and revealing her naked body to her lover.

blushing furiously, mick turned off the tap, quickly filling two champagne flutes before stripping out of his own hotel robe.

“after you, my darling wife.” he grinned, taking y/ns hand and helping her into the tub. he slipped under the bubbles after her, nuzzling into her back and pressing a kiss to her shoulder blade. “ich liebe dich.”

“I love you too, mickie.”

she settled on one of the built in tub seats, smiling at her husband before she looked dreamily out the frost covered window. the trees in the vermont woods next to the hotel were dyed shades of red-orange, the colors themselves beyond breathtaking.

“whatcha starin’ at, pretty girl?” mick pondered, kissing the top of her head as he settled in next to her.

“the trees. nature. it’s beautiful. how did you manage to get a room with such a great view?”

mick shrugged. “turns out, telling the hotel you’re on your honeymoon gets you special privileges. but that view isn’t as a great as the one I had earlier when I was on top of you. or the view I have every morning when I wake up with you in my arms.”

she giggled, playfully slapping his shoulder. "mickie!"

mick laughed, kissing the side of her head before reaching for the laptop next to the tub. "how do you feel about the nicolas cage dracula movie?"

"absolutley not! when i get nightmares, are you going to nurse me back to sleep?"

"yes." mick said solemnly, loading up amazon prime on his laptop. "one hundred percent."

y/n snickered, reaching for the champagne. once mick schumacher was alseep, not even a tornado could wake him up. "babe, we both know you'd sleep right through. you sleep like a goddamn rock."

"yeah, babe. you're right. but nicolas cage is in it, it wont be that scary."

“I’m not worried about it being scary; I’m worried about it being gory.” she rolled her eyes, taking a sip of champagne. “if I start watching ‘renfield’ through my fingertips, you’re on your own, mickie.”

mick giggled, hitting the play button before pulling his wife into his lap. “consider me warned. we can watch the original halloween afterwards.”

“you’ve got yourself a deal, husband.” she laughed, passing him a champagne flute.

the room was small and cozy, lit only by the blue glow from micks laptop and the candles around the bath, the air filled with the calming scents of vanilla, cinnamon and pumpkin. micks gentle fingers trailed up and down her thigh as they watched the movie together, sipping champagne and enjoying each others company.

every so often, mick filled the silence with a small praise, a gentle kiss against his wife’s skin. it was still so surreal to him that he would get to hold her in his arms, every day, for the rest of his life.

she rested her head on his shoulder, placing the empty glass back on the ledge outside the tub before she properly folded her body against his, fingertips mindlessly tracing shapes on his chest, the fine blonde hairs dotting his pecs matted to his skin by the water, a few errant bubbles still stark against his skin.

she loved him, truly madly and deeply.

it seemed like just yesterday they had met each other, although it had been almost four years. four great years of love and laughter and highs and lows. and in a blink of an eye, there she was, in her white dress, in micks arms as they danced to a bryan adams song.

four years of feelings she wasn’t sure she’d ever have the joy of feeling for another living, breathing person. and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

when the movie was half over, candle wax dripping into hardwood and the bubbles all faded away from the lukewarm water, skin dried out and pruny, only then did the newlyweds emerge from the heart-shaped tub.

micks touch was gentle as he helped his wife dress in her long, pale nightdress, silk dusting the carpet as she pulled down the handmade quilt, ready to fold herself into bed next to her husband.

he slipped into bed next to her, laying the laptop down in front of them. his fingers played with her hair, twirling strands around her finger before he began to lazily braid a small section, the last half of the movie playing on the small screen.

“mick?”

“yeah?”

“I’m so excited to spend my future with you.”

“me too, Liebling.” he smiled, kissing her forehead. “we’ve got so much to look forward to.”

BONUS

y/nschumacher ❤️🍂

TAGS

@magnummagnussen @libraryofloveletters @lorarri @diorleclerc @userlando @thatsdemko @oconso @sidcrosbyspuck @cartierre

[ledetlore]

listen, i know everyone hates nathaniel coal and a small part of me does too, but a bigger part of me ACHES wondering about how much he's feeling right now. i mean!! here is your son. your first baby. you loved him so much. you didn't always get it right, and you did your best, even if you didn't have help. maybe, at some point, you started noticing what he lacked, and maybe you pushed him to be better, but that's only because you saw so much potential in him! for the longest time, it was you and him against the world... until suddenly, it wasn't. and that broke you.

but you got up! bc if there's one thing you know how to do, it's to keep going! it's to keep working! to keep living! you have more kids, your family grows, you have more boys and a girl. you can never replace your first baby, but life has gotten better.

and then suddenly. he's back! the son you thought you lost is back!! and he's different and he's hurt and he's been used and abused and oh, he asks you, where were you? why didn't you come after me? why did i have to be the one to go to you? why did you give up? you didnt give up on my your life here, you got up, got better, but not once did you come after me? not once? you gave up on me that easily, papa?

anyway. here's my partner. this man you think of as a monster. he's my family now. he was there for me when you weren't. he knows things about me i'll never tell you.

gideon never says all those things, but that's what nathaniel hears.

what's an old man to do, then, huh? what's an old man to do with all these feelings? does anyone know? certainly not nathaniel coal.

anyway. i can't wait for the breakdown that's about to happen. your fic has me by the throat.

i miss the boys, though. gricko would not STAND for this behavior from the coals, im sure of it.

also are we ever going to figure anything out about gideon's mom?

okay this ask got me so bad I ran a bubble bath, cracked open a nice cold cider and I'm now gonna answer best as I can. Just imagine me typing this on a layer of white bubbles.

Technically, this is answered over the next chapters, but I can give you a sneak peak.

Okay, let's get into it. Radiohead is playing, I am emotional, and fuck it, I wanna answer.

Without giving too much away;

Pa loves Gideon. He loves his kids. When you love something with your whole heart and it goes, it takes your heart with it. None of Pa's kids will ever know what Pa was with Gideon, and they sort of know it, with the way he gets sometimes - looking at the fields like there's still someone running through them when they're all inside. Hopeful.

Pa woke up to Gideon left on his doorstep, months after what he thought was a casual lay with a woman he thought he had dreamed. Parents dead, ranch just about running, about twenty three with no clue in the world of what to do with himself or a baby.

Giving up his youth for the baby, cause that's what you do when you're a good man with a big heart. He gave every part of that big heart to Gideon, keeping just enough back to keep his body running.

Then it's burning.

He's screaming, your baby is screaming, and you're running out to touch him, save him, stroke his hair and whisper that you'd never let anything happen - when a thud hits you, something dark and sharp across your face like the world's cruelest slap.

You wake up to a friend shaking you, begging you to be alive. You get up and you look for him, for your baby, but all there is are steadily filling train tracks, the scent of sulfur, and a long dark horizon.

You lose yourself. You give up. You drink, but that's not enough. Suddenly, all the coin you've been saving? Women. More drinks. Waking up in ditches.

You meet a girl two years younger than you. You saw her when you were younger, in the market with her mother while you had just lost yours.

You fuck her. She's lovely, she's sweet, it's her first time - it's your fiftieth. A month later she runs to your house, paint peeling, still smoke-stained. She's pregnant.

You could get a healer, sweep it all away, but fuck, she's scared. You feel responsible. Suddenly, you're swearing to do right by her and the kid, barely an hour after drinking another bottle of whiskey down. Maybe it helps. Maybe it doesn't.

So you buck up. Quit cold, you ain't a fucking wimp. She helps you, the first few months, and then you're helping her, she's tired, she's hurting, she's got a baby in her and God don't you remember how hard it was to have one just show up?

She gives birth. It's painful, she's screaming, your favourite hat tears in your hands from how tight you're holding it.

You don't give the baby your name, that was Gideon's. You call him John Markus Cowle - it's a fine name enough. The woman, she's sweaty, exhausted, eyes bagged and hands shaking.

She's never looked more beautiful.

You marry the next year, and the ceremony is empty on your side of the aisle, but she's stunning in her white dress. You fall harder than you thought possible.

Life goes on. Three more children, the third a surprise neither expected but both want so so terribly. She's a girl, and suddenly there's two angels in your life. You love and care for your sons, but baby girl is special- the first deep love you've felt since Gideon.

Life is beautiful, for a while. She grows up, like her mother but so stubborn, like you.

Then he comes back.

The day isn't even special. it's not an anniversary or a holiday. It's the start of another week in growing season.

You feel everything, so you make yourself feel nothing. Close yourself. Struggle to speak. He looks nothing like your baby, but all like you, the curve of his brows like his mother (distant as she is in your mind) and scarred like a circus lion. His tail, which used to smack you in bed, is gone. His horns are smaller than you thought they'd be.

He's shackled.

Then out from behind him comes something you've only ever heard about. A lizardfolk. An alligator. Both predators.

You couldn't protect your son, and now there's four more of your babies that you can't see, can't defend. Your girl, your angel, she's too curious - she's so similar to Gideon, who's here now, and she's going to be hurt.

You can't lose another.

Gideon is so big, you can't fit his face in your palm anymore, he looks like you but just a little off, he's beautiful and everything you wanted to see him grow into.

This lizardfolk is dressed far too nice. That's... worse almost. Because the shackles on his wrists need to come from somewhere.

Dear Anon, you will see more soon. Pa also needs to work through this, and he's spent years treating the memory of Gideon like a drop of diamond, precious and unbreakable.

He's a complicated man. I am crying now, having written this out. God, I am not made for this kind of angst, and here I am, hurting myself.

There's going to be a moment it all crashes down and the rubble may not be able to be used to rebuild. Still, a foundation doesn't disappear.

[diavolo-is-babygirl]

Having a stressful day?

Barbatos will make you the perfect pumpkin spice latte at the end of your day. Perhaps you may want an apple cider or hot chocolate. No matter. The perfect drink is already yours, thanks to Barbatos.

You and Diavolo will unwind after a long, grueling day, enjoying your Autumn themed drinks while immersed in a sea of pumpkin spice and apple cider candles. You took Diavolo shopping at Bath and Body Works, and he went a little too crazy with the candles, but you don't mind.

[angel-of-the-moons]

Over The Moon

Khonshu x Reader

TW/CW: None

A/N: This is something that hit me and I'm hoping writing it will help knock me out of my funk while I take a couple days to myself (going on a trip with some friends). So enjoy this little blurb of the tall pigeon man!

🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑🌑

It was time for the fireworks to start soon. The snow and ice chilled you to the bone, and you sat on a bench overlooking the Hudson River.

It was deserted, given the particular location of the bench, and the proximity to a one of the closed-down subway entrances, that housed the homeless.

Many people felt unsafe there, but you knew you'd always be safe at night. Especially around the homeless. They, like you, were under the protection of someone great.

Someone powerful.

Someone who... really needed to work on his people skills...

You turn your thermos in your hands, briefly passing the warmed metal into one palm while you checked the time on your phone.

Four minutes until the clock struck the new year; and the moon was as bright as ever. It was abnormally large as well, but it was beautiful and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the fireworks display that was due to start soon.

You slipped your phone back into your pocket and closed your eyes as snowflakes drifted down from the scattered clouds, a stray moonbeam peeking out here and there, always seeming to illuminate you and you alone; as if something--or someone--simply wanted to bathe you in the cool ethereal light of that lunar object.

You weren't sure how much time had passed until you felt the warm touch of someone's fingers grazing your cheek.

You open your eyes and turn your head to see the hulking, lithe frame above you.

His body was draped in linen and loose robes, a gold crescent moon secured to his chest. His colors seemed bleak, non-existent.

What completed his strange, otherworldly appearance was the dessicated bird skull that hung with some invisible force in place of what would be a human head.

His other hand gripped his staff as he leaned over the bench to peer at you with large, eyeless sockets.

"You are frigid." His voice rumbles through you.

You smile at him, sipping your hot cider. "Well that happens when it's only about 2 degrees outside, Khonshu."

"Hmph." He grunted, moving in a haze until he was sitting to your side, cross-legged on the ground next to the bench, his staff resting on his shoulder.

"Uh, Khonshu... There's a bench here..."

"I know."

"Then why--"

You were interrupted when his large hands encapsulated your waist and he pulled you down to him, firmly planting you in his lap, between his crossed legs.

You opened your mouth to complain about how he almost made you spill your cider--but the unnatural warmth his body exuded quickly snuffed the flame of your complaint as you sank against him with a contented sigh.

His body always carries the warmth of the deserts, the scent of sweet spices and just a hint of mildew. Most others wouldn't enjoy the combination of smells, but you enjoyed it.

He smelled... safe. You knew whenever you smelled him, no harm would ever come to you. That you would never be lonely.

"Better?" He asked, his voice almost condescending.

You stick your finger up, "This doesn't mean you won anything, old man."

"Of course it does. I am a god, Little Star." He chuckled, his arms circling around you to pull you close against his chest.

You chuckled back at him, bringing a frozen finger to caress the beak of his skull.

The texture was smooth, like a normal bone being sanded and smoothed down by endless days of being blasted by the sands of time.

"You're so full of yourself." You admonished playfully.

"Hmmh."

You jumped with a squeak when the first fireworks go off, casting blue-red glows down upon the two of you.

Your jolt of fear seems to amuse the god, and another warm chuckle rolls out of him, settling deep into your bones.

"Not funny." You huffed, trying to sound indignant but the smile on your lips betray your tone as you both lift your gazes to the sky at the bright lights booming high above.

You feel his arms tighten around your almost imperceptibly, caging you against him in a loving embrace.

Yes.

You knew, as long as he was here, you were safe.

And he was home.

[rose-of-oz]

mara yang + ☃️!! - @kendelias

Thanks so much for this!! Also gonna tag the Glee gang, @luucypevensie, @dancingsunflowers-ocs, @ginevrastilinski-ocs, @manyfandomocs, and @aceyanaheim!! <3 <3

Favourite winter drink & food: Warm apple cider and peppermint bark.

Favourite winter movie: The Polar Express.

Favourite winter activity: Having a board game marathon with her family on New Year’s Eve.

Favourite TV Show: Xena: Warrior Princess.

Comfort Movie: The Devil Wears Prada.

Favourite candle scent: The special Pillsbury Apple Cinnamon Bread candle from Bath & Body Works.

Favourite song & album: “Sleepover” by Hayley Kiyoko, from the album Expectations.

Your favourite or dream au for them: Maybe a Cheerio Mara AU? That could have vibes.

Their love language: Physical touch for both giving and recieving.

send me ☃️ + an oc!!

[edgessunflower]

Candles

Pairing: Bianca Belair x Fem reader x Bayley

Description: You and the girls find and get new fall scented candles

When Sasha told you that there were new candles for fall at Bath and body works in the mall you knew that you and the girls had to go and see just what these scents were on your shared day off together for the first time in a long while. The three of you decided to make a day out of the trip to the mall going to Spencer's and Hot Topic before hitting the Box Lunch where you got quite a few different shirts and beanies before the three of you found your main destination and that was the bath and body works, the first candle Bayley found was the traditional apple cider which she liked to have before Bianca found the first of many new scents starting with pumpkin pecan waffles and you found warm apple pie which you immediately fell in love with and so did the girls as you all found more new scents from autumn rain and spiced apple harvest to falling leaves, blankets under the stars, and sweet vanilla horchata each smell had the three of you even more relaxed and breathing deeper to keep the smell of each scent leading to the three of you leaving bath and body works with bags on each arm. Lunch between the three of you was shared in the food court with pizza and soda before leaving the mall and heading home immediately lighting blankets under the stars in the living room while watching tv for an hour before letting the scent linger then lighting autumn rain which had you melting on the couch between the girls as you all watched Nightmare before Christmas, after the movie dinner was shared while the scent of autumn rain lingered in the living room even after blowing the candle out and twenty minutes later all of you were doing your nightly routines before lighting sweet vanilla horchata that was a soothing non musical luallby for the three of you snuggled and molded together under the covers as Native american music ambience played on low volume that had the three of you asleep to the echoed flute music and the calm scent of vanilla flowing throughout the bedroom as you all slept soundly.

[sunfallsprophet]

💭 — bathing habits ( what they use, their preferred method of bathing ( shower, bath, river, etc ), favorite scents to use , etc )

( we basically talk already about DJ's lore all the time OOC already so hopefully this one is unique enough LOL )

Sometimes I really hate myself when it comes to explaining Djahima's behaviors, even the most basic ones, because my answer is almost always the same: it depends. If they're currently living in an actual place of residence, be it a hotel room, a house, or some kind of god damn witch's hovel, then they'll most likely have some homemade remedies on hand.

But anyway, from what I can think of on the top of my head right now:

They aren't picky when it comes to bathing. Though with their nomadic lifestyle, they obviously don't always have access to a shower, tub, or even some sort of body of water. But considering that they can just become water, it really shouldn't be an issue. They will, however, purposely just ignore their hygiene for a time if they don't feel like it's that important...or just to make other people smell them. The bitch is actually insane.

I will say though, if they could choose how to bathe (which they technically could at all times, more or less, if they weren't so deranged), Djahima would prefer a combination of a bath and a shower. They find that skinny dipping in a body of water while it's raining to be very calming.

If they currently have locs, they'll have a mixture of homemade apple cider vinegar (or any sort of vinegar, really) and rosemary on hand whenever they need to do a deep cleanse.

They make their own cold-pressed oils (especially with coconut). If they have time and access to some good, fertile soil, they may use plants/herbs as well. They commonly use hibiscus, ginger, and fig, but they will experiment with different plants.

They will use raw honey for skincare. They may collect honeycomb themself or will purchase raw honeycomb/honey directly from beekeepers.

Djahima doesn't always use soap; oils, vinegar, mashed fruits/vegetables, and clay are more commonly used than soap. But if they do want to use soap, they'll also make it themself. Yes, including the lye.

You might be asking yourself (not you, Theo, you already know how this mf works) why they make everything themself and where they're getting all this time to make it all. Well, a) they don't trust other manufacturers most of the time and the plants/fruits/vegetables that are used are modified in ways they don't like and b) they're immortal. They got the time. They got nothing but time. They got time to kill.

Anyway, yeah. Despite the fact that they make everything themself, they don't actually use a lot.

[lilmissasap]

all right u obscene fucks some of you don't have a skincare-obsessed sister and it shows

alright so anyone who shaves their no no square is going to know what im talking about so just bare with me. some of us are too broke to afford a wax (i have eight dollars in my spending account rn), so here's what ur gonna do. everyone whos shaved that area has most definitely experienced irritation, ingrowns, bumps, and itchiness. this is not good, especially for those of us with a history of sh. that alone has triggered multiple relapses for me, cus why does my body itch? and then my brain spirals from there

if its been a while since u've shaved? no worries stink i didn't use to be regular either. if its been a while and you have a bit more hair, make sure to trim the area carefully, with a sanitized pair of scissors.

dry brush the area, you can get a dry brush at target, i got mine for five dollars

gently exfoliate the area, i use a home made one w sugar, oil, and dr bronners unscented soap. i use unscented because i have keratosis pilaris, eczema, and sensitive skin. use unscented soap, not no Japanese cherry blossom ass shit from bath and body works. do you want a yeast infection? unscented is the way to go.

get clean razor, i switch mine out every month or so. i use harrys because they're marketed towards men so a closer shave w more blades. before u do anything w the razor, run it under warm water, if the pressure in your showerhead changes switch it to the highest pressure and rinse the blade to get any gunk out of there

drop the shaving cream, the conditioner, whatever u use. drop it. switch for coconut oil instead, unscented as to not irritate the area.

at first go with the direction of hair growth, stopping to rinse the razor and the area every few strokes. then go side to side, and up and down.

as soon as ur finished rinse the area with freezing water as to close/tighten the pores!!

when ur out of the shower use either after shave, or witch hazel. i like to use aqua velva after shave, it smells nice, and also marketed towards a male audience so it actually fucking works. pour a little bit on a cotton round, wash rag, or toilet paper and apply it to the area. it'll sting a little bit, but that's the tightening and toning of the area, don't worry. for those of my afab friends do not put it in there. only on the skin outside of it!! no one wants a yeast infection, or a uti, we don't do that here. (however if you do get a uti or yeast infection, boric acid suppositories at target, azo cranberry tablets and apple cider vinegar tablets. do what you will with that. miasaurus on youtube has great videos on these topics, an ex-stripper and also incredibly funny) tend skin is also a great option but really expensive, when my parents were together my mom got my bald-headed ass daddy a big thing of tend skin for his birthday.

moisturize with unscented lotion, i use cetaphil on that area and coco butter everywhere else

in the showers following ur shave down there, use a salicylic acid face wash on that area. i use cerave because i got it cheap with ulta points, i would recommend cerave because it's formulated with ceramides to keep your skin barrier healthy as well as being unscented. salicylic acid is an acne medication that also helps prevent ingrown hair and itchiness.

moisturize moisturize moisturize!

repeat as necessary friends! go fuck that person bald down there. or don't, whatever floats ur boat. if you wanna be smooth down there (cus its fucking comforting), go be smooth if you wanna!

my mom or my older sister did not teach me this, so i had to figure out what works too embarrassed to ask for help.

[paintedscales]

WoLstinien Week 2024 :: Day 4 :: Nameday

With Alberic's help, Nomin prepared a gift for Estinien that she desperately wanted to finish. Thankfully, the gift is prepared just in time for her to deliver it in person. Knowing that there was likely no chance that Estinien would have returned home, Nomin sets off to Radz-at-Han in order to pay him a visit for a very special occasion.

Word Count: 1,800

Paint supplies littered the floor and table surfaces in the den where Nomin worked on her canvases. Her brow was knit into a tight furrow as she looked over what she had on the canvas at this point in time. Since Estinien had been away in Radz-at-Han, she took the time to see if she could manage to focus her Echo while with Alberic to see Ferndale as it once was before the Calamity; before Nidhogg razed it to the ground.

The process had been harsh, but Nomin endured, even past the headaches and nosebleeds. With Alberic’s patience and assistance, however, it was easier for Nomin to have held onto Venat’s guidance to direct her Echo. Now, Nomin stood at her easel, the product nearly finished.

Painted upon the canvas was a village surrounded by verdant trees, sheep grazing in the grass. Mountains towered in the back -- the only things that had snow upon them before the Calamity struck. It was a picture of serenity. With what she experienced in those visions, Nomin walked the pathways of that village like it still existed. She got to experience the village as a ghost from the future. Now she was glad she captured how it felt as a painting.

What was left was getting another’s opinion on it.

“Alberic!” Nomin chirped when she found him. She had the dried painting tucked under her arm for the time being.

Alberic had been in the kitchen, sipping some homemade cider when Nomin approached. He had been staying at the island sanctuary as a guest for some time. Offering Nomin a small wave, he set down his mug.

“What can I do for you, Nomin?” Alberic asked, sitting up a little straighter.

Pausing, Nomin turned the canvas around to show him.

“Since you know of Ferndale, I need you to tell me how this came out.”

“Oh, that’s…” The corners of Alberic’s eyes crinkled with delight as he lips spread into a warm, fond smile. He turned his attention up toward Nomin. “He’ll love it.”

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

Nomin saw Alberic off later in the evening, ensuring he had a safe trip back to Moraby with Baldin at the helm. Once the boat was far enough away, Nomin got her travel supplies ready. The canvas was pulled from its wooden frame and delicately rolled into a tube for safe keeping, and she dressed appropriately for the hot weather of Thavnair.

Stepping outside of the cabin and closing the door behind her, Nomin adjusted her bag and descended the stairs. While in the process, she kept how the Radz-at-Han aetheryte felt firm in mind. She remembered how it felt when she attuned to it and closed her eyes. The warmth spread through her, and she felt herself as if she were bathed in this warm embrace before she heard the bustle of the city before she felt the hard tiles underneath her feet.

Slowly, Nomin opened her eyes. It was late morning compared to the evening she left the island sanctuary in. Her body was fatigued, and this was something she would have to combat at a later time. For now, however, Nomin held her hand out to the large aetheryte, the Meghaduta’s visage and aethershard her focus as she traveled once more. This time, she was whisked through the more contained aethernet.

At the foot of the stairs that led up to the Meghaduta, Nomin paused and looked in her bag. Map container, three small boxes, and one sack. Yes, it seemed like everything she had prepared was there, and so she proceeded.

Greeting the guards, Nomin was permitted entry, and she proceeded to walk the opulent halls of the Meghaduta until she reached the room that was designated as Estinien’s chambers. Her Echo had reacted already to the different emotions and feelings from other people, alerting her to their presence. When she stood at Estinien’s door, she felt his familiar tug on her Echo, and a smile spread upon her lips.

Rapping her knuckles across the door, Nomin waited.

“Enter,” was the response.

Nomin’s tail flicked, and she pushed the door open.

As expected, Estinien was getting his morning routine out of the way. He was doing situps, and when Nomin entered, he paused, looking at her with some level of surprise.

“Nomin…” Estinien greeted, getting himself stood up and off the floor. He went to retrieve a towel, getting the sweat dried off of himself.

“I wasn’t sure if you were going to be home tonight, so I decided to make the venture here myself,” Nomin explained with a smile.

“... I am not due to return to the island for another moon or so,” Estinien replied, seemingly oblivious to the reason Nomin may have even been there at all. He quickly gathered himself, however, and approached her. He leaned down, planting a small kiss on her head while avoiding giving her an embrace without washing up first. “Still, it gladdens me to see you here. A pleasant surprise indeed.”

Chuckling softly, Nomin’s tail curled slowly and affectionately. “I’m happy to hear that, because I have some stuff for you to sweeten my arrival!”

Estinien quirked a brow in interest, and he simply waited for her to elaborate. In response, Nomin walked to the table in the room and placed her bag on it. Grinning over at Estinien, she rummaged around and brought out the sack first.

“I put this together with some of the fruit I dried from the island, nuts I roasted and salted, and there are also some chocolate bits in there!” Nomin happily explained as she placed it on the table. “I actually got some cocoa tree saplings transplanted further onto the island, and they've been doing well! But I started making chocolate from the cocoa pods that I received from the person I got the saplings from.”

“The Admiral is fine with this?” Estinien asked, not forgetting the stipulations of owning the island.

“I didn’t ask,” Nomin admitted, pausing briefly. “But I’m not exporting any goods with it. The trees are for personal use and tending.”

Nomin resumed rummaging through her bag. The next thing she pulled out were the three boxes. They all had the same design on them of a Hingan shop insignia burned into the wood. Each of the boxes were ones that Estinien immediately recognized, and though it may not have been too obvious, Nomin felt the elation that tugged at her Echo. This caused Nomin to smile, her tail curling upward slightly knowing that this pleased Estinien.

“These need no introduction I trust?” Nomin asked.

“Nay. I know them well enough. I thank you for bringing these.” Estinien approached, glancing over the boxes and offering a small, warm smile in Nomin’s direction. “What prompted this sudden round of gifts?”

“You really don’t know?” Nomin asked, smirking and giving Estinien a slightly incredulous look.

Estinien folded his arms over his chest, appearing thoughtful. “I assume these are simply items that needed to be delivered lest they spoil in some way.”

“... You really don’t know, huh…” Nomin scoffed. She then faced him and poked his chest with each next word: “It’s your nameday!”

Surprised etched its way onto Estinien’s face. “When did you learn it?”

“Alberic told me!” Nomin chirped.

Lifting a hand, Estinien pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head slightly. His nameday was not often something he celebrated, though he bit his tongue. He already knew that Nomin would challenge him if he made any comment that inferred as such. Especially since he had gone out of his way to celebrate her nameday back in the First Umbral Moon of the year.

Dropping his hand to his side, Estinien’s expression became somewhat sheepish. He did appreciate the gifts that were brought in for him.

“I…thank you, Nomin. I do appreciate you going out of your way to bring me these,” Estinien finally said. “I’ll make good use of them and shall enjoy them greatly.”

Nomin’s smile grew, and she reached into her bag for the last thing.

“I am glad to hear that, but…this is the real gift I wanted to give you for your nameday.” Nomin stepped forward, getting a little closer to Estinien so that they were just a fulm apart. She then took the map container and handed it off to Estinien.

“A map?” Estinien looked at the container, bemused.

“Sure,” Nomin replied with a giggle. “Just open it!”

Turning over the cylindrical container in his hands, Estinien eventually did as he was told and dumped the canvas out into his opposite hand. When he noted the different texture of material, he furrowed his brow. This was not a traditional map.

Unfolding the canvas, Estinien glanced at Nomin momentarily before unfurling the rest of it.

There was a visible pause in his movements as he looked down upon the painting. Slowly, he took it to the table, clearing an area before spreading it out. Once it was flat on the table, he brought a hand to his chin, curling his fingers around his mouth and jawline in quiet contemplation.

A mix of emotions confused Nomin as her Echo tried to keep track of the fluctuations. The main emotion felt was uncertainty, and so Nomin’s tail twitched in shallow little movements as she tilted her head. After a moment, her expression fell into worry.

“... Do…you not like it…?” Nomin finally asked, breaking the silence that thickened the air.

“‘Tis not that at all,” Estinien quietly replied. He brought his hand down, tracing the canvas carefully with the very tips of his fingers. “...Simply…I never thought I would see Ferndale again. ‘Tis preserved the way I remember it…”

Estinien turned toward Nomin.

“How did you manage it?”

Nomin drew her hands together and she looked down. “Well…Alberic helped me. I’d learned a little bit how to control my Echo during our time preparing to ward off the Final Days, and…I asked if he could help bring me to Ferndale through his memories.”

Nomin returned her gaze to Estinien, and she smiled with some level of uncertainty up at him. “I’d actually wanted to do this for a while for you. I thought…you’d like something nice to remember your home by.”

In a moment, Estinien turned toward Nomin and brought her into an embrace. He held her close, leaning his head against her neck and shoulder. What she had done for him was one of the most thoughtful things he could have imagined ever being granted to him.

“... You have my thanks for this thoughtful gift, Nomin.”

It was Nomin’s turn to have a sheepish expression befall her face as she wrapped her arms around Estinien. Closing her eyes, she allowed her expression to turn warm as they shared in their closeness.

“Happy nameday, Estinien.”

[sardoniqueen101]

Get to Know My Tav!

I was not tagged, but I just wanted to join the trend. I shared Saran's backstory, but there's more to be known! I think the questions originated from @sporeservant so thank you!

Saran Orquina | Tiefling | Draconic Sorceress | She/Her | 26

What's your Tav's...

Favorite Weapon: Her hands. As a sorcerer, Saran doesn't necessarily need a staff to cast spells, although she appreciates the benefits that a staff can grant. Otherwise, she prefers to feel the magic flow through her veins, and considers herself to be her most efficient weapon.

Style of Combat: Most of the spells that Saran casts require some distance to maximize their effects, and to not impact her allies. So she prefers a high place to cast and do the most damage possible. When the advantage doesn't present itself, she doesn't mind being in the middle of action.

Most Prized Possession: Her mother's books. When she journeyed back to her childhood home, she hid the books with extra care and prays they are safe. Some contain ancient spells and cantrips and others contain the stories of her mother's people. She also earns a pair of earrings that her father forged for her mother, she wears them all the time to keep them close.

Deepest Desire: At the moment it is to ensure freedom for her companions, all of whom she has grown fond of. However, she wants to know what happened to her mother, and confirm if she has any family left.

Guilty Pleasure: She has a weakness for sweets. Her sweet tooth is quite unmatched and she'll jump at the chance to indulge should the opportunity arise.

Best-Kept Secret: Saran has wings, and she can fly. Her mother taught her a spell to hide them as soon as she could talk, especially once they were big enough to notice. It is her most well-kept illusion, and none of the companions know about it. Despite her trust in them, she intends to keep her wings a secret.

Greatest Strength: Saran's greatest strength is her capacity to do the right thing. She helps people indiscriminately and sees the good in everyone.

Fatal Flaw: That same capacity for good is her fatal flaw. Although she is cautious of trusting people, she can be a bit naive. Saran also has a tendency to help people at the detriment of her own wellbeing, much like her father.

Favorite Smell: Combination of sweet black cherries, cane sugar, and fizzy seltzer water (AN: It's a bath and body works candle, and I think she would love this scent)

Favorite Spell or Cantrip: Hard to choose, but she loves any spell/cantrip that involves ice magic. It is directly connected to her heritage, and it is the magic she is most proficient at. (Ice Knife, Ray of Frost, Sleet Storm, etc.)

Pet Peeve: Being called a hellspawn, devil, or any other derogatory name referring to her Infernal heritage, that will earn you a punch in the face if you catch her on a bad day.

Bad Habit: When she is scared of frightened, her tail coils around her legs. Depending on severity, it can coil tightly enough to leave a mark. It's an involuntary response and she despises it.

Hidden Talent: Saran is a lovely singer. She would never perform in public, but she sings to herself. Old lullabies in Draconic or Infernal are her favorite, they make her feel close to her parents.

Leisure Activity: Reading. Her parents instilled a love of books in her and reading is relaxing when she finds time. She likes to share books with Astarion and Gale.

Favorite Drink: Apple cider, refreshingly sweet.

Comfort Food: Sweetfire Ice! A perfect combination of cold and spice. It's her favorite sweet, and she knows how to make it too.

Favorite Person: She wouldn't be able to pick between Karlach and Gale. Karlach is everything Saran wants in a best friend, they both love helping people and Saran adores Karlach's spirit. The first time hugging her is one of her fondest memories on their adventure. Gale is her better half, the calm to her storm. Despite a slightly rocky start, to say she is in love with him would be an understatement.

Favorite Display of Affection (Platonic and/or Romantic): Quality time and physical touch. Saran doesn't grow close to people easily, but when she does she shows them how much they mean to her. When Karlach was desperate for a hug, Saran made it her mission to give that to her. Romantically this is a bit different. Gale is her first serious relationship, so being close to him is different for her, good different.

Fondest Childhood Memory: After she and her parents started traveling, her mom began teaching her to fly. She was allowed to use her wings and feel them carry her. Her mom cast a spell that allowed her father to fly to, and her first flying lesson was the three of them flying together. She'll never forget the weightless feeling.

[cherryblossomsmist]

Tony has been forced into public events and appearances all day, the perils of keeping busy in the holiday season, but due to some scheduling oversight he has an entire day of outdoor events one after another. And the multiple events for different organizations and businesses and charities isn’t odd but yeah somehow his newest PA hadn’t realized he was going to be outside for various things like tree cutting, ice skating, sleigh riding, tree lighting, Christmas Market grand opening, and finally winter fire works.

And either it’s been a freezing cold snowy day or maybe it’s been a wet and rainy (but still cold) day and he powered thru it like a champ (or a man that knew if he canceled on even one of these events he was going to be labeled a Scrooge by the media). In anycase he’s chilled to the bone and Steve takes care of him that night

Maybe he and Steve had plans they cancel to get Tony warm, maybe Steve runs into him coming home and sees he needs help, maybe they are together or maybe this is the first time they snuggle up by the fire as friends and leave as something more. Maybe Steve leaps into action, eager to help, or maybe Tony’s chilled skin and pallor makes him think of the ice and he muscles thru that discomfort to help Tony.

I assume hot coco or warm cider is enjoyed, a wood fire it lit, and maybe a bath is drawn, there’s definitely soft warm sheets slid into at the end

Oh, my God, I LOVE this. Like the hurt/comfort potential is so good, and it's so Tony to like, push himself like that, even if he's miserable. And extra if you know, he really hates the cold and really feels it, partly because of his bad circulation, partly because of how when he was on the streets, the cold really got to him, and he almost died in that blizzard that lead to his getting sober, and every winter he goes back to that, wakes up with nightmares about being back there--so he's already exhausted before the whole marathon of Christmas outdoor experiences. And of course he's never actually talked about that with anyone, so no one actually knows how bad it is to him, and how it gets to him. His hands are aching and freezing through his gloves and he keeps feeling like he's freezing to death again despite the warm cashmere coat he's wearing, but he's not gonna complain, he's just not.

And Steve, who used to suffer through his own miserable winters as a boy, who for a while there was afraid he might freeze to death some winters in a tenement without heat, takes one look at him when he gets back to the mansion, tower, whatever it is, and he just knows he's miserable. Tony's so cold, he's so pale, he feels like he's half frozen, and maybe it does make him a little uncomfortable, but he still leaps into action, eager to help. Tony's ... dazed, he's a little slow from the cold, and he's clearly miserable. He responds with vague words to his worried questions, and isn't even able to effectively pretend he's okay. His hair is wet under his hat from the snow. When Steve touches his cheek, Tony can barely feel it, he can tell. Steve is Fixing This.

He makes Tony some hot cocoa (because I keep imagining Tony as a closet lover of chocolate, and Steve knows it), and he rubs on his cold hands and blows on them--if they're together, he kisses at each cold knuckle and the tips of his fingers--and rubs his hands up under his shirt, up and down his back, exclaiming over how cold Tony feels with soft concern, before he draws him a bath and gently bullies him into it, while he asks Jarvis for a heating pad for the bed like he often uses himself when he gets a little too close to the ice in his head. He massages him after, either just his shoulders and arms and hands and feet if they're not together, his whole body if they are together, and makes sure he puts on warm pajamas and a warm robe. He puts his arms around him and Tony just--leans into him, because he never expected all of this. Any of this. Tony's kind of horrified when he realizes he's nuzzling into Steve's chest, but he's so, so warm and comforting and steadying, and his warm hands are stroking Tony's shoulders, up into his hair, kneading at his muscles.

And maybe that progresses to sex, if they're together, or even if it's their first time--what better way to warm Tony up, after all, right? But Steve insists he stays bundled up while they're doing it, until Tony is actively flushed in the face, and he drinks a lot of cold water after they're done, as Steve laughs at how overheated he's gotten Tony and kisses all over his face, pressing his big warm body up against Tony, and Tony rubbing his hands up and down Steve's bare chest in between drags of ice water, while Steve rubs at the back of his neck with one hand.