#bird-refuge bushes

[pastel0rchid]

A Gift from the Gods (1)

Hiccup x F!Reader

Story Summary:

Centuries ago, the gods granted your family a gift. But everyone else saw it as a curse.

You are the last of your clan because others find your family’s gift as anything but. Your life has been filled with hiding in the woods, away from the Vikings who threaten your existence. The forest quickly became your safe space.

Everything in your quiet life suddenly changes when you are spotted by a Viking and his Night Fury, who quickly notice something strange about you.

You had wings… dragon wings.

Word count: 1.1k

Warnings: Blood

Next Chapter

The forest was unusually quiet, the only sounds being heard were the rustling of leaves and the occasional skittering of an animal. Suddenly, there was the sound of quick footsteps, bare against the grass as they weaved through the thick foliage, running away from whoever was chasing them.

Branches snap when being pushed against, occasionally scratching against the figure breaking them as they hope to get through and evade the threat. The roar of multiple dragons interrupts the once-quiet forest, birds scattering into the air at the sound.

You had been spotted.

The day had started like any other, foraging around for food, and interacting with the local wildlife. Making it to a familiar clearing, your fingers had barely grazed against the berry bush that you had come across before you heard the familiar sound of dragons. Quickly taking refuge behind a thick patch of bushes in the tree line, you fold your wings against your back as much as you can to make yourself seem smaller.

Two dragons suddenly land in the clearing where you once stood, your eyes take them in from behind the leaves and branches. You had never been able to learn about the different types of dragons during your childhood, and now you are only able to identify them by their characteristics. The strange thing about these dragons though, is that they had humans riding on their backs. It was something you had never seen before.

There was a blue one that you promptly called ‘Spike’ due to the spikes on its tail and the crown of spikes coming from its head, ‘Spike’s head twitched slightly as it looked around the clearing. Its rider, a Viking with her blonde hair in a singular braid going down her back, hops off of her dragon before looking over towards her fellow rider.

“What are we even looking for again?” Her voice cuts through the clearing, your body instinctually shrinking even further behind the bush at the harsh tone.

The brunette rider, who was atop a black dragon (you called him ‘Night’ due to how his scales were as dark as the night sky), climbs off to stand beside the blonde.

Your eyes take in the two dragons and their riders, your head tilting in curiosity at the red that replaced the black on one of ‘Night’s tailfins. You also take in ‘Night’s wings, noticing how similar they looked to the wings that were attached to your back.

“We haven’t explored this island yet, Astrid. Who knows what new dragons might be living here.” The brunette says, with a hint of excitement in his tone, towards the blonde who you are now guessing is named ‘Astrid’. His eyes trail over the edge of the forest line, your heart stopping momentarily at how his eyes unknowingly meet yours through the leaves and branches before moving on towards Astrid, her arms crossed across her chest.

“It’s been months since we’ve discovered a new species, Hiccup. What do you think makes this island any different?” So the brunette was named ‘Hiccup’… what an interesting name.

The voices of the riders slowly drifted into the background as you focused on the two dragons as they interacted, it was cute how they played together while their riders talked. You watch as they begin to nod their heads at each other, almost like it was a symbol of playfulness, a small smile twitches at the corner of your lips. You had seen other ‘Spike’s doing this with each other, and it seemed that ‘Night’ had picked up on the movement.

You freeze at ‘Night’ stopping his playful nodding and suddenly looking over towards the bush that you were hiding behind, the dragon’s pupils narrowing at the sight of you. The dragon suddenly leans his head down, stalking slowly towards the bush as his eyes remain locked on you, a deep growl rumbles from his chest.

Your heart begins to race as the dragon gets closer to the bush, ‘Spike’ soon following behind him with her tail raised and her spikes at the ready to attack. Slowly and carefully moving your arms and legs, you try to silently move further into the treeline and further from the dragons and their riders.

“Toothless? What is it, bud?” “Stormfly, what’s the matter?”

You could hear the dragon riders cautiously speak towards their dragons, following slowly behind them as they try to find out the source of the dragons' sudden mood change.

A twig snaps under your foot, a miscalculated step that could cost you your life.

Stormfly flicks her tail quickly at the sound, the spikes that were once on her tail flying straight toward you, as Toothless opens his mouth to shoot a plasma blast. Astrid and Hiccup quickly grab out their weapons once their dragons start the attack.

You managed to use your left wing to block your body from Toothless’ blast and most of Stormfly’s spikes, but you weren’t quick enough to stop one of them, the sharp edge slicing through the skin of your arm as it whizzes past you, warm blood quickly trickling down. A hiss of pain leaves your lips before you cover the oozing wound with your hand, your gaze snapping back to peak over your wing towards the dragons who charge towards you.

Reacting swiftly, you jump up from your hiding position up to your feet and begin to run through the trees. Your heart beats loudly in your chest as you can hear the dragons and their riders following after you. Swerving through the trees, you glance back over your shoulder, a mistake, but it lets you notice that the spikes on Stormfly’s tail got stuck between a tight pair of trees, Astrid staying back to try and help free her dragon.

Without looking towards Hiccup and Toothless, your gaze looks ahead a bit too late, a low-hanging tree branch almost hitting you in the face if you hadn’t ducked. That slip-up was all they needed when you suddenly felt a body slamming into your back, forcing you down onto the ground.

The both of you tumble slightly on the way down, your quick turning causing you to land on your back, but hands quickly grab your shoulders and slam you down. Your eyes snap wide and a sharp cry leaves you as you feel fingers digging into the wound on your upper arm, forest green eyes meet your own as he holds you down.

The pain is a sharp stab, and tears quickly form in your eyes as you keep eye contact with Hiccup, who begins to observe you now that he’s up close and personal. It’s almost as if he doesn’t realize that his hand is slowly getting covered in your blood, his focus mainly on the wings that sprouted from your back, squished between you and the dirt that had been uprooted in your struggle. The both of you don’t even realize that Astrid and the dragons have finally caught up, Hiccup being the first to talk between the three humans.

“What are you?”

[sovksluv]

soft sounds from another planet - chapter 1

🪐 . pairing - twelve y/o!Luke Castellan x twelve y/o!fem!reader au

🪐 . summary - who knew a walk in the park would leave you longing for someone who you had no idea you’d ever see again?

🪐 . includes - sadness, baby Luke, May Castellan my baby

🪐 . word count - 2,021 😭

🪐 . series taglist - @sarhrts @mayaahhs @mischiefmoons

🪐 . pjo taglist - @perseus-jackass @niktwazny303

🪐 . now playing - Soft Sounds From Another Planet by Japanese Breakfast

🪐 . a/n - chapter one of the series !! comments and reblogs are appreciated, i love talking to you guys ! <3

🪐 . series masterlist

fallen leaves crunched under your feet, your shaky legs wobbling with exhaustion. the cool autumn air breathlessly flowed through your bones, chilling you to the core. warm hues of august’s blazing sunset casted an ethereal glow on you as you walked, illuminating the breathtaking features that littered your face.

you took uneven steps, which matched your quaking breaths. your fingers flowed delicately through the leaves of the bushes surrounding you. you silently admired the beauty of it all; of all the perfectly woven thorns and petals that equally occupied the bushes. of the few brightly tinted leaves that still stuck strong to their beloved trees. of the precious butterfly families that always find their ways back to each other.

it’s cruel. how everything around you continues on, without a care in the world. without the knowledge that you weren't privileged enough to enjoy things like they did. you tried to focus on the beauty of the scene around you. happy families walking and laughing with each other, leaves falling from their semi-bare trees, birds singing beautifully to their dearest loved ones. maybe taking a picture would successfully etch it into your mind.

it’s unfair. you desperately yearn for the love you sense in the air. for the security that those around you can feel in their own homes. it’s not fair that their habitat has become a refuge for you; to escape from the house called ‘home.’ you felt safe in the masked delicacy of the park. the cherished home of the unique insects and plants. 

the sun had traveled further down since the start of your walk, but still gave you the same warm feeling from before. you kept your head pointing to the ground, your eyes traced the path you created. up ahead of you was an empty bench. It sat quietly and unbothered under a tree, which strategically blocked the sun from where you’d sit, while also allowing a slight glow to beam down on it.

in your mind, you had already claimed the bench before you even got to it. and when you were close enough to sit on it, you chose the spot right in the middle, hoping your choice would show those around that you’d prefer to stay alone. you leaned against the backrest of the bench. there was a distant look in your eyes, not truly focused on one thing.

a dim, empty hue flooded your eyes and a solemn look heavily rested upon your intricate features. you basked in the sweet sound of the rustling trees. there was a slight pounding in your head, the result of the sobs that frantically wracked through your body prior to your walk. your strong emotions pathetically left your nose runny and eyes puffy. 

the scene that played itself before you in the last hour weighed down all that was left in your heart. the great being that controlled your life roughly pulled on the few strings connecting your heart to your mind. it made your insides feel heavy and achy, leaving your mind an irreversible, trashed mess.

you focused your eyes back to the scene before you. fewer people stood around than before, most having left at the newer darkness that had formed. there was no one that really stood out to you. your eyes glazed over all your surroundings, quickly pausing at things that you found most intriguing. the final stop was at the bench across the park from you, though you were unable to tear your eyes away.

sat at said bench, mirroring you, was a boy. from afar he seemed he could be your age, yet it was still hard to tell. he, too, sat in the middle of his bench. you couldn’t see his face well, but you could see most of him. though he was sitting, he looked to be somewhat tall. he had dark curls and a blurry face you wish you could see up close.

you wouldn't dare go up to him, though. afraid you’d scare him off with your rough voice and red eyes. with your decision held firm in your mind, you still allowed yourself to shamelessly stare at him. how could someone so physically far from you feel so emotionally close? you had an inexplicably deep desire to know him. To understand why he was here. or how he seemed to be the one thing you needed that was there right when you needed him.

you got so lost in your desires to know this mystery boy that you failed to notice how you caught his attention. you were brought back to the present, eyes meeting his far ones. you should've been embarrassed, being caught staring at a boy you’ve never met, yet you weren’t. it just made you want to talk to him even more. 

your shared eye contact stayed strong. neither of you chose to be the one to break it. that’s what you thought, until he stood up. he was tall. he made careful, hesitant steps towards you, assuming you shared the same interest in him as he did you. you were intrigued, and him nearing you made your odd desires to know him grow rapidly. so you stood up as well, elegantly flowing towards him. 

you and the boy met each other in the middle, what was barely left of the sunset lit up his features beautifully. he looked like a god. the light illuminated the glowing gold specks in his brown eyes. he had a scar of a hero that ran down his right cheek. his raven hair curled perfectly in all possible directions. there was a mystifying, ethereal beauty to him, one that you could spend forever observing. 

nothing was awkward between you. it felt as if you’d known him all your life. it felt like you had lived a whole lifetime with him, yet in this one, you don't even know his name. a new feeling washes over you, one so unfamiliar that you struggle to put it into words. you feel like just by being in his presence, you’re more protected than you’ve ever been.

around this boy, whom you ‘just met,’ you felt an indescribable tug. like the being controlling your heartstrings had intricately tied them to his, entrusting him to protect your heart in ways you’d never imagine you deserved. and you did deserve it. one day he’d show you just how much you did.

“i’m Luke,” he muttered, it was barely above a whisper. however, your close proximity allowed for his quiet words to be clearly understood. his voice was soft and soothing. the delicate strum of his vocal cords physically calmed you. they sent a strong wave of reassurance through you, ridding you of all your previous worries. 

you finally told him your name, and you swear you saw his eyes gleam even more. in admiration? curiosity? there was an unspoken connection that sat comfortably between you two, buzzing with delight. you didn’t even need to speak and still there was so much being said.

neither of you seemed to have an actual conversation to start, both just wanting to be in the presence of the other. he softly smiled at you, his pearly white teeth flashing by in a blink. he had small dimples on both cheeks. his smile, his dimples and his bright eyes ignite something in you, making your head feel fuzzy.

he awkwardly glanced around you guys, taking a calm breath and beginning to talk, “why are you sitting here all alone? you look upset.” you felt his burning gaze as he watched you, awaiting your answer, but you hadn’t returned it. he whispered your name, catching your full attention. your eyes met his. they were full of patience and interest, allowing you to say only what you needed to. 

“just- needed to get away, i guess.” he nodded understandingly at your words, knowing that you may not want to share anything else. from an outside view, you two must’ve looked strange, standing in the middle of the park sharing a few words with each other. but between the two of you, it was so much more. 

Luke didn’t push you, didn’t make you say more than you could. he waited for you to talk to him, to trust him. a comfortable wave of silence washed over, so much was being expressed just from the eye contact you guys made, and the smiles you shared. 

you hadn’t noticed that Luke wasn’t the only one presenting a smile, but he did. a breathtaking smile was plastered on your lips, creases formed in the corner of your eyes, which shone with a feeling that could only be described as feeling alive. you felt like all your problems were small and stupid. when Luke was around, he acted like a true guard of your heart. protecting you from all that burdened and weighed you down.

your body moved on autopilot as you found the words you had been searching for, you were just on the brink of uttering them. “Luke!” his attention was torn away from you at the call, his head darted behind him. a slim woman with long, dark hair, who you assumed was his mother, stood at one of the entrances, waving her arm, beckoning him towards her.

he waved back, possibly a signal for ‘one minute.’ a dreadful feeling flooded your insides, sprouting from your stomach and spreading rapidly. it hit your heart first, and you felt the warm sensation of his silent protection fading away. all you could do was stand and watch the comfort you felt slowly seep from within you.

he looked back at you again, but his smile had shrunk. now, he looked at you with remorse, not missing the emptiness that formed in the dark parts of your eyes. he took pity, understanding the reasons behind your poorly hidden feelings. he still didn't push, however, not wanting to pile on the growing pressure that was filling your heart.

“you have to go?” he sighed. and he waited for the silence to answer your question. it did. he still looked at you, though, as you did him. you tried to not let any emotion on your face, it’s not his fault that he has to leave, and it's not fair to blame him. neither wanted to be the one to walk away first, but he knew it would have to be him. his mother was waiting. he couldn’t keep his mother waiting.

he flashed a dim smile, “it was nice meeting you.” he tried to ease the quiet, hoping it would give back that comfort, even for a small time. you lowly grinned, offering the young boy your hand, “will I ever see you again, Luke?” gears turned in his head as he pondered the question. Luke smiled, answering your question with a nod as he shook your hand. his was warm, and comforting, and it gave you a pinch of comfort that quickly disappeared as he pulled away.

then, he said his goodbyes, walking back over to the woman at the entrance. the woman who smiled brightly at his arrival, wrapping her arm around him and playfully ruffling his hair. you couldn’t tear your eyes from the acts of affection playing in front of you, sending hurtful pangs straight to your heart. the strings felt like they were being forcefully tugged on with no remorse.

Luke had glanced back at you, hoping to make eye contact with you one last time. but your back was already facing him as you walked away, footsteps heavy. Luke didn’t know what you had to go home to. he didn’t know that you yearned for what he had with his mother. but he didn’t have to know.

you had barely been gone for a few minutes, escaping into the darkness of the woods, yet Luke already missed you, wishing he could be back in your comforting presence once again. you cherished the new, euphoric feeling he gave you, the soft sounds that played from him. 

the soft sounds from his planet that lit the dim lights on yours.

© sovksluv 2024 , please do not repost or translate my work !

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Hello! I wanna request Shinobu with a s/o (She/Her) that sends her letters very often like every single day as she is on a mission. But one day she just stops writing, Shinobu panics and just sets off to find her to find out she was injured and just treats her while chatting with her because they don’t hang out alot.

On the way back to the Butterfly Mansion, S/O just says ‘I love you’ to Shinobu while she was unconscious. (Note: they are just friends) And S/O didn’t know she said that the next day. Shinobu remembers it and confront S/O.

S/O gets flustered and just ran away and tries to avoid Shinobu which was soon a fail. Shinobu thought she did something wrong and Aoi just had to set them up and S/O finally confess to Shinobu consciously.

(Aoi and the girls are watching from a bush!)

I love your writing so much and have a great day! ❤️

You Were Not Supposed to Hear That

Shinobu Kochou x She/Her Reader

A/N: On Friday I took a really spectacular running fall into some gravel and have just tore myself into shreds. From chin to knees I have fucked myself up🥲. I’m okay, but just thought you all would like to know. But amidst the stinging and aching pains, I was like, it’s been two weeks, I got to get something done so here you go! (Again… don’t really have the energy for editing right now. Hope there aren’t any errors that are too distracting.) Hope you enjoy, thanks for reading! Word Count: 3,066

“Still nothing?”

En fluttered her wings and shook her head at Shinobu, confirming that yet another busy day went by without a letter finding its way into her hands.

“This is starting to become troubling…” Shinobu murmured to herself, looking out the window up at the darkening sky.

(Y/n) was a sayer she had treated a couple of years ago, nothing life-threatening, but she had been out of commission for long enough for her and Shinobu to develop a rapport and parted on friendly terms. (Y/n) would visit on occasion, but more frequently, she would send Shinobu letters. Usually once or twice every two weeks. But now they were approaching the end of the third week without a word and Shinobu was growing concerned for her friend.

“I suppose I should try sending her another letter of my own then. No offense to the poor bird, but her crow is not as reliable as you, En. Will you go looking for her and ensure my letter reaches her once I finish drafting it?”

En assured Shinobu that the letter would be safe with her, then waited patiently on Shinobu’s windowsill, giving Shinobu privacy as she wrote. The Hashira never wrote anything scandalous of course, but En always made sure to give her the opportunity to if she ever saw fit. (Y/n) was one of the very few people Shinobu exchanged letters with regularly after all and given how the letters she received often made her smile so, En thought there was a good chance their relationship could lead to something more and En liked (Y/n), she gave her extra berries and peanuts. The more letters sent between Shinobu and (Y/n) the better, En would say.

As soon as Shinobu secured the parchment to En’s leg, the crow was gone on the breeze of the cool, evening air. Unfortunately, (Y/n) had been a little tougher to find this time around, but she was found nonetheless. Shinobu would not be happy when she heard what kind of shape the slayer was in, however.

“Injured?” Shinobu frowned worriedly while scanning the letter En brought back to her further. She had hoped (Y/n) would tell her more about how badly she was injured, but she hadn’t, instead going into lighter topics such as how nice the Wisteria House that she had taken refuge within. Shinobu sighed and put the letter down on her desk. “Well, you saw her, En. How was she?”

“Broken hand, bruised ribs. A smattering of scratches and bruises, but nothing that won’t heal in due time.” The crow helpfully provided.

“Hmm, I see... Thank you.” Shinobu seemed to go deep into thought then, the concern not leaving her expression. In fact, it seemed to grow into anxiety despite En’s assurances that the other slayer would be just fine. “I think I will pay her a visit then. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen her anyway. Besides, it’s not a bad idea to make sure whoever checked her over caught everything…”

A glint appeared in En’s eye. A promising sign if Shinobu felt compelled to travel all that way just to check on what was essentially just a few bumps and bruises as far as the usual demon slayer injuries go. Shinobu was showing (Y/n) special treatment, but En wouldn’t judge. Knowing how much of herself Shinobu gave others, En figured she deserved to be a little selfish from time to time. Even if that selfishness was still technically for someone else’s benefit.

And so, Shinobu packed a light bag, jaunted over to the closest train station and hopped on a train that would go through the city (Y/n) was recuperating in. The look of elated surprised on (Y/n)’s face when she looked up from her book to see her standing there and knocking on her doorframe made Shinobu’s mood brighten substantially.

“Shinobu! What are you doing here?” (Y/n) asked excitedly, quickly closing the book and shoving it aside.

“Oh, you know,” Shinobu moved to sit on the edge of the bed, “I was in the area so I thought I’d drop by, see how you’re healing up.” She gently took hold of (Y/n)’s casted hand, scrutinizing it to make sure it put together with care. “So, how are you?”

“I’m doing alright. Kind of achy and sore, a little tired, but otherwise fine. How about you, how have you been?” (Y/n) seemed excited to know, she always appeared to hang on to Shinobu’s every word. Shinobu was no stranger to such things, but having (Y/n)’s undivided attention felt especially good.

“I’m doing quite well, especially now that I get to have a visit with you.” Shinobu teased. She always loved to see just how flustered she could make (Y/n). It was one of her favorite activities.

“Yeah?” (Y/n) laughed awkwardly, her free hand bunched up in the blankets to serve as a distraction from the sudden uptick of her heartbeat “I’m glad to hear it.”

“Mhm!” Shinobu tilted her head to the side, smiling all the while. She gave (Y/n)’s casted hand a soft pat when the bandaging cleared her inspection. “In fact, you should take the train back home with me. Complete the rest of your recovery with me so we can catch up on all that was too wordy for the letters. What do you say?”

“Really? I wouldn’t want to impose. I’d just be more work for you, having to check my injuries and whatnot.”

“Injuries like yours are like treating paper cuts and grazed knees to me. It’ll be no trouble at all. Come on, I’ll buy your ticket~”

(Y/n) bit her inner cheek, well, far be it from her to miss out on extra time with Shinobu. Especially a direct invitation. Hell, she’d buy her own ticket and Shinobu’s if the Hashira asked her to.

“If you’re certain, then I’d love to come along.”

“Wonderful,” Shinobu patted (Y/n)’s shoulder and then slid off of the bed. “Let’s get you packed up then.”

Before (Y/n) knew it, she was all packed up and on the next train to the station closest to Shinobu’s home. It didn’t take much time or exertion at all, but she did find herself drifting off once they were settled in their booth. After maybe the fifth or sixth nodding off and then jolting awake, Shinobu chuckled.

“You can rest. I don’t mind. I know how to keep myself entertained.” She said, taking a book from her own bag and waving it back and forth.

“Sorry, I really wish I could stay awake.” (Y/n) yawned.

“It’s no trouble. Rest, you need it.”

“Thanks…”

It didn’t take long before her head to find itself against the booth’s edge. She was out like a light. Shinobu hummed in amusement and then flipped open her book. Before she could even make it to the bottom of the first page, (Y/n)’s head tilted the opposite way and ended up on her shoulder, a nonsensical mumbling falling from her lips as she pressed in a little closer.

“This is unusual.” Shinobu chose to rest her head atop (Y/n)’s and poked the sleeping girl’s cheek gently. “I can’t wait to tease you about this later.”

(Y/n)’s face twitched and she unconsciously rubbed the spot Shinobu had poked with a tired grumble. She hid her face after that, almost between Shinobu and the booth. A quiet sigh of Shinobu’s name left her, and then,

“I love you.”

Shinobu blinked. Had she heard that right? Of course she did. Compared to the other mumblings, that utterance was clear as day.

What a sweet sentiment, even if it was said unconsciously. Shinobu’s expression softened, but only for a moment before a glint of mischief shone through.

“Oh the ammunition you’re giving me, (Y/n) and you don’t even realize it.” She smiled. “Sleep well for now, while you can.”

***

The train rolled to a stop and the steam hissed, jerking (Y/n) awake. She straightened out and swung her head to the right and then to the left, almost bumping noses with Shinobu.

“Ah!” (Y/n) pulled back, almost falling off of the seat and into the aisle. “Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for, (Y/n).” Shinobu assured. “Let’s go home then, shall we?”

“Sure.”

They left the busy station together and began their walk back the the Butterfly Mansion. When they noise of the crowd died down, (Y/n) spoke.

“Sorry for sleeping through the whole trip. I hope you weren’t bored.”

“Trust me when I say I was thoroughly entertained, (Y/n).” Shinobu assured with a smile that was a tad too mischievous. “Did you know you talk in your sleep?”

(Y/n) felt her stomach drop. Oh god… what had she said? Something embarrassing no doubt from the look Shinobu was sporting. How mortifying!

“And you were quite cuddly too. You were hugging my arm at one point even.”

Agh! Could it get any worse?!

“Well—! It’s pretty normal for people to do things like that in their sleep. It’s all dumb and meaningless stuff you know.”

“Dumb and meaningless? (Y/n), you wound me.” Shinobu rested the back of her hand against her forehead. “Is that how you really feel?”

“Well, yeah!” (Y/n) doubled-down. “It’s not like I know what I’m saying while I’m asleep. Whatever I said didn’t mean anything and you shouldn’t hold it against me.”

“Oh, so when you said you loved me, there wasn’t any truth in that sentiment? You didn’t mean it?” Shinobu carried on as usual, she didn’t seem hurt. She still found the incident funny. She didn’t need (Y/n) to be in love with her, all she needed to know was that they were friends. That was good enough for her.

(Y/n) felt the sudden urge to scream out of sheer embarrassment, but she held it in. Obviously based on Shinobu’s demeanor she was still only playing around, but what was she supposed to say to that? She was a terrible liar!

“Well—!” She fumbled a bit, trying to find the words she needed, “That’s not anything groundbreaking! You know I love you like… a normal amount.”

So inconspicuous! What a wordsmith! Brava!

“Is that right?” Shinobu smirked, a quiet laugh leaving her lips. “What exactly is a normal amount to you, (Y/n)? Please, I’d love to hear all about it.”

(Y/n) felt uncomfortably warm, nervous, like she was going to throw up if she tried to say anything else. Shinobu noticed this and was going to let (Y/n) off the hook right away, but then voices from a little further down the path made both of their heads turn.

“Oh! Shinobu-sama, (Y/n)-san, hello!”

A butterfly girl brigade soon appeared from further up the path, all five carrying baskets of various vegetation.

“Hello, girls thank you for your hard work.” Shinobu thanked the girls sincerely for holding down the fort while she was on her impromptu journey. She was then caught up on all the notable things that happened while she was away and at some point during the midst of that…

“Hey, where did (Y/n)-san go?”

Six heads swiveled around to look at their immediate surroundings to find that (Y/n) had inexplicably vanished from the group. They all called out for her and searched the nearby woods, concerned that she would up and leave without a word.

When their search yielded no result, they went back to the mansion to form a search party out of Kakushi, but fortunately, Goto told them they had nothing to worry about.

“Oh, I saw (Y/n)-san arrive not too long ago.” He said, Shinobu’s body relaxed, a quiet sigh of relief left her.

“That girl,” Aoi huffed, “Where is she now? I’d like to give her a piece of my mind.”

“Ah, well,” Goto rubbed the back of his neck, “she’s around… I may or may not have been asked not to tell anyone where she is within the mansion for now.”

“What?!” Aoi through her arms up in exasperation. “Of all the childish— we just spent half an hour combing the the nearby woods for her when she vanished suddenly. She has some explaining to do, because making us all worry like that is unacceptable!”

“It’s my fault.” Shinobu sighed, making all eyes turn on her, “I pushed her too far, teasing her over something she had no control over. She must have slinked off while I was distracted because she knew she’d never be able to avoid me otherwise.” She guessed a bit contritely.

“Shinobu-sama, what could you have possibly been teasing her about to cause this mess?” Aoi asked, arms crossed.

Shinobu shook her head. “I don’t believe it’s my place to say. I promise I shall apologize to her the first chance I get. But for now, let (Y/n) have some time to herself, and please don’t be too upset with her for running off.”

Shinobu caught sight of the time, telling the girls that for the time being she’d be in her lab. She thanked them again for their hard work, and apologized for their wasted search before walking away.

“I wonder why this happened.” Sumi pondered.

“Oh, I’ll tell you what happened.” Aoi said confidently, “I bet (Y/n) finally said something unintentionally to let Shinobu-sama know how much she actually likes her and in true Shinobu-sama fashion, she fumbled the moment of vulnerability for a joke. Well, I’m not letting this foolishness carry on for a minute more. Will you all help me find (Y/n) so we can get this all sorted out before it gets even more awkward between them?“

All of the girls agreed with a round of exclamations and nods. Soon they were combing through the estate. After some time, Kanao was the one to bring back word that (Y/n) was sitting under Victory, watching the cherry blossoms flutter around her wistfully.

“Thank you, Kanao, I’ll take it from here.” Aoi said, already walking briskly towards the tree, startling (Y/n) from her gloomy thoughts. “Don’t you dare try running away from me, (Y/n).” She warned.

“I-I’m not.” (Y/n) put her hands up defensively. “…Did Shinobu send you? Did she tell you what I said?!” She added hastily.

“No,” Aoi sat down beside (Y/n) with a harsh exhale, “She didn’t need to tell me anything because it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how in love you are (Y/n)-san, so just accept the help I’m trying to provide you, alright? Shinobu-sama seems content to give you space for now, but I know once you two decide to make up, you’re just going to pretend nothing happened, so you better confess properly when I get her to come out here, okay?”

“W-what?! No, I couldn’t—“

“Yes you could! Are you really going to let this go on forever? That would just be sad and annoying considering everyone knows you two love each other. Be a woman and ask her out!”

It took some convincing, but Aoi had finally gotten (Y/n) to a place where the idea of honestly telling Shinobu she had romantic feelings for her wasn’t going to immediately make her throw-up from nerves and so now all Aoi had to do was get Shinobu out there as soon as she could before (Y/n) got cold feet and ran off again. Some people enjoyed playing matchmaker, but Aoi found the whole process rather annoying.

She all but shoved Shinobu out of her lab and pointed her in the right direction, making sure the Hashira was heading that way before quickly working around the mansion to join the other girls watching excitedly from the bushes to witness the fruit of her labor.

She arrived just in time to see Shinobu sit beside (Y/n) beneath Victory’s vibrant petal-laden branches. What a beautiful place for a confession of love. The mood was set.

“(Y/n),” Shinobu spoke softly, “I’m sorry I—“

“You don’t have to apologize,” (Y/n) cut her off, “I know you didn’t mean to make me uncomfortable.”

“But I did. Definitely not to the degree that I did, but I wanted to see you squirm a little. I didn’t mean to cause you anxiety and I do apologize for that. But please,” Shinobu moved to rest her hand atop (Y/n)’s, “if the time comes that I overstep again, please tell me that you would like some time to yourself instead of leaving without telling anyone. I was worried when I couldn’t find you.”

“I will, I promise. I’m sorry for worrying you.” (Y/n) looked down at their hands in the bed of fallen petals and took a deep breath, “Shinobu, can I tell you something?”

“Of course.”

“I… I really do love you, but… it’s um…”

“Not a normal amount?” Shinobu couldn’t help but tease.

“Right,” (Y/n) flustered, “but it might be less than a normal amount if you keep that up.”

“Sorry, dear,” Shinobu didn’t look sorry in the least, “please continue, I’m all ears.”

(Y/n) sighed quietly, “I like you a lot more than I’ve ever liked anyone so would you maybe be interested in going on a date with me sometime? Of course, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I know how busy you are and I don’t expect you to agree even if you aren’t busy. I’m happy being friends. Friends is just as good—

A range of gasps and squeals came from the bushes as Shinobu leaned in and planted a bit quite chaste kiss on the corner of (Y/n)’s mouth. She barely pulled away before speaking, keeping their bodies close.

“I’m sure I can carve out some time soon. I did shrink off some duties to hop on a train to see you once already after all.”

“I, I thought you said you just happened to be in the area…” (Y/n) murmured, still light headed from the near head-on kiss.

“I lied!” Shinobu smiled, not an ounce of shame detectable.

“You jerk!” (Y/n) threw caution to the wind and tackled Shinobu completely to the ground, “Just how many of those coincidental run-ins were actually coincidental?”

“Very few.”

“Shinobu!”

An amused exhale left Aoi as she watched the two women laugh together.

“Alright, I think we’ve seen what we needed to see. Come on everyone, back to work.”

Some of the girls seemed a little disappointed to be leaving, but hearing the sounds of joy still lighting up the courtyard as they made their way back inside brought smiles to their faces.

[devieuls]

ˋ Déjà-vu .

Neteyam Sully x Tayrangi Reader ( ONE SHOT )

Synopsis : The Na'vi say that every person is reborn in multiple lives and in each of them, is in a constant search: that of the soul mate. A bond so deep and mysterious that it overcomes the barriers of time and space, uniting two beings destined to meet in each universe. Through the ages and dimensions, kindred souls who seek each other, recognize each other, pushing each other like irresistible magnets. Because the soul mate is the perfect reflection of ourselves, a connection that goes beyond appearances and circumstances. And so, in every life and universe, destiny is intertwined to unite those souls who are destined to be inseparable through the Great Mother.

Warning : None. FLUFF

Recommended Songs : Habits - Genevieve Stokes; Blue - Dreamy, YUP!; Hotline Bling - Billie Eilish; Radio - Lana del Rey; Cinnamon Girl - Lana del Rey

Lenght : 3.6k

NA'VI WORDS : TANHI: Star / Bioluminescent freckles

NETEYAM: 19 y.o / Y/N: 18 y.o

· · ─────── · 𖥸 · ─────── · ·

Hidden among the winding branches of the centuries-old trees, stood the forest of the Omatikaya clan. Its beating heart was a mysterious universe blessed by the Great Mother, a refuge where wild nature manifested itself in all its majesty. The suns, filtering through the thick foliage of the trees, painted golden scales on the moss carpets that stretched between the giant trunks. The air, dense with humidity, smelled of fresh earth and life. Each breath filled your lungs with earthy aromas and floral fragrances, mingling with the sweet singing of birds and Ikran competing for air dominance. Their trills echoed through the bush, dancing with the leaves swinging in the wind like a natural chorus, singing a timeless symphony. The soil, caressed by roots woven like affectionate fingers, housed a myriad of creatures. Invisible to the eyes, the insects buzzed in a concert of whispers, accompanied by the delicate rustle of the leaves that grazed each other. The dewdrops hung from the webs like shining pearls, while the nocturnal creatures found rest in the shade, waiting for their time.

In the midst of this symphony of nature, you were sitting on a rock near the edge of a pond, immersed in the quiet and harmony of the forest. Your gaze reflected the deep connection with the flora that surrounded you, an inner harmony that was reflected in your serene smile as you watched some fish shuffle between your feet in the water. Dressed in clothes with shades of the earth, you seemed a fragment of this landscape, a soul enchanted by the power and beauty of the forest, albeit with details that brought back to the marine flora to which you belonged. You started humming one of the ancient songs of the Tayrangi clan as you stretched your fingers towards the water in front of you, brushing at the fish that lived there quietly, remaining enchanted by that piece of paradise found. You had spent all morning wandering in the forest, and now you were sitting there enjoying the early afternoon making you feel free and weightless, emptying your mind of thoughts and doubts, devoting yourself to solitude. Not far from that almost enchanted place, a second Na'vi was following a small sprawling path to start the hunt, bow in his hand and feline eyes as he sought the perfect spot to start hunting. To distract Neteyam from his main objective was a foreign melody from the forest, which he had never heard before but which seemed so familiar to him. Neteyam’s attentive ears awoke to hear the song, allowing him to pinpoint the direction from which the sound came. < A voice in the forest? > He wondered as intrigued he ventured in the direction of almost hypnotic singing. Curiosity got the better of him as his head peeped out of a tree, watching a young na'vi beauty sitting from behind while humming.

Neteyam could only see the back of the Na'vi, contemplating every inch of your body that seemed to him already so lived, already admired, already touched: your shoulders narrow and thin, slender as your arms, the thread of the top on your back that covered your breasts in front, the small waistline that had around some threads with seashells and sea beads as pendants, and the soft sides leaning on the rock, slightly covered by your loincloth draped at the sides. Your long black hair slightly covered your shoulders with some braids and loose curls, embellished with some shells and sea pearls that went to match the jewel around the waist. His mind was clouded by both your body and your voice, making him feel almost drunk with you, without a real reason, but enjoying your mysterious presence and the melody you created. Neteyam couldn’t decide whether to stay hidden and admire you in silence or approach you, remaining a few minutes to think about what to do, until he made the decision.

Crack < Shit. > Neteyam thought

You turned when you felt a branch break behind you, revealing at your sight a tall male unknown Na'vi who was approaching, and then remained embarrassed by the branch. The Na'vi was particularly attractive and there was something about him that seemed strangely familiar, as if it wasn’t the first time you saw him. Your heart began to accelerate inexplicably and you blushed in embarrassment as you stood, feeling the fresh grass tickling your skin. You opened your mouth, as if to look for meaningful words to start the conversation with, but you felt like you were enchanted by that boy, admiring every single detail in him, losing in your throat all the sentences you were collecting. His eyes, big and honey-colored, sweet but sure, as bright as even Pandora’s suns; around his neck he had a reddish choker beaded, where a strange necklace that you had never seen before landed and you were sure it didn’t belong to Pandora; the toned chest where a cummerbund Omatikaya was tied underneath, revealing that he was a warrior, which you also noticed from the leather armguard and leg guards, as well as the typical Omatikaya knife and armband; your eyes fell for a second on his blue loincloth, observing the songcord that wrapped on one side. His strong natural scent was already recorded in your memory, not understanding how it was possible, and it made you feel strangely good. Your gaze rose again on his face, noticing that like you, he wore feathers on his ear, with colors typical of his clan. Your attention finally fell on the bow in his hand and you thought that he was hunting, and because of yours you had distracted him or scared away the animal he was watching.

"I… well, I thought I was alone," you put your hands forward as an apology, thinking that you had ruined his hunting trip, and then notice that young Na'vi was approaching you in silence, not disturbed by your words of apology before giving you a sweet reassuring smile. "No, don’t stop, please. You sing beautifully," he said. His eyes explored your person, enchanted by your figure: big golden feline eyes, soft lips, two strands of braids fell in front of your face; around your neck you wore some necklaces typical of the Tayrangi clan, the top you were wearing was made of long red and white feathers, just like the ones behind your right ear. "Neteyam of the Omatikaya clan… you are?" < beautiful > he wanted to add, but he just implied that he wanted to know your name. He took his fingers to his forehead and then pointed out to you, as a sign of greeting, a gesture that you then reciprocated. <"Neteyam? I’ve heard this name before…"> you whispered as the boy approached you, and then dug up his name in your memories. "Neteyam the firstborn of the Olo'eyktan and Tsakarem, isn't it?" you asked as you approached him too, not understanding why you felt so safe in his presence, or why your stomach was so upset. "O-oh, forgive me, I didn’t introduce myself. Y/n te Skxumew Ikeyni'ite" you concluded, blushing slightly for your carelessness. "Ikeyni, mh? you… you are the daughter of Ikeyni, the Olo'eykte of the Tayrangi clan?" He asked nicely as he looked at you a little more, breathing in your perfume, getting a little drunk on you again. "Yes, I’m the eldest son of the Sullys. but I know Ikeyni’s daughter, I didn’t remember her so... beautiful" <Smooth, Neteyam, too smooth.> "Oh, I’m Ikeyni’s second daughter, you don’t know me for this. You know my mother from the war council, right? She only bring my big sister Ney'nari, as she will be the next Olo'eykte of the Tayrangi clan. You’ve seen her, you know… tall, beautiful, long braids and kind, it’s hard not to remember. She has a beautiful voice and a good presence, she is a friend of everyone…" you answered him, smiling shyly, and then looking at him and contemplating him for a while longer. "My mother. She… she talked a lot about you to our clan, even my sister did, so I know who your parents are. And that’s why I know who you are, your name lives up to your father’s, you’re admired in all the clans, I won’t be the first to tell you all this… Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m talking way too much" you lowered your eyes slightly swallowing as you laughed slightly embarrassed, not knowing why you suddenly felt so awkward in front of him as your heart pounded in your chest. You were amazed by him, you admired him because of the stories surrounding his name and his greatness despite only nineteen years of life. "It’s a pleasure to meet you… Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan" you tried not to stutter, to the veiled compliment of the boy but the blush on your cheeks betrayed you, just like your tail.

Neteyam put two fingers under your chin, lifting your face, making you meet your eyes again. The heart beating hard enough to risk a heart attack. "The pleasure is all mine, Y/n. Just call me Neteyam, Neteyam is… fine." said, giving you a sweet smile. "And don’t worry about talking too much, as I said I like your voice, it's soft and beautiful. In addition I’m used to my little sister, I’m a great listener… especially for the right voices" His eyes slipped on your lips almost instinctively, feeling in your mouth a strange sweetish taste, as if he had already tasted your lips. "Anyway, what’s a Tayrangi doing in the Omatikaya forests? I don’t remember being warned, especially if the Tayrangi in question belongs to the Olo'eykte family" he asked gently, without taking his hand off your chin, enjoying your soft, warm skin. "To be honest? I ran away from the clan in the middle of the night because I wanted to visit the Omatikaya forest" you took a short break, slightly backing up, biting your lip as you confessed. "You know, my clan has beautiful coasts, beautiful beaches, a lovely sea and small woods but… we don’t have such beautiful forests, such tall trees and so much lovely greenery. My mother doesn’t want me to leave the clan alone because of the sky people, so if I asked for permission she would have denied me… so, you know, I ran. I know it is not something honorable as the daughter of an Olo'eykte, but I am very responsible, I swear…" You smiled slightly, without looking at him. "I’m just curious, and a bit rebellious, yes." You hoped your words had not horrified Neteyam, knowing him by his reputation as a strong warrior with solid principles. Your heart began to beat fast as he laughed at your confession as he passed a hand through the braids.

< He laughed… is good thing, no? > you thought. The excitement in your voice was as evident as the sincere wonder in your eyes, and this warmed the heart of Neteyam, fascinated by your carefree and ruthless sincerity, but especially by that rebellious streak that characterized you. "Are you telling me that you fled in the middle of the night, unbeknownst to your mother who is also Olo'eykte, because you wanted to see the forest and the trees of my clan?" asked him with amazement, looking at you. You nodded enthusiastically as you blushed slightly. < Wonderful. > he thought, even more enchanted by you.

"You are… I have no words to describe you, but there is nothing wrong with wanting to explore the beauty of a place, curiosity makes us alive, but you should not run away in the middle of the night, it could be dangerous" You smiled at his statement, heartened that he did not have the same thought as the elders of your clan. " Aren’t you afraid of getting into trouble?" "Hmm? Oh no, I’m used to getting into trouble. This is a 'trouble' bigger than the others, but certainly smaller than the future ones" you admitted while smiling, shrugging. "Let’s just say I’m lucky I’m not the oldest. Too many expectations, too many burdens, commitments and duties, the perfect daughter who will one day become Olo'eykte. Fortunately Ney'nari is the eldest daughter, and this burden is all hers, and she is fine with it. I am a free spirit, that is. The more you try to slow me down, the faster I run, you know. Life is one, so why follow the rules if I’m not hurting anyone, right?" Neteyam looked at you mesmerized, knowing that you had all that rebellious character that he lacked, and he felt attracted to you like never before. He felt he already knew what your character or thoughts were, and he found you so wildly perfect "I’m sure my mother will yell at me and I’ll have trouble with her, but… look how beautiful this forest is. These trees are beautiful, and the sounds? Ahh lovely! I was just curious, and now I’m fascinated, your clan’s forest is… mesmerizing. It’s the risk to take for a wonderful… experience. Wonderful, isn’t it?" Your voice became sweeter and more excited as you looked around with enchantment, breathing the cool breeze.

Neteyam’s eyes did not come away from you even for a second, enchanted by your being. "Yes, wonderful…" He said breathless, not meaning the forest at that moment. You looked at him and smiled once more as his heart beat and recovered, rushing suddenly, noticing your freckles shining under the lights of the forest. "Yes. The forest is wonderful. Even though I grew up there, I can’t help but agree with you, ma Tanhì…?" Neteyam used that nickname almost naturally "Tanhì?" you asked, approaching him. You weren’t annoyed, you recognized that nickname, you knew it was something that belonged to you, something you were used to, but you weren’t sure about that.

"I’m sorry, it just… I don’t know, it just came naturally to me" Neteyam said embarrassingly, squinting as if to recover himself. The heart beats faster to both, butterflies in the stomach fly wildly and every gesture, every word exchanged, seems full of meaning. "Don’t you feel like you’re…" you interrupted him. "Experiencing something you’ve already experienced?" you completed his sentence, and even this gesture reminded you of phantom memories, as if you were used to doing it. "Yes…" he whispered. "I just feel so.." fu Neteyam to interrupt you now. "at peace with you around." You smiled nodding "Yeah..". You started laughing together because of that innocent harmony of completed sentences and then looking at each other, falling into each other’s eyes. A look that sparked a spark of familiarity in your intimate. Even if you two can’t explain why, you feel a kind of deep connection that seems to go back a long time. Eyes that you had already loved once, souls that were already united in the past, as if you already knew, every single detail. Neteyam could see you all the way, as if your eyes were not a mirror of your soul, but a door he already had the keys to.

"I don’t know why but your eyes are so familiar, and also your voice… and your scent" You started, and then took a deep breath. "Have you been in my clan before, maybe?" Your eyes did not come off even for a second from his, and he did the same. "No, never… that I remember, never. But I don’t know why I feel I’ve been once, maybe for the Day of Atonement we met in some clan… I have vague memories of a forest near a precipice" he said, laughing and then looking for the warmth of your hand. "and it’s as if I’ve already felt your touch on my skin" he concluded "No, no way, on that day I am always in my clan. But I too remember a forest and a precipice… Near the village of my clan there is a similar precipice, overlooking the beach" Your eyes fell on your hand laid on that of Neteyam. "I feel the same." you answered with a thread of voice.

"I’m so sure I’ve seen you before, but I don’t know where…" You started talking, and then you laughed sarcastically, carrying some braids behind your ear. "Maybe in a past life we were connected? Do you think?" Her voice was sweet, and a smile painted on her lips as she watched you hypnotized. "No, I don’t think… I never would have had a partner in my previous life, just like I didn’t want in this life. Remember? free spirit, no bond or…" he interrupted you "Duty? isn’t it? You’re the kind of girl who doesn’t want to be connected because she’s free and rebellious and knows that no one can love or accept this rebellious side of you, and you don’t want to be below anyone because you have a strong temper. It’s you, right?" Neteyam took the words out of your mouth. You swallow with a nod, and then you feel some twinges in your head, like memories that were flocking and unlocking one behind the other with speed never seen. "How do you…" you whispered in disbelief. "I don’t know, I just know" he said. "You and I, we met, if not in this, in another life. I feel it, my heart feels it, my body and my mind. Isn’t it the same for you?" His voice was intrinsic of sweetness, hope and almost dreamet memories. You nodded watching him mesmerized. "Maybe… In another life, it can be. It is said that Eywa always brings his children together, maybe we were friends or family.. or "he looked at you, smiling when you paused. "Lovers?" he completed the sentence for you. You blushed and laughed. The heart that was pushing against your chest, as if to get to Neteyam’s, your stomach shaking, and the breath that was missing, were all feelings you had already experienced in some part of your mind. Your hand still stands on Neteyam’s, finding it comforting, experiencing a great sense of déjà vu experienced by both. "Yes… lovers"

You walked away from him, taking long deep breaths, not fully realizing what you had said. Neteyam’s eyes looked at your back as you turned your back, approached you carefully and then laid a hand on your shoulder. "Hey, it’s not something bad. Maybe we were just two people on the same wavelength, you know, not necessarily lovers. You are a free spirit after all, I doubt that in another life I did not appreciate this character of yours, at least not less than I am appreciating it now" His voice was warm and gentle, almost comfortable as he tried to reassure you. "It’s not that, it’s just… weird. We just met and it seems like we’ve known each other since time immemorial, I’m not used to these things" You admitted, while your stomach was knotted and it was making you little twinges. "Maybe I should… go… I don’t want to take any more time, you were hunting, right?" "Actually I’m not wasting my time, and hunting can wait. You wanted to get to know the Omatikaya forest, didn’t you? I was born and raised in these forests, I could take you to all the places you can’t imagine." He reached out to you, hopeful. You looked at him uncertain. "You’d get in trouble. I escaped from my clan by disobeying my Olo'eykte, besides I’m in the forest of your clan without warning, how many rules am I breaking? And you would be my accomplice." You admitted worried about him, knowing his spotless reputation. "You said yourself that life is one and that the rules should not be followed, we do nothing wrong" He replied looking into your eyes hopeful. "You’re gonna get in trouble, and I’m twice as bad for ruining your reputation, plus it’s gonna be late and your parents are gonna be mad, you’re not gonna be able to hunt, and-" he laughed and grabbed your hand. "Just say yes, and I will work hard to offer you only the best. I will bring the stars down to you if you ask me" This sentence he said sounded so familiar in your head, as if he had already once told you. "Ma Tanhì, just yes." Your hearts were beating at the same pace, on the same wavelength, as you swallowed the knot in your throat that you created when you were looking for excuses not to get him into trouble. " Yes…" you whispered, and then you heard Neteyam’s smile.

The sense of déjà vu grew stronger in the hours you spent together. Neteyam took you to observe the forest with his Ikran, holding on tight to him, as your Ikran was still too tired from the night journey. He showed you the Hallelujah Mountains where there were some free Ikran in the sky and others who rested in their house; he also took you where their Home Tree had previously been. He made you explore the forest as much as possible, enjoying your amazed eyes and excited voice at every unknown thing he showed you, feeling truly free, even in his presence. There was something inside of you that told you it was okay to trust him, that you could be yourself, let yourself go without fear because he had already understood you, he was already seeing you. When the day ended you felt full of joy for having seen all those wonderful places, while Neteyam fell once again first, loving you, reflecting your happiness over something so small that he almost took it for granted

From that day you ran away from home more and more often, taking him to do the same to come to your clan. Every emotion, every laugh, outing, dating, complaint, quarrel, word or kiss that followed in the following months all seemed already experienced, as if you two had already belonged to you once and now found yourself to love you again under the blessing of Eywa.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

Notes:

Yes, if you were wondering this is a parallel "déjà-vu" of the story "The Way of Love - Neteyam x Tayrangi Reader". I wanted to write about how Neteyam and Y/n could meet if she remained the rebellious and carefree second daughter, with Ney'nari alive and mated with Tul'pey, Ikeyni more accommodating etc… I love to think that soul mates meet in infinite ways in all universes, and that that sense of "already lived" is caused by all the lives lived together in other places.

I could have written a lot better, but in my mind Neteyam and y/n in one of these universes met and fell in love like this.Y/n rebellious and free, going against everything and everyone, disobeying, and Neteyam the one who keeps her down, who is caring and accompanies her in all her adventures… Influencing each other positively and negatively, falling in love again, again and again with the same eyes and the same things. Complementing each other.

Yes, I like to weave all my stories, always. I hope you enjoyed this niche of sweetness, ma Syulang 🙨 <3

-Mel

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　　 . ✦　　　 　˚　　　　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　　　.   　　˚　　 　　*　　 　　✦　　　.　　.　　　✦　˚ 　

[tempered-chill]

on my portrayal of yanqing

So. Yanqing. When we first meet him, he's a sword-obsessed, semi-cocky kid who's got an appetite for victory and a sizeable ego - for good reason. When first encountered, he hasn't tasted real defeat before - there's been only victories in battle. He's been heralded as a sword genius from the moment he picked it up.

There is so much more to his character than simply 'a guy who got his ass handed to him and couldn't take the defeat,' and I'm going to show you why.

Yanqing is prideful. And he's got a reason to be - he's grown up with his peers always telling him that he's a genius at swords. Growing up, being a swordmaster was not something only that he wanted for himself, but was something that others wanted for him, too. It's true that swords are his passion, but due to his inherent talent, the expectations set for Yanqing have always been high.

What happens when you've got high expectations from others, and even higher expectations from yourself?

Expectations are healthy, of course. You can't stay stagnant. And Yanqing loves what he does - I fully believe that wielding the sword is a passion - his first love. However, you can still love something and feel pressured by it.

I just simply can't look at a prodigy and say that they haven't been under stress. Yanqing has put himself under stress - he's set these goals for himself, these lofty dreams that he thinks he'll be able to achieve relatively soon. He's based his entire identity, his entire ego, his self-esteem - all of it, on how well he can wield the sword.

To Yanqing, the sword is an extension of himself. Victory in battle is what determines if he is worthy or not.

You have to understand that Yanqing's life literally revolves around swords, in a way. He doesn't have many friends, he has trouble connecting with his peers due to his talent and how others perceive him. His soul and anchor is his passion for swordplay, and his adeptness at it.

So, his first defeat at the hands of a swordmaster who was much greater at wielding it was like having his soul shattered in half. Meeting Jingliu and Blade and tasting bitter defeat two times in a row would've left him more than simply 'defeated' - it would have left him broken, in a way. Yanqing was so attached to the sword that he let it define him, and therefore, with only one such thing as his anchor to his self-worth, one true, utter defeat was enough to set him into a spiral.

I think even though, in later updates, he's seemingly gotten back on his feet, this spiral, this train of thought in the back of his mind isn't truly gone.

Okay, we've all seen the heliobus scene, and I think in there, Yanqing was genuinely tempted to take its offer. Before, he felt like he could take his time in getting better and improving, but after seeing how powerful jingliu really is, I think he would've been discouraged, but then encouraged to do more. However, it's not a healthy kind of encouragement - it's a desire to be better born of bitterness and anger, dissatisfaction and self-hatred.

Jing Yuan mentions that he needs time to be able to curb his strength and harness it properly. Shortcuts cannot be taken in learning something like the sword, and that is a lesson that he learns. However, I think that scene where Jing Yuan puts faith in Yanqing, and then Yanqing comes back to his senses is genuinely an important one. It shows that Yanqing has a lot of trust in Jing Yuan, but also that one of his greatest insecurities is letting the General down.

Although Yanqing's ego almost entirely relies on how good he is with the sword, he also relies on Jing Yuan's perception of him in order to have self-esteem.

Jing Yuan is Yanqing's father figure. Let's not beat around the bush - Yanqing is like a little bird taking refuge on a lion's back. Jing Yuan is the one consistent adult in his life that gives im guidance and that helps him grow - how wouldn't he see Jing Yuan as his dad? And, as all children do, we seek attention, and praise from our parents - which is a perfectly normal and healthy thing to do.

However, their relationship... isn't that linear. Yanqing may see him as his father, but Jing Yuan is also his mentor - and as a mentor's job, you cannot just praise your apprentices, but you also must train them and criticize them.

Unfortunately, I think the way Yanqing was raised - for the battlefield, seeking praise and validation from Jing Yuan, who could not only see him as a son, but also as a mentee - would've permanently impacted the way that he sees himself, and the way his self-esteem image was created.

What I mean to say is - Yanqing's self-esteem is fragile. All of this is just leading to say that Yanqing doesn't have a stable sense of self, and this was the first time that it was truly broken for him. And that's hard. It's really hard to pick yourself back up after being put down like that, especially because Yanqing thinks that he's failed the one thing that he was supposed to do.

So, we enter another arc. After the Heliobus, we come back to the Xianzhou, and Yanqing and Yunli meet. His ego's still bruised, and her telling him that he's unworthy of the sword was literally one of the worst insults she could have ever done, because, as I've mentioned before, his identity revolves around swords.

Of course, they bicker back and forth, and then, they have a conversation. Yanqing admits that after his defeats, he started to question himself, and he admits that it was so hard to find his confidence again and to continue on.

However, he also states something important - he wields the sword because he loves the feeling of giving it all.

This is incredibly important, because this basically states that Yanqing loves not just to fight, not just to win or to lose - but to really put himself out there. He loves to challenge himself, he loves to get better, and he just loves his swords. He loves what he does, even despite all the expectations.

Yanqing's sword is an extension of himself, and by loving the sword and what he does, I think, he loves himself. This puts into light the idea that when he lost, he hated himself. But he's learned that loss does not mean loss forever - it just means that he had to find a purpose, do some self-reflection, and to try and understand.

So, that's on how Yanqing sees himself with the sword, and how it impacted his self-esteem, his ego, and his self-perception - but there's still something else I have to tackle.

His age. Because that impacts everything I just mentioned.

Haha, did you think I was done? No. No, I'm not. I'll also be doing another post on Yanqing and PTSD. Because I'm a genetic freak, and I'm not normal.

Yanqing, canonically, is a teenager - a young teenager, which is why I choose to portray him from 13-15, so maybe around 14 years old. The thing is - Yanqing is very good at acting much older than he is, which I think is part of the reason why there was so much debate over whether he was an adult or not at first. This just goes to show that he is incredibly good at putting on a mature face. There's no doubt that Jing Yuan has trained him in the realm of politics and has taught him how to handle people much older than he is.

Despite Yanqing's position mainly involving battle, which he is good at, with power comes diplomacy. So, Yanqing had to learn to be diplomatic from a young age due to his increased level of skill.

This leads to a skewed vision or approach to how he should present himself. Jing Yuan even explicitly says that if you treat him like a child, he'll act like an adult - but if you treat him like an adult, he'll act like a child. This is all due to perception.

Yanqing thinks that acting childish is weak, but if someone treats him like an adult - mature, he will gain the feeling that people aren't underestimating him, and will allow himself to act more like hismelf. However, if you were to treat him directly like a child, it would make him defensive and it would raise his emotional walls towards whoever was treating him like so.

Yanqing, generally, just... doesn't really feel like he can act like a kid. He's always been alienated from his peers due to his talent, so he never had any real friendships or connections, which probably fucked him over socially. This just leads to him alienating himself from the idea of being a child - people people are expecting him to not be childish and mature due to his position.

Yanqing sees his age as a barrier. It's preventing Jing Yuan from putting his full faith and trust into Yanqing, and due to how young he is, it can sometimes make him feel like he's more of a burden to the General more than anything else, which isn't good. Yanqing owes Jing Yuan his life, and he knows this, so to let down the man who trained him would be - as mentioned earlier, due to it being a heavy insecurity of his - terrible.

This leads to an almost sort of bitterness when it comes to the topic of his age, so that's why he probably reacts in a way that makes him seem like a 'true adult' when he's treated like the age that he is.

Yanqing views his age as a hindrance. Nothing more, nothing less.

I think I covered basically everything that I wanted to in terms of Yanqing's self-perception and self-esteem, as well as how his age and his connection with swords create that development between him. Next post will be about PTSD. Thanks for reading! :)

[mollywog]

Setting prompts: #045 💜

Setting Prompts

045.   a mysterious trail found in the woods .

This is actually perfect for the first part of my Brigadoon AU! (A musical about a mysterious village that only appears for one day every 100 years)

“How about that one?” Peeta gestures flippantly to a tree as they pass.

“Another yellow birch, asshole. Give me a challenge.”

This doesn’t deter him, “I thought birches were white?” He fights back a smile at the disgusted look his friend tosses his way.

“White birches are white,” Johanna says in a saccharine tone, “yellow birches are yellow, and you’re not going to believe this, but silver birches are silver!”

He’s no longer fighting the laughter. She’s too easy to rile.

“Don’t fuck with me Mellark,” Johanna says, finally cracking a smile.

She’d been at his apartment yesterday when he’d gotten home from work, informing him he had ten minutes to pack his bag; they were going camping. She did that sometimes, usually after a breakup, the shorter the notice, the worse the split.

The Mountains were Johanna’s refuge. She’d grown up in backwoods Appalachia and took pride in knowing every trail, plant, and animal residing on her side of the mountain.

Peeta, on the other hand, had only ever lived in the city, but these trips worked for both; Johanna needed the familiarity of the woods and Peeta the wonder.

They’re hiking in companionable silence when something flies overhead, its shadow crossing their path. Peeta spots the source first: an unfamiliar bird; large and black with speckled wings. It lands on a branch a dozen feet away and cocks its head, eyeing them curiously.

“I’ve got one for you, what the hell is that?”

Johanna squints, shielding her eyes from the spattered sunlight peeking through treetops, and frowns.

Silence stretches as they both stare at the bird, the bird staring back disconcertingly. Peeta opens his mouth to speak, but Johanna shushes him. “That’s a Mockingjay,” Johanna whispers.

“A mockingbird?”

“No, a mockingjay,” she hisses. “I used to read about them as a kid. They’re supposed to be good luck…or sometimes a bad omens, no one really agrees. But they should be extinct, If they were ever even real in the first place. They’re Appalachian folklore.”

“Bullshit,” Peeta says before releasing a laugh. This was classic Johanna, playing on his naïveté when it came to the wild, but she’s gone too far now; he won’t be falling for her Mothman antics. His laughter dies with a grunt as Johanna’s elbow connects with his stomach.

The bird, watching on, rights its head, opens its beak, and trills back his laughter as if it were music in exact tones and pacing.

The forest falls silent.

“Whoa,” Peeta looks from the bird to Johanna, eyes wide as saucers, then back to the bird.

There’s a moment of stunned silence before all hell breaks loose.

The bird turns its head towards an imperceivable call off in the distance and with a single whistle, it alights from the branch.

Johanna moves first, Peeta falling in step behind in silent agreement to follow the bird. Their pursuit soon sends them off the well trodden trail, crashing through foliage until the Mockingjay leads them to a laurel-lined path, just wide enough for them to pass single file, as if the bushes had politely retracted branches and roots just for their purpose. No sooner are they on even ground, than their view is obstructed by a settling fog, thickening with every step. A buzzing crescendos as they press on, following glimpses of tail feathers through the stifling haze and just when the fog’s at its thickest, there’s a light at the end of the laurels, and the buzzing ceases with a pop, the sound replaced with a woman’s voice mid song.

They emerge to a clearing at the base of a hill. The Mockingjay lands on a branch nearby, but Peeta only spares it a passing glance, because that’s when he sees her.

[astrxlfinale]

are you keeping tabs on sunday and his new girlfriend?

Oh the smile that finds itself encroaching his lips at this very moment.

You think that HE of all people wouldn't see? As often as he's steeped in his own endeavors, the matters of those close to his circle elicits intrigue to the seventh power.

"Now now now, March here is a lady in her own right. Protective as we are of each other when things get wild, I'm not gonna be that classic deal of a detective in the bushes." Caelus reassures, giving an idle wave of his hand. Though, is that to say he just hadn't paid any attention at all?

That's right, March 7th, the genuine lifeblood of the Express if he were to ever define the definition as a person. Somehow that lost bird managed to find refuge in her whimsy, and he certainly wasn't ignorant of the growing hints of longing in the man's eyes. Despite his cordial nature, somehow she managed to strike harmonic chords within his very soul.

Nothing else could even grasp Sunday's attention when her smile took the stage.

"Lemme tell you that the man has it bad." He emphasizes, giving a wave of the hand to try enunciating the scale of that wave through action.

"Who would've thought a truth like that would bloom the second he drops outta the cage? I'm not sure who he's trying to fool here exactly, given our own trails of life experience n' all. But he better be taking good care of her heart. Lemme see any sad tears with Sunday being in the same sentence, and it's not him injured."

A fist is made to emphasize that very point.

"Between me n' you--" He leans just a touch closer towards this nosy person. "Pay attention to his halo when he's spending time with her, you can hear song resonating from it."

Y'know what. @avaere

[papasbaseball]

Primo x Reader (Calore e Gabbia)

+18 CONTENT NOT FOR MINORS. MINORS KEEP SCROLLING

Pairing: Primo x F!Reader

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Good old fashioned smut

Summary: Papa Emeritus Primo, the Gardener of the Ministry, has long caught your eye. You’ve slipped into the Ministry sauna this morning in hopes that you will catch his and move up in the ranks among the ministry. Little birds are rarely as hidden as they think, and Papa Emeritus Primo has plans for you too.

Word Count: 3,627

Notes: This is a birthday present for @astouract! Have the bestest birthday my love! Here’s to another year of sinning <3

Translations at the end.

AO3 Link

There are few things as unpleasant as hell-hot humidity. In the early summer, as the spring rain is on its dying breath, it clings to the skin like a blanket of sweat, unable to be wiped away. Skin sticks to skin and clothes melt to the body in a heated need to be united as one. It churns the stomach in revulsion, cooking the living like a delicacy. In the early weeks of summer the library and catacombs are a refuge to the nausea, ditching out on chores to slip into their cool dark embrace. The lengths you went to to make sure the sweat of nature never touched your skin crossed your mind just once as you pulled the towel around you tighter and walked into the sauna.

It was like choking on smoke, the steam infiltrating your lungs as you inhaled to adjust to the smoldering box. The scent of cedar followed on the tail of the steam seeping into you and you wrinkled your nose at it. Your fingers tightened around the rough terrycloth of the towel as you padded over to a nearby bench, the wooden planks warm and slightly damp to your feet. You were the only person in the sauna right then. Your host would be arriving soon.

You weren’t a morning person. Misfortune had forced that upon you four weeks ago. Standing there in the kitchen as siblings clanged pans and cracked eggs, you laid out soft, doughy biscuits on a tray. Looking out the murky stained glass window as the soft light of dawn slowly brought forth the shapes of cold bushes and delicate flowers, you couldn’t help but to wish for the warmth of your bed, a few more minutes of sleep. In the middle of your dreaming daydream you spotted him: Papa Emeritus Primo, bundled up in thick, warm robes, creeping quietly through the morning mist of the garden to the bathhouse outside the Ministry. Each morning you’d watch  the grease-covered clock that hung over the door to the dining hall until it was 5:50 and then stare out that murky window, waiting for the elderly man’s journey.

It was no secret that you fancied the Papas—most of the congregation did. There were perks to gaining favor with them: nicer clothes with less holes in them, meals with fresh meat and warm bread if you were invited to dine. Some lucky few had been moved to spacious living quarters attached to the papal suites for optimal discretion. That was never why you stopped and stared in the hallways as he passed by, gluing yourself to groups of siblings to make your spying less obvious. No, there was something comforting about the way he moved, something that the other Papas couldn’t replicate. Others thought him to be boring or scary, but you couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was a gentle touch in those glove-obscured hands.

He was the silent type, sentences short, only giving polite nods and the occasional cough as siblings filed into the chapel for midnight mass. Bland as oatmeal was how one sister had put it. But you'd seen him in the gardens that day when you took a shortcut from the cemetery to the catacombs to avoid the humidity. It was the affection of a lover that guided his movements as he poured water onto the soft loamy soil that covered the roots of a curling plant that spilled its vines freely across the gravel path. He caressed the plant leaves and whispered to them in Italian, thumbs brushing away any stray dust or pollen that might have imposed itself upon the emerald life. Brushing and stroking the leaves, you watched him in a daze, wondering if he would stroke a lover’s face the same way.

The door creaked open and he shuffled in. The burlap cloak fell to the floor with a soft thump and you looked away quickly: he had no clothes on underneath. You looked back just enough to keep an eye on him in the peripheral. He gave a great yawn and stretched like a cat in the lazy afternoon sun. When he leaned back you heard his spine cracking followed by the whispered scratching of nails against skin. He shuffled only one foot forward before taking note of the toweled intruder.

“Sister.” Papa Primo’s voice was still hoarse from sleep. The never-before-heard bass caused you to shift.

“Papa,” you said. Even avoiding his white eye and naked body, the words stuck in your throat, tangled with the steam.

He resumed his procession toward the bench, taking his time to lower himself gently onto the baking wood, watching you the whole way down. His back popped again when he pressed his palms against his thighs. A groan of contentment echoed through the sauna as he released the tension, making himself comfortable. “I do not get many visitors here.”

“I’m intruding,” your voice came weakly. “I’m sorry. I’ll go.” You clutched your towel to you, hurrying to leave, hurrying to crawl back to your bed to forget this mistake.

“Scusa,” he hoarsed, a gruff authority in his voice barring the exit to you, “it is rare to find una suora that is an early bird. The steam only calls to me and an occasional ghoul this early.”

You took your seat once more, tucking your hands beneath your thighs to stop from fidgeting with them. “I couldn’t sleep,” you lied.

He sniffed at this and you dared to look at his face. “Could not or would not?”

You squirmed as he looked you in the eye, unable to speak. This was a bad plan. The urge to run away rattled through your bones. Who were you to try and sleep with a Papa? It would have been better etiquette to just wait for one to approach you. That’s how it’s done. That’s how it’s always been done. Ghouls delivering gifts and keys, being pulled out of Ministry duties for furtive appointments. It was all unspoken rules and signals. Yet here you were, trying to weasel your way into Papa Primo’s bed.

“Scusa, I tease.”

A half-hearted laugh escaped your lungs. He was joking. Of course he was joking. The silence hung as he examined you and your stupid little laugh. It hung until you were convinced it would hang yourself. The fake explanations gushed forth. “My dreams were restless. I found myself waking up so much that I came here. I hoped the steam would help put me to sleep.”

“If you are having trouble sleeping you could come see me, sister.”

“Oh?” It’s all you could manage as you fought the thought of slipping through the night surreptitiously to knock on his door and warm his bed for the price of a good night’s sleep.

He got up, joints creaking, and grabbed the ladle out of the water pail. You watched as he ambled over to the hot coals. You watched the sinewy arms guide the ladle dripping with water over the coals. You watched as the water slipped down the side of the ladle, hugging its curve, clinging to its old way, resisting the fire that would set it free as steam. You watched as with a little more tilt the water broke free of the curve, pulled down, and met the hot coals with a great hiss. You watched as the room filled with steam, obscuring the oldest Emeritus brother and yourself. You watched and moved.

“We have many medicinal plants that can help you if you are feeling unea-“ His words trailed off as the steam cleared, revealing yourself. You arched your back more to accentuate your breasts and the heart that hammered between them. Your hands gripped the towel that now rested around your hips, trying to still their shaking. He whispered something in Italian, his hiss mingling with the residual of the coals. “Rare indeed.”

Your stomach flipped. You were rapidly approaching the coals and had yet to know if they were hot.

A brief smile played in those old tired eyes before he resumed his seat. “You are bold, Suora. I knew I had a little dove watching me from her cage every morning, but I did not know she was so lascivious.”

Your blood ran cold, and you felt more naked in that statement than when you had first shed your towel. He had never once looked over to where you had laid out breakfast for the ministry in stupefied admiration. You knew he had never spied you himself because if he had looked at you in any singular way you would have knocked the tray of biscuits to the floor.

“Gli uccellini raramente sono così nascosti come pensano. You want an antidote to your restlessness?”

You nodded. His unmoving gaze commanded you to nod. It didn’t matter if you were answering the lie or the truth that had roused you from sleep into this hellishly hot sauna so early in the morning, and Satan was it hot.

“Dimmi bambina: You want your Papa’s cock?”

Steam settled around him as he waited for your answer, an early morning reverie that you were uncertain you wouldn’t wake up from. You glanced down at those weathered hands and then back up to his mismatched gaze. “I want your co… only yours. I-” Your mind felt fogged up from the steam, unable to tell him how Terzo was too flashy and Secondo too scary. It wasn’t the title you wanted: it was him.

“Vieni qui, colomba.” He patted the planks in between his legs.

You bit the inside of your cheek as you got up, watching as he dragged his eyes over your naked form. The butterflies in your stomach danced as you watched his pupils linger on your hips a second too long before they met your own, staring up into your sinful soul. He reached out a hand and pulled you to be seated with your back to his chest. His hands were worn smooth and shiny with age and hard work of many a garden tool. They slid up the steam-warmed skin of your arms, not in any particular hurry. Meeting collar bone, he gently pressed you back into him, his smattering of  silver chest hair tickling the nape of your neck. Like a flower, he luxuriously inhaled the bouquet of your scent, his aquiline nose pressed into your scalp and then neck. At last, he licked the petal-soft skin right above the last reminder that you were living and breathing and that it was all real.

You leaned into his touch and taste, whimpering as his right hand gripped your jaw to present your neck to him, his canvas soon to be painted with bruises from his lips. His left hand slipped between your thighs, not wasting any time swiping the smooth pad of his thumb over your clit.

Your breath came faster and faster and you squirmed from the brush, the important nerves alive for the first time that morning. “Rilassati, bambina. Papa will take care of you.” He mumbled the sedative into the crook of your neck as ring and index finger spread your lips, exposing your clit to his leisurely strokes, coaxing it and soothing it as if it were one of his revered plants.

Your heart beat against your ribs as he stroked and kissed, spurred on by the steam that loosened your vocal cords, a stream of moans praising his skilled touch and tongue. Papa Primo’s satisfaction at this pressed into your lower back.

He was well endowed by the Olde One. The tip of his cock nestled into the small of your back and for the first time, your worries were replaced with if you would be able to take the Papa you’d so long desired and watched from your kitchen window all those mornings. “Papa,” you started.

He flickered his finger quicker and quicker, his right hand dragged down your throat to knead your breast like he kneaded the earth before sowing seeds. “Cum for me, colomba. Cum for your Papa. Sì proprio così. Voglio che la tua fica sia bella e bagnata per il mio cazzo.” He quickly slid his fingers into your aching cunt, pressing hard into the tender flesh until you spasmed and fluttered internally.

You gripped his thighs as you watched the cords in his arm flex rapidly, unable to look away as palm and fingers continued to work through your orgasm, unrelenting. They pushed and pressed until you screamed, words failing you as he finally withdrew his fingers. He brought them to your mouth, pressing the cream-coated tips to your gasping lips.

“Assaggia te stessa, bambina mia.” He guided the slick fingers into your mouth, smearing your juices into your tastebuds. His fingers swept the inside of your cheeks, and under your tongue, eventually gently touching the back of your throat. “Good girl. It tastes good, sì? It is much better than the sleeping herbs I would have given you. Do you like the way your pussy tastes on my fingers?”

You sucked against them, tasting the salt and tang, until he pulled them free. The string of drool between your lips and his fingers broke as you answered, “Yes, Papa.”

“Bene, lay  down. This is your first time in the sauna, sì? I do not want you to pass out.” You did as told, and realized just how lightheaded you’d become as the blood flowed more easily, and sights and sounds became more clear. You watched how his thick cock swung as he walked to the pail of water. He scooped the water once more and brought it back to you.

“ Consider this a baptism.” He tilted the ladle, letting the water spill onto your warm skin. You jumped, but relaxed back into the cedar planks as the water washed away sweat and heat. He poured it over your chest, down your stomach, and at last between your thighs.

You sighed as the heat seemed to wick away from your body. He sunk the ladle back into the pail, returning to massage the water droplets that clung to your skin like morning dew. He tilled the earth once more before cleaving the soil. His hands gently guided your legs apart and you looked nervously once more at his cock trying to suppress a whimper.

He stroked your inner thigh, shushing with each pass. “ Non si agiti. Do not be afraid. You must relax.” Pressing a kiss inside your knee, he continued his parting. You swallowed hard as he lined the thick head of his cock up with your entrance. His hands massaged and pulled at the muscles in the creases of your thighs, stretching you as he slid himself in, never rushing, never hurrying. You winced at the ache only once before he bottomed out. Gentle hands guided you once more, taking your right hand in his to wrap around what wouldn’t fit. “ Good girl. Take all of your Papa.”

Your hand tensed as he moved over you, blocking the hazy orange light that glowed from the ceiling. He growled at the reflex and gave a shallow thrust. You whimpered as you fought the urge to cum from just how thick he was.

“La tua fica è stata mandata dall'inferno. Così stretto,” he growled. He pumped in and out slowly, letting you adjust, spreading your dripping arousal into your hand. He grunted softly as he worked in and out of your hand and cunt. His nostrils flared, pushing faster and harder in the humidity. His white eye burned in a new fire, one that you’d never seen all those times in the chapel or even that summer afternoon in the garden. It burned and plummeted past the side of your face, searing your cheek as he rutted to sow his seed.

“Is this what you wanted, little bird?” he panted against your ear. It was the first time you realized the smell of mint wafting about him.

The ‘yes’ was stuffed down with an anguished cry as his hips dragged up against your clit. His breath came fast at this, at you.

 “I wanted to call for you next week. My ghoul saw you watching. How did he put it?” A savoring kiss to your neck sent shivers up your spine as he thought. “Ah… yes,” he hissed. “‘She watches you like a sad dog.’”

You yelped as he shoved your left leg up against your chest, nails digging in as he hit a new depth.

“ He asked me if he should take care of you,” he continued, not minding the tears that spilled down your cheeks and onto his. “It seems la colomba wanted me to take care of her instead.”

“I’m sorry.” It was quiet, but it stopped him.

“Are you ashamed of your desire, little bird?”

You didn’t answer that.

He scooped you up and set you astride him. You watched as the orange glow highlighted the corners of his mouth set into a hard line. “I will have you, but only if you can rid yourself of shame here.”

You looked down and away, but he gripped your chin forcing you to look him in the eye. His fingers dug in hard enough to press the insides of your cheeks to the sharp edge of your teeth

“You will fuck yourself on my cock, or you will leave. The Olde One rewards greed, Sister, and so do I.”

Laying your hands on his age-thinned shoulders, you raised your hips a few inches. The hardline crooked up into a smile as you sank down onto his cock and into your sin. The greed wrapped itself like a cloak around your body, banishing the anxious chill. You needed this. You needed him. “Papa...”

“Hm?” He looked up at you, pleased.

“I want to be your bird,” you whimpered as you sank yourself down on him again.

“Many siblings want to be my bird…Fuck.” His nails dug into your hips as you took him as deep as you could. The same muscles that had forced you to come undone were digging their claws into you, insisting you keep the pace that you had set, if not begging you to speed up.

Your pained whine flowered into a desperate moan as you felt yourself clench around him. The muscles in your thighs ached as you angled and tried to chase your high, not even bothering to hide just how good the stretch of his cock made you feel. The moans and cries filled the sauna and the warm wood soaked them in greedily like thirsty soil.

“Canta per me, uccellino. Dimmi come hai bisogno che la tua fica bisognosa venga riempita del seme di tuo Papa.”

Was this really what you had wished for all those days in the kitchen? The way his eyes bored into you, seeing you for the first time, all of his attention on you. And yet you knew that you were not special. There was nothing special about a wild bird that looked inside of the window and dreamed of life inside of a gilded cage, being fondled and caressed by a caring master. What a stupid bird to subject yourself to all the scrutiny that came with a cage and perch, and yet…

You felt your high so close on the heels of your distracting thoughts and you couldn’t help the way you pushed yourself just a little bit more. Your voice came high and sweet, “Papa I’m going to come!”

“Right on time,” he smiled as you fucked your swollen cunt on him. “Come for your Papa, uccellino.”

His sweet words of encouragement are all you need to come undone. You cry, drawing sharp breaths of humid air as you look at him. He watched you so intently, mouth agape at the beauty that was turned into a pathetic mess at his command. His hands guided your hips in working through your orgasm, even though you wanted nothing more than to stop and savor every contraction. The sensations drove the tears to your eyes and your lip quivered as you dig your own nails into his shoulders.

The pinch of your talons must have been the final push as his guidance slowed and halted and you swear you could taste the salt as he sowed his seed. His sunken chest heaved with effort as you felt the hot ropes of him soak you completely. He was perfect like this, and everything you wanted: heaving, panting, and devoted to the moment of just you.

But even your unconventional ways had their limits. Prying yourself from him, you tried your best to walk back and grab your towel, cunt aching from the stretch and abuse, seed dripping down and mixing with the sweat on your thighs. Fuck it was hot in here. There was an external relief in being freed from the heat of him and an internal want to curl back into his arms. A hand around your wrist spoke to the latter.

“Uccellino.” He rose to address you, thumb coming up to lovingly caress your cheek. You tried to look away from his eyes, but they held you in the need to know of his approval. “Tonight. I dine at 7. Do not be late. I know you can keep time.” A short smile and one final swipe before he sinks back into the cedar wood, shutting his eyes in contentment. It’s as if you had never even been there, and your signal to leave. You wrap the towel around your trembling body and head out into the morning mist, darkness offering you refuge from the heat that now burned within you at the thought of tonight.

Translations:

Scusa- Excuse me

una suora- A sister

Gli uccellini raramente sono così nascosti come pensano- Little birds are rarely as hidden as they think

Dimmi, bambina- Tell me, child.

Vieni qui, colomba- Come here, dove

Rilassati, bambina- Relax, child.

Colomba- Dove

Sì proprio così. Voglio che la tua fica sia bella e bagnata per il mio cazzo- Yes just like this. I want your pussy nice and wet for my cock.

Assaggia te stessa, bambina mia- Taste yourself, my child

Bene- Good.

Non si agiti.- Do not be nervous.

La tua fica è stata mandata dall'inferno. Così stretto- Your pussy is sent from hell. So tight.

Canta per me, uccellino. Dimmi come hai bisogno che la tua fica bisognosa venga riempita del seme di tuo Papa- Sing to me, little bird. Tell me how you need your needy pussy filled with your Papa's seed.

Uccellino- Little bird.

[cats-of-fernclan]

FernClan’s History

Heeelllooo, my dear readers!

The blog is still pretty new, but I figured why not go over FernClan’s history - as well as territory, the camp itself, landmarks… etc.

For anyone who stumbles across this blog and has no idea what it’s about, the blog is dedicated to an alternate universe ft. Wordgirl x Warrior Cats! FernClan is the stand-in for Fair City, chosen as a pun on the city so it wouldn’t have to be FairClan wheeze- but anyway! I plan on breaking this down with the background of how the clan came to be, including all the other fun stuff!

So- for one thing, a group of cats escaped from a research facility and sought refuge within the forest in the hopes of not being found by the scientists. Things at first, were tense as they had no idea how to survive until one of the cats received a vision from StarClan - telling them they must form a clan in order to survive from the horrors ahead. FernClan became founded soon after, and eventually more cats began to join from all sorts of places (between wandering kittypets, strays, and more!), eager to experience clan life.

Though as the group continued expanding, trouble arose in the form of natural predators - not to mention unfriendly felines who would attempt to steal prey or cause problems by attacking the clan cats. Well, until a brave young cat by the name of Cometshine decided to boldly chase out the rogues and became the first savior great warrior of FernClan!

Though sometime after, seemingly without any explanation - Cometshine disappeared. No one knew what happened to him. Some claimed he might have found a mate, others believe he had other cats to help but it did shape FernClan’s history…

If you’re curious about the rest of the FernClan lore, check below the cut!

TERRITORY

FernClan is located deep within the forest, surrounded by wild flowers and thickets of berry bushes. At the center of the territory is a clear lake used for hunting. Prey is plentiful during the leaf-fall and new-leaf seasons, though it can quickly grow scarce during leaf-bare. The clan's known for having vines which the cats can used to hunt after birds, squirrels, and other critters living on tree branches. FernClan also has an old, abandoned playground which the apprentices frequent. It got remodeled a bit and the cats decided to add their own 'equipment' (which is meant to reference the episode "Tobey's Playground Calamity".

CAMP GROUNDS

FernClan's campgrounds are a little bit different. The leader's den is located just a bit away from the center of the camp; as it was once a wild critter's cave, the top is layered with moss and has a small array of flowers spreading around it. A canopy of moss falls from the top of the cave - almost like a curtain - clan meetings tend to be held around the leader's den. The medicine cat den however, is a smaller cave which was caused through moons and moons of erosion. The camp is filled with a lot of moss which is often used to make nests for the cats. The warriors' den is located closer to the entrance, made from a large opening which gets longer as once gets inside since cats dug in order to create more space. A small, seeable hole can be seen from the top. The apprentices' den strongly resembles a burrow and the nests are of course, made of moss - cushioned by other accessories found within the territory. FernClan's camp is known to be fairly big in order to accommodate for unexpected, new arrivals though it's been a while since new visitors arrived within the clan.

PREDATOR AND PREY

As FernClan is located deep in the forest, prey consists largely of mice, rabbits, rodents, and birds. Though there are also squirrels during leaf-fall and new-leaf which are a bit harder to reach during times of leaf-bare. Reptiles can be found closer to the lake, primarily consisting of lizards and snakes which can make for a good, tasty snack. Since FernClan's members have been known to be adapted with climbing, they have also been known to snag prey within the trees.

Unfortunately, FernClan does have predators which largely consists of foxes and the occasional badgers. Dogs are a rather uncommon threat though further within the territory, there are wolves which means the cats must be careful when venturing deeper. Birds of Prey such as hawks are a problem though FernClan felines, as they come from different backgrounds, are known for striking them down.

OUTSKIRTS AND BORDERS

Beyond the clan territory, and well past the broken fence, there are other lands... though cats tend not to venture that far. On the other side of the fence is a barn where other cats might dwell. Past the barn and heading down a dirt path, there's a seemingly abandoned cabin though it still appears to be in roughly good condition. FernClan cats are highly advised not to go beyond the borders, mainly due to the rumors of reaching the city which slims the chances of making it back to the clan.

FernClan borders another clan though no one has seen the members of said place in ages. [INFORMATION REDACTED]

KNOWN LANDMARKS

Woodview Point: Woodview Point is a cliff which is part of the mountains past FernClan. Cats are advised to travel in groups instead of alone as the area can get steep. However, it has been used as a training ground for apprentices in order to better their climbing and hunting skills. Great Lake: The Great Lake is a body of water located within the clan's territory. Fish is plentiful within there and apprentices are often taken as a way of perfecting their hunting skills. Raven's Ledge: Raven's Mountains are the surrounding mountains located further into FernClan. While they are known for being a bit steep, cats are known to travel - especially when it comes to the medicine cats as there's another landmark which allows connections to the Starry Plains (a term referring to the bridge between the mortal plane - aka the clan and beyond - and StarClan).

There might be other landmarks but for now - this is the best I could come up with. More for FernClan will be revealed soon and there is intention of making an official discord roleplay server, though we'll breach that later. The Dark Feline Association will also be talked about in a separate post!

Though for now, I bid you all a goodnight and good luck with classes picking up again tomorrow.

[dk-thrive]

Here is something fundamental about us immigrants. Our minds run faster than our tongues.

Turkish is my mother tongue. The language of my grandmother, poetry and dreams. The amorphous shapes appearing in the dregs left at the bottom of coffee cups, waiting to be read. The sound of wind chimes. It is the smell of earth after a sudden storm, when you inadvertently search yourself, check your flesh, not sure whether you have been touched and renewed by the rain or hurt by the thunder and hit by the lightning. It is the colour of blooming flowers. The same colour as bruises.

French is the language I have encountered as a little child and then lost entirely. It slipped through my fingers, I could not hold on to it. I still hear it though, like a brook bubbling over smooth, rounded stones and pretty pebbles, somewhere in the distance, out of my reach.

Spanish is the language of my teenage years. The one that shaped me and stayed with me and made me deeply appreciative of melody, cadence and rhythm. Olive trees, juniper bushes and sunny, soothing sunflower fields. The morning chorus of birds. The one that raises my spirits.

And English…. English is my sanctuary. Refuge. Harbour. Port in a storm. It is the place/space where I have taken shelter carrying a tattered suitcase of loneliness and bearing multiple scars, some visible, others not. It is where I have healed slowly, so slowly. It is where I have thrown my literary voice against a wall and shattered it and then reconstructed it anew, shard by shard. I write in English not because it is easier for me, not at all, but because it gives me a sense of much-needed freedom. I need that freedom in order to be able to write my stories.

Here is something fundamental about us immigrants. Our minds run faster than our tongues, which means there is always an emotional rift, a tiny fracture, a linguistic divide we can never fully bridge. An existential gap. A deep awareness of some hidden loss and longing. The crack between the tiles. You can also call it melancholy. [...]

All of this fascinates me. I cannot help but wonder are we slightly different people in different languages?

— Elif Shafak, from "Different Emotions in Different Languages" (elifshafak.substack.com, June 9, 2024) (via Last Tambourine)

[queengiuliettafirstlady]

Lovely surprises

Lovely Surprises

Fandom: Ikemen Prince

Pairing: Luke x Julie

Tag: Childhood sweethearts Established relationship Fluff Gifts

Word Count  2.371

Author’s Note: A special day deserving to be celebrated as such for Luke and Julie, reflecting on their past cradled together on the bed engulfed by the same feeling that held them together since childhood an affection unlike any other that soon turned into a passionate tender sweetest kind of love. 🥰

Tag list

@kissmetwicekissmedeadly   @aquagirl1978 

@candied-boys @rjthirsty

You can find me on AO3 as QueenJuliet 😊

Thank you for everyone who will like, reblog, or comment please be gentle with me english is not my first language so please do not leave rude comments I apologise for eventual errors I hope you will like it 😊

It was a quiet evening, the sun had set on the countryside stretching long shadows on the greenery of the hills chasing the animals seeking refuge for the night in the luscious forest, they paid no mind to the birds flying high in the moonlight ready to explore the valley where bees wandered in directed to their hives.

Here nestled in that peaceful forest stood a cottage unlike any others, flowers decorated the windowsill of dark rooms.

All except one, there cocooned in a soft sea of handmade blankets there were two lovebirds lazily staring at the spectacle of the fireflies playing hide and seek among the bushes in search of a lover, they had the luck to find since childhood that fateful day they met one another.

She stifled a yawn hiding her face in his chest purring in delight at his fingers trailing to caress her hair before sliding to tighten lightly around her torso keeping her closer.

“Ya know this was the day I looked forward to the most when I was a child.”

His voice woke her from her dizziness, a bit groggy from the pleasant tiredness of the day that went by, filled with laugh and chats enough to leave their throat sore and their eyes glimmering with happiness, one she knew he never think to deserve until she prove him wrong sticking to his side as she has to hers since childhood, forging a path for them both with the feeling overflowing their heart only for one another, love.

“And now ?” She looked up at him, and her heart jumped in her chest at the sight of the tenderness glimmering in his bright green eyes as he looked at her, like she was the whole world and to him she was.

“Even more.” She nuzzled tenderly in his chest as her fingers caressed his abs right above his heart.

“I felt the same.” His eyes crinkled with happiness as he continued on, trailing his fingers ever so softly on her hips trailing up from time to time to brush through her raven messy locks.

“It was my favorite day ‘cause I could spoil you.”

“Ahhaha like you did each day.”

“Yeah but that was special cause I could shower you in love and thank you for your existence.” 

She looked up at him, meeting his eyes filled with reverent devotion and unbounded affection he conveyed in a sweet tender kiss he left on her forehead, a promise of protection and an oath of love he would have kept no matter the cost.

“I always was so wonderfully happy for your choice to stay with me and immensely grateful you came into my life and brightened it with your love. When I met you I immediately understood  deep down the reason for my existence. All along I knew that I was born to love you.”

“Oh Luke.” She was so moved by his words she couldn't do anything and so she hugged him tightly, raising to brush a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“I felt the same way. I really was so happy to share my day with you ‘cause I was grateful for your existence and for you coming into my life warming it with your affection for this I wanted to thank you. I was born to be your lover.” 

Her words moved him. She saw it as much from his glossy eyes, he did his best to hide nuzzling in her hair leaving soft tender kisses as he tightened his arms around her.

“You were the only one ... that was happy about my existence” 

There was a wistful cloud covering the sun in his eyes dripping over his voice as it cracked under the weight of his past, of the feeling of being unwanted, undesired, unloved.

Until he met her and his world changed, binding their heart together in affection destined to turn into love.

Her make heart tugged in two as he tighten his arms around her, an unspoken plea for affection she was immensely happy he was comfortable asking her, without hesitation she adjusted better in his hug leaving a soft kiss on his heart before sliding upward to reach his beautiful visage she peppered with tiny kisses until she saw the sun returning to his eyes as carefree giggles tumbled from his lips. 

“Alright alright I gotcha. I surrender.”

“So soon my bear.”

“Only to you my princess.”

She dived in his chest reaching to tickle his torso, sliding on his soft tummy, paying no mind to his plea too focused admiring the spark of happiness springing in his eyes.

“Oh please give me a break.”

“Why should I ?”

“Because you are kind.”

“Good tactic but flattery won't work on me.”

“Please ahah it wasn’t ngghh flattery.” 

“I wonder about that.” 

“It isn’t.”

He looked into her eyes and what she saw took his breath away, pure earnestness glimmered in his leaf green irises sprinkled with such a tenderness   as she took a break only to switch her tickles to the feather light trail of her fingers on the soft auburn hair on his abs left uncovered by the half opened shirt of his green pyjama, whose color matched her long sleeved nightgown moving around her legs entwined with his own as she was almost on top of him.

“Please Julie be merciful with me.”

“Why so ?”

“Because I adore you.”

Taken off guard by his candid confession she didn't notice he had turned the cards on her squeezing her tightly to his chest all the while letting his fingers brush her back, pinning her down under him.

Carefree giggles rolled from her tongue as she pawned at his chest, revelling in the blissful tender smile curling his rosy lips.

“Come on Luke you can't do this to me.”

“Why so ?”

Instead of answering she pouted, she did her best to try and pretend to stay mad at him but she couldn't, not under the soft assault of his sturdy fingers tickling her in each place he knew so well to elicit her laugh.

In that moment she really felt they knew each other like the back of their own hands and tha through was enough to warm her heart, unable to stay still she reached to him brushing her lips on his heart before looking up at him pleadingly.

“Julie.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Ya know I am weak for you. Ahhh what could I do with you ?”

“Then you will have mercy.”

“Let's see why I should ?”

“Please.” She mustered her best puppy eyes, a Cheshire cat smile curled her lips at the sight of hesitation showing in his eyes, a moment she didn't waste time taking advantage of cupping his face only to lean her lips a few inches from his own before smacking a soft kiss on his nose.

She read bewilderment in his bright green eyes and even a tinge of disappointment, and yet she couldn't stop herself from teasing him even more because his payback would have been so sweet she couldn't help but yearn secretly for it.

Before she could think of anything else he melted his lips on hers, robbing her of any coherent thought as he entwined his tongue with hers, groaning at her fingers divided in his hair deepening the kiss while his fingers curled on her hips keeping her closer still.

Reluctantly he pulled away leaning back on the bed sneaking one arm around her waist, holding her close to his chest, smiling down at her as she nuzzled into his chest.

“Julie.”

“Yes.” 

"I hope you don’t mind me telling you this only now ... but I have another gift for you."

After a while he continued almost shily promptly reassired by the light caress of her fingers trailing from his soft tummy to his chest.

"I know me and your family already gifted you tons of things … but this is special.”

“Special ?”

Her eyes glimmered with curiosity as she looked up at him nodding as he offered her a soft smile.

“Yeah but for this I need you to do something.”

“Anything.” 

“Ahaha I am so happy to see you so eager to be spoiled.” 

“Ya know I love it when you spoil me.” 

“Good ‘cause I adore spoiling you.”

He gave her a gentle kiss on her hair, revelling in her blissful smile as she caressed his chest, his tone achingly tender as he spoke to her.

“Do you mind being a good girl and closing your eyes for a bit ?”

“Not at all.”

She covered her eyes with her hands giggling as she laid back sighing softly at the warm sensation of the blankets engulfing her torso.

“Do not cheat or else you will get none.” 

“Oww you are so petty.” She feigned offence pouting.

“Alright it’s not true you will get it anyway ahhh how can I resist you ?”

“Ehehehe.You can’t.”

She giggled in triumph before leaning back on the bed lazily draping her hand over her eyes.

“I know I love you too much for that.”

“I won't anyway, don’t worry.” 

She heard his weight shift on the border of the bed before opening the drawer of the nightstand, an ear perked to catch any sound, the only thing she recognized was the noise of some ruffles of what seemed like paper and then something light shifted the weight of the covers sinking near her hip.

“You can open them now.”

“Oh what a nice package.”

“I have done it myself.”

“I don’t doubt that. You are always so thoughtful and sweet.”

“Only for you.”

“I know.”

She smiled at him before taking it in her hands, trying to find an hole in the Emerald wrapping paper to take a peek inside but to no avail, far from surrendering she boldly took the green ribbon giving it a gentle tug until it came undone under her fingers.

Her eyes widened with wonder as she took the object in her hands holding it as it was a priceless treasure … and for him her reaction was an even better gift that anything could ever be, something money could have never bought even more because he knew that as long as it was him she would have love anything he would have gifted her, occasions he didn't let him slip by doing all he could to give her exactly what he wanted only to see her smile for him.

“Oh Luke.”

There was such a tender expression in her chartreuse eyes, dripping over her gorgeous smile as she looked up at him, still holding the little bears’ statue in her hands before cradling it carefully to her breasts.

“Do you like it ?” 

“I love it.”

Overwhelmed with feelings she nestled it on the covers before throwing her arms around his neck.

“Your love is the best gift I could ever receive, like your smile.”

“I think the same.Thank you so much my bear.”

“Anything for you, my little princess.”

At the endearing nickname she brushed her lips on his in a sweet tender kiss they hoped enough to convey the deep affection swelling in their heart only for one another.

Gently they pulled away only when one of his arms sneaked between them to retrieve the statue drawn in the sea of blankets on the bed, as they remained squeezed together on the mattress.

“I bought it ‘cause it reminds me of us.”

He took it in his hands raising her to her eye level indicating a little bear wearing a pink dress and then one wearing a blue one.

“This is you and me, forever together.”

His words moved her to the core he saw it in the glossiness of her tourmaline eyes she did her best to conceal nuzzling in his chest, tenderly he caressed her hip with his other hand tightened his arms keeping her even closer.

“Me and you forever and ever.” 

She looked up at him, gently caressing the bears’ statue, the same he placed it with care safely on the nightstand, before entwining his fingers with her own, squeezing his lightly as they gazed into each their eyes.

“Always together.”

“Never apart.”

“To protect you.”

“And make you smile.”

His fingers curled on her hand protectively as her own squeezed his in return, their smile radiant and warm like the sun itself, imbued with all the love they felt only for one another deep in their hearts.

“I love you to the madness my little princess from the bottom of my heart.”

“I love you too, my big bear, so very much.”

Their lips were but few inches apart distance he didn't wasted time filling in melting his lips on her own rolling on the bed as he was pressed almost on top of her, groaning at the softness of her fingers wandering in his locks while his own tighten gently around her hips holding her closer still as they merged into one another in that kiss a promise soon to turn into so much more.

Reluctantly he pulled away only to lean his forehead to hers engulfing her in a bear hug she didn't shield away from reciprocate, smiling blissfully at the reverent kiss full of devotion he placed on her forehead melting her heart with his affection the same she didn't shied away from showering him in leaving a gentle kiss on his heart revelling in the way his arm tighten ever so softly around her.

Ever so careful he adjusted the duvets around them both, sneaking his arm around her waist to keep her close even when they would have drifted off to sleep, reaching the dreamland together and waking up to the sweetest of sight at seeing each others’ smiles first thing in the morning eager to show their love in a more intimate deep way until the sun would have set and rise once more on the horizon leaving only the aster and the stars as peculiar audience to their love.

Their cottage was their own little world, a love nest crafted with the same affection that linked them together since childhood, toward a future they were crafting with their love whose unbreakable power melted their hearts in one, as they always had been and always would have, like written on the stars binding their destiny and hearts forever together like bear and honey.

[synintheraven]

✵pairing: sihtric kjartansson x fem!reader

✵summary: Sihtric and reader continue their journey to Tamworth and find some trouble along the road as they start to trust each other.

✵tw: mentions of violence, fluff bits hehe

✵word count: 1,1k

characters info | part three

The fire before us was slowly dying and the cold wind rustled through grass and leaves, the casting shadow from the nearby tower growing smaller by the minute.

We had crossed into Grantebridgescire’s territory and found refuge between crumbling walls and thick bushes. The high land allowing us to see what lay inside the main city walls: poor houses scattered all around and surrounded by farm fields and trees, with a Dane-style longhouse emerging from the small huts. To the other side of the palisade, Danish ships were being repaired and soldiers dressed in armour watched over the land, looking for any remaining Saxons wishing to retake their city.

But, with the sun above us, it was time to continue our journey.

I felt the refreshing air blowing on my face, staring at Sihtric’s broad shoulders as he rode before me and the flickering reflection from the silver pieces decorating his hair. Recalling the night before; when he laid down over the yellowing grass, facing me with tired eyes as the flames from the fire danced in his gaze. And I remember thinking he looked warm.

He reminded me of my father’s feasts inside Stavanger’s main hall: the smoke filling the room, the flickering fire, the smell of mead and ale. It brought to my mind Sigurd’s welcoming smile, the stench of ale coming from his dirty, salty beard as he embraced me in a long hug after spending weeks at sea.

Yet I fell asleep and woke up in Britain’s green hills, ready to get on the horse and ride through quiet forests, sunny farms and mysterious ruins with a Dane.

He was still a rather quiet man, Sihtric: ever serious, almost afraid to show a smile and always staring at me as if I was to thrust my sword onto his back at any given moment. But, my childish jokes and constant teasing were slowly revealing the real man, hidden behind that leather armour and dark fur cloak.

We were in silence, nearing the river that would allow us to cross into Oxenefordscire; hearing the chirping birds, the autumnal breeze brushing over the trees and the streaming flow of water.

Behind us, the green lush hills and Saxon villages grew smaller, almost merging with the distant marshes of East Anglia as a land of patched grass, farms and thatched roofs promised a peaceful journey ahead.

Though as we crossed the river to reach the stone road, I saw Sihtric awkwardly adjust himself on the saddle, letting out a sigh before turning to me. —Their King sold himself to the Danes, but many here trust Alfred to come rescue them from the wolves. —He explained then tossed the hood of the cloak over his head. —Should any Saxon get in our way, we are to be two wandering strangers, nothing more.

I sensed the tone in his voice, a reminder that we looked like most Danes; the thick furs, the braids, the silver pieces on our hands and arms. So I covered my head, copying him as we remained close, cautiously following the road deeper into Oxenefordscire.

There were eyes on us. My heart was racing and my hands kept shaking uncontrollably, his touch only made it worse. I reached the knife hanging on my right, scanning the small town in hopes to find a distraction to get out of there.

Studying the small huts circling the big hall, the thatched roofs needing no more than a spark to set ablaze and the church’s wooden cross no more than a blow away from falling; noting the coloured windows on their God’s house and the bonfires near the alehouse, but we were helpless.

Buckingham was hardly a village on the river side, surrounded by trees and bushes that offered some sort of cover against Danish warriors; yet that didn’t stop them from taking the city nor from killing its former thegn, leaving the villagers unprotected. At least, until the Heathen Army left for Tamworth, turning a small group of warriors into easy prey for angry farmers.

And now they stood around us with wary looks and hooks on their hands, ready to attack.

—Do not lie; you two are too well armed to be Saxons. —He paused, though only Sihtric understood the words coming from the man’s mouth —Who sent you?

—We’re not with the Danes. They’re looking for war, but we want peace. —Sihtric explained in their language, his hand holding tight to my wrist.

Yet as the man moved his hand slowly towards the short sword hanging about his waist, the Dane snatched the axe he kept hidden under his cloak; watching as every man and woman stared with wide eyes, only waiting for their leader’s order to attack.

We couldn’t fight, and I was certainly not willing to perish in a stupid fight among farmers and a Dane, at least not until I’ve had my revenge.

I breathed out, trying to convince myself there was a way out of there; that we would find a gap, hurt the right person or simply have Thor help us, bring a sudden flash of lightning to keep these folk away. But the sky was clear, gaps between buildings were defended by armed men and the right person could be anyone.

—We don’t want a fight, we’ll grab the horses and be on our way. You’ll never hear from us again. —He tightened his grip, this time pulling me closer towards him and forcing me to stand by his side.

Wondering if he had a plan that was yet to share with me, or if he was simply about to offer me as a peace cow and finally rid himself of my company.

—Kill the bastards! —The man bellowed, his people repeating the words and turning them into their war cry as they grabbed whatever weapon-like object they could reach.

So we ran.

He was still holding my arm, clumsily guiding my way through angry farmers and their hooks, spears and bread knives. Only thinking about how we were to reach the stables, while screaming men threw their weapons and angry women chased after us, mere seconds away from our feet.

I could hear my feet thumping on the ground, the clinging of my own weapons on the scabbards as I ran after the Dane; still holding to the mail on his bracers, surprising myself with my willingness to follow him, blindly.

Until he climbed on his horse’s saddle and the screaming farmers caused mine to escape my reach, while the remaining beast breathed heavily, squealing as its eyes searched for a way out. But Sihtric held the reins tight, once more offering me his hand and pulling me closer, positioning me right behind him before the horse could hurry out of that damned town.

And so we rode, far from the Saxons in Buckingham and straight into Dane-ruled Ledecestrescire.

[jay-avian]

Prologue Snippet

So a while ago, I mentioned that I was writing something for my fiction class involving my characters from my "Court Magician" WIP. This version is unedited, but I figured I'd still post this version and post the edits later on to showcase my progress. Will this be canon? Who knows. Not me at the moment

Taglist: @fleurtygurl

“Ven!” Micah shouted. “Ven, this is too far. You can’t wander this deep on your own.” Micah walked through the forest scanning between the trees. He knew satyrs were fast, but he had hoped his brother would stick by him. “Ventus, come on buddy. We gotta get home soon, sun’s going down.”

Light leaked through the tree line, creating an orange haze. The ground was already cast in shade. The trees were much like shadows themselves. Micah was familiar with his surroundings, though this was a bit farther than he had gone as well. He had lived near here most of his life. His parents built a cabin with the help of the sage who also took refuge in the forest. But Micah wasn’t sure how long Ventus had lived in this area before they met. He at least wondered how long the poor boy had lived alone. Ventus was always clever, but there’s only so much a boy can do against predators, animal or human. Micah was only a few years older, but he had magic on his side. He was thankful the sage was kind enough to tutor him so he could protect himself and others.

As he tried to follow his brother’s path, he spotted a felled tree off to the side. It was almost completely covered in moss. At one of its ends were a pair of branches that resembled a deer’s antlers. There were a few budding leaves on them, still trying to grow. Micah smiled. He walked up to the tree and reached out. He took a deep breath, and as he exhaled, he ran his hand along the branches. Where his hand went, there grew more leaves along with white blossoms. He felt a small bit of life energy leave his body.

“There you are, my friend,” he said. He patted the soft, mossy trunk. Even now, he felt life flowing through it. “You’ll grow again someday.”

He turned to look out amongst the trees once more. There was still no sign of Ventus anywhere. No visible movement, very little sound except the birdcalls overhead. He sighed. “Alright buddy. Where did you go?” He held out his palm and a beam of white light flowed from it. It formed a line that curved through the forest. Micah shook off his tiredness and skipped into a light jog.

His eyes were fixed in front of him, fixed on finding his brother. He felt the eyes of the dwelling creatures staring as he went. He knew they were just afraid. Humans are strange animals to them, animals that kill and destroy. Micah pitied them. He wished he didn’t have to frighten them, but he couldn’t tread calmly. Not now. It was already pretty dark. Micah worried that the sun would go down before he found Ventus. Trees flew past his vision. The boy could be anywhere at this point. They’d have a hard time getting back. Birds and brush whizzed by. There could be bad people hiding out here. There could be wolves or monsters or…

There were bits of white that speeded past in front of him. He halted. Some foliage rustled wildly and just trailed off. Micah stood with his eyes wide and brow furrowed.  What was that?, he thought. There were certainly some bushes or something there. He bent over, trying to catch his breath. Probably just an elk, right? The movement happened to trail in the direction of the white line. It had been flickering faintly for some time. Micah tried to peer through the trees. He spotted a stone structure of some kind. Coming around the side was a small humanoid figure. They had a goat's legs and tail. There were curly, gray horns atop their head of light brown hair. They were jumping, frolicking around the stone walls.

“Ventus!” Micah yelled. The line he had been following dissipated as he ran forward. The boy perked up and looked over. He gave a short jump before running towards Micah. Ventus leaped into his arms giggling.

“You found me!” Ventus shouted, buried in his brother’s shoulder.

“Don’t you dare run from me like that again.” Micah hugged tighter. “Gods, I was so worried. Please don’t do that”

“But you found me alright.” Ventus looked up with a wide smile. “See? It’s alright!”

“Ven,” he said with a hard voice. “You can’t just wander off and expect things to be fine.”

The boy’s face dropped. He looked down and gripped his brother’s clothes. “I’m sorry…”

Micah put him down so he could stand. Ventus wrapped his arms around himself, still looking at the ground. Micah sighed. He looked at the stone structure next to them. It was fairly small, about the size of their cabin. There were plenty of vines and moss growing over it. “Do you know what this is, buddy?” he asked, looking to his brother.

“I dunno…”

“Have you seen it before?”

Ventus shook his head. Micah felt sorry for him. The boy can’t help his nature. He took another look at the building. Above the entrance, there were carvings of an alphabet he had been learning. “House of Tirabeth” read the inscription. The goddess of nature. A place of worship is safe enough to explore. The sun had set below the horizon, but there was still some daylight left.

“Come on, Ven,” he said. “How about we look in for just a little bit?”

Ventus looked up with his eyes wide. “Really?!”

“We just have to be very careful, okay? We have to be nice to everything inside. It belongs to someone very important.”

“Okay!” The boy bound towards the temple. Micah followed close behind. Just as they were approaching the entrance, a creature dashed to block it. It was a long, wingless dragon, its head reaching just above them.

“Get behind me Ven!” Micah pulled his brother close as they backed up. The creature circled around them with care. Its body was a mossy green. It stared with slitted eyes that were a deep blue. Its horns more so resembled antlers and bore white blossoms.

“Wait– You’re the… I didn’t, d-wait–”

“Yes,” it said without opening its mouth. “You encountered me on your way here. I lied in wait to observe you both. And though your kindness is appreciated, I cannot allow you to enter.”

“What’s in there?” Ventus asked.

“It’s a sacred haven for druids, filled with altars and powerful talismans only those attuned with the earth are permitted to wield.” The dragon uncoiled and stood away from the brothers. It still blocked the temple entrance. “The druids who lived here left some time ago. They gave me life and told me to protect this place until their return.”

“Do you know where they went?” Micah asked.

“I’m not sure, though I imagine it was dire if they all went. Considering they left behind these artifacts, I certainly hope they plan to return when it best suits their needs.”

Micah glanced at the building. There had to be an explanation for their disappearance or, rather, an explanation for leaving behind their belongings. “If it’s all the same to you, I feel like we could get the answers we’re both looking for if we go inside. I mean, have you even looked yourself?”

“I was not instructed to go inside. My only orders were to guard this place.”

“But don’t you want to find out what happened to your masters?”

The dragon said nothing. It only stared with its same cold expression. It huffed and turned its head away, closing its eyes.

“You have until the daylight is gone. No longer.”

“Yay!” Ventus shouted, bounding around Micah. “Thank you thank you thank you!” The dragon stepped away from the entrance. Ventus grabbed his brother’s arm and started running inside. Micah took one last look at the forest creature before being dragged out of view.

The inner room was not all that big. The floor was grassy with some wild flowers dotted about. There were a few open-air windows along the sides. The middle of the room featured a twisting tree the size of Micah. There was a moat of fresh water surrounding its base. Towards the back of the room was a set of stone steps that led downwards. As the two boys began walking down, it got darker and darker. Micah held his palm up and took a deep breath. He exhaled into his hand and formed a small flame. It was just enough to light the staircase. He started taking another step when he started to fall. He managed to catch himself, pressing his other arm against the wall.

Ventus rushed to his side. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” Micah grunted. He pushed himself back up and rubbed his eyes. “Just tired.”

They continued down the steps and soon enough, it led them to an open cavern. The walls were dotted with mushrooms glowing a bright blue. Towards the back of the cavern was an opening in the ceiling where a small waterfall came through. The water flowed into a clear spring beneath it. There were chairs circles around stone tables. A few bookshelves were lined along one wall. Along the other were bonsai trees shaped to form pedestals that held an assortment of objects. That must be them, Micah thought.

Ventus started running down the steps. “Race you down there!”

“Ven wait!” Micah started to chase after him, but almost lost his balance doing so. He gave a huff and closed his palm to extinguish the flame. There was enough light without it. He continued down and met his brother where the talismans lay. Before the pedestals was a stone lectern with a green leather book. On its cover, there were carvings of a pattern made up of animal prints. Micah picked up the journal and opened it. He began to read it aloud.

“Before you stand some of the most important magical artifacts of The Order of Arbor. These artifacts are meant to help us keep peace, prosperity, and harmony within our domain. With the gifts of Tirabeth, we keep her life safe and abundant…” Micah skimmed the page and went on.

“There seems to be a table of contents for the objects here.”

“What’s this one?” Ventus asked, holding up a wooden staff.

“Ven put that back, it’s not ours.”

“But what is it? Can you tell me first?”

Micah sighed and flipped to its page. “It says it’s the Elemental Shillelagh. Uh… duh duh duh– It can harness the power of nature’s elements, including plant life, water, earth, and air.”

“Woah! Can we try it?!”

“No Ven, give it here.” Micah grabbed the staff from his hands. “We’re supposed to be looking for answers, not–”

A roar thundered from outside the cavern. The boys turned their heads and tensed.

“What was that?” Ventus asked.

“Nothing good… We should hurry, before whatever’s out there traps us in a corner down here. Come on.” With the book and staff still in hand, Micah started to run towards the stairs, his brother following closely behind. They made their way out and into the temple again. It was dark except for the light of the moon above. They heard men shouting and the dragon snarling back. Micah grabbed Ventus’s arm and pulled him behind as he snuck to the doorway. He peeked his head out. There was a group of seven men with swords and crossbows. They were all fighting with the forest guardian. Three of them had been severely injured, but so had the dragon. It already had a few slash wounds and some arrows stuck in its body. It stood firm in front of the entrance growling.

“This isn’t good,” Micah whispered. He looked over to Ventus. “Stay here, and I mean it! I’m going to help.”

“You got this!” Ventus whispered back.

Micah crept forwards and gently placed a hand on the dragon’s mossy body. He poured forth more energy through his palm. The creature’s wounds started to close up. The arrows were still stuck, but the blood was now gone. It gave a quick glance back before leaping at one of the men with a crossbow. Micah sped out the door to the nearest man and clubbed him with the staff, sending him to the ground.

“Oy!” shouted one of them. “Give us that treasure, boy.”

“No way!” Micah shouted back. “It doesn’t belong to you.”

“It doesn’t belong to a runt like you either!”

Micah gave a sharp inhale and scowled. He clutched the staff harder, giving it a look. He held it out in front of him and raised it high. Oh gods, I hope this works, he thought. He fixed his gaze at the earth beneath the thief and slammed down the staff. The ground burst up, sending the thief flying. A second man came charging with his sword. Micah raised the staff to block the swing. He parried the sword away and swung at the man’s stomach. The thief doubled over, and just as he was about to take another swing, Micah thrust the staff forward. Instead of making contact, the staff shot forth a powerful gust of wind. The man was flung back into a tree and collapsed.

The last man stood against the dragon, who was inching its way closer. He looked at his injured friends all around him.

“If you were smart,” said the dragon. “You’d throw down your weapon and take your friends far from here.”

“Like hell I will!” He gripped his sword and charged forward. Before he could land a blow, Micah pointed his staff towards the ground below him. With a swiping motion, he ushered a tree sprout up higher and higher, taking the thief with it. His sword fell to the ground with a clang.

“You did it Micah!” Ventus shouted. He came running from out of the temple, jumping for joy.

Micah relaxed his body. He felt the world spinning beneath him. He leaned on the staff for support. He thought he heard his brother talk, but before he could ask what was said, he fainted.

When he woke up, he was in his bed. He sat up and looked around. It was still dark outside, but daylight crept over the horizon. He looked to his side. The green journal was placed at his desk. The druid’s staff was leaning up against the bed frame.

[lieblingspulli]

Memories in my Palm: SKZ

W.c: 3k

Bang Chan x Reader

Summary: bang chan rot. I am sad and happy and everything in between because of this. 

A/n: Highly inspired by The Flower Garden (sorry Im so obsessed with Howl’s moving castle, the music is just so vividly moving I can’t resist writing when I listen to these songs 😣) and the whole ep Strawberries by Vietra. Highly recommend listening to this album on repeat while reading it! Enjoy!

Masterlist!

SKZ Masterlist

You remember the exact moment you encountered Chan for the first time. He was just a boy, running to achieve a dream that he didn’t even know the certainty of. He was at the beginning of his trainee days. You were at the beginning of your life post-high school. The both of you were seeking perfection from an imperfect experience. When you reflect back on your meeting, sometimes you feel as if it were fate. That life brought you to this boy that would become something bigger than himself. 

You remember that day clearly. The sun was shining and summer had just arrived. The heat was beating down on Seoul relentlessly. You picked the nearest park you could find and figured a park would fit better than your stuffy room, still unpacked from moving. 

The cool air in the shade provided a sweet refuge from the stuffy hotness of the sun. The grass tickled your legs and you smelled the sweet flowery scent of a nearby flower bush as you sat to rest in the cool shade. The sounds of conversations floated in the air idly, existing as background noise to the calmness of your day. Children played with their dogs. Grandparents encouraged toddlers to walk. Parents cooed at their children after a tumble. The chatter was loud, but it faded to a comfortable white noise. 

You thought about the taste of your favorite sweet ice cream melt in your mouth as you watched a child walk by with a popsicle in hand. That same ice cream had nurtured you throughout your childhood and the taste of vanilla never failed to make you remember the times you had bought the cone from the ice cream shop around the corner. That same cone that the worker handed to you in your youth nurtured your adulthood as you moved to an unfamiliar place. Your mouth watered as you laid in the grass, careful to place your arm behind your head and contemplate how familiar yet different the environment around you felt. 

There was a wave of cool air as the breeze picked up. The sound of leaves rustling tempted you into closing your eyes, singing a lullaby that eased you into a trance. Birds sang and you closed your eyes to listen. You were tempted to fall asleep right there, but some nearby voices interrupted your tranquility. You cracked an eye open. 

“Dude, I don’t know what to do, I lost all my progress on my track.” 

“Everything?” 

“Yea, everything. I’m so screwed.” 

“Hey, it’s not that bad. Do you have the original file?”

“No, that’s gone too.” 

“Oh.” 

“Yea.” 

“Maybe I can try and help you recreate it?”

“It took me literal hours to make. I think it’ll take longer to recreate it. There were so many track layers, and I’m so stupid too. There were original beats on there that only existed on that file. Good lord.” 

“Ji, breathe. It’s gonna be okay. I’ll just tell Seungmin I can’t meet with him today and I’ll help you out.” 

A moment of silence. 

“Chan, I can’t make you do that. You’ve got so much to do already. And Seungmin won’t be happy either.” 

“It’s okay. He can deal with it. Besides, I want to help. I feel bad, I know what it’s like to lose a whole track, near completion. It’s a shitty feeling.” 

“You’d do that for me?” 

“Yeah man, what wouldn’t I do?” Some laughs. A soft smack. 

“Thanks. I really really really appreciate that.” 

“Of course. I just want to help.” 

 You peek around you, not moving your head to be more inconspicuous. Out of the corner of your eye, you see two boys sitting near the tree you were laying next to. They must not have seen you, considering you were behind them. The two boys seemed to be a bit lanky and awkward. One had blond-ish hair and was wearing all black, the other had chocolate brown hair and was fiddling around with his beanie in his hands. You quietly listened to their continuing conversation. 

“I just feel like the songs I’m submitting are all being struck down. I’m not really sure what to change about them.” 

The one with the beanie hugged his knees tightly to his chest. It seemed a bit hot to be wearing a beanie. But the same could be said for the one in black. You mentally rolled your eyes- boys. From their demeanor and way of talking, you assumed they were around the same age you were. Maybe the one in black was a little older. 

“I don’t think there’s necessarily anything wrong with them Ji. Everyone’s just gotta focus on improving right now. I mean, look at Felix. He’s trying really hard to learn a new language he’s gotta sing in. Or Seungmin. He’s tasked with working on his dance. But like I said- there’s nothing wrong with their skills, they just have room to improve.” The older boy spoke so eloquently. ‘Ji’ as he was called, just nodded solemnly and looked off in thought. Chan, whose name you gathered from their approaching conversation, nudged his friend. 

“It’s just the beginning. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We haven’t even released a full album yet!” Chan giggled and you could hear the way his laugh trembled with excitement. It was contagious. 

“I guess you’re right.” Chan’s friend smiled. Chan just replied, “I’ve been here for years Jisung. I know a thing or two.” You smiled as Chan smiled, but quickly caught yourself for being creepy and listening in on a private conversation. However much you told yourself it wasn’t right, you couldn’t stop listening and focusing on how Chan encouraged his friend.

Even in the uncomfortable summer heat, surrounded by too many people and feeling uncomfortable emotions, Chan managed to lift his friend up out of the dumps. You were fascinated with the way this random boy managed to match the happiness of a puppy. 

The conversation went on for a little longer, but you tried not to listen in much, assuming a private conversation should stay that way. But for the rest of the day, the demeanor of ‘Chan’ left an impression on you. His smile and his ability to be a friend to lean on stuck to your memory. Even after the two boys had walked away, you replayed the way Chan had so wisely maneuvered his friend’s negative thoughts into ones seeking improvement. 

That afternoon, you decided to walk away from that park and get yourself that ice cream. While eating it, you wondered if you could ever be that type of person for your friends. You resolved to be that friend, walked up to the counter, and paid for the next person after you. That summer afternoon would stick with you for a long time. 

-

It wasn’t until you frequented that specific park that you noticed the same boy over and over again. As the summer heat died down and the leaves of the tree you sat by started to change colors and fall off, you began to notice Chan more and more. At first, it would be brief, in passing. He would walk by you as you sat on a nearby bench. Or he would be listening to some sort of music on a bench as you made your walk to your tree. But eventually, you saw him more and more, and he saw you. 

One day, he even said hi as you walked by. That was a mistake. You had walked by with your ice cream in hand (even in 50 degree weather) and he was seated on a bench when you two made eye contact. At first, you resolved to just walk past, but as soon as you tried to, he looked directly in your eyes and smiled. 

“Hi, how’s it going?” 

You tripped on the sidewalk crack. Fortunately, you didn’t fall. Unfortunately, your ice cream did. 

“Oh my gosh- I’m so sorry!” 

You put your hand over your mouth and stared at the now dirty ice cream on the sidewalk. For a split second, you didn’t know whether to shake your head and say it’s okay or to be shocked that he said hi to you. 

Chan had risen from the bench when you dropped your ice cream and was awkwardly sticking his hands out, prepared to catch you when you almost fell. You were standing with an empty ice cream cone. You realized that it was just silent and had to say something. You looked at Chan. 

“Oh no, It’s all good, it’s cold anyway.” You awkwardly laughed and looked around, not sure what to do. Should you be picking up the ice cream with a napkin? Do you just leave it there? You were so absorbed with the sidewalk that Chan’s response startled you. 

“I can get you another one, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you like that. It’s just, I’ve seen you around before and wanted to say something but I didn’t realize the sidewalk-” Chan rambled on and you stared at him wide-eyed. You blinked. The wind picked up. The napkin in your hand (from your bag of course) flew away. Chan shut his mouth and watched it fly away. It all happened so fast. 

The two of you ran after it, as it was the last one in your bag and he just wanted to help. The wind took the stupid napkin down a nearby hill and unfortunately as you reached for it, you lost your balance and fell forward. Chan, being the good guy he always was, reached for your waist as you fell in front of him and he lost his balance too. The two of you ended up in a heap at the bottom of the hill. It was a large hill. 

“I am so sorry, oh my god!” Chan immediately got on his knees and checked that you weren’t seriously injured. You groaned and sat on your butt, trying to pick pieces of dry grass from your hair. 

“It’s fine. I’m sorry, I’m super clumsy.” You huffed and rubbed your palms, which had scraped down on the way to the bottom. Chan reached for your elbow and hesitated. 

“Can I?” He wanted to check your arm. You nodded. He carefully reached and gently grabbed your palms, checking them for dirt. He blew off the debris and carefully inspected them. You winced, your palms felt raw. 

“They don’t look too bad, but some ointment and a bandaid should help. Are you okay? Do you need help getting up?” Chan looked at you. He was sitting on his knees and heels, leaning close to you. He must have crawled over to you after you fell. You shook your head, feeling your mouth go dry. This was super embarrassing. 

“Thanks for helping. I think I can get up.” You smiled painfully, feeling the true shock of embarrassment. You totally just dragged this guy down a super tall hill with you. For a napkin. He nodded and smiled back, revealing two deep dimples on his cheeks. Your cheeks turned red, but you looked down at your palms before he could see. 

He leaned back and stood up, reaching out to help in case you needed it. You attempted to get up, but the rawness of your palms burned so bad as soon as you put pressure to get up. You hissed. 

“Here- grab my forearm. Carefully.” Chan reached out with his arms and instructed you. You complied and he grabbed your own forearms from below. With a count to three and a little grunt, he pulled you up quickly. You felt a bit dizzy from the fall and sudden pull. Chan firmly held onto your arms and steadied you. 

“You okay?” He gently asked. You nodded and whispered a thank you. 

“Can you walk?” You blushed and nodded. 

“I can try?” You smelled his cologne. He was quite close. He looked you in the eyes with pure concern for a split second before breaking a wild grin. You smiled at his tousled hair and the dirt smear on his cheek. 

Chan laughed and sighed in relief. 

“Good. I thought I was going to have to cart you off this grass field with a stretcher.” He let go and you instantly missed the space where his hands had been grabbing you for support. You nervously laughed. 

“At least we didn’t break anything right?” You lightly joked and brushed some grass off your pants. He chuckled, the novelty and the awkwardness of the whole situation already passing by. 

“I’m really sorry about that by the way.” You tried to apologize again. He just shook his head and stuck his hands in his pocket. 

“Nah, I should be the one apologizing. I was the catalyst for the events that just took place.” He groaned and it was your turn to laugh at him. 

“It’s okay really.” You tried reassuring him. He suddenly got shy. 

“Do you want to get another ice cream? My treat.” He shyly asked. You blushed and felt your ears get hot. 

“As long as we don’t eat it by the hill, sure.” You joked. He smiled and laughed. You loved when he laughed like that. His dimples were eye-catching and his eyes sparkled. He motioned for you to lead the way and followed behind you up the hill, making sure if you fell again, that he’d be there to catch you. 

-

And here you were, about 5 years later. You and Chan were sitting across from each other on the couch that you both owned. Sitting in the apartment you shared with him. Sitting in the home you made with him. 5 years of dating later, you now shared your life with him. No more falls, no more spilled ice cream. Just him as your pillar. But all of that seemed so far away from you now. 

“Babe, I wanna fix this. I feel so bad, I really want to make it up to you.” Chan leaned forward to grab your hand, but you retracted it. Whether it was from anger, or from sadness, you didn’t care to be touching him right now. He had left you waiting on him, he had promised to take you out for a self-care day. But as usual, he ran late, and then late turned into not showing up at all. It was now the next day. 

Chan had turned up at your door with a bouquet of flowers and the clothes on his back. You had slammed the door in his face. 

“You forgot about me Chan.” You whispered and looked down, tears dripping off your chin. 

“Y/n. I’ll do better. I want to always be there for you. I want to be there when you need me and be there when you don’t. I love you. Please.” He desperately pleaded. You stared at your palms. The open windows of the apartment invited the cool summer breeze. You stared at the smooth lines on your palm, remembering the cool air you had felt when you first met Chan. The sounds of the swaying tree branches and children playing echoed in your ears. 

“Y/n?” Chan carefully studied you. 

You looked up at him and studied his eyes. You took in his appearance. He looked tired. He looked like he needed to shower. Like he needed to be hugged and reassured. You remembered the conversation he had with Jisung. How he turned Jisung’s negativity into encouragement. How his strong presence anchored the fleeting fear of Jisung’s mind. Your eyes softened and you reached out to hold his hands in yours. He tightly grabbed them and kissed your knuckles. 

“Chan? Remember when we fell down that hill after you made me drop my ice cream?” 

You smiled. He looked startled, but then his tired eyes curved with his smile. He chuckled in embarrassment. 

“Yea. I felt so bad. I was just trying to get your number.” He lovingly smiled at you, a twinge of embarrassment dusting his cheeks pink. You closed your eyes and held his hand, remembering the way he tightly gripped your arms that day. You remembered the soft smell of his cologne and the grassy smell of his jacket as he handed it to you on your walk to the ice cream shop. You rubbed his hand with your thumb and laughed. You truly remembered the tone of his voice as he comforted Jisung. You deeply remembered the concern in his words as he asked if you could walk on your own. 

“It’s okay Chan.” You looked up and he searched your eyes for any sort of anger. You smiled at him, and thought of all the times he had comforted you, or comforted anyone in his life. You realized then that all he truly wanted was to take care of the people he loved, even though he drew from an empty cup himself. You got up and he got up too, sighing as you hugged him close. You wanted to be that person for him, whenever he needed it the most. 

Feeling his hands, feeling the memories of your meeting in your palms, it made you remember the promise you made to yourself to be a pillar for anyone you knew. This wasn’t about you anymore. This was him too. So, instead of you, you chose the both of you. You chose him and you chose his well being. 

“It’s okay Channie. I’m here for you. I’ll always be.” You whispered and you pulled away slightly to kiss his cheek. 

Chan’s concerned face turned into one of deep relief and deep exhaustion. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes and you wiped them for him as they fell. 

“I love you so much Y/n. I just wanted to help.” 

His words echoed those of the words he had spoken five years ago. 

“Channie. Let me help you. You do so much for everyone, I think it’s time you get help too.” You gently told him and you held his face in your palms, glad that he had helped to heal them all those years ago. 

He nodded and closed his eyes, accepting your love and patience. You kissed his lips and he melted into your embrace. You held his face in your hands, ready to always keep the memory of him in your palms. 

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

Warrior Cats Prefixes- H

I had a WC Name Generator on Perchance that I made but I don't seem to have access anymore, so I'm remaking it here as just a simple list. The definitions used are the ones that Clan cats have for those things, and thus are the origins of the names. Definitions used are whatever I found when I googled it.

Haddock-: "[noun] a silvery-gray bottom-dwelling fish of North Atlantic coastal waters, related to the cod"

Hail-: "[noun] pellets of frozen rain which fall in showers from cumulonimbus clouds"

Happy-: "[adj] feeling or showing pleasure or contentment; [adj] having a sense of confidence in or satisfaction with (a cat, arrangement, or situation)"

Hare-: "[noun] a fast-running, long-eared mammal that resembles a large rabbit, having long hind legs and occurring typically in grassland or open woodland"

Harpy-: "[noun] a large crested eagle"

Harrier-: "[noun] any of the several species of diurnal hawks sometimes placed in the subfamily Circinae of the bird of prey family Accipitridae. Harriers characteristically hunt by flying low over open ground, feeding on small mammals, reptiles, or birds"

Haven-: "[noun] harbor or port; [noun] a place of safety or refuge"

Hawk-: "[noun] a bird of prey with broad rounded wings and a long tail, typically taking prey by surprise with a short chase"

Hawthorn-: "[noun] a thorny shrub or tree of the rose family, with white, pink, or red blossoms and small dark red fruits (haws)"

Hay-: "[noun] grass that has been mown and dried for use as fodder"

Haze-: "[noun] a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, typically caused by fine suspended particles"

Hazel-: "[noun] a temperate shrub or small tree with broad leaves, bearing prominent male catkins in spring and round hard-shelled edible nuts in autumn; [noun] a reddish-brown or greenish-brown color"

Hazy-: "[adj] covered by a haze; [adj] vague, indistinct, or ill-defined"

Heath-: "[noun] an area of open uncultivated land, especially in Britain, with characteristic vegetation of heather, gorse, and coarse grasses; [noun] a dwarf shrub with small leathery leaves and small pink or purple bell-shaped flowers, characteristic of heathland and moorland"

Heather-: "[noun] a purple-flowered Eurasian heath that grows abundantly on moorland and heathland"

Heavy-: "[adj] of great weight; difficult to lift or move; [adj] of great density, thick or substantial"

Hedge-: "[noun] a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs"

Hedgehog-: "[noun] a small nocturnal Old World mammal with a spiny coat and short legs, able to roll itself into a ball for defense"

Hellbender-: "[noun] an aquatic giant salamander with grayish skin and a flattened head, native to North America"

Hemlock-: "[noun] a highly poisonous European plant of the parsley family, with a purple-spotted stem, fernlike leaves, small white flowers, and an unpleasant smell"

Hen-: "[noun] a female bird, especially of a domestic fowl"

Heron-: "[noun] a large fish-eating wading bird with long legs, a long S-shaped neck, and a long pointed bill"

Herring-: "[noun] a silvery fish that is most abundant in coastal waters"

Hibiscus-: "[noun] a plant of the mallow family, grown in warm climates for its large brightly colored flowers"

Hickory-: "[noun] a chiefly North American tree of the walnut family that yields useful timber and typically bears edible nuts"

Hidden-: "[adj] kept out of sight and concealed"

Hill-: "[noun] a naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain"

Hive-: "[noun] a container for housing honeybees; [noun] a colony of bees"

Hog-: "[noun] a domesticated pig"

Hollow-: "[noun] a hole or depression in something; [adj] having a hole or empty space inside"

Holly-: "[noun] a widely distributed shrub, typically having prickly dark green leaves, small white flowers, and red berries"

Hollyhock-: "[noun] a tall Eurasian plant of the mallow family, widely cultivated for its large showy flowers"

Honey-: "[noun] a sticky yellowish-brown fluid made by bees and other insects from nectar collected from flowers"

Honeybee-: "[noun] a stinging winged insect that collects nectar and pollen, produces wax and honey, and lives in large communities"

Honeycomb-: "[noun] a structure of hexagonal cells of wax, made by bees to store honey and eggs"

Honeysuckle-: "[noun] a widely distributed climbing shrub with tubular flowers that are typically fragrant and of two colors or shades, opening in the evening for pollination by moths"

Hoot-: "[noun] a deep or medium-pitched musical sound, often wavering or interrupted, that is the typical call of many kinds of owl"

Hop-: "[noun] a hopping movement; [adj] (of a person) move by jumping on one foot"

Hope-: "[noun] a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen"

Horizon-: "[noun] the line at which the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet"

Hornet-: "[noun] a large stinging wasp that typically nests in hollow trees"

Hornwort-: "[noun] a submerged aquatic plant with narrow forked leaves that become translucent and horny as they age"

Horse-: "[noun] a large plant-eating domesticated mammal with solid hoofs and a flowing mane and tail"

Hound-: "[noun] a dog of a breed used for hunting, especially one able to track by scent"

Howl-: "[noun] a long, loud, doleful cry uttered by an animal such as a dog or wolf; [verb] make a howling sound"

Howling-: "[verb] producing a long, loud, doleful cry or wailing sound"

Hum-: "[verb] make a low, steady continuous sound like that of a bee; [noun] a low, steady continuous sound"

Humid-: "[adj] marked by a relatively high level of water vapor in the atmosphere"

Humming-: "[verb] make a low, steady continuous sound like that of a bee"

Hummingbird-: "[noun] a small nectar-feeding tropical American bird that is able to hover and fly backward, typically having colorful iridescent plumage"

Hurricane-: "[noun] a storm with a violent wind, in particular a tropical cyclone in the Caribbean"

Hush-: "[noun] a silence"

Husk-: "[noun] the dry outer covering of some fruits or seeds"

Hyacinth-: "[noun] a bulbous plant of the lily family, with strap-like leaves and a compact spike of bell-shaped fragrant flowers"

Hydrangea-: "[noun] a shrub or climbing plant with rounded or flattened flowering heads of small florets"

Hyssop-: "[noun] a small bushy aromatic plant of the mint family"

[studentinpursuitofclouds]

"A harbinger of happiness in the little things"

🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞

The shabby and slightly worn hooded cloak still served its wearer well, protecting his body from the small raindrops that would turn into a downpour in a few minutes. Isaac slowly stretched his arms, tired from holding the hilt of his sword, and yawned lazily, still in no hurry to hide under the roof of the Adventurer's Guild. Something about the rain was, to him.... soothing.

In his home area, The Continent of Galdora, where practically all the terrain is a damned desert, you don't encounter any rainfall, and time passes differently here. Even in the Castle Village, thanks to the magic of their talented witch, there is always a perpetual spring. No snow, no hail, no rain. None of that. When you live and train under a dome for most of your life, even a little rain can cause delight, or at least surprise.

The earthy and piney smell all around, the drops that drum incessantly on the roof of the small cabin, the noise of leaves and rustling in the grass, where small animals and birds hurry to hide from the rain in burrows and tree hollows....

An unpleasant tickling sensation on the index finger of his right hand.

Isaac lifted his hand to see the cause of the itch and saw a small insect with a red body and black dots. A ladybug, if he's not mistaken... A strange name, Isaac thought.

Apparently, like all other insects, the poor thing was trying to escape the rain, and thought it would find the shelter it needed under Isaac's cloak.

The scarred adventurer was about to flick the annoying bug away with a wave of his other hand, but he stopped himself at the last second, scrutinising the ladybug. Curiosity got the better of him, because it was only the second time he had seen this unusual insect in his entire life.

The first was a few weeks ago, when being in the same place he was now, he had met a Farmer that had wandered into the Adventurer's Summit.

The spring sun shone brightly, but it seemed that the Farmer's smile shone even brighter. Carefree, humming to themselves a tune unfamiliar to Isaac, they said hello to him and headed downhill towards the mountain lake. One hand busied itself with a large basket, stuffed to the top with various mushrooms and wild apples. The fruit had the same red-black dots that the scarred adventurer had failed to see properly. One of those dots was on the Farmer's arm as they cooed wonderfully to the insects as if to a playful puppy.

Ladybug, saviour of all gardeners and farmers, harbinger of happiness and good news, a great creation of Yoba itself... Isaac snorted at all the compliments that the Farmer kept showering on the strange bug. It's just an insect, what's the point? Why such joy at the sight of this bug, why such a ringing laughter that got further and further away from him. Why this beautiful smile...

Why all this...

Isaac was pulled out of his warm memories by the intensifying downpour, and even his old but trusty cloak could not protect him from getting wet. The ladybug, also sensing the intensifying rain, quickly sought refuge on Isaac's arm from the droplets that were hitting his skin.

The look in Isaac's dark eyes softened. He placed his free hand over where the bug was crawling to protect it from the rain and quickly walked over to a nearby blackberry bush to gently place the ladybug under the large green leaves, where the little ladybug could survive the heavy rain.

🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞🐞

I blame this beautiful song, which I randomly found on YouTube and couldn't resist writing another one-shot about Isaac. Because even though I love the misery of this bitch adventurer, fluff is more dear to my heart 💕