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auroracalisto · 4 years

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for the love of you—part one

i had been wanting to do a multi-part story for some time now. i’m not really sure where this is heading—especially because i haven’t written down who the reader will end up with in the end. it could literally be any of the mikaelsons. the soulmate mark that you will read about has further connotations that i will discuss in the next part so there aren’t any spoilers!! but anyway, please enjoy and tell me what you would like to see happen. i’ll see if i can integrate it into what i already have planned

pairing: ??? x reader

word count: 1.4k words

warnings: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh reader wakes up in a new world,,,, magic. vampires. it is literally the vampire diaries

Waking up with a start, [Your name] frantically looked around. A wave of panic rushed through her body and she forced herself to her feet as she tried to figure out where she was. She felt around in her pockets; no phone, no wallet. There wasn’t anything she could use to try and figure out what the hell was going on. One thing she knew, for sure, was that the mark on her shoulder that she had been born with was burning. And she didn’t know why.

Trees surrounded her. She was definitely in the forest. An old, stone staircase was just across from her, but she quickly moved past it, hoping that the trail would lead to somewhere—a town, a house, anything.

—

“Bonnie, what the hell did you do?” Elena asked, her eyes wide as she watched her best friend looking over a grimoire.

Bonnie looked up with a deep frown. “Elena. I don’t… I don’t know. I thought this was just for—”

“Bonnie, something had to happen. Something bad,” she said, coming over to try and read the grimoire. “What does this even say?”

“It was a summoning spell. I thought it would help me summon a ghost,” she said, looking around the bedroom. Nothing was there. The candles were completely burnt out, but there was no sign of a spirit there with them.

“Read it again,” Elena said, moving to grab her phone. “What if you did something—”

Bonnie shot her friend a look as she began to reread the grimoire. There was so much to it—but a word popped out to her that hadn’t in her first couple of readings.

“Elena,” she said, standing up and bringing the book over. She pointed to a sentence, her face paling. “I swear, I read ghost. But this says alternate universe.”

Elena let her hand drop to her side as she held onto her phone. “Wait. Like,” she let out a curt laugh. “Like the ‘universe’ we learned about in English class? I don’t even understand what you mean, Bonnie.”

Bonnie’s face was sullen, and she swallowed thickly. “Elena, I think I may have summoned someone from a different reality…”

—

[Your name] came to a park, very close to a small town. It looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place her finger on it. She quickly rushed towards the sidewalk, ignoring the weird looks people were giving her. Glancing towards a window, she noticed that she was completely covered in what looked to be dirt. No wonder people were looking at her weird.

Across from the street where she looked in the window stood a restaurant. As she looked at the name, her face paled. The Mystic Grill.

“No,” she whispered, her hands gripping onto her shirt. This cannot be happening, she thought to herself. I have no fucking clue where I am.

Taking in a deep breath and looking both ways, she made her way across the street. She swung open the door and beelined to the bar.

“Excuse me,” she said, taking no notice at the people sitting by the bar.

A blond man turned around to face her. His name tag read Matt.

“How can I help you?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Do you, uh, do you have a phone that I could borrow really quick? I have no idea where mine is, and I really need to make a phone call.”

He nodded and motioned for her to come over to the side as he handed her the telephone. “Here. Take all the time you need. Do you want something to drink?”

“Uh,” she frowned up at him, “I’ve misplaced my wallet—”

“Get whatever you want, love,” a British accent came from beside of her. “I’ll gladly pay if you mind telling me what in the hell happened,” he chuckled softly as he leaned up against the counter.

[Your name] looked up at the man who owned the voice and her eyes widened. Two men stood there. The one who had talked to her stood closer to the woman and he couldn’t help his smile.

“I—”

The girl took a slight step back before she nodded. “Okay. Okay, uh, just a water, then,” she mumbled, dialing in the number she had yet to forget. She looked up before she hit the call button. “What…”

Although she felt anxious, she felt that it was her right to know the names of the people breathing down her neck.

“I… what are your names?”

“I’m Klaus,” he grinned. He pointed back to the other man. “This is my brother, Kol.”

“It’s… nice to meet both of you,” she said, averting her gaze. She was blushing. She returned her attention back to the phone, checking over the number once more.

The number she had dialed was her best friend’s number. She put it to her ear, listening to it ring as the men watched her intently, obviously curious about her state.

“Hello?”

Someone answered. But it wasn’t her friend.

[Your name]’s face paled once more, and she quickly hung up the phone.

Klaus rose an eyebrow.

“Wrong number?” snickered Kol.

[Your name] frowned at him. “Yeah. You could say that.”

Matt sat down a water in front of the woman and she thanked him, hesitantly sitting down in a stool.

“Not anyone you’d like to talk to?” smiled Klaus. His dimples showed, and it made [Your name] blush, but she was obviously more nervous than anything.

Her mark was burning again, and she had no idea why. But then again, she had never understood why. If it had been a normal day, she would know why; in her world, there were “fated” soulmates. The chosen few were rather unlucky; fated to be with someone for the rest of your life. But [Your name] had never found her other half. And, get this, her mark was different than everyone’s.

“Are you going to answer him?” Kol raised an eyebrow, nursing his glass of whiskey.

[Your name] cleared her throat and she looked at the two of them. “My friend must have gotten a new number, is all. It wasn’t her.”

“Hm,” Klaus chuckled softly, keeping his eyes on her. “Well, tell me about yourself, love. I’ve never seen you around here, before. What brings you to Mystic Falls?”

She shrugged and sipped at her water. “I… don’t know. Honestly. I, uh, I’m not from around here.”

“Where are you from?” Kol asked, leaning against his hand.

She frowned over at the man. “I’m from [town name]. It’s in [state/country/province].”

“You’re a bit far away from home, aren’t you?” Klaus grinned. “Seriously, you must know why you’re here. No one just shows up to Mystic Falls—”

“—well, I did,” [Your name] blurted. “I just…” She took in a deep breath, refusing to stop herself from spilling her day to the two. Something deep inside of her told her that she could trust the two of them. “I just woke up and I was in the… I was in the forest.”

Klaus’ smile fell and he furrowed his eyebrows. “Excuse me?”

“I’m not lying…”

“Well, then,” Klaus cleared his throat. “Maybe… maybe you could come back with my brother and me. Our other brother might know exactly what’s going on,” he chuckled softly.

The same feeling of unanticipated trust rushed through him. Kol felt the same way. But Kol rolled his eyes and downed the rest of his drink. He threw a couple dollars down on the counter and he looked at Klaus.

“I’ll get a head start.”

Kol had left the two of them sitting there.

Klaus hesitantly smiled at [Your name]. “Surely, you can trust me. I bought you your drink, after all.”

“Actually, water is free,” Matt said from where he stood, cleaning some glasses.

Klaus tilted his head and he stared the man down. “Let’s not.”

Matt rolled his eyes and he sighed, throwing a towel over his shoulder. He grabbed a plastic bin and went off to bus some of the tables throughout the restaurant.

“But I am being serious, love. I… I do believe that I actually might be able to help you. If you woke up in the wrong place, we can surely help you.”

[Your name] frowned but she nodded. “I’ve… nothing to lose, now, do I?” she asked, tilting her head.

Klaus smiled a bit.

“Yes, I suppose not.”

part two

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slashingdisneypasta · 4 years

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Hi! If you don't mind could you write me some headcanons about being bff with some female cp's? Like Jane, Nina, Clockwork, Nurse Ann...?

One of my best friends is called one of these names so it was odd to write XD Some headcanon’s were totally true about her as well, and some definitely were n o t. XD

Anyway I’m not sure how comprehensive this is since I just kinda spewed it all out so, uh… I hope you like them! 😅

~~~

Clockwork:

· Natalie stays at your house all the time and eats all your food. Girl has a FAST metabolism so you cannot tell, but she eats e v e r y t h i n g.

· She doesn’t even have a key to your home, you just come home from everyday activities and she’s slumped in your couch cushions watching TV and there’s a pool on your bathroom floor from her shower and- oh, she has also ordered pizza so get your wallet out.

· You just squint/glare at her before flopping on the couch beside her. She hands you the remote and gets comfier by you.

· Even when you have a romantic interest over, she is there at your house, comfortable on the couch playing games on your phone as you walk your ‘friend’ to your room.

· It’s not all frustrating though, she’s always there to protect you. There have been multiple burglaries that she has intercepted and ‘taken care of’. She’s honestly like a guard dog who also has an excellent sense of humour.

· And don’t think she just wants you around for your apartment and money. Nay nayyyyyy nay. She tells you all about the Creepypasta drama and what’s going on at the mansion, even though you aren’t apart of that life.

· And she calls when she’s away. Just calls up to talk to you.

· You two are the kind of friends that don’t need to talk to each other all the time. In fact, you agree that talking to people all the time is annoying and too much trouble, and you could totally go without each other for days (Weeks even) if either of you were busy! But… without either of you even realising, you always end up contacting each other in one way or another every day, anyway. Its easy with you two. No romantic relationship could compare.

· She was the groom and you were the bride in your make-believe weddings and mums and dads games as kids.

· On Toby: “Okay Nat, I like Toby but I hope you know, if he hurts you… well there is absolutely nothing I can do to wreak revenge on your behalf, as he is a duo hatchet wielding psychopath, except maybe give him a stink eye. … When he is looking away and therefore cannot see the stink eye.”

· More on the Toby subject: Clockwork once took you to Slender Mansion (Cuz you were targeted by a botched victim of hers because she cares about you and she wanted you close by to keep you safe until she could, like, finish killing the guy and all. Whatever though, no biggie. Pft, At least that’s how she made it out to be.) and she had to leave you for a moment so she handcuffed you and Toby together because he’s the only one she could trust to watch you.

· It was very awkward for the two of you, but definitely a bonding experience. You were both very happy to see Clocky come back though.

· HORROR. The world of horror is your favourite genre together. Supernatural horror, slashers, basement dwellers, vampires, werewolves, the blob, stalkers, murderers, psychological horror, black and white, colour, movies, tv shows, books- whatever. You two get so excited to experience new fictional horror.

Jane The Killer:

· If you’re into boys, let me tell you right away- Jane is very critical of their actions. She was at a very influential time in her life (Especially concerning boys and girls and romance) when she met Jeff and Liu. She met those boys, thought ‘Oh, they’re cute. Maybe budding crush?’, and then Jeff killed her family, burnt down her home and ruined her life and Liu became an asshole, and now the male species has been, sorta… tainted. She knows there are good ones (In fact, m a n y boys are lovely, of course.), but one’s that you’re in romantic cahoots with are always going to be under her very watchful eye anyway so she doesn’t really bother to hold back her fear (Which translates into dislike… or hate) with them. So if you have boy problems, be careful. Provided you like this/these guy/s, at least. If you don’t like them, then she’s the perfect person to go to!

· If you are a boy, then- of course, none of this applies to you. She loves you. Don’t worry. You’re her best friend!

· Girls are an entirely different situation though of course. Jane drinks that love women juice every single day.

· Jane is really good with altering clothes, so she’s the one you go to when you need help hemming something or taking something in. She likes to do it, too. Quality best friend time while not being lazy.

· Speaking of her hating to be lazy… This does not apply at night. Nighttime is a whole other ballgame. Its bedtime by 7 for her if you don’t lock her into plans a week in advance. If she is braless and in her P.J’s, you will not be able to peel her from her home. Except for snacks, but even if she goes to the grocery store, she’s not getting changed and she’s going to wear her bunny slippers.

· You two watch so many cartoons together. Gravity Falls, Star Vs The Forces of Evil, Over The Garden Hedge, Villainous, Looney Tunes, Ducktales, etc. Any and all that you can get your hands on.

· You two are prepared to get platonically married, for any reason. Like, you need to stay in the country? Married; You’re staying. You’re the only one who can testify against hr in the court of law? Married, so by law you don’t have to. One of you accidentally planted yourselves with a kid and (Cuz you’re ride or die for each other, obviously), you’re gonna parent the child together and cuz of religious beliefs one of your would feel better about raising them together with a wedding band? Married.

· Jane doesn’t drink, so when/if you get drunk she’s always there to keep you safe.

· Jane also gets friend-jealous, a lot. Like, that bitch just called you her best friend, Y/N. Is she your best friend? I thought I was. So who is it, Y/N? Me or her? HM? (She is prepared to turn up to wherever you and this person are hanging, all glamorous and cool as she is, and show off. Prove she’s a way better friend then this new person so they back off).

· When you were little, she was the bride and you were the groom in your wedding/marriage/mums and dads games.

Nina The Killer:

· You have known her for both your entire lives and there have been iffy, and dark times but through hell and high water you have stuck with her. You love her. She’s your girl, you are her person too. You will be with her, and protect her from anything.

· You are the only one in the world that loves her, really. You may not quite understand her weirdness, but you stick with her anyway because you love her.

· Just like- baseline of your friendship is being ride or die for each other.

· You were also really into Jeff, but at a more… healthy? Level? Like, you were still romantically interested in a real-life murderer, but you wouldn’t have done anything about it. You wouldn’t hurt anyone (Except to protect others) or victim blame, or contact the victims (Dear God) or whatever, but you would take peaks at fanfiction and gab with Nina about it. I mean, it’s not grand, but in comparison to Nina, hah… you were harmless.

· Now though, that you’ve met him and he is the reason your bets friend is so hurt and broken, you are not the fondest of him. I mean, you still have a place in your heart for the version of him you and Nina made up in your heads (The version that Nina still believes is real) but that isn’t the real him. Jeff Woods is an ass. You need to keep your friend safe from him.

· And uh… so nowadays… occasionally, you will find out where Jeff is (You keep an ear out) and, you know, just… lie your ass off to Nina. Yep. You tell her you heard that he’s in the opposite direction than he is so that she’ll unknowingly put more distance between him and her.

· Yes. It’s a lie, but… its for the greater good! It’s for Nina’s mental health and physical safety.

· Anyway, moving on to lighter things.

· In your make believe mums and dads/’grown up’ games that you would play together as kids, you were a single parent and she was the dog.

· She will lie for you in an instant. She’s also really good at it.

· You walked into a room once and saw she was drawing something, and it turned out to be your joint tombstone. She has not let this go- you will be buried in the same plot together, if it is the last thing she does. This is slightly concerning, but… also kind of cute. You can roll with it.

· “What if I get married or have kids?”

· “They will need to apply with me to join. There will be an interview process.”

· ‘What about pets?”

· “Oh, they can come in! No fee!”

· Do not underestimate her weight. If she doesn’t want you to leave, she will hold onto your leg and go deadweight, and you will s t r u g g l e.

· Nina talks to herself, but she acts like the person she’s talking to is another person, inside her mind. You both know its not, but you refer to the other girl as Agnes anyway. Super casual.

· Follows you when you go on dates (At least the first one with someone)to make sure all goes well and texts you rapid fire when she smells something fishy. Even the smallest thing.

· You two really love dystopian teen fiction. Divergent? Matched? Hunger Games? Maze Runner? Ugles? Alllllll. You consume them and then watch the movies/tv shows too.

Nurse Ann:

· Live-in medical services! This means you can get really cheap life insurance and not worry about it to much.

· And on the topic of insurance… Ann is super smart, and organised, and just really awesome at practical stuff like that. Insurance, bills, mortgages, any kind of forms and receipts. And she’s happy to sit down and help you go through it- and, as we all know, everything is better when it’s with a friend you feel comfortable with.

· You can tell Ann anything and she’ll just roll with it. No judgment. Either she takes it and lets you talk about it or she just acknowledges it and moves on.

· Like Jane, Ann has very little patience for boy problems. In fact, she has zero time for it. Boys? Girls? No thank you. So if you’re into boys, I have some bad news for you.

· Best friend maintenance. Occasionally, Ann will over work herself (with murder) and you will need to guide her to relaxation. Gently persuade her to sit down at the dinner table and just make idle chit chat with her every now and then as you make her a good, hearty meal (Or as good as you can do XD Anything between Beefy stew and a Cheese toastie will work fine, don’t worry. She’s not picky at all), and then watch some movies with her. No phones, no knitting, no drawing, no… whatever. No other activities except TV watching! She needs to rest. I’m always shocked at how relaxing just sitting and watching TV can be. There’s a big difference between doing that and multitasking.

· Ann will call you to pretend there’s an emergency if you want to get out of social engagement.

· A thing that two enjoy together is science fiction. Star Trek (Including the animation), The War of Worlds, the world of Star Wars, Dune, a Handmaids Tail, The 100, Eureka, etc. She loves the brainy stuff.

· Ann is the logical friend, who tries to give the most practical advice and make pros and con lists and everything. And then you go ahead and do the crazy thing, the thing she said definitely would not work and would probably make things worse, and she just face palms and says she’s never getting mixed up in your mess again. … Until the next time, when she totally does.

· “I love you Y/N, but I am not about to walk into a police office and bail you out of jail so do not do that.”

· You trap her into resting by painting her nails (Hands and feet) in her sleep right before her alarm is about to go off so she has to take the morning SLOW or the paint will mess up. She just wakes up, you hold up a sign in front of her face that says ‘NAILS’ and she stops immediately. “You bitch.”

· As kids, of course, the two of you would play make-believe family games and you were both mums (/ or you were the dad). She was the working mum and you were forced to stay home take care the baby (large container of vitamins with a face drawn on).

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takurotan · 3 years

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FEH Book V, Chapter 9 Echoes of Truth

Part 1: Rightful Place MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Reghin: NGYAAH! A m-monster! I'm too young to be eaten! ...Huh? Oh. It's just a bird, I guess. Maybe heading off to the Tower of Niðavellir alone wasn't a great idea after all… I'm not sure I can make it all the way by myself… No! I can't get discouraged now! My country and my brothers need me more than ever! The foothills should be on the other side of this forest. If I just keep going this way, I should get there soon! I'll just have to do my best! FighterAX_M: ...inn… ...Reg...inn... Reghin: ...Huh? Wh-who's there? I can hear your voice, but I can't see anyone! Are you...over this way?

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Sharon: Phew... This is exhausting! And the Tower of Niðavellir is higher still? This slope is so steep... Alfons: We'll make it, Sharena... There, look. You can see it now, over there. That is our goal, the Tower of Niðavellir… Though it's incredible that Reginn managed to climb this mountain on her own... Anna: Right. I thought we would catch up to her right away. It's strange… And since we know the tower is guarded, it's almost unthinkable that she'd attempt this by herself. Alfons: We've seen no sign of battle thus far, so we can only assume she is still somewhere ahead of us. Anna: I suppose you're right. All we can do is trust she's safe and keep heading toward the tower.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Sharon: There she is! Princess Reginn! Reghin: Oh, you...you followed me!? Anna: Of course we did! You don't have to do this alone. Reghin: I-I'm sorry. It's just...I've caused you all so much trouble already… I wanted to take care of this one thing myself... I just thought I'd— Sharon: After everything we've been through together?! Alfons: This isn't a problem that concerns you alone, or even just Niðavellir, for that matter. You don't need to take it on all by yourself. You can trust us to help you. Dagr: After spending all this time together, I've started to think of you like my little sister, Reginn. Let your Big Sis help you out! Nott: ...As the proper elder sister here, if you need someone you can count on, your best choice is me. Anna: Princess Reginn, you are a valued member of our Order of Heroes, and in light of that… I will not accept you going on any dangerous missions by yourself from here on! Reghin: ...Thank you. All of you… You...you're all so wonderful! *sniff* You're going to make me cry! Nott: All that said, you have done rather well climbing this mountain on your own, haven't you? Reghin: *sniff* ...Oh, that's right! I heard this strange voice, and I followed after it... I hardly even noticed the climb! Alfons: A strange voice? We didn't hear anything like that... Reghin: Oh... Really? Hmm... Maybe I was imagining things!

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING_IMAGE: EvBg_NisaverilCastle MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Fafnir : ... Otr: Brother! You're all right! I thought… Weren't you taken captive by Askr?! ...I'm so glad to see you! You had me worried. I never thought you would invade Askr while I was away. And Reginn... Unbelievable! How dare she side with Askr and aid them in capturing you! She is no sister of mine... No, not anymore. Don't you agree, Brother? Fafnir: What endless yammering… SILENCE! Askr... The gate, it... What's on the other side?! ...Damn it! Otr: Brother... Have you...remembered something? What is it? Fafnir: ...Hm. I've noticed you've been fixated on Askr recently, haven't you, Ótr? ...What do you know? Otr: M-me? ...I-I don't know anything! What do you mean, Brother? Fafnir: Don't play the fool with me. Do you think your sneaking around with Eitri has gone unnoticed?! Hhng— Gyaahh! My...head! Otr: Brother, try to calm yourself! You mustn't try to force your memories to return. Fafnir: It is more than my memory that's wrong... My strength is far beyond that of others… Sometimes, it is too much for even me to control... I have this thirst for destruction that I cannot satisfy… When...when did I become this?! Hrrk! Guhhh... Otr: You haven't changed, Brother… That strength is what made you king, and king by right! You need not worry. I'm here with you. I won't abandon you like Reginn has, that traitorous, conniving... Fafnir: Mmrrgh... H-huh? ...Wh-what is this? Otr: Ah, there you are... Are you back with me now? You're likely exhausted after having escaped Askr... You lost consciousness for a moment. Fafnir: Ah, that's right... That woman, Loki… She appeared to me in Askr, and… Ótr, begin preparing to invade a new target. Otr: ...O-of course! What target? Fafnir: The Emblian Empire.

Part 2: Merry Diviner MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN_BGM: BGM_EVENT_PLAIN_01 MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Orochi: Queen Mikoto...please watch over me...

Part 3: Rulebreaker Mage MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Nyx: I took countless lives in my foolish youth. For that, I was cursed with this unaging body...

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Sharon: Finally! We made it! Now, to get that gate open. Hmmm-MMPH— Huh… Alfons: This is no time for playing around, Sharena. Sharon: I'm not playing around! The gate won't budge! Anna: But there's no lock... Strange. Reghin: Oh no! That's right... I'm sorry… This gate can only be opened by those from Niðavellir's royal line. Alfons: So we have no way to get past the gate? Reghin: I'm afraid not... I wish I knew of any other way to open it… If we can't get past it, we'll be unable to investigate whatever it is my brothers are up to… SUMMON_STONE_FLASH| Sharon: H-huh?! ...I-it just opened! Reghin: Yes! This is amazing... The kings of ages past must be watching over us! Thank you, Your Majesties! Anna: Convenient... That certainly saves us some trouble! Let's hurry through before the kings change their minds. Alfons: Right! Let's get going! Er...what's wrong, Kiran? What's that you found? Oh! That looks like...

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: _ Eitri: The gate...is open. Heh... Heh heh heh… AH-HAHAHAHAAAHH! So this is how things are, is it?! How dare you, Ótr… The divine dragon has not abandoned Niðavellir yet. You will not be allowed to simply do whatever you please...

Part 4: Wily Warrior MID_SCENARIO_OPENING: Reghin: Hmmm... Where is... Huh! Alfons: What is it, Princess Reginn? Reghin: Well, this is where the king would have come to perform the formal rites of ascension to the throne. The rite involves climbing from the bottom of the mountain to the tower and placing a treasure on the altar… But...I don't see Fáfnir's treasure here anywhere. Anna: Did Fáfnir...not perform the rite? Reghin: He did! Well, he took a treasure and climbed this mountain… Sharon: But he went alone, right? Reghin: W-well, of course, but not becau— Alfons: Is this the treasure he carried? Reghin: Th-that's it! ...Why do you have it, Prince Alfonse? Where did you find it?! Alfons: It was on the ground out as we approached the tower. It seems to have been thrown into the thicket. It was Kiran who found it. Reghin: But...why would— He said he gave his treasure as an offering! Nott: He was unable to open the gate, in all likelihood. Blocked from making his offering, he tossed it aside. Dagr: Then...what does that mean for us? Alfons: You mentioned that only the royal line is able to enter the tower, right, Princess Reginn?How does the tower recognize someone as king? Reghin: To be claim the throne, you need to have the Crown of the Dvergar and be born of Niðavellir… Nott: He bore the crown. Which can mean only that he is not born of Niðavellir. Is that not the case? Alfons: It's possible... As I understand it, Fáfnir lost all of his memories. Reghin: Th-then...just who IS my brother? And where did he come from? Alfons: As of now, we have no way of knowing. Anna: It's possible even he doesn't know anything about his past life… But if the fact that he's not born of this realm were to become widely known, he could be deposed. It's likely that is the reason why he didn't tell anyone... Reghin: Aha! And maybe Ótr knows the truth... Alfons: Right. He probably found the treasure as well, and threw it into the thicket himself. Dagr: That's all great, but… the only thing this tells us is that he isn't from Niðavellir, right? Nott: We've gained insight into our foe. It is a step in the right direction. Sharon: What step comes next then? Do we pursue Ótr and Eitri? Alfons: Hmmm... Making our way back down the mountain will be dangerous after dark—we should hurry.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Charlotte: I'll make you my extra-special lunch!

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: FighterAX_M: ...Reginn... Reghin: Wh-who's there? You were the one who called out to me at the foot of the mountain, weren't you... FighterAX_M: You have done well, child of our blood... Wrest the crown from the heretic... Return it to rightful hands... Reghin: The...heretic? Do you mean Fáfnir? But...but I— Sharon: Princess Reginn? Who are you talking to? Reghin: H-huh? You can't hear it? Sharon: H-hear what? ...I'm not falling for this trick again! Anyway, I came to tell you it's nearly time to go. Reghin: Right... Of course.

Part 5: Sensitive Soul MID_SCENARIO_MAP_BEGIN: Benoit: I like animals. They aren't scared of me.

MID_SCENARIO_MAP_END: Dagr: How many of these guys are there?! They just keep coming! Nott: They must have arrived while we were investigating the tower. Anna: Their reinforcements seem almost endless! If we don't retreat now... Alfons: Stay focused, everyone! When we have an opening to get clear, take it!

MID_SCENARIO_ENDING: Sharon: Enemies! Wait—who's that?! Alfons: That lance-work... It couldn't be! Bruno: ... Alfons: Zacharias! Where did you come from? Sharon: Are you here to help us? Wow! What incredible timing! Bruno: ...That is not why I'm here. If anything, I've come to ask for your help. Niðavellir's army... Fáfnir has invaded the Emblian Empire. Alfons: What? He escaped from Askr?! I-is Princess Veronica all right?! Bruno: She's managed to hold them off somehow, but it's only a matter of time before she's overwhelmed. I'm well aware we are in no position to ask favors of you, but... Please, help Veronica. Help my sister. Alfons: Zacharias, you've been away, so you may not know this, but… Despite her initial aggression toward Askr, Veronica has cooperated with us on many an occasion. We will respond as we would if any ally were in trouble. We will not abandon her to Niðavellir… Everyone—Embla is in need! We must hurry to their aid!

#feh #fire emblem heroes #datamine stuff

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surveys-at-your-service · 3 years

Text

Survey #401

“my love is just waiting to turn your tears to roses”

Do you typically do your makeup the same each time? Or do you like to change it up often? IF I wear makeup, it's essentially always the same. Who is the last person you were in a room with just the two of you? What were you doing? Yesterday with Mom. We were trying to find the best deal on Eco Earth, a substrate we're getting for Venus. What was the last really good book you read, and what was it about? If we're talking REALLY good book, then The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. In short summary, it's a dystopian future novel where women are now basically just objects used only for repopulation, even having their names stripped from them. They follow very strict rules as society has returned to horrible misogyny. As a woman, the "oh my god, this is possible" aspect of it is terrifying, and it causes such a sense of disgust and urge to ensure women rights always continue to be fought for. Do you feel safe in your country? For the most part, I'd say. I guess. There are places I'd feel safer, though. How many meals do you eat a day? Three. Have you ever performed a solo dance in front of a crowd? No, but I was supposed to my senior year in high school; the seniors at my dance studio were always welcome to do a solo in celebration. Mine was a modern dance to "Coma White" by Marilyn Manson, wanting to tell a story about depression and how being medicated could feel, but I eventually decided like halfway through learning the choreography that I was just too nervous to do a solo. Have you ever sung a solo? No. When you go to McDonalds, what drink do you usually get? Coke. Have you ever had to call and complain about a product you bought? No. Do you own a designer purse? Definitely not. I'm not wasting that much money on something like that. What’s the weirdest rumor you’ve ever heard about yourself? Apparently, Jason and I had a baby in high school even though I was obviously never pregnant. To my knowledge, it was started by his ex. Who is now a good friend of mine lmaooo. Life is funny. What was your favorite Saturday morning cartoon growing up? Pokemon, of course. Would you ever have an affair? Nope. Would you ever have a one night stand? Nope. Where you present at any major historical events (e.g. 9/11)? No. What are your opinions on marijuana legalization? Legalize it, but treat it similarly to alcohol in that driving under the influence is illegal and punishable, and I believe you should be of a certain age. How about abortion? I am pro-choice. I was pro-life most of my own life, but now I am very firm about a mother being able to choose if she wants to endure a pregnancy or not. Like, that is a MASSIVE life event that almost inevitably changes - and sometimes traumatizes - people. I do believe a fetus is its own body and not part of the mother's, but rather in the mother's, but the belief that a woman decides what she wants in her body is her choice, too. I'm not very fond of people treating abortion as a simple, regular form of birth control, like it's nothing but an "lol whoops," but I still believe it is ultimately her decision, and she should always be free of judgment for doing what is best for her. Do you wear skirts or dresses more often? Neither. I wouldn't dare wear a skirt more so, though. What do you think about tipping at restaurants? There should always be an expected minimum, imo, unless the person was truly, sincerely, genuinely fucking awful. Waiters do not have an easy job, fight me about it, and they're just trying to survive while putting on a happy, jovial face, all the while dealing with hungry people who can be such assholes. I believe the actual tip should relate to actual service, but again, give them something. Would you ever get back together with any of your exes? One, absolutely. The other would take a shitload of consideration and proper communication on his part. Do you have a preferred coffee brand? No, because I don't like coffee. Do you usually befriend your coworkers, or do you prefer to keep work separate from your personal life? IF I had a job, I'd like to build a friendship with those I have to engage with almost every day. What is something you frequently forget? Dates, ages, names, what I was about to do five seconds before I forgot... Pretty much everything. My memory is frightfully poor. Is there any drama currently going on with your family? No. When you take a nap, do you nap in bed or on the couch? In my bed. Were you raised by both of your parents? If not, then who raised you? Both; my parents split when I was somewhere around 17, though, but I'd say there wasn't much more "raising" to do at that age. Have you ever stolen anything? If so, why? No. Have you ever plagiarized someone else's work? Hell no. What's your most-used mode of transportation? My mom's car. Have you ever taught someone else a useful skill? Not to my recollection. Does seeing everyone else's 'perfect lives' posted on social media ever bring you down or affect how you feel about yourself? It actually does, honestly. Not ALWAYS, but if I'm being honest, it does most of the time. I've contemplated deleting Facebook for that reason, but with is also comes things that make me happy, and I think I'd feel even more isolated without it. What is your favorite Hostess/Little Debbie snack? This is SO impossible for me to answer. I loooove Hostess and Little Debbie treats. I want to say honeybuns, but I also love those chocolate cupcakes with the white swirls on top, as well as Twinkies. Very few exist that I don't like. Do you/your family buy loafs from the bakery or bagged on the shelf? We just buy bagged bread. What’s the best news you’ve gotten lately? My APAP mask is definitively WORKING!!!!! :') Mom got an app that connects to the machine via Bluetooth that monitors the effectiveness of the mask, evaluating many factors of your sleep, and it's detecting a definite decrease in disruptive behaviors or something like that. It is so, SO encouraging to know that. ^And, the worst? Hm. Oh, probably some news on something serious a good friend is going through, but I don't feel it's my right to disclose what. It's just a very worrying and potentially dangerous issue that I wish I could help her with. Would you rather receive (or give) flowers, chocolates or jewelry? I'd appreciate any, but my fat ass is drawn to the chocolate, ha ha. What *I* would give would vary depending on what the person liked. How do you feel about coconut? Smells lovely, but is otherwise gross. ^ Ever cracked one open? No, but omg I've always wanted to, haha. What’s the best thing about being your gender? I guess the fact it's more "normal" and "accepted" to show our emotions. Fuck that generalization, though. I don't give a shit what your gender is, you experiencing emotions is NORMAL and welcomed to be expressed. ^ And the worst thing? The ability to be raped and impregnated by it. Do you do your part to save the earth? I don't do nearly enough. :/ We recycle, but that's about it. Well, none of us DARE to litter either, but I still don't feel like it's as much as the earth deserves from its denizens. Who do you think should have their portrait on a bill? I don't know or care. Why did you last feel exhausted? Yesterday was my niece's birthday, and I spent essentially ALL day playing with her and her brother. I have a very limited battery when it comes to kids, and I was running on empty for hours. My anxiety was SO high and I really needed a break from them, but they're too young to really understand that Aunt Britt can only socially run for so long before I'm completely burnt out, and TRUST ME, I was there for sure. I didn't want them to think they did something wrong, you know? I just had to keep going. I slept like a baby last night though for sure, haha. Have you ever used emotional blackmail to get your own way? Wow, no. Has anybody ever used emotional blackmail on you? No. Who did you last worry about and why? Sara for health reasons. Are you currently looking for a new place to live? Not actively, but Mom and I definitely want to move. We feel very out-of-place here in the suburbs. Which would you prefer as a view; mountains or the sea? Mountains. Do you have a mouse for your laptop? (Assuming you have a laptop) Yes. I canNOT play games with a trackpad. Do you apologize a lot? Extremely excessively. When you get married what do you think you’ll put most of your focus and money into? Do you mean like, for the wedding? In that case, probably the venue. Being a photography buff, I want a place I think is really pretty to have pictures taken. What’s something you complain about frequently? My legs hurting, my weight, and being hot. Do you have anything planned for the summer? Nope, and that's fine with me. I'd rather stay inside away from the heat. Who usually makes dinner in your household? My ma. Do you have a blog? Just on Tumblr. Does anyone in your family snore loudly? My mother does because of gerd, and at least when my father still lived with us, he snored super loud, too. Do you want to fix anything with anyone? Yeah, a few people. What shows do you watch? Right now, only Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty. Whenever The Edge of Sleep comes out, I will 110% be watching that, too, because Mark is a key actor in it. :') Plus the concept seems super cool. Have you ever broken someone’s heart? I don't know. Who was the last person you had a conversation with on the phone? Me mum. Does the song you’re currently listening to remind you of anyone specific? No, given it has like... one lyric, haha. Do you own any TV show soundtracks? No. Last thing you did that made you feel like an adult? I mean I guess sign myself in at the doctor's. What’s your favorite picture of your mom? Dad? Oh my god, there's a candid one I got of Mom laughing when she was posing as my subject for a photography assignment, and I cherish it with ALL my heart. I want to share it with essentially the whole world, but yeah, I'm not gonna put my mom's picture here. As for my dad, I like this one I took of us at Red Lobster for his birthday a year or two back. Last TV show series you finished? Fullmetal Alchemist with Sara. Favorite flavor of cream cheese? Regular. What US state would you like to visit? Alaska. Last meal you made yourself? I put a chicken pesto thing in the microwave earlier for dinner.

#survey #surveys #random questions #lyrics: ''whispers in the dark'' by skillet

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loquaciousquark · 4 years

Text

Cut for talk of COVID and irresponsible failure to social distance (my own). Also, some updates on what’s been going on here for the last month or so.

part one:

Very very long story that I am truncating as much as possible. As you all know, I am an optometrist and professor. When we shut down in March, our university made a huge, painful shift to remote learning and our student clinic ceased operations altogether. Neither students nor faculty saw patients from March 15 - the the middle of May. At the end of May, faculty began seeing patients directly in an extremely reduced schedule, and at the beginning of June, we began adding in very limited numbers of students in a rolling schedule that minimized exposure to all involved.

Three weeks ago, my dear friend Jasper contacted me and said that an old friend of hers, whom I will call Carol, was in dire straits after losing her job overseas. Carol has an extremely rocky history: a terrible car accident that left her legs and feet permanently damaged which directly led to a very bad divorce, significant student loan debt (just shy of six digits I think, compounded from the accident, since she used her student loans to pay her medical bills--for anyone reading this, do not EVER EVER EVER DO THIS--student loans are never touched by bankruptcy declarations and you will owe them until you die), and something of an inability to put down roots. She is an English teacher who has taught and traveled all over the world: Prague, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Los Angeles, Rio, etc.

When I first met her about ten years ago, she had come back to Alabama from Prague because a job had fallen through. She was completely broke and living out of two suitcases and a carry-on. She lived with us for three months for free, sleeping in Jasper’s bed because we had no other room for her, and eventually got a job in Boston and moved on. She lasted--I think--about two months in Boston before quitting and taking a job in the Middle East.

On top of her student loan debt, Carol also has significant IRS debt and is in debt to several of her friends. Over the last few years, she took several ill-advised positions overseas back to back without ever consulting a lawyer on her contracts, and did not realize until recently that one of her positions classified her as an independent contractor instead of an employee, so she owed US taxes on all her income for that period of time. Her most recent job in Prague she lost in February because she filed her visa (again, without a lawyer) incorrectly, and what should have been a brief three-week stay outside of the country became a six week stay on the couch of strangers in the Czech Republic while she waited for her visa reapplication to process. However, it was denied, and then COVID hit, and she returned to Alabama with only a portion of her possessions and tons of important paperwork left behind in her Prague apartment. She then unfortunately had two emergency surgeries on her stomach for an acute, unpredictable medical issue, and while she is well healing now, it also added on another forty thousand dollars of medical debt to what she already owed.

She stayed with her mother and sister while she was recovering from the emergency surgeries, but her family is emotionally abusive and very unkind to her, and after a few weeks she left their home and went to stay with Jasper. However, Jasper is also 8 months pregnant with her fourth child, and they both knew it was a temporary thing. Jasper knows that I have a large home with several spare bedrooms, and asked if I would be willing to host Carol for a period of time while she got back on her feet. I knew what I was agreeing to when I said yes, and Carol and I settled on a period of two months. She has now been here almost three weeks.

Frankly, I do not like Carol very much. We are unbelievably different people in every way--personality, temperament, proclivity to crying in front of other people, hobbies, interests, religion, all of it. She is a very nice person, and I think she truly does mean well. But she is the most emotionally needy and energy-sapping person I have ever met, and I cannot tolerate her company in more than small chunks. It is not possible to hold a conversation with her about any subject tangentially related to her difficulties; if I try to sympathize with her loans by mentioning my own, she shuts me down by saying at least I will have the chance to ever pay them back. If I just try to listen without commentary, she’ll wrap herself up in her own stories and talk for hours without ever needing more than “mm”s and “hm”s and my undivided attention the entire time.

She will often work herself up into sobbing tears over her situation(s), and she always informs me immediately of any new development in any of her numerous trials: which are usually negative, considering the situation, and usually resulting in more tears. She has cried on me probably more than a dozen times since she moved in, and she wields “I love you” like a weapon, more to hear the validation of the response than to truly express the sentiment. She constantly asks for advice on her situation but does not listen to any of it--seems more to just want to relive each tragic detail of her life over and over again with an audience, wondering why she’s continually “screwed over in her life.” (Really, really poor financial decisions and constantly trusting her own “intuition” over getting competent legal advice before signing contracts, are I think the biggest contributors.) She has told me so many private details about her personal views, relationships with her ex-husband and mother and sister, her financial choices, and her extensive travel and job history over the last few years that I probably know her history better than my own at this point.

I think she thinks by sharing so much that she is justifying to me her need to stay with me. What is actually happening is that I am forced to help shoulder this enormous emotional load that compounds my own mental health problems I’ve been having since all this started. I have told her more than once that she does not need to justify herself to me and that my home is open to her for two months, no strings attached. I believe she is making all the steps she needs to and do not need reports on her daily activities to “pay” for her lodging or electricity or internet or whatever. This has changed the behavior a little for the better but not stopped it.

There are moments that are not bad. As I have mentioned, she does mean well and want well for most people. She likes Hamlet and loves Jasper, who is extremely important to me. But she is extremely difficult to be around in so many other ways, and the way she constantly exclaims over how we basically think alike on all things (absolutely untrue) makes me think she either will not or cannot read my reluctance to engage on any of these topics.

(An example: I was watching footage of the SpaceX launch and despite my feelings on Elon Musk, really excited about the implications for space travel. She came in, and after misunderstanding for some time that I was not watching Space Force with Steve Carell, decided that the SpaceX program was morally bankrupt, obviously borne of shady backroom government deals, and everyone involved should have used the money to solve world hunger instead. For the record, she had not heard of the shuttle launch, SpaceX, or Elon Musk at all before the seeing the footage.)

(She also until last week had not heard of Playstation, Xbox, streaming as a concept, or any game more modern than the original Mario. Trying to order a grocery delivery online was an excruciating torment for her [took her over four days to get through selecting the items, selecting allowable replacements, and actually paying] and I will not ask her to do it again. She frequently makes comments about video games being a waste of time, and when she sees children playing outside, comments on how glad she is they are not inside playing video games. She doesn’t seem to realize her comments are a direct commentary on me; I think she genuinely does not understand that those games are what I am playing most of my free time.)

Right now, everything seems to hinge on her passing some teacher recertification tests next week and the week after. She spent $150 to give herself less than a week to study from scratch for a test she described as the hardest she’d ever taken. There were several other dates later in the summer she could have chosen, and her deadline is December, but she picked the soonest option for reasons I can’t fathom. She is also in the process of trying to get a car--right now I’m driving her everywhere--and she was ready to hand over $3800 yesterday for a ten-year-old Hyundai with a check-engine light on without even thinking of getting any kind of inspection. She is far more concerned with the color and “energy” of the car than its function, and would not have even checked the headlights and blinkers if I hadn’t prompted it.

She will be here another five weeks or so. We move around each other now better than we did before, and I hope it will continue to improve. But it’s a lot like a rock grinding a groove in the streambed from the repetitive friction, and it’s not the struggle I wanted to be having right now.

part two:

As I mentioned above, Jasper is having her fourth child in a month or so. One of her friends, someone I don’t know, contacted me and said she wanted to do a drive-by “baby sprinkle,” where no one gets out of their cars. You drop off the gifts, talk to the recipient a few minutes from the car window, and move on. I told her that I work in health care and am exposed to patients, so that sounded good to me.

The shower was this morning. Carol and I got up and drove the thirty minutes to Jasper’s house. There were four other families in cars right around the corner, and the “hostess” gave us all balloons to tie on our side mirrors. She told us we would drive around the corner, drop off the gifts, and loop around. Jasper’s husband would arrange for her to be in the front yard at the right time.

Cute enough. We go around the corner with little honks and Jasper sees us and starts crying, and it’s all wonderful and emotional and a fabulous surprise and I’m genuinely excited about it. And then people start parking and getting out of their cars, and Carol and I start looking at each other. They’re full families, too--three of the other moms brought all their kids, and soon enough they’re playing with Jasper’s three boys in the front yard and coming up asking to pet Hamlet through the car window. No one was wearing masks.

And what’s worse, when they all started looking at us expectantly through the car window, we didn’t know what to do. They were handing Jasper her gifts and obviously settling in for a good long chat; the women were hugging, talking about how they are “so over this COVID stuff, please come visit soon,” and Hamlet of course recognizes his original owners in Jasper and her husband so he’s freaking out, and after a few moments, we decided to just get out of the car.

It was the first time I really felt the social pressure to participate in an event I wasn’t comfortable with. I have no issue maintaining my social distance and my mask and my handwashing at work because that is where I have the position of authority, and I have the responsibility to model it for the students and patients--but here, I was a guest at someone else’s house at someone else’s event, and I really, really felt how they might perceive me as rude. While I didn’t know the other women, my relationship with Jasper is extremely important to me, and I didn’t want to make this special event for her difficult in any way.

So we got out of the car and joined the group. I tried to keep my distance as much as possible, especially since I had Hamlet on the leash and there were a half-dozen small children around, but at least twice I looked up and there was someone right at my elbow, and we made small talk for five minutes or so before either she drifted back to the group or I moved Hamlet into the shade away from the rest.

Cars drove by and slowed down more than once to look at us. Jasper’s husband made a comment about rolling his eyes if he saw their family on Facebook that evening. The women planned play dates, all standing very close together, and Jasper opened her gifts (that part was excellent). All in all we were probably there about twenty minutes.

I should mention that on the drive there, we passed a public park that has a very pretty waterfall right next to the road, and there were probably a dozen families out playing. There was a festival/outdoor market right outside the the park that had a sign up about social distancing, but the fifty or so people we saw shopping there were not adhering in any meaningful way. No one wore a mask.

And what annoys the bejeezus out of me is that I didn’t either. I didn’t even think about it until after we finally got back in the car to drive away. This is the first social event I’ve gone to since the first week of March, and while I wear masks for eight+ hours every day I go in to work, it didn’t occur to me even a single time to put on even my little cloth one that I keep in the car until we were driving away afterwards. I was so flummoxed by every little thing happening differently than I expected--people getting out of cars, how surprised I was by my own susceptibility to not rocking the boat, how normal everyone else made it to stand so close they could bump elbows so that Carol and I became almost excluded from the circle--that it never once crossed my mind. I know masks are more for the protection of those around you, not to keep you from catching what other people are carrying, but I could have set an example. I could have been the health professional I should have been in the moment.

I’m just so disappointed in myself. Disappointed in my own carelessness, irritated that I didn’t say anything, continually frustrated in a deep, gut-wrenching way by the whole situation that requires this in the first place. Bewildered that so many people are “back to normal” while this thing is still spreading, and in brutal honesty wishing I could be like them and just give up the fight myself. I’m not even mad at them. I WANT TO BE THEM. Why am I continually bothering to care and sanitize and mask and stay at home when no one else is? Literally no one would judge me in this state for it more than I’m already being judged (in most cases impersonally, though I felt the potential for it today in specific) for still watching the recommended guidelines.

I am really, really sick of this. I am so sick of feeling alone in this (of being alone in this, and Carol doesn’t count). Hearing other people saying “there there, you’re doing the right thing” honestly makes it even worse. I want people to stop patronizingly telling me to do things I already know are the right thing to do. I want other people as mad as I am that I can’t do the things I want to and need to do instead of being endlessly patient and noble about all the lives they’re saving by staying home. I’m top-of-my-head-blowing-off furious that so many people are shrugging and saying “well this is just the way it will be forever and alas, so it goes” and acting like those of us who did the right thing and cancelled our plans and our trips and our visits to dear friends but who are mad about having to do it are overreacting. I’m so fucking mad about it. I’ve stayed home for two months and I’ve isolated and I’ve quarantined and my hands are cracking from the constant sanitizer/washing at work and except for today I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do for this, and I don’t want to do it. And seeing people be so heroically virtuous and longsuffering on Facebook feels as alien and upsetting to me as the people who go to the beaches with a hundred of their closest friends.

That’s probably unfair in myriad ways. I’m really too angry, including at myelf, to soften it right now.

I want a vaccine and I want to be back in my classroom teaching to fifty faces instead of a screen in my living room, and I’m honestly freaking sick of waiting at home for them to figure this out. And watching everyone else move on with their lives back to the normal I would kill to have is just one more crack in the dike.

#quark rambles #this got really personal and mad #so sorry about that #coronavirus for ts #covid-19 for ts #quarantine for ts #carol #jasper #long post for ts

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lu-undy · 4 years

Text

Chapter 43 - SBT

Here it is!

"Thank you, M."

Both Lucien and Mundy were on the sofa still. The Frenchman had leaned his head on the Aussie's shoulder as he stroked Perle slowly.

"Mundy."

"Pardon?" Lucien asked in his native tongue.

"My name, it's M for Mundy."

"Mundy…?" Lucien repeated and the Aussie blushed, hearing his name said with the delicate French accent.

"Yeah."

"Beautiful, and exotic."

"Thanks."

Silence fell.

"Are you not curious about my name?" Lucien asked.

"Course I am. But I won't force you."

"You could ask me, that is not forcing me."

"Guess so."

"Go ahead."

"Right then, what's your name, L?"

"Lucien."

"Lucian? Oh, that's where Lulu comes from, eh? Lucian?"

"Oui, almost." Lucien smiled.

"Sorry about the accent, can't do much about it."

"No problem at all."

Lucien scooted on the sofa, slightly closer to Mundy. Now his head could lay comfortably on the Aussie's shoulder and upper chest, as both were leaning their backs on the sofa.

"I… I want to tell you the truth, Mundy."

"What about your contract?"

"This is exactly what it is about. It seems that my contract had been invalid for weeks, months even."

"You didn't know about it?"

"Non. I was kept in ignorance purposefully."

"Oh… Doesn't sound fair."

"It isn't. It is not fair at all."

In the spur of the moment, Mundy put his hand on Lucien's. He stared at it. It was quite bigger than Lucien's slim fingers, and more rough. But feeling the Frenchman's hand under his palm was pure bliss. His skin was soft, even with the lines on it. Mundy loved it.

"You can tell me if you want." Mundy said.

"Fine. I shall." Lucien cleared his throat. "Mundy, you will hate me and possibly beat me up again for hiding this from you."

"No, I won't. You told me you'd never tell me some stuff and I respect that, no problem. But if you feel like doing it now, if you feel like you can trust me with a few more things, then I'm not angry, I'm bloody grateful."

Lucien raised his eyes to the Aussie and smiled, even though sadly.

"Mundy, I am… I am a spy."

"What?"

"I work for the French government. I was sent to capture and deal with Duchemin the way that I saw fit. The contract I talked to you about is my work contract. Once I became a spy, I signed to give up the freedom to be who I wanted. I was, and always have been, whoever the French government told me to be."

"Right, I see… Is your name really Lucien then, or did they choose that for you?"

Lucien raised his head to the Aussie.

"It is really Lucien."

"Why are you lookin' at me like that?" Mundy asked.

"I am surprised, Mundy. I just told you something I have barely told anyone before and your reaction is to ask me about my name?"

"Y-yeah? What did you want me to say?"

"I don't know, but not that. It is very… Innocent."

"Hm. Maybe."

"It is…"

"Did your fiancée know about you bein' a spy?"

"Oui, I had to tell her if I wanted to build a family with her. The plan back then was to resign and get a civil job. But you know what happened."

"I'm sorry. You don't deserve that."

Lucien smiled.

"Merci."

"I mean it's awful, like with my parents."

"Indeed."

"But yeah, sorry, go on."

"Fine." Lucien took a deep breath. "A few months ago, I received a phone call. As usual, I did not pick it up. I was at home, in my apartment back in Paris and I had severed all ties with everyone, so whoever called me could go and cook himself some eggs."

"Cook what?" Mundy asked, confused.

"It's an expression in French, when you want to say that the person can go and, you know…"

"Go fuck themselves you mean?" Mundy asked.

"Such poetry, Bushman, oui that was what I meant. Anyway, in French we say that they can go and cook themselves some eggs."

Mundy chuckled.

"That's a weird one, mate."

"Well, you do have strange expressions in English too, Mundy."

"Like what?"

"Raining dogs and cats." Lucien answered.

"It's 'raining cats and dogs', mate…"

"The English have rain all the time and yet when they look up, they somehow see cats and dogs falling from the sky? Seriously?" Lucien asked.

"Nah, it's just a thing we say, like you and your eggs. But anyway, come back to your story."

"Oui, so the phone rang and I didn't pick it up." Lucien resumed. "Until it rang more and more. My mailbox also received what looked like the same letter over and over again. One day, curiosity won over and I opened it. The Minister of Defense was asking to see me, so I visited him."

"Wait, the Minister of Defense? The Minister of Defense?" Mundy asked.

"Oui, he himself. He asked me if I wanted to come back. After more than a decade of the secret services trying to find Duchemin, they finally did, with the help of Interpol and the Australian secret services. They located him here."

Lucien paused to catch his breath while Mundy was paying every bit of attention.

"Thus the Minister of Defense was offering me the privilege of being the one who would deal with the man. Obviously, I accepted. From his point of view, I was the only one who could pull it off because I am the best spy of my generation."

"Really?"

"I am not saying this out of arrogance, Mundy. I am being honest with you."

"Right… So what's changed now?"

Lucien sighed.

"Maurice called for me because he happened to come across some information. By the way, Maurice is part of the French secret services too. He is an informant and helps me out for this mission."

"Oh, that's what you meant the other day when you said it was his duty to help you?"

"Oui, exactly."

"I see, alright… So what did he tell you?"

Lucien took a deep breath and when he exhaled, Mundy felt his head slightly tremble on his shoulder.

"He told me that actually, the Ministry was sending me to my death."

"Yeah, well, we're off to kill Duchemin, mate, and you said it yourself, we're not gonna end with a trophy or anything…" Mundy said.

"Non, you misunderstood me. The French secret services want me to die at the end of this. They sent me on this mission because they knew I had a situation to settle with that man. In that context, they knew there was a slight chance that I could get emotional and end up making mistakes that would lead to my death. But they also strongly believe that with all my experience, I will carry out the job and kill Duchemin. If that happens, then my days would be counted anyway and I would die at the hand of some of his goons. That is what my employer hopes for."

"Why would they hope for that? You said you're very good at what you're doing and I saw you, you are bloody good. Why would they want you to die?"

"Because I have made my time, and the best way to make sure that the intelligence I have, however obsolete it is now, doesn't fall into enemies hands is to have me killed."

"Bugger…"

"Mundy, if I don't die by Duchemin's hand or one of his goons, France will send people to find me and end me, and they will pass as Duchemin's associates who seek revenge. No one will ever know that it is in fact the retirement that France has in store for me."

Silence fell in the flat. Lucien was breathing a little faster than usual.

"Lucien?"

"Oui?"

"Are you just… afraid to die?" Mundy asked.

"Non… I…" Lucien's voice broke and he stopped talking for an instant, to clear his throat. "I am not afraid. I just don't want to die now." He put a hand on his face and rubbed it out of embarrassment.

"I don't want you to die now either, or even after we kill Duchemin." Mundy said. "You got Perle to take care of."

"Oui and…"

"And what?"

"I want to live a bit more, Mundy. There are things that I cannot begin to tell you about, but those things, they make me want to stay alive… Merde…" Lucien put his fingers on his eyes again. The emotion was getting to him. "Besides, the idea that the employer that I have been faithful to for all my adult life, the one I rescued and freed from the Germans, the one that I killed for, the one that I did all kinds of impossible tasks for; the idea that France wants to kill me after all I did saddens me beyond belief."

"I'm sorry…"

Mundy wrapped his arms around Lucien and pulled him against his chest more strongly.

"They're a bunch of cowardly bastards, mate. Fucking idiots, all of them. And ungrateful at that, you hear me, Spook?"

Lucien nodded his head against Mundy's chest. He was struggling to not let his tears run. But the Aussie has seen enough of what he could be when Lucien let his emotions and his despair overtake him. He didn't want to show him more of that.

"Is there any way you can convince them to leave you alone?" Mundy asked.

"I do not think so…"

"There's got to be something we can do, Lucien."

"Mundy, I gave my life to this country… I gave… My adult life… Everything… I have done any and all questionable things, horrible things, all for that country, to protect it, to defend it and now they-"

"Ssh…"

Mundy felt Lucien hug him back, clawing his naked fingers in the Aussie's sides.

"Hey, I'm here, it's ok, it's alright…" Mundy rocked him slowly left and right.

"I am sorry, Mundy, I am so sorry…"

"Sorry for what?"

"This is not what I am… I am not like this… All that you saw of me today is not me, Mundy…" Lucien said with a muffled voice as his head was buried deep against Mundy's chest.

"It is you, Lucien."

Lucien raised his head to Mundy.

"It's you and it's fine." He added. "You can't pretend that you are a robot that doesn't feel anything. You're made of flesh and blood, mate, like anybody else. You got feelings, you can't ignore that. You know how I know that?"

Lucien shook his head.

"Because I talked to you about them, when you were Lulu. We talked about feelings. And I see it when you sing too. You're a normal bloke, mate, nothing else."

"What normal man kills on command? What normal man tortures his fellow human because he was told to, as if he wasn't making the other man suffer his life out? What normal man commits acts of violence and slaughter like this, only to be thanked by being sent to his grave by the same people who asked him to strip off of his humanity?"

"Mate, I… I don't know… I'm sorry for you, I'm so sorry…"

The hug tightened on both parts and Mundy's eyes snapped wide when he heard the Frenchman sniff.

"Look, those bastards can go fuck themselves, ok? I-I'm with you, ok? We'll find something, we'll find a way, surely there's something we can do."

"Meow…"

Perle brushed herself on her master too, feeling that he needed comfort.

"Mundy… Mundy, why does it have to be like this…?" He sniffed again. "Why is it that when I finally find something to look forward to, I need to die…?"

"No, don't say that, you don't need to die, not now, ssh…"

Lucien pulled himself away from his embrace with Mundy.

"Maybe this is the payback for the horrible things I have done in my life." Lucien wiped the shy tears that made his eyes glisten. He just put his index below his eyes and caught the tears before they rolled down his slender cheeks.

"Did you really do things that were that bad?" Mundy asked, easing the hug for Lucien to get some air.

The Frenchman raised his eyes to him and looked away. The shameful look he gave was enough of an answer.

"Uhm, Lucien, listen… I-I don't know but-"

"I have killed men. I have deprived women of their husbands, fathers, and sons. I have tortured way beyond what you have seen me do with my knife. I have stabbed, sliced, skinned and burnt some men alive. I have spilled enough blood to flood your entire country and mine combined."

Lucien stood up and paced the room. He walked in front of the coffee table, left and right, and Mundy followed him with his eyes.

"We were at war and our country was taken from us. Our homes, our jobs, our women and children, all were taken away, confiscated. They became the property of unfair hands, hands that enjoyed our suffering, hands that revelled in our pain and bathed in our tears."

"But you did it. France is free now, thanks to you, if I follow you."

Lucien stopped walking and sighed.

"I did not do it on my own of course, and in no history book will you ever find my name. But oui, I was there and I helped. I carried coded messages, that is how I started, a simple courrier. Then, I proved myself and my superiors saw a potential in me. So I got promoted and was now in charge of making women talk."

"You tortured sheilas?" Mundy asked, half surprised, half horrified.

"Non, I made them talk without applying any pressure to them."

"How did you do it?"

Lucien smiled at how oblivious Mundy was. He resumed his walking back and forth as the Aussie stared at the vest that he was still wearing, his jacket. Would it get the perfume of the Frenchman?

"Believe it or not, a few decades ago, all the hair that you see on my head was pitch black. The lines that you see at the corner of my eyes would only appear when I smiled and my skin was much softer. Back in those days, women would queue for miles for me…"

"What are you talking about…?" Mundy rolled his eyes and shook his head with a smile.

"I know it might be hard to believe now, but trust me, I used to be quite handsome."

"Spook, I'm not doubting what you're sayin'."

"What is it then?" Lucien stopped walking and looked curious.

"Look at this pile of paper there." Mundy pointed at the letters. "That's fan mail and all of it comes from sheilas, doesn't it?"

"Oui."

"Then you're sayin' nonsense. Nobody cares about your grey hair and the lines on your face, you idiot. Those sheilas who queue miles for you, they're still there."

Lucien smiled.

"I wish."

"They are! Look at the pile of papers! I mean, half the town is after you, mate!"

"Maybe."

"Can't you see it?" Mundy asked. "D'you know what some blokes are ready to do to get one sheila? And you're here tellin' me that you used to be handsome when heaps of sheilas are literally writing it to you!"

Lucien sat back on the sofa.

"I guess you are right. But it matters very little. I am not interested in any of them. There was only one woman in my life, and God has called her back."

"Yeah, well, you never know, maybe you'll find one that you'll like in all of those, eh?" Mundy said and Lucien chuckled.

"I doubt it. You can look at the letters yourself. None of them sound sincere, they are all overly exaggerated and there isn't a hint of originality in any of them."

"Gosh, sounds like you think too much when you read them. Can't you just take the compliments?" Mundy asked.

"Non, not when it sounds like a false note on a piano, untrue."

"Alright, let's take a look at one of them, ok?"

"Be my guest." Lucien invited him and Mundy fished one up.

"Roight, look at this.

'Dear Lulu,' Well that's a good start, right?"

Lucien rolled up his eyes with a smile.

"I have come to your past few shows and have always found your performance extremely nice and poetic. Even my husband agrees to come with me and enjoys the shows. I cannot wait for your next song,

Sincerely,"

"How do you find it?" Lucien asked.

"That's great! The sheila loves it, even her man does, what are you unhappy about?"

Lucien chuckled and shook his head.

"Mundy, Mundy, Mundy… How naive you can be…."

"What? That's what it says, isn't it?"

"Oui, indeed, but you are not reading the meaning, only the words." Lucien answered.

"Right then, tell me what you understood from it." Mundy handed the letter to Lucien.

"She writes that my performance is 'extremely nice and poetic'."

"Yeah, and?"

"And that is a very poor choice of words! I know that English has fewer words than French but come on! If you wanted to write a letter to someone whom you admire, would you write it that way?"

Mundy blushed out of embarrassment. He had already written to the man he 'admired', and he very well knew that that special man had received the letter.

"Yeah, well, no, I-I don't think I'd write that…"

"Exactly!" Lucien said. "Non, if this letter had any taste, it would be bland. Also, the mention of the husband, what do you make of it?"

"I don't know. Seems like the bloke doesn't really like that kind of thing but you made him change his mind, eh?"

Lucien looked up at Mundy's deep blue eyes.

"Is that really what you think?" He asked, dumbfounded.

"Yeah, why? What do you think?"

"My view on this is much more cynical than yours." Lucien answered.

"Go ahead."

"I think that my shows put the lady in good dispositions for her husband, once they get back home, if you know what I mean. And that is why he enjoys my shows."

"Oh… You mean she's more likely to… uh…"

"Oui, exactly, and thank you for sparing me your most crude language this time, Bushman."

"Yeah, well…" Mundy put a hand behind his neck and scratched nervously.

"So her husband doesn't like my shows for the artistic performance, but for what it means for him and his wife after."

"Bugger…"

"I told you it would be more cynical."

"Yeah, you didn't lie." Mundy said.

"Surprised?"

"Nah," Mundy found the courage to look back into those ice blue eyes. "Grateful."

"You are welcome." Lucien answered with a sweet grin.

"And all those letters sound the same you said?" Mundy looked at the pile on the floor.

"Oui, practically."

"Crikey… That's a lot of literature though. Have you read it all?"

"Oui, diagonally. None of it sounds half as true as the letter you sent me, Mundy." Lucien cocked an eyebrow as he looked towards the Aussie. Mundy slouched his back and wrapped his arms around himself.

"Y-yeah, well… I, uh, I didn't know you'd read it. I wrote it to Lulu."

"Not to me?" Lucien asked and Mundy looked the other way.

"Hm." The Aussie mumbled for an answer, because he simply didn't know what the right words would be. Yes, he had written those words to the man he had drooled at Eddy's shop for…

"Let me bring some dessert." Lucien went to the kitchen.

When he came back, Mundy was on the sofa, smoking one of Lucien's menthol cigarettes, one arm on the sofa's back and one hand on Perle, scratching her and tickling her. She mewled happily and tried to fight back against those rougher fingers.

"Someone told me…" Lucien said as he entered the room again with a tray on which were some yogurts. "And I quote, 'Would it kill you to ask before taking my stuff?' ". Lucien sat next to his friend again. "You said that to me when I took your hat at the Doctor's. Vanilla or strawberry?"

"Vanilla. And yeah, I told you that for my hat and I could say it again for my jacket, Spook." Mundy took the yogurt and spoon that Lucien handed him. "Thanks, Lucien."

"Hm, I can give you your vest back if you want."

"Nah, you're the one freezin'. You can keep it for now."

"Generous." Lucien said.

"Surprised?" Mundy answered.

"Non, not at all. You have saved me a few times already now. I am starting to think that you would do a far better job than me at catching Duchemin."

"What's that mean?" Mundy asked.

"Maybe the French government is right."

"What?!"

"Maybe my time has come, maybe I am too old to be of any use."

"Shut up…" Mundy finished his yogurt and lit a cigarette that he handed to Lucien. The Frenchman accepted it with a nod.

"Non, think about it, Mundy. I can hardly carry out that mission alone when a few decades ago I tracked and killed Nazis." Lucien took a long drag off of his cigarette. "What has become of me?"

"Nothin' wrong is what you've become. Look at you, and look at her." Mundy looked down at Perle on his lap and gave her a spoonful of yogurt. She lapped it happily. "You're a normal bloke. She can tell. You've just done and carried way too much."

Silence fell as both men stared at the kitten eating the yogurt. She lapped and lapped, quickly and happily. When she finished. Mundy put the spoon in the empty yogurt and put them back on the tray. He leaned back on the sofa and laid his arm on the sofa's back again.

"You are without a doubt very right." Lucien leaned back and laid his head on Mundy's arm.

"Maybe. But I'll never get to Duchemin without you." Mundy answered and Lucien raised his head to him.

"Meow…." Perle jumped from Mundy's lap to Lucien and stood up on her back legs to knead his chest.

"Oh… What are you doing, mon bébé? You want to scratch me?"

"Nah, even grown up cats do that." Mundy answered.

"Why?"

"It's a gesture they'd do when they're kittens, to get the milk off their mum's."

"So you think that I am your mother, Perle?" Lucien asked with a smile.

"Cats do that when they feel completely safe, as a proof that they're comfy with you."

"I see." Lucien scratched Perle's head gently and she purred. "Mundy?"

"Yeah?"

"I will help you find Duchemin, on one condition."

Mundy looked at him seriously.

"You help me find him too."

"I will."

"We will find him together." Lucien said.

"Yeah."

"And we will kill him."

"Yeah, and then we'll get you out of your trouble. No one will kill you. I shot people for you and I'll do it again if I have to. I don't care, I have no reason to live." Mundy said.

"Non, please. Don't say that. If you are willing to help me, then you must try to stay alive after all this. Never ever yield to anyone, never soften and never lower your guard to anyone, d'accord Mundy?" Lucien asked him.

[Understood]

Mundy stared in the Frenchman's eyes. He couldn't see his own ones half-closed, dreamy, and his lazy smile. But Lucien's light blue eyes looking up to him with his beautiful dark eyelashes were a strong sight.

"Too late." He said with the happiest grin on his lips.

Lucien snuggled up closer to him and put a hand on Mundy's chest.

"Thank you, Mundy."

"Yeah, to you too."

And Mundy leaned his cheek on top of Lucien's silky hair. Each breath he took was scented with the Frenchman's perfume and Mundy's eyelids would fall lower, rolling his eyes in bliss.

#tf2 sniper #tf2 spy #sniperspy #SBT

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asongofmarvelanddc · 4 years

Text

Sworn Enemies PT6

PAIRING: Alfred X Reader

WORD COUNT: 5776 pre-editing

WARNINGS/THEMES: Fluff…mostly.

SUMMARY: Y/N continues training the Saxon army in preparation for the worst-case scenario. Alfred and Y/N finally get married. Y/N realises that there may be someone conspiring against Alfred. An unexpected guest arrives in Wessex.

A/N: Please reblog and leave comments, it’s what I feed on 💛

MASTERLIST | INSTA

“What makes Vikings such great warriors?”

Ten men stood before you, each of them with their hands behind them, backs straight and eyes forward. You were almost certain that if you suddenly began to undress, not one man's stance would waver.

These men were chosen by the former Commander. “They are the best of the best,” he had said. You would have preferred to observe and select your own men by yourself, but the Saxons were already unhappy with Alfred’s choice to name you Commander, so you decided to accept the men he presented.

They were to learn from you and relay the knowledge they learned to the rest of the army, making it faster and easier to whip them into shape. So far, they seemed to be receptive and had proved themselves to be capable. But to beat your enemy, you have to know them, and these men knew nothing about Vikings.

The men were silent as they stared straight ahead and you raised an eyebrow, “That was not a rhetorical question, I am looking for an answer.”

They remained silent.

“No one can answer?” you asked as you looked at each man in front of you.

“You,” you pointed at one of the soldiers to your right and he immediately stepped forward, “What makes the Vikings such great warriors?”

The man glanced awkwardly at the men around him before clearing his throat, “I have never fought a Viking army.”

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise as you walked closer to him, “Never?” He shook his head once more, looking ahead as you spoke to him. You let out a heavy sigh and began walking back to where you were stood previously, muttering, “That is not reassuring.”

“But my father fought them.” You stopped in your tracks and turned around when the soldier spoke again.

“He said they fought like they were not afraid of death.”

You struggled to hide the smile that formed on your lips. “Yes,” you cleared your throat and continued addressing all the men, “And why do we fight like we do not fear death? Hm?”

“Because you are all savages,” one of the soldiers on your left spoke.

An eerie silence descended over the courtyard as your eyes narrowed. A few of the slaves around had paused their work to observe what would happen next. You clasped your hands behind your back and walked towards the soldier, lips pursed in anger, stopping right in front of him.

One second, you were staring at him with hard eyes and the next, your fist was connecting to his nose. Blood streamed from his nostrils as he gripped his nose tightly with his hand. After a few seconds, he released the nose, letting the blood flow, before standing back at attention, arms at his side.

“I asked for factual reasons, not your opinions,” you spat as you turned to return to the the front, “Anybody else?”

The silence was deafening. The disappointment was clear on your face as you let out a sigh and shook your head.

“You must know your enemy, understand them, their culture, their beliefs, if you want to defeat them,” you spoke, loudly so each and every one of them could hear you, “We fight like we do not fear death because we believe that dying on the battle field grants us entrance to Valhalla, or for you, heaven.”

You paused for a moment to let your words sink in before addressing them again, “Do you fear death?”

One of the soldiers snorted, “Everyone fears death, my Lady.”

You cracked a smile, “Unless I am in a dress, I would prefer it if you referred to me as ‘Commander’.”

“Yes, Commander.”

“So, why?” you asked and he glanced in your direction in confusion, “Why should you fear death if you are going to heaven?”

You clasped your hands together in front of you then walked along the row of men. “Are you sinners?” you asked rhetorically, cocking an eyebrow.

Stopping in your tracks, you faced the soldiers with a hardened gaze. “I hear you have a very forgiving God,” you said, “Pray. Repent. I don’t care what you have to do.”

“From this day forth I want you to fight like Vikings,” you commanded, meeting as many eyes as you could, “I want you to move like Vikings. Think like Vikings...Be Viking.”

Silence descended over the courtyard. Only the sounds of birds squawking were discernible. A feeling of pride overcame you as each of them hung on your every word. They were your army.

Your instruments of wrath.

***

Alfred had been watching you from the balcony above the courtyard. His eyes never left your form, whether you were simply talking to the men or sparring with them. He was in awe. After the session, when you looked up to see if he was still there, he finally shifted his gaze away from you in embarrassment. It didn’t matter because you had already felt his eyes on you.

As you approached him, Alfred outstretched an arm, intending to wrap it around you, but you drew back. “I don’t want to get your clothes dirty,” you chuckled, looking down at your muddy clothes. He simply rolled his eyes and hugged you anyways, placing a kiss on your forehead.

“You broke that man’s nose,” he laughed as he looked down at you. You looked to the man whose injuries were now being tended to.

“It will heal,” you shrugged which made Alfred raise an eyebrow before laughing once more.

You fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, which allowed you to think. The further into your mind you went, the guiltier you felt. Soon, the content smile on your face had been replaced with a frown.

“What is it?” Alfred asked, noticing your expression.

You let out a heavy sigh and looked up at him. “Do you think the Vi-,” you cut yourself off and rephrased the question, “Do you think my brothers will come soon?”

Alfred was clearly confused by the seemingly random question, but nevertheless, he shook his head and answered, “I don’t know.”

You let out a breath and looked down at the courtyard, “If they do come, do you think we will be prepared?”

“That is a question I should be asking you, don’t you think?” he asked, looking down at you, but you didn’t answer, nor did you look up at him, “Y/N. What's the matter, really?”

Shutting your eyes for a moment, you debated whether you should confess your fears to him. Then you heard him whisper, “You can trust me with whatever you are feeling,” as his thumb stroked the top of your hip.

Shaking your head, you opened your eyes and turned to face him, both his hands now resting on your hips, “I feel like a traitor. Like I have betrayed my people.”

“You told me yourself that the only reason you came here is because your brothers betrayed you,” he replied. You nodded your head and frowned.

“They did,” you whispered, “But Bjorn and Ubbe did not. And everything I'm doing here affects them just as much as it affects Ivar and Hvitserk.”

Alfred’s hands left your hips and rested on your shoulders, “Y/N, all of this is only a contingency plan.”

You sighed and shook your head. “Alfred, we have to be realistic,” you said, “Do you really think that there will be peace with no more bloodshed?”

Alfred dropped his arms to rest at his sides. “You’re right.”

“Both Vikings and Saxons have too much pride to settle this peacefully,” you continued, looking out into the courtyard once more, “There will be many more battles before anyone wins this war.”

“Y/N...” he trailed off, “I am trying to do this the best way I can.”

You turned to look at him and placed your hand in his. “I know,” you nodded, looking into his blue eyes, “But you do not think the way your people do, and as King, it is your responsibility to reflect your people’s views,”

“Or I can do whatever I please.”

You rolled your eyes. “Yes. As King, it means you can do whatever you want. But it also means that you cannot do whatever you want.”

Silence descended on you both once more.

“I keep thinking about my Uncle Rollo,” you whispered, “He betrayed my father and our people hated him for it - they still do. And he did it all for fame.”

“You have a better reason than your uncle did.”

Cocking your head to the side, you shrugged your shoulders. “Perhaps,” you said, “But I still wonder if my justification is good enough.”

A frown formed on Alfred’s lips and you looked away from him. You knew that saying that would hurt him, but you had to let him know how you felt. He let go of your hand and rested his hands on the balcony rail, looking out into the courtyard. You sighed and turned to face him, “Alfred, I’m-”

“Lady Y/N?” a young woman’s voice sounded from behind you. With a heavy sigh, you turned around to face her, an eyebrow raised in question. She cleared her throat, licked her lips and clasped her hands in front of her. You intimidated every woman - and some of the men - in this country, and you found yourself witnessing their fear every time they spoke to you.

“Lady Margaret sent me to tell you that your dress is ready for fitting,” the woman spoke. Lady Margaret was the seamstress who had been in charge of dressing you ever since you arrived in Wessex. She was one of the few women who had embraced you with open arms. She was arguably your only friend in the country. Except Alfred, of course.

“Can we have the fitting later, I’m...busy right now,” you said, glancing to Alfred for a moment.

The young woman looked uncertain. “The ceremony is tomorrow,” she explained, “I imagine Lady Margaret would want time to make any necessary adjustments.”

You let out a sigh, “Fine.” You gave a quick, backward glance to Alfred who was...it was hard to explain how hurt he looked. But it was not the time to talk. You turned back to the woman and nodded your head, “Let’s go.”

__________________________

You couldn’t recognise yourself in the mirror. The girl staring back at you, she looked like you, but at the same time, she didn’t. Because never had you ever looked this-

“Stunning.”

Through the mirror, you spotted the owner of the voice. He pushed himself off the door frame of the bedroom before walking in. “That dress is stunning,” he began as he stopped just behind you, “Perfect for the woman wearing it.”

“Thank you, Aethelred,” you forced a smile on your lips, “It is beautiful, isn’t it? Lady Margaret did a wonderful job.”

“It’s in her blood,” he shrugged, “Her mother made my mother’s dress.”

“I imagine she looked a vision.”

“I don’t doubt it,” he chuckled.

Focusing your gaze on the dress, you admired it once again, letting out a sigh of content as a smile tugged on the corner of your lips. The dress was red lace from top to bottom, with long sleeves and a neckline that rested just below your collar bone. The Saxons were not too keen on showing skin.

Aethelred suddenly moved closer, his fingers lightly tracing the intricate design on your waist line. The sensation caused the hair on your skin to stand on end, and you sucked in a sharp breath. You were irritated. “Look at that detailing,” he whispered, his breath fanning your face because he was standing so close.

You lifted your gaze to look at him through the mirror, and it was only then that you realised how close he was. He stood just behind you, close enough that the heat radiating from his body completely enveloped you. His hand was still on your waist, and his gaze fixed on you. A person who did not know any better would assume that he was the man you were marrying tomorrow - and that made you uncomfortable.

“Such a shame,” he murmured, “That you met him first.”

You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion and cracked a smile, “Why is that a shame?”

“If we had met first, perhaps I would be the man you were marrying.”

You blinked after his statement before soft laughter escaped your lips. When he did not join you, you immediately ceased your laughing and tilted your head up to look at him.

“You're serious?” you asked him, eyebrows raised in surprise, “You think if I had saved your life during the battle, you would be in Alfred’s place?”

His silence spoke many words. That was exactly what he was insinuating.

“You don’t agree?” he asked with a raised brow, he was genuinely surprised by your reaction.

“No. I do not.”

You turned back to the mirror and brushed his hands off of you, suddenly feeling irritated.

“Well,” he sighed, a forced smile on his lips, “It’s still a shame.”

You watched as he leaned down to whisper into your ear.

“It would have been nice to have you by my side when I'm King.”

You paused to let his words sink in.

When I’m King.

When.

By the time you registered what Aethelred had said, he had already disappeared from the room. He intended to become King soon, and the only way he could take that title from his brother is if Alfred died. A feeling of dread descended upon you as you connected the dots. Was Aethelred planning on murdering Alfred?

__________________________

Alfred occupied the biggest room in the castle. You had only been in there a handful of times, and even so, you had only ever gotten as far as the bed. Judith did not approve of your visits to see Alfred. She believed that you were trying to tempt Alfred into ‘sinning’. Quite hypocritical of her considering the story of Alfred’s conception. The truth is, she wanted you as far away from her son as possible, which would become impossible after the wedding.

Now here you were, standing in front of Alfred’s door. This was the first time you had ever felt nervous when going to see him. You were worried that he was still angry with you after what you had said earlier, a misunderstanding. You needed to apologise. He was the only person in the entire country that you could trust, and after your conversation with Aethelred, you feared that you were one of the very few that he could trust.

You knocked softly on the door and waited quietly.

No answer.

“Alfred?” you knocked slightly harder and called out his name.

Again, no answer.

With a sigh, you twisted the handle and pushed the door open. The bed chamber was empty, and his bed was made. It was getting quite late, you had assumed that he would be here.

Turning to leave, you stopped in your tracks when you heard sloshing sounds coming from the privy where his baths were usually drawn. You followed the sounds and peeked your head around the doorway.

Alfred was sitting in the bath, his arms resting on the sides and his head thrown back as he stared at the ceiling. He looked deep in thought.

“Alfred?” you called out softly. He raised his head at the sound of your voice, a shocked expression on his face when he found you standing there.

“Y/N,” he answered in surprise and sat up a little. You stepped forward and entered the room completely.

“I need to talk to you,” you said, clasping your hands in front of you, “Are you busy?”

He looked taken aback for a moment before shaking his head and gesturing to the stool beside the bath. You nodded and walked over to the stool to sit down. You started to wonder where the slave girl who washed him had gotten to. Why was he alone in here?

“Where is Agatha?” you asked, turning to face him. He simply shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

“Very well.”

You sat in silence as you gathered your thoughts while Alfred soaked. He seemed tense, but you made no comment about it.

You knew you had to apologise to him, but the conversation you had with Aethelred earlier was nagging at you. Alfred trusted his brother more than anyone else. If you confessed your fears of his betrayal...you were afraid to find out who Alfred would choose to believe.

“Why are you here, Y/N?”

Alfred’s question pulled you out of your thoughts. You cleared your throat and adjusted your seating, “I came to apologise to you.”

He nodded but did not respond.

“Alfred,” when you called his name, he turned to look at you, “You know I didn’t mean what it must have sounded like to you."

His gaze softened, but still, he did not speak.

“Even though I don’t regret coming here to be with you, I have moments where I feel like I betrayed my people. My brothers, my mother and father’s memory,” you looked down at your fingers sadly, “You have to understand, I abandoned everything to be here with you, and it is not easy to just...let go. If you can't see that, then...”

You waited with a held breath for Alfred’s response, and eventually he spoke.

“I'm not angry,” he let out a breath, “I was just surprised. You've seemed so happy in the last few months.”

“And I have been,” you reassured him, “You were worth it then, and you are now. That has not changed.”

Alfred’s face broke out in a smile, “I would wait until after the wedding to say that to me.”

“Why is that?”

“My mother tells me that ‘marital bliss’ lasts only a short time,” he chuckled and leaned back in the bath, “Very soon, you will be tired of seeing my face.”

“Oh, I am sure,” you agreed sarcastically, “When we start having sex, that will definitely ruin our marriage.”

Alfred’s cheeks suddenly turned a deep red and you chuckled at his innocence.

“You are very sweet,” you placed a quick kiss on his lips then stood up. On your way out of the room, you turned around to smile at him, “I will see you at the wedding tomorrow.”

__________________________

It was the wedding day.

You stood just outside the throne room, alone, apart from two guards who stood by the door. Their hands rested on the handles, waiting for your signal to open the doors. You twiddled your thumbs nervously as you took deep breaths. You wished there was someone beside you to calm you down. Why did you have to do this alone?

“Can you remind me how the wedding is conducted?”

You had just returned from the courtyard where you’d been training some of the men in the army. Sometime in the middle of your earlier conversations, Alfred had stood behind you at your vanity and began helping you to undo the braids in your hair as you coached him on how to do so.

“The ceremony will take place in the throne room,” Alfred smiled, “With a few Lords, Dukes, and family.”

“Why not in the Church?” you asked in confusion, looking at him through the mirror.

“It is not the same for Royalty,” he answered, moving on to another braid, “The Bishop and Priest will come to the throne room and officiate the ceremony there.”

“I see.”

“Traditionally,” he continued, “The bride’s father would accompany her as she walks down the aisle. He would then hand his daughter to the groom; it symbolises the groom taking on the responsibility for the welfare and happiness of his bride. In our case, however, you will be walking alone because-”

“Because my father is dead.”

“Yes...”

“And even if he wasn’t, he has killed hundreds of your people,” you pursed your lips, “I sincerely doubt he would be welcome.”

“Yes...” Alfred cleared his throat awkwardly and continued, “So you will be walking alone.”

You had been preparing for this for the last few weeks, and it was time to face the crowd. You sucked in a sharp breath and straightened your back before nodding to the guards. At your signal, they pulled the doors open, revealing the throne room.

Clasping your hands together, you raised your chin slightly and began to walk slowly into the room. As soon as you entered, you realised every single pair of eyes was fixed on you. Suddenly, your strong gaze started to waver, and you felt the urge to run back out the way you came.

You turned away from the mirror and looked up at Alfred, “What if I get nervous?”

Alfred laughed like you had just told a joke.

“You? Nervous?”

“I will be alone,” you explained, “None of those people like me. I might feel intimidated.” You lowered your gaze and avoided his eyes, embarrassed to show any vulnerability.

“Yes, you will be alone,” he nodded then placed his fingers under your chin, tilting your head up, “And you won’t care.”

As you walked, you looked around at the staring people standing for you.

On the left side of the aisle, Margaret stood there beaming at you. It comforted you ever so slightly. You cracked the smallest of smiles and gave her a slight nod before turning to the right aisle.

Sitting in the front row was Judith and Aethelred. Shockingly, Judith was not scowling, nor did she look like she would explode at any moment. She looked...indifferent. You were visibly taken aback and found that your confused eyes remained on her until you reached the altar.

“You won’t be alone for long,” Alfred shrugged as his hands returned to your hair, “When you reach the altar, I will take your hand and the ceremony will officially begin.”

Alfred stood on the right side of the altar. He was wearing a velvet cloak, held together with a golden chain. His crown balanced atop his head and a soft smile graced his lips when he saw you. He took your hand in his as you approached. You held your joined hands up, visible for everyone to see as you faced the Bishop.

On the step in front of you was a table holding two lit candles and one unlit, a giant cross, a bell, and a small jug.

“We will both climb the step and kneel in front of the table.”

You awkwardly fixed the red veil covering your hair and adjusted your position on the floor. You were sure your knees were starting to bruise due to the hard concrete floor.

“Then the Bishop will hand us each a stick...”

You lifted your veil ever so slightly to glance at Alfred. You were unsure of what to do next. He must have felt your stare on his face because he turned to you and nodded to the lit candle in front of you.

You copied his movements as he used the candle in front of him to light his stick. Together, you lit the middle candle. A few days ago, Alfred had told you that it was a symbol of unification between the pride and groom.

“And finally, we take our vows.”

“Do you, Alfred, son of Aethelwulf, before all these witnesses here gathered, take this woman, Y/N, daughter of...” the Bishop swallowed thickly before continuing, “Ragnar as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this moment until death parts you?”

"I, of course. will answer with -”

“I do.”

Alfred glanced at you for a moment and gave you a reassuring smile before turning back to the Bishop.

“Do you, Y/N, before all these witnesses, take this man, Alfred, to have and to hold, and forsaking all others, to serve and obey from this time henceforth until you die?”

“Obey?”

Once again you turned to face Alfred. “I have to swear to obey you for the rest of my life?” you asked, completely bewildered, “That is not marriage, that’s slavery!”

The conditions for marriage were completely different with Vikings. Your mother never had to swear to obey your father. Margrethe never had to swear to obey Ubbe. It was strange as well as insulting.

“It is the way we do things here,” Alfred shrugged, “You can seek comfort in the fact that you are not Christian. Your vows are not binding...to you.”

It seemed like everyone, from the guests, to the Priest and the Bishop, were waiting with held breaths for your answer. You couldn’t be sure which answer they were waiting and hoping for; ‘I do’ or ‘I don’t’.

You opened your mouth to answer when you accidentally inhaled some of the smoke coming from the burning incense that the Priest was holding. Alfred shot you a concerned look as you broke into a coughing fit, but you quickly recovered and waved him off.

You looked up at the Bishop and cringed, “I’m sorry.” His plain expression remained unchanged.

You cleared your throat and licked your dry lips nervously. Everyone was waiting. Pushing out every doubt in your mind, you sucked in a deep breath and nodded, “I do.”

The bishop gestured to you both with his hands, “You may stand.”

Both of you stood and clasped your hands in front you. The Priest handed you a gold ring, similar to the one he gave Alfred.

“Let these rings be a permanent sign that you are united in holy matrimony,” the Bishop declared as you and Alfred slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers, “In the eyes of these people, and in the eyes of God.”

A chorus of “Amen” was heard as Alfred took your hand and you both turned around to face the guests as man and wife.

The Viking princess and the Saxon King.

Married.

__________________________

“This is so strange.”

A feast was thrown in honour of the King and his new Queen that evening. However, what the Saxons referred to as a celebration, was actually quite dull. Viking funerals were livelier than this. Everything here was so...tame.

All through the feast, various people had approached yours and Alfred’s table to offer their congratulations and a few gifts. The whole time, you only managed to muster up a smile and a few thank you’s, but mainly left Alfred to do the greeting.

In all honesty, you were uncomfortable sitting there. You were surrounded by people you didn’t know in a dress that was starting to itch. Earlier, you were informed that it would not be lady like to scarf down all the food on your plate, and so, you were growing hungrier by the minute.

But above all else, you couldn’t shake the unfamiliarity of being referred to as someone’s ‘wife’, as well as the overwhelming guilt that came with the term. For every second of happiness you were feeling, there was a conflicting sadness over the fact that your brothers were not here. Neither was your mother...or your father.

Even if he was alive, would he have approved? Would he have hated you for, literally, getting into bed with a Saxon?

“What is?” Alfred asked from your side, pulling you out of your thoughts.

You glanced at him for a second then back to crowd and let out a deep breath. “Everything,” you sighed, “It’s so...surreal.”

“I agree,” he chuckled, “I was only getting used to being addressed as ‘King Alfred’. Now, there are two things I have to get used to.”

“I became a wife and a Queen of Saxons in one day, I think there is a lot more for me to get used to,” you downed the red wine in your chalice, glancing at Alfred over the top of the cup as you drank.

“I was not aware it was a competition,”

“It would only be a competition if you had a chance of winning.”

Alfred chuckled, amusement in his eyes, “Competing over who has more right to feel overwhelmed. I expect this is normal for newlyweds?”

“I suppose so,” you pursed your lips then turned to Alfred. You both let out a soft laugh just as Judith approached your table.

She was wearing a smile on her face. She looked from you to her son, hands clasped in front of her.

“It is...heartwarming to see the newlyweds so jovial,” she smiled. You awkwardly looked at Alfred, not knowing what to say. He was very well aware of your...strained relationship with his mother. She did not like you, and the feeling was not mutual.

“It was a beautiful ceremony,” she continued, then swallowed, “And you looked beautiful, Y/N.”

You were once again visibly taken aback by her compliment. She stunned you into silence.

“Congratulations to you both,” she finished and turned to walk away.

Alfred rose from his seat and walked around the table to his mother before pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you, mother,” he smiled softly.

“Thank you, Judith, for your kind words,” you said, a little breathlessly, still in shock. She simply flashed another forceful smile before walking away to join a few of the other women in the room.

You were about to discuss what could have possibly caused Judith’s sudden change of heart when you were interrupted by Aethelred.

He walked up to the table, a proud smirk on his face and an empty goblet in his hand. “Brother,” he cheered as he grabbed Alfred’s face and placed a sloppy kiss on his face. Alfred couldn’t help but laugh at his brother’s drunkenness, but your laughter was forced. You were still wary of him after what he had said yesterday.

When I am King...

What did that mean?

“I never thought you would be the first to be married, brother,” he shook his head in disbelief, “And to a Viking woman! It says something that you had to look outside the country to find someone willing to marry you.”

You rolled your eyes as Alfred chuckled at his brother’s words. “Oh, I assure you brother, from Northumbria to right here in Wessex, the women are weeping over the great loss they have suffered today,” Alfred winked and sipped his wine.

“The women are more than welcome to seek comfort in my warm embrace-”

“Okay,” you cut them off as you stood up, “This dress is extremely uncomfortable, and seeing as you will be discussing women for the time being, I shall use this opportunity to rid myself of it. Excuse me.”

Alfred watched you as you descended the steps and manoeuvred through the crowd, until you exited the room before turning back to his brother. Aethelred was staring.

“Well?” his brother asked.

“’Well’, what?” Alfred downed his wine, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Why are you still sitting here? Follow her.”

“What?”

Aethelred leaned forward to whisper into his brother’s ear. “You know the reason why you married the heathen. The one reason,” he hissed, “Now go and put a son in the woman.”

Alfred looked up at his older brother and nodded his head. Aethelred gave him a short squeeze on the shoulder before ushering him along. As Alfred walked out of the room, the guests erupted in cheers for what was about to come.

It was time to consummate the marriage.

__________________________

A significant amount of time had passed since the wedding.

Nothing changed much. You continued to train your men, while Alfred dealt with the pretentious Lords and Ladies that you had no patience for. You still had a temper that was best channeled into sparring.

It seemed like the Saxons had grown to trust you. There was no longer any animosity towards you, not any that was obvious anyways. The longer you and Alfred were married, the greater the pressure to produce heirs became.

You had been ill for a few weeks now, and Alfred was sure that the pregnancy was making you ill. Despite reassuring him that it was only a fever, he, along with his mother, brother and a few others, had insisted on you being seen by the midwife.

Which is why you were currently sitting in your bedroom, being examined by the midwife. She had taken some measurements and inspected your urine. Now, she was examining your breasts, a thoughtful expression on her face.

You were growing impatient. You were absolutely sure that you were not with child, but you still wanted a swift confirmation to expunge any and all worries.

“When was your last bleed?” she suddenly asked, looking up at you. You thought about it for longer than you expected. Was it...

“Um-”

“Lady Y/N,” you were interrupted by a young woman entering the room, “The King has requested your presence in the throne room.”

You let out a heavy sigh, “Can it wait?”

“I’m afraid he says it is urgent,” she shook her head, “You have visitors that he would like you to meet.”

You frowned in confusion before nodding your head, “Very well.” You rose and began to dress yourself with the assistance of a few of your hand maidens who had entered the room.

As you stood outside the throne room, you could hear loud chatter and what sounded like arguing. You could not hear Alfred’s voice, however.

What is going on?

You pushed the door open and entered the room. As you walked towards Alfred’s throne, the room grew silent and everyone stared at you.

“I would like you all to meet my wife, Y/N” Alfred said proudly as you stopped beside him. It was not an tone that you associated with him, which only added to your confusion.

You leaned down to whisper nervously in his ear, “What is happening, Alfred? Why are all these people staring at me?”

“You have guests,” Alfred pointed into the crowd of people, “From Kattegat.”

That one word sent you into a trance.

Kattegat. Home.

Who was here? Ubbe? Hvitserk? Ivar?

You stepped forward and squinted your eyes to see better. Standing somewhere in the middle was a tall burly man. His head was shaved bald, but his beard was blonde. His blue eyes stared at you intensely. Blue eyes that resembled your father’s. Blue eyes that you could never ever forget.

“Bjorn?”

This a repost of Sworn Enemies because my old blog got deleted. There’s a few changes, but it’s mainly the same.

Special thanks to these people! I’m glad you guys like this series 💛:

@shelbi-percifull , @florenceivy , @cbouvier23 , @icylodge , @simvez , @squirrelacorngliterfarts , @writingeverynowand-then , @fromforeigntofamiliarity , @studyingthemind , @fuckthatfeeling , @brooklynalpha , @girl-obsessed-with-things , @deficilimbecile , @paarachvtes , @xbergiex , @olamishamigo , @xinyourdreamsx @camu-winchester , @feyrearcheron44 , @alpha-pac , @candyheartsandcigarettes , @ok-roemanov , @ajxlawley

#king alfred #king alfred x reader #Alfred vikings #alfred vikings x reader #alfred #alfred x reader #alfred the great #alfred the great x reader #alfred vikings season 5 #vikings season 5 #vikings imagine #vikings #vikings tv show

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lovemesomesurveys · 4 years

Text

“Like ships in the night, you keep passing me by”

Do you own a black leather jacket? A pleather one, yes. Something badass about wearing one haha.

Do you find musicians or athletes more attractive? I’ve been attracted to more musicians, but that’s cause I’m more familiar with them. I don’t see a lot of athletes as someone who doesn’t watch or care at all about sports. Although, guys in baseball uniforms are nice. haha. Oh, back when I was like 13 or 14 I remember thinking Andy Roddick, a tennis player, was hot. I saw his photo in a magazine. Are you better at spelling or writing? I think both. How many siblings do you have? Two. If you could have an ice cream sundae right now, would you? No.

Do you use emoji's? Yeah. I don’t go crazy, but I like to use them as I see fit. When was the last time you lost a tooth? I broke a tooth like 10 years ago and had to get it pulled. You ask this question like it’s the norm to loose a tooth when I’m pretty sure the people who take surveys are past the ages where you lose your teeth. Do you like bendy or regular straws better? I like to use coffee stirrer straws cause the holes are small. If someone signed you up for karate lessons, would you take them? Uh, no. What's your favorite song? I have numerous favorite songs.

Click shuffle on any music device. What's the 12th song that comes up? Nah. What's your most used website? Tumblr and YouTube. Do you come on this website as much as you used to when you first found it? Not as much, no. I used to spend like all day on Tumblr back in the day. Now I typically just get on at night as part of my nighttime routine of Tumblr and surveys. That’s also when I watch the most YouTube cause I like to listen to ASMR at night. I feel like I probably go on YouTube more now than before or perhaps it’s about the same. Do you drink hot tea? Once in awhile. It’s usually when I’m feeling really anxious or really sick.

“& it’s too cold outside for angels to fly”

Is there anyone you want to see in concert really bad? I’m sad I never got to see Linkin Park. I don’t know if they’ll decide tour now, but it wouldn’t be the same without Chester. :( Do you like Abercombie? Nah. Do you still take a survey even if they don't capitalize letters? Yeah. Does your computer have word correct on it? It’ll do the red squiggly line if something is misspelled or it doesn’t recognize the word and if I hit control and click on the word it’ll offer a suggestion if it’s a recognized word. What's one of your wishes for 2013? Well, we’re towards the end of 2020 now and I just pray we’re able to get through the rest of the year without anything else crazy coming at us. Do you fight with your mom often? No, my mom is my best friend she and I very close. We just bicker sometimes. Would you rather have your son have the name Daniel as first or middle name? Sounds more like a first name to me, but meh I don’t really care for the name at all. I don’t even want to have children so it doesn’t matter lol but if I did I’d go with another name. Have you ever made up a food combo & everyone tired it & loved it? Pizza rolls and mustard. What was the last movie you watched? Would you recomend it to people? Bringing Down the House the other day cause I happened to catch it on TV. It came out in like 2003 so it’s not new, but I’ve always liked it. I think it’s funny. What is one word you cannot seem to spell? Every time this question comes up I always say “onomatopoeia” for some reason and damnit I have yet to spell it right without having to look it up. I don’t know what it is about that stupid word that I just can’t seem to remember lol. It’s a word I never use unless this question comes up, so I guess maybe that’s why, but still. I should be able to spell it. Were you born on an odd or even number? Even. Do you like Ed Sheeran? I like several of his songs. When you type, what hand & finger do you use to hit the space bar? I use my right index finger. I don’t type the proper way, I use my index fingers lol. I type really fast that way, too. Do you like to take pictures of you in the mirror? Only if I want to show the shirt or outfit I’m wearing.

“you are the best thing that’s ever been mine”

Have you read the book Lord of the Flies? Yeah, it was required in my 10th grade English class. Would you rather type or hand write notes? My handwriting is trash, but I feel like handwritten notes are nice. Do you like the number seven? I don’t have anything against it. Do you believe that when you go to heaven, you become an angel? No. I believe in angels, but not that we become one. Angels are another of God’s creations. They’re ministering spirits. They’re their own thing and humans are another. How much money do you plan on spending tomorrow? I don’t plan on spending any money tomorrow. Are you good at writing poems? No. I dabbled a bit with it when I was like 16 and angsty, but they’re so cringe. I still have the journal stored away with them and I’ve gone back to read them as an adult and yikes. Do you come on here daily? For the most part, unless I’m really not feeling well. What's one thing you wish you were perfect at? No one is perfect, but it’d be nice to be a functioning adult. Can you play the saxophone? Nope. Does it bother you when people breathe loud? I will say I feel uncomfortable when someone has a breathing problem because it makes me hyper focused on my own breathing and I end up feeling like I can’t breathe. Are you going to any concerts in 2013? Can you believe it's going to be 2013? I didn’t. The last concert I went to was back in 2009. Were you in love with the movie Mary Poppins? Not in love with it, but I like it. Do you like breadsticks? Yes. Have you ever been on a mountain? Yeah, I took a gondola ride up to one. If you had to get rid of one of your sense, which one and why? I’d really rather not.

“the first cut is the deepest”

Can you swim? Nope. Do you usually wear shorts around your house all year long? No, I wear leggings all year long. Do you remember Sesame Street? Of course. It’s also still very much a thing. Do you believe every word that comes out of peoples mouths? Of course not. You have to take some things with a grain of salt or healthy dose of skepticism. You gotta gauge what is being said and who is saying it, too, and make the judgment. That doesn’t mean I don’t trust my loved ones or that I think everyone is a liar or something, but people can give misinformation unknowingly, so it’s not always being done intentionally. It’s just not a good idea to believe every single word that comes out of people’s mouths. Do you like the questions that really make you think? Depends on my mood. What are you asking for for Christmas? Just a few little things. What time do you plan on going to bed on Tuesday? I don’t have a set bedtime for any given day, I go to bed whenever. I’ve talked a lot about my messed up sleep schedule in surveys. It’s certainly not planned. How many of your friends are online right now on here? I have no idea who’s currently on. I’m kind of the night owl of the survey community who’s up doing surveys while everyone is asleep like normal people. When they’re getting up in the morning, I’m going to bed, ha. :X Do you know what Je means in French? I do, actually. How often do you write in red pen? I don’t recall the last time I used a red pen. Do you cut your own hair? No. I used to trim my own bangs back when I had ‘em, though. Do you have any pictures in your room from concerts? No. Would you ever name your son Harry? Again, I don’t want to have children, but Harry is another name I don’t particularly care for. Have you ever had your nails done in french tips? Yeah, the one and only time I got my nails done, which was for my 8th grade promotion. Is it harder for you to type on a keyboard that isn't yours & not used to? Yes, for sure. I also don’t type as fast on my phone than I do on my laptop.

“I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller”

What shoe do you take off first? Hm. I think my right. What do you think a good teen couple name would be for a story? Uh I don’t know? If you were coming to the states from another country, where first? I’m from the states. Would you pay $82 for facial products? No. Do you get a lot of compliments often? Nope. It’s rare. Was Mean Girls one of the best movies in your opinion? I wouldn’t say it was the best movie, but it’s a favorite of mine. It’s just a classic, ya know? One of those nostalgic movies with a lot of memorable quotes. If it was Sat, 2 in the afternoon, what would we find you to be doing? I’d most likely be asleep. Do any of your best friends have red hair? No. Would you like to be on the cover of Seventeen magazine? No. Or any magazine. Would you rather go to an Adele or Bruno Mars concert? I mean, I like songs from both so I wouldn’t be opposed to either one. Would you like to live in Sweden? No, but I’d love to visit. Are you concerned about your weight? Yes. I’m too underweight. Do you know anyone who has the middle name Sebastian? I don’t think so. Do you remember where you got your first kiss at? Of course. Did you ever watch the show 8 Simple Rules? I watched it here and there cause it was part of the TGIF lineup that had other shows I liked.

“I hope you’re in the mood, because this is going to be a long ride”

Does your computer need to be cleaned? Underneath the keys badly need to be cleaned. Would you ever name your child Sushine, Raine, River etc? I kinda like Raine. Is it any of your friend's birthday today? No friends. When is the person you like birthday? I don’t like anyone in the romantic sense. Do you like yogurt? Nah. When you type, do you ever mix letters around by accident? (EX: ot - to) Yes. Do you like butterflies? No. I’m afraid of ALL bugs/insects, even the ones people think are cute like butterflies and ladybugs. Nopeee. Do you consider the tomato a fruit or vegetable? Tomatoes apparently can be referred to as either one. I always thought they were a vegetable. Does it rain over where you live? Yes. It hasn’t rained since like March or April, though. We Californians get excited when it rains cause it doesn’t happen often lol. I hope we get some soon. It’s been cold now at least, which I love. Is there any snow on the ground? It doesn’t snow in my city. :( Do you like soup? I only like ramen. When's the last time you made cupcakes? It’s been a few years. How many lamps are in the room your currently in? My lights are off. Have you talked the person you like today? Have you ever been bullied? No.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

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keepyourpantsongohan · 5 years

Text

And Tomorrow Late

‘See you later,’ huh? Maybe he did change a little. (Part II, Ep. 361) | AO3 |

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Kakashi is too early precisely four times.

The first is when he is four years out of ANBU. He is in an apartment which is not his own, having seen a familiar face carrying groceries through the door. He had jumped up to the window on a whim.

“Senpai,” Tenzō says, as if it still applies. He sounds surprised, but it is likely less at the intrusion than the intruder. “What are you doing here?”

“This isn’t ANBU barracks.”

“It isn’t,” Tenzō agrees. “Would you like some tea?”

Kakashi thinks on it for a moment, and then nods. “When did you get your own place?”

Tenzō sets his groceries down, and puts the kettle on. “Six months ago, on the last room rotation. I thought it was time for a change.”

Kakashi stares at the room around him. It does not betray any particular sense of homeliness, but Kakashi also knows if Tenzō wanted that, he could have it instantly. Instead, the only sense of permanence in the room is the plants. They hang from hooks installed in the ceiling, sit on windowsills, and on shelves that face the sun. He is either home often enough to water them, or has carefully selected his houseplants to fit his lifestyle. Kakashi suspects the latter.

Considerate to the needs of greenery. It makes Kakashi smile.

In Kakashi’s musings, Tenzō has already had time to prepare their tea. He is handed a cup, and he murmurs his thanks.

“Why are you here, Kakashi?”

Kakashi shrugs. “I was passing by,” he answers honestly, though he’s certain it’s not what Tenzō is asking.

He’s right in his assessment, by the way Tenzō taps his fingers on his thigh. Tenzō still doesn’t have any tells in his expression. What he does notice in Tenzō’s face, however is a slight swelling beneath his eye, where a bruise might be if his skin were more wont to showing it.

“You’re a squad captain now, aren’t you?” Kakashi asks, though he already knows the answer. “Congratulations on your promotion.”

Tenzō nods his affirmation and his thanks. “I heard that your genin team disbanded,” he says mildly. A long drink covers Kakashi’s pause.

“That’s old gossip. Sasuke has been out of the village for a year now.” Kakashi says. To his credit, the tightening of his hands around his cup is barely perceptible.

“Uzumaki Naruto and your other student are training under Jiraiya-sama and Godaime-sama now, is that right?” The question for politeness’s sake; given Tenzō’s particular position, he would know better than anyone about the status of the village’s jinchūriki and Hokage’s protégée. When Kakashi offers one brief nod, Tenzō adds, “Do you intend to return to ANBU?”

Kakashi shakes his head. “No. I’ll continue taking A-ranks until my squad is ready to reform as a unit.” With a wry smile, he amends, “Or whatever else the Hokage asks of me.”

“Good,” says Tenzō, surprising Kakashi.

Kakashi feigns indignity. “You’re so glad to be rid of me?”

“ANBU will be fine without you, senpai,” he says, forward and sincere. “And you’re doing fine without ANBU.”

Kakashi refrains from any rebuttal of the other’s word choice, and inspects his host more carefully. Tenzō’s posture, while straighter than Kakashi’s, is more relaxed than it has been. His eyes, still dark and wide, offer a gaze which is warm and open.

“You seem different.”

“You are different,” Tenzō counters.

Kakashi hums, taking a sip of his tea. “Different suits you.”

Tenzō laughs. “That’s a backhanded compliment,” he replies, but he is pleased.

“A shinobi must train all sides of his hand,” says Kakashi, philosophically.

Tenzō laughs again, proving Kakashi’s earlier point. He leans against his kitchen counter. It is identical to the one in most jōnin apartments, but for the wooden surface. “At least you know how to talk out of both sides of your mouth.”

“You learn to adapt,” Kakashi muses, on a sigh, “when people are always giving you lip.”

Tenzō mimics the sound. “It really is the tail wagging the dog. It’s a shame no one instilled a sense of propriety in your teammates.” One hand raises to his face, comically aghast.

Despite Kakashi’s amused huff, the ribbing is nearly discomposing. He decides to return the favour with a change of tack. “How did this happen?” Kakashi asks, tapping his own cheek.

“Mission,” Tenzō says, and Kakashi gets the feeling he won’t offer any more details.

“And why not heal it?”

“You don’t need to use chakra for every problem, Kakashi-senpai.”

“Hm,” says Kakashi, setting his cup down. He puts his hand on Tenzō’s chin and tilts his face up, letting the light hit his cheek. “I think you’re showing off for your rookies.”

Tenzō opens his mouth, perhaps to contest Kakashi’s definition of ‘showing off,’ but then he pauses. His gazes flickers down, and the muscles in his lower body seem to shift, moving neither closer nor further. But Kakashi can tell he wants to do one or the other. It occurs to Kakashi that they are standing very, very close.

Tenzō is flushed. It takes Kakashi a moment to figure out it is not from embarrassment.

When he does think of the reason, Kakashi also realizes he is not immune to it. There is some part of the back of his mind that categorizes Tenzō’s face as one he might find attractive, though he can admit he’s never given serious thought to it before now. So Kakashi looks at Tenzō, at the set of his jaw and his hand tight around his tea and the redness crawling up his face.

It would be hasty, he thinks. Hasty and thoughtless and without the consideration of their years of friendship, even having spent years apart.

But Tenzō looks at him too. He looks like he has been thinking of this for longer than Kakashi. Then he shifts, just an inch, so the distance between him and Kakashi decreases by half.

Kakashi is very close to meeting him the middle when Tenzō says, “We shouldn’t.”

It’s unexpected. “Why not?”

Tenzō closes his eyes. “Because it won’t change anything.”

Kakashi raises a brow. “It’ll change a few things.”

“Nothing that matters.”

Kakashi thinks about pressing the subject, discussing whatever strangeness is in the air, something that he knows Tenzō doesn’t have the resolve to hold himself aloft from twice. But Tenzō is right. It doesn’t change anything.

Instead, he leans his head on Tenzō’s shoulder. It’s nice. Warm.

“This is worse,” Tenzō says, and there’s a smile in his voice.

“How is this worse?”

“You don’t touch me like this.”

Kakashi realizes his hands are on Tenzō’s back. “I don’t?”

“Kakashi,” he says. Angry, but not. “This is not what I want.”

Immediately, Kakashi steps back, finally creating some distance between them. “Sorry,” he says, and he means it.

Tenzō finally moves forward, sureness in his step. He bumps his head against Kakashi’s, and lifts one hand to press at his neck, just past the collar of his flak jacket. Firmly, but kindly, he says, “If something does change, let me know.”

Kakashi’s neck is uncomfortably hot on the narrow patch of exposed skin. “I think we’re doing this flirting thing wrong.”

Tenzō looks heavenward. He drops his hand, only to squeeze Kakashi’s fingers. Leaning in, he says, lips at the other man’s ear, “Goodnight, Kakashi.”

The second time is the night before he is set to be given an ill-fitting hat.

“I’m going to be the Hokage,” Kakashi says quietly into the darkness of their tent.

Tenzō’s eyes open. “In four hours,” he agrees, eyes trained on the timepiece sitting atop a hastily constructed cabinet. “How are you feeling?”

“Reluctant,” Kakashi admits. The word sits heavily, and he feels the urge to bury it. “It’s not a choice I anticipated having to make so soon.”

Tenzō’s head turns, gaze on him now. “Tsunade-sama has discussed her succession with you before,” he discerns.

Kakashi would laugh at being so soon caught-out if it were anyone else. “In passing,” he agrees. “Though I doubt anyone could’ve predicted a war of this magnitude.”

“I’m sorry that the seat couldn’t come to you in better circumstances,” Tenzō tells him. In the quiet night, they lack the urgency or audience they’d had in Iron Country, only a day past. Tenzō’s words chip away at something inside Kakashi.

Kakashi’s lips curl into what could almost qualify as a smile. “That’s probably the first time anyone has ever apologized for someone becoming Hokage.”

“You’re a special case,” Tenzō says, with an edge of irony. “Do you need back-up for tomorrow?”

He shakes his head. “We’ve already set the rebuilding back far enough. You’re needed here.” With a quiet laugh, Kakashi adds, “Besides, someone has to console Naruto. I’m jumping the line for his dream.”

“He’s resilient.” Tenzō says, pride apparent. It’s soon followed by a sigh. “He’s going to end up being a key player in all of this.”

“They all are,” Kakashi agrees. He sees his team, bruised and aching beneath a broken bridge. “It’s enough to make you wish they were still genin.”

“We won’t be able to spare them much pain this time,” Tenzō says gravely. His arm reaches out for Kakashi in the divide between them. “But I will do my best to protect what’s precious to you.”

Kakashi reciprocates the motion. “I trust you to look after Team 7.”

“And I trust you to look after all of us.”

Kakashi doesn’t know if it’s because their hands are already on each other’s bodies, or because they have been edging closer to one another since Tenzō became Yamato, or because of that vice tightening around his chest every minute that comes closer to sunrise. But he twists his body, half hovering over Tenzō, until Tenzo’s hands are at his rib cage and then he has settled his weight on top of the other man.

“Senpai?”

“Tenzō,” he replies.

He can tell that Tenzō is thinking about kissing him. He doesn’t know if it’s a new or old feeling. All he knows is that he is thinking about kissing Tenzō, and now that he’s thinking about it, he cannot stop thinking about it.

“Kakashi,” Tenzō says, in a way that shakes loose every thought in Kakashi’s head.

They lean in.

Their lips only brush for a moment before Tenzō shifts to the side, pressing his face against Kakashi’s cheek. He still hasn’t lowered his mask, and the motion tugs at the fabric, wrinkling between them.

“I’m not going to take advantage of you,” Tenzō says gently. His hand, now resting on Kakashi’s hip, falls to his side.

Kakashi lets out a noise halfway between a groan and a laugh. “Who’s taking advantage? I’m the soon-to-be Hokage trying to make a move on a subordinate.”

“It’s been a very difficult few days,” Tenzō says, as if they need a reminder. “And you have an important meeting in the morning.”

Kakashi finally lifts himself off of Tenzō, rolling onto his back with a sigh. “I suppose you’re right.”

Willing himself to sleep, Kakashi’s right eye begins to fall shut, but Tenzō draws his attention with shoulders shaking mirthfully beneath his blanket. Curiosity getting the better of him, Kakashi asks, “What is it?”

“Were you really going to kiss me with your mask on?”

Kakashi elbows him. “Go to sleep,” he says, in a stern tone that hides his amusement from neither of them.

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

The third time is on the roof of the Hokage tower, when the sun is low in the sky.

“Your shift ended an hour ago,” Kakashi says, half-hoping to startle him.

Tenzō nods, unruffled. “I know. I felt like staying up here, I guess.” He turns his head. “Done for the day, Hokage-sama?”

“Ah, no. Avoiding my duties,” Kakashi says. It is one side of the truth. “What are you avoiding?”

“Konoha,” Tenzō replies, grasping onto the railing. His gaze turns downward at his admission.

Kakashi looks at the monument behind them, newly displaying a carved impression of himself. “This is an odd place to choose for that,” he says lightly.

Tenzō shrugs. “People aren’t usually up here.”

“Do you come here often?”

At this, Tenzō and Kakashi both look at each other, and Kakashi raises a hand. He opens his mouth to rephrase his question, but it comes out as a laugh instead. Which leads to Tenzō smiling, and to Kakashi walking closer, joining his companion at his lookout. They stand side by side at the railing as the sky turns orange.

It takes Kakashi a moment to remember his line of questioning. “Is this why you come here?” he asks, raising his head to the horizon.

“To watch the sunset with you?” Tenzō asks teasingly. “Never. The other ANBU would get jealous.”

Kakashi pretends that it’s the sun that’s warming him. “Once upon a time, you used to take me seriously.”

“You complained about that too, if I recall correctly.”

Kakashi rocks back on his heels, humming. “Is this your subtle way of telling me to get lost?” he asks, not fully in jest.

In his periphery, Kakashi can see Tenzō raise his eyebrows. “I’m not so bold as to kick you off of your own building, senpai.”

“I think we both know that’s not true.” Kakashi says fondly.

Tenzō chuckles. “Alright. Stay if you want. I’m avoiding crowds, not company.”

Looking below, Kakashi sees several dozen distant faces milling around just outside the tower. “We’ll have to get used to busy streets. We’ve had more migrants and visitors in the last year than in the past two decades. Our village is outgrowing itself.”

“I know. Shikamaru keeps calling on me to look at the new zoning laws.” Tenzō’s hand slides along the rail, and they both try not to pay attention to how close it brings their fingers. “Naruto has really changed things. Every shinobi village believes in our newfound era of peace.”

“Do you?”

“It’s hard not to,” Tenzō says, pensive. He sighs. “I’m just trying to figure out where I fit in it.”

“Where you’re standing is fine,” says Kakashi, without thinking much about it.

Tenzō looks at him then. “I can’t be in ANBU forever, Kakashi.”

“I’m not asking you to,” Kakashi says. But he is asking something, he realizes, both from the thumping in his chest and the way Tenzō is looking at him. He tries to find more words, but they do not come.

Tenzō is waiting for an answer, face coloured by the sun’s red light. And Kakashi, as much as it surprises him, wants to give him one. So he does, as best he can.

Kakashi starts to pull down his mask.

When it has slipped just past his nose, Tenzō’s hands, immediate, but gentle, halt him. They press against the mask where it sits at his ears. “Sorry,” says Tenzō, with a frantic look in his eyes.

“Oh.” Something has changed. Or hasn’t. Kakashi isn’t sure. “My apologies.”

“No,” Tenzō says, his fingers uncurling to cup Kakashi’s face. He takes a deep breath, and stands up straight, letting his hands fall to his sides. “It has nothing to do with you.”

“It doesn’t?” Kakashi asks, with only a hint of disbelief.

“No,” Tenzō says again. He seems scattered in a way he hasn’t in years. “I do… think of you.”

Kakashi waits. “Oh?”

Tenzō’s hand rises back up, fingers drifting along the part of Kakashi’s robe. “Yes,” he says, more certain. “You are someone whom I… That is, to me, you are…”

“I think the same of you,” Kakashi says, sparing him. It isn’t fair to ask Tenzō to articulate something he cannot find words for himself. “So then, what’s got you looking at me like that?”

“It’s spring,” Tenzō breathes, like the words are being dragged out of him. “The last season was difficult. Autumn more so.”

It has been foolish of Kakashi, not to wonder what it is like for Tenzō to be touched, or to touch others. He is so unwavering that none of the wears of what they have been through are visible in his duty. Kakashi counts himself thankful that their mortality can be laid bare before each other now.

“Still need to work on my timing, hm?”

“Your timing is fine. It’s me who isn’t meeting you when we were supposed to.” Tenzō replies wryly.

“I don’t have any other plans,” Kakashi promises.

Tenzō lets out another breath, slow and full. He bumps Kakashi’s shoulder with his own. “Do you think if we left now, I could walk you home before your current guard finds us?”

“Only one way to find out. I’ve always liked to keep them on their toes.”

The fourth time is only hours before he is meant to be there.

Although Kakashi, along with Tenzō, has spent the last several months planning Naruto’s wedding, it is with unforgiving hearts that he is summarily dismissed by the marriage party for hovering too much over the last minute security measures while all of their top shinobi are off-duty.

So, assigned to relax, Kakashi finds himself headed in one familiar direction.

There is a part of Kakashi which is terribly endeared by seeing Tenzō in formal wear, staring seriously at a bunch of flowers in his hand. It is a part of him he decides to set aside in favour of one of his favourite pastimes: causing trouble.

“You know, Tenzō, there are traditions about people who hold bouquets on wedding days.”

Tenzō quells Kakashi’s teasing with a look. “Sakura sent me on a mission. Apparently, Shino’s bugs have been eating some of the flower arrangements that Ino and I spent days organizing. Though, now that I’m here, I can’t tell which ones she was talking about.”

“You aren’t able to sense the plants in need?”

Tenzō snorts. “It’s mokuton, not omniscience.”

“That’s a shame,” Kakashi says solemnly. “I’ve been telling Naruto if he thinks any indecent thoughts before he’s married you’ll be able to sense it.”

Laughing, Tenzō says, “He can’t still be afraid of my face.”

“It’s a very good face,” Kakashi insists.

“I’m not sure that’s a compliment,” Tenzō replies, flushed and smiling.

Kakashi shoves a hand in his pocket, and shuffles forward to prod his free one at the bouquet Tenzō is holding. “Then why are you smiling?”

Tenzō sets the bouquet back in its vase, busying himself with adjusting the petals. “It’s a wedding,” he says, good-naturedly. “Aren’t people supposed to smile?”

The other man shrugs. He tries to not let his face crease up too much, so as to give away his own bright expression. “Usually they direct their smiles at the happy couple, don’t they?”

This time, it is Tenzō who moves a little closer to him. “Depends who they’re here with,” Tenzō says. Their fingers brush, and Tenzō doesn’t hesitate to hold onto Kakashi’s hand.

“Tenzō,” Kakashi says pleasantly, “are you asking me to be your date?”

Their fingers interlock. “I’m asking you to stand beside me while I search for bugs in bouquets,” Tenzō replies, but he leans closer to Kakashi as he says it.

“How romantic.”

The quip is undercut by the gladness Kakashi is unable to hide.

“I didn’t hear an answer,” Tenzō points out blithely. He doesn’t sound at all concerned about what Kakashi will say.

Kakashi stares at the trees blossoming above their heads, feeling a little mischievous. “I didn’t hear a question.”

“Sorry I’m late,” says Tenzō, with entirely too much humour. “But I’m here now. Will you attend the wedding with me?”

“Technically, we’re already here—”

“Really—”

“Yes.”

For several moments, as Tenzō looks at him with a warmth that overtakes all other things, Kakashi’s mind is completely, blissfully blank. And then, slowly, a foolish grin crosses his face.

“Senpai,” says Tenzō, smiling widely. “Please don’t ruin Naruto’s wedding.”

“I would never,” Kakashi says, with mock indignation. “We spent months planning it. Besides, why are you so certain I’m going to do something to upset him?”

“I know that look on your face,” Tenzō says. “And if you do what you’re thinking of doing, it’s going to make Naruto react.”

“He’s about to be a married man. He doesn’t need us to shelter him.”

“You say that now.”

“We can compromise,” Kakashi offers. “I can kiss you, and you can turn your head. That way you’ll only get half the blame that I do.”

Tenzō sternly says, “Kakashi,” but he is purposely avoiding Kakashi’s eyes and pressing his lips together so as not to widen his smile any further than it is. It would be remiss not to kiss him, Kakashi thinks. So he does.

(As promised, his lips land on only half of Tenzō’s mouth. Even less, when Tenzō’s frame shakes in silent laughter.

Naruto does catch them, and if the volume of his reaction is anything to go by, half a kiss is no better than a full one.)

Tenzō kisses like he speaks, Kakashi thinks, tugging the other man on top of him by the lapel of his suit. Slow and calm to begin with, but with another mouth to provoke him, hurried and heated. Despite all the hours they have been awake, there is no inertia in his advances. He is all motion, and keenness, and feeling. It is all Kakashi can do give as much honesty in his embrace.

It is far as Kakashi’s train of thought goes, as Tenzō’s hands slide into his hair. Kakashi arches his back.

By instinct, it seems, one of Tenzō’s hands reaches behind the other man to support him. Kakashi tugs on Tenzō’s bottom lip with his teeth to hide his smile.

“I can’t believe we made a scene at Naruto’s wedding,” Tenzō says, drawing away to take a heavy breath.

“Technically, he made a scene. And I’m sure he has other things to think about on his wedding night other than seeing two of his teachers share a chaste peck.”

Tenzō shakes his head. “And if we’ve ruined intimacy for him forever?”

“I’ll refer them to a couple’s counsellor.” Kakashi kisses him again, and pulls back. “I’m going to need us to talk about something else.”

Tenzō thinks on it, stroking Kakashi’s jaw absentmindedly. “Have you filed your taxes yet?”

“I’m the Hokage. I don’t need to file taxes.”

Kakashi delivers the words which such sincerity, he can see the alarm grow on Tenzō’s face. It is probably more a testament to how thoroughly flustered Tenzo is, because he and Tenzō did their taxes together last year, helping each other sort through the new forms that have accumulated for their positions. His expression is so concerned that Kakashi has to press his lips against Tenzō’s neck so as not to give himself away.

Tenzō draws away from the kiss, and grasps at Kakashi’s face. “Kakashi, you need to—”

Kakashi kisses his fingers in between laughs. “You can lecture me on fiscal responsibility when we’re not on a date.”

Sufficiently distracted, Tenzō eyes the clock at Kakashi’s bedside. “This is still part of our date?” he asks, snorting. “Nine hours have passed since then.”

Kakashi tugs Tenzō forward again. “Well, we were overdue.”

#kakashi hatake #kakayama #tenzashi #yamato tenzo #hatake kakashi #yamato #posting something that isn't for an event? who IS she #fanfiction #long post #ayesha talks anime #back to my roots: self-indulgent roooomance #mine

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cutesuki--bakugou · 5 years

Text

Ancient Soul

Time Travel, Quirkless, Feudal Japan AU

“Your soul does not belong here.” Those were words you never thought that you would hear. Now, thrown into the past in feudal Japan, you must find a way to survive, all while struggling to avoid the growing feelings for one hot-headed war general. War, romance, death and love drive you forward, to find the place where your soul truly belongs.

Bakugou Katsuki x Fem!Reader

Want to start from be beginning? Check the Ancient Soul tag. New chapters released every Wednesday as long as schedule permits.

Genre: Romance / Angst Story Rating: Explicit | Adult Themes, Sex, Death, Depictions of Violence, Alcohol

Chapter 10: Soft on You

Chapter Rating: Teen | Cursing Words: 2756

The feeling of Bakugou’s eyes on you was something that you had difficulty ignoring. You knew that he was watching you closely for any signs that you were about to totally bullshit your way through your next prediction, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, you had no idea what happened at this particular skirmish, yet you were having difficulty admitting such a thing to him. The past couple of months that you had been his “strategy assistant”, or whatever you were called, had gone by swimmingly. Nothing you said had been wrong and everything had gone just as you predicted, so the fact that you were drawing a blank on this one battle was eating at you viciously. More than worrying that he may no longer believe you, you didn’t want to disappoint him.

You had grown to love the feeling of being praised by him and by anyone else who found your predictions to be helpful. Seeing Bakugou or whoever was sent out to battle return victorious filled your heart with joy, and you dreaded how he may react if you had no suggestions or information for him. What if that was a battle they ended up losing? Surely it would look bad on you, as if you were trying to sabotage them or something similar. What you could do was alluding you completely, and you were feeling very much helpless at this point. Making something up was out of the question, as your conscience couldn’t handle such a thing. So, the truth was the only option. Or, as close to the truth as you could get in your current predicament.

“I’m sorry, but I’m just not seeing anything for this…” Shaking your head, you sat up from leaning over a map, having difficulty looking at the ever-vigilant man beside you. “It’s… Blurry.”

“Blurry. Hm.” Bakugou tapped his finger on the map his other hand on his chin as he thought. “Must not be very impactful, then. Isn’t that what you said?”

Nodding, you glanced up at him, though your felt a heat rise in your cheeks as you caught his gaze. “Yes, though I can’t say for sure. I know I’ve done really well up until now, I’m sorry--”

“Don’t apologize.” Bakugou began to fold up the map, seemingly not upset at all with your inability to assist him this time around. “As you know, we take your suggestions seriously, but we don’t base our entire strategy around them. That would be foolish.”

At this point, you learned not to take things that he said to heart. He was a rough man, with very little sense of sympathy or gentleness. You didn’t mind that. In fact, you quite liked it, as it made the moments when he was kind to you all the more special. You liked that he was brutally honest, that he shared the majority of his thoughts and opinions with you without restraint. There were hints of his more tender side shown to you every so often, with a hand to assist you up off the floor or even bringing you a lunch that he prepared himself. Often, you could have sworn that he was even flirting with you, but due to your nature, you had built up this wall around yourself that prevented anyone from coming inside. That included Bakugou, though he had similar defenses built around his own mind.

You thought that, perhaps, it was just like yours. Getting close to people wasn’t easy for you, as you had a deep fear of rejection and abandonment. It wasn’t something you could really describe with words, but the thought of letting someone in only to have them hurt you deeply was a horrifying thought. Not just a thought, but an experience that you never wanted to relive. Still, this man had an… energy to him. Just being beside him made you feel comfortable, safe and content in this world that you hardly knew. Over the half a year that you had been here, he had taught you so much, even if he called you stupid every time you did something wrong. You were a quick learner, however, and impressed him more than you annoyed him, which was a plus in your mind.

It would be easier, you thought, for him to accept your mistakes if you could just… tell him the full truth. If you could just tell him that you were from the future, where people drove cars and talked to each other from all the way across the world. He would surely think you’re crazy if you even attempted it, though he seemed to find your oddities more interesting and amusing rather than scary in some way. He enjoyed your phrases and words that were commonplace in your time, but had yet to be created in this era. In particular, he loved the word ‘fuck’ and all its variations, though you had yet to really teach him what it meant. The thought embarrassed you greatly, so instead of the definition, you just told him how to use it properly and… sparingly. He didn’t really listen to you on the sparingly part, since no one else really knew what it meant, he used it as he pleased.

Besides the fact that it was hilarious, it was also cute, to see his smug grin any time he told Kaminari to ‘fuck off’. His yellow haired subordinate begged both you and Bakugou to know what the word meant, but it seemed that you shared a very similar sense of humor with Bakugou. The confusion was funny to you, and though you felt bad at first, there wasn’t any harm in it that you could recognize. If Bakugou didn’t know those words, he would just tell Kaminari in his own just as crude way. That, and you didn’t really want to change the course of time and linguistics all that much by spreading your phrases across the country. One man was enough, and since it was your favorite man of this time period, you didn’t mind it all that much.

“I’m kind of glad you don’t take what I say all that seriously… I mean, I’m happy you listen to me, but it makes me feel better that you’re not completely counting on me. That could end up a disaster.” You gave him a smile, moving some of your hair back behind your ear. “I think that your tactics for this particular situation are perfect, though. I’m learning a lot about these things from you.”

Bakugou nodded, taking a moment to stand and walk the map to its regular resting place, inside of a small cabinet along with other documents. “You’re learning very quickly. At least, you retain information well. That’s a good quality to have. It could help you survive out here for sure.”

With a small sigh, you gave a shrug, eyes on his bare feet as he came back towards the low table you were still sitting at. “I guess so. Though, I don’t have to learn much being cooped up in this palace all the time.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Coming to stand beside you, Bakugou held out a hand, which you took to use his assistance up off the floor. “In this palace is the safest place you could be. Out there is nothing but death.”

After standing, you fixed your clothing back into place a bit, smoothing out the fabric around your hips. “I mean, that is true. But it would be nice to at least get to go out to town occasionally. I haven’t stepped foot outside of the palace since I got here.”

“Again, why would you want to leave? You have your pond with Sushi, your books, your paper and ink to keep you occupied. By now you’ve made friends to visit when you’re able.”

“I know, and I really am grateful for all these things, but…” Feeling your chest grow tight in nervousness of admitting the truth to him, you fiddled with the hem of your sleeve, not wanting to offend him or belittle his generosity in any way. “I still feel like… I’m nothing but a prisoner. I’ve been here almost seven months, and I’ve done nothing but show my support and loyalty. I had just hoped that… that perhaps by now, I’d be more accepted into the clan.”

Bakugou stood in front of you for a moment, his presence silent and tense. You could tell just by the way he didn’t move or say a word that your confession had upset him, but in what way? When he was angry, he lashed out with words and angry body language, so it wasn’t that. This seemed more like… he was contemplating his own choices on how you had been treated thus far.

“You have done well. But there is still something about you that my Lord is having difficulty trusting, so he cannot accept you, no matter how… others may feel. I cannot allow you full freedom without his consent.”

Your stomach bubbling with that dreadful feeling of rejection, all you could do was give a small nod, knowing that anything else you had to say wouldn’t change your situation.

“But…”

Confused, your gaze was pulled off the floor to look up at Bakugou’s face, instantly feeling your cheeks flush with heat at the calm expression on his face. Sly smirk crossing his lips, you immediately knew that he had noticed your blush, though you didn’t have a chance to hide it before he spoke again.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t go into town with a chaperone.” With a gesture to the door, arm outstretched, Bakugou took a step back to allow you room. “Let’s go.”

“‘L-let’s’?” You made your way towards the exit, even though your legs felt like jelly. “You’re taking me into town? Right now?” This was beyond anything that you had expected from Bakugou of all people. He wasn’t one to enjoy going out into public to begin with, so for him to willingly take you into town himself was intensely shocking. Had something you said struck a guilty chord? Was he doing this because he pitied you or because he wanted to cheer you up? Was this like… a date?

No, no! Don’t think things like that! This isn’t a date! It’s not!

“You’re the one complaining that you don’t get to go out. If you don’t want to--”

“N-no, I want to!” You stopped for a moment, turning to look up at him in worry. You didn’t want him to change his mind. This opportunity was something that you couldn’t let slip through your fingers, no matter how embarrassing or frustrating it may be. Bakugou, this brute of a man, was stopping any plans he had for the day just to take you into town. It made you excited, nervous and… happy.

In truth, although your attitude was pleasant and as content as possible, it had been a very long time since you could consider yourself truly happy. Even before you were sent to this world, your life was void of that lightness in your chest, that fluttering in your stomach that spread warmth through every inch of your body. But this… this simple action Bakugou had decided to make was filling you with a happiness you had nearly forgotten.

“Good,” Bakugou huffed with an annoyed scowl on his face, sliding the door shut behind him as he joined you outside. “Because I won’t be offering to do this again. You’d better enjoy it!”

Unable to resist the small smile on your lips, you followed him as he made his way towards the stables, finding it difficult to pull your eyes off a particular spot between his shoulder blades. “I’m sure it will be wonderful.”

“More like a pain in the ass. You keep your name and anything about you to yourself, understand? There will be people who will want to pry and be curious about why you are with me.”

“What will you tell them?”

“That it’s none of their fucking business.” Bakugou snarled at you over his shoulder, though you couldn’t resist giggling at his use for the modern curse. “Shut up! Why do you always laugh when I say that word?!”

“It’s nothing!” You smiled up at him, walking a bit faster so you were beside him instead of behind. “It’s just so silly to hear you say that when you don’t know what it means.”

“Then tell me what it means! I don’t care if it’s offensive, I want to know!”

Tapping your finger to your chin, you hummed out in thought, wondering if it was worth it. He would surely get embarrassed if you told him, so you didn’t want to ruin your chances of getting to leave the castle. “Okay, I will tell you. But not until we get to town.”

“Excuse me?! You don’t get to make the rules around here, Demon. I command you to tell me!”

“And I promise that I will,” You smiled up at him, bringing a frustrated and flushed expression to his face that you couldn’t quite understand. “But not until we get to town. Deal?”

“Tch, fine! I’ll hold you to that…” Nearly pouting, Bakugou turned his glare back in front of him, shoving his arms into the adjacent sleeves. Placing your own back behind your back, you peeled your eyes off his cute expression to instead watch your feet as you walked. Your wooden geta sandals clacked against the pristine flooring with each step, as did Bakugou’s, but you found it to be a pleasant sound. At the moment, the paired resonating noise represented a companionship, one which you hadn’t expected to bloom. And yet, your closeness to this ruthless and hot-headed man had blossomed into more than just a professional relationship based around occupational necessity.

Bakugou was your friend… and your crush. That only made it harder for you to not think that this was something more than him just doing a favor for you. You wanted it to be more, for there to be some other motive that was driving him. Although there may have been a hint here and there as you both made your way to the stables, there was nothing definitive.

His ears and cheeks flushing could be from the heat.

Right?

His sideways glances and wandering gaze could just be him watching you for any mischief.

Right?

His gentle touch and lingering hands as he put you up onto Yonaka’s back were just him helping you out and supporting you.

Right?

His arm around your waist as he settled in behind you was just to make sure you were body steady and comfortable.

Right?

That’s all it was. There was nothing deeper about any of his interactions with you, now or from the moment you had met him. You were just a woman that he used for his own gain and he had no romantic feelings for you whatsoever.

“Maybe while we’re down there, you can pick some clothes for yourself, so you don’t wear the same rags every day. And some pork noodles sound good, there’s a place in the center of town that sells it with their own special sake that will probably ruin you.” Bakugou spoke calmly as Yonaka lumbered his way out of the castle gates, waiting until you were out of earshot of the guards so no one else caught wind of what was going on. “I hate town, but it will be good to get away.”

Feeling heat rush to your cheeks, you kept your eyes on Yonaka’s ears, which twitched and twisted at the sound of Bakugou’s voice and the chirping birds in the trees. “I-I don’t have any money…”

“Who said you needed it?”

Clutching onto the pommel of the saddle tightly, you suddenly found it difficult to breathe, a tightness in your chest constricting your lungs and throat. If only you could tell him that a man taking a woman to buy clothes and dinner during your time meant something more than just a simple favor. In your mind, all you could think of was the possibility that he was doing this in pursuit of something more.

But he couldn’t be. You absolutely could not fall for this man, and he couldn’t be falling for you. It just wasn’t something that could happen.

Right?

“Ah, okay… Well, thank you, Bakugou. I look forward to it.”

“Katsuki. Call me Katsuki.”

#bnha imagines #bnha scenarios #bakugou x reader #bakugou #katsuki bakugou #bnha #boku no hero academia #my hero academia #bnha fanfiction #fanfiction #bnha writing blog #xreader #personal #ancient soul

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2ofswords · 4 years

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daniil learning more about town-on-gorkhon and how to live in it? trying to find a sense of home...

I got a bit carried away, so it is under a cut! Also I sure hope the story still fits the prompt... Thank you for it either way, I had a fun time writing this! ^^

The bartering in the town had always struck Dankovsky as a bare necessity. Sure, there seemed to be a tradition woven around it, but those were usually created to elevate a purpose. In a town torn from the rest of the country and dependant on regular trains, one had to rely on community in times of delay and the method of trading established such a network for basic needs quite smoothly. The days of plague showed as much albeit with a morbid connotation. One simply couldn't call children trading you morphine for needles the height of community values. Still he always imagined the tradition not to disappear but to… subdue. Yet, as always, his hypothesis was proven wrong and people cheerily bartered their sugar for meat the moment the trains continued their delivery. At first, continuing was more of a habit than anything else. There were still some raisins left in his pockets and Dankovsky himself never really had that much love for the small treats. The children were less enthusiastic about them as well, but he didn’t really need the soap they gave him, anyway. Then he remembered the beetles he had kept in his cabinet at Stillwater. An emergency stash he told himself, yet many such emergencies appeared and not a single insect left the house, unless as small tokens he uselessly carried around. A small sentimentality, reminding him that something beside the plague-ridden hell scape exists. Not that it actually mattered in the long run and now… Now he needed to move and the beetles… they would be hard to explain. So they had to go.

Finding a kid that would take them wasn’t very difficult. One of the small children wondered in awe at the collection, starstruck eyes staring at the delicate creatures while her fingers carefully danced over them and Daniil couldn’t help but notice the pull in his gut guiding his memory to times that had died long before his arrival in town. A happy and childish pounding, that broke his concentration long enough to not notice the kid question at first. “I asked, what you want for it.” “Oh… Um…” Maybe he should have thought about that. “You can just keep them. If you like them, they might be in good hands after all. Maybe add some to the collection. Or categorize them, that should probably be done…” The frown that graced her face signalled that his answer wasn’t quite adequate. Yes. This was still about tradition where trust in an equal trade was valued. One cannot disturb the children’s beetle and nut economy without repercussions, after all. “I have to give something back. I have to give you a part of my endurance after all. People say I have so much of it and I can hold my breath longest. Shall I show you?” “I believe you, it is fine. You do not need to… you are competing about holding your breath?” “U-huh. And I still have plenty of it until I reach second place. You seem like you could need some of it.” “… getting out of breath less often sound’s tempting.” He is getting too old for this and he still has a meeting with Burakh and Rubin in the afternoon. Now that the worst is over, he had proposed to take stock of the more harmless illnesses in town to order medicine, that hadn’t expired decades ago. “So you still have to say what you want. Aren’t you too young to always forget what I’m saying? Did the plague get to you?” “Watch your tongue, or you might really need that breath of yours.” “No need to get so defensive, old man. Geez. Don’t they teach you any manners?” Do they teach anyone manners? If someone ever bothered it didn’t have anything to do with the children in town. “So what do you have to give, little brat.” “Hm…” The child crossed her legs while contemplating the business deal. “I have a loaf of bread, I guess. These are a lot of beetles after all…”

A loaf of bread is acceptable. Or so it seemed, until he opens his mouth and noticed, how small exactly the arm was, that held the box of beetles protectively in her lap. How loosely the little dress hung from her body. A loaf of bread would sound fantastic, while he was starving or when there wasn't enough time to reach any of the stores. But this isn’t the case and he isn’t exactly in need of bread. “So do we have a deal or not?” He should close his mouth. Or better yet answer the question. “How about… you give me something else.” He couldn’t possibly take anything from a starving child. Shouldn’t. Ever, yet he had done so too many times. This has to stop, he shouldn’t be even considering it. He is a scientist and as far as he is concerned exploiting children wasn’t in the job description. “How about… a story.” Children like stories, right? They must be valuable in some way. “I mean”, he adds quickly, “the needs of our mind are as important as the basic needs of our body. So I demand you to accommodate my craving for… more intellectual affairs.” “I mean… sure. If you want to… grandpa.” At this point this kid was just testing his endurance. Motivating breathing exercises might also be a way to increase its capacity. “I do.” Her eyes wandered to the box and then back to Dankovsky. “I mean. Sure. Then let me tell you a story…”

He thought nothing of the trade at first. His beetles did after long last find their rightful heir. One objective cleared. Time to indulge in more important affairs. That belief lasted until evening, when he found one of the kids lurking at his doorstep. “Are you the doctor that trades in stories?” “I am the doctor. Are you hurt, is everything alright?” “Look, my friend has gotten himself a splinter in the foot! Walked on some wood, when we were trying to… ah never mind. Anyway, we –“ “Lead the way.” “- we only need some tweezers, but our shop didn’t have any to sell!” “I can remove the splinter. It’s a simple enough procedure and even a small wound needs to be properly disinfected.” “I don’t have anything on me. Maybe one of the buttons, but I only have three of them left. So I thought…” “It’s fine.” But it probably isn’t because everyone seems hell-bent on losing every small trinket in their possession. Does anyone even wear the charms that are made, they seem to change hands on a daily basis. “You can tell me the story while we are on our way. If it is a good one, I might not even tell your parents about it.” The child’s face lit up. “Then buckle up, because I do have a good one.”

The next day turned out to be a complete and utter mess. A mess made of excited whispers whirling hands frantically signing what words cannot convey and a lot of sugar filled food leaving his hands. “So. There once was this boy, who had a small wolf cub as his half …” “And then I saw this monster in the steppe! Not the Shabnak but an even bigger one!” “The bull talked! I swear it did!” “My granddad used to sew, you know, so I had a few needles at hand. And the guy really deserved it, so we –“ “Then a giant wave pulled us out of the facet and we all sat at the stairs, we were so surprised!” At some point in the afternoon he had to stock up on cookies and apples just to gain something to trade away. Utter nonsense. He should’ve demanded this madness to stop. The children were barely giving him enough space to move from place to place and their constant chatter did become… grating. Yet there he was, more sweets in hand, while his next unusual costumers were already waiting right before the shop. Do these brats even know, that he isn’t a walking garbage dispenser? Still. The thought about turning them away seemed just as wrong at this point. He was knee deep in this mess already. Might as well swim. And some of these stories were charming really. Somehow everyone seemed to have swallowed a poet whole and considering the local medicine that might not be that much off from the truth… Still. The constant talking was annoying. Distracting, really, a major inconvenience at best. Yet it was oddly charming to observe their desperate tries to up one another as if they expected Dankovsky to pull a secret cake out of his coat that only the best storyteller could get. They were trying. Inspiring one another, forming a chain of developing fantasies that were quite unreal – and quite frankly useless – but cheerful and… lively.

“There you are. I was looking for you.” “Aren’t you all?”, he answered before turning and noticing Clara leaning against a nearby building. Her smile was as knowing as ever. She couldn’t possibly look into other peoples minds, right? Of course not, utter rubbish. These story’s must have gotten to him after all. “What do you want?” “They say, you are giving out free candy.” “It’s not free. And if that is all, you might want to be on your way.” Of course she is following when he turns on his heels and tries to be on his way. “So, I have a story for you.” “I guessed as much.” He doesn’t even have to look at her to know she is pouting. When he finally does, she seems as happy as ever though. “There once was a prince who was locked outside of his house. When he wandered through the garden, he spotted a flower more gorgeous and beautiful then all of the rest. But the flower grew too large and everything that fell under his shadow withered and died away.” “That must have been quite the flower.” “Shh. I’m talking. So they send for a gardener, even if the prince had loved his flower very dearly. So he gave the flower his heart in order to protect it, when the time had come.” Ah. So that is where this was going. Charming. “And did he manage to save it?” “Of course not! What could a prince have done against the gardener’s shears? So the flower was destroyed and when it shattered the princes heart broke with it.” “… that isn’t a nice story. It doesn’t even have a satisfying conclusion.” “That is because the story isn’t over and you keep interrupting! Anyway, when the prince was left alone in the garden, he tore out the pieces of his heart and buried them into the ground for no one to see. He thought he had hidden it for good, but then it started raining and the pieces of his heart grew tine little stems and, slowly but surely, began to grow out of the ground.” By now they arrived at his doorstep. For a minute Dankovsky contemplated to invite the girl in. But that seemed a bit too forward. So he grabbed a small bag of sweets and some of the dried meat he had bought for himself. Who even knew how long Clara had lurked around town and when she really ate the last time. “So…”, this was getting uncomfortable. And quite frankly, ridiculous. “What did sprout out of the ground after all.” Her grin widened. “How about you tell me? I would trade to hear the end of that story.” “Hm… very well.” When he opened the door and looked back, Clara was already gone. Sighing he entered his own house and close the noise behind him. The town was still recovering, yet at this very day at least around the Bachelor it seemed to be filled with laughter, dreams and a future, where anything could be overcome with the right anecdote in mind. A piece of meat for a smile wasn’t such a bad trade after all. Still not a bare necessity… but something different. There was not really anything new to be heard. Not a real discussion no real bond to every single child who tried to steal his precious time. Still, there was meaning in a word spoken at the right space and time. There was meaning in the act of building sky castles together. Maybe he had once again underestimated the local custom.

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astargatelover · 5 years

Text

Watching The da Vinci Code for the first time - A documentation

- About to watch The da Vinci Code for the first time. It’s about 3AM. Back of the DVD says the movie’s almost 2h30 long. Will approximately be going to bed at about 6AM. I gotta be crazy.

- Back of the DVD also says (translated from German): In the middle of the night the (…) is (…) Langdon (TOM HANKS) in the (…) director was murdered. His (?) (…) that of the Vitruvian Man (…) is the first horrible clue (…) and symbols. At the risk of his life (something something) Langdon – and from then on it’s a normal description, it’s just that that part is obscured by the library stamp. So I can confidently say I totally know what’s going on in this movie! *serious nod*

- Third highlight of the back of the DVD: Ian McKellen, grumpy-looking monk dude and a guy looking like Palpatine. And the Louvre.

- Also in the movie: Some German I don’t know (but yay!) and Paul Bettany. He’s cool; I really liked him in A Knight’s Tale.

- Let’s get this show on the road!

- …gotta update my media player. One sec!

- There we go. …where’s the always-on-top button? Ah, found it! Light’s off in my room; cinema time.

- Music’s already nice in the menu.

- Audio: English. (More nice music.) Subtitles: (Hey, they have Turkish on offer!) Off.

- (They even have subtitles for the trailers. But no extras. Am miffed. What kind of bare-bones DVD is this?!)

- 20 minutes after the first “about” up there: Play movie.

- Fancy title cards.

- Dude running. He’s gonna die; I know that much.

- Paul!

- *sigh*

- Oooooh, it’s Robert. That’s a lot of applause.

- (Btw, in case you didn’t know: I have watched Angels & Demons because I love Ernesto Olivetti a crazy amount.)

- I like Robert. Awesome presentation.

- Also like Tom Hanks. He’s great.

- Accents, y’all.

- Latin? Latin. Italian? No, definitely Latin.

- Ouch. Self-flagellation. Ooooooouch. Some religious people are crazy.

- Dude, you can barely stand. I’m a sadist and I don’t want you doing that to you.

- We’re only 10 minutes in, my goodness.

- Claustrophobia! I relate to that.

- Just let the dude take the stairs.

- Wow.

- Priests.

- Have I mentioned I’m not a big fan of catholics? Nothing personal.

- Also: Autistic Langdon, symbology special interest.

- French.

- Sophie! Heard of her.

- Strange happenings.

- Oooooooooh.

- French lady. I don’t speak French.

- *window jump scare*

- We don’t trust the police guy.

- Conspiracies!

- Fuck.

- “Once he starts, he doesn’t stop.” He’s like Javert.

- Climb out the window?

- More French.

- Oooooooh! They’re so tricking them, aren’t they? They’re not dumb.

- Bye bye!

- I’m sorry for Sophie.

- (I saw that part where her grandfather got shot years ago.)

- Here we go with the anagrams.

- Eidetic memory (pretty much) - firms up my autism headcanon.

- Can you even get that close to the Mona Lisa irl?

- Tom Hanks has a really nice nose. xD

- Langdon’s so good with anagrams.

- It’s like a scavenger hunt.

- Ooh, Musketeer symbol.

- Chase music!

- Flashback with crazy meetings.

- A smart! I get to bop someone now.

- Ooh, Les Mis.

- Backwards! That’s impressive.

- She’s so gonna make it.

- She made it!

- Bye bye, mirror.

- Paul’s looking angry.

- Someone got stabbed. I sense guilt.

- More dead people.

- Holy water.

- A nun.

- A rose line.

- Is he gonna kill her? She seems nervous.

- MORE FRENCH.

- Red light zone.

- (It’s raining outside. Kinda sets the mood.)

- You stay away from that dude, nun.

- Saving a junkie?

- (Sophie’s a really nice name, btw.)

- He rambles when he gets the chance so much. Really reminds me of special interests. (And in case anyone takes issue with that, I should know. I’m autistic. I have them.)

- My parents just watched Knightfall. Now I know some about the templars’ fall.

- Sophie didn’t know they were supposed to protect the Holy Grail? Really? Huh.

- Moooooore French.

- Please don’t die, nun.

- That’s some scar under his eye.

- Those look like some anger issues.

- It’s the grumpy-looking monk dude.

- Seriously, I understand more Latin than French.

- “Blood is being spilled” as he’s spilling wine, that’s great.

- Freeeeeeeeeench.

- “I don’t think he liked me very much. He once made a joke at my expense.” I relate to this guy so hard on the autism level.

- It’s the German dude.

- That’s some system they’ve got at that bank.

- You call that a rose?

- I’m with Langdon here. Safe passage?

- Aww, poor guy. I’ve got claustrophobia, too, and I haven’t even got a traumatizing event behind me. (I read that somewhere.)

- I like the driver.

- A lot. Nice one with the watch.

- Langdon, you look sick. Please don’t die, y’all.

- JESUS CHRIST.

- Poor Sophie. </3 Woah.

- How tf did that truck get there?

- That bullet. Smaaart move. *thumbs up*

- Ouch.

- Bye bye again.

- Do I like the police captain? I don’t know.

- The tea convo. xD

- Is Langdon like this in the books? I hope he is.

- How old is Sophie? *googles Audrey Tatou* (Ooh, Amélie!) *checks when movie was made* ‘bout 30.

- Yaaaaaas, Ian.

- Also please don’t die.

- (Both my faves in Angels & Demons die. I’m vorbelastet and can’t find a good English word for that.)

- Jesus was cool.

- Those helmets. Feathers!

- “Not even his nephew twice removed.” xDDD

- Is that paisley? *googles* It is. Nice!

- Just in case you’re wondering, I am typing this as I watch the movie. I’m not saying I’m not missing anything, but I like multitasking.

- *googles The last Supper* Wow, no cup.

- Genital symbols.

- Wombs open towards the ground, though. People with them aren’t constantly doing handstands.

- Have I mentioned one of my favorite movies is Dogma, which postulates that Jesus had siblings? I’m liking this conversation.

- “Companion meant spouse.” My gay ass likes this.

- If that is Mary Magdalene, though, which apostle is missing? Been wondering this for years.

- Scions. I like this.

- I’m all for sex positivity.

- Your time’s kinda running out, guys.

- Almost halfway through, now.

- Do you seriously believe they’re murderers?

- Why do you wear your police thingies like a blind man’s band?

- Was overall expecting a bit more running in this movie, I guess.

- Poor Sophie. This is a lot to take in.

- Beating someone up with crutches! Yas!

- Like, ouch.

- Do you happen to have a secret passage under your house? Would come in real handy.

- Oh, Zürich! Man, accents. Barely understood that.

- Frehehench.

- In my personal experience claustrophobic people aren’t generally fans of planes. That might just be me, though.

- Still don’t know Paul’s character’s name.

- We are leaving the country.

- That haircut. On the dude with the grumpy-looking monk.

- Does Jesus having a family beside his parents somehow make him less holy? *shrug*

- FRENCH.

- Police brutality?

- “Please”? Seriously? I understood that much and you’re a dick.

- This is, like, some Order of the White Lotus stuff.

- You need a mirror? You can’t read it otherwise? Huh. Well, I guess it’s just easier.

- I really like Lee.

- How many more ways can I angrily write French? (I don’t have anything against the language per se. I just don’t understand what they’re saying and that irks me. There aren’t even subtitles for that. I feel like there are supposed to be subtitles.)

- (It is nice, however, that they’re sticking to the languages they’d actually be speaking. I wonder if it’s all German in German.)

- Yo, police. Be more subtle. You could have laid a trap.

- “You can start with him.” Hm! xD

- “I could run them over.” !! Man, this is great.

- This is like a fucking magic trick.

- You know what, I wanna watch that again.

- The DVD did not like that, so now I get to look at the “pick scene” menu. At least there’s more nice music.

- Just out of curiosity… *checks* There are 24 chapters and I’m at the 16th.

- I can understand more French when I concentrate on it, but I’ve been too annoyed about it so far.

- Never had French at school, btw. But have a bit of a talent for languages. When it comes to those I can sometimes cobble meaning together from context and existing knowledge.

- “The French cannot be trusted”, sounds so ominous.

- As a fan of Angels & Demons, I am very interested in what the Vatican has to say about all this.

- Told ya we don’t like planes.

- Naww, Sophie. Arm pat, yas.

- How do you accidentally fall into a well feet first? Hmm…

- Saved by pigeons, wow.

- Paul’s eyes are super blue.

- Is he gonna get killed?

- What an old-ass phone.

- I’m worried about that newspaper.

- How they’re keeping the identity of the teacher secret is A+, shooting-wise.

- “Your identity shall go with me to the grave.” Did he know he was gonna die?

- Nice one!

- Is the second movie this long? *checks* Not quite.

- Seriously. Unnaturally blue eyes.

- Shoot-out.

- I can kinda see where Lee’s coming from. Don’t agree with the method, but…

- Did a shoulder-shot really kill him?

- See? Nope.

- I think I do kinda like the police captain.

- Have I mentioned my attraction to side characters?

- Oh, that tiny wound on her neck. I like the attention to detail.

- And those stained glass windows! Pretty.

- His mind! Wow.

- I wanna see this scene without music and special effects, though, to see what Sophie and Lee see. Must be pretty weird. xD

- Dramatic musiiiiic.

- Police captain coming through! Yas.

- Robert’s like “What is happening?”

- Man, those poor policemen with the screaming dude in the back of the car.

- Can’t resist a challenge, can you?

- It’s hecking dark behind that doorway.

- Can they get away with getting rid of all the villains half an hour before the movie’s over?

- Now she’s all Ghost Whisperer-like.

- I like the way it sounds when she calls him Robert.

- (Doing some more googling. Ah, it’s Leigh. I see.)

- Who are these guys? Something bad’s happening.

- Flashbacks and MORE FRENCH.

- Wonder if Robert and Sophie use the formal you in German. It wouldn’t fit.

- Sophie’s world is kinda falling apart.

- (She’s like Bethany in Dogma. Don’t know if anyone here even knows Dogma, but I love it.)

- Family reunion! Who put those onions here?

- See? Robert and I agree. Why should a family make Jesus less holy?

- I really like this friendship. I hope they’ll meet again.

- Checking if she can walk on water. xD

- Hey, it’s the Eiffel tower! And it’s playing light house.

- Blood.

- What? What is it?

- Wow.

- This music is real nice.

- 7 minutes of credits.

- Again, though: The music is nice.

#the da vinci code #robert langdon #dan brown #tom hanks #sophie neveu #long post is long

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yotsutama · 6 years

Note

Do you have any favorite moments with Yamato and Nagi?

OFC I HAVE!!!!! their relationship is my favorite next to mezzo hahaha

First of all, both Yamato and Nagi has/had secrets that can danger idolish7’s popularity. Their backgrounds are not only opposite but also similar. Yamato is an illegitimate child of a big star, he felt he wasn’t loved and spent his youth seeking revenge on his father. While Nagi had everything and can do anything. He is a prince and loved by women, but almost all the men he met in Northmare, including his brother, didn’t like him because they envy him.

The two of them found out about each other’s secrets earlier than anyone in i7, they understand each other’s pasts, feelings, and reasons. Because they’re similar, both of them are stubborn and refuse/d to reveal their pasts. But since Nagi understood Yamato’s feelings, Nagi could encourage Yamato to have a serious talk with everyone (in part 3). So I hope Yamato and Mitsuki can do the same to Nagi in part 4 :’))

I’m getting OOT so these are my fave Nagi & Yamato moments!!

First, in 2.4.2 where Yamato refused to accept a drama offer starring Yuki and him. Nagi noticed that Yamato didn’t want to accept the offer because he didn’t want to work with Yuki (who knew Yamato’s father very well). Nagi asked Yamato to take off his glasses to see Yamato’s face which is similar to his father.

Nikaidou Yamato: I’m not doing it.Takanashi Tsumugi: Huh?Nikaidou Yamato: Can you turn them down? I don’t have any intentions on appearing on the silver screen.Takanashi Tsumugi: But…. Yuki-san will be there as well, and it’s such a big chance….Nikaidou Yamato: I’m not doing it. Period.Izumi Iori: But it’s a long-awaited chance, right when everyone’s doing their best….Rokuya Nagi: Yamato…. It is a personal rule of mine to not pry into things.Nikaidou Yamato: That’s good. Keep it up ‘til the day you die.Rokuya Nagi: Take off your glasses.Nikaidou Yamato: Why are you breaking that rule all of a sudden?Rokuya Nagi: Why are you hiding it? I know. I know what Yamato’s secret is.Nikaidou Yamato: …….Rokuya Nagi: Probably.Izumi Mitsuki: Nagi does? Did you hear it from Yamato-san? And by secret, do you mean that one….Rokuya Nagi: No. However, I’d like him to stop hiding and talk about it. Not only are we your members, we are also your Best Friends….Nikaidou Yamato: Oh? I know too, Rokuya Nagi. I know what your real identity is.Rokuya Nagi: OH…. So you watched as a tail sprang out of me, shadow growing long beneath the full moon, in the dead of the night?Nikaidou Yamato: Close. …Lend me your ear for a bit.Nikaidou Yamato: How about we watch some Kokona-chan, together in your room?Rokuya Nagi: YES! YES! YES!! I agree wholeheartedly! We must head towards my theater room right this instant!Nanase Riku: W-what did you say?Izumi Mitsuki: Whatever it was, it seems like he hit the target. I mean, he did say “yes” a bunch of times.Nikaidou Yamato: Hahaha. Well, it’s naptime for Onii-san, so….Rokuya Nagi: Yamato, lend me your ear.Nikaidou Yamato: Hm?Rokuya Nagi: I’m giving you the slip this time. Be thankful. Nikaidou Yamato: You….

Anime Voice: Magical★Flash~!Nikaidou Yamato: Just how many times has it been already….Rokuya Nagi: Wonderful things will always be wonderful, no matter how many times you watch them.Anime Voice: Magical★Turbo~!Nikaidou Yamato: I’m so sleepy….Rokuya Nagi: Yamato is a difficult person. It is quite lonesome, that you’d glare down even your friends the instant people touch upon your secret.Nikaidou Yamato: …….Rokuya Nagi: What are you afraid of? Please trust us more.Rokuya Nagi: I pray that you will find the courage to tell all of us, one day.Nikaidou Yamato: …….

Next, in 3.1.2, when they lost Yamato at a party. I love how Yamato and Nagi are sarcastic to each other sometimes lol

Yaotome Gaku: Huh? Where’s Nikaidou? Nanase Riku: Yamato-san? He was just here a second ago…. Izumi Iori: …It’s because we’re in a place like this. Remember…? Osaka Sougo: …Ah, right……. Rokuya Nagi: Hm….. Yamato sure likes to move around in secret. Izumi Mitsuki: Come on, don’t say that. He’ll come back once he’s done with whatever he’s doing. Rokuya Nagi: You’re a very good, honest, and virtuous person, Mitsuki. Those who carry secrets with them aren’t of such noble character. They’re the same as the timid and cowardly…. Nikaidou Yamato: Who’s a coward? Rokuya Nagi: OH……. Nikaidou Yamato: I’m glad your plane made it on time, Nagi. You just got back from Northmare, right? Nikaidou Yamato: You’ve been going back to your country quite a lot lately. I wonder what’s happening over there…. Is it like a disturbance, or uproar over something? ……Is that the reason why you’ve been going back? Rokuya Nagi: ……Secrets are but a part of a gentleman’s manners. Nikaidou Yamato: OK. Hey, long time no see. What were you guys talking about? Yuki: They were just discussing how excited they are to watch us act together. Yaotome Gaku: ……We were?

In 3.2.1. Nagi tried to ask Yamato to tell them about his past

Nikaidou Yamato: ……. Nikaidou Yamato: Well, I gotta go to work too. Rokuya Nagi: –Yamato. Izumi Mitsuki: Nagi, don’t. Rokuya Nagi: Why not? Izumi Mitsuki: There’s no point in asking him if he doesn’t wanna talk about it. It’s gonna take some time, and that’s different for everyone. Rokuya Nagi: Mitsuki, it’s not because I want to know what Yamato’s secret is. Rokuya Nagi: It’s because Yamato is purposefully allowing the atmosphere to deteriorate between the three of us– and I cannot accept that.Rokuya Nagi: As for Yamato’s secret? I’ll just wash it down, much like I would a bowl of cereal. Yamato, please don’t draw borders between us. Nikaidou Yamato: Ahaha. If you’re talkin’ national borders, then they’ve been there since the beginning. Rokuya Nagi: ……What do you mean? Nikaidou Yamato: Unlike you, a returnee, I have ochazuke for breakfast– not cereal. That’s the answer to all your questions. Nikaidou Yamato: You’re pouring tea on top of rice, instead of milk onto cereal. That’s what different. But that difference holds more weight than any passport could. The tragedy begins here, and ends here. Nikaidou Yamato: You’ll realize it someday. Well, I gotta go now. slam

In 3.5.3. Nagi forcefully make Yamato talk ;’))

Nikaidou Yamato: Hah……. My pulse is racing so fast my heart hurts……. Nikaidou Yamato: ……But I have to go back……. *click*Rokuya Nagi: Hello!Nikaidou Yamato: Ah……. Rokuya Nagi: ……. Nikaidou Yamato: I…. I’m home…. Rokuya Nagi: Welcome back. We’ve been waiting for you to return. Nikaidou Yamato: Yeah…. Ah…. What happened to the entryway? Is it me or did the security got a lot stricter while I was gone……? Rokuya Nagi: That’s not of great importance. Look at me, Yamato. Nikaidou Yamato: But, like…. The windows look kinda grim too……. Rokuya Nagi: Rather than talking about the windows, why don’t you talk about yourself? We’ll hear all about it tonight. Right, Yamato? Nikaidou Yamato: ……. Yeah, that’s what I was gonna do. Rokuya Nagi: OK. Do you know how I feel…. Rokuya Nagi: After urging you, over and over and over again to answer my question…. For you to find that answer at someone else’s house, someone who isn’t even a member…… Nikaidou Yamato: Huh? Rokuya Nagi: Fine. Bring it on. Nikaidou Yamato: Uh…. Are you mad……? Rokuya Nagi: No, no, no! Do you mind if I inform everyone that you’ve returned? I’m sure they’ll be very, very delighted to hear that. Nikaidou Yamato: …Sure, but…. Hm? Who are you calling? Rokuya Nagi: …….

Rokuya Nagi: Hello, President! Tonight’s going to be Round 1 of Yamato’s Confessions! If you have time, please do stop by! Nikaidou Yamato: ……Hey! Just who are you inviting!? Rokuya Nagi: OH! You have something planned? No worries. Thanks. Next– Hello,Yaotome-shi! Nikaidou Yamato: Hey! Let’s keep it to just the members! Hey, are you mad at me? If you are then just tell me, please! Rokuya Nagi: Hello! Mister Yuki. What are you plans for tonight?Nikaidou Yamato: Stop!!! That man’s already given me hell! Rokuya Nagi: Hello, Kujou-shi! Nikaidou Yamato: Are you kidding me? Come on……! *click*Nanase Riku: Welcome back, Yamato-san! I’m really glad you’re back! Osaka Sougo: –I heard from Nagi-kun, so I rushed back! Yotsuba Tamaki: Is it true you’re doing a confession session? I mean, we’ve done a lot up ‘til now, but this is the first time it’s gotten a legit name!Yotsuba Tamaki: That’s our leader! You’re so on point! Nikaidou Yamato: Noooooooo……!

Aaaannd after they listened to Yamato’s story,

Nikaidou Yamato: –I’m sorry…. Rokuya Nagi: Do not apologize. We know, even without asking. Rokuya Nagi: Yamato, you’re happy right now, aren’t you? Congratulations. Nikaidou Yamato: Nagi….

Rokuya Nagi: Precisely. When I came to this country, I learned that ‘Yamato’ was also a word that signified 'Japan.’Rokuya Nagi: That is the name Chiba Shizuo bestowed his child, born in the evening years of his life. Chiba Shizuo, the face of Japan’s acting industry. Rokuya Nagi: He loves you– you’re his pride and joy. Nikaidou Yamato: …….

In 3.8.5. last but not least :”)) Look at Yamato’s character development sobs

Rokuya Nagi: OH…. The video stopped…. Come on, come on, come on…. Signal, please…. Nikaidou Yamato: Nagi, now’s not the time to be slacking off. Rokuya Nagi: Even though you’re holding a can of beer in your right hand, Yamato? Nikaidou Yamato: Haha, I found it in the kitchen. ……Say, Nagi…. I know I can’t say shit, but… Nikaidou Yamato: If there’s anything troubling you, feel free to talk to Onii-san about it. There’s no good in hiding things. Rokuya Nagi: ……. Rokuya Nagi: Hello, Yamato. I’d like to introduce you to my friend. Let’s hop into a time machine and go visit Past Yamato, shall we? Nikaidou Yamato: Ahaha…. I figured you’d say that. Nikaidou Yamato: But, seriously. I felt a lot better after talking to you guys about it. Nikaidou Yamato: So if anything ever happens, just tell us. –Hey now, don’t film this!! Rokuya Nagi: Yes! I’ve obtained some very rare Yamato content!

#anonymous #answered #sorry i took so long!#rokuya nagi #nikaido yamato

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ryuuppai · 6 years

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[GBF] The four knights of "GBF" speak their thoughts around the table! A limited-time character interview for Golden Week!

From the social game "Granblue Fantasy" by Cygames. In PASH!2018 January Volume 1, we have conducted an interview with the "four knights" who are currently working in various places to relieve the crisis of the fallen land.

To shed the light on their respective personalities, we have gotten these comrades who know each other well to talk around the table, and we are publishing this special PASH!PLUS interview during Golden Week, from April 30 to May 6, for one week only! To those who missed it, by all means so check it out during that time♪

In addition, we are conducting a survey among readers of the wildly popular PASH! magazine about projects for "GBF." Please tell us what other projects or characters you would like to hear about in the future!!

The form for the survey is over here!

Isn't everyone praising each other too much!? A relationship where they acknowledge each other's strengths

ー Please introduce yourselves to the readers. Please state your ages as well!

Lancelot: Hello everyone, I am the captain of the Order of the White Dragons who protect the kingdom of Feendrache, Lancelot. I am 27 years old.

Vane: Hi everyone, I'm Vane! Um... I'm 25 years old, and I'm also part of the Order of the White Dragons, just like Lan-chan, as the vice-captain!

Siegfried: Hm... I'm next? I'm Siegfried. I used to work as the captain of the Black Dragons, the predecessor to the White Dragons. Due to some circumstances, I am currently moving from place to place across the land. ....My age? How old was I again...?

Percival: Aren't you 32? Wait wait... Please explain these circumstances first. Who do you think the readers are?

Lancelot: Now now Percival, we don't have much time, so I told you not to mind the fine details.

Vane: Wahahaha! Per-san is really a serious person huh~!

Percival: Give me a break... You guys are the ones who've got something wrong, glossing over these things. Don't you think so, Siegfried?

Siegfried: Hm...? Percival, it's your turn.

Percival: Tch... Fine... I'm Percival, I formerly worked as the vice-captain of the Order of the Black Dragons. Right now, I am travelling to find a distinguished retainer who could give birth to the ideal country. I'm 27 years old.

ー Please let us hear about your impressions of each other. Please speak honestly about what you'd like to learn from each other, or what you'd like each other to work on. Let's start with Lancelot-san.

Vane: (Raising his hand fervently) Alright! Lan-chan is a knight who always thinks about the Order and the people of the land before he acts! I really admire the fact that even after becoming captain, he's been pursuing his studies and his training everyday! I'd like to learn from someone who works hard like that. As to what I'd like him to work on... H~m, there's nothing in particular!

Lancelot: ...Hey hey Vane, no matter how you look at it, you're praising me to much.

Vane: No, I just said what I really think! You're really doing your best, Lan-chan!

Lancelot: Th-, thanks Vane.

Percival: ...Even if we get to hear about your childhood stories, we won't make any progress by now. Siegfried, what about you?

Siegfried: Sure... I really think that Lancelot is doing well. The way he trusts his comrades and cooperates well with them is a strength of his that I'd like to learn from. I'd like you to keep working together with your comrades like that to bring the Order forward, from now on.

Lancelot: Yes!! Thank you!! Siegfried-san!!

Siegfried: So... Percival, what do you think about that?

Percival: Hm. There's nothing in particular to say to Lancelot as a capta(in)-

Lancelot: Huh~, is that so~. How unexpected~!

Percival: Wait, I'm not done talking! Work on your crude manners a bit more, that way your level of dignity will...

Lancelot: Alright, got it! Thanks!

Vane: But listen even though you say that~, shouldn't you learn from Lan-chan's composure, Per-san?

Percival: Yeah... I'll learn from you guys' carefreeness. Next, next.

ー Next, let us hear about your impressions of Vane-san.

Lancelot: (Suddenly coming forward enthusiastically) Can I just... say something? If I had to put Vane's essence as a human being in one word, it'd be "a person of love." Not only is he loved by his fellow knights, the townspeople also love him. I find that pleasant for Vane, just as if it were about myself. He cares for others without discriminating. I'd like to learn from his gentle way of approaching life and others. Lately, he's been supporting the Order magnificently as our vice-captain, so I don't have anything in particular that I'd like him to change, either.

Vane: (Tears falling) ... (sob) ... (sob) ... Lan-chan... I-, I, I'm so happy to be praised by you like this~!

Lancelot: What are you saying? Everyone here thinks the same.

Percival: Yeah, he's right. ...As expected of the mutt. It feels like caring after a dumb dog who wags his tail and comes snuggle up to just about anyone.

Vane: Uuu~! Why~! What about me reminds you of a dog?!

Percival: Just like that, he immediately bares his fangs and barks.

Lancelot: Hey hey you two, don't fight in the middle of an interview...

Percival: Tch...

Vane: Puuuuuff!

Siegfried: I see, they're more alike than you'd think.

Lancelot: Huh...? What do you mean, Siegfried-san?

Siegfried: Come on, it's so simple. Don't they always become closer everytime they fight? Don't you two get into fights like that, and then play around because you get along in the first place?

Vane: That's not it!

Percival: It's not!

Siegfried: Heh... They even breathe in synch.

Lancelot: Hahaha! Turns out you guys do get along, somehow.

Percival: Stop that Lancelot!

Vane: Stop it Lan-chan!

Siegfried: Is that what you call dancing to the same beat... Hm, we should also learn from them, right Lancelot?

Lancelot: Yes! Siegfried-san!

Percival & Vane: (In synch) I've had enough! Next!

ー (Laughs). Now then, let us hear about Percival-san.

Lancelot: He's the most serious one among us.

Vane: Yeah-, that's right that's right! It's easy to make plans when Per-san is there!

Siegfried: He's reliable because he's well-put together.

Percival: ...Hey, why are my comments strangely plain?

Lancelot: Huuh, they're not though? Right, Vane?

Vane: Yeah, the others were like this too, weren't they?

Siegfried: (Smiling gently)

Percival: Tch... If you guys don't answer these well, it'll cause trouble when the interview will be made into an article. Isn't there anything else you want to learn from me? You can even tell me what you want me to work on?

Lancelot: That thing that thing! The way you're so serious! I want to learn from that!

Percival: You already told me I was serious, just now. Don't I leave any other impression, aside from being serious?

Vane: Pft... Huhu... Wahahahah! I might want to learn how to butt into jokes like that too! Per-san, you're really funny huh~!

Percival: (Lighting on fire) Pft... It seems that for someone like this mutt to make fun of me, they must want to turn into charcoal...

Vane: (Prostrating himself in apology) Waaaah! Sorry for getting carried away! But, please work on how you immediately burn up once you get angry, Percival-sama!!

Percival: Don't move from there...

Lancelot: Vane! Leave it to me and run away quick!

Siegfried: (Smiling gently) Can I say something?

Percival: ...What?

Siegfried: Percival, there is no one who knows about your noble way of life more than we, here, do. But they do say that fish cannot live in clear water (1), so your noble mind may get people to keep you at an arm's length, and keep their distances from you.

Percival: Hm... I know that.

Siegfried: In other words, it means that you should learn to become as loving as Lancelot and Vane to avoid becoming isolated.

Percival: Yeah... Let's stop talking about me. It's your turn next, Siegfried.

Vane: (Th-, Thanks for saving me~!)

Lancelot: (As expected of you! Siegfried-san!)

ー What are your impressions of Siegfried-san?

Lancelot: Siegfried-san is... For me, he is someone who drilled into my mind everything that a knight should learn, like a teacher. It's... I can't put it into simple words. He's a really important person to me. He's like a wall that I cannot go over even to this day, so it's not only that I want to learn from his overwhelming strength as a person, but he's also someone that I strive to surpass one day. I hold that as a goal.

Siegfried: Heh... It's pretty embarassing when you say it like this. Lancelot, I think that you can stand on your own well enough. It's an honor that you're so conscious of my presence like this, but don't forget that as the captain of your Order, you're also in a position where people gaze at your back.

Lancelot: Yes, I am aware of that. Just like you, I am also always thinking of how I should act in order to influence others positively.

Siegfried: In that case, I have nothing more to say. Isn't there anything you want me to work on?

Lancelot: Ahahah... Things I'd like you to work on huh... If I must pick something, I guess the fact that you decide things on your own without consulting us?

Siegfried: ...You really hit me where it hurts, huh. I'll be careful about that, from now on.

Lancelot: Yes! Thank you.

Vane: Please allow me to speak next. When I didn't know how I should fight alongside Lan-chan, you were someone who trained me and taught me about self-confidence. I am greatly indebted to you, Siegfried-san. You're warm and gentle, your presence is kind of like that of a father, or actually like a mother... wait what am I saying! Um... Anyways, it's thanks to your guidance when I was still unexperienced that I am the vice-captain that I am now. The fact that I've become able to think that it's okay for me to fight alongside everyone is all thanks to you, Siegfried-san. Thank you so much!

Siegfried: Vane, I should be the one thanking you. Seeing you being so earnest reminded me of my initial resolutions. I get to hear about your remarkable efforts once in a while, but they make me happy as if they were my own.

Vane: Uooooooh-! I'm way too happy to hear that from you, Siegfried-san!

Siegfried: Heh... You really exaggerate things. That said, don't you have something you want me to work on, as well?

Vane: Hmm~... The thing I want you to work on is the same one that Lan-chan brought up, but I guess I think it'd be nice if you could depend on us more too.

Siegfried: Ah, got it... I'll keep it in mind.

Vane: Please do! We've become strong enough to even fight along your side!

Siegfried: ...I'm glad. I'll look forward to it, Vane.

Percival: Seems like I'm last. Right... When I left the Wales, from the neighbouring country, to join the Order of the Black Dragons in Feendrache, you were my superior as an officer. Your outstanding strength was enough to shake up my idea of what strength was, that I had up until then.

Siegfried: ...Percival, the first time I met you, it's true that you overflowed with real abilities that were reinforced by your confidence. Like that, you wore an aura that conveyed that you wanted to approach me somehow.

Percival: We're not talking about me right now. Rather...

Siegfried: What would you like me to work on?

Percival: Aah... Right. It's what we've been saying repeatedly, but also do something about your lack of concern for your personal appearance.

Siegfried: Hm... But I've been working on it a bit lately, haven't I?

Percival: That's because we happened to be around. I'm saying that you should do so when you're on your own too.

Siegfried: Got it. I'll engrave it into my guts.

Percival: As long as you know. As for me, I'm done talking.

Siegfried: Good grief, you haven't been sparing me lately, huh. Though, it was fun talking with you guys like this, today. This kind of opportunity is something we should be thankful for.

Lancelot: Yes!

Vane: I think so too!

Percival: Hm...

Siegfried: Well then, we're done with your talk. Will this be alright?

ー Yes, thank you!

Throwing in some private topics as well!

ー Please let us hear about some particularly memorable episode from your times together.

Lancelot: Maybe that time when we went to the Auguste resorts together, last summer!

Vane: It was so much fun playing around on the beach~! Ah, I was also surprised that Per-san isn't good with crabs!

Percival: It's not that I'm not good. I was just on guard because an unfamiliar crustacean suddenly appeared in front of my eyes.

Vane: There you go again~! Playing tough~!

Percival: (Turns to Vane)

Vane: Okaay! I'm sorry!

Siegfried: Heh... That time when we all went to watch the fireworks festival (2) together was also nice.

Lancelot: Yes! Watching the fireworks bloom into the firmament was truly wonderful!

Siegfried: I really want to go with everyone again.

ー When you are in private, what do you usually talk about? Please tell us if you talked about anything exciting, lately.

Lancelot: Lately, following the entrance exam for the Order of the White Dragons, some new apprentices have joined the Order. They're the talk of the town, right now.

Vane: Yeah, that's right! Arthur and Mordred wanted to meet Siegfried-san and Per-san too! If that's possible, it'd be nice if you could train them, next time!

Percival: Oh... So they're the ones who passed that exam that Lancelot did trial-and-error at.

Lancelot: Yeah, you'd helped me a lot, that time.

Percival: Heh... This is another rare chance. Let's ascertain what those guys have in them.

Vane: What about you, Siegfried-san?

Siegfried: Sure, got it. I'll train them next time I stop by the royal capital.

Lancelot: Thank you!

ー Please tell us about something that you were excited about, lately.

Lancelot: I guess finding something precious that I thought I'd lost!

Vane: When one of our subordinates had a child! Yeah~, that was really wonderful!

Percival: Hearing a musical performance from someone I'm close to, who's part of an orchestra.

Siegfried: The fact that a small flower bloomed from the plant I cared for.

ー What would you say is the best dish in the entire universe?

Lancelot: I'd say Vane's cooking?

Vane: Hey hey Lan-chan! Saying it's the best in the entire universe is too much!

Lancelot: No, I really think your cooking is worth praising that much. Right, Percival?

Percival: For me, I guess the seafood dishes that I ate in Auguste.

Siegfried: Heh... I wonder who it was that praised Vane's cooking at that one evening party?

Percival: Hey! Siegfried!!

Siegfried: I also like Vane's cooking best.

Vane: Uuu... uuuu... Thank you. To think that everyone would praise my cooking... Uooh!! I could cry! From now on, I'll keep serving you my dishes, enough to fill all of your stomachs!

ー What did you do to play, when you were children?

Lancelot: When I was a kid... I'd often run around the hills and fields with Vane.

Vane: Together with Lan-chan, I'd play in the nature, like catching bugs or fishing!

Percival: I used to receive training from my older brothers. I'd also go pick fruits, or appreciate the fine arts, things like that.

Siegfried: When I was a kid, huh... Before I realized it, I don't remember anything aside from exterminating spirits.

ー Finally, please say a few words to the readers of PASH!.

Lancelot: Thank you for keeping us company up until now! I'll look forward to meeting with you, the readers of PASH!, one day! Or is it possible that we're already travelling under the sky together? Please keep supporting us, from now on!

Vane: Hehe, thanks for giving us the opportunity to talk spontaneously like this, today! When we meet again somewhere, I'll buy you a meal so please do call out to me! When that happens, please let me hear about all your stories at ease!

Percival: Hm... We reached the end without ever explaining the circumstances, but that's alright. Some distinguished retainers might assemble thanks to this, after all. On my part, I'll be waiting for your applications. Let's build the ideal country together.

Siegfried: Hm... The readers of "pash" (3) right? It was a rare chance to get to know the readers of "pash" like this. If any spirits appear nearby, I'll be exterminating them for you, so I'd like it if you called me without restraint. Anyhow, see you.

ー Thank you!

T/N

(1) "Fish cannot live in clear water" (水清ければ魚棲まず / mizu kiyokereba sakana sumazu): It's a saying that means that when the water is clear, the plankton which the fish feed on cannot reproduce itself, and there is nowhere for the fish to hide from predators or nest. Siegfried is saying that although Percival has a clear conscience because of his noble mind, it can backfire.

(2) A reference to his yukata card. He mentions that they went to watch the fireworks on the beach in his homescreen lines.

(3) Although the magazine's name is usually written as PASH! in roman letters, it is written in hiragana in Siegfried's speech (ぱっしゅ / passhu), indicating that he's not sure what it is, but they're pronounced the same so the meaning comes across.

This was a commissioned translation. Original article is here.

I have never played GBF myself, so I have translated this to the best of my ability with the help of the commissioner, and also through my own research about the game, but please let me know if some romanizations or technical terms differ from the official English translations!

#granblue fantasy #dragon knights #PASH!#translation

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