#brief mentions of

[aventurineswife]

Yes YES YES

The mmorning after, aventurine just looking at reader who is still sleeping, admiring them (and the love bites he left behind) and wondering how he got so lucky to have someone like them in his life.

Bonus points if reader when they wake up, they reach out to hold his face or ruffle his hair and sleeply call him by his real name

“You are the Reason”

Summary: In a tender morning scene, Aventurine, lies in bed with his partner, watching them sleep. As dawn light filters through the curtains, he reflects on the intimate moments they've shared and the vulnerability he feels in their presence. Their quiet exchange reveals the depth of their connection with Aventurine struggling between his chaotic life as a gambler and the desire for peace and permanence he finds in love.

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Fluff, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Love, Vulnerability, Redemption, Emotional Connection, You make him want to keep living 🫶, Healing, Morning Scene, Intimate.

Warnings: Mild Intimacy, Brief mention of character trauma.

A/N: HEHE!! 🤭 THIS WAS SO CUTEEE AND HONESTLY I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS MAN!!

Inspired by and this

The dawn was soft and pale, casting delicate rays that slowly seeped through the heavy curtains. It painted the room in a golden haze, warming the shadows and quietly coaxing the world awake. Yet in the bed, wrapped in sheets and tangled with you, Aventurine had no desire to leave the comfort of your embrace. He lay beside you, propped up on one elbow, quietly admiring the sight of you at rest.

His fingers absentmindedly traced along your shoulder, his touch featherlight as he brushed over the faint love bites dotting your skin. Each mark was a reminder of the intensity they had shared, moments that lingered like a secret between you both, whispers only the two of you would understand. His gaze softened, drinking in every inch of you, from the way your hair spilled across the pillow to the peaceful rise and fall of your chest as you breathed.

For Aventurine, life had always been a gamble, a calculated series of moves and maneuvers. He had won and lost fortunes, outwitted powerful enemies, and survived odds that no one else would dare to wager on. But none of that prepared him for the risk of letting someone into his life like this—of allowing himself to be vulnerable and open. And yet, with you, it felt effortless.

He’d never thought he’d be someone who’d lie in bed simply to watch another person sleep. The irony of it was almost amusing. This was supposed to be his time for scheming, his time for planning the next strategic move. But in your presence, those plans faded into the background, dwarfed by the warmth that filled him as he gazed at you. You brought out something in him he didn’t quite recognize—a part that longed for a sense of peace and permanence in an otherwise chaotic world.

Lost in thought, he didn’t notice the subtle shift in your breathing as you began to stir. You turned toward him, eyes slowly blinking open, still heavy with sleep. He couldn’t help but smile as you looked up at him, an endearing mix of confusion and affection in your drowsy gaze. Without a word, you reached up, brushing your fingers gently against his cheek, as if to make sure he was really there.

“Kakavasha…” you murmured, barely above a whisper, using the name he rarely allowed anyone to utter. Hearing his true name, the one he kept hidden beneath the layers of his public persona, stirred something deep within him. For a man who wore masks and dealt in secrets, hearing his name on your lips felt like a balm, a reminder of who he was beneath it all.

He leaned into your touch, closing his eyes briefly, savoring the warmth of your hand against his face. Your fingers slipped into his hair, toying with the strands in a slow, lazy motion. It was such a simple gesture, yet it made his heart beat faster, filling him with a tenderness he hadn’t thought himself capable of feeling.

“Good morning.” you mumbled, your smile sleepy and soft as you brushed your thumb across his cheekbone.

“Good morning, love.” he replied, his voice low, filled with a gentleness he saved only for you. Aventurine’s hand covered yours, holding it against his cheek, reluctant to let go of this connection. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, lingering just long enough to feel your skin warm beneath his lips.

You let out a contented sigh, snuggling closer to him, your head resting against his chest. “How did I get so lucky to have you?” he mused aloud, his voice barely more than a whisper, as if the question was meant only for himself.

You opened your eyes, looking up at him with a smile that held a hint of mischief, despite the drowsiness still clouding your gaze. “Maybe the universe decided you deserved a little happiness too.” you murmured, your voice as soft as a secret.

Aventurine chuckled, the sound deep and comforting as he tightened his hold on you, drawing you closer still. He brushed his lips against your hair, inhaling the familiar scent that was unmistakably yours. “If that’s the case,” he said, his tone almost reverent, “then I must be the luckiest man alive.”

You laughed softly, the sound filling the quiet room like a melody, and he felt his heart swell at the sound. In this moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of you in your shared sanctuary, wrapped in warmth and each other’s presence.

As he held you, Aventurine couldn’t help but let his thoughts drift back to all the hardships he’d endured—the losses, the betrayals, the near-misses with death. He had always believed that his life would be one long, lonely road filled with battles and clever games, where the only reward was survival itself. But here, with you in his arms, he dared to hope for more. He dared to believe that maybe, just maybe, he’d found something worth more than any gamble he’d ever taken.

“Stay with me.” he whispered, more to himself than to you, but you heard it. You reached up, placing your hand over his heart, feeling its steady beat beneath your fingers.

“Always.” you murmured, your voice a sleepy promise that felt like a vow. Your eyes began to drift shut again, and you nuzzled closer, seeking his warmth. As you nestled against him, your breathing slowly evened out, slipping back into sleep with a serene smile on your lips.

Aventurine stayed like that, watching over you, content to hold you in his arms as the morning light gradually grew brighter. The world outside was waiting, filled with challenges, schemes, and risks he would inevitably have to face. But for now, in this quiet moment, he allowed himself to simply be Kakavasha—a man deeply, irrevocably in love, willing to bet everything he had to protect the rare and precious happiness he’d found in you.

[appleinfesting]

tumblr scares me

drops art and runs 5 miles

kist is all i think about now, i want them happy and at eachothers throats right flipping neow

[jsratio74]

I did it, I drew Beat successfully,, HUZZAH!

While drawing this i was listening to the end credits of the eltingville pilot, anyway, I'm gonna post the speed-draw on tiktok,,,

[an0n-1o1]

Listen, I know some of yall are thinking some really bad things are gonna happen, but I want yall to think optimistically for once:

First, we've been through this before, back in 2016, and we all thought it was the end of the world, right? But did that happen? Nope, not at all. If we could get through 2016, we could get through this.

Second, once we get pass these next four years, he won't be able to run for president ever again. A person is only able to be president twice, so once we reach that 2028 mark, we won't see or hear about this guy in the polls ever again.

Third, and most important, if you find yourself doomscrolling or constantly seeing and hearing about the worst, go do something besides looking at social media; turn off the news and go read something, draw, go take a walk, etc. If you need to take drastic measures and leave a social media site for a while, do that. I just made a post on twitter saying that I'm not gonna post for a while and it felt like a weight being pulled off my back; it's great.

But don't forget the main thing to do, you need to survive and make yourself happy. You're gonna see some scary things out there, but you need to live, because who knows what you'll miss out in the future, maybe one of your favorite shows from your childhood gets a revival, maybe the game of your dreams will get revealed, maybe you'll find somebody who is exactly your type and fall in love. You have to live, live to create, live to inspire, live to love someone, live to just spite someone,

Live for us.

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Lucas, Max, Mike, and Will were walking back from the theater. They decided to go out the way they came as they all wanted ice cream after. They moved quickly through the hallway, hoping they wouldn't be seen by someone else who worked for Starcourt. Just as they had gotten closer to Scoops Ahoy, Steve burst out of a nearby storage closet. He was grinning as he straightened his uniform. Lucas had opened his mouth to greet Steve when Nancy and Jonathan burst out of the closet as well. He closed his mouth pretty quickly.

"We should definitely do that again," Nancy said with a flushed smile as she smoothed down her dress and fixed her hair.

"Nancy?!" Mike yelled at the same time that Will had yelled, "Jonathan?!"

"Mike?!. . .Will?!"

"What were you doing in the closet with Steve?" Mike asked.

"Uh, we were helping Steve with inventory," Jonathan said.

"Because. . .what's her name? Oh, yeah, Robin isn't here today," Nancy replied.

"Well, that certainly sounds plausible," Max said.

"That's because it is. These two have the biggest hearts of anyone I know. Of course, they're going to step up and help out a friend," Steve scoffed, and Nancy giggled.

"I guess you can say we gave him a helping hand," Nancy said.

"Really, Nance?" Jonathan asked in amusement.

The boys shared a look before shrugging and walking off. Max stayed back, crossing her arms.

"You know, that doesn't explain why you have a hickey on either side of your neck. . .are those teeth marks?" Max asked, and Nancy smirked proudly. "I just wanted you to know that I'm cool with it, and I'll keep your secret. Also, Steve has been helping us sneak into movies. . .what? I can't be nice all of the time."

"Steve!" Nancy and Jonathan exclaimed, looking amused.

"What? They look at me with those eyes, and I can't say no," Steve shrugged.

Max smiled as she walked away, and they started walking slowly, their arms brushing against his. Max caught up with Lucas and put her arm through his.

"What do you think of El?" She asked.

[hisuian-history-makers]

Indigo Park: Salem the Skunk (Theory and Headcanons).

Truthfully, we don’t know much about Salem besides the fact they are a potion maker and briefly appear in the arcade game. Their bio revealed that they’re an antagonist to Rambley.

Theory: Salem is the most recent character in the Indigo Park cast.

Their punk design doesn’t really fit the rest of the cast and Rambley’s lines when you show the retro Lloyd Plush has an interesting detail.

“Where’s my limited edition throwback plush?! Where’s Mollie’s? Where’s Finley’s?”

Immediately he mentioned the rest of his friends not getting a retro plush either. Granted, this could be a situation where he dislikes Salem so much he doesn’t mention them… Yet he always mentions Lloyd/doesn’t refuse to say the lion’s name. So what’s the deal with Salem?

The Finley cutout’s line about Rambley knowing him for 100 years could potenially just be flavor text, but the retro plush info mentioned there was an actual old cartoon.

Not too sure about the theories which pin Salem as turning the animatronics(?) against the park guests. That seems a little too cut and dry for me given Salem was part of the cast too.

———————————————————————

Headcanons:

—Salem’s also known to use contraptions to get out of hairy situations in their character bio. Leading me to believe they weren’t always a potion maker, but rather a Scientist!

—The original documents on their character design were lost leading to many people not knowing Salem’s gender, thus non-binary. They could have stolen their own designs actually…

—Ironically, they and Mollie can stand to get along due to both of them knowing a great deal about engineering/tech. Mollie does crash her plane often enough that learning how to repair it would make sense. I could see Salem helping her repair the plane to get the macaw out of their forest. (This annoys Rambley to no end.)

—Because of Finley’s shyness, the two have rarely interacted. Though—I could see the first meeting have been when Salem went potion ingredient hunting and stumbled upon Finley. They were intimidated by his sheer size, surely.

—Salem dyes their hair stripe. Not always pink.

—The skunk uses the employee utility tunnel to photo bomb park goers, Rambley’s Railroad, and even selfies. They love sneaking up on people because they don’t think a six-foot purple skunk would be even remotely stealthy.

—Them and Lloyd will trade verbal barbs in mock offs behind the scenes. He’s the only one who gets their vicious sense of humor.

—Whether as an animatronic or AI, Salem often steals items from the gift shops to “decorate” statues around the park. They hate the one statue of Rambley and Mr Indigo because the head can track them no matter how they move.

—Salem has accidentally caused the park to lose power a few times from their experiments getting out of hand. The fact these made the now AI-Rambley to get shut down doesn’t bring as much joy to them as you might think.

—The skunk is currently trying to juryrig a computer to be able to fit their paws so they can see what this “Minecraft” game is about. It had potion making apparently?

[marshymallo]

poseidon!reader headcanons

relationships: percy jackson & sibling!reader, slightly mentioned luke castellan x gn!reader

synopsis: some random headcanons about a child of poseidon!reader throughout the events of the first season of the tv series (the lightning thief)

tags: super self indulgent so reader is basically me, sibling bonding even though i have no idea what it’s like to have a sibling, reader is the stereotypically cool older sibling, actually now that i look at it quite a few references to reader’s relationship with (and crush on) luke, some ANGST at the end but not a lot

word count: 416 (huh, less than i thought)

warning: there are spoilers for the series here so if you somehow haven’t watched that or read the books, scram! but like… lovingly scram—)

icons from pinterest!

poseidon!reader who’s appearance strongly resembles their mother but their personality is more akin to poseidon

poseidon!reader who’s lounging by the lake when luke comes by with percy, introducing the newest camper

poseidon!reader unconsciously taking percy under their wing (even more than luke does) with “just a feeling that they should do so”

poseidon!reader affectionately nicknaming their new brother “little man” (and continuing to call percy by that even if he grows taller than them)

poseidon!reader and percy bonding over telling each other about their favorite and least favorite greek myths and discussing why

poseidon!reader who seems like the cool older sibling percy always wanted but is actually a hot mess which just makes percy like his new sibling even more

poseidon!reader who percy notices becomes even more of a mess when luke is around except you have no idea what you’re even talking about little man, shut up

poseidon!reader that went with luke on that quest from hermes, which leads to

poseidon!reader telling percy to follow his heart on his quest while having the most bone chilling look on their face bc they’re thinking back on luke’s quest

poseidon!reader who has to get adjust to the feeling of an empty cabin once more after it was filled with the life that came with percy’s presence

poseidon!reader that’s conveniently hanging out with luke when annabeth uses the iris message system to contact him at camp

poseidon!reader laughing under their breath when luke makes a comment on the pair acting like “an old married couple”

poseidon!reader rushing to hug percy after he returns but only after annabeth hugged him first

poseidon!reader hiding with annabeth during the fireworks as they eavesdrop on luke explaining himself and plans to percy

poseidon!reader who can’t control their emotions after finding out one of their closest friends and the boy they love betrayed them

poseidon!reader who’s intense emotions cause an earthquake, knocking both percy and luke over as they ask if all of that was really true

poseidon!reader that’s heartbroken by this and is brought back to reality by percy’s hugging and apologizing after the fact, as though any of this was his fault

poseidon!reader offering percy a place to stay on the last day of summer, “if the need ever arises”

poseidon!reader meeting sally jackson when saying goodbye to percy and immediately understanding just why poseidon broke his oath a second time around

author’s note(s): ….i’m so proud of these but at the same time i’m so disappointed in myself for finding motivation for this (in less than 24 hours) before expanding on the hephaestus!reader idea i had. ANYWAYS! like, comment, or reblog if you enjoyed these silly self indulgent headcanons! any and all feedback is appreciated and welcomed <3

[danielr4]

Duke is being so dramatic teen meanwhile Lenore is acting like a mom

they're calling eachother (& Annabel) whores lmfao

Also your damsel Lenore? 🤨

Me when I'm at school:

I also love the art work its very prettyyyy thank you RnF!

[nonovyabuisness]

*Kicks down the door*

IMAGINE IF DREAM RIDDLE END UP BEING HIS BETA-DESIGN VERSION ?!

Hear me out !

In his beta design, Riddle was supposed to be the COMPLETE opposite of what he is now.

He was going to be a spoiled brat that hated studying, a selfish demander that always broke the rules and his promises. The only thing that was kept was that no one dared to go against him because he had strong magic.

( Info taken from RoseEmber ‘s video on YouTube, GO CHECK THEM OUT).

Spoiler alert for Diasomnia Book !

We saw how different the Dreams can be especially for those with a great imagination (which seems to have been strong mages and Dorm Leaders as of now).

THIS is especially visible with the Overblot cases.

Vil imagined an entire new career path with Neige being his servant (assistant).

Jamil imagined himself being in Kalim’s Place and even created a new school.

Azul changed HIS ENTIRE CHILDHOOD in order to become someone completely different. The others were still different but they kept some of their original aspects. Azul became a fan of sport and a even bigger bully. And he also never developed his Unique Magic.

All of these stemmed from the fact that the dreams controlled by Malleus can never lead to sadness/anger and the like. (Floyd being the odd one out in this case).

So in order for Riddle to have a happy dream, his overbearing mother must not be in the picture. Or she acts completely differently.

This means that he could do as he always wished ! He could play with Trey and Cheny’a as much as he wanted ! He could eat as many strawberry tarts as he wants !

Naturally that would mean that his temperament would greatly change just like with Azul and the others.

Imagine him becoming what he was supposed to be in the Beta Version. A spoiled brat that did as he wished without caring about rules or promises.

THAT would be something.

Side Notes :

I imagine Trey’s version of Riddle in his dream would be very similar.

Also it would be extremely funny to see Savanaclaw’s reaction to Riddle having a best friend from RSA (especially Leona and Ruggie).

Ps:

This is what Riddle’s Beta-Design was like !

(This was written on October 16th 2024).

Good day/evening/night everyone !

( 1st Screenshot taken from the video I mentioned before, GO WATCH IT )

[1000sunnygo]

Dressrosa Archives: Kappei Yamaguchi (Usopp) x Kamiya Hiroshi (Law) talk (2015)

Here's another interview that was released during Dressrosa, Kamiya was hosted by Kappei (x). The conversation focused on Kamiya's experience voicing Law, analyzing characters (notably Law and Rosinante) and the studio's atmosphere.

It's a long interview that was separated in two parts (bless Kamiya's photographic memory). Starts below the cut!

Yamaguchi: This time on Usopp's 'This is Real!', we have the talented Hiroshi Kamiya who plays Trafalgar Law - a character who has been very active in the TV series lately (applause)!

As we're reaching a crucial point in the battle against Doflamingo, we'd like to delve deep into Law' s character. Thank you for joining us!

Kamiya: Thank you very much!

Yamaguchi: Let's get straight to it. Law is still a character shrouded with mysteries. But what was your first impression of him?

Kamiya: No seriously, he was a mysterious fellow alright (laughs).

I believe Shabondy Archipelago 2 years ago was his first appearance. There was hardly any information other than being a "Rookie with a bounty exceeding 100M who leads a pirate crew aiming for the New World." I had no idea how to portray him. I felt like other rookies stood out more.

Captain Kidd, for example, made it to the back cover of the manga. Since Namikawa Daisuke was casted for the role, I thought he might become a big character in the future.

Yamaguchi: But I felt that Law was the craziest one. For a mysterious role like this one...was there an audition, again?

Kamiya: No. I was approached by the producer from that time. Recently I was told by the producer that he didn't think the role would become so important!

Yamaguchi: Same here (laughs). Law really entered the spotlight during the Summit War, didn't he? That's where he got closer to Luffy, or that's where he might have started considering the off chance of an alliance...

Kamiya: You may be right. Looking back on his encounter with Luffy; after learning about Law's past and his relationship with Doflamingo, I think Law might have sensed some possibilities when he saw Luffy defy the Celestial Dragons.

If that's the case, just my personal speculation, it somewhat makes sense as to why Law saved Luffy during the Summit War. But back at that time I didn't know any of it. It was impossible for me to foresee Law's role there (in the war). I thought he would reappear after like 5~10 years (laughs).

Subsequently, when Law saved the passed out Luffy from Akainu's attack, I thought, "Is this why his character existed?" I was wondering if his role as a rookie pirate was done. But then at Punk Hazard... It was rather a quick reunion (lol)

Yamaguchi: Seeing him at Punk Hazard at that time, I was like, "Huh? Where are Bepo and team? Did he end up alone?!" (laughs)

Kamiya: Same here. I was like, "????" (laughs)

Yamaguchi: Even though Law was a character veiled under mystery, he has gradually revealed his human side in the flashback. You played Law's childhood as well. How was the experience?

Kamiya: When I read the flashback in the manga, I really wanted to voice him. Initially, Law proposed an alliance with Luffy to take down Kaido. But there was also this desire deep down to crush Doflamingo himself.... All these make him rather a suspicious character with unclear motives from reader's perspective, right?

But after knowing his intense past that lead to that point, I decided "I want to portray Law's childhood too!" I was very eager to do it, I expressed my wish to the producer. It turned into an audition.

Yamaguchi: So that required an audition. (laughs)

Kamiya: Exactly. At that time, the manga volume wasn't out yet. So, they gave me a copy of the Jump magazine. After finishing the usual recording, I was reading some lines from it. I remember you asking me, "What are you doing, Kamiya kun?" and I said, "I have an audition after this." (laughs)

Yamaguchi: I remember too. I was wondering, "What audition?" (laughs)

Kamiya: Strictly speaking, it might not have been a traditional 'audition' - given that there were no other candidates. It was more like having my voice heard (by the staffs) and assessing whether I could voice the character.

Yamaguchi: It's common to hire a different actor for flashback roles to match the character visuals. But letting the same actor voice in flashback makes a character more consistent. Law's encounter with Cora san was a turning point in his life, you being able to play that role should become crucial for depicting his character from now onwards.

On this topic, did knowing Law's past influence your performance of his role?

Kamiya: I didn't consciously change my acting. But there are some differences in his portrayal when I know Law's past compared to when I didn't.

In the early days, I voiced Law with a subdued, cool tone; but as the story progressed and his character unfolded, I believe my tone range expanded.

Yamaguchi: I totally get it. Back when Law started interacting with the Straw Hats and yelled "I hate breads!" - it left a strong impression in me. I felt that line alone made him instantly more relatable and easy to like.

Kamiya: That's right. Actually, at the "I'm a doctor!" scene in the Summit War, I was told not to raise my voice. So I focused on acting cool. But I'm more comfortable being expressive and yelling these days; I feel like I've been allowed some leeway since "I hate bread!" (laughs)

Yamaguchi: (laughs) I remember "I hate bread" most vividly, but which line do you think left the biggest impression on you?

Kamiya: Not mine, but Cora san's "I love ya!" made me go, "Uwoh, so that's how it's delivered!"

As for Law's lines, hmm.. "I'm a doctor!" and "Drake-ya, how many people have you killed?" are memorable. Also, "I've broken the gears!" after slashing Suwabe san..No, Vergo.

(Junichi Suwabe: Vergo's actor. Currently acting as Green Bull.)

Yamaguchi: Back when Vergo was slashed, none of us had any idea about the the two's real relationship.

Kamiya: Indeed. But the scene was remarkably balanced. While maintaining a calm expression, Law sliced through everything in the background in half, including Vergo. This spoke of how intense his deep emotions were. This scene really etched in my memory.

Yamaguchi: Amazing, it's still giving me chills!

Kamiya: Since I was under the request to not raise my voice, so I acted coolly. But seeing the intensity transmitted so well in the art... I felt glad.

Yamaguchi: Breaking the gears in Punk Hazard and tying up loose ends in Dressrosa – it feels like even after Dressrosa, Law's journey with the Straw Hats is far from over. They still need to reunite with Sanji's group and visit Bepo and team!

Kamiya: That's right. Hasn't it been about two years since Law mentioned them being left at Zou?

Yamaguchi: In real world, it's been about two years. But in the story, it's like the same morning?! (laughs)

Kamiya: Pretty much like just a moment ago. (laughs)

Yamaguchi: That was insane! When Law told Doflamingo, "You called CP0 this morning", all the cast members made faces like, "THIS morning!?" (laughs)

Kamiya: We've been through some insane times, haven't we? (laughs)

Yamaguchi: This conversation had been insane too. Sadly, it's time to wrap up. Thank you so much, Kamiya kun!!

Bonus talk (website special edition) : Child Law and the Donquixotes

Yamaguchi: Law's past is currently unfolding in his flashback. What were you particularly mindful of while playing Law's childhood?

Kamiya: Since he carries a tragic past, I was conscious of portraying the notion of "no belief in humans" and "humans only harbor malice." It's somewhat a tunnel vision of the world. But considering he was a child, I convinced myself of that. (laughs)

Yamaguchi: When the story transitioned back to present from the flashback, I was a bit sad thinking how I won't hear little Law's voice anymore. But then it felt so natural to hear adult Law's voice. I remembered, "Oh right! Kamiya kun had always been Law." (laughs)

Kamiya: I'm so happy to hear you say that!

Yamaguchi: Speaking of the flashback, Cora san plays a crucial role.

Kamiya: Yes. When I heard Cora san would be played by Yamadera san, I thought, "Woah, a freaking amazing person has joined!" As I mentioned before, his performance of "I love ya!" is so touching that just remembering it makes me tear up.

Well, my first impression to Cora san was "Who's this dude?", though (laughs). He's a guy who gets annoyed by children and throws them out...Frankly, it was hard to believe he's sane. It was inevitable for Law to be pissed off and yell "I'll kill him!"

Yamaguchi: From Cora san's exchange with Sengoku afterward, it seems he intentionally treated Law and the children harshly to keep them away from The Family... but there could be a better way to do it (laughs)

Regardless, Cora san struggled with many hardships from his childhood; I feel sorry for him.

Kamiya: He had a hard time due to his idealist father. His father was a goodie-two-shoes blind to reality, so to speak; unable to recognize the poor intent of others. I think he was the type of person whose survival was meant to be a struggle in the world of One Piece.

Yamaguchi: True. This caused his wife and children to suffer. I felt like telling the father, "you're too naive."

Kamiya: Actually, in the scene where Doflamingo's father says, "I'm sorry I'm your father," I couldn't cry even though it was a tragic scene of a parent being murdered. Instead I was very angry at him.

Yamaguchi: In that scene it's easier to resonate with Doflamingo: "What has father done!"

Kamiya: When I read the manga, I didn't feel much. But once it was animated and I could hear the lines, I really understood Doflamingo's feelings. "Ok, he's an idealist dumbass." "This man's is no good, I couldn't possibly keep up with him either!" (laughs)

Yamaguchi: Being sandwiched between these two, I pity Cora san.

Kamiya: Cora san probably had perceptions of both a Celestial Dragon and an ordinary human since childhood. That's likely why he could handle special missions like being a spy.

Yamaguchi: Unlike Doflamingo who couldn't adapt to the world, Cora san didn't really do anything wrong but ended up being crucified anyway. I felt really bad for him.

Kamiya: The flashback elaborated quite well on Law's feelings. But the mystery behind why Cora san suddenly changed his demeanor after learning Law is a D is still there.

Actually, that's the only part that left me unconvinced. Why's that a man who hit him is suddenly saying let's pack up and run - I couldn't wrap my head around it. But Yamadera san's presence and persuasiveness left me feeling, "this person definitely knows something, I must listen to what he has to say."

Yamaguchi: I get you. Even though Yamadera san is no different from us and knows practically nothing (laughs). By the way, I'm really looking forward to how it'd go when the last bit of the flashback airs.

Kamiya: I'm curious about its reception.

Yamaguchi: Lastly, any message you'd like to share with the fans?

Kamiya: It was fun talking with Kappei san and sharing personal impressions and perspectives, but please forget everything I said! I want everyone to enjoy it naturally, I'll be happy if you continue supporting One Piece from a neutral perspective.

Yamaguchi: Kamiya kun, thanks for today!

Kamiya: Likewise, thank you very much!

Interview #2, Studio Experience and popularity

Source: [x]

Yamaguchi: By the way, I was at the restaurant Baratie for an interview recently, and they were showing the first episode of One Piece. I saw your name credited among the cast and went "Gweeeh?!" (laughs)

Kamiya: (laughs) Yeah. In the first episode, I played pirate A.

Yamaguchi: One of Alvida's henchmen?

Kamiya: Yes. As pirate A, my role was to discover Nami sneaking onto the ship, and then immediately to get knocked out by a groin kick.

Yamaguchi: I didn't show up until episode 9. You were earlier than me! (laughs)

Kamiya: Actually, I debuted earlier than even Kazuya Nakai san (Zoro's seiyuu), since Zoro only had a brief appearance at the end of the first episode.

Nakai san came to tour the recording. I remember asking "what's up, Nakai san?" and he mumbled something like "Ah, well, um" and just quietly sat there.

Yamaguchi: (laughs) Did you have any other roles after pirate A?

Kamiya: I did a couple more after that, but the first episode left the strongest impression on me. I still clearly remember Luffy bursting out of the barrel in his debut scene. Deep down, I got excited during the recoding, thinking "Woah! One Piece has really begun."

Another memorable role was Eddy, the four eyed helmsman of the Bellamy Pirates. It was strange to voice Law facing off Bellamy himself in the Dressrosa arc, having voiced one of his ex-subordinates long ago. (laughs)

Yamaguchi: Wasn't it in Mock Town? When Ueda Yuji san was there?

Kamiya: Yes. Ueda Yuji san voiced Sarquiss, the vice captain of the Bellamy Pirates.

After that was the story of Shichibukai meeting arranged by the World Government. Doflamingo appeared and used his strange power to make two marine officers fight each other to the death. The two marines who were made to fight each other - Marine Officers A and B, were played by me and Ueda san. They knew they were being controlled, but nobody knew how it was being done, or the power of something like Ito Ito no mi.

Yamaguchi: We didn't know anything either! Bet you didn't expect to end up fighting against the same Doflamingo years later.

Kamiya: That's right. I never imagined I'd get to play a character with a connection to Doflamingo. Moreover, at the time of Law's debut, I didn't think he'd be the one to with such connection. (laughs)

Yamaguchi: Seriously. Life is full of surprises. (laughs)

Anyway, changing the subject, how do you like the atmosphere in One Piece voice studio?

Kamiya: I absolutely love the atmosphere on the One Piece set! There are many seniors there who can be called legends, so of course, there's tension. But it's the type of tension that makes you feel comfortable as a professional.

Yamaguchi: It's okay to be honest, you know (laughs)

Kamiya: (laughs) But I am being honest.

In presence of legends like Mayumi Tanaka san who has been leading One Piece for 15 years, I'd always think that I have to give my absolute best. Of course, when it comes to the actual recording, being serious isn't an option for us. But only recently I've realized that it's okay to ease up and have fun outside the recording sessions.

Yamaguchi: Well, that's the captain for you. (laughs)

Kamiya: She's really something else! (laughs)

t/n:the strawhat VAs all call Luffy's VA Mayumi san 'captain.' I've noticed Kamiya doing the same few times. HMmm

Yamaguchi: The Straw Hat crews are scattered during Dressrosa and the team's brain cell Akemi Okamura chan, who plays Nami, isn't around. So, I personally consider you the only remaining brain cell in the current studio, Kamiya kun. You're the last straw that keeps the studio standing as a "workplace". (laughs)

Kamiya: What, really?! (laughs) That's a lot of responsibility. But I've recently realized that even if I'm criticized for it, it's best to get along the flow when I'm high on energy. (laughs)

(T/N: not confident with my translation for this sentence^)

Yamaguchi: (loud laugh) Come to think of it, you sure have been doing that a lot lately! I thought it was quite like Law.

Speaking of which, do you think the One Piece cast resembles their characters in some aspects?

Kamiya: Hmm... Law is such a serious character, so I always feel like I need to be firm with myself, but I often find myself like a puddle (laughs). Especially when Mitsuya Yuji san (Pica) and Mayumi san (Luffy) keep fooling around, I'm all over the place.

Yamaguchi: Those two... even though they're both in their sixties! (laughs)

Kamiya: I can't anymore... They say "Just ignoore", is that really okay?

Yamaguchi: I think it's fine. (laughs)

Kamiya: Even though they're like that most of the time, they completely change when it's showtime. It's amazing. Every time we record, I'm in awe, watching them carry the weight of the series on their shoulders.

Yamaguchi: Despite being small. (laughs)

Kamiya: ...Despite being small! (laughs)

Yamaguchi: Mayumi san's microphone is quite low, isn't it? Because she's small.

Kamiya: That's right. But I still get nervous when I think about using the microphone Mayumi san used. She's an amazing senior, but she also has this quirky side to her. I hope she stays this way forever. (laughs)

Yamaguchi: I also like Mayumi san's quirky sides (laughs) Once we start talking about Mayumi san, we could go on forever. So let's save that for another time!

Website Special Edition #2, More Law talks

Yamaguchi: Law is a cool and chill character, but I like how he playfully calls others "[ ]-ya". (laughs)

Kamiya: One Piece has many characters with distinctive speaking styles, as in the way they laugh or talk. Even a character cool at a glance can have this unique speech pattern that'd make them approachable. Law didn't seem to have any of that. At first I was worried - is this guy just cool? So when he started calling others with "[ ]-ya", I felt a weight off my chest (laughs)

But his accent is still a little troublesome, especially saying "Nose-ya" to call Usopp.

Yamaguchi: It seems he searches for someone's specific characteristic to come up with a nickname, like Luffy. But when he can't think of any, he just adds "ya" at the tail of their names (laughs)

Kamiya: Yeah (Laughs). Like how Nami becomes "Nami ya", Drake becomes "Drake ya". I find it funny.

Yamaguchi: This playful side is what makes 'the attractive guy' Law so endearing.

And he's insanely popular, isn't it? When I went to Universal Studios Japan the other day, there were many children cosplaying Law. Do you have a specific mindset when you're playing such a popular character?

Kamiya: Well...When Law ranked 2nd in the official popularity poll, I felt happy and pressured at the same time. Not because of the result itself, but because it made me more conscious not to undermine Law's charm in my acting.

On the other hand, I think it's a great privilege as an actor to be able to voice a character like this. If even one person becomes Law's fan after watching the tv series, I'll feel incredibly proud.

Yamaguchi: Yeah, I understand. It's a great honor as an actor when people start liking a character because of our performance.

By the way, how was the feedback from the people around you when you started playing Law?

Kamiya: Thankfully, the feedback from Law fans was amazing! On the flip side, the people around me were surprisingly chill. Like, "Oh, the ROOM dude?" (laughs).

Yamaguchi: "The ROOM dude"! (laughs) Which one is your favorite from Law's moves?

Kamiya: Got to be "Shambles." To be more specific, "Shambles" followed by "ROOM"!

Yamaguchi: The combination has such a catchy, memorable rhythm. To mimic Law, "ROOM" and "Shambles" are a must!

Kamiya: I'm a bit relieved. If such a catchy combination didn't gain attention, I would've blamed myself.

Yamaguchi: It's an awfully strong killer move. Depending on how it's used, the power can be invincible.

Kamiya: It's unfairly strong, isn't it? The fact that it can even grant eternal life made me think it's an outrageous Devil Fruit ability.

That said, it's not like magic - having known that using the technique depletes the stamina of the user. Cora san also mentioned that it's an ability that one can't handle without knowledge. Law must've been able to handle it because he studied medicine.

Yamaguchi: Indeed, like it was his destiny to eat the devil fruit.

Lastly, what do you think is the charm of Law?

Kamiya: Hmm, I generally try not to overthink about the charm of the characters I'm currently playing. If I understand the charm too well, I might start acting while thinking about things like, "This is their charm, right? So this is why they're popular?" So, I try to approach my work neutrally and avoid thinking too much.

Of course, there are times when I simply think Law is cool, but I deliberately don't dwell on what made him cool. I hope that when everything is said and done, I can look back and realize, "Wow, that thing Law did was ridiculously cool!", or "This is what makes Law so amazing!"

Yamaguchi: I see, that's an interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing all these insights today!

Kamiya: No, thank you so much for having me!

—

Relevant stuff if you're in for more:

Mattew Mercer (Law's English dub va) talking about Law's unexpected relevance post timeskip (@ 6:10, not time stamped)

Hideyuki Tanaka (Doflamingo) hosted by Yamaguchi Kappei

[tfc-gal-pal]

So we’ve all been talking about the “you like men” “more exclusively than you do” scene but there’s one thing I wanted to mention. At no point do we see Jean actively perusing Jeremy in a way that might make us think he likes him. Obviously he’s at the very least attracted to him (staring at Jeremy’s back after he gets out of the shower is not very subtle, Jean), but he doesn’t show any indication of liking Jeremy romantically. Yes, there is always the possibility that he doesn’t yet, but I have another theory.

Jean is not allowed to be in a relationship. Not by his situation, not by himself. Having a crush is one thing, dating them is out of the question. Because for Jean, liking someone is dangerous. It’s will you teach me when he’s not watching and rainbow hair spilling over his crumpled body. A relationship is dangerous beyond belief. Riko would hurt them if he knew.

And Jeremy? With his freckled skin and dyed blonde hair with visible roots, his arsenal of positive affirmations, his blue eyes that lock onto Jean when the memories and panic overwhelm him. Jeremy is no less off limits. He’s not safe. Riko would— Grayson would kill him if he knew.

And what can Jean do, when the best way to protect Jeremy is to not let him — anyone — know?

[solarstarsz]

i have a few fun and happy theories ‼️ (part 2 to my post about sirius not attending james and lily’s funeral)

Remus was definitely the only friend of theirs that went to the funeral, because he was the only one that didn’t die, run away and fake his death, get arrested, or obliviate himself.

So now imagine Remus standing alone in a crowd of witches and wizards from all around that have come to honor Lily and James. Pictures are snapped of the grave, later to be seen in the ‘Daily Prophet’ above a caption stating that You-Know-Who had so easily killed the Potters, yet had trouble with Harry and fell in the action.

Thinking, he should’ve done something. He knows there was no way he could’ve known, but theres this voice that follows him around until the day of his death that repeats; it’s all your fault.

I believe Professor McGonagall was desperately scavenging the world for a substitute, if the funeral was on a school day. (if it were not, she obviously would have gone and thats boring because im an angst hungry monster).

No matter how she much pleaded and begged for someone to take her roll just for a day, there were no volunteers. So she was stuck teaching Transfiguration that day. When she heard anything about them she shut them out, and for an eternity like Remus, the guilt of not being able to say one last goodbye followed her around.

She was able to shut it out and not reveal why the events of October 31st of 1981 meant so much to her.

Until in 1991 she was reviewing the list of incoming first years, and she stumbles across the name Harry J Potter, and her mouth gets dry as she recalls the day of his parents’ demise.

[glowmiser]

working on yttd ship names cuz boredom

how do we feel about these

[jsratio74]

Based off an old drawing when I first got into jsr ‼️

⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣

[someverygaymoth]

KD!AU

(lmao did I forget to mention the errormare? My b Dawgs that too. We have chaos polycules in this au.)

Euclades(NM) knew Steller(Error), when he was younger, still in his flock, still by an entirely different name and form. When things went horribly wrong for him, he ran from his flock, and Steller. A lover he'd taken some 400 years ago. They parted with only a letter, a letter Clay left for him in a fit of fear and confusion after becoming what he is now. He fled from his problems, and didn't allow anyone to follow him or help them. Needless to say, Euclades still thinks of him often, and having him show up on his doorstep, with a mate, no less, is not something he was prepared for.

Steller doesn't recognize him. He looks so different now, he can hardly blame him, but part of him aches. He can barely stay there long enough to greet both him and Atra(ink) before having to spend the rest of the day in his room, shocked to realize he can still take his old form. He didn't know that before Steller came around. But, it didn't take much for Steller to figure it out...

Literally the whole fic I wrote about that ages ago↓↓ (this is old AF I revamped it literally just for this post PLEASE forgive me if it vaguely sounds like garbage in some parts.)

(Important details: trade is the common language used for international trade in this world, dragons propose with giant intricate circles made with stones and rocks gathered sometimes over months, dragons have little balls of flame for souls called soulfire.)

(third person focused: Steller's point of view)

Clay isn't who he says he is. To Steller, it's all but a mystery to whom, if anyone, he's told the truth. It began as morning more than a feeling when they first arrived here. Something felt off, familiar and suspicious. Then it became a hunch, then a conclusion that the king was hiding something. If his mate, his kid— Atra's kid were going to stay here, secrets weren't going to fly with him.

Many things clued him in on the King's secret, and when he uncovered something so personal as this is, Steller found it an incredibly difficult realization to have. He had to confer frequently with Atra, to fumble through what to do and what to think, how to feel. Not that Atra is any good at any of those things, but stars he does his best. And that's something. One thing Atra said stuck with him through all of this.

"If he loved you as you said he did? He left so abruptly to keep you safe, even if it was something you didn't need to be protected from."

Euphe was always the protected, never the protector. Of course he'd want to protect Steller from what he wasn't protected from. From whatever happened to his home, to his people. To him. Thinking about and processing all of this went slow, had been absolutely heart wrenching, and snowballed slowly into more of an investigation into the truth rather than just exploring a hunch or a feeling.

The first hint had been his reaction to his presence here, Euclades didn't utter a word beyond a curt greeting in draconic, in response to Steller's trade. That could easily be mistaken for an old age monarch attached to his ways, but Euphe never learned trade either. Then, with nothing but those words, he disappeared for the rest of the day. Steller had been intrigued, and looked for him, wanting to talk to him more. At least thank him for allowing himself and his mate to stay here, apologize for his lover's foolishness.

Though, he wasn't around. Steller asked his mates, though they told him that Clay was in his room, probably working, and he seemed in a mood about something when they last saw him. In other words, he was best left alone. Though they remarked about Cain handling the political affairs this week, to give him a break, and promised they would check on him later, and relay his gratitude. It left him with an odd taste on his tongues, persay.

The next? Cain. Steller never met him when he was with Euphe. Euphe talked about him a lot. Tall, strong, bright and beautiful. Steller knew without a doubt, that Euphe loved him deeply, but Cain was a protector before all else, he would've kept the secret at first, but Euphe knew it would spill eventually... On purpose or not. His flock wasn't a fan of lone draconics. Nor was any other, really.

To have one of their monarchs, nevermind such a sacred being as Euphe fraternizing with a troublemaker like him, that would give the young monarch's flockmates all the more reason to hate him. Though, now Cain acted the same way Euphe had always talked about him. A beautiful golden social butterfly that was able to connect with damn near anyone. Though he lacked a certain naivety that Euphe described, Steller could guess that was a product of maturity. To find them together now, ruling their empire as mates, was no surprise.

Cain contributed to more than one hint, really. One other being, their origin. Born of the sacred Tree of Connection, twin protectors given to their flock by their deities. It's pretty difficult to miss that one. Euphe never completely explained what they both were to him, but he's not sure that Euphe completely understood that for himself at the time. Nonetheless, you don't get two stories like that one. He was almost completely sure of it then.

The fourth hint lie in the garden. Deep in the garden, in fact. Abandoned and alone. The Tree of Connection itself, and the last source of Empathy magic, a single golden apple, hanging alone within its ancient branches. A story that's also pretty unmistakable for any other, it sat in a well, reflecting golden light onto the water beneath. It was so well kept. Too well kept to be anything but the real Tree of Connection. How the hell they got it here was beyond Steller's comprehension, but still.

Steller would suppose it's fair to count the Tree of Life as a part of that last hint as well. The massive tree in the middle of the castle's main buildings. An apple tree, just like the Tree of Connection. It wasn't hard to figure out that it was grown from the last dark apple of Empathy. Steller put that one together pretty quick after seeing the golden apple all alone on the tree. He had few doubts then.

The fifth clue, was each of Clay's mates. The stories of how they met. Clay's need to help them all... That unmistakable empathy for small, helpless things. That was all Euphe. It was just like him. Steller could see it in his expression as they talked about it, he seemed so nostalgic for the time, but so terribly empathetic, hurt by remembering their pain and helplessness. He still has that same desperation to protect, to provide. Like he has anything to prove after taking an entire Empire by right of combat and creating a safe haven for draconic people everywhere.

The sixth was the library. The moment Steller saw it he had no doubts left. So many books, in so many draconic languages, so many scrolls from so many different flocks. Euphe loved books. He may not know trade, but he knew almost every draconic language near to his own flock. He used to bring many books in whatever language he could find, to their little clearing in the woods and read to him all night long. Memories Steller carries with fondness.

The castle is full of secret rooms and dark passages, and the library is no exception. The library has so many secret rooms, full of old scrolls in ancient draconic languages. In one of these rooms there was nothing but scrolls about his flock... The flock and the prophecy that tortured Euphe until the day they all disappeared. So many of them had the burnt impression of claws on the corner of the page. Steller could imagine it so easily, Clay staring at it with such fear and anguish, wondering why they had done this to him, and allowing his emotions to run away with him.

Between Cain dropping information about their past, Clay's desperate little attempts to hide the obvious, and the clues practically written in the walls themselves... It wasn't long before Steller figured it out. Now, came the hard part. Actually talking to him about it.

Atra was there through it all, content to let Steller know his thoughts on everything. All he had to say when he decided he wanted to talk with Clay was, "do whatever you feel is right. If the dust settles and you want to be friends? That's okay. If you end up fucking on his desk, that's cool too! We can sort stuff out later." Stellar gave him a straight shot to the ribs for that, of course, because that was a very unhelpful fantasy to carry in this situation... But at least he knew whatever way things went, he had the support of his mate.

After hours of pacing and procrastination in my room, Steller somehow end up in front of his door... Holding that old letter like the most precious thing in the world. The purple ribbon that held it was old and worn now, he'd applied sap many times over the years to help the fraying. The edges used to be a vibrant shimmering silver, but now the thin metallic touch had worn and flaked in some spots. The letter itself was corroded and yellowed at the edges. Steller read it often in those first years that his lover was gone. In fact, he'd read it so many times now he's certain that he could recite it word per word, blindfolded.

Now he held it before the door of the one who gave it to him, unsure and fearful. Clay knew he was there, without a doubt. Born of the tree of Connection, he possessed focal magics even other monarchs did not. Empathetic magic, specifically. He'd always been able to feel the emotions of others, but what he understands now is that Clay's abilities have grown much over the years. Steller knocks on the door gently and it unlocks with a small click, opening just a little. He pushes it the rest of the way open, and when he does, Clay watches him with tired eyes.

After all his anxiety and worrying today, it would seem he is an expected guest.

"Steller, what do you requi-" he freezes-no, flinches- when he sees the letter in his hand. His eyelight swirls with an unmistakable twinge of vibrant violet for a moment. He blinks and it's gone, it almost felt imagined.

"Euclades. It's a lovely name."

He was silent, watching Steller wearily. He looks guilty, contemplative, maybe even afraid... The dredge of negativity that flows over his bones seems to drip more heavily around him, roiling like a pond disturbed by rain.

"But it isn't yours, at least... It wasn't always. Was it?"

"No. No it wasn't." The door shut quietly behind him. The sound makes Steller glance back, only for a moment. "Please... Please allow me this moment in private. I... Cannot imagine how you must feel. If I must endure your anguish, let me be the only one to bear it." He pleads.

Steller locks the door on his own, content to give Clay what he asks. He sighs out, "I knew it was you," in a breath. It's difficult for him to tell whether it's a sign of relief or something entirely different.

"You're clever, I knew I couldn't hide it."

"You made quite an effort," Steller counters quickly.

He whispers back, "I am sorry."

"Why?"

"I was afraid," Clay answers. He looks Steller in the eyes with some acrid, visceral emotion that lingers. A terror he keeps buried away in the embers of his soulfire. It's an expression so like one he'd once seen Euphe make, whenever he spoke of his flock... It makes Steller's soul twist with longing, nostalgia, love and care that still lingers after centuries apart.

"Why did you leave." He corrects, "why didn't you even say goodbye?" Steller steps forward slowly, pulling the worn, old ribbon from their letter, and places the curled page gently on Euclades' desk, right in front of him.

"I... was afraid," he answers again.

"Of what?" Steller paces a slow line past his desk and around towards the door, gripping his skull as though he couldn't comprehend any of this. Maybe after all these years, he still couldn't.

"Of myself, what I might do... What the corruption did... It... I hurt people. It made me want to hurt people. I didn't want to hurt you."

"And you thought I wouldn't stop you? You thought I'd ever let you become something you're not? You thought you could hurt me? I am a force to be reckoned with, I've burned villages and destroyed towns, I have faced those which were unbeatable in the presence of draconic armies! I can protect myself!" Steller spits.

"Not from this. You don't understand. The influence of the tree is strong, Steller, it is dangerous, and real. It isn't something you can protect from. It took me centuries to break through it's influence-"

"And I COULD HAVE HELPED YOU!" Steller cries, pausing his pacing near the door, "but no, no you left me alone, and scared, with no clue where you were and no chance of helping you- you fool! I would never be afraid of you!"

"Well maybe, you fucking should be." Clay hisses, standing up.

"Don't try to prove a point, dumbass. I know what you are. What you REALLY are. And you can't ever hide that. You are not, and will not ever be something I fear." Steller growls, wings flaring out behind him. Already a broad, tall monarch, it made for a threatening display.

Clay puffs up right back, purple dancing through his eyes and in his markings. Two eyes... That's... Different. Everything is different. He's so much bigger now, it's startling to hear everything in his voice ring with something from the past, all coming from a form so different. Euphe was beautiful, even without the extravagant marks of a strong monarch. Even now, he's so beautiful, in all the conventional ways he never thought himself when they were younger. It makes Steller ache, but he doesn't let up on his stance.

He's in power here, size and status be damned.

Euclades still can't hurt him.

Clay marches around his desk, a growl heady in his throat. "That's exactly why I stayed away. You're too trusting— too stupid to—" he makes a wounded sound, "if I wanted to hurt you, would you even stop me?" He asks, expression pained.

"If you wanted to hurt anyone I would have stopped you!" Stellar barks back, throwing his hands up in the air.

He marches forward, face twisted into a snarl as he slams a fist into the door hard enough to make the wood tremble. "WOULD YOU?! Would you hurt me to stop it? Would you?" Steller doesn't flinch. Instead, he slides hands up to Clay's face, rubbing the gleaming markings under his right eye.

It has all the effect he remembers. The expression on his face wanes and it's not so difficult to see the tears blossoming in his sockets now. His wings shudder and his eyelights shift to a deep plum, he might notice, given the way he blinks a little harder for a moment, but he seems to give up on whatever he was trying there fairly quickly. Steller lets out a long breath, still holding him gently.

"The entirety of this hypothetical little situation that you've made up in your head, depends on you being able to hurt me. Euclades. You may be a king now but I know you are not but a stubborn child in your embers. I am not afraid of you, I never have been, and I never will be. No matter how hard you try, you can't hurt me. I won't let you, and you would never. You never once won a sparring match against me in our days together, and a handsome set of horns and some height on me will certainly not change that. Euclades, Euphe, neither of them would hurt me, I know that. More than anything, I trust that," Steller whispers to him, watching as Clay closes his eyes.

He leans into the contact as his breathing goes shaky, and his shoulders tense up with quivering little sobs. His expression tenses for a moment before going lax again. When tears fall, they're a familiar purple, not seafoam. They leave smooth trails of ivory white bone visible in their wake, and only more of it is exposed with every moment.

He asks softly, "do you hate me?" and when he speaks it's not the same deep central nation draconic grumble. It's softer, a gentle voice with an eastern dialect. It's Euphe's voice, not his.

"I couldn't ever hate you, I don't," Steller promises, still holding him in his arms, even as the darkness fell away, dripping onto his hands and the floor. "Not Euphe, and certainly not Clay. I don't blame you... Even if you were a stupid jerk for leaving me like you did." He whispers. Clay smiles, and when he opens his eyes, blinking away tears, it's Euphe staring up at him. "I uh... didn't know you could... you know. I didn't know you were... Still... Like this, under all the..."

"I didn't either... Until you came back." He laughs, like it's all some cruel joke.

"You're beautiful. Still so beautiful..."

"You always said that." He's smaller than Steller is now, looking up as he gently wipes the tears from the other's cheeks.

"I'm not talking about Euphe, you're not some relic, Clay. I'm talking about you."

Euclades looks up at me like he's said something profound, something that he hadn't even considered.

"That's not- I'm not..."

"But you are... You're so beautiful. You're strong, and amazing. You always have been, you just didn't see it before. And your horns have grown so much too... I won't lie, it's... attractive." Steller admits, smiling wryly and glancing to the chair in the corner of the room. It's upholstered in a beautiful purple, velvety fabric, and it's clear that someone sits their frequently, likely to keep Clay company while he works.

"Oh..." Clay stares at him wide eyed, flushed a deep plum, a color that's rather ironically fitting of royalty.

"You're... I still..." Steller sighs before taking a deep breath in, "I loved Euphe, and I want to love you too, Euclades. I want to chart every difference, bed our coals and make a new fire together, every new feature and habit as our kindling."

Clay sighs when their skulls press together, a smile creeping onto his face when their horns clink, and it makes both their beads rattle on their horns. "I cherish you Steller... I always have."

"Too much for your own good, dork."

"Hah! Maybe..." Clay admits, sighing.

Steller smiles down at him with an unconditional fondness. Their faces are close, like this Steller can feel their breaths mingling together. The tease of a taste on his tongues, like sweet spices and the love Steller wants to give him. Clay takes a step closer and pauses, seeming contemplative.

"Is this okay?"

"More than okay," Steller murmurs back, sliding one of his hands into the other's.

With the confirmation, he presses a slow kiss to Steller's mouth, chaste and small. The taller leans in again, vying for a deeper kiss. Clay happily reciprocates, squeezing Steller's hand as his other gently squeezes his iliac crest. He pulls away just enough to breathe before searching for more. Steller encourages the closeness with a hand on his skull, pulling him closer with the gentlest insistence. Clay doesn't resist or hesitate, just presses closer, until Steller's back is firmly against the door, wings relaxed out to the side.

After a couple more rounds of kissing he pulls away, breathless. "Wow, spirits I missed that..." He says softly, almost trembling.

"Did you now?" Steller asks, grinning a little.

"Silence, I missed your silence... That's what I missed." He insists, although the soulfire glimmering through his thin shirt does him no favors in confirmation.

"Naturally, of course."

"I- oh stars, Atra, he- did he say this was okay?" He tries to pull away, seeming startled.

"Shh, he's fine... Jerk was literally rattling off about every way this could go and telling me I better at least kiss you," Steller scoffs.

"Oh... Hah! Dear stars... Yes, I can imagine he was as helpful on the mind as Vicki was..." He sighs, "I figured this was coming... I... Thought you would be more... Upset with me."

"Something like that... Ramblings of a horny bastard," Steller sighs, shaking his head. "I was upset, at first. I couldn't fathom why you'd abandon me. Not when we almost..."

Clay pets gently over his hand.

"We were almost mates, Clay... That and I... I know I didn't tell you but I... I'd been working on a circle for weeks before you left."

Clay's expression twists up again, and his surprise is almost something he can feel in the air. "Steller..." He sighs, tearful.

"Shit timing... Huh?"

"My love..." Clay cries, smiling at him. "I would've loved that more than anything."

"would've."

"I still would now."

Steller's soulfire burns cold for a moment, flickering in his ribs.

"We have some catching up to do... and we still need to talk with our mates, together. But I want you to know... really, it was time that wronged us. You, were perfect. Always," Clay says softly.

"You were perfect too..."

Clay smiles wider, and Steller can almost feel the joyful shift of his magic in the air around them.

"So... where should we start, on that catching up?"

Clay grins slyly, "you know, I have been thinking about that. I have some ideas."

[bananarose]

FFXIV Write #6 - "Ring"

I took the prompt less literal this time, you'll understand when you get to the end, and I'm quite pleased with what I got from it!

Spoilers - Heavensward TW - mentions of major character death (not written in detail)

A bit of background info before you read: Lhili is not the warrior of light, but she accompanies my wol on some of her adventures. She was very sick as a child, and certain conditions (or just pushing herself too far) can be really dangerous for her health. Through her travels with the wol she meets and consequently falls in love with Haurchefant - how could she not? So in this piece they have an established romantic relationship.

Masterlist

“I’m fine”

She was lying, of course. Lhili hadn’t been fine since the events that transpired after they had entered the vault. She felt as though her heart had suffered the same damage Haurchefant’s shield had, and that she had similarly failed to protect him. “A smile better suits a hero” he had said, but she had not smiled since, she thought perhaps she would never smile again, without him there to see it.

She poured herself into her work, helping the warrior of light and her companions to track down the key to Azys Lla, accompanying them to The Sea of Clouds. It fulfilled the expectations set by its name, a sea of clouds dotted with green islands. In every battle she brought her all to bare, ensuring that her companions - her friends - did not come to harm.

They prepared to fight a giant whale, the specifics of which Lhili did not care to remember. She knew what her job was. She would not fail again. On a small island, they fought the great creature. Hurling spell after spell, Lhili gave her all. Bismarck slammed his large body into the island, shaking the group as they barely kept their footing. The air felt thin, Lhili’s aether nearly spent. She sucked in breath, and spells continued flowing through her body and her staff. A gust of wind. She stumbled. 

“Lhili, take a breather!” Banana, the warrior of light, shouted to her. She could barely hear the words over the gusts of wind whipping across the island, over the rush of blood in her ears. She wouldn’t, she couldn’t hold back. He needed her - no… they needed her. She had already failed Haurchefant, she couldn’t fail them too. Had she forgotten for a moment? 

Lost in thought, Lhili didn’t notice Bismarck rearing back for another body slam into the island. The ground beneath her shook and, unprepared, she fell to her knees. Her own breath threatened to choke her, if the wind whipping around her nose and mouth didn’t do the job first. She was faintly aware of someone screaming her name from across the island, a strangled sort of cry before it faded along with the island and everything else. 

She was warm. Lhili opened her eyes, blearily taking in the room around her. Soft blanket around her shoulders, a lit hearth, and gentle hands pushing a warm mug into her hands. She must have fallen asleep here, on Haurchefant’s couch. She smiled up at the man in question, who offered his own dazzling smile in return. 

“The snows have kicked up while you’ve been asleep, love. It’s quite the blizzard out there in fact. Perhaps you should stay for the night?” He sat down beside her, sliding a strong arm over her shoulders comfortingly. “It wouldn’t do to let you out into that storm, I couldn’t forgive myself if something were to happen.” Cheeky.

Lhili smiled fondly at him, leaning into his embrace. She thought for a moment, taking a sip of her drink. Hot chocolate. She hadn’t expected the mug to contain anything else, afterall. She leaned her head back on his shoulder, looking up at him as he patiently awaited her answer.

“Yes, I suppose I should. I’ll need someone to keep me warm though - do you think you’re up to the task?” Groggily, Lhili woke up in truth. Memory came back to her in snippets, the past couple weeks slowly catching up with her, her brain still lost in the dream. That’s what it had been, she realized, only a dream. Haurchefant was still gone.

Blinking back sleep she sat up, and was met with a somewhat familiar room. Plush carpet over smooth stone, heavy red drapes hanging open over a frosted window separating her from swirling snows beyond. Fortemps manor, she realized after a moment. She started to sit up, immediately met with a dull soreness as she did so. Taking a breath that rattled in her lungs, it dawned on her. 

She fell in battle. She fell in battle. And she had no idea the outcome of that battle, beyond the assumption that someone managed to drag her back to Ishgard. Cursing herself internally, she swung her legs off the bed and stood up. The room spun, and she fell back to the bed with a soft thump against the blankets. She sighed heavily, pressing fists against the beginnings of tears welling up in her eyes. She had lost focus, let that whale get the better of her… 

The door swung open quietly behind her. She didn’t turn to see who it was. Lhili just listened to the footsteps across the floor, padding softly against the rug before they reached her. A gentle hand on her shoulder, another reaching out to press a warm mug into hers. Hot chocolate. She looked up in surprise, tears finally breaking free, rolling down her cheeks as she looked up at Alphinaud. The young Elezen gave her a sheepish smile.

“It won’t be as good as his, you know, so… temper your expectations my friend.” he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes. It was sweet, and a smile crept onto her face despite the tears still rolling silently down her cheeks. She lifted the mug to her lips, taking a sip. It was good. Alphinaud was right, of course, it was not quite as good as Haurchefant’s recipe.

“We were so scared when we saw you fall, you were unconscious and nothing we did would wake you…” Alphinaud tentatively sat on the bed beside her, fidgeting with his hands. Her heart sank in her chest for a moment, before he continued “Everyone else is fine, before you start to worry.” Lhili let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Um… How do you feel? Any better? Count Edmont insisted on the best chirurgeons to care for you - only Ishgard’s finest you see, a-and they gave you medicine, I suppose you don’t remember any of that of course… They assured us you would make a full recovery and yet I could not help but worry for you my friend, all things considered…” The boy rambled when he was worried. Lhili silently took another sip of her hot chocolate. “All that is to say… are you alright?” Alphinaud looked at her hopefully. 

“I’m just fine, Alphinaud, feeling much better already.” she forced a smile, wet streaks across her cheeks still shining in the low light.

Her words, Alphinaud thought, rang false.