#camellia my goat

[jeonginsleftcheek]

The sun to me

Chapter VII. Listen.

pairing: hwang hyunjin x afab!reader

word count: 7.3k words

chapter summary: if you have the ability to listen closely, you can even hear the flowers grow.

warnings: just a few angsty thoughts

~ Masterlist for the series

~ next part

🩷 Camellia - passion, desire, fascination.

It's only on special days that you don't open your shop, and you can do it since you know everyone's schedules and needs, anniversaries and birthdays.

And today is a special day. You're taking Hyunjin to one of your other favorite places on the island except the little hidden cove. Your heart is giddy in your chest, you feel like a petal swirling in the wind constantly, never once stopping as the sound of his laughter lifts you up into heights you've never even dreamed of before.

"Hiii!"- you wave as he walks towards you, this time a few minutes earlier than he's supposed to, wearing a big smile on his face that you mirror with an identical smile of your own.

"Hiii!"- he greets equally as enthusiastically.

"Are you ready to climb?"- you chuckle, checking if he has his climbing shoes on.

"Yeah, Isaac had some shoes to lend. I think they were his son's or something."- Hyunjin grimaces and you nod.

"They'll be put to a good use."- you say with an unrelenting smile.

You make your way to the other side of the island, both of you ready and excited to climb a semi-large hill that was the highest peak on the land.

You've climbed it a million times, legs aching and lungs out of breath as you stood atop the hill, but the view was worth every single step taken up.

"I might be a little out of shape."- Hyunjin makes an almost digusted looking face as the hill looms above the two of you.

"Same here. We will die on the hill together."- you add with a snicker and he laughs a little.

"I hope we find a good reason to die for."- he shrugs with a raised eyebrow and you chuckle.

"That's grim."- you shake your head as the two of you start making your way up.

The beginning is always the most forgiving part, when you first set foot on the ground, the strength you've gathered before starting to climb is what carries your legs upwards.

"You seem to know your way around here pretty well."- Hyunjin follows you on the beaten path, beautiful trees adorning it and his trusty camera is there to capture the nature's beauty and the sweetness of you.

The morning air is crisp and fresh as the birds sing above your heads, a light breeze caressing your skin and running through your hair.

"Yeah, my mom used to take me here ever since I was little, we'd pick all the different flowers that grew here and make a little bouquet. She'd always tell me what each flower is called, that was a given, always a lesson in it."- you say. "But, I climbed it many times alone too."

"Weren't you scared of climbing the hill alone? I mean, I'd be a little scared if I like fell or something and no one was there to help me."

"I literally became a mountain goat from climbing this hill so many times. My feet know the way with my eyes closed."- you say and Hyunjin laughs a little. "And I'm used to doing things alone. It's weird being here with you."

"A good weird, I hope."- Hyunjin smiles at you expectantly, with his brows lifted and his dimples deep on his rosy cheeks.

"Sure."- you teasingly wiggle your eyebrows.

The forest gets more dense the more you climb up, the middle of the journey is always the thickest to go through, right before everything culminates into one sunny peak.

Hyunjin breathes hard behind you, stopping to lean down, his hands planted above his knees, looking up at you with a frowny face. You chuckle at him and he lets out a breath.

"Sorry, I'm kinda dying over here."- he says breathily.

"Don't worry, we can continue when you're done dying."- you joke and he chuckles as he grabs his water, gulping down on the refreshing liquid.

"For real, we can sit down for a moment if you want to."- you point to a bench with a table near by. "They put these here for a reason."

"Sure, I'd like that."- he says and the two of you sit down so you take the fruit salad you prepared out of your backpack.

"Oh fruit! That's refreshing."- Hyunjin smiles happily and you giggle at him as he takes out his favorite thermos bottle full of coffee.

"I have a spare cup."- he says and you nod.

"Great, we have breakfast."- you chuckle and Hyunjin pours the coffee into the two metal cups, as you take out two plastic forks you had packed.

The two of you start munching on the fruit and enjoying the silence. Hyunjin is sitting next to you and you can't help but notice him slowly and progressively getting closer to you.

You have no idea if he's doing it on purpose or if it's the force of the magnetic field that had appeared between your souls and bodies that's also pulling you in towards him.

Electricity runs down your spine as his knee presses on yours slightly, even the smallest touch is enough to send your body into overdrive, making you remember how you enjoyed yourself while thinking about him.

Your core throbs and embarassment washes over you as you look at his face and his cheeks seem to wear a deep red color too.

"Isaac taught me some whittling."- Hyunjin tries to avoid any kind of awkwardness creating around you, dissipating it into thin air with a nonchalant expression.

"What did you make?"

"A few things, mostly animals. He's making me his student."- Hyunjin chuckles, the movement shaking his knee against yours and rattling your bones awake. "And I mean, he's a good mentor, really. He also told me about his wife and son. The complete story."

"Yes, it's actually really sad. But, I mean it's partly his fault. Not his son dying, to clarify, Leo was always depressed as he probably told you, but his wife leaving him; it takes two people to build a good, strong relationship."

"I do agree with that, except I kinda know how he felt, the only difference between me and him is that he was happy about what he was doing and I'm not. That's why I'm sitting here with you instead of being off somewhere making a fool out of myself. I don't think I'd ever let myself come to what he came to and I'm not excusing his behaviour. It's just that he seems like a good man and I feel bad that his life was like that."- Hyunjin clarifies, as he munches on the sliced orange, his lips pursed even more when he talks like that, making you swallow the saliva gathering in your throat.

They look so inviting to you in that moment, plump and saccharine, promising a love so gentle and familiar. One that burns deep in your heart and never ceases, one that has burned through your entire being for centuries, maybe in another life, maybe in another galaxy far away, maybe on another plane of existence.

Hyunjin is everything.

Everything inside you and around you is made out of him or he is made out of everything, his fingerprints like circles on a tree stump, his eyes like the stars adorning the sky at night, his veins like the roots of your flowers, blossoming in your garden.

You wish to get at least one taste of his being, but you know that if you do, you will become addicted and never be able to turn away again.

The thought of something like that scares you down to the very depths of your tired soul. What ifs are swimming around your head, every negative thought picking at your brain and not letting you enjoy the simple moment you're in.

"... and then I told him that I really can't do that because there are some policies regarding those kind of exhibitions but the man was so insistant. Like, Charlie almost called the police on him, he really wanted to get a restraining order against him."- Hyunjin talks and you realize you haven't even been listening to him.

"Wow, some people never give up."- you shake your head at what you last heard, feeling bad that you got distracted by your own mind.

"I have a lot of horror stories involving people like that. I try to avoid them but my manager always pushes me to go to those parties. I'm sick of it all. Really."

"I know."- you nod.

"I'm probably annoying talking about myself all the time, whining about everything."- Hyunjin smiles apologetically and you chuckle.

"No no, I like listening to you. Sometimes you need to vent."- you say and he agrees.

You sit at the table as you finish your coffee, moving onto more light themes again.

As you continue to make you way up, a whirlwind of memories climbs up with you, all the years as you've grown and walked up with your mother, later on your own and both you and Hyunjin get lost in your thoughts, the last ounces of energy that you carry within are dancing you up the hill in a haze.

It's like that last part of the journey takes everything out of you but as the view of the entire island and the world beyond it starts appearing before your eyes, you slowly come to your senses.

Hyunjin and you climb up all the way to the highest rock, just to stand on it and breathe for a few silent moments.

Enraptured in the beauty of it all, Hyunjin's hands are automatically on his camera as he lifts it up and takes a few photos.

"Wow."- he says. "Wow."

"I know right?"- you chuckle after drinking some water.

"I think this is the most beautiful view I've ever seen, worthy of a painting."

"Well, I hope you brought your sketchbook. I- um, I brought mine."- you say sheepishly and Hyunjin's head snaps towards you, his hair flying around his face.

"Really?! Oh my god, that is so exciting!"- you laugh, not expecting that reaction. "We can draw together."- he smiles so sweetly and softly, his eyes all sparkly and you wish to etch that look on his face in your mind forever.

"Yeah, let's sit under that tree, I brought a blanket that I use for picnics."- you say and Hyunjin giggles, following you.

There's no one around, no one except the comforting nature as the two of you sit under a big tree, the expanse of the island in front of your eyes.

"There's Isaac's house! And your flower shop! And Bennet's restaurant!"- Hyunjin points excitedly and you use the moment to grab his camera that he put aside and snap pictures of him.

Hyunjin is used to the lens of the camera being on him but as he turns to look at you smiling at the picture you just took of him, something tugs at his heart.

You reach the camera towards him and he looks at the picture of himself, pointing towards something and a wide smile across his lips. The pose is so natural and he realizes the difference between some detached person taking a picture of his good angle for the press, to sell the paintings, sell the artist, sell the lie; and between someone who actually cares for him.

"What?"- you chuckle embarassingly as Hyunjin stares at you.

Before you can react, he lifts the camera up and snaps a pic of you.

You both chuckle as he puts it down and grabs his sketchbook.

"What are you gonna sketch?"- he asks as you also grab yours.

"I don't know yet."- you say as you turn the pages.

"I want to paint the view of the island so I'll sketch that first."- he says.

"Can't wait to see it."- you smile and the two of you start sketching.

It's quiet, except if one of you remembers something random and shortly talks about it.

But you're enjoying the fact that you can sit in silence with Hyunjin, coming to a point like that is something that's hard to achieve but with him it happens so naturally.

Hyunjin revels in the quietness too, his mind at ease. Any other woman he'd ever met would be all over him, asking him this and that, trying to get into his pants and into his wallet. Hwang Hyunjin, the artist, the celebrity.

But here with you, he is just Hyunjin, just a guy who likes to paint and take pictures of beautiful moments and people he loves.

You don't know how long the two of you spend sketching but your stomachs are empty indicating that it's probably around time for lunch.

"I'm done, I think."- Hyunjin says, eyes scanning the page.

"Me too. Let's swap."- you say and the two of you swap sketchbooks at the same time.

Just as you thought, Hyunjin has done a beautiful rendition of the island and you hear him giggle so you look up.

"You sketched my hands?"- he asks, his cheeks red.

"Y-yeah."- you stutter a little, your face heating up too. "I was watching you sketch and I really like the rings you wear, and your hands looked really delicate so I wanted to draw them. Don't know if I did them justice, though."

"Oh you definitely did, it really looks like my hands. You're amazing with this."- he stares at the sketch again.

You wanted to tell him how attractive his hands are, not all your thoughts were pure as you imagined his pretty hands burning their shape on your body and claiming you as his.

You throb again for the second time today, shaking off your thoughts, you grab some water and drink in an attempt to calm down.

"Can I have it?"- Hyunjin asks cutely, his eyes innocent and big as he points at your sketch.

"I mean, sure, if you want."- you chuckle.

"Thanks."- he smiles wide and gently pulls the paper from the spine, putting it in his sketchbook when you return it to him.

"Should we head back soon? I think my stomach is completely empty right now."- you say and Hyunjin nods.

"Mine too. Let's just sit for a few more minutes."- he says and you nod.

As you prop your hands on either sides of you and lean back, Hyunjin does the same and his hand falls close to yours, the fingertips of his pinky and ring finger touch the tops of yours.

You jolt a little but keep looking forward and so does he. Time stops for a few moments, neither of you addressing your fingers touching or flinching away.

The urge to tumble into his embrace vibrates in your body but you hold it in barely, and Hyunjin hyperventilates on the inside wanting nothing more than to squeeze your hand and hold it to his chest so you can feel just how hard his heart beats for you.

After a refreshing shower, Hyunjin is grateful that Isaac has finished cooking lunch just in time as he arrived into the dining room.

"All that climbing probably got you starved. Sit down, son."- Isaac gestures to the chair with a kind smile on his face.

Hyunjin wastes no time as he sits and starts putting food on his plate, thanking Isaac for the lunch.

The older man observes Hyunjin as he hums to himself, one of his legs propped up under his other thigh, a small smile on his face as he chews.

The difference between this giddy-in-love boy sitting across from him and the sad, hunched over boy that first arrived to his house is enormous and Isaac knows that Hyunjin had definitely found what he was looking for here, even if he wasn't aware of it yet.

"So, did you kiss her or something?"- Isaac asks suddenly and Hyunjin coughs, almost choking on his food.

"W-what? No."- he says quickly, embarassment seeping into his cheeks.

"You look really happy, Hyunjin. I'm glad for you and please do kiss her soon. Take the chance, don't lose it."- Isaac sips on his tea.

"What makes you think she'd want me to kiss her?"

"Are you blind? The two of you look head over heels for each other."- Isaac chuckles and Hyunjin looks befuddled.

"How do you know-"

"I saw the two of you as you came back, I was walking home from the store. The way she looked at you is how my Celia looked at me before I fucked it all up. So, be smarter than me, will you?"- Isaac smiles a little.

"I will. And... Thanks, Isaac."- Hyunjin gives a wide smile to Isaac, feeling grateful for everything.

"No need."- the man returns the smile and Hyunjin's heart is overflowing with warmness, the feeling slowly bringing his soul back to his body.

Hyunjin is making his way down to the beach, wanting to take some more pictures of the island just as he hears a voice calling his name.

He turns towards the source, only to find Bennet smiling at him.

"Meeting up with y/n again?"- Bennet asks with a smirk on his face.

Hyunjin's body washes over with warmness, news travels quickly on a small island.

"No, I was just gonna take some pictures and walk around."- Hyunjin answers.

"Mind if I join you for a while?"- Bennet asks, lifting up two cans of beer.

"Sure."- Hyunjin nods with a smile.

They make their way to a park near by, complete with benches and tables. Bennet props his leg up, opening up his can and leaning his hand on his knee.

Hyunjin sits cross-legged as he takes the other can, the satisfying sound of it opening, popping in his ear.

"Do you smoke?"- Bennet asks, taking out a pack of cigarettes.

"Ah, sometimes."- Hyunjin shrugs and Bennet takes one cig out, putting it between his lips.

"Feel free to take one whenever you want."- he says after lighting it up and putting the pack on the table.

"Okay, thanks."- Hyunjin nods.

"So, you and y/n, huh?"- Bennet lets a puff of smoke out of his mouth.

"I'm not sure what you mean."- Hyunjin is embarassed again, taking another sip of the cold beer and looking everywhere but at the man sitting next to him.

"You'd be a cute couple is all I'm saying."

Bennet smirks and Hyunjin looks at him. He's probably some 5-10 years older than Hyunjin, he can't quite put his finger on his exact age as he observes him.

"Everyone sure know what's going on around the island all the time, hm?"- Hyunjin lets out a laugh.

"It's a small community, what do you expect?"- Bennet laughs too, taking another drag from his cigarette.

"I quite like it here though. The more time I spend here, the more I never want to go back to the city."- Hyunjin confesses.

"Oh, I get that my man. We used to live in the city. It was all too much, I was trying to keep open my father's restaurant that fell into debt because of his poor management decisions and also support my family."

"Sounds like you had a really rough time."

"Oh you have no idea, Hyun. Can I call you Hyun?"

"Sure."- Hyunjin shrugs with a snicker.

"Look, it was really difficult finding out that our kid is deaf, you know? My wife cried so much, I couldn't bear it. I tried calming her down, she was talking about Luna never having a normal life and her fear of our daughter being sad because of her disability and also mocked or excluded by other children. But as it turns out, you can't miss what you never had so Luna has no idea what she's missing and she's such a happy little girl." - he pauses, "Paying off my father's debts and selling the restaurant in the city was my best decision ever. Catherine is originally from the island so she was happy to go back and open up our little restaurant. That's really all I wanted, for my family to be happy. We've never been happier since we came back here."

"How long has it been?"- Hyunjin asks.

"Around 3 years now."

"I'm glad you found your place. The city can swallow you, I know that. And I'm glad your family is happy."

"I think you're a really good guy, Hyun."- Bennet says. "Just listen to your heart, hm?"

"I think I will."- he smiles.

"Atta boy!"- Bennet smacks Hyunjin's shoulder, making him cough a little as he laughs.

"Hey, how about you and y/n come to the restaurant for dinner? It'll be on the house."- Bennet smiles widely.

"I mean... if she's not busy, I'll ask her."

"Mhm, do so. I'll see you later."- Bennet winks as he gets up, grabbing his pack of smokes and leaving Hyunjin with his camera.

He chuckles to himself, shaking his head.

He didn't even crave the cigarette, didn't need it. Even looking at Bennet smoking didn't make him want to fall back into the nasty habit. After all, cigarettes were just a form of escapism to Hyunjin, something to excuse himself with and fiddle with so he doesn't go completely insane.

A dark cloud wraps around Hyunjin's heart as he walks towards your house and thinks about his phone, turned off for weeks already and tucked away into one of the drawers in his room.

Charlie is probably close to sending a search and rescue team for Hyunjin, but he can't bring himself to turn the damn device on and go back to reality.

Maybe he's a fucking coward but he doesn't want to leave this beautiful state of mind and heart, one you helped bring to him.

He stands in front of your door before he knows it and after three knocks, he waits.

"Coming!"- he hears your muffled voice and footsteps coming closer towards him.

The door swings open and your eyes are wide as you hold a towel, probably to dry your damp hair, dressed in an oversized t-shirt and sweats.

Hyunjin's heart beats fast like it's a beast trying to rip out of his chest and leap to you. You look absolutely stunning to him like that and he's sure his legs are made of jelly right now.

"Oh, Hyunjin!"- you look surprised, your eyes darting left and right.

"Sorry to barge in unannounced, but um- I was out and about and ran into Bennet. He graciously offered us to have dinner at his restaurant tonight."- Hyunjin says, beating himself up inside for how stupid he sounds. "It's on the house."

"Oh, yeah, must be because Catherine asked me to babysit Luna tomorrow while they have a short day trip to an island nearby for their anniversary."- unknowingly, you shut down his next sentence, the one where he'd blurt out that it could be a date.

Hyunjin's insides almost burst as he swallows that sentence and buries it deep inside him. It's better that he didn't say anything because he would just embarass himself further and he doesn't want to keep digging that hole.

"Oh yeah, that."- Hyunjin chuckles awkwardly.

"Well, you can come in and wait in the garden while I get ready. I can make you a cup of tea?"- you open the door wider and Hyunjin steps in.

"Sounds good."- he smiles.

"Did you manage to get some rest?"- you ask after putting the kettle on.

"Oh yeah, I took a nap after lunch."- he says.

"Me too. After lunch naps are the best."- you say and Hyunjin smiles.

Fleeting thoughts of the two of you napping together and cuddling, keeping each other safe in one another's embrace, run through Hyunjin's mind.

"They really are."- he agrees.

When the tea is done you hand him a cup with a smile.

"Here."- you say quietly.

You're so pretty. I wanna kiss you.

Hyunjin is so dangerously close to caving into his heart's desire but he doesn't want you to spill the piping hot tea all over yourself.

So he waits in the garden, sitting at the table there and looking at all your flowers as the sun sets. He takes a few pictures and sips on his tea.

You get dressed excitedly, your heart speeding up in your chest at the thought of going to dinner with Hyunjin and getting ready while he's just a few feet away from you.

You put on a simple black dress that's maybe a little too fancy for your liking, usually you go for casual flowy dresses. You feel a bit self-conscious, you don't want it to come across as if you're trying too hard but you also don't want to look too casual.

It feels like tonight might be some kind of turning point for the two of you. You have no idea why, but tingles keep running up and down your spine and it feels poetic. It feels right.

You even put on some light make up and do your hair quickly, not wanting to make Hyunjin wait for too long.

"I'm ready."- you finally walk out to your garden after some breathing exercises to calm your racing heart.

"Great, I was beginning to wond-" -Hyunjin's head whips towards you and his mouth visibly falls open, stopping whatever witty remark he was just about to let out.

Embarassment makes you hot on the inside as he checks you out openly, his eyes roaming all over your figure and your arms come up instinctively to cover yourself.

You know looks that are predatory and hungry, looks that make you feel unsafe, those looks that you were given many times before but Hyunjin... he looks at you differently.

It's like he's fascinated with you, drinking in every single detail that makes you you, his sparkly eyes mapping out every single curve and crease he can find.

"Well, I obviously didn't get the memo for tonight since I look homeless next to you."- Hyunjin says and you burst into laughter.

"You could never look homeless. Even your casual clothes are fancy. And you're wearing your jewelry so it's fine."- you smile, both of your faces red.

"Alright, if you deem this worthy."- he purses his lips, making a displeased face as he pinches his oversized t-shirt between his fingers and waves with it dramatically.

You giggle at him, shaking your head.

"Worthy enough for me."- you say and he smiles sheepishly before the two of you make your way out of your house.

The walk to the restaurant is quick and before you know it, Catherine welcomes you in.

"Oh, we're glad you made it."- she smiles, ushering you in.

There are a few other locals eating dinner on another table, and an older man that lives near Isaac, sitting alone in the corner and watching tv as he sips on his beer.

You take seat on your usual table, right next to the window.

"Where's Luna?"- you ask Catherine.

"Oh, she's sleeping upstairs. Again, I am so very grateful for you taking care of her tomorrow, this'll be the first anniversary that we get to celebrate just the two of us, ever since we came here."- she clasps her hands around yours and beams at you.

Hyunjin leans his chin on his hand and observes you with a small smile on his face.

"It's really no problem, Cath. I'm glad to have a play buddy at my shop tomorrow."- you chuckle. "Plus, the two of you really deserve a nice day off together."

"You're an angel!"- she says and you chuckle, shaking your head. "We prepared our special for the two of you."- she winks. "Let me get some wine for starters."

"Oh, we're really being wined and dined."- Hyunjin giggles, his eyes crinkly, making him look like a cute dumpling, almost like he was edible.

"We are."- you smirk, as Catherine brings a bottle of wine and two glasses to your table.

She even goes as far as to pour it.

"Cath, you really don't have to. I'm not that fancy."- you shake your head, feeling a bit awkward with all the special attention you're getting.

"No, no, you're our special guests tonight and so you should be treated."- she practically twirls and walks away quickly after she's done pouring the wine in your glasses.

"Ooh, special guests."- Hyunjin wiggles his eyebrows at you and you chuckle.

"I'm sure this is nothing new to you, being wined and dined like this."- you say, your fingers resting on your wine glass.

"Actually, it is. I mean, I do go to fancy dinners but it's usually with a bunch of ridiculous older rich men who only talk about nonsense and money."

"No pretty ladies?"- you tease with a smirk.

"Just one, right now."- he smirks back and you freeze.

When did he get so bold?

The question hangs in both of your heads.

Upon seeing your shocked expression, Hyunjin regrets uttering those words.

Did he step over a line? Did he say something wrong? Should he apologize?

"Better one than none."- you quickly retort after gathering your thoughts, not wanting to make things awkward.

"True."- Hyunjin nods with a chuckle. Phew.

Bennet is the one to bring your food, the special being a famous fish that Delmar usually catches and brings to the restaurant, and Bennet uses his father's recipe to make it as tasty as it can be.

Hyunjin eyes it skeptically and you laugh at the face he makes.

"It's really good, I promise."- you say with glee.

"Okay, I'll trust you, y/n."- he says, his face still uncertain.

When he does take the first bite, his eyes become wide and his eyebrows shoot up beneath the bangs framing his face. He looks as if a firework just exploded above his head instead of just one lightbulb as he makes approving, humming noises.

"Good?"- you smirk.

"Amazing!"- he says excitedly and you laugh.

"See, I told you."

"I will never doubt you again."- Hyunjin bows exaggeratedly, making you giggle.

You continue eating and making small talk, as the wine bottle gets emptier and the sky gets darker.

"So, you're babysitting Luna tomorrow?"- Hyunjin asks just as you finish eating.

"Mhm."- you dab your lips with a napkin before putting it down. "I learned sign language so I'm the best candidate."- you chuckle as you take a sip of your wine.

"Oh, that's fascinating! I mean, I saw that you talked to her already, I just didn't know how much you knew."

"Oh, enough to sit down and have a conversation."- you say.

"Hopefully you'll teach me?"- Hyunjin looks at you cutely.

"If you want to learn, of course."- you nod with a smile.

"I do. I could come help you babysit?"- he suggests.

"That'd be fun."- you say just as Catherine appears beside your table to pick up your empty plates.

"How is everything?"- she asks with a suggestive sort of smile.

"It's amazing as always."- you compliment and she looks at Hyunjin.

"Best fish I ever had."- he confirms and she chuckles.

"I'm glad you liked it. I'll bring you dessert in a few minutes."- she winks and you laugh, shaking your head.

"Wow, even dessert."- Hyunjin smiles happily.

"It's probably lemon lime cake. It's really good, too. I mean anything that Bennet and Catherine make is delicious, for real."

"I believe you now."- he says and you giggle.

Catherine does indeed bring her famous lemon lime cake and the two of you enjoy the citrusy treat.

It's almost 11pm when Hyunjin and you finally leave the restaurant, thanking both Bennet and his wife for the wonderful meal.

Hyunjin walks you to your door and you turn towards him. You're not tipsy, but the wine had made you a bit gleeful as you beam at each other.

"So, tomorrow at 8 at your shop?"- he asks.

"You don't have to come that early, you can rest. Just come when it's convenient for you."- you say.

"I want to come early. It's no problem."- I want to spend as much time as I can with you, is what Hyunjin wants to say but doesn't.

"Okay, looking forward then."- you nod and there's a moment of silence as Hyunjin searches your eyes.

This is the part where the lead characters kiss.

Hyunjin swallows, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. Your eyes follow the movement, your lips parting ever so slightly.

Is he leaning in closer?, your heart skips a beat and panic seeps into your stomach.

"Well, good night Hyunjin."- you break the silence and quickly turn around.

"Uh- Have a good night, y/n."- Hyunjin blinks repeatedly as you rush inside, giving him a small sheepish smile before you close the door.

He stands there for a few moments, wondering if he should've leaned in or backed away.

Hyunjin can't sleep that night. Maybe it's because his belly is full or the wine is keeping him awake.

Or maybe it's because he's replaying the whole day in his head over and over again.

Especially the last moment and he blamed himself for hesitating, his mind going so far as to think that was the last chance he'd ever get to kiss you.

Of course, he knows he's being dramatic but the moment was perfect, you were both relaxed after a romantic dinner and you even put on a pretty dress, and he had walked you home.

Why was he acting like a coward with you? Why was it so easy to bring home some random girl he gave no fucks about and sleep with her and with you he couldn't even think of holding your hand without exploding inwardly?

Because you're in love, you idiot.

Is what his inner voice tells him and Hyunjin becomes even more awake after that, tossing and turning until he finally sits up, sketchbook in hand and shapes of you appearing on his paper again.

In your bed, you're no better. You're beating yourself up from running away when Hyunjin was clearly trying to kiss you. Or was he?

Maybe you had imagined it all, and if you would've leaned in you would probably make a fool out of yourself.

Why are you making it so complicated?

Why are you scared?, you ask yourself.

Falling into a whirlwind of your past relationship traumas, you end up sucked in a black hole of bad thoughts, ones that tell you that you're not good enough and you don't deserve this.

Hot tears slide down your cheeks and you barely manage to fall asleep, clutching onto your pillow.

"Here, you can use these, and these too. And some baby breath, okay?"- you put some flowers on the table for Luna to play with.

She looks at you and nods with a smile, her small hands plucking the different flowers and putting them together in a little bouquet as you make one of your own, one that a resident had ordered for the birthday of their husband.

"Good morning!"- you hear Hyunjin, your heartbeat betrays you together with your rosy cheeks as soon as you see him come in with a bright smile on his beautiful face.

"Good morning."- you smile back and Luna looks up after you gently put your hand on her shoulder.

"Good morning, Luna."- Hyunjin waves, leaning down to be in her line of sight.

She giggles sheepishly, kicking her legs under the table and signing a 'good morning'.

"I brought my sketchbook."- Hyunjin says before looking at Luna.

"Can I sit here?"- he asks her carefully, pointing to another chair at the table.

Luna reads his lips and nods quickly, swinging her legs as she puts the flowers together.

You chuckle at them, your heart swells at the sight of Hyunjin being so gentle with her.

Hyunjin takes out his sketchbook and Luna takes interest in it, watching him sketch as she forgets about the flowers before her.

"You're stealing my helper."- you joke.

"My apologies."- Hyunjin smirks and you shake your head with a playful eye-roll.

Luna tugs on your dress and you look at her.

Hyunjin observes as the two of you sign.

"I thought you would teach me."- he pouts when you finish.

"She asked if she could get a paper from you and also draw something."- you say.

"Oh, of course."- Hyunjin nods quickly, taking out a blank paper and giving it to Luna.

He finds another pen and also gives it to her and she smiles.

"Thank you."- she says.

"How to sign 'you're welcome'?"- Hyunjin asks you and you show him.

He repeats it to Luna immediately and she giggles again before turning to the paper.

"I kinda wanna join you but I have to finish this bouquet."- you say and Hyunjin looks up at you with a smile.

"Do you need help?"

"No, it's fine, it's almost finished anyways."

For some time, the three of you are silent, each in your own world before you finish with your flowers.

"Done!"- you announce, before sitting down and leaning your head on your palm.

"You need a paper too?"- Hyunjin asks and Luna looks at the both of you, reading your lips.

"Yeah, sure."- you confirm and he rips another paper out and gives it to you.

Luna signs something to you again and you gasp, both of you giggling as Hyunjin pouts on the side.

"You're excluding me."- he whines.

"This is girl talk, sorry."- you tease.

"Alright, I won't interfere."- he brings his hands up in surrender and you chuckle.

"Oh, hey, we could do that thing where we sketch something and then exchange our drawings and continue on each other's sketches? What do you think?"- you suggest and Hyunjin nods enthusiastically.

"That sounds fun! I've always wanted to try that."- he says.

You explain it to Luna and she loves the idea so the three of you get to it, the sounds of laughter filling up your little flower shop.

You and Luna teach Hyunjin some more sign language, and Luna finds Hyunjin so interesting that she decideds to grab one daisy that she was playing with earlier and put it in his hair.

Hyunjin leans down with a smile to let her do it and she giggles excitedly. He takes two more daisies, first putting one in her hair gently, making her even more giddy. Then he leans towards you and puts the flower in your hair, his fingers smoothing out the hairs behind your ear, fingertips touching your skin ever so gently.

Your whole being vibrates with just the slight touch and the gesture and you involuntarily lean towards his hand, like a flower following the sun and leaning towards it's warmth.

Hyunjin notices but he also notices Luna staring at the two of you so he retracts his hand with a small smile, both of your faces red.

The three drawings are a mish-mash of faces, flowers and scribbles, making for three unique art pieces. Luna takes yours and hers and gives them to Hyunjin, to tuck the ripped and now filled papers back into his sketchbook.

Hyunjin and you help Luna make her bouquet on her request, your fingers touching a few times and it keeps sending shocks of electricity through your body.

"It's so beautiful! Even better than mine."- you smile at her when it's finished, making her giggle.

Since her parents have closed the restaurant for the day, lunch time is scheduled to be at your house.

The three of you make your way there after you lock up, the afternoon sun warming you up on the short walk.

And as you prepare lunch, while Hyunjin plays with Luna in your garden, you can't help but think how domestic it all feels and a wave of excitement rushes through your body, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand.

You dare to wish Hyunjin would stay here forever and be yours. Your chest expands at the thought of that, him being yours, and you being his.

Luna runs into the kitchen, breaking you out of your thoughts and Hyunjin rushes in after her, panting and making a face as he holds onto the kitchen counter.

She giggles and circles the table and you chuckle at them.

"You look like an old man."- you tease him.

"I feel like an old man right now. She gave me a good exercise, hah."- he breathes hard and you smirk.

"Perfect before lunch. When you catch a breath, the two of you can help me set the table."- you say.

"Yes m'am."- Hyunjin nods making you laugh.

When everything is finished and you sit down to eat, Hyunjin compliments your cooking, making you feel giddy to see him genuinely enjoying the food you made.

You take Luna and put her down for a nap before going back to the kitchen, only to find Hyunjin cleaning up.

"You don't have to do that."- you shake your head.

"I want to."- he smiles and you join him, the two of you quickly tidying up the mess that was made.

"I wish I could take a nap too."- you sigh, remembering how you barely slept last night.

"Go take a nap."- Hyunjin says.

"That would be rude."- you smile sheepishly.

"No, it's fine really. I'll just make myself some coffee, sit in your garden and draw if that's okay with you."- he shrugs with a sweet smile.

"I mean, if you're okay with me sleeping while you're here."- you say.

"It's your house, just do as you would if I wasn't here and I'll stay in case Luna wakes up and needs something."- Hyunjin ushers you to your living room.

You make your couch more cozy for a nap, falling into the comfortable blankets and the feeling that today has brought you, and with a smile etched on your face, you slip into dreamland quickly.

Your nap may have been a coma, you didn't even realize how sleepy you were, gasping as you sit up and notice that it's getting darker outside.

You quickly get up, almost falling since you were dizzy and disoriented. You grab onto the couch, trying to come to your senses for a moment before you make your way to the kitchen to drink some water.

"Hyunjin?"- you peek into the garden.

"Oh, hey."- he's there, sitting at the table, still with his sketchbook.

"What time is it?"- you ask confusedly, rubbing your eye and he smiles at you endearingly.

"7pm or so."

"7pm?! Oh my god, Luna-"

"Is home. I took her to the restaurant at 6pm as you said. Bennet and Catherine just arrived then, all refreshed and happy."- he says.

"Oh I am so sorry Hyunjin. You should've woken me up."

"No way."- he shakes his head. "You have nothing to apologize for, you were tired. I didn't want to disturb you plus me and Luna got along just fine."

"You're too sweet, thank you."- you say without thinking, your brain melting at the sight of Hyunjin looking at you so happily, like you're the most fascinating thing he has ever seen, even in your disheveled after nap state.

"It's nothing."- he says shyly, his cheeks red, your comment doing more to his heart that you could ever imagine.

You decide to make some tea for the two of you and when you sit down, Hyunjin shows you his sketches of your garden, Luna and you.

Talking and enjoying each other's company stretches into hours, as you even eat dinner together, both of you not realizing how much time has passed.

Well into the night, the two of you still find topics to talk about and even if you say you don't always believe in destiny, one thing is for certain; you were meant to share this gentle moment with Hyunjin.

You hoped that in every parallel universe, your souls have found each other and became entwined, just like they did in this one.

✨Taglist: @moonchild9350 @janepg @velvetmoonlght @hwanghyunjinismybae @jehhskz @laylasbunbunny @porangporangmeong @jeonginslefthand @sapphirewaves @simpforleeknaur @laughatdanger @lixies-favorite-cookie @linavc @quokkacidal @thisaintredwine @m00gyu @yaorzu-blog @skzfelixlove @tajannah-price1 @puccaaak @aft2rsexs @xxkissesforchanniexx @aprilmaejune77 @lilmeowneow @stayjinnie @astrobebba @danihwang882 @kaysungshine @nchhuhi @1810cl @chartrucewhore @babigriin @jisuperboard @alisonyus @minluvly @instantsoulnight @kkamismom12 @its-stayville-forever @s3ungm1nxxl0ve

[my-insanity-is-an-artform]

It had been a week since The Lamb had been summoned to The Gateway in the aftermath of Shamura’s death.

A week since The One Wh-… since Narinder had ordered them to kneel.

A week since they refused.

A week since they won.

A week since…

Since they had returned to the cult, bloody and victorious over their former patron, only to find him at the centre of a concerned crowd by the Indoctrination Circle.

Comatose.

The Lamb methodically tucked the blanket securely around Narinder’s still form. The only sign of life being the rise and fall of his thin chest. Whether the thinness was a sign of his former role as Death or due to his long imprisonment, the Lamb wasn’t sure but it was something of concern.

As was the gaunt look to his wrist, scarred and furless, with long oozing sores up his forearms.

“Oh, what am I going to do with you?” The Lamb murmured softly as they smoothed out the blanket.

While not entirely sure why Narinder had fallen into a coma, the Lamb suspected it might have been related to the shock of becoming mortal.

The wounds that were so easily shrugged off as a god were fatal to any mortal.

“I don’t know why I spared you. You demanded so much of me and took everything else. Maybe it was pity. Maybe I am just a coward like you said. Or perhaps I’m just tired of all the bloodshed. So many of us have died, mortal and divine and for what?” They soothed another fake wrinkle in the blanket.

They did not regret killing the Bishops. How could they when the four had stolen their entire people from them? The Genocide had started before they had been born and thus any chance of them knowing what it was like to be a Lamb, to know their culture, their heritage, was destroyed before it began. The fanaticism had extended to any who would show a lamb any form of mercy or those who tried to preserve anything of lamb culture.

The zealotry had even begun to affect other species as the number of lambs dwindled. Goats, antelopes, deer, bison, cattle, even llamas, all became rarer towards the end.

Cats, black ones especially, were also affected, being considered an ill omen and too many cats considered themselves allies of lambs to allow such brutality.

And for what?

The prophesised inevitable had finally come to pass. Five became Four became Three became Two became One became…

Nothing.

The Lamb began to gather the old, ichor-stained bandages they had replaced and threw them into a bowl. Cloths they had used to wipe Narinder down followed. The old bedding was thrown by the door, ready to be washed. They refused to allow anyone else care for him with only the healers being allowed to watch over him while they performed their duties away from his bedside.

An act of devotion, penitence and safeguard all rolled into one.

“It’s funny. I thought we’d do all sorts of things once you were free. I wanted to stay by your side. I wanted to show you my favourite fishing spot by the docks and show you where I picked all those camellias in the Darkwood. I wanted to make you my favourite meal.” They were quiet for a moment. “I wanted to know if I meant as much to you as you did to me. Even if I didn’t, I hoped you let me stay. I would’ve given anything, you know, but after everything I’d done for you, after all I had given, you just had to ask for the one thing I couldn’t do.”

The Lamb sat on the floor by the bed and rested their head on the cover, watching his face for even the smallest of reactions.

“If you hadn’t demanded that... If you had found another way… Would you have let me stay?”

Nothing.

Just the rise and fall of the thin chest.

Just as it had been for a week.

Just as it would be for a long time yet.

____________________________

Everyone: Narinder is pissed and tries to assassinate the Lamb when he's indoctrinated.

Me: What if he's comatose tho?

AU where the shock of becoming mortal after being imprisoned for so long causes Narinder's body to be so overwhelmed that he falls into a coma immediately upon arrival to the cult.

The Lamb, while feeling betrayed yet still devoted, decides to personally care for Narinder while he's comatose.

Rumours spread about the mysterious comatose new recruit and how the Lamb spends every moment they aren't caring for the Cult with him.

Some think something happened their leader blames themself for.

Others think it's out of duty and safeguarding since he's technically not been indoctrinated yet.

One very persistent rumour insists that the mystery person is actually the Lamb's lover who was hurt and now they cannot bear to part from his side.

Even when the Mystic Seller commands them to free the Bishops, the Lamb is slow to do so until it offers to help Narinder heal.

With every freed bishop, the stronger Narinder becomes.

Aym and Baal are resurrected and are the only ones allowed to help with Narinder while the Lamb frees the bishops. The only ones they can trust with Narinder.

The Lamb continues to talk to Narinder throughout everything about everything. All of their hopes and fears and plans are laid bare to him. Their feelings too.

(Maybe the bishops also talk to him. Quietly and on the rare moments that the Lamb isn't hovering by his side. Their own form of confessional.)

However, no one has any idea that Narinder can hear every word.

And then he wakes up.

[stychu-stych]

do any of the bishops or flock members (including lamb and goat) have tattoos?

In my modern and slavic AU - yes!

Here's art with Yellow Cat having camellia tattoo.

I'm working on slavic au where Lamb has tattoos as well. I didn't draw anything yet though . First of all I have to finish all of my commissions and last part of my comic First Resurrection and then go with my AUs ✨

[spectatingspectacle]

The Goat's name is Vine ^_^

Song: My Lucifer - Baby Bugs

Poison is her least favorite way to die, it takes a lot of camellias to revive poisoned deaths

Song: Oh Klahoma - Jack Stauber

[crabstronaut]

going to start recommending music on my art blog instead of doing art for my art blog. three albums tonight, enjoy (or don’t idc):

Birth of Paul by Koraii. i just really like koraii. it’s nice and mysterious but also really relaxing at times. big fan. this is actually my first time listening to it but it inspired me to post on tumblr so that’s something. no specific track to recommend since they’re all good. Paranomia and Heat Death are pretty tasty tho

Reality Distortion by Camellia and Akira Complex. listening to Akira Complex makes me sad but their music is really good. and paired with the goat Camellia, of course it’s even better. lots of high energy tracks, i love World Collapse and In Black & White. also lapix’s remix of Reality Distortion (the song) is really fun.

Retrograde by Crown the Empire. if you go to youtube and read the comments on these songs, lots of people are mad that this album isn’t as heavy as CTE’s other stuff. me personally though, i really like it. Are You Coming With Me is probably my favorite track. and Lucky Us is there if you want something really heavy.

anyways i know not many people are gonna read this and even less will actually listen to these songs, but i don’t care i find joy in sharing things i like even if no one listens lmaoooo. but enough rambling. if by chance you do listen to any of these please let me know your thoughts even if you hate them

[sakuramidnight15]

-RSA OC Information-

Character Bio

Name: Miriam Camellia

(Japanese: ミリアム・カメリア)

Romaji: Miriamu Kameria

Quote: "Umm well, if you mind my next treats are coming out the oven very soon!"

V/A: Ayashi Takagaki (Japanese)

Gender: Female

Age: 18

Birthday: February 14

Star Sign: Aquarius

Eye Color: Pastel Sky (Her normal eye color)

Jewel Blue (Second Eye Color)

Hair Color: Cloudy White

Height: 167 cm

Race: Part Human, Part-Puff Wolf

Species: Slivered Fur

Homeland: Kingdom of Priamonia (Second Land District)

Family: Unnamed Father

Unnamed Mother

Unnamed Three Older Brothers

Unnamed Two Older Sisters

Unnamed One younger Sister

______________________________________

School Status and Fun Facts

Dorm: Sanwaii (@twsted-princess)

School Year: Third

Class: 3-C (Same Class with Achlys)

Student no. 16

Occupation: Student

Pastry-Maker

Bakery's Waitress

Club: Cooking Club

Best Subject: History, Economics, and Broom-flying

Dominant Hand: Ambidextrous

Favorite Color: White, Blue, Light Purple, and Silver

Favorite Food: Desserts (but not too sweet though) Grilled or Fried Meat (Spicy Flavored), Sour Lemon Drops, Cinnamon Rolls, Flavored Bread, Lynette's Family Hotpot Recipes,

Least Favorite Food: Tasteless Meals, Frog's Meat, Anything Stale (Mostly), Too much sweetness (Especially Frosting), Bittersweets, Goat Meat,

Likes: Quiet Places, Doing self-learning, Cooking or Baking, Reading Novels (Various Genres), Collecting Book-charms, Cloudy Skies and Rainy Seasons, Soft Pillows, Sleeping Peacefully, Flying to the Skies,

Dislikes: Unwanted attention, Greed, Noisy Places, Interruptions, Too much smoke (Mostly), High Heels, Her Efforts not being paid off, Dishonesty (Mostly), Fancy People, Too much brightness (Not the sunlight), Crowded Places,

Hobbies: Self-learning, Cooking or Baking, Reading Novels, Sewing Skills, Reading the mood, Poetry, Hearing the Rain pouring, Ear-twitching Quickly, Being a taste-tester, Taking flights,

Talents: High-skilled Magic, Fast Agilities, Flying Abilities, Broom-flying, Sliver Instincts, Weaponary Self-defense, Lie-detector, Full-moon Abilities,

Nicknames: Miri or Mira (From her family and friends)

Miriam-senpai or Camellia-senpai (From the freshmen students)

Little Mimi (From her older siblings)

Big Sister or Onee-chan (From her younger sister)

Other Nicknames:

N/A

______________________________________

Appearance and Personality

Appearance: Miriam has a slender female body build but is in fact an average body build despite it. She has cloudy white colored long hair which it reaches to the bottom of her foot heels, as a part puff wolf, she had wide wolf-like ears appearing at the top of her head, but more puffy and soft than a normal wolf's ears. She has pastel sky colored eyes but changes to jewel blue whenever she uses her other part race abilities. Miriam is a friendly individual but is holds a little shy behavior towards people she isn’t aware of.

Personality: Born as one of the part-to-part races within the Dimensional Rift Border at the second land district in the Kingdom of Priamonia. Miriam was the fifth eldest within her family's till her younger sister was now born. Eventually, she had been under her mother and eldest brother's wing when she saw her parents and siblings selling pastries and baked delicacies within their shop. After getting slightly old enough after doing simple cleaning, she had now entered her mother's kitchen cooking classes and is now the main chef within her family's baking business.

The current Miriam we are now seeing is now a young yet fair lady with simple manners due thanks to her father, although she's a bit of a nervous one so she tends to be quiet and doesn't like being in a room or seeing crowded and noisy places around whenever she goes, she tends to go somewhere that isn't crowded and noisy, she she can be seen in the woods outdoors in the shades of the trees.

Despite her being selective on anyone she sees or just met, she holds a friendly attitude. Miriam tends to go slow whenever she meets someone that she isn't familiar with so she tends to be formal and slightly lady-like during on greetings, but at someone she is familiar with, she shows a warm welcoming to her companions, which is slight different from her manners.

If you were becoming close with her within her social circles, then she’s your best gal-buddy to have around. And in addition, she can offer you her sweets or her basic best-selling.

But do careful not to mess with her. It’s true that she may be just a normal and mannered lady with her wolfy ears, but that doesn’t mean that her race is just to be mocked at. Miriam has a very good right sense of justice, so despite her feminine and pastel-like appearance she has, she’s in fact pretty strong thanks to her part-to-part race, so her delicate hands would become rather than the tall size of a wolf’s claws to scar you.

She’s sweet as a cinnamon, but can still attack you at brute force. Don’t be surprised about that little fact, okay?

______________________________________

Trivia

-The name 'Miriam' means as it means "wished-for child," Miriam offers you a heartfelt way to express your loving devotion to your new arrival. While her surname ‘Camellia’ means ‘helper to the priest’. The Latin girl's name Camellia means “helper to the priest.” The evergreen Camellia flower is known for its exquisite blooms and beautiful pink color.

-She is based on Cinnamoroll in the Sanrio series, is also a mascot.

-Her family’s is well-known within the Kingdom of Priamonia thanks to their pastry business.

-Is actually friends with Celestine and her family as well, so the two girls were next door neighbors. Though she tends to worry for Celestine sometimes.

-She’s mostly neutral with her dorm mates.

-Is often seen indoors a lot more than outdoors, either sewing to make pillows or baking pastries for her dorm mates to snack onto.

-Her ears mostly twitches sometimes, many believed that it be adorable to see it.

-She is mostly teased by her older siblings sometimes, although her younger sister adores Miriam the most since they were both white.

-Has a strong sense of smell whenever she goes outdoors for hunting ingredients, she also does this when it comes for the best flavoring to her pastries.

-Can actually fly to anyone’s surprise though, though it takes about enough or a few seconds for it to work. Although only her dorm mates and Celestine knows that she can fly with just her ears.

-Hates the strong wind blowing at the worst moment, she doesn’t like it whenever she flies around.

-Her voice sounds rather soft and soothing whenever she speaks, however the tone changes whenever she gets serious. Which is why I chose Ayashi Takagaki to be her voice actor.

-Aside from making pastries, she can also make some special kind of drinks and tea flavors that are created by her own hand.

-Doesn’t like rather wealthy people, she kinds that their a bit much but doesn’t think it that way but kinda doesn’t like their attitude about their money though.

-Sleeps with rather a lot of pillows.

-Noisy places hurts her ears badly.

-Has a bit of trauma at the mountains cause she got lost and almost got attacked by a consuming mountain goat, then Celestine came in and rescue her. Despite the fact that it scared her, but she’s trying her best to overcome her fears.

-Just like Celestine, she knows about the 'Eternity of Greed' since she also lives in the Kingdom of Priamonia.

-Adores Celestine’s jewel making, so the two often meet up with one and another.

-Seems to know the other races as well but is more curious about the half-myths.

[readerofoddities]

Instead of doing Goat like everyone else will probably do today, I decided to do the other side of my "Get Drunk" prompt

Camellia wonders if she's even understanding what signs Heket is giving her. She doesn't want to ruin a perfectly fine friendship, but...

[Image ID/ a traditional drawing of a rabbit with her eats back. She has a null tattoo and tear drop tattoos on her face and half of a tattoo seen on her shoulder. She has one hand on her cheek as she stares off into the distance. There is writing beneath her that reads "day 24: other side" /end ID]

[ohworm-writes]

Hello Your Majesty, it has been awhile but I have heard your call and I'm here to distract you! What's your favourite flower? What's your favourite animal? Mash those two together, what do you have? What's its name? (Sorry not good at distractions!) I hope your doing better now and I hope for your quick recovery! Remember to eat, drink and get proper rest!

-💠

(The way it’s the next day but I’m still in as much pain if not more ❤️)

And thank you again. Favorite flower? It has to be either a hydrangea or a snapdragon. Hydrangeas are all over the islands where I’m from, so I love them a lot.

I really love rams and goats! They’re also my star sign so everyone says that’s why I like them so much.

And as for the ones I have, for flowers got hydrangeas, snapdragons, camellias (I think) and a bunch, but they’re my mom’s. As for animals, I have two cats (a tuxedo and a orange tabby)! I hope to get a snake and a bearded dragon in the future though!

[loderlied]

SHE MADE MY CHARACTER A BONE AMULET!!!!!!!! 🥰🥰

[literallyjusttoa]

7 Flowers for each Riordanverse character based on flower language.

Strap in, this is gonna be a long one.

Percy Jackson:

Apple Blossom: Preference. Fate speaks him great and good

Blue-Flowered Greek Valerian: Rupture

Camomile: Energy in Adversity

Hawkweed: Quick-Sightedness

Larch: Audacity. Boldness

Mistletoe: I Surmount Difficulties

Southernwood: Jest, Bantering

Annabeth Chase:

Azalea: Temperance

Canterbury Bell: Acknowledgement

Cloves: Dignity

Hundred-Leaved Rose: Pride

Indian Lagerstroemia: Eloquence

Red Catchfly: Youthful love

Walnut: Intellect, Stratagem

Grover Underwood:

Bearded Crepis: Protection

Bluebell: Constancy

Cactus: Warmth

Convolvulus: Bonds

Larkspur: Lightness, Levity

Magnolia: Love of Nature

Water Lily: Purity of Heart

Jason Grace:

Blue Violet: Faithfulness

Broom: Humility. Neatness

Fennel: Worthy all praise, Strength

Garden Marigold: Uneasiness

Mint: Virtue

Sycamore: Curiosity

Woodbine: Fraternal Love

Leo Valdez:

Chinese Chrysanthemum: Cheerfulness under Adversity

Fern: Fascination

Fleur-de-lis: Flame. I Burn

Penciled Geranium: Ingenuity

Peppermint: Warmth of Feeling

Thyme: Activity

Yellow Balsam: Impatience

Piper McLean:

Acalia: Temperance

Amaryllis: Pride, Timidity, Splendid beauty

Cabbage Rose: Ambassador of Love

Coreopsis Arkansa: Love at first sight

Holly: Foresight

White Dittany of Crete: Passion

White Mullein: Good Nature

Frank Zhang:

Canary Grass: Perseverance

Christmas Rose: Relieve my Anxiety

Coriander: Hidden worth

French Willow: Bravery and Humanity

Milfoil: War

Small White Bell Flower: Gratitude

Sweet Violet: Modesty

Hazel Levesque:

Aconite-leaved Crowfoot: Luster

Balm of Gilead: Cure. Relief

Flowering Almond: Hope

Holly Herb: Enchantment

Lote Tree: Concord

Lucerne: Life

Sweet Basil: Good Wishes

Reyna Ramirez-Arellano:

Ash-leaved Trumpet Flower: Separation

Barberry Tree: Sharpness

Branch of Thorns: Severity. Rigor

Goat’s Rue: Reason

Quamoclit: Busybody

Striped Carnation: Refusal

White Oak: Independence

Nico di Angelo:

Amethyst: Admiration

Lavender: Distrust

Milkwort: Hermitage

Oleander: Beware

Red Balsam: Touch me not. Impatient resolves

Weeping Willow: Mourning

Yellow Acacia: Secret Love

Rachel Dare:

Auricula: Painting

Beech Tree: Prosperity

Dandelion: Rustic Oracle

Gooseberry: Anticipation

Purple Clover: Provident

Ragged Robin: Wit

Scotch Fir: Elevation

Chiron:

American Starwort: Welcome to a stranger. Cheerfulness in old age

Buckbean: Calm repose

Flowering Reed: Confidence in Heaven

Goldenrod: Precaution

Marsh Mallow: Beneficence

Olive: Peace

Rhubarb: Advice

Apollo:

Before ToA

Bundle of Reeds with their Panacles: Music

Glory Flower: Glorious Beauty

Love Lies Bleeding: Hopeless, not Heartless

Nightshade: Truth

Prophetic Marigold: Prediction

Scarlet Poppy: Fantastic Extravagance

Sweetbrier: Poetry, I wound to heal

After ToA:

Agrimony: Thankfulness. Gratitude

Everlasting: Never-Ceasing Remembrance

Flos Adonis: Painful Recollections

Lotus Leaf: Recantation

Moschatel: Weakness

Scarlet Lychnis: Sunbeaming Eyes

Small Bindweed: Humility

Meg McCaffrey:

Borage: Bluntness

Burdock: Importunity, Touch me not.

Dogwood: Durability

Mouse-Eared Chickweed: Ingenious Simplicity

Mushroom: Suspicion

Oak-Leaved Geranium: True Friendship

Thornless Rose: Early Attachment

Luke Castellan:

Aloe: Grief, Religious superstition, Affection

Begonia: Beware

Belvedere: I declare against you

Dark Geranium: Melancholy

Quaking Grass: Agitation

Raspberry: Remorse

Thorn Apple: Deceitful Charms

Octavian:

Abatina: Fickleness

Buttercup: Ingratitude. Childishness

Citron: Ill-Natured Beauty

Dahlia: Instability

Madder: Calumny

Tall Sunflower: Haughtiness

Wild Geranium: Steadfast Piety

Calypso:

Cornel Tree: Duration

Crowsbill: Envy

Garden Anemone: Forsaken

Lotus Flower: Estranged Love

Vervain: Enchantment

White Camellia Japonica: Perfected Loveliness

White Clover: Think of me

Thalia Grace:

Arbor Vitae: Unchanging friendship. Live for me

Checkered Fritillary: Persecution

Elder: Zealousness

Purple Columbine: Resolve to win

Sainfoin: Agitation

Yellow Carnation: Disdain

Zephyr flower: Sickness, Expectation

Will Solace:

Allspice: Compassion

Ambrosia: Love returned

Cowslip: Pensiveness. Winning Grace

Honeysuckle: Generous and Devoted Affection

Oak Tree: Hospitality

Spearmint: Warmth of Sentiment

Wild Grape: Charity

Lityerses:

Bay Leaf: I change but in death

Birdsfoot Trefoil: Revenge

Box Tree: Stoicism

Columbine: Folly

Hazel: Reconciliation

Mountain Laurel: Ambition

Tremella Nestoc: Resistance

Nero:

Beech Orchis: Industry

Cabbage: Profit

Passion Flower: Religious Superstition

Pidgeon’s Berry: Indifference

Polyanthus: Pride of Riches

Scarlet Auricula: Avarice

Wolfsbane: Misanthropy

Commodus:

American Cowslip: Divine beauty

Centaury Bluebottle: Delicacy

Chestnut Tree: Do me Justice, Luxury

Crown Imperial: Majesty, Power

Hydrangea: A Boaster. Heartless 

Laurel: Glory

Narcissus: Egotism

Caligula:

Agnus Castus: Coldness, Indifference

Bilberry: Treachery

Hop: Injustice

Lobelia: Malevolence

Parsley: Festivity

Purple Larkspur: Haughtiness

Rue: Disdain

[ihopeyoubothstaysafefromharm]

camellia and nutmeg please dear joy

my loveee 🟡

camellia ⇢ what were you like when you were younger? do you think you’ve changed a lot?

i think of the timeline of my life as being my authentic self and then losing track of that in my teens, and then in more recent years coming back to it. I was a very curious, lonely, whimsical child. I'd like to think I was very smart. I felt things all the way to my bones, which wasn't easy and which I later dulled with outside help. The joy in my life since I've been released from the burden of early adulthood has been very deep, but so has the sadness and isolation. But I feel less alone because I treasure this little person that I was, this person who would be excited that I'm around, and that I fend for myself, and that I can choose what my body presents as.

nutmeg ⇢ how’s your room/home decorated? do you have a specific theme or style going on?

i have sprawling walls and bits of chalkboard painted on my walls throughout my house and i scribble cartoon characters and cryptic poetic quotes on them. i love little things, i have shrines to little things everywhere, a playmobil zeus hidden by the cable box and a little yellow goat named marmalade that guards my bed.

[schrodingersgoth]

songs i associate w the think tank

mobius- bubbles by system of a down, once in a lifetime by the talking heads, and pipe - dreams by czesław śpiewa (bonus: when he died by lemon demon)

klein- leave the bourbon on the shelf by the killers, i love you like an alcoholic by the taxpayers, and no children by the mountain goats (bonus: thetawaves by system of a down)

dala- botany play by czeław śpiewa, please by nine inch nails, and the dismemberment song by blue kid (bonus: breathin' hard (over you) by camellia hartman)

borous- mr. brightside by the killers, like a father by the soft moon, and kids by mgmt (bonus: it's all over but the crying by the ink spots)

eight- eighth wonder by lemon demon, homage by mild high club,and i can talk by two door cinema club (bonus: holst: the planets, op. 32 - 4. jupiter, the bringer of jollity)

zero- i am downright amazed at what i can destroy with just a hammer by atom and his package, nugget by cake, and exe exe by lilac boy (bonuses: zero by the smashing pumpkins and idiot by wavves) ((can you tell he's my favorite 😏))

[daxieoclock]

Also! If you like to! Top 5 Hunters moments so far?

(Screenshot isn't from the scene but it', i dont think i can put this question in any particular order

honorable mention to the moment where everyone collectively realized Puck was a child because it's a player moment and not a PC moment but it was still fucking hilarious to experience. Literally everyone but me thought he was an adult and I assumed everyone thought knew was a child and it was...really fucking funny to watch

A: Sammy meeting privately with Prim.

(Screenshot isn't from the scene but it's related and also very funny)

I originally planned for Prim to be a character who showed up before each major boss fight to give a bit of cryptic lore and vaguely steer the party in the right direction or keep them from overextending themselves, her introduction in the first dungeon was so impactful (and fun!) that I felt I couldn't resist and included her as an "Arcana-holder" for the party to bond with. And especially seeing her friendship with Sammy develop from that very first encounter has been...fucking amazing, I love it so much.

B: Blake requests that Prim spare their teammates.

On the subject of Prim, her introduction was one of the most fun parts of the campaign to date, just having this mysterious individual psychoanalyze the entire cast, upping the stakes in almost every possible way, it was so fucking fun. But Blake's response stands out to me as a fucking amazing encapsulation of their character, through all their development. The pride, and anger, and absurd intelligence and – beneath mountains and mountains of shame – the unwavering compassion for their friends. It's a fucking amazing bit of writing, and I love how much it just...epitomizes Blake Leto in a single paragraph.

C: Lena breaks Lucien's nose, and Ilse meets with Stephen.

The introduction of Team Trinity was a fucking blast, and while Kaya had some fun moments too (and will hopefully have a few more soon), both Lucien and Stephen's introductions were absolutely fucking iconic. I knew from the start of the campaign that I wanted to have a rival team of Persona-users show up to periodically harass the party, and give an insight to the type of people who Daedalus's structure cultivates and rewards, and Ilse having a named childhood friend in their backstory was too good of an opportunity not to return; and I feel like the reveal of their shared history went really well. Lucien wasn't planned to have too impactful of an introduction, mostly just as the most abrasive of the three to start things off on the worst foot first, but Dave's snap decision to have Lena punch him in the face for a borderline skeezy comment was...fucking amazing, and perfectly in character for Lena.

D: Camellia and Sakio at Frey's grave.

It's a quiet moment, one that I didn't expect at all at the time, but it definitely sticks out in my memory as just...solemn, and beautiful, and potent. (And it definitely makes me so fucking excited for @shinyvibrava to return to the campaign so we can have a ton more moments like it!)

E: Sammy's introduction.

I don't think there's been a more hype reveal in the campaign so far as Sammy's existence, everyone lost their fucking mind and I don't blame them! It was a blast to plan things out with Nyanko in secret, and I adore how excited everyone was to see everyone's favorite goat friend for the first time.

F (because I couldn't limit myself to five + honorable mention I'm sorrryyy): The Hunters unite with the common goal of Fucking Up Jabberwocky's Day.

Sammy getting KO'd and promptly revived, leading to the most fucking triumphant, amazing fight scene in the entire campaign so far as every Hunter took their turn in the round to land a chain of really fucking high-roll attacks (while I had changed the boss battle music to Counterstrike from P5 Strikers on a WHIM) and Sakio pulled out a taste of her own strength – which she'd been limiting in front of the party up until that point? It was just fucking AWESOME and probably the most jazzed I have been during a session so far.

[lilyhoshikawa]

🎥🎶💕🏳‍🌈💎 for hunters perhaps? >:3c

Oh golly! Ok fndkfnfn let me do this then. This may be difficult-

🎥: Do you have any favorite scenes from your hyperfixation?

This is hard bc I have a lot of scenes I like and good scenes keep happening dhdjfn.

There are a lot of stand-outs so far. Among them is definitely like, the confrontation in the car between Blake and Sakio, and the recent social link scene with Blake and Lena on the boat.

Scenes that DON’T involve my own character that I adore include. The scene with Sakio and Camellia at the graveyard. The scene with with Lena and Twitch outside the store. The Sammy’s scene where they read Tango’s letter. Also the scene with Sammy and Masumi bc it was just extremely funny.

🎶: If your hyperfixation has songs / an OST, what is your favorite song from it?

Hm. Well time once again to advertise my Blake playlist, which I’m constantly putting a lot of work and thought into tbh dhjddb, I’ve deleted a fair number of songs from it when I feel they don’t fit, and I’m constantly messing with the order of the songs in relation to Blake’s prospective characters arc, and adding more as I find them fndkfnf I’m always on the lookout.

Also, vane is constantly updating the official playlist with some real bangers, and I appreciate that. Amil’s and Twitch’s themes are real good.

💕: Tell us about one of your favorite characters and why you like them!

Everybody has really really good characters, heck. One thing that strikes me is that even with taking the backseat and having to be on autopilot for several sessions, Camellia still has such a strong and distinct personality, to the point where everyone is on the same page abt them, and I think that’s just really amazing dhdjfjf, that’s how strong an impression they make every time they’re around.

Lena is also so good, she’s like… I think abt her frequently. Sometimes I just start giggling when I think abt Lena, bc she is a national treasure, and I hope she knows I care abt her. She’s great in this way that she’s both very funny/cute and also has a lot of depth and nuance to her arc, and I’m so excited for more.

In the same vein, Sammy. No one character has made me go from giggling to sobbing as fast as this green goat. One moment Sammy is making their cat do a little greeting and I’m rolling on the floor from the cuteness, and then the next second they’re crying and saying they don’t want to be left behind, and then I am also crying. How do they do it. The absolute range.

I also really appreciate Ilse like, particularly in contrast to Blake sometimes, in that Ilse is very smart in a way that’s quiet, self-conscious and careful, while Blake is at times recklessly arrogant, and those two bounce off each other well. Ilse feels mature at times but every time they quietly like, try to be the bigger person, or to not make a problem of themselves, I wanna give them a hug and be like “u deserve to be recognized and acknowledged and u deserve better” dhdjdndjdn. When u have big personalities like Sakio and Lena and Blake in the party there’s something compelling abt Ilse being with them and not asserting themselves as they try to do their best, if that makes sense, and I want them to know I see and appreciate them.

Sakio is also so good and I’ve talked abt this to vane plenty before but holy shit. There’s so much obvious care and love and effort and skill that went into writing a character who is both wrong in many ways, and who many player characters antagonize for good reason, and yet still so incredibly sympathetic, so likable and so compelling. The fact that both Blake and Lena have this relationship with Sakio where they don’t like or trust her, necessarily, but also can’t deal with her not being there, is so fucking good, it creates such powerful conflict in the smallest of ways. Sakio is great bc I love her and I understand her and I appreciate her, but I also wanna yell at her and think she is absolutely horribly wrong about incredibly crucial things and u can FEEL that turmoil in her as well, with her knowing on some level that her actions are going to cause harm, and she’s just waiting and hoping to take the fall, thinking, maybe foolishly, that she can, and that doing so will save everyone else.

I also fucking love so many minor characters we haven’t seen much of so far. I absolutely love Bee and I’ve told vane abt this but she’s just a total icon. Theo is also great, he is the only valid he/him in the entire campaign djdkfj. I love Twitch as well and I’m very excited for some of the interesting stuff in Twitch’s arc that has been hinted at coming to fruition later on, that’s very exciting. I’m also very excited to learn more abt Amil’s whole deal, I appreciate them a lot and I feel bad every time I have to make Blake come pester them fndkfnf. Oh also Prim, how did I forget Prim… what’s going on with her, I have no idea, but she’s a mean lady and my love for mean ladies is well-documented. Also her look is iconic. Also also Puck, the fact that he’s a child and I didn’t know it for several months shocked me to my core but it has made his brand of Shakespearean mischief that much more endearing, and now I seek only to give him snacks and let him sit in his funny garbage throne. I forgot abt Puck earlier so I’ll say he is the second valid he/him in the campaign but frankly I think Puck should take some neopronouns for a spin, he deserves it.

🏳️‍🌈: Do you have any headcanons (LGBT, race, neuro, etc.) that are important to you?

(*throws neurological disorders at Blake*) jdkdnfkf no but jokes aside. I love that this party is like, 5 player characters, 4 of whom use they/them. Just. The raw power of a persona series written by LGBT+ ppl…

I can’t speak on other ppl’s characters too much but as for Blake, they’re a closeted transfem and also too much of a disaster for a coherent sexuality but probably bi. Autistic, and an abuse survivor who experiences paranoid delusions and self-destructive tendencies. Probably more, but specifics are messy, they’re a fucking mess, what’s going on with them, they don’t even know.

Masumi is a binary trans lesbian, also an abuse survivor and manages quite a bit of paranoia of her own, dealing with mood swings and occasional delusions of grandeur, most of it she keeps internally managed which isn’t great for her mental health.

💎: Are there any fun facts or trivia that you would like to share?

Blake’s original characterization was thought up prior to the campaign and was very different from their finished characterization. They lived on a farm with their parents and were pretty quiet and passive before being arrested for a murder they didn’t commit (this part is the same) and their personality was way more quiet, reserved and passive, with the whole celebrity aspect completely absent. They were still going to be the sort of clever leader type character but leaned far more into the background. Their design was also different, with their hair in a low ponytail rather than high and scars on their face from scrapes and accidents working on the farm.

I realized that, even though this character was more of an original idea than Masumi (who I was playing in another campaign at the time and who was characterized somewhat differently as well) I didn’t find myself excited to write them, couldn’t get invested in them in the same way, and as I kept workshopping them I decided to be more self-indulgent and lean more into shamelessly making them an Akechi expy in more ways.

And what resulted from that, ironically, is what I feel is a better character in the end. Blake feels more dynamic, lively and interesting now than the old iteration I first thought up, back when I was intent on making them My Own Creation with their own arc. At this point I’m comfortable saying that Blake, for all their similarities to Akechi, has evolved over the course of the campaign into a more interesting character, into someone I recognize as distinctly different and who stands out. They feel unique to me, and feel like my own character. And I think that only could’ve happened through playing them in a TTRPG like this, in developing them along with others, and having to adapt, and I think that’s the beautiful thing about developing characters with other people. The Blake I’ve ended up with is one I’m really happy with, who I feel is more interesting and dynamic to me than if I had just tried to force something unique just to not feel cringe about making an expy. And maybe I need to learn that lesson before I go through the same thing with Zee fjdkfnf.

[tv-fanfic-archive]

Loving You

Bucky Barnes x Pregnant!reader | Masterpost | Ao3

Fluff vignettes from Bucky and the Readers relationship and upcoming child.

Word Count: 675

Tags: Pregnancy, Fluff, Established Relationship

The early morning sun filtered through the sheer white curtains of our bedroom. Bucky’s arm held me tightly around my waist, his head nuzzled into my hair. The light danced along his sleeping face. His long eyelashes fluttered as I shifted to lay light kisses against his neck. 

“Good morning, sweetheart.” His voice rumbled from deep in his chest. I snuggled into his chest as his hand came around to rub my heavy stomach. “Good morning, bubba.” A little kick responded.   

---

Bucky’s shirt tightened over his back as he leaned down to grab a spatula from the drawer. The eggs sizzled in cast iron. My tea steamed on the bench in front of him, waiting for a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of milk. He flipped the eggs and stirred the tea. A strand of hair came loose from his bun when he bent to kiss my cheek, setting my mug down. I brushed the hair behind his ear and beamed at him, then brought him down for a soft kiss. 

----

I yanked a weed out from around the base of my camellia bush. The sun beat down on my hair; I swiped sweat from my brow. Bucky was with the vegetables, picking green beans from the lush vines for our dinner. A goat bumped its head against his leg. He rubbed between its ears and fed it a bean pod. I pulled myself up to my feet and walked over to the pair. 

“Leave daddy alone, Steve.” I gently pushed the goat’s fuzzy face away.

“You know his name isn’t Steve.” Bucky wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his hands on my belly once again.

“Might as well be,” I leaned back and pressed a kiss to his jaw. “He annoys you just the same.” 

My hair was plastered to my forehead with sweat, my breath coming in pants. Bucky’s metal hand was gripped so tightly in mine it was nearly crushed. He whispered praise in my ear and brushed my hair out of my face. The nurse came over and handed me a small bundle of blankets. I dropped Bucky’s hand to hold out my arms for our son. His little face is scrunched up. I hold him to my chest and let happy tears run down my cheeks. 

[writingrosesonneptune]

The Scorpion at Dinner Excerpt

A short bit between Inez and her wife, Sofia, as they receive word back from the most highly distinguished exterminator in the country. (I just... love writing dialogue between these two)

EDIT: nvm, I just decided to post the whole scene, which includes their daughter, Camellia, who is absolutely starved for company in their tiny town. Don't worry, she has a blast hanging out with the monster hunters later.

This scene takes place a bit before the previous scenes I've posted (links at bottom)

The Scorpion at Dinner

It was a week before a letter arrived from the outpost ten miles North. The courier freshened his water canteens in the well while Inez read the Great Crab Slayer's response to Sofia.

"Listen to this," Inez said, holding the letter in the deeper shade and peering at the neat script through her reading spectacles. "It's been some time since I received a request this interesting. My hunters and I will arrive within the fortnight. Please make room in your town for twenty guests."

Sofia smiled. "Well, it was a swifter reply than I was expecting. Didn't you say her letter was stamped in Aurelia? That's nearly three days' trek from there to here by our local couriers."

"It certainly was swift," Inez said. "She makes it sound as if she chooses which disaster she responds to by comparing their rarity."

The courier led his mount, a long-trunked creature with a hump on its back, and its saddlebags full of care packages from the water trough in the goat pen.

"Should I wait for you to pen your reply?" he asked. His round eyes glanced nervously to the dirt path leading to the opposite end of town, where scorpions lie in wait in the rocky outskirts.

Inez shook her head and handed him a few nopales from her garden as payment. "That won't be necessary."

Sofia followed his tepid gaze to the road. "You won't be delivering past here anymore?"

"Not until the scorpions are gone." The courier bowed his head sheepishly. "After today, I'm afraid I can't guarantee when I'll be making my rounds to your town again, either."

The doors to the shed burst open. Camellia sprinted across the courtyard to reach them before the courier could leave.

Sofia traded knowing looks with Inez. Camellia wasn't allowed out of town without an escort. As a healer, Inez had seen too many patients dragged out of the desert on the verge of death. Many more never made it out alive.

Camellia arrived at the scene glowing with sweat and smelling strongly of machine oil. She wiped her smudged hand on her apron and tugged gently on Sofia's arm. "Please, may I go with him to the next outpost? I can pick up supplies and carry them back on the Dog."

Inez cast an unsure glance to the shed. "My father's rusty old sled? I don't think that thing will last too long out in the desert."

Camellia's grin didn't falter. "I've been fixing it up again. And it'll be safer in that direction than if I just stay here."

That was true, Inez had to admit. Camellia knew her mothers well.

Sofia pursed her lips, but Inez knew there was nothing either of them could say to keep Camellia there.

Camellia turned to the courier with a hopeful look. "Do you mind if I accompany you? Some conversation on the road might be nice for a change."

The courier was a young man of perhaps twenty-five, not much older than Camellia. The two had exchanged brief pleasantries before when he made his rounds to the outpost, but he was hardly the talkative sort and often ducked out of town as soon as possible.

Camellia, on the other hand, languished in the dried-up conversation of the town's largely old and old-fashioned populace. There were precious few people her own age to talk to, and she was perpetually lonely.

The courier wiped the sweat trickling down his forehead and cleared his throat. "I don't think it's such a grand idea. Out there in the heat, it's best not to waste your energy talking." He climbed into his mount's saddle and patted the creature's side. "And those mechanical sleds break down an awful lot when you get them out in the heat for too long."

Some of the light went out of Camellia's eyes. Inez felt a pang of sympathy for her.

"Oh well," Camellia said. She smiled politely to the courier and exchanged an awkward wave with him as he left.

He returned her smile a little guiltily as he waved back.

Sofia ruffled Camellia's short hair. "You can come with me tomorrow," she said. "Why don't you help me plan for the trip? I have to finish drawing up a list of things we need, anyhow."

"That's alright." Camellia turned her face away as if she was too embarrassed to look anyone in the eye. She headed back for the shed. "I think I ought to spend more time adjusting the heat exhaust on the old Dog, anyway."

The Great Crab Slayer arrives and talks with Inez and Sofia about the scorpion threat

Camellia finally gets to talk with someone who shares her interests! (takes place between the scenes above)