#by imagining it's around the transition of autumn to winter there

[einsatzzz]

OC Crossovers (1/3): Tea Time with Myr and Lidija (@myrmyrtheorca 's OCs!) Kurumi may or may not be telling Lidija about shoujo manga while Myr is just chilling there and relaxing from the nice atmosphere.

[stormz369]

Hi!! <3

Can I ask for something with our boy Jay and a fem!reader who in autumn/winter does a 180° from her usual flowery/fresh perfume scents and wears gourmand perfumes, very reminiscent of baked goods and cozy autumn afternoons, and this is the first time ever that Jason gets to smell his gf wearing such fragrances as they have only been dating for a few months. (Btw this is completely self-indulgent and you are completely free to ignore it)

Thanks 😊 xx

A/N: Hi! 😊 Thank you for the request, I hope you like it! (I kept it all ages appropriate since you didn't specify one way or the other)

Divider used is by @saradika-graphics wc: 840 warnings/labels: fluff central, bad drivers mentioned (no one gets hurt), Jason Todd x (f)Reader, no y/n

Autumn Scents

Jason insisted on dropping you off at home; it was far too late for you to be using public transit in this neighborhood. You slipped his helmet off, holding it out to him, and he used it to pull you close, kissing you gently. 

“Mh~ good night, princess~” he grinned against your lips, cupping your cheek gently.

You sighed happily, kissing his cheek before pulling away. “Night~ text me when you get home, ok?”

He nodded; “yes ma'am~”

He slid his helmet on but waited for you to get inside before riding off. He hummed softly to himself as he sped down the nearly deserted road toward home. He was already planning your next date; something seasonally appropriate, like a pumpkin patch, or the Halloween Festival…

He started imagining you jumping into his arms at a haunted house, seeking safety against his broad chest. He was ripped out of his fantasies by a horn blaring to his right as a truck merged directly in front of him. Slamming on the breaks, he gasped deeply, glaring at the receding tail lights. Jackass… 

He sighed, taking slow, deep breaths to calm his heart rate as he continued riding. In through the nose, and out through the mouth. That was when he first caught the scent; woody and sweet, but also a bit spicy, like cinnamon and nutmeg maybe? As quickly as he noticed it, the scent escaped him, and he focused on the road again.

You were tugging him along, eager to get to your favorite cafe. He smiled softly, loving how the autumn colors looked on you. He briefly considered what you might look like in his signature red, and decided he'd have to find you something. A scarf maybe. As you opened the door he was hit with an incredible scent; warm, with a spicy under note, and was that citrus on the end? Jason breathed in deeply, a content little smile on his face, and caught the door.

“Mh, whatever that incredible smell is, that's what I want!” He peered into the cases, looking for the source of that scent, but the treats inside were mostly of the apple or pumpkin variety; no citrus in sight. He eventually settled on something, but he couldn't get that smell out of his mind. He wanted that!

But it wasn't all bad; with you curled up next to him on the plush couch, sipping your hot cider and ranting excitedly about your favorite show, he couldn't complain too much. He wrapped an arm around you, listening to your impassioned tirade, and knew he had never been happier.

The scent was starting to tease him. It was on his clothes now; spicy and woody, and sweet. He was certain it wasn't his cologne, and you had always worn delicate floral scents. He hadn't baked anything lately to account for it, and there were no other changes in his life. Just this scent, clinging to him, always making itself known just as he'd gotten it out of his mind.

That was how it came to be that you found him in your home, sniffing the air like a hunting dog; “... Babe?”

He held up a finger, sniffing more. “Hang on …”

Jason stalked through the living room, looking around. Finally, he sat backwards on the couch, leaning toward the back rest. He took a deep breath, frowning.

“... What on earth is happening right now?” You giggled, watching him.

“This scent has been following me around for weeks and I cannot find its source anywhere …” He sniffed another cushion and shot up, pulling the cushion up too. “This! What is this??”

Jason eagerly held the couch cushion out for you. You blinked a bit and held the cushion to your face, taking a whiff. Once you realized what it was, you couldn't stop the peals of laughter that came careening out of your mouth. He frowned, taking the cushion back, and sniffed it again.

“... What's so funny? What is it??”

You simply held him close, guiding his face to rest against your neck. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around you, not sure what exactly was happening. After a moment he gasped, pressing firmly against your jaw as he breathed in deeply.

 “... It was you!!!!” He roared, pulling you closer. You squealed in delight, wrapping your arms around his neck as he pulled you into his lap, falling onto the couch. “You did this to me!”

“I did what exactly??” You giggled, letting him hold you against his chest as he nuzzled into your neck.

“You usually smell like flowers! Not … mhhhh~ this~” he grinned, rubbing his nose against the soft curve where your neck meets your shoulder.

“Ahh~ it's fall, Jay. Why would I be using floral perfume in fall?”

“What is this? I'm buying you a dozen more~” he purred softly, continuing to press you as close to himself as he could. 

“Ah~ well if I'd known my fall scents would do this to you, I would have broken them out sooner…”

[is-on-its-way]

My one Fictober post

(because im a slow writer)

Prompt: 22 why are we doing this again?

This is “au” for after season 8 || read on AO3

She stared out across the lake sized pond, they called lakes ponds here, making her wonder what Maine’s lakes looked like. She made a mental note to ask Mulder to take them to see one after. 

Everything was so vast and open and endless. Sun drenched mountains stood ancient and unmoving past the parting of the trees on the opposite bank. Their rocky tops colored an amber yellow in the sunrise. Tall pine trees hugged the shore but for the rocky beach she was standing on. The water was a clear shade of greenish blue, reminding her of his eyes in the light of a sunrise. 

Rocks as big as her feet under her bare toes were warm to the touch, baked in the morning sun. They felt wonderful in the chill air surrounding her, remembered from the night before. It was cold here in the evenings, the warning of winter came as early as late August. But they were cozy in their cabin, with a cast iron stove and a furnace and a fireplace to keep the chill out. 

She liked the wildness of it and loved feeling the cold prick her skin at the closing and opening of each day, chasing her and being chased by the sun. There was a comfort there, of the silent and unmovable force of nature after being pursued for so much of their lives by things much less impressive. 

They would all flee inside as their daily ritual, Mulder their shepard when she or their boy were inevitably stubborn. But he was being strict with her, and would never allow it. 

She wanted to sit outside around the firepit on occasion but Mulder wouldn’t hear it. He worried about her, insisting she come inside. Telling her there would be other summers and autumns when she could. And the funny thing was, she let him. She didn’t even have to fight herself and her independence at all really, she found his protectiveness, her cheeks reddened just thinking about it, sexy. 

He’d missed out the last time she told herself, he deserved to have this. So she let him herd them all inside and cuddle up as a family every night on the cozy couch by the fireplace and they would all take turns telling stories and adding new chapters to their favorite ones until one of them, usually her, fell asleep. 

Besides it made her feel a comfort she couldn’t describe or understand. His care for them, she couldn’t have imagined how good this could be.

A wind blew off the water wipping her hair around her neck and she shivered pulling her sweater tight around her and glancing back to the hammock tied between two trees to make sure it wasnt swaying too much in the wind. He was warm enough she’d put a sheepskin down and then a wool blanket over top of him. The impression their little boy made was so tiny and she had a sudden wild feeling of joy and sorrow mixed together in the most confounding way. How small he used to be, with his little rabbit ear hat. How big he would seem in seven more months. Everything felt like it was going so slowly in this calm, but when she stopped to look she realized everything was going at the speed of light. 

The truth was he wasn’t tiny, she couldn’t really lift him up anymore, and they’d started transitioning to couch cuddles when he needed comfort. He was in the 94th percentile for height. Mulder had kissed her head and said “Thank those recessive Scully genes your brother got, huh?” at his last checkup. To which she’d muttered back “He's a Mulder.” Mainly to see the pride flicker across his face. He had started planning to put a basketball court in beside the driveway.

She turned back to the water chin dimpling at the passage of time. She’d always loved the fall, the shade of sunlight on her skin in the mornings and the sharp angles and yellow sunsets cast across living rooms in the evenings. This fall though, was the happiest of her life. The stillness of it was turning her world on its axis. God knows, she wasn’t one to remain in one place for long, neither was Mulder. She smiled at the thought. But they had soaked this in for two weeks now and she could envision seven months more, longer. Safe. Him safe. Together and enjoying each other for the first time… ever. 

It was like a honeymoon phase they never really had. They were like teenagers exploring their newfound freedom and the change in their lives for the first time it felt like, for the better. She couldn't stop smiling. Neither could he. Sometimes by the fire in the evenings, her, curled up in the big armchair reading, him, typing on the sofa next to their son fast asleep; they’d meet each others gaze and just grin dopily at each other.

Even Liam saw their newfound giddiness. “Momma you’re happy now?” Hed asked this morning, through a spoonful of oatmeal. They’d eaten a later breakfast than Mulder after he had left for an early morning hike. 

“Yes baby, I’m happy.” she’d said kissing the top of his sun bleached, sandy brown head.

“Are you happy my love?” She asked, playing with his hair.

“Yeaaaaah!” he’d exclaimed and wiggled in his chair and shed laughed.

Shed been saddened a bit by this. It had only been months that they’d finally been free.

Their son had grown up with both of his parents filled with worry, and anxiety, and serious conversations, and fights even, about the right thing to do, the time it would take them, the sacrifices they were making, even the moral thing to do. He’d spent his toddlerhood in an underground medical lab that was soulless and sunless and the bane of her existence for three hellish years.

Scully sometimes couldnt believe they’d gotten through it. Couldn’t believe she and Mulder had come out of it together and loving each other the same way, if not more deeply. 

She shook off her memories of that time determined to enjoy the world in front of her now. Mostly alien-less and beautiful and sunny and windy. Oh how she’d missed the wind. 

And people! Strangers, smiling as you passed them on the street. It’d taken them a couple of days to get used to the college town hospitality but how refreshing it was to see people. No weirdos, no cults, they'd employed the gunmen to double check, just students and parents and seniors posted up at the local coffee shop all day. Nothing but normalicy. Well except for the three of them. But she could live with that. 

She could live with a lot, she realized, once that low hum of anxiety, the constantly on guard state of being she’d become so accustomed to fell away. Mulder too, was more relaxed and happy here, just them, in their own universe. 

——————————

He’d been booked for a flight to a case he’d been working with the lone gunmen when it happened. It would’ve been a normal case with them otherwise, like he had done since they’d been freed. Free of the FBI, free of the conspiracy, and the group that had been a danger to them. Some in the government were taking the threat seriously and many of the survivors had been placed on the most wanted list. They were, more importantly, free of the colonists. They’d gone once the vaccine program had been rolled out, the earth, useless to them now. 

It felt like a weight that she hadn’t known she carried since she had woken up in the hospital in 1994 had been lifted off of her. No more experiments, no more women and children in danger. She could rest now. They could rest now. And rest they had.

She’d come back from the doctor in a daze. She’d been feeling under the weather and silently, she’d feared cancer, she hadn’t said as much to Mulder, but he had offered to drop Liam off at her mothers and go with her. She’d said no, it was probably nothing and if she needed him she’d call. He’d sent her off with an extra tight hug and a thousand kisses, whispering things that made her face flush thinking of them now. When the nurse had told her to do the standard pregnancy test before any imaging could be done she hadn’t even thought…

Mulder and Liam were dozing on the couch when she got home. She’d gone to the kitchen and turned on the faucet, hands shaking, mind blank, watching the water.

Mulder appeared at the kitchen door, wordless and waiting. She swallowed and managed a smile. “Not sick” she’d said.

And he’d been so relieved by this news he’d hardly noticed her fighting to remain calm while he woke Liam and they’d jumped around the kitchen shouting the lyrics to everything’s gonna be alright by Bob Marley. Mulder said they’d been waiting to have dessert with her, so she picked at the ice cream and watched her boys chatter and laugh for what she realized would be the last time as just the three of them. 

She’d waited until they’d put him to bed and he went to the couch holding a hand out, waiting for her to join him in their nightly cuddle. 

Instead she’d sat on the coffee table, taking his hand. She’d whispered “Mulder, I got some news at the doctor.” 

“I thought..?” He’d looked worried then and she’d wanted to beam her thoughts into his mind to stave off the five extra seconds of worry. 

“No its nothing bad, its…” She didn’t quite know how to say it, which if she wasnt so distracted she would find hilarious given this was the one thing she’d rehearsed in her dreams every single night the first time around. It came tumbling out of her mouth instead. 

“We’re going to have a baby.”

He’d blinked at her in complete shock and then his brow had furrowed and she’d wanted to say something else but he’d just leaned into her, took her in his arms and drew her into his lap.

“You’re sure? How scully..?” He’d mumbled from her neck. 

“I dont know” she’d cried, holding onto him like a life raft. 

They’d been overcome, trembling together, his tears wetting her neck. And she’d held him and kissed his cheek. 

He’d whispered ‘oh my god’ and found her hands and kissed each finger and then her face giving her little kisses all over, until the tears turned into giggles and they sat back and looked at each other faces red and puffy and happy.

The feeling that welled inside her then was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. At the chance to tell him. The second chance at everything. 

“What about the placenta?” he'd blurted out serious. And her heart could’ve shattered at his care for her. “Will they check it? Make sure you two will be safe not like last time?” His arms wrapped around her waist hugging her close to him.

“Well it was a great deal more stressful last time.” He squeezed her hand “but yes my OBGYN wants me to come in as soon as possible to do some testing.”

“Tomorrow?”

She nodded. 

“I’ll take you.” he said it with a finality that raised her deeply ingrained self suffient hackles and perplexingly turned her on a little.

Normally she’d have shaken her head. She almost did it automatically. But instead she’d smiled. “I’ll call to see if we can come in when Liam is at Bill and Taras.”

He’d sunk to the carpet, let her lie back on the couch as he rested his chin on her hipbone and whisped salutations to their child. Her fingers raked through his chinchilla hair. Trailing his fingers across her bare belly, asking for her to un button and unzip her pants so as to be as close as possble to where their baby currently inhabited her belly. He whispered about how he hoped they’d get her beautiful nose and come to think of it her eyes and the shape of her earlobes. She’d added 

“Tell them about your jawline and your soft hair.” 

“And your mom wishes you’d get my jawline so maybe work on that in there while you can, but I like her hair better so its up to you kid.”

She’d giggled, and they’d cried, and he’d carried her to bed. That night Mulder wrapped his body around her, entangling his limbs in hers, his hands placed protectively around her belly.

And when they woke up three days later and he’d prepared to go to the airport for the gunmen’s case, they both could barely look at each other. 

And he’d hugged her and said, “Don’t worry Scully, no monsters just run of the mill missing persons.” 

But her stomach dropped into her abdomen and stayed there as the door closed behind him, and as she’d started breakfast and cried silently at the stove begging god not to be so cruel. Not to take him a second time. Knowing he’d be okay but feeing deep down something would go wrong, the darkness would find him. 

And it jumped into her throat ten minutes later as the door crashed open and she heard him call her name and his long strides coming determinedly to her in the kitchen, catching her face in his hands, and wildly searching her eyes.

She’d cried his name as he’d asked desperately.

“Why are we doing this again?”

“I dont know” she’d broken down then; relieved, and so happy he’d come back to her. And he’d grabbed her and kissed her like he should’ve the first time, like he wanted a second chance, like they could relive the past and physically force it to change. 

“I dont want to miss a second of you this time.” he’d muttered into her hair holding her to him. 

“Mulder” she’d choked out, emotions too vast to put into words.

“Momma waffles” Liam had reminded her and she saved them before they burned

“Breakfast” she’d smiled weepily at Mulder, as they both wiped tears away.

“Yes, then let’s get out of here.” he’d said looking at her as seriously as she’d ever seen him.

She tilted her head in question

“Lets go to the maine house.”

She tried to hide a smile. “For how long?”

“The rest of it. A year. Forever. However long you want.”

She’d raised her eyebrows. This was her Mulder, all or nothing all the time. She’d fought a smile. “What happens when we get bored?” She crossed her arms, spatula still in hand, after putting the waffle on Liam's plate.

“I have a book to write that I’ve been putting off. You have a baby to grow and two full shelves of books you've been wanting to get through and…” he searched for more concrete reasons, “you wanted to decorate that house…Fall is the best time for antiquing” he’d said fluttering his eyebrows enticingly.

“We can stop at Brimfield on the way up.” he added in a sing song, knowing this would do the trick.

Her eyes lit up, he knew he had her, and he grinned.

“What about my training?”

“Can you take a sebatical?”

“Maybe, I can ask” 

“Ask”

“Okay I’ll call after breakfast.” She said excited at their new plan. 

“Good” his fingers found hers and pulled them around him spatuala and all, as he pulled her into a hug. 

“I’m so happy.” he mumbled in her hair “Its terrifying.” 

She nodded into his chest and said “I know exactly what you mean.”

And then he started laughing and she laughed with him and then Liam started his cutest five year old laugh and soon everyone had dissolved into giggles and hugs.

—————

The sun dappled her dappled cheeks catching a tree on its rise. She found herself smiling at the memories and she sighed.

He walked up behind her. She didn’t turn around knowing it was him from the sound of his footfalls. He stopped behind her and wrapped his arms under hers and over her slightly swollen belly, tucking his nose into the side of her neck. “Mmm” she hummed “Hi”

“Hi”

“Nice walk?”

“Very relaxing” he muttered into her, lips brushing against the top of her shoulder setting her skin alight in goosebumps. 

“Tomorrow we can all go.” She whispered, tilting her head so he could continue the path up her neck.

“Okay. I found a perfect little outcrop that looks over the lake. The trail is mostly flat.” His nose drifted across her jaw.

She smiled at his worry.

“Mulder” she said in that exasperated voice she knew he loved “I worked for the FBI the first time I was pregnant I can do a hike.”

He just breathed her in. “You smell different.” He murmured from the soft bare skin behind her ear.

“Better or worse” she asked, voice still playful.

“Just different. I love it. I love being here with you, watching you.” He breathed her in deep over exaggerating, and she giggled.

“You’re amazing. Have I told you?”

“Today? Not yet” she teased.

“You’re amazing Dana.” He said kissing her jawline.

“Thank you Fox.” she whispered as if his name was their secret.

“I have something for you.”

She turned in his arms looking at him questioningly. He dug in his back pocket and pulled a notebook out, opened it and on the page there was a perfect maple leaf in fall colors. The veins of it were still green but the colors faded outwards from them in a tricolor rainbow of brightest yellow to deepest red around the very edges.

“It’s beautiful” she said studying the way the colors merged from one vein into another.

“It wasn't ready to fall but it did and it ended up better for it.” He said. “Like us.”

She smiled earnestly up into his eyes. She twirled the stem in her fingertips the light catching it and illuminating the colors even more. 

“Fall always reminded me of you.” He said in a low voice still holding her. She reached up to his face brushing a finger across his plump lower lip. He answered her unspoken request, bending down to brush his lips to hers and allow her to open her mouth to him playing with them between her own, tasting the familiar taste of him on his tongue. Before parting, and pressing her cheek against his chest, looking out at the sun fully risen over the water now.

“I have something for you too” she said glancing up at him, finding his eyes a smile playing on her lips. She dug in her sweater pocket and pulled out a smooth stone and held her hand out with it lying on her palm. He took it beamused, then his eyebrows raised “Its shaped like a UFO” he said surprised. She laughed pleased he could see it too.

It was. It was oblong a perfect sphere from the top with a small hump on one side that could’ve been a cockpit.

“Don’t go imagining it actually is with tiny aliens inside, its just a coincidence in a stone.”

He smirked at her “Maybe” he said suggestively.

She shook her head staring back at her leaf 

“I think I can put this between wax paper and preserve it.”

He kissed her temple their presents held in each others hands.

“I can’t wait for spring, we can swim.”

“The babys due in May, I dont think I’ll be able to for a while after.”

He shrugged. “Then we’ll wait for summer.”

“You’ll take Liam, teach him to swim.” She said with certainty. “We can watch.” She spoke as much to him as her belly.

Mulder smiled and she saw tears flood his eyes threatening to spill over his bottom lashes. She put a hand to his cheek and asked for his eyes. 

He sighed and smiled “Yeah, that sounds perfect.”

@today-in-fic

[emjiroki]

Prince Shoto Todoroki x Court Lady Reader

Warnings: extreme fluff, arranged marriage, mentions of scars, Shoto is hopeless romantic and we love him ♡

The late morning Autumn sun baked the windowsill stones as a soft breeze fluttered through the room, gently moving the silvery white fabric that trailed against the floor as you tighten the corset ribbons. The dress was a beautiful gift, handcrafted with delicate lace flowers and silky material, a true gift befitting a princess. You tightened the ribbons to the corset as Princess Fuyumi took a breath, a soft gasp eeking past her lips at the tight squeeze. You could feel her heartbeat hammering through the tight material as you continued to situate and fix, thrumming like the wings of a hummingbird. You gave her a cup of water that was on a nearby tray, a soft smile gracing you as she took the silver from your hands.

“Are you okay my lady? Feeling ill?” You asked with concern as her cheeks flushed.

“No. No, I’m fine,” She breathed, setting the cup aside, “just a bit nervous”. Her hands smoothed the material at her waist, her body fidgeting back and forth in the long mirror as she looked at her reflection. She was stunning in this dress, the deep blue of house Iida fitting her so well it really did feel like she was made for this.

“Nothing to be nervous about,” You said, finishing the backing with an easy knot bow due to this just being the fitting. But nerves were expected when planning to meet her future husband in a week. The dress box and a necklace with the family crest had arrived that morning at the castle gates by private messenger. Queen Rei immediately instructed you to have it fitted on Fuyumi to be tailored if needed and have it ready for the engagement ball.

“But what if he… doesn't want me?” She asked in a quiet voice, looking down at the floor, “What if we’re nothing alike and have no common interests? What if we aren’t meant to be and I end up like my parents?”. The conflicts between the King and Queen were far from private, their fights and cold behavior toward each other spilling over into the bare minimum family life they participated in. You had been taken in when you were only sixteen years old, an orphan made into an aid for the princess, and had quickly realized the strained dynamic that resided within the castle walls.

“But what if you are? And that night is the first night of the rest of your life?” You say, delicately taking her hand in yours as she looked over at you with her stone gray eyes filled with apprehension, “I’m certain everything will be alright”. She squeezed your hand for a moment so hard you thought your fingers would break but you let her, knowing she needed the grounding now more than ever.

“Tell me his name again,” She said, the hand not holding yours going down to pet along the patterned lace.

“Tensei Iida,” You said, having overheard the Queen discussing with her two private court ladies as they made wedding preparations.

“Tensei,” She said with a deep breath, the name rolling naturally off her tongue, “I like that”. You nodded as you fixed a strand of her hair that had fallen out of place, nearly jumping at the quick knock against the door. You bowed and stepped to the side as the Queen entered, gushing over how beautiful her daughter looked.

“Look at you! The prize of the country,” Rei said with an elated tone, hands flitting around her daughter looking for any marks or imperfections to the gown or her composure, “I can not believe that my lovely Fuyumi is going to be getting engaged to be married. The perfect Winter wedding, as is tradition”. The Todoroki’s were always married in the cold, their traditional wedding robes made of thick furs and deep crimson wool. But this time would be different as Fuyumi would only be in the crimson robes for the first half, changing the cloak over in the middle of the ceremony as a transition into the next family.

“Imagine if you are soulmates. A Royal pairing destined from birth, how romantic” Rei said with a dreamy sigh, giving her daughter a squeeze quickly before turning to you. “Does the gown need tailoring?”.

You shook your head. “No your highness, it fits perfectly. Expertly made,”.

“Excellent! Exactly what I wanted to hear,” She beamed, turning for the door once again, “We have many things to discuss Fuyumi, Meet me in the north wing parlor room as soon as you get your dress put away”. The wooden door shut heavily behind her, Fuyumi breathed a sigh of relief as her mother disappeared.

“Get this off of me, I would rather not look at it anymore,” She said curtly, undoing the bow behind her back as you moved quickly to loosen the corset. Once the garment was neatly folded away in a dressing trunk, the princess reluctantly left the room with a quiet “see you for supper” before the door shut behind her too. Fuyumi had always been reserved around her parents, going along with whatever they wanted for her just so she didn’t have to hear them fighting or be on the receiving end of their backlash. After Touya’s death and the second youngest son, Natsuo, leaving for a monastery almost immediately after the funeral before he could be crowned, the pressure had been put on her shoulders. And Shoto’s. Your cheeks burned thinking about the prince as you exited the dressing room and made your way across the hall, stopping by your small room on the way to grab the book you were reading so you could head to the gardens for a bit.

It really was a beautiful day, bugs and birds chirping as you made your way through the bloomed rose hedges and the soft dry grass beneath your feet. You always liked to escape to the back area where a few cherry trees blossomed, still smelling sweet in the fall coolness even with the flowers gone and the leaves turned a vibrant fire orange after the fruit was picked and made down into jams and wine, the spot was peaceful and a safe haven. You had just turned to the page with the folded corner when you heard the slightest shuffle of a footstep behind you.

“Your Father training you on your stealth skills?” You asked with a smile when you heard the prince sigh in annoyance behind you.

“He’s not doing a very good job apparently,” Shoto said, flopping down onto the grass on his back and laying his head on your lap where your legs were crossed under your long cotton dress.

“Maybe you are just not a good student,” You said, giggling as he reached up to push your face playfully.

“Such kind words for the man that wants your hand in marriage,” Shoto huffed, prying one of your hands off the book, lacing your fingers together, and pressing soft kisses to your knuckles. You could feel your lips turning down, brow furrowing out of his view for a moment. You always disliked when he brought up marriage.

“I know you’re grimacing behind your book,” He said pointedly, freehand coming up and pushing the book down so he could make eye contact with you.

“You know I don’t like when you talk like that,” You chided, bopping him very lightly with the hardbound spine.

“Like what? Like someone who loves you more than I have air to breathe?” Shoto mused, pressing one more lingering kiss to the back of your hand before placing it on his head, closing his eyes against the feeling of your fingers running through his red and white hair, nails lightly scratching at the scalp as you felt him relax further against you. The sunlight filtering through the leaves on the trees cast shadows of swaying branches and spots of light against Shoto’s soft face, like bright heaven kisses against his cheeks, his eyelids, and even the scar surrounding his turquoise eye, making him all the more ethereal. He always seemed to take your breath away, your hand faltering for a split second when he cast his bright heterochromatic eyes to yours, the blue and gray shining with so much warmth and adoration that your eyes began to sting with tears.

“I’ve never felt love like I do for you,” Shoto said quietly, a soft breath of vulnerability and admittance for you alone. Before you could even think about replying, the loud voice of one of the King’s attendants rang out across the garden and scattered the birds.

“YOUR MAJESTY! YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED BACK IN THE TRAINING ROOM”. They always knew where to find him, but at least were none the wiser of your beings here. Shoto groaned, calling back a quick “I’m coming!” before sitting up and grasping your jaw in his hand.

“Meet me here tonight, After dinner. I want to see you again,” He said, bending in quickly to press a hard kiss on your forehead as you nodded, fighting the smile from your face. And in a flash, he was gone, wanting to be quick so as not to bring them searching. If anyone caught you two together it could mean the worst of endings. Exiled to the forest to die by the teeth of some beast or, worst, beheaded in a public display. Used as an example of what happens when inferior blood attempts to mix with the royal family. Being allowed a room in the castle alone was more than anything anyone like you could hope to receive from a family of such high standing, according to several quotes over the years from both the King and Queen. Fuyumi had always said to let their comments roll off your back, like water on a duck's feathers, never take heed to their words, and just smile and nod. Even if it felt like acid was boiling behind your teeth as you bit your tongue to keep your composure. An uneasy feeling squirmed like eels fighting the lingering butterflies in your stomach as you thought back to Shoto’s words.

‘The man that wants your hand in marriage'. He had said it with so much conviction, so assuredly that hope had bloomed in your chest for a moment. But it was always a means to an end, and with your luck, not a good one. The close relationship Shoto and you had was forbidden in the eyes of his parents, and almost everyone else, but the prince wouldn’t relent. Starry-eyed confessions in the dark of your room of running away, far away, across the ocean and leaving this big castle and all of the problems and torments inside of it behind. Slip through the cracks like a ghost in the night and vanish before morning dawn. It wasn’t a plan, barely even the bones of one, but the way he held you and spoke so softly it felt like it could be reality. Even as tears wetted your cheeks. You took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts away, not wanting to go into this dinner in a sour mood knowing the Queen’s cheer would bring about a worse one.

[diddybok]

born to die | minho

all characters depicted in my writing are from my own imagination and do NOT in anyway represent nor reflect the people in real life :)

➩pairing: minho x gn!reader

➩genre(s): ANGST, fluff, smut, non-idol!au, switch!minho

➩warnings: death, smoking, pet names, sexual themes (18+) sex (unprotected- pls use protection!), explicit language, people watching (not sexual!) [anything else i have missed]

➩summary: a story based on the song ‘born to die’ by lana del ray. minho was the chosen victim i’m afraid.

➩wc: 5k (5,046)

➩author’s note: i am so sorry.

don’t make me sad, don’t make me cry.

Cold, wet, miserable. The transition from autumn to winter makes itself known harsher than it has ever done before. As the wind cries, an acrimonious chill soars through the air looking to communicate with the souls that are derived of their light.

Minho walks down the desolate street playing with his lighter. A custom made lighter; a muted grey with the engraving of a peacock feather on it. A gift he got on his birthday from an old friend. It packs quite a punch he must say.

He takes one last long drag from his cigarette, taking back the nicotine to fill his lungs before freeing the smoke to dance through the smog. It feels familiar, the taste of nicotine on his tongue. It has been a while since he has smoked. He didn’t miss it per-say, but fuck did it have its way of ebbing the pain.

A brown weathered bench comes into his line of view. He sits at this bench so much that he has assessed the best and worst parts of it to sit on. He collapses down, slightly off-centre and releases a long sigh.

Dawn is his favourite time of the day. The route he can walk with his eyes closed allows him to pass by the type of people he finds pleasure in watching. Minho was adroit at reading people. He much preferred to observe rather than enter a conversation in which he would need to cue his laughs and pretend to be sympathetic towards people who, he concluded, deserved nothing but to get castrated.

05:29am, right on time. Paul flits around the corner and continues down the path. Minho monitors the morning runner closely, counting his steps. Usually Paul does four hundred down this path before he is out of sight. His strides are longer today, seems he wants to get his run over and done with.

Minho likes Paul, though he’s never interacted with him. He needs not to, him watching from afar every dawn for the past ten months has made Paul the closest person he can refer to as a friend in his life currently.

Sad? Far worse. Depressing.

Things in his life changed drastically when you left him. You…your name leaves a vexatious taste in his mouth. It ire’s him just how easily you ruined him. He didn’t think he could possibly hate anyone on this planet as much as he does you. All because you broke the promises you made him.

He hates you. He doesn’t think he will ever stop hating you. He can’t, he won’t.

The friends he did have, he casted them aside. Dropped them like a tree ridding itself of its leaves. Every now and then one of his old friends, Chris, checks up on him. Whether it be sending him a letter -Minho had blocked his number- or a care package. He can’t deny the fact that it really pisses him off.

There goes Vanessa, or as people formally call her, Miss Phillips. He discovered that she is a teacher who specialises in helping children with special needs. Minho is quite fond of Vanessa. He usually likes to guess what style her hair will be next. She untucks her hair from her coat, braids. He hisses and shakes his head slightly as he guessed wrong again.

Minho reaches for the cold flip lighter and runs his thumb over the engraving. Never one to believe in superstitions, he thinks about the argument on whether a peacock feather brings good or bad luck.

It attracted the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in this world. For that, he was beyond grateful for this small object. Until the thing that was so beautiful became cold, unknown, and cause him the worst ache of all. Ache from the heart that shattered into many, many minuscule pieces. One that he knows can never be meticulously mended.

He shouldn’t be thinking about that, about you. His therapist strongly advises against such and directs him to remember his two little people he keeps an eye on. ‘Paul and Vanessa, just think about Paul and Vanessa. You have formed some sort of relationship with them in which you have developed a fidelity. They aren’t any the wiser, but they are a reason for you holding on and gravitating your mind to moving forward.’ His therapist had said.

Minho’s hands start to shake and not due to the cold air. He curses to himself as he opens his cigarette box to find it empty. He was perturbed by his thoughts and needed to rid his growing anxiety before he has an attack.

The universe astutely discerns the situation, for a small friendly body rubs against his calf. Purring fills his senses and he looks down to see the stray cat staring up at him.

The cat seems to mimic his every move. He lifts an arm, the cat lifts its paw to touch his leg. He tilts his head, the cat does the same. If Minho clenches his fist tightly in his lap, then the cat rubs on his calf to soothe him.

It doesn’t take long for a decision to be made, for he and the cat coalesce. He gently picks it up and continues his journey home. The cat immediately becoming the third most important thing in his life.

──・──・・✿ ・・──・──

come and take a walk on the wild side. let me kiss you hard in the pouring rain.

“Honey?”

“In here!”

Minho follows the sound of your voice, finding you snuggled up in a blanket snacking on some popcorn and listening to some music. You turn to acknowledge him and he physically feels his heart swell. The way you look at him with such light and love is enough for it to be his main source of oxygen. God he is painfully in love with you.

“Hello my darling, how was work?” You ask with a tilt of your head. His heart skipped a beat.

“It was irritating,” he moves to lay on you, resting his head on your stomach as your hands find their way to his head, “Chris is annoying me again.” He says with a roll of his eyes. You chuckle lightly at that.

“Did he put his lunch in your designated spot in the fridge again? Or was it that he offered you an iced latte instead of an Americano? Oh! Maybe he asked whether you were free this weekend and asked you to hang out? Or-”

You are cut off with a rambunctious groan that makes you erupt in a fit of laughter. Minho goes to roll off you irked by your teasing, but you trap him with your legs and apologise by smothering his face in kisses.

Hearing just some of the things that he relayed to you about his days at work made him sound ridiculous for even being annoyed at such things.

You have an extraordinary way of doing that. Reminding him that he’s being too pessimistic about life without explicitly saying so. He realistically doesn’t need to be pessimistic anymore. Not when he has you in his life, you are warm sun to shine through his cold grey skies.

It’s astounding just how long he was able to survive before you. You have moulded him unknowingly into a man capable of loving someone to an extent which is unearthly. He is your paean to how beautiful love can be and you are his saviour.

“What’s going on in that pretty head?” You ask, rubbing your hands up and down his back. It should not surprise him how well you know him.

“Do you know how much you mean to me? I can’t breathe without you Y/n. That’s frightening. I never thought I could genuinely be so happy. I never knew what love was until you y’know?” Minho says.

He can feel your breath quicken and your heartbeat increase, but you’re silent. So he continues.

“I truly think, no, I know you make me a better man. I don’t know why I am being sentimental right now, I think you have me in a lifelong trance.” He lifts his head up, resting his chin on your chest. He watches a tear fall from your eye. He wishes in that exact moment, that he could read people’s minds. Read your mind.

“Why must you do that to me unprovoked?” You sob. It’s his turn to comfort you as he manoeuvres his way out of the position you both currently hold. He lifts you gently and places you on top of him to which you bury your face in his neck.

The pitter-patter of rain starts to make itself known as the weather mimics your mood. Minho enjoys the rain though, it soothes him. Much like you soothe him. It’s strange, he can see the similarities between you and droplets of rain. Both refresh and cool him down when he’s too hot. Both make sounds that immediately puts him into a tranquil state. Both necessary to the world to make the flowers bloom and the grass look greener.

You are his rain.

He runs his fingers along your spine as you mutter incomprehensible words. If he had to guess you are telling him that he’s a villain for making you feel such a way randomly in the day. You referred to him as such before.

Minho is a prick, albeit a lovable one; a prick nonetheless. He loves the way you react to his spontaneous outbursts of reasons why he loves you. Maybe it’s the way you look so adorable when you cry. Maybe it’s the way you will always cling to him after he does so. Whatever the reason, it only makes his heart grow fonder.

The room is filled with your sniffles here and there, low music, and the sound of heavy rain hitting the window.

Minho lays with you, his eyes closed, swaying you gently.

“Do you want to go and play in the rain?” He says breaking the rhythm of sounds.

“Do I want to go and play in the rain?” You echo, laughing, “No, I don’t want to get my hair wet.”

“You can wear my hoodie and my raincoat?” He suggests. You look up at him, sitting up fully. He just smiles at you, awaiting your response.

“You really are serious…wow.”

“It’ll be fun, come on!” He exclaims picking you up with him as he gets up from the sofa. He goes to grab a hoodie of his, one of your favourite ones to wear. He tucks your hair inside of the hood and pulls the drawstrings to tighten it around your face.

He laces the string with a bow and kisses the tip of your nose. He then runs to get his raincoat and swiftly encloses you inside of it. He laughs at you.

“What?” You say feigning annoyance with a tilt of your head.

“Nothing…” He hums with laughter. “You just remind me of an Ewok” He laughs pinching your cheeks. You scrunch your face up due to the attack of his fingers and try to bat him away.

“You basically just called me a tiny bear.” You groan.

“My cute tiny bear. Come.” He grabs your hand and leads you towards the front door so you can both put on your shoes. He glances you way, shooting you an ‘Are you ready?’ look, to which you just roll your eyes at him.

He doesn’t give you another second to change your mind, him basically lifting you off your feet and into the empty street. You squeal as the rain comes down hard, instantaneously soaking both Minho and you.

Minho closes his eyes and raises his head to the sky, letting the rain trickle down his face. He laughs and then looks down at you. Staring up at him, you look at him like he is the only person ever. He scans your face, taking in your beauty. He is too in awe to speak, instead choosing to try and contain his smile by biting his lip. It doesn’t work.

“I’ll love you forever.” You say loudly over the rain. Minho’s heart stops beating for several moments.

“Promise me that, my love.” He says, cupping your face in both of his hands. His thumbs rest just beneath your eyes and he wipes the water away from them.

“I promise.”

He kisses you deeply, lovingly, passionately. And the both of you stand there in the pouring rain, smiling through your kisses and failing to suppress your laughter.

It was in that moment, that you two were the only people in the world. The two brightest of stars, conjoining to rival the sun.

──・──・・✿ ・・──・──

choose your last words, this is the last time

Minho paces back and forth in front of your driveway before approaching your door. He messed up big time, so he keeps being told by your friend Jeongin. He has always found your friends tiresome. Why being sent a paragraph long text of middle finger emoji’s is warranted for his jealousy? He will never know.

He isn’t quite sure how to say he is sorry for what he did. He trusts you. Of course he trusts you, it’s you. You would never do anything to hurt him, let alone in spite of his childish moods.

He musters up enough courage to knock on your front door. Yet as he was about to, he retracts his hand. What if this is something you will never forgive him for? That can’t possibly be an outcome of all this. Can’t it?

He backs away from the door, pacing again. To any of your neighbours, he must look like some creep trying to talk himself into breaking into your house. It’s best he just be brave and-

“Minho?”

He freezes in his tracks as he sees you in your pyjamas, carrying a trash bag. If your face didn’t hold that nasty scowl directed towards him, he would have thought you looked cute in the set he got you for your birthday. You clear your throat. Right, he is here to plead his case.

“Hey…bin collection day tomorrow?”

An awful start.

You brush past him, throwing the bag into the bin. He watches you awkwardly, placing a hand on the back of his neck.

You walk back inside, but open the door wider. Taking that as his cue to go inside, he scurries in, sure to be quick as to keep the warmth inside.

You immediately head to your room and he sheepishly follows, acting as if he doesn’t know the layout of your house by memory.

As you both enter your room, you go off to the bathroom to wash your hands. He sits and waits for you on the bed. His attention momentarily drawn to the window where he sees drops of rain run down the glass. He smiles softly before returning to his solemn state.

The bed dips beside him and he has to force himself not to stare at the side of your head. The remote control to your television gets thrown into his lap. He looks down, then up at you confused.

“Pick something. Give yourself a couple of minutes to calm down and then say what you have to say.” You speak assertively.

He does as you say without question. Even if you are mad at him, you still know that he can struggle with righting his wrongs. Oh how he loves you.

A few minutes pass and Minho does indeed feel calmer. Enough to start the conversation he is still, slightly, scared to have.

“I am sorry. I had no right to tell you what to wear that night. I also acted like a dick to every single person that approached you, even your friends. That was not cool of me. At all.” He starts.

His eyes meet yours and it takes everything in him to not cower away in embarrassment. The reality of his actions settling in.

“You are beautiful. I know that, everyone else knows that. I think I just got annoyed by people gushing to me about you and how they would love to be with you.” He turns to the window again, watching the rain as it gets heavier.

“It triggered a protective side of me, well, a primal one.” He looks towards you now as you sit against the headboard, waiting for him to continue. “You’re mine and I didn’t want people to think they even had a chance with you.”

“Surely you would only think that if you didn’t completely trust me.” You argue, raising an eyebrow.

Minho starts to fiddle with the remote. Casting his eyes away from yours in embarrassment.

“That, would be a viable response to that yes. But I do trust you! I promise. You haven’t given me any reason not to trust you I just-” He cuts himself off, holding back on what he truly wants to say.

He hears you sigh and you move to place your hand on his forearm. You stroke his arm softly with your thumb, letting him take his time. He really appreciates this side of you.

“I haven’t been feeling like I am enough for you. I don’t feel good in my body as of late and I think those insecurities translated through my actions of how I ministered to our relationship,” Minho takes a long, drawn out breath before continuing. “I think I was trying to drag you down with me into the same state of mind. For that, I am sorry Y/n.” He finishes looking up at you as his eyes shimmer from the fresh tears that threaten to fall.

You two stare at each other for a little while longer, the silence making Minho more panicked. You crawl over to him and straddle his lap, taking him by surprise. Your hands finding their rightful place in his hair, stroking softly.

“Thank you for apologising to me. Make sure to also apologise to the many of my friends you rubbed the wrong way,” You chuckle lightly. “But thank you for opening up to me and telling me what has been troubling you.” You take a deep breath and release with a sigh. “It doesn’t mean that I am completely happy with you, but I do want to show you that you are beautiful. You are everything and more to me Min.” You say smiling softly.

Minho swallows, his eyes blinking rapidly as he listens to you. He places his hands on your hips and strokes them softly. He may not be able to respond right now, the words caught in his throat. So he wants to let you know that he hears you.

“This is a conversation that needs to be finished when emotions aren’t as strong. However, I have failed as your lover to not make you feel like you’re enough. To not make you feel as if you are the sexiest man I have ever laid my eyes on.” You tantalisingly move your hips on his crotch.

The way his body responds to you will never cease to amaze him. All it takes is you sitting on top of him, hell, one look when you stare at him with those eyes and he is ready to go.

Gyrating slowly and pressing down on his now evident erection, a small whine escapes his lips. You smile at that and lift your shirt up off your body. Grabbing his hands, you lift them up to your chest for him to pay attention to your nipples.

He immediately began pinching and rolling them between his fingers. Your moans elicits a thrust of his hips up into your heat. Wanting more, you grab his head and he understands what you want of him. His eyes flutter closed and he attaches his soft lips to the bud, sucking and swirling his tongue. Releasing beautiful moans, he gets off to the salacious image of you using him at any given time to make him suck your nipples.

“I love the way you love my nipples Min. Love the little sounds you make.” You throw your head back in pleasure. “All reasons why you are the sexiest man I know.” You mewl softly.

He switches nipples frantically. Always eager to please you. Only you. He craves every little thing about you. The way your lips taste, the way you taste. The way your body shudders around him as he takes you whenever you let him.

He is love drunk off of you. You are like a drug to him and he wishes to consume you ‘til his dying breath.

The way you grind your hips down on him is unholy, it is like you are trying to make him cum in his pants. He is close, so close. His moans turning into desperate high pitched whimpers.

You halt your movements and hover above his lap. Swallowing the noise of disappointment with your mouth on his. Your tongue claiming the entirety of his mouth. You are so filthy and he loves it.

You catch his bottom lip between your teeth, dragging it slightly before gazing up at him with those eyes. You run your hands from his shoulders down his body, painfully slowly.

His head falls back into the pillow as he looks up at the ceiling, fighting the urge to just pull his pants down enough for him to free himself and fuck you senselessly until he is a shaking mess.

He knows better than to do that though. He wants to be good for you. Your good boy.

You pull down his joggers and his underwear and he shivers slightly. You hum in approval and kitten lick the head of his cock.

“Y/n, bunny, please don’t tease me!” He squalls. He thinks maybe he is being punished for his behaviour. It’s the only way to explain the way you stroke him at a leisurely pace.

“Hush, let me appreciate you. M’gonna make you feel good love” You mumble more to yourself than to him.

Before he could protest anymore, he sharply intakes a breath. The way your lips mould around him so deliciously. Taking him down your pretty little throat. How did he get so lucky to find someone that riles him up as much as you do?

His hands reach down to lightly tug your hair, using it as a handle as he guides your head up and down. Your mouth felt so good. It always feels so good.

He simply can’t control the needy whimpers and whines that are released from his throat. The sound doing so much as to turn him on even more. He has to be careful, he doesn’t want to finish like this, not before you anyways. That is just selfish, what man doesn’t let his gorgeous little pet finish before him?

He pulls you off of him, catching you by surprise. His eyes are dark now, as if a switch was flipped. He comes to his senses, his mission to grab back the reigns and take control. He inhibits you wiping the drool from your mouth as he pulls you into him and crashes his lips into yours.

You moan into his mouth and he is sure to swallow every one. He flips you onto your back, lightly pinning your arms in place. You are breathtaking. Just looking at the way your body glistens with sweat in the moonlight. Looks so tempting, so inviting. Like he wants to create a masterpiece with your empty canvas.

He kisses every part of your body, painting a picture with the little marks he leaves in his wake. His mouth hovers over your heat, breathing softly before planting a chaste kiss.

“Oh kitten…you are dripping.” He says with a devilish grin. “Is this all for me?” He asks tilting his head as he now looks up at you. He concludes that your mewling won’t satisfy him with the answer he wants to hear.

He squeezes your thighs roughly, causing you to look down at him. He just looks up at you with those gorgeous black eyes, his smile charming.

“I believe I asked you a question. Is my darling already too fucked out? I haven’t even touched you in the place you so desperately need me yet. Did you have your fun, having the control hm?”

“Yes, yes it’s all for you Min.” You whine attempting to squeeze your thighs together, but he is quicker than you. Spreading them wide his kisses litter just around your centre. His teasing merciless as you writhe beneath him.

“Min please, no more teasing. Need your mouth on me.” You beg, pushing your hips up to meet his face. He moves back, amused by your neediness.

“Well if that’s what my little kitten wants, then it’s what my little kitten should get hm?”

Your body shudders as he goes down on you. Lapping up your juices like a man who has been starved for weeks. He feels your hands in his hair and it turns him on. He can’t help but to rut against the bed to relieve some of the tension. The sounds, the sight, it is all truly so vulgar. Yet he loves nothing more than to please you.

After all, his name does sound prettiest when it is you moaning it in frantic desperation.

He makes you come undone three times and before he could get to four, you had pushed him away. Catching your breath as he knelt beside you and admires you. Admires the way the sweat trickles down the valley of your chest. The marks that colour your skin so deliciously. The way your eyes are closed tightly and your mouth open, no doubt getting a little dry.

He places an open mouthed kiss to your lips, his tongue providing the moisture that was being lost due to your heavy intake of air. He releases your lips and you make a noise of surprise as he opens your legs and situates himself between them, pushing into you slowly.

He has to still himself or else he will quite literally combust. You feel so good wrapped around him. You always feel so good. He opens his eyes to you already staring up at him Your eyes are overflowing with desire and he has to take a mental picture.

“You intoxicate me. How is it I feel such burning passion whenever I am around you?” He starts to move within you, slowly, intimately, as he takes a deep breath. “I belong to you Y/n. I promise that I will never live a day without telling you that.” His strokes get deeper.

You are a babbling mess. He can’t decipher anything you say, so he swallows your attempt with his mouth on yours. It isn’t until he can taste salt that he realises he is crying. So much for keeping the control. He pulls away and places his arms beside your head, his pace still slow and deep.

“Look at me my darling,” He says with a shaky voice. He watches you flutter your eyes open. “Promise, mmh, promise me you will never leave my side.”

“I promise you.” You say, your own voice faltering no doubt being consumed by a ray of emotions. He drops his head into the crook of your neck, his tears now flowing down your neck. He feels your arms tighten around him. One hand on his back, one hand in his hair, stroking softly as you mutter ‘I love you’ over and over again.

He made love to you that night until the sun graced the sky. Never falling short of telling you just how much he adores you.

──・──・・✿ ・・──・──

we were born to die.

It’s been a year now. A year of watching Paul and Vanessa, two months since he brought Dori home. Other than those three main factors in his life now, Minho is still miserable.

Much like the weather this morning as it downpours. He’s learnt to hate the rain since the end of his relationship with you. There isn’t much to like, not anymore.

He walks the same route he always does. His shoes are getting muddy, the path littered in grass clippings collated by the water. It proves to be extremely bothersome to see the grass stick to his shoes. Especially on a day like today, if grass is the thing that sets Minho off into a fit of rage; so help anyone who pisses him off on his way home.

Life is cruel. It will give you one thing you wish to cherish forever, to love until you can’t love no more. Makes you feel found when you were lost for so long. Gives you happiness, makes you feel alive like you can accomplish anything the world throws in your direction.

Then it takes it away. Just like that. The thing you had wished to cherish, perishes. Strips you of your ability to love. When you were finally found, you become lost again. Takes your happiness, makes you feel as if you’re rotting inside like you can’t will yourself to try and overcome the obstacles the world throws in your direction.

Living a life like that is revolting. A life in which you feel your only purpose of being born was to die. Minho laughs bitterly to himself. Born to die. Ironic because no matter what people tell you, that is always going to be the outcome of all life.

As he stands with the flowers in his hand, he isn’t sure whether it’s his tears or the rain. Perhaps both as they start to trickle down the petals and collate in the pistil.

He kneels, unbothered about the grass and mud stains he is to get on the knee caps of his trousers.

Resting the flowers against the polished marble, his fingers journey over the name etched in the stone.

Your name.

His hand falls from the gravestone and situates themselves next to his head that has now pressed itself firmly into the ground. He sobs as he bows over you.

He loves you. He doesn’t think he will ever stop loving you. He can’t, he won’t.

ʚ hope you enjoyed ^.^ you can support me by liking, commenting and reblogging! it is heavily appreciated ᵕ̈ ɞ

i do not permit my work to be translated or reposted in any way, thank you.

© 2023 diddybok

[btsbabe7]

November Prompt 8: Leaves

Words: 441 | Pairing: Draco Malfoy x reader

Perched against the fountain in the courtyard, you twirl the stem of a fresh leaf between the fingertips of your index finger and thumb. You’d found it right at the entrance, on the cold cement ground amongst the brush of brown decaying leaves. You plucked the thriving bright red leaf off the ground thinking it symbolized something, like new beginnings.

Autumn at Hogwarts was just as magical as the snow here during Christmas. The leaves drying out and falling were the perfect transition from the heat of summer to the cold of winter and you enjoyed the time in between with none other than Draco Malfoy.

You would say you’d sent for him, but you hadn’t. You two were just like this, magnetic. You’d only been in the courtyard for three minutes at most before the crunching of leaves on the cement drew your eyes from the bright leaf in your grasp to his lanky frame entering between two vined pillars. A knitted gray sweater hugs his shoulders under his flowing robes with his wand tucked somewhere inside his back messenger bag.

“Thought I’d find you out here,” he half scoffs, half chuckles. “You’re missing dinner, you know? Second night this week.”

“How can I eat when I’d be missing a view this beautiful?”

“Dying leaves?”

“Not all,” you reply softly. “New beginnings. Winter is close by.”

He plops down on the edge of the cool fountain next to you, nudging your arm with a smirk before plucking the leaf from your fingers.

“Again, you’re missing meals. I’m worried about you.”

“There’s no need to worry. I have snacks.”

“Mhm,” he hums and places the leaf between the two of you.

You kick your legs up and cross them in front of you on the coolness of the stones. You lean back against a stone pillar and gaze up at the sky above. Swirls of orange, golden yellow, and coral pink intertwine with the purpling clouds, all fading toward the reddening sun in the distance just beyond the castle.

You can feel Draco’s eyes on you, but you don’t turn towards him, not just yet.

“Draco,” you breathe as softly as the wind that swirls by.

He shuffles next to you, allowing his fingers to slip into yours between the two of you under the cover of your robes.

There’s a certain warmth that seeps over you when he touches you and you find yourself drifting, falling, like the leaves around the two of you. You’ve found yourself in this very moment with him a lot lately, feeling this way, and though the leaves change, you never want this feeling to.

Please be sure to check out my other latest fics:

⚡︎ November Prompt Challenge (days 1-30)

⚡︎ For You Always - reader x Snape

~ Navi: masterlist (all fandoms) & (bts imagines/drabbles)

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction, but please don’t copy! Written purely for fun :) Please only repost to other socials w/my permission and credit! Reblogging w/credit is fine. Thank you! ♡

[harmonyhealinghub]

Embracing the Enchantment of Halloween: Celebrating the Magic in All Hallows' Eve

Shaina Tranquilino

October 31, 2023

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

As autumn's crisp breeze fills the air, it brings with it a sense of anticipation and excitement for one of the most enchanting holidays of the year – Halloween. Steeped in centuries-old traditions, this magical celebration ignites our imagination and allows us to step into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine. Let us delve into the wonders of Halloween and discover ways to embrace its magic while creating unforgettable memories. 1. Unveiling Halloween's Origins: Halloween originated from ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain, marking the end of harvest season and welcoming the transition into winter. It was believed that on this night, spirits roamed freely among the living. Understanding these roots helps us appreciate the holiday's spiritual significance and adds an extra layer of mysticism to our celebrations. 2. Transform Yourself: Costumes & Disguises: One of Halloween's most cherished aspects is undoubtedly dressing up in elaborate costumes. Delve deep into your creative reservoirs and let your imagination run wild! Whether you choose to be a mythical creature, a historical figure, or a classic monster, donning a costume enables you to temporarily become someone else – embracing your alter ego and experiencing a touch of magic yourself! 3. Decorate with Spooky Elegance: Transforming your living space into an eerie yet inviting atmosphere is pivotal for fully immersing yourself in the Halloween spirit. From carved pumpkins glowing warmly on doorsteps to cobwebs draped across furniture, gothic candles casting flickering shadows, and strategically placed spooky decorations - create an ambiance that transports visitors to another realm. 4. Hauntingly Delicious Treats: Indulging in delicious treats is part and parcel of any celebration, but during Halloween, we can elevate this experience to bewitchingly delightful heights. Whip up some traditional treats like caramel apples, pumpkin pies, or revisit childhood favorites like candy corn. Organize a Halloween-themed potluck with friends and family to exchange spine-chilling recipes and create memories that will last a lifetime. 5. Embrace the Spirit of Giving: Halloween is not just about receiving treats; it also offers an opportunity to give back to our communities. Consider participating in local charity events or organizing neighborhood trick-or-treating activities that promote inclusivity. Encourage children and adults alike to donate canned goods for food drives or collect funds for charitable organizations while enjoying the festivities. 6. Summoning the Spirits: Storytelling & Traditions: Gather around a cozy fire pit or dimly lit room, where flickering candlelight adds an eerie ambiance, and share spooky tales steeped in folklore and mystery. From classic ghost stories to personal experiences, storytelling ignites imagination and brings us closer together as we revel in the ancient traditions of Halloween. Halloween is far more than just costumes and candies – it is a magical holiday that allows us to embrace our inner child and indulge in fantastical realms. By understanding its origins, creating enchanting atmospheres, sharing delicious treats, engaging in acts of kindness, and participating in age-old traditions, we can celebrate Halloween's magic to its fullest extent. So let your imagination soar this All Hallows' Eve, creating unforgettable moments filled with laughter, wonderment, and everlasting memories!

[mattydemise]

Another winter morning in Victoria. The air is crisp but revitalising, the sky is pale blue like a robin’s egg, and there’s barely an angel’s breath of breeze stirring the gum leaves and wattles. In these moments it’s hard to imagine any other season mattering. Winter holds unique charms. The world seems to slow a fraction or two in winter, and people seem to carry themselves a little differently. The cold turns us insular, even extroverts shelter themselves in July. Summer in Australia is beautiful but of fucking course it is; Australian summers are known worldwide for their beauty and warmth. If you want to experience a different side of Australia, come to one of the southern states during the zenith of winter, once those winds to towards gales and squalls, and thrust their way straight up from the Antarctic Ocean, then you’ll have a true taste of Australian winter. When I talk about Australia to friends from around the world, they find it hard to believe that Australia even has a winter as it’s always portrayed as being in a state of perpetual summertime on the television. Lately though our summers have been mild, with barely a handful of days stretching beyond 30 degrees Celsius. The last hot summer I can remember was the summer between the end of 2019 and the dawn of 2020, when the bushfires pillaged their way up the high country and down across regional Victoria, back when I was a different person, working elsewhere, and sleeping next to someone else. The seasons shift incrementally and so do our lives, as we take on the influences of others, and become different people entirely. Yet, it also seems like the more things change, the more we stay the same. Perhaps, just like spring and autumn, we exist in these perpetual states of transition, wavering and shimmery and strange, like our own disfigured reflections in the pools and pockets of water at the beach.

[throbbingwish]

Oh god I don't know if I can catch everything up to speed, but I've changed a lottttt. I go to a community school transition program now to get me back into school. Actually one of my teachers was in Phantom Sydney, and as someone who loves POTO it's always so great to hear his stories. Currently, my celebrity crush is Jimmi Simpson; he's just so charming, funny, he has this air about him that's so likeable. He has such a nice sounding voice, perfect lips (his upper lip is bigger than his lower lip! How cool is that. I think that's such an attractive feature...), the most beautiful nose (I just love love LOVEEE medium-big upturned noses. Upturned noses in general, the best nose on a man.), he's very talented as an actor and has been in some great shows (I actually first started loving him in 2022, when I watched USS Callister in Black Mirror. Actually that's what reignited my crush on him recently with its rewatch!) his gorgeous hair, his beautiful beautiful blue eyes and the fact that he listens to SMOG!!!!! I found out in an article, and honestly that's so good. I'm a fan of Bill Callahan and knowing he listens to Smog is a win for me. I don't know if he still does, but in the article he said he did. He also wears glasses! Gosh, I could go on all day but I don't want to waste your time. Currently my top artists are Jack Ladder, PJ Harvey, John Cale, Roxy Music, Bill Callahan, Scott Walker, David Sylvian, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Yes I know, Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, scandalous) and The Blue Nile. But I think spotify stats is a bit off on the ranking. Jack Ladder I have definitely been listening to most; I am OBSESSED with the song Susan. I actually found it around a year ago and loved it, but then in May started listening again and could not stop. It's actually become my top song of all time on spotify. That's how much I listen to it, and it never gets old. Cold Feet is such a nostalgic song too, it makes me feel some things. Its such a night song, I want to drive with it through the cool air near nature and sky at autumn/winters night with my lover in the car. If only I had a lover, I would cherish him completely. And as I said I've been listening to Bill Callahan, The Wind And The Dove is stuck in my head and all you'd hear if you stepped into my mind would be "I am a child of linger on, I peer through the window gone" just repeating and repeating on the loud speaker at mind terminal. I wonder if I was there, what plane would I catch. There would be so many to choose. Obviously, I get free access as the owner of the land, but my mind is wild and free and expands to many different places with my millions of thoughts, ideas, aspirations, feelings, interests, etc. I could take a world tour and reflect on all of this. I can imagine the floors as warm and my eyes calm and cool, steady guided to reflection plane. I just love that its Winter now by the way, I love all the months, Winter has its special charm. I'd always want to make love in a field near the mountains at night time during winter, with the cool breeze on me. I really do love nature. I love the bush, I love the mountains and towering trees in Washington and Appalachia, the beauty of the Blue Mountains, of course Austria and Switzerland and China is so beautiful too. I could go on and on. Most importantly, I love the mountains, hills, fields, trees, and the country. I also like lakes if they're surrounded by trees like in coming of age films. Speaking of film, I want to watch Wristcutters: A Love Story. It's next on my list. I might as well go, its getting late at 1am. My eyes hurt and I need glasses. I'm glad I get to post this, I'll probably read back on it later.

[robotlearnstolove]

2024-09-22

Shadow/Autumn

The Mountain still loomed over Paraé, despite the fact that it had already been several spans since she’d actually been able to see it. She was so far from it now — so far in every imaginable way — but she was beginning to feel as she could never be far enough to feel separate from it.

We are forever in its great Shadow.

The words of prayer would cast their way into her mind like an echo from a wall. In Koma, those words had carried a certain meaning and, while that meaning wasn’t lost to her, there was something new echoing alongside it, a response or perhaps even a new prayer altogether.

The Mountain reaches a great height and casts a long shadow.

While these ideas resounded tumultuously in her mind, the world around her spun out a different story. They had descended into the valley down a steep, rocky path that was overgrown with the roots of trees and were now underneath the trees that she’d overlooked so fondly the day before. Silver had described the descent as harrowing, even dangerous but Paraé had been scaling the Sheer Halls and the Vents since she was a child and a climb like this was nothing to her.

Overhead, the light of the sun and passed through the leaves, illuminating all their violent shades of yellow, red and orange even as they danced overhead in the light breeze. Once again, the unexpected beauty of the world gripped her and she had to stop to express her admiration. As she stared at the trees, Silver foraged, made a fire and prepared a meal.

Yesterday, he had given this season the name Autumn and described it as the transition between the hot and cold seasons. And now, as he stoked the embers and stirred a simmering kettle he talked a little more about the seasons. “Winter down here is a lot like summer in the Wastes,” he explained in his usual blunt, gruff way. “I don’t mean this darkly, if you’d left Koma in the winter, there’s no way you would have made it out of the wastes. You’re a young, spry and competent human but on a cold day, the Wastewind can kill a person in a matter of hours.”

[nawabshotelsandresorts]

Unveiling the Festive Spirit of Naran Valley: Plan Your Trip Around These Upcoming Events!

Naran Valley, nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas in Pakistan, isn't just a haven for breathtaking landscapes and heart-pounding adventures. This captivating region pulsates with a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, offering a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture and create memories that go beyond the postcard-perfect scenery.

Planning a Naran Tour? Consider Aligning Your Trip with a Festival!

While Naran Valley offers stunning beauty year-round, some seasons come alive with vibrant celebrations. Here's a glimpse into some of the upcoming events you might want to consider when planning your Naran tour:

Spring (March-May): A Celebration of Renewal

As the winter chill gracefully surrenders to the gentle caress of spring, Naran Valley awakens in a burst of color. This season ushers in the Basant (Spring Festival), a lively celebration that explodes with joy and tradition. Imagine vibrant kites dancing on the spring breeze, the sweet aroma of freshly prepared seasonal treats filling the air, and the rhythmic beats of traditional folk dances that will have you tapping your feet. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere alongside the locals, soak in the vibrant hues of the kites soaring high above, and indulge in the delectable treats that mark this special occasion.

Summer (June-August): A Season of Joy and Adventure

Summer paints Naran Valley in its most vibrant hues, transforming it into a playground for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. The picturesque Shogran Valley, nestled within Naran's embrace, comes alive with the Shogran Festival. This lively event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the region. Witness exhilarating jeep safaris navigate the rugged terrain, test your strength in traditional tug-of-war competitions, and be captivated by the vibrant tapestry of cultural performances that showcase the heart and soul of Naran Valley.

Calling all angling enthusiasts! If you crave a thrilling challenge, then the National Trout Fishing Competition held on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Saiful Muluk is an event you can't miss. Put your skills to the test against seasoned anglers, or simply enjoy the spectacle of this exciting competition. Whether you're battling for the top spot or cheering on the participants from the sidelines, the National Trout Fishing Competition promises an unforgettable summer experience.

Autumn (September-November): A Farewell to Summer's Embrace

As the summer sun bids farewell, Naran Valley transitions into a breathtaking tapestry of autumnal colors. This season presents the perfect opportunity to witness the Naran Horse Festival, a celebration that showcases the equestrian prowess of the Naranvi people. Prepare to be awestruck by the thrilling horse races that unfold against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. This event not only highlights the remarkable skills of the riders but also underscores the deep bond between the locals and their steeds.

Finding Your Perfect Haven in Naran Valley

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a family seeking a memorable escape, Naran Valley offers a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. Best hotel in Naran Valley cater to travelers seeking comfort and amenities, while budget-conscious explorers might opt for guesthouses or homestays. For a luxurious escape with exceptional service and stunning views, consider naran hotel booking for  renowned Nawabs Hotels and resorts.

Family-Friendly Fun Awaits in Naran Valley

Naran Valley is a fantastic destination for families. Many hotels, including some of the best family hotel in Naran, offer amenities and activities specifically geared towards children. Imagine creating lasting memories with your family as you explore the breathtaking scenery, participate in cultural events, and embark on exciting adventures together. There are a lot of Pakistan beautiful places but Naran Valley, with its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and exciting events, offers an unforgettable experience for families of all ages.

Plan Your Naran Escape and Embrace the Unexpected

Before packing your bags and booking your stay (consider the best hotels in Naran Kaghan Valley!), it's important to remember that while some events have fixed dates on the calendar, others may vary slightly from year to year. To ensure you don't miss out on the festivities, check online resources or contact the naran hotel booking before finalizing your travel plans.

Most importantly, embrace the unexpected! Sometimes, the most magical experiences in Naran Valley are unplanned. Be open to discovering local celebrations or impromptu cultural events that might not be widely advertised. Strike up conversations with the locals, explore hidden gems, and allow yourself to be swept away by the unexpected delights that Naran Valley has to offer.

Conclusion: A Year-Round Destination for Unforgettable Memories

Naran Valley isn't just a visual feast; it's a cultural tapestry waiting to be explored.

[dfroza]

imagine always being on the outside looking in

but a heart never opening?

(being forever “lost” and never “found”)

this is what my heart feels like, sometimes, by writing and sending out thought as a ‘bird’ that carries words seeking the engagement of another heart and thought-life

as a book being found and read and welcomed in, its silent “calling” being written in the inner space upon the tablet of the heart itself (just as the inner rings of a Tree)

just as seen “mirrored” on the tablet of an illumined screen where a very real heart & spirit is seen (my inner room on clear display)

A real book of pages that “breathe…” as an open diary of thought and its dream of leading others to the place where their treasure is (where it is found to be by “unearthing” the old Adamic nature and taking upon the new)

this is how we seek & find in the discovery of our True nature as children reborn in Light (eternal Love) to be known as daughters & sons of our heavenly Father

you see, everyone is born naturally seeking their identity as a form and place of “belonging”

and it can only truly be discovered in grace (by faith) and the removal of the past (tense)

this is (inside, Anew) as the (Full Circle) design you see here, as a ring (not an audible ring, nor an audible call) but One that seeks to “betroth” the heart (by the Spirit) with the Son who is known as the Word of God

the Spirit is A silent and invisible Ghost of holiness here on garden earth seeking the “embodiment” of others who come to share their spirit and thought-life and voice

this is the True sense of personal “calling” done here from my [blueprint] design as an instrumental book of (silence & sound)

it is the “seed” i created as a form of trust that is (already inside)

the trust (and hope) of being found and befriended.

this is the “letter” i wrote while out walking (flying in thought) this day, the last day of school for Grand Rapids Public with the kids starting Summer break

A time of “rest” and play

the 6th of june 2024 (Thursday)

the 80th day of Astronomical Spring and the 6th day of meteorological Summer in a short time period when “all” the seasons blend upon the twin Hemispheres of earth (Astronomically and meteorologically speaking)

it is now the transition of Astronomical Autumn and meteorological Winter in the lower half

and you see how God created birds with wings for flight to get around, including migratory patterns, which is why it is nice for people to have their own car to get around because people were made in our Creator’s image and so we are innately “inspired” to make things here in this world

we were intentionally designed to dream

this is what i do by writing in the silent music of instrumental poetry

it is a form of “connection”

And i saw a red cardinal flying across Monroe Ave this day

in the eternal [here, & now]

i’ll keep (gently) calling out in writing and in birdsong, proposing these question marks (?) and (Waiting) for an answer

(both in thought & in body)

no matter how many years go by (in the in-between) or how many rings grow in my Tree

[nikita1965]

Functional and Fabulous Girl Dresses for Every Climate

Welcome to a fashion journey where every season becomes your runway and every occasion an opportunity to shine! 🌟 Have you ever found yourself staring at your little one's wardrobe, uncertain about what dress would suit the unpredictable weather or the upcoming event? Fear not! We've all been there, navigating the fine line between fashion and functionality. In this style-packed adventure, we're not just addressing the common wardrobe woes; we're turning them into triumphs! Join us as we unravel the secrets of Seasonal Dresses for Every Occasion and Weather. From sunny smiles to snowy twirls, we're here to guide you through a world where fashion meets practicality, ensuring your little fashionista steals the spotlight, rain or shine. Curious? Let's dive in and discover how to effortlessly dress your way through every season with flair and finesse! 🌈👗

In the kaleidoscope of childhood, each season paints a vibrant canvas of experiences, and what better way to capture these moments than through the enchanting world of girls' dresses? Imagine this: your little one stepping out, a vision of grace, confidence, and weather-appropriate chic, turning ordinary days into extraordinary memories. If you've ever pondered the perplexities of dressing your princess for the ever-changing seasons, you're not alone. The constant quest for outfits that seamlessly blend style and practicality can be overwhelming. But fear not, for here begins a sartorial journey where fashion is the guide and every season is a chance to express, create, and, most importantly, enjoy. Are you ready to transform your girl's wardrobe into a year-round fashion spectacle? Let's dive into the secrets of Seasonal Dresses for Every Occasion and Weather.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT 2024 GIRLS' DRESSES

Now, some might raise an eyebrow and express skepticism about the feasibility of maintaining a wardrobe that's not just stylish but also tailored to every twist and turn the weather may take. The common concern is often centered around the perceived complexity of curating such a versatile collection. "Isn't it too time-consuming?" one might wonder. "Will my child really need a dress for every season?" another may ask.

Let's address these valid concerns head-on. While the idea of a meticulously curated wardrobe might sound daunting, our approach is all about simplifying, streamlining, and making the process enjoyable rather than cumbersome. Time is of the essence for busy parents, and we understand the need for practicality. The key lies not in an exhaustive array of dresses but in strategic selections that effortlessly transition through the seasons.

As for the necessity of seasonal dressing, it's not just about the weather; it's about instilling a sense of adaptability, creativity, and self-expression in your little one. Plus, who wouldn't want to capture the essence of each season in their child's wardrobe, creating a treasure trove of memories? So, let's dispel any doubts and embark on this fashion journey with confidence, knowing that every dress will not only serve a purpose but also add a sprinkle of joy to your child's everyday life.

Picture this: the rustle of leaves in autumn, the soft crunch of snow underfoot in winter, the sweet scent of blossoms in spring, and the warmth of the summer sun kissing your little one's cheeks. Each season brings a unique tapestry of experiences, and as we delve into the world of seasonal dresses, a crucial question lingers tantalizingly in the air – what is the perfect dress for every season?

The anticipation builds as we explore a curated selection that transcends mere fashion. It's not just about finding an outfit; it's about discovering a wardrobe that effortlessly adapts to the ever-changing canvas of weather and occasions. From the crisp air of fall to the balmy days of summer, each dress in your child's collection is a chapter in this fashion odyssey. So, are you ready to unlock the secrets of sartorial versatility and turn the pages of your little one's seasonal wardrobe adventure? The answer awaits as we navigate through the enchanting realms of style and functionality. Let's embark on this journey together!

In the symphony of parenting, there exists a recurring note of dilemma – the perplexity of dressing our little ones appropriately for every season. Navigating the kaleidoscope of weather changes, festivities, and everyday moments demands a wardrobe that's not just visually appealing but also strategically aligned with the nuances of each season. 

How often have you found yourself standing in front of your child's closet, pondering the perfect ensemble for the weather outside or the event at hand?

The struggle is real, and parents worldwide resonate with the challenge of striking that delicate balance between fashion and functionality. The quest for dresses that seamlessly transition from the freshness of spring to the warmth of summer, and from the vibrant colors of autumn to the cozy layers of winter, can be overwhelming. We're here to unravel this dilemma, transforming it from a source of stress into an opportunity for creativity and joy. Join us as we delve into the heart of the problem, exploring the intricacies of seasonal dressing and offering practical solutions that redefine your child's wardrobe as a dynamic and ever-evolving expression of style and comfort. Say goodbye to the wardrobe woes – it's time to embark on a journey where dressing becomes an art, and every season unfolds a new chapter of sartorial delight.

In this captivating exploration of Seasonal Dresses for Every Occasion and Weather, we've embarked on a mission to redefine the way we dress our little ones. The stage is set, and as we immerse ourselves in the pages of this article, we'll discover a carefully curated guide that not only addresses the common challenges of seasonal dressing but transforms them into opportunities for creativity, adaptability, and joy.

From the attention-grabbing hook that invites you into the enchanting world of children's fashion to addressing objections with practicality and assurance, we've laid the groundwork. The open loop has left you on the edge of anticipation, poised to unveil the secrets of the perfect dress for every season.

Now, we delve deeper into the heart of the matter, introducing the very dilemma that many parents face – the intricacies of dressing our children in a way that's both stylish and weather-appropriate. But worry not, for this article is not just about highlighting the problem; it's about offering tangible solutions.

As we progress, we'll navigate through the seasons, exploring the challenges and triumphs of each. We're not just providing a list of dresses; we're crafting a guide that empowers you to curate a wardrobe that adapts effortlessly to the changing weather and occasions. Bid farewell to the uncertainties of seasonal dressing; the insights you're about to discover promise to make every day a fashion spectacle, ensuring your little one steps out with confidence, style, and comfort, no matter what the season holds. Get ready to revolutionize your child's wardrobe – the journey begins now!

CHECK OUT THESE GIRLS DRESSES

[zencha]

Day 6 - Autumn fruit

death // endings, change, transition

I briefly mentioned it yesterday, but the cafe will be going on Winter Solstice break starting from tomorrow. I know, I know, it's been just about a week since I opened shop for the first time, but I'd booked consultations with a number of tea farms around my family farm, for research and development for the sake of the cafe, and they'd only managed to slot me in around the Winter Solstice period, so I decided I'd combine this business trip together with a quick visit home. I've not been home for a few years, and I certainly haven't told my parents about opening this cafe, so I've got plenty of news to bring home, for sure.

In the meantime, a travelling satyr merchant stopped by today with some seasonal produce. She told me her name was Lilah - she'd heard about the cafe from a couple of her pixie friends, and decided to stop by to check out the place. It seems that she gathers produce from all over and travels around to sell it for a living, and she ended up bartering a few croissants for a bushel of the last of the autumn persimmons. I was pretty excited by this offer - I haven't been able to go foraging properly ever since we opened for business, and it's been a bit of a struggle trying to stretch a menu with only witch-hazel and a couple of teas. The addition of persimmons promises some variety for our newer menu items, which is a pretty exciting development.

I never used to eat persimmons much as a child - our neighbours ran an apple farm so we always had plenty of apples, but persimmons were something far more exotic. The first time I had one, I was already considerably well-travelled. We'd been heading from one city to another, and along the way had stopped to help an old lady who'd been dealing with an infestation of giant rats in her farm. As thanks, she shared with us some persimmons from her crop. When I bit into a slice of that persimmon for the first time, I instantly felt like I was basking in the sunshine of a warm autumn afternoon - juicy, honey-sweet, the juice resting on my tongue.

Of course, a whole bushel of fresh persimmons would go bad instantly. But I've decided that since I'm going to be away for a while over the Winter Solstice, I might as well try preserving them for use in future food items for the cafe. Dried persimmons, of course, are a given - I strung up and hung a good half of the persimmons from the ceiling rafters once we'd closed for the day, and The Viscount Baxter helped me knot the strings tight. I've set up a ward to protect them from mold - hopefully in a month or so we might have some nice dried persimmons to experiment with.

The other half of the persimmons I've layered with some rock sugar in a large jar, and left on the bottom shelf of the pantry - I've heard of people making syrup with plums this way, and if plums can do it, why not persimmons? I can already imagine all the things we could possibly do with persimmon syrup.

Any new recipes, though, will have to wait until Winter Solstice! I'll come back hopefully filled with new ideas and ready to experiment. Until then, see you!

[irishflower]

Irish Flowers: A Tapestry of Natural Beauty

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and at the heart of this enchanting scenery lies a rich tapestry of floral wonders. Irish flowers, with their vibrant colors, delicate petals, and captivating fragrances, add a touch of magic to the verdant countryside. From windswept coastal cliffs to rolling hills and meandering rivers, these blooms thrive in the diverse ecosystems that define Ireland's natural beauty.

One cannot discuss Irish flowers without mentioning the iconic shamrock. With its three delicate heart-shaped leaves, the shamrock has become a symbol of Irish identity, deeply intertwined with the country's cultural heritage. Revered as a talisman of luck and protection, it is proudly worn on St. Patrick's Day and cherished as a national emblem.

Venturing into the meadows and woodlands of Ireland reveals an awe-inspiring display of wildflowers. Dotted across the countryside, these blooms transform the landscape into a vibrant mosaic of colors. The purple hues of heather, the golden clusters of buttercups, and the delicate white blossoms of hawthorn are just a few examples of the floral treasures that grace the Irish countryside. In addition to their aesthetic beauty, these wildflowers provide essential habitats for a diverse array of wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators crucial for maintaining biodiversity.

The cultivated gardens of Ireland, both grand and modest, are a testament to the passion and artistry of horticultural enthusiasts. From formal estates to charming cottage gardens, these carefully curated spaces showcase an impressive variety of cultivated flowers. Roses, with their velvety petals and intoxicating scents, hold a special place in Irish gardens, symbolizing love and romance. Daisies, tulips, lilies, and other cultivated blooms add their own unique flair to the gardens, each contributing to the kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances.

Irish flowers have also become entwined in folklore and mythology, infusing them with an air of enchantment. Tales are woven around these blooms, speaking of fairies that dance among the petals, hidden treasures concealed beneath their delicate folds, and the healing properties attributed to certain plants. These captivating stories have added depth and wonder to the already fascinating world of Irish flowers, connecting nature with the realm of imagination.

The beauty of Irish flowers reveals itself in every season, mirroring the ever-changing landscape. Spring heralds a symphony of blossoms, symbolizing renewal and growth. Daffodils blanket fields with golden hues, while cherry blossoms paint delicate pink strokes across the countryside. Summer brings an explosion of colors as wildflowers flourish in the warmth of the sun, their vibrant petals swaying in gentle breezes. Autumn transforms the scenery with rich and warm tones, as flowers gracefully transition into seed-bearing vessels, promising new life. Even in winter, hardy blooms such as holly and snowdrops emerge, defying the cold and offering glimpses of hope amid the frosty landscape.

Irish flowers encapsulate the deep connection between the Irish people and their land. They reflect the resilience and adaptability of nature, the rich cultural heritage, and the profound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them. Whether found in the wild or cultivated in gardens, these blooms inspire awe, inviting visitors and locals alike to pause, breathe in the fragrant air, and immerse themselves in the serene and captivating world of Irish flowers.

In every petal, fragrance, and vibrant hue, Irish flowers tell a story of resilience, beauty, and the enduring bond between humans and nature. They serve as a living testament to the timeless connection between Ireland and its botanical treasures, offering a glimpse into the natural wonders that abound in this captivating land.

[f4irycafe]

I just looked at your masterlist and saw acotar, so I was wondering which court would you wanna be lady/high lady of and why?

this was the wrong question to ask me anon cause i could write an entire dissertation on this and y’all are abt to read it hehe hehe. please request more stuff like this i love this ask omg. i could talk abt this series for ages.

MY TOP 3 COURTS ARE UNDERNEATH THE CUT!

1. spring court

lol bet u didn’t think that would be on there. but high lord aside, spring and autumn have always been my two favorite seasons. i loved them because they were “transitions” not too cold like the winter, and not deathly hot like summer. watching flowers bloom, seeing all the animals come back out of hiding, watching my city like come alive again, everything about spring has always just has such sweet memories for me.

now if we wanna talk about tamlin i like the guy, or atleast i love the fanon version of him i’ve created in my head. whenever i imagine settling down with tamlin it’s always a couple decades after what happened in acomaf. boy has healed, and his court is flourishing, he has friends, newfound family, he’s thriving okay. i also feel like our personalities would go great together, he can be a little shit sometimes and i appreciate that cause i’m a little shit, always. for some reason i also feel like the people of spring have a very rich and deep culture, and i would love to know more about it.

i want to live and spring and dance thru the flowers at night with the fairies and then get drunk with my husband on top of a hill that overlooks out court and i feel like tamlin could 100% give that to me <3

2. summer

my second favorite seasonnnn + tarquin in the best high lord. politically and economically, tarquin checks ALL of my boxes. working towards democracy? love it. wants to ABOLISH THE CLASS SYSTEM? HELLOOOOOO that's husband material right there. i feel like he's the most genuine and caring out of all the high lords, and that really shows in how he rules his court. plus he is absolutely gorgeous...and black. so yes, he is quite possibly everything you could ask for in a husband.

i was born in the beginning of summer so i also probably have a personal connection to wanting to rule over summer w tarquin. i've always loved the beauty of the sea, and admired people who go out there every day for fishing and exploration and manage to come back alive. but i flourish in the summer. always happy, always outside doing something, even if its just reading on the front porch all day or doing stupid little sidewalk drawings with my friends. i do feel like tarquin would be a little bit too kind hearted to handle my sass, and that's where my third and most controversial option is.

overall, summer will always hold such a sweet place in my heart.

3. autumn dun dun unnnnnn

hehe i love eris. have always loved eris, will always love eris and there is next to nothing you could say to me to make me believe he is a bad person. he just. wow. everything about him is wow. this is def more a person based preference rather than a court/seasonal one. an eternal autumb doesn't sound AMAZINg, but where i'm from irl we never really get the whole red leaves thing in the fall, so i feel like it would be amazing to experience that in autumn. i def love the big meanie on the outside but soft for me trope. like i said in tamlins, i can be a little shit. like SHITTT sometimes. and i feel like eris matches my personality even more than tamlins. we both put on masks while were around other people, and while mine is a lot more enthusiastic, kind, and extroverted than eris' it would be nice to have someone to take it off around.

i feel like afte eris settles into being high lord he chooses very carefully who he wants close to him. he makes sure they all have good values and care about the people they were tasked to rule over. he creates a family of brothers for himself because his real one is so shitty. i feel like all the people he appoints would be strangers at first, but grow to have a bond thicker than blood. eris would be a great high lord and would want to protect his people more than anything, ALL of his people, not just ones who live in a stupid little secret city (cough cough rhysand).

my love. i feel like he would be the best husband. humor me, love me, do stupid devious shit with me. it would be really fun.

elles ramblings: LOl if you managed to read through that whole thing thank u i really appreciate it. and please please pLEASE don't be afraid to ask me other questions like this :)