#emotional disaster ocean

[ramp-it-up]

Dessert or Disaster?

Summary: James Bucky Barnes is an avowed bachelor and one night stand artist. You came along and knocked him on his face. You two are in love, but you two are both stubborn. Will you both put aside your pride to make this work? Can one or both of you be humbled?

Word count: 3.5 K

Pairing: Art Dealer (mob boss) Bucky Barnes x Reader

A/N: This fic is connected to the Knock You Down AU, and comes immediately after ...As Hard As I Did but I feel it can be read as a stand alone. It is in answer to this ask. Seb Stan's latest pics and this press run is making me feral. I can write these two ALL DAY!!!! Y'all are gonna have to deal with this for a while, sorry not sorry.

Warnings: 18+ Only, Minors DNI. Read at your own risk. This is the filthiest these two have gotten. Ms. Independent Syndrome, Mr. Chauvanist condition. Argument, angst, the silent treatment, tipsy girl's night out revenge, jealous Bucky, jealous reader, handsy random Drunk guy, who gets laid out. Sam shows up. Dom/sub elements, mild BDSM exploration. Spanking, orgasm denial, humiliation kink, praise kink, talk of voyeriusm kink, begging, use of Daddy, use of google translate Romanian. Not Beta'd. All errors my own.

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James Buchanan Barnes didn’t own you.

But he thought he did. 

It was infuriating.

After a month of dating, you’d had your first fight. Bucky always paid whenever you went out, and last Sunday, when you both reached for the check at brunch, there was a slight tussle. 

You laughed as Bucky scowled, thinking he was joking, but he was dead serious about paying. You became indignant, and you may have called him a controlling crime boss.

Bucky definitely called you an entitled brat and you may have stormed away and walked home, refusing to get back in the car with him. Bucky followed you in his sportscar as you pretended he wasn’t there. 

You were shaking with rage by the time you reached your brownstone and Bucky parked illegally.

“Frumoasă, let’s talk–”

“There is nothing to talk about, James. If you can’t respect my boundaries, then I don’t know what to say. I need space. Time to think.”

You glanced at him, but you looked away from the hurt on his face. 

“What does that mean?”

You cringed at the hurt in his voice. 

“I– we. Listen, you were right. We went way fast with this. It’s a lot, Jamie.”

You loved the fuck out of this man, but you felt like you couldn’t breathe.

“Are you breaking up with me?”

Bucky’s voice cracked and you looked up into his ocean blue, watery eyes.

“No?”

“Are you sure?”

“No. I’m not sure, James.”

“I thought you were mine?”

You paused and took a deep breath. 

“You don’t own me. You can’t do whatever you want…”

Bucky just looked at you as if he were about to debate that fact. Then, he raised his hands and backed away.

“Our dinner date still stands. Maybe Saturday night, we can talk about this like adults…”

Your ire was raised once again.

“I am an adult, Bucky. And you are too. You should listen to me when I-”

Bucky interrupted you and ran his hand through his hair, which he had been growing out. Just for you. He was extremely frustrated.

“This relationship has been predicated on nothing but your boundaries.”

It was a standoff. You two stared at each other, an invisible wall between you. You didn’t like how it felt.

“Like I said, we need a break.”

“We agree on something, at least.”

Bucky turned and walked back to his car, and you both closed your doors at the same time, hearts beating out of tune.

—-

You only cried for a couple of hours that day, but when you woke up to no good morning text from Bucky on Monday morning, you cried again. You were hurt, angry and anxious. Were you two over and done with? You threw yourself into work, trying not to feel your emotions.

By Tuesday, Bucky was being driven mad with images of you, sensations of holding you in his arms, feeling your body around him, your voice telling him that you loved him.

Steve sensed his mood, but did not press him, just complied when Bucky asked him to speed up the timeline to divest themselves of all illegal enterprises.

On Wednesday, you were feeling some kind of way. How dare he just ignore you and pretend you didn’t exist. Was he trying to punish you or something? You didn’t realize how much Bucky’s attention mattered to you. But you bet he knew very well. You decided to have big, big fun that night with your girls.

Of course, Bucky still had eyes on you, so he knew you were safe, but he told Nico and crew to fall back a little. He didn’t want to crowd you. But he was going crazy at the fact that you didn’t reach out to him. He was giving you the space you requested and hoped that you would come back to him of your own accord. He wasn’t going to force you to do anything. It was a matter of principle, not pride.

At least that was what he told himself.

There were some things you needed to understand, however.  Bucky was just trying to take care of you. You loved him, and he loved you. This thing was destiny. And you couldn’t run from that.

Wednesday night, he got a text from you. He sighed as he headed toward your location.

—-

You wore a more revealing outfit than you usually did. You were wearing a backless top that showcased your braless breasts and the cool night had sharpened your nipples into hard peaks, pressing through the thin material. You may have been thinking about Bucky tearing the top off of you roughly, or taking off carefully, or leaving it on you as he fucked you.  He would still pay attention to your nipples no matter what. You were horny for your man, and not thinking about tempting anyone else.

So you decided to break the ice and send him a selfie.

When Bucky didn’t respond, you got angry all over again. How dare he just continue to ignore you? You were a queen, and you were going to act like one. You went to the club, got tipsy, and acted as if you were in college again, taking drinks from anyone who offered. And there were lots of offers. You danced with your girls, and later, with the men who bought you drinks.

It was all harmless fun, right?

Through the crowd and the flashing lights, you saw a familiar profile, a head of hair and those unmistakable shoulders. Bucky was there, and his body language indicated that he was aware and interested in what you were doing.

So you gave him a show.

A woman came up to him and he looked down at her, a small smile on his lips. A jolt of jealousy rocked your body when he moved to a quiet corner with her and of all the colors in the club, all you could see was red. When she smiled up at him and her hand reached for his arm, you began grinding on the body behind you.

The man pulled you closer and practically yelled in your ear.

“You come here often?”

You rolled your eyes as his hands squeezed your hips and moved down. 

“Yeah. Let’s just dance.���

You moved his hands away but then they glided over your stomach and skimmed your back, thumbs brushing dangerously near your top. He pulled you even closer and started grinding as you tried to keep his octopus arms off of you. You glanced toward the corner and saw one person talking on the other locked in on you. And then moving in your direction.

You were relieved and terrified, because what had you gotten yourself into?

And what was Bucky going to do now? He looked like an animal, stalking his prey, dangerous.

The stranger moved his hands again and you recoiled, just as Bucky’s hand landed on your bare shoulder.

“That’s enough. Time to go.”

The random guy chucked his chin up at Bucky. 

“Who the fuck are you? Me and my girl are dancing here.”

You heard a record scratch, even though the music was still blaring.

“What did you say?”

Now you were afraid for this man’s life.

“C’mon James, let’s go. He’s drunk off his ass.”

You tried to pull him away, but he was not moved, staring down the man who would go down if Bucky breathed on him the wrong way. After a second, Bucky turned toward you, fury in his eyes.

You breathed a sigh of relief, even though you knew you were in for it. But Drunk Guy just had to open his mouth.

“Fucking whore. Acting like a slut on the dance floor and then leaving with this—”

And it was lights out for Drunk Guy, because Bucky Barnes laid him out flat with one punch.

Sam appeared out of nowhere to control the crowd as Bucky steered you through the crowd. His tense hand on your back sent a flash of dark excitement through you. He guided you by the elbow through the kitchen of the club. He took off his jacket and draped it around your shoulders before taking you out to the cold alley to his waiting car.  He walked you around the passenger side and opened the door, but before you could get in, a tug on your arm sobered you up.

You turned to see so much ice in Bucky’s glare. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time.

“You are in so much trouble,” Bucky’s lowly growled threat made goosebumps rise on your skin.

 “What do you mean?” 

You shaky voice belied your nerves.

“Get this clear, Frumoasă. You are, in fact, mine. That man’s hands were all over your body. All over what was mine.”

Bucky was leaning down, face close to yours, rage barely contained. You knew he would never truly hurt you, but��

“I had things under control,” you urgently whispered back. You wouldn’t back down from him.

“What about you? Who were you huddled up with in the corner?.” 

Bucky’s eyes glinted.

“Jealous?”

He got even closer. 

“No, you are,”

Bucky’s  jaw tensed, and a vein pulsed in his neck. You hit a nerve. 

“I know that woman from… from before you. She means nothing to me.” 

Bucky brought his hand up to your neck and buried his fingers in the hair at the nape of your head. He tangled your curls and tugged, none too gently, bringing your eyes up to meet his.

“I don’t want her. There is no one but you. “

You were trembling in his grip, panties soaked, mouth open for breath. Seeing Bucky this worked up brought out something in you. Something you didn’t realize was there.

“Take me home, James.”

“Y/N.” 

His voice chilled you. He gave you a cold smile. 

“I said you were in trouble, and I meant it. You’re getting punished.” 

Your jaw dropped, and your face flamed as you started to say something. But a wave of need crashed into your cunt. You were intrigued.

“What are you going to do?” 

Your voice wavered despite your efforts to appear calm. Good lord you wanted this.

“What you deserve,” he said calmly, gesturing for you to get into the car. You resisted.

“Tell me now.”

He indicated the car again and you sat down, trembling as he buckled you in and walked around to the driver's seat. You took a deep breath before he got in himself. 

Bucky leaned toward you menacingly.

“You have driven me to the edge these past few days, Y/N. I love you, I don’t know how else to explain this to you, so I’m going to show you tonight with a consequence for your actions. Either you accept that consequence and come to my place, or I drive you home. And we seriously reconsider what we’re doing here.”

You looked into his icy blues and you knew he was serious. You two had talked about some kinks and limits while starting to experiment with his more dominant side and your submissive side. These versions of you first manifested when you called him ‘Daddy.’ Punishment and reward was a heavy theme in your verbal foreplay. A little humiliation and praise was mixed into your physicality, and it thrilled you. 

Bucky made you feel safe, and tonight you had been unsafe.

“I’ll take my punishment, Daddy.”

Bucky’s eyes stuttered half closed, but he quickly recovered, managing to stay cool toward you as he whispered a gruff, “Good."

He started the car and pulled into the street, headed toward Brooklyn.

"Now sit back and make yourself invisible. I’m trying to calm down and I need to concentrate to not be too rough with you when we get home."

You settled back into your seat, thinking hard about that word, ‘home.’

—--

Bucky virtually ignored you until you got into his bedroom, and you surprised yourself with how much you just wanted him to look at you. You were a whore for his attention. And now you knew that he knew that.

That’s when you realized that your punishment had already begun.

You walked ahead of him on shaky legs on the deep pile carpet of his bedroom, legs shaking and heat emanating from your core. You felt his hand tug you to a stop as he turned you around to face him. 

Bucky took his jacket off of your shoulders as he finally looked at you, admiring the pout on your face. 

“You were a good girl. So silent on the ride over and in the elevator.”

You shuddered as he spoke and as his fingers touched your bare shoulders. 

“You like being a good girl for me, don’t you?”

His palm moved from your shoulder up to your cheek.

“Yet you weren’t a good girl earlier tonight, were you?”

He was so close to you, his lips millimeters from yours.

“James, please –”

The space between your lips was driving you crazy. 

“I think you need to be spanked, Frumoasă.” 

His voice was so calm, in contrast to the whirlwind inside you. You were anxious, but you wanted this in your soul.

“We will talk while I spank you. You have got to understand how much I care for you. How much I love you.”

Anger with a rush of excitement coursed through your body.

 “I— This is— Fuck,” you whispered. 

Bucky pecked your lips, allowing just one bright spot of tenderness before he abruptly sat down on the edge of the bed. 

“Over my lap, Frumoasă.” 

“Christ, James.” 

“Now.” 

His eyes were iceberg blue. There was no trace of soft Bucky.

 “Or I will put you there myself.” 

“Do it,” you whispered, ever defiant.

In an instant, you were thrown over the bed like you weighed nothing, and flipped onto his lap.

“There we go.” 

His satisfied voice made you shiver. A large hand slipped off your heels and peeled your leggings down your legs. You squirmed, knowing that he could see the wet spot on your your panties. 

“Esti atat de frumoasă iubirea mea.” You are so beautiful my love.

He smoothed your panties against your wet crease before he yanked them down in one swift movement, exposing you to the cool air in his bedroom. 

“I’m going to enjoy this. You, not so much,” 

“Get on with it.” 

“Watch your mouth, and stop rolling your eyes.” 

Bucky squeezed your ass cheek as he read you like a book, and you braced for a blow.

“Don’t hurt me,” you pleaded in a whisper, chastened now.

“This isn’t going to be about pain.” 

You rubbed your nipples against the comforter, searching for some relief to the sexual tension coursing through your body.

“Then what?”

You were breathless as he rubbed circles on your ass. A slap landed, quick and stinging, causing you to  jump.

“It’s about you being a spoiled little princess.” 

His voice was rougher. Oh Lord. That nickname was your undoing. It felt so right. 

“I am not!” 

You gasped when he spanked you again, heat radiating from the spot. 

“Brat. Don’t contradict me.”

Fingers slipped into your folds.

“See? A spoiled, wet princess.” 

You bucked, lifting your ass to his touch, not trying to hide your reaction. 

“Mmm, you like being called that, don’t you? Your body can’t hide the truth.” 

“Daddy…” 

You buried your face in the bed as he rubbed your clit. How could he be so calm?

“That’s it, Prinţesă Open up for me.” 

More spanks made you moan wantonly. 

“I’m going to fuck you you here…” 

Two fingers moved deep into your cunt..

 “…And here.”

He lightly stroked the cleft of your ass. 

“Yes, I want you there. Please!”

Bucky’s intake of breath told you that he hadn’t expected your response. 

“Iti place, Prinţesă aia? You like that?” 

“God, it feels so good.” 

Bucky circled your tight hole and worked a finger inside. 

“Fuck, you feel so tight and untouched,” he crooned as you arched into his hands. 

“Almost innocent. But you are anything but, aren’t you? You were acting like a slut earlier. Letting him touch what’s mine.”

“James—”

You were angry and yet so close to cumming at the same time.

Bucky laughed. 

“You wanted attention, now you have it. Do you want me to have Sam bring him here to watch me do this to you? Or should I just call Sam? Or Steve? Or Nat? All three perhaps? You need an audience, Frumoasă?”

You were so wet at what he was saying despite your embarassment.

“Look at you.”

His voice was so condescending. Why did that get you even wetter? 

“You are so worked up over the idea. They’d be eager. They all say how fine you are, and how they would have you right where I do if I hadn’t made the first move.”

You pussy spasmed as he plunged two fingers inside you again while his thumb pressed down on your clit. He pulled away before you could fall over the edge and you grunted in frustration. 

“It’ll never happen though, because you’re mine. My little slut. My cum whore.”

A smack stung your ass. 

“Fuuuckkkk, Jamie….”

You were shuddering, shaking, creaming all over his hand. 

“My pure and total slut. In every way.”

You kicked, your ass fluttering around the two fingers he had inserted. Your pussy was gushing, but you could find no relief. Another hard smack rained down and you cried out. 

“Do you think I could ever look at anyone else while you are in the world, Frumoasă? A thousand women could be in here — naked, begging — and I wouldn’t look their way. Not once."

“James—” 

“Not when you’re here, so pretty on my lap, with your pussy on fire and your body desperate for what I can give you.” 

You whimpered and tried to close your legs for pressure on your clit, but Bucky spread your thighs with his hands and stared down into your shiny, wet cunt.

“And you're not just desperate.” 

Bucky was relentless. 

“You're greedy. They would have to watch while I fucked you, because you can’t wait.”

“Oh, fuck, Jamesssss!”

“That’s why I give you all my time, my attention, all my money, because I will give you anything you ask for. And more, Frumoasă.”

You hid your face, slung over his lap, and his big fingers began stroking in and out of you again.

Lightning bolted through you.

You gasped and clamped down on his hand. You came so hard. And then he was spanking you again. Your ass was numb now. 

Somehow you wound up on the bed, belly-down, knees on the floor with Bucky kneeling behind you. You arched your back, body begging for him. Another slap landed on your heated ass.

“Look at you, putting on a show. Just like earlier in the middle of the dance floor. But all of this is mine. No one else’s.”

Bucky grasped your breasts through your thin top and you whimpered, face down on his bed, presenting for him, spreading your legs, beckoning him to stop the torture and enter you.

“Need your cock, Daddy. Please. I’m sorry!”

A sudden smack on your clit made you cry out. Pleasure bloomed out from your cunt and your thighs were now soaked.

“Yes, you need me. And it’s okay. It’s okay to be taken care of, to lose control. I’ve got you Frumoasa.” 

For once, you had nothing to say, you just gripped the covers as Bucky lifted your hands and moved them behind your back, holding them together.

“I wish you could see your ass right now, Baby.” 

His voice was husky with lust. 

“It’s so red and so warm. So fucking beautiful. But you deserve my cock, too, don’t you?” 

He sank into you without warning, your wetness enabling him to sink in with one thrust. You were helpless; you just had to take it. You moaned as his thumb entered your ass as he squeezed your hip. And you felt so full, fucked sensless by his relentless nature.

“So fucking wet,” he growled. “And you want me to fuck your ass.” 

“Please, Daddy…”

You were sobbing now, wanting everything he was giving you, everything he was saying, and more.  

“Please cum inside me.”

“Good girl,” he whispered. “Love it when you beg. You should see the creamy goodness you are leaving around my cock..”

Bucky threw his head back and moaned, shutting his eyes tight from the erotic sight. His thrusts became erratic as his cum hit your wet, hot walls. Your mouth opened in a wide O and a silent scream as you came around him.

He growled as he finished, his hand rubbing your back as he softened inside you. You slumped against the bed as he rained kisses down your spine.

“Are you okay, Prinţesă?”

You smiled.

“More than okay.”

Bucky smiled and kissed your forehead before retreating to the bathroom. He came back, cleaned you up, and helped you to fully undress as you climbed into his bed.

He went to the kitchen to get a glass of water for you and made you drink, before he took off his clothes and climbed into bed with you and took you into his arms.

“Do you still love me, Y/N?”

Confident, dominant Bucky Barnes was gone. You looked up into his uncertain blue eyes.

“Of course I do. I wouldn’t have come with you if I didn’t. I love you, James Barnes. I’m still yours. It’s just— I’ve been taking care of myself for so long that I don’t know how–”

Bucky put his finger over your lips.

“That’s all I wanted to hear right now. Let’s get some rest. We will talk in the morning. I’m not letting you go without a fight. I love you, so much, Frumoasă.”

You kissed him and relaxed into his arms.

“You own me, Frumoasă, body and soul.”

—-

Let me know if you like this one! 😁

[solxamber]

Hello! I saw that you said it was fine to request still, so if it's alright I'll give you my thoughts/promt if it's fine by you.

Also wanted to say i love you're fanfics! Super entertaining and well written so i was wondering if you could write one that's Vil x mermaid! Reader (romantic) the prompt is-

Vil has been slowly falling in love with the reader; not just by her beauty but her personality the two have these little meet ups where she sings/the two talk endlessly and just enjoy eachothers company, but what I'm getting with this,is that Vil would take time to process his feelings but eventually he gets there and confesses. Maybe it could be a friends x lovers?

whatever you want to do with this idea is cool beans, I just really want to see what you come up with!! Alright,that's all much love ♡♡

Vil Schoenheit x Mermaid! Reader

the idea is so big brained!!! I hope you like it <3

Vil has always appreciated beauty. He lives and breathes it—the art of refinement, the craft of elegance. But lately, beauty has taken on a new form for him, and it looks suspiciously like you. He can’t pinpoint exactly when it started, but he knows it’s tied to those secret meetups you two share by the shoreline.

You’re a mermaid, and you make a point to remind him of that every time he mentions something about the "unbearable" human world. You always roll your eyes dramatically, your tail shimmering in the moonlight as you laugh at his over-the-top complaints about fashion disasters, inferior skincare routines, or the latest scandal in the entertainment industry.

"You humans are so fragile," you often tease, resting your chin on your hand as you float lazily in the water. "Honestly, Vil, it’s a wonder you haven’t all crumbled under the weight of your own drama."

He gives you a sharp look every time, but there’s always a trace of a smile pulling at the corner of his lips. "And yet, here you are, meeting up with one of these fragile humans every week."

"I didn’t say you weren’t entertaining," you retort with a sly grin. "It’s like watching a soap opera, except with more skincare tips."

Vil chuckles, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair, which somehow manages to stay flawless even in the salty sea breeze. "You’d be lost without my advice. I’ve seen your seaweed face masks."

You pretend to gasp, putting a hand to your chest. "Seaweed is a perfectly valid skincare ingredient! In fact, it’s far superior to that toxic concoction you call moisturizer."

"Seaweed smells like the bottom of the ocean."

"And you don’t?"

That’s how it always goes—banter, teasing, comfortable silences filled with the soft crashing of waves, and eventually, music. You sing sometimes, when the mood strikes you. It’s never anything planned; it just happens. Vil always listens, captivated, because your voice is something he can't quite describe. It's raw, but pure, untouched by the expectations of the stage or the pressures of fame.

Sometimes he sings back, though he pretends he’s only doing it because you insist. "Come on, Vil. Just a few bars. You know you want to."

"I am a professional," he says, crossing his arms. "I don’t perform on a whim."

But you know how to coax him, and soon enough, he’s harmonizing with your lilting melody, his smooth, controlled voice intertwining with yours in a way that makes the night feel magical.

It’s been months of these little meetings, and Vil has never been quite sure what to make of you. You’re beautiful, of course—stunning, really—but that’s not what has him coming back to the shore every week.

It’s the way you make him feel completely at ease, the way you challenge him without being mean-spirited, the way you listen to him vent about things you couldn’t care less about yet still offer thoughtful responses.

And then there’s that laugh of yours—sharp, like the crack of a wave against the rocks, but warm enough to make him feel lighter every time he hears it.

He’s always valued control—over his image, his career, his emotions—but with you, he’s found himself slipping. He realizes, with some discomfort, that he’s been looking forward to these meetings a little too much. It’s not just the singing or the banter anymore. It’s... you.

That thought bothers him, because Vil Schoenheit does not get "distracted." He doesn’t fall for anyone. At least, not like this.

But here he is, walking down to the beach again, heart beating faster than usual as he anticipates seeing you. Tonight, though, something feels different. Maybe it’s the way the moon is hanging lower than usual, casting everything in a silvery glow, or maybe it’s the fact that Vil can’t deny his feelings anymore.

You’re already waiting for him when he arrives, sitting on a rock with your tail swishing lazily in the water. "Late again, Mr. Superstar?" you call out teasingly.

"I’m fashionably late, thank you," Vil replies, though there’s a softness in his voice. He takes a seat on the sand, smoothing out his coat with practiced precision before looking at you.

"You’re slipping," you say, eyeing him critically. "Usually, you’d have a comeback ready. What’s the matter? One of your beauty products finally backfired?"

Vil snorts softly, shaking his head. "No, though if it did, you’d be the first to hear about it." He looks out at the horizon, his expression thoughtful. "I’ve just been... thinking."

"Uh-oh," you say, folding your arms over your chest. "That sounds dangerous. What about?"

He hesitates for a moment, unsure of how to approach this. Vil has always been calculated, measured in everything he does. Confessing his feelings, though? That’s not something he’s prepared for. He glances at you, and suddenly, the words start spilling out before he can stop them.

"You know, for someone who claims not to care about humans, you certainly seem to enjoy spending time with me."

You raise an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the shift in tone. "Are you fishing for compliments, Vil? Because I don’t need to stroke your ego any more than it already is."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "No, it’s just... You’re always teasing me about humans, about my world, but you keep coming back. Why?"

You tilt your head, considering his question for a moment before replying. "Because you’re interesting, Vil. You’re not like the others I’ve met. Most humans get caught up in themselves, but you... you’ve got a spark. You’re genuine, even when you’re being all high-and-mighty. And, well, it’s not like I’ve got a lot of options for good conversation under the sea."

Vil’s heart skips a beat at your words, and he finds himself smiling despite the nerves building up inside him. "I see. So I’m just your entertainment, then?"

"Oh, definitely," you say, grinning. "But you’re also... more than that."

Vil blinks, his breath catching slightly. "More?"

You nod, your expression softening. "You’re someone I look forward to seeing. I like being around you, Vil. You make me feel... seen. And I’m not just talking about my looks. It’s like you actually care about me as a person, not just a pretty face."

He swallows, his chest tightening as he listens to your words. This is it. He can’t hold it in any longer. "I do care," he says quietly, his voice trembling ever so slightly. "More than you know."

You look at him, your teasing expression fading as you sense the weight behind his words. "Vil...?"

He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. "I think... I think I’m falling for you."

There. He said it. And now his heart is racing, his palms are sweating, and for the first time in what feels like forever, Vil Schoenheit is unsure of himself. He braces for your reaction, half expecting you to laugh it off or tease him like you always do.

But you don’t. Instead, you blink at him, your mouth opening and closing as you process his confession. "You... what?"

Vil clears his throat, forcing himself to meet your gaze. "I’m in love with you," he repeats, more confidently this time. "I’ve been falling for you for a while now, and I didn’t want to admit it, but... I can’t keep it to myself anymore."

There’s a moment of stunned silence before you break into a wide smile. "Vil, you absolute idiot."

He recoils slightly. "I beg your pardon?"

You laugh, shaking your head in disbelief. "I’ve been waiting for you to say something for months now! I thought I was going to have to spell it out for you."

Vil blinks, taken aback. "You... you knew?"

"I didn’t know know," you admit, "but I had a feeling. You’re not exactly subtle, Vil."

He stares at you, a mixture of relief and embarrassment flooding his system. "Why didn’t you say anything, then?"

"Because I wanted to see how long it would take for you to figure it out yourself," you say with a smirk, leaning forward slightly. "I didn’t think it’d take this long, though."

Vil narrows his eyes, though there’s no malice in his expression. "You’re insufferable."

"And yet, you love me," you tease, reaching out to cup his cheek gently. "What does that say about you?"

He huffs, though his heart is fluttering in his chest at your touch. "That I have terrible taste."

You laugh again, the sound bright and infectious, and before Vil can say anything else, you pull him in for a kiss. It’s soft, gentle, and Vil feels like his entire world is melting away in that moment. The taste of saltwater lingers on your lips, and for the first time in a long time, Vil isn’t worried about appearances or perfection. He’s just... happy.

When you finally pull away, both of you are smiling like fools. "So," you say, your voice teasing, "does this mean we’re a thing now?"

Vil rolls his eyes, though he can’t stop the grin spreading across his face. "I suppose it does."

"Good," you say, leaning in to kiss him again. "Because I’m not letting you back out of this one, Mr. Superstar."

Vil chuckles against your lips, his hand sliding to the back of your neck to pull you even closer. "Oh, trust me," he murmurs, his voice low and smooth, "I have no intention of backing out. But I do expect you to stop wearing those dreadful seaweed masks."

You gasp dramatically, pulling back just far enough to look him in the eye. "Excuse you! Seaweed is nature’s skincare miracle, Vil. Just because it’s not wrapped in fancy packaging doesn’t mean it’s ineffective."

He raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "Perhaps, but you’ll have to let me introduce you to something a little more refined. If we’re going to be a couple, I simply can’t allow my significant other to use subpar beauty products."

"Oh, is that so?" you ask, amusement twinkling in your eyes. "I didn’t realize I was dating a beauty tyrant."

"It’s for your own good," he says with mock seriousness, though there’s a warmth behind his gaze that betrays his affection. "Think of it as part of your glow-up. You’ll thank me later."

You can’t help but laugh, your heart swelling with affection for the man in front of you. It’s strange, really—how quickly this has all come together, yet how natural it feels. You never would’ve guessed that your casual banter and late-night talks would lead to this, but now that it’s happening, you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Vil reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, his touch gentle but purposeful. "You know," he says softly, his usual sharp tone melting into something softer, "I’ve never met anyone quite like you."

You smile at him, feeling the warmth of his words settle into your chest. "I could say the same about you, Vil. You’re not as scary as people think, you know."

He chuckles, shaking his head slightly. "That’s a well-maintained persona, I’ll have you know. Can’t let people think I’m soft."

"Oh, but you are," you tease, poking him lightly in the chest. "At least with me."

He scoffs lightly, though there’s no real bite behind it. "I’ll deny it if you tell anyone."

You laugh, resting your forehead against his as you savor the closeness between you. For the first time in what feels like forever, you feel completely at peace, as if everything has fallen into place. Vil, with all his elegance, wit, and sharpness, has somehow become the person you’ve come to care about more than you ever thought possible. And now, as he holds you close, you know that you wouldn’t trade this for the world.

"I’m glad it’s you," you whisper, pressing a light kiss to his cheek. "I never thought I’d fall for a perfectionist with an ego the size of the sun, but here we are."

He lets out a soft, genuine laugh, his arms wrapping around you more securely. "I never thought I’d fall for someone who argues with me over skincare, but I suppose life has a sense of humor."

"Looks like we’re both in for a wild ride, then," you say with a grin.

Vil hums in agreement, his hand gently stroking your hair. "As long as it’s with you, I think I can handle it."

You smile, feeling your heart soar at his words. There’s a certain magic to this moment—a kind of fairy tale that feels like it’s been written just for the two of you. And as you sit there, wrapped up in each other’s warmth, you can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this is the start of something truly beautiful.

"Well then," you say, pulling back slightly to look him in the eye, "looks like you’re stuck with me, Schoenheit."

"Forever, I hope," he says softly, before pulling you in for another kiss—this one longer, deeper, filled with the promise of something lasting.

And in that moment, with the moon shining overhead and the waves lapping gently against the shore, you know that whatever comes next, you’ll face it together..

Masterlist

[llamagoddessofficial]

Are you being followed by local siren that, rather than eat you, visits you frequently to chat? Do they leave gifts, sing to you, get upset that you see visitors, or seem a little too affectionate? Do you suspect that they're being more than just friendly with you? You aren't crazy, sirens falling in love with humans is much less rare than it sounds. It's important to know the steps before it's too late, as sometimes, overzealous siren lovers will disappear with a human mate forever. Here's your helpful guide to navigating that sticky situation.

Remember that all siren species have a key courtship method that, generally, will be their main method of flirtation. Be sure to research your siren to catch any early signs of affection, and equally, to be certain you aren't accidentally encouraging their feelings by engaging in this behaviour with them. Some examples of siren courtship methods include; - Singing (cetacean sirens, eg dolphins and whales) - Gift exchange (cave dwelling sirens, eg moray and grouper) - Food sharing (deep/cold sea sirens, eg leopard seal and oarfish) - Asking you to 'take care of their skin for a little while' (specific to pinnipeds/selkies) - Roughhousing, wrestling or 'play fighting' (open ocean predators, eg sharks, marlin, tuna)

A singular display of these behaviours doesn't necessarily constitute flirtation. Though repetitive displays could imply romantic feelings, sirens are intelligent and sentient, and they might just enjoy your friendship!

Should your siren ever start to discuss life in the ocean, make sure to firmly state your preference for life on land. No matter what they say, do not express any interest in living in the sea. They may misconstrue this as a sign that you'd prefer being with them.

Discuss your loved ones on land. Many sirens also have strong familial ties, and understanding you have your own family bonds will make them unlikely to suddenly kidnap you.

Once you're certain they're flirting, be sure to confront them directly and let them down easy. Sirens place a great deal of importance on mutual affection and respect between couples, and oftentimes a gentle rejection is all that's needed to avoid misunderstanding.

Disregard the above if your suitor is a cecaelia. Cecaelia are highly territorial and possessive over their chosen mate, and do not change their minds. Rejecting a cecaelia may cause them to act irrationally to 'secure' you. See the cecaelia handbook for further information.

Be extremely wary of Wanderer sirens. 'Wanderers' are social sirens who have somehow lost their pod, whether through death, accidental separation, or outcasting. If your siren is only ever seen alone, they may be a wanderer. Social sirens will quickly mentally deteriorate without a unit- they may be using you to fill an emotional void, and they can quickly become highly jealous and aggressive. It is essential to emphasise, when rejecting them, that you still consider them a friend. These sirens require a lot more care and direct intervention to avoid disaster; consider calling the siren helpline on xxxx-xxx-xxx.

The above warning does not apply to solitary sirens, such as sharks. They travel great distances alone and possess the mental fortitude for isolation and rejection. Don't let the stereotypes fool you; generally, sharks are some of the safest sirens to interact with.

[decagondice]

༓ The Land of Tears ༓

༓ 'I did not know what to say to him. I felt awkward and blundering. I did not know how I could reach him, where I could overtake him and go on hand in hand with him once more. It is such a secret place, the land of tears.' [The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry]

༓ Pairing. Pilot!Sukuna x F!Reader

༓ Synopsis. Stranded in an unforgiving desert after a failed landing, Sukuna—a seasoned pilot with a reputation for resilience—struggles against dwindling water, searing heat, and the relentless toll of survival. Each day, he labours to repair his plane, but as his strength fades, so does his grip on reality. Haunted by mirages of his beloved wife, Sukuna finds solace in her ethereal presence that grows clearer as his body weakens. She appears by his side, her touch gentle and soothing, guiding him through each agonising day. Unaware that her image is easing him toward death, Sukuna clings to the hope of returning home.

༓ Content. 'The Little Prince' inspired, sfw, F!Reader, Pilot!Sukuna, Angst no comfort, Normal AU, Sukuna is weak and slowly dying, Reader (his wife) appears as a mirage, Slightly depressed Sukuna, Emotional distress, Loneliness, Mentions of death, Mentions of sickness (?), Main character death, Not proofread.

༓ Word Count. 1.7k

༓ A.N. 'The Little Prince' has always been a favourite of mine and never fails to make me cry, I was inspired by the Pilot's allegory in the desert. I was torn between three endings, but in the end I went with this one (though it did give me a sense of grief reading and writing this piece). Adding to the pot of disaster, I was listening to 'Forward Beckon Rebound' by Adrianne Lenker (which I highly recommend!), so it made this whole piece even more depressing.

[Artwork by Luc-Olivier Merson - 'Rest on the Flight into Egypt', 1880]

The desert stretched like an endless golden sea beneath the bleached sky, each wave of sand a blurred horizon that offered no promise of shade. Sukuna, once known for his indomitable spirit and steady hands in the cockpit, now stumbled through that unforgiving expanse. His eyes, bloodshot and raw, strained against the blinding light, and his cracked lips whispered prayers to nothing. He could still taste the dust in his mouth, dry and metallic, and feel the slow, punishing weight of the sun pressing against him.

The engine, a faithful beast that had carried him over oceans and deserts alike, lay dead and silent beneath a gaping sky. He spent that day trying to fix it, his gaze blurring over bolts and wires. Hours passed as he turned each screw, checked each wire, and cursed his luck until his voice grew hoarse. But as the sun dipped into a pool of red along the horizon, Sukuna knew. He knew he was stuck in a vast stretch of sand and silence with no one but himself and the sun’s unforgiving fire.

When the stars finally broke through the blackness of the sky, he lay on his back beside the plane. The sand still radiated warmth, but the night was soft, a balm compared to the blistering day. Exhaustion pulled at him, and he let himself drift, lulled by a steady, familiar ache, thinking of her.

He pictured her asleep at home, backlit by a sliver of moonlight, her hand stretched to his side of the bed. His chest tightened at the thought of it—the long, tender fingers that would sometimes trace his jaw in the early morning hours, her hair spread across the pillow, her faint jasmine scent clinging to the sheets. He closed his eyes and imagined her there, waiting for him, until sleep claimed him.

༓ ༓ ༓

The mirage came to him first on the second day, or perhaps it was the third—time had begun to melt like wax under a flame.

He awoke with his mouth as dry as the sand beneath him, and each step felt heavier than the last. Beneath his feet, the sand sifted, unsteady and shifting, refusing to hold him. He squinted at the sun, already harsh and fierce in the sky, and knew he’d need water soon. Sukuna scanned his supplies—a few rationed tins, a handful of hard biscuits, and a single canteen of water. It wouldn’t last. Nothing did in a place like this.

He worked on the plane again that day, but his hands were slower. His mind wandered, drifting away to images of her—his wife, the light in his life, the very anchor that had kept him steady through every storm he had faced. She appeared as she always did in his memories: poised, eyes bright with laughter, and a kindness that softened even the harshest edges of his mind. He saw her just out of reach, flickering in the haze, her silhouette almost shimmering as if woven from the light itself. At times, he almost saw her beside him, her image dancing on the edge of his vision. But when he turned, she was gone, and he was left to the desolation.

As dusk fell, the mirage came, clearer than before.

This time, she wasn’t a distant blur. She was close enough that he could see her hair, tied back loosely the way she always wore it around the house, a faint smile at the corners of her lips. She knelt beside him as he sat on the sand, her face soft in the evening glow. Sukuna swallowed hard, ignoring the painful scratch in his throat, and closed his eyes, fighting the strange urge to reach out.

When he opened them again, she was still there, watching him.

“Are you real?” he asked, his voice rough as gravel, searching her eyes for an answer. 

She smiled, but her eyes were quiet, unreadable. Her hand hovered near his cheek, fingers curling in a faint, unfulfilled promise of comfort.

“Sukuna,” she whispered, her voice like a breeze drifting across his ear, delicate and full of warmth, calling him back to her as though he could turn around and leave the sands behind.

It was enough to make his heart skip, enough to bring a dull ache to his chest. He blinked, and when his vision cleared, she was gone, leaving him with nothing but the whisper of her name hanging in the air.

༓ ༓ ༓

The next day was crueler. 

He barely touched the plane. Each movement was agony, the sun an unrelenting hammer against his skin. His water was almost finished, and he could feel the fatigue sinking deeper, winding itself around his bones. The world around him swayed with the heat, sand blurring into the sky, twisting in strange, undulating shapes.

And then, as he struggled to stay conscious, he saw her again.

This time, she was walking through the desert as though she belonged to it, each step steady, her expression soft, serene. She was closer than before, her outline vivid, almost solid. He reached out, but his hands closed around empty air, the warmth of the mirage fading beneath his fingers like grains of sand.

“You can’t be here,” he said, his voice hoarse and low.

She only smiled, a sad, gentle smile, and knelt before him, close enough that he could see the line of her jaw, the soft curve of her lips. Her fingers reached out as though to cup his face, and this time, he swore he felt the faintest brush of her skin against his cheek, cool and soothing against the raw heat lulling his pain to rest. When he pressed his face into his hand, trying to wipe the grit from his eyes, he swore he smelled her—lavender and faint jasmine—mingling with the wind. It made his heart ache and pulse faster all at once, a memory wrapped in the cruelty of desire.

He wanted to ask her how the garden was, whether the roses were blooming, if she had been wearing his old jacket the way she liked to on rainy days. But his voice grew fainter, and his mind cloudier. His vision dulled, and he wondered if he was truly seeing her, or if she was simply a memory that came to haunt him, waiting in the sands to guide him somewhere he could not return from.

“Rest, Sukuna,” she murmured, her voice echoing softly in his ears. “I’ll be here.”

༓ ༓ ༓

Each day grew harder. His water ran out. His food dwindled to crumbs. His strength waned, but still, he kept trying, his hands shaking as he attempted to repair the engine. But his vision blurred, his focus fading in and out, and by the fifth day, he was no longer certain what was real.

She came to him more often now, her presence both a comfort and a torment. She was always just there, always just out of reach, her eyes filled with a sorrow he couldn’t understand. He wanted to touch her, to hold her, to tell her everything he’d kept buried—the love he’d never spoken, the quiet dreams of a life they’d planned together. But the desert held him back, binding him to the sand and heat.

On the sixth day, he gave up on the plane. His hands were too weak, his mind too clouded. He spent the day lying in the shade of the wing, watching her as she hovered by his side. Her eyes traced his face, lingering over every line, every scar. He could feel her love, her sorrow, as though she were laying it across him like a shroud.

“Sukuna,” she said softly, her voice thick with a sorrow that struck something deep within him. He wanted to answer her, to tell her to hold on, that he was almost home. But the words caught in his throat, and he could only close his eyes, feeling her presence settle over him, soft and warm.

As the seventh day dawned, he knew he wouldn’t see another. He could feel it in the weight of his limbs, in the hollow ache of his chest. The desert was silent, the world still, and he was lying on his back beneath the wide, endless sky streaked with the faintest touch of pink.

She was there again, kneeling beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. In the desert silence, he could feel her fingers, solid and warm, tracing gentle patterns against his skin, leading him away from the pain, from the hunger gnawing at him. It was as though her presence was a balm for his tired bones, her touch a whisper from a life that grew ever more distant. His eyes flickered open, and he found himself staring up at her, his heart swelling with a strange, quiet peace.

“I’m almost home,” he whispered raggedly, his voice barely more than a breath. And though the words felt empty on his lips, she only nodded as if they were true, her gentle expression never faltering. “Stay.”

She didn’t answer, but her hand moved to his cheek, her touch soft, soothing. And as his eyes drifted shut, he felt her lean closer, felt the press of her lips against his forehead, a final, tender goodbye. 

The desert was a fading haze around him, dissolving in the softness of her presence. Her shoulders trembled as she wept. He wanted to reach for her, to soothe her as she had soothed him, but his limbs were too heavy, his voice gone. 

In his last moments, he thought of her waiting at home, her hand stretched across the bed, her eyes filled with hope as she looked out into the night. He wanted to tell her not to wait, that he was finally at peace. But the words were lost, and all he could do was let go, his final breath a soft murmur of her name. A quiet relief filled him like a river, washing away the endless sand, the thirst, and the ache.

When he opened his eyes again, he was home.

A.N. Sometimes....Sometimes, I do this to myself. (¬_¬") Anyways, in this piece, reader is still alive and waiting for Sukuna at home, whether she figures out/hears about what happened is for you to decide. However, if you like feeling pain, she might just never find out what happened to him and stays waiting and yearning.

I was not planning to release this today, however I saw it in my drafts and started working on the cover image which slowly motivated me to release it. I was very, very close into making reader dead, but another time in a different setting. I have that planned, whether a shorter piece or a lengthier piece I don't know yet (I had an idea of one but it slipped my mind...). My other ending was a happier one, where Sukuna survives and returns home safely. Unfortunately, I wanted to feel pain so I chose this ending -_-

Thank you for reading!!

[rafegf-real]

Beneath the Surface

• Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader

• Warnings: Angst, emotional turmoil, family issues, mentions of sadness, but with a happy ending.

• Note: This story explores Rafe’s struggles with family pressures and his fear of dragging the reader into his chaos. As he battles his emotions and distances himself, their love is tested, leading to a heartfelt reunion and a reaffirmation of their bond

-this is half proofread😭🤙

It was a typical Friday night when the change became undeniable. You were at a party at the Outer Banks, surrounded by friends, but your attention was solely on Rafe. He had been quiet all night, his laughter ringing hollow, his eyes shadowed with worry. As the evening wore on, you noticed him retreating into the crowd, pulling away from you.

Finally, you decided to confront him. You found him on the balcony, staring out at the ocean, the wind ruffling his hair. The moonlight cast a silvery glow on his features, but you could see the pain etched into his expression.

“Rafe,” you said softly, stepping closer. “What’s going on? You’ve been distant all night.”

He turned to you, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness. “It’s nothing. Just… a lot on my mind.”

“Is it your dad again?” you asked, concern lacing your voice.

He clenched his jaw, and the silence between you grew heavy. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

You reached for his hand, your heart aching at his distance. “You can talk to me about anything. I’m here for you.”

He pulled his hand away, and it felt like a physical blow. “No, you don’t understand! I don’t want to bring you into my mess. My family is a disaster, and I can’t let you get hurt because of me.”

“Rafe, I love you. I can handle it,” you replied, desperation creeping into your tone. “We can handle it together.”

He looked away, and you could see the internal battle raging in him. “You don’t know what you’re asking for. My family is falling apart, and I’m just… I’m just a mess.”

The tears threatened to spill as you fought to keep your voice steady. “You’re not a mess. You’re just human. We all have our struggles.”

He turned back to you, his eyes filled with emotion, a mix of sadness and guilt. “I don’t want to drag you down with me. I care about you too much for that.”

The pain of his words sliced through you, and you felt a warmth spread behind your eyes. “Maybe you need some space,” you finally managed, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Y/N, wait—” he started, but you turned away, trying to keep the tears at bay.

As you made your way through the party, you felt a profound sense of loss. The laughter and music faded into a dull roar, overshadowed by the heaviness in your heart. You left the party, the cool night air doing little to ease the pain inside.

A Few Days Later

Days passed, and the silence between you and Rafe was deafening. He hadn’t called or texted, and each notification on your phone brought a pang of disappointment. You filled your time with friends and distractions, but Rafe lingered in your mind like a haunting melody you couldn’t shake.

Then, on a particularly bleak Saturday evening, you received an unexpected text: “Can we talk? Meet me at the beach.” Your heart raced at the message, a mix of hope and anxiety swirling within you.

When you arrived, the moon hung high in the sky, casting a shimmering path across the water. Rafe stood near the shoreline, his silhouette outlined against the waves. He looked lost, a stark contrast to the boy you had fallen for. You took a deep breath, steeling yourself as you approached.

“Rafe,” you called softly, your voice barely carrying over the sound of the surf.

He turned, and the look on his face shattered your heart. His eyes were red-rimmed and glistening with unshed tears. “Thanks for coming,” he said, his voice trembling.

“What’s going on?” you asked, worry flooding your heart.

“I’ve been an idiot,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “I pushed you away because I thought it would protect you, but I only hurt you more. I thought I could handle my family issues alone, but I can’t. I’m scared, Y/N. I don’t want to drag you into this darkness.”

You took a step closer, the warmth of his presence grounding you. “You don’t have to go through it alone. I can help you. We can face it together.”

“I thought I could be strong,” he confessed, tears spilling down his cheeks. “But I feel so weak. I hate that I can’t protect you from this. I don’t want to be the reason you’re sad.”

The sight of him so broken, so vulnerable, made your heart ache. “Rafe, you’re not weak. You’re just human. We all have our struggles, and I’m here for you.”

“I’m sorry for shutting you out,” he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just didn’t know how to handle everything. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I was terrified of losing you.”

You reached out, cupping his cheek with your hand, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your palm. “You won’t lose me, Rafe. I care about you too much to just walk away.”

He stepped closer, his hands shaking as he reached out to hold you. “Please forgive me. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

“Of course, I forgive you. I was scared too. Scared that I was losing you,” you replied, your voice steady despite the tears streaming down your face.

Without another word, he leaned down and captured your lips with his, the kiss both apologetic and full of longing. You melted into him, feeling the tension of the past days dissolve as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

When you finally pulled away, you rested your forehead against his, the ocean breeze swirling around you. “I love you, Rafe. We can get through anything together.”

He smiled, tears still glistening in his eyes, but they were now mixed with hope. “I love you too, Y/N. You make me want to be better, and I promise I’ll let you in from now on.”

As you stood together beneath the moonlight, you felt a renewed sense of hope. The storm of the past few days had only strengthened your bond, and together, you would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Hand in hand, you walked along the shore, the waves crashing at your feet and the stars shining brightly above. In that moment, you knew that love was worth fighting for, and together, you could conquer anything.

[quimichi]

-╰──╮FREMINET BF HEADCANONS ╭──╯-

Freminet x GN!Reader

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ when he first met you he wasn't expecting that you both would end up being in more contact

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ yk, since people usually ask him for favors or about his siblings. But you actually asked him what the feeling of diving in the depths of Fontaine feels like.

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ I mean yes he was hella surprised that you have an actual genuine interest in this. It was much easier to keep up the conversation with you, it felt so light and easy. Time flew by so fast that Pers had to remind him that he needs to get home

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ oh and you obviously also asked him about Pers and all the other fascinating machines he build

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ Freminet usually doesn't needs to be seen by others. Hes perfectly fine with being alone, most of the time. He has the ocean, his siblings and Pers and thats all he'll ever need. That's what he thought at least

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ telling you goodbye felt strange, he didn't wanted to actually go although he knew he had to. You told him you'll meet again soon you promised yourself this

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ at home he felt guilty, all he did was talk about him and not about you. He felt awfully unpolite. But it felt good having someone actually listen to you, someone who actually hears him

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ so yeah, this is how you guys met, and when we skip over the awkward parts where both of you got closer, into a friendship and finally to the day where he confesses his feelings it was around 4 months

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ his confession you ask? Well easy, you both discovered this new but small underwater cave, you could actually breath in this one just fine and it had all those beautiful shell's plastered over the walls. Both of you were so drawn to these shells you spend quite some time in there just looking at and collecting them

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ and that was when he realized how great it is to have you around. Without you he would just be happy he discovered something new, take one or two shells, spend some time in there and then go back up. But with you, he actually has someone to talk to and discover new things together, not only discover the ocean but also discover friendship or in this case also, love.

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ and his first one too omg

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ he was so confused when he first got his heart rate up trough the roof when you held his hand in a water turbulence. When he got home that day he asked Lynette about it, cause asking lyney would end in a disaster.

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ "Simply put, you fell in love" she said while taking a sip out of her cup. "Oh", what a boring reaction coming form the guy who sits there wide eyed with red dusted cheeks

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ felt pretty dumb ngl, like he reads all those fairytale books and in every single one is romance. And yes he did squeal once or twice whole reading. And since he only knows this type of love, the hopless forever together one, he takes reference from these books

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ he did practice and all but putting it into action is....complicated. those new emotions are kinda in his way and he got no idea how to handle them well

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ Lynette obviously did had pity with him and helped him around. She at least made him understand his feelings and for once he talked about those new found emotions openly.

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ you really make a change on this shy guy, good job. Now you just need to accept his confession and you're done!

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ so here he is, fumbling with his fingers while trying to not stumble out his favorite lines of the princes he read about. The mix was definitely, interesting? Some words you knew some words you didn't but you got the idea behind it

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ all you could do was also awkwardly stand around looking at him with both excitement and pure nervousness. Awwww look at two socially awkward beans being in love

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ Lyney would definitely take a picture if he was there rn for the family album just to tell you guys in a few years when you're still together that "he was definitely right and he told you guys so"

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ good thing Freminet actually didn't tell him anything cause that chaos would be something for sure

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ at the end of the confession he gave you a romaritime flower. Yes, in Fontaine rainbow roses mean love, but this is Freminet, Romaritime flowers are his sign of love and appreciation

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ you accepted both the flower and his confession by telling him you feel the same and yeah...awkward again like wtf do people do after a confession??? He didn't know, you didn't know, you both just got back up and you hugged him (he was the more awkward one ngl) and asked if a 'date' tomorrow would be ok. Ya'll just meet at your house and get to a Cafe like basic shit yk

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ AND NOW FINALLY THE BF HDCS

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ in the beginning both of you were shy and awkward, he more than you ngl

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ ok so, doesn’t matter where you go, Pers is always with you guys and how can you complain hes the absolute cutest. You'll always hold him and even talk to him and he makes cute noises back at you. This all just warms freminets heart seeing you both get along so well

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ dates are mostly spend in the ocean, but not always underwater sometimes you both just swim and have fun. Like playing with the otters or relaxing.

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ and now he also finally told Lyney about it to and he was devastated. "How could you not tell your dear big brother about all of this?! You broke my heart, why would you do this" hes literally clutching his chest dramatically. "This is exactly the reason" - Lynette

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ but I don't wanna portrait Lyney as absolutely obnoxious. Hes is obviously happy for his brother and very proud he stepped out of his comfort zone to discover new things and emotions and he's so glad you have the patience for all of this. He was nervous and worried at first but he trusts you like no one else and will help if you ever need it. So will Lynette

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ Freminet just looks at you apologetic, boy cringes when Lyney is acting wild-

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ Hes also now working on a little project for you. Wanting to build you your own little Pers. Obviously inspired by your favorite animal may it be a horse, elephant or rat. He doesn't cares he will take his time to build you something you will hopefully adore just as much he adores Pers

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ whenever 'father' makes him cry, or any other situation, the first he does is look for you before he lets all those tears fall. Ans those tears are not only because of the current problem, also because of his fear of your rejection when you find out what secret he hides

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ he wishes to tell you, but he can't, yet. It's so complicated and hard coming up with the right words that may change everything entirely or not

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ ok--away from all the sad stuff for now. Let's talk about PDA. Holding hands, ok. Linking arms, ok. A kiss on the cheek, hmmmm yeah ok-. More than this? No---

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ he's already nervous in private imagine what happens in public? You just got together you don't need to rush yet :)

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🤍 ꒱ you got plenty of time ♡

A/n: when I tell you this turned out horrible haha-

[setmeatopthepyre]

thinking about the capsized cruise ship, a world upside down and uninhabitable, with doomed loved ones trapped within it. how it's cut off from the land of the living by a vast body of water. thinking about the prophetess Cassandra firefighter Hen Wilson, who took matters into her own hands when her warnings of impending disaster went ignored by those in charge

thinking about one ferryman helicopter pilot Tommy Kinard, bending the rules to safely guide mortals LAFD through a storm and across the deep dark depths to cross into the realms of the dead foreign waters so that they may attempt to retrieve their loved ones from the underworld upside-down cruise ship

thinking about Athena goddess of war and wisdom who aided heroes on their journeys and once bested Poseidon Grant shooting an illuminating light from a weapon flare into the sky in a last attempt to guide rescue towards their position and save them all from the ocean's grasp

thinking about Bobby being pulled up from the depths of what could have been his grave by Buck and Eddie. thinking about Bobby and Athena, two lovers just escaped from the underworld cruise ship, reuniting in the light of day in a world turned right-side-up again, back in the land of the living with all those who love them

(thinking of Buck finding himself, later, in a different kind of storm emotional turmoil, only for the clouds to part and reveal our ferryman pilot Tommy ready to help Buck cross into this newer, more complete version of himself)

[ereardon]

At Sea [Bob Floyd x Reader] Chapter 1

Summary: I’ll be home in five weeks. That’s what naval aviator Y/N told her fiance before leaving for deployment in the Atlantic. But time ceased to stop when she met Bob Floyd, the ship surgeon. Shy and honest, Bob quietly slipped into Y/N’s life, creating a complicated dynamic on an already intense mission. Falling for Bob was not in Y/N’s plan, and as she continues to weave a web of lies, she must make a choice: return to the life she left on land, or forge ahead into the unknown with Bob. But before Y/N can decide, disaster strikes, leaving Bob to make the decision that will alter their lives forever. 

Pairing: Navy Doctor Bob Floyd x Female Aviator Reader

Warnings: Implied emotional cheating, lots of Naval inaccuracies

WC: 2.3K

Masterlist here

When you first stepped onto the ship, you didn’t notice him. You were too caught up with the running list of checklist items in your head. 

Is your bag too big? Did you bring enough pairs of underwear? Were there enough officers for a carrier of this size? What was the threat level of the mission? Were you wrong to say yes? 

You looked down. The two carat oval engagement ring glinted back. The ring you had dreamed about since you were a teen and first saw a similar one on a debutante. 

You just weren’t sure that the man who had purchased it was the man you had been dreaming of. 

Connor proposed three weeks before the carrier run. The two of you had met almost two years before, at a museum opening. He was a prince, for a while. But at some point, and it’s different for every relationship, the carriage turns back into a pumpkin. The prince becomes a pauper. The tux has to be returned to avoid a late fee. 

You had expected magic. And then you joined the Navy and reality set in. You were no longer the bright eyed Louisiana girl who believed in fairytales and princes. You were an aviator who witnessed death up close. 

When Connor placed the ring on your finger, nothing stood out. Tears didn’t choke your line of vision. Your hands didn’t shake, your stomach didn’t cramp, your pulse didn’t raise. 

The only thing that happened was you hesitated. For a split second, but a hesitation nonetheless. 

And then you smiled and nodded. 

And with that, you belonged to him. 

***

You grabbed the first bunk and tossed your bag on it. A five-week mission with barely any service, except for satellites. It feels wrong, but a part of you was relieved knowing Connor couldn’t contact you. 

At dinner, you entered the mess hall and sat at a table toward the middle when a round of laughter erupted from near the doors and you turned to look. 

There was a group of five men, all attractive in the way that large groups of men can be intimidating from afar. Four brunettes and a blond with wire glasses. Of the brunettes, three were wearing wedding rings that glinted beneath the fluorescent lights. Scoping out wedding rings had become a habit about ten years before, right before you left for college. 

And now, you were the one carting around the ring that said, Don’t talk to me. I’m taken. 

You must have been staring, because the blond turned and looked at you for a moment, the two of you locking eyes before you began to panic and ripped your gaze down to the overmixed mashed potatoes on your plate. When you looked up again, he had turned away. 

Later, once everything had been cleaned and your introductory meetings for the day had been complete, you found yourself wandering on the ship deck. The water was calm. You rested your fingertips on the rail and peered down. The blackness of the sky mixed with the blackness of the deep water, and on the horizon it isn’t clear where one ends and the other begins. You never liked water all that much. It’s why you chose to be in the skies instead. The deep ocean and how at night on a ship light this, you and the crew were the only ones for miles – the thought terrified you. 

It took a moment in the darkness to realize that the blond from the mess was standing not ten feet away, leaning on the rail and looking down at the water. It wasn’t until he sighed that you realized he was on a satellite phone. 

“Those aren’t good. Run another panel and let me know how it looks. Get back to me as soon as the blood work is done.” 

You heard the click of the phone just as you locked eyes. You gave him a quick smile before turning back to the water. He rested his head into his arms and let out a loud breath. 

After a moment, he lifted his head and said, “It’s not fair, you know.” 

You pushed yourself up off the rail and turned to him. “What?” 

“The fact that kids get sick. If an adult gets sick when they’re seventy or even forty, I feel bad, but it’s not the same. They’ve had lives. They got to grow up and find out what hobbies make them happiest. They fall in love, get married.” You noticed he wasn’t wearing a ring. Instinctively, you felt for your ring with your thumb, the diamond pressed against the fleshy part of your palm. It was too big, and you hadn’t gotten it resized. Unconsciously, you slipped your hand inside your pocket. “But kids,” he continued. “They haven’t really experienced anything yet. They have so much more to lose.” 

You gave him a quick once over. He was obviously distraught. He gave you a tight smile. 

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I must sound crazy to you. Just going off to a complete stranger. I promise, I’m not dangerous and I never really talk this much.” 

“I don’t mind,” you replied. “I don’t think you’re crazy. And out here, nobody can really be strangers for long.” 

He nodded and you could practically see the wheels turning in his head as he muled your words. After a moment, he looked over at you and you felt my heart start to race as his blue eyes smoothed over your face. The two of you were less than six feet apart now. Somewhere during the conversation one of you had moved closer, or both of you had. You weren't sure who made the move first. “Well I’m sorry, again, for interrupting you. I’ll let you be.” He made no move to leave.

You tilted your head. “Don’t worry about it. It can get pretty lonely out here. I don’t mind the conversation.” 

He was still looking at you so intensely that you had to look away. He was difficult to read. But the way his large hands were gripping the railing made you want to reach out and brush your hand over his and tell him it was going to be OK. To calm down. To relax.

He gave you a small smile. “Goodnight, then.” He had a long gait, neat. No uniform. 

You wondered what he thought of you. Sloppy, to say the least. Hair in a bun, pajama bottoms dragging down over ratty sneakers. 

Along the horizon, you spotted the light of another ship, barely visible in the thick darkness. Some reassurance that others were out there. 

***

On the second night, you were standing in nearly the same spot on the railing, hands pressed against the cold metal, peering over at the churning waves. The water was rockier, angry. It lept against the side of the ship. 

You heard his footsteps before he was within your line of sight. 

“Hello again.” 

You turned, the slight lick of wetness beneath the fabric of your sleeve. On a ship, everything is wet all the time. It’s nearly impossible to stay dry. “It’s you.” 

He took his spot next to you against the rail, closer this time. You reached up, tucking a piece of hair behind your ear, silently sending up a prayer that you had put in an ounce of effort that night. It had been an educated guess he would come. 

A part of you hoped he would, however terrible that was to admit. 

“Can I ask what you’re doing here?” he asked. 

“Here, as in the deck at midnight? Or here on the ship?” 

“Both. Either.” The edges of a bright white smile shone through soft pink lips. “Neither, if you don’t want to talk to a stranger. Whatever you’d like to tell me. I’m a bit starved for conversation. It’s been a quiet day down in the sick bay.” 

So he was med corps. That tracked. 

“You seemed rich with conversation in the mess last night,” you blurted out. Regret flowed through your veins instantly and you wanted to smack yourself for letting onto the fact that you had been watching him. 

He gave a small laugh. It was rough and deep and forced a layer of goosebumps on your arms. “They’re good guys. But they can be a lot.” 

You tilted your head, waiting for him to fill the empty space. But he simply gazed out at the azure waves, letting silence envelop the two of you. 

“To answer your question of what brings me here,” you said, “why don’t you give me your best guess.” 

You could feel his stare all the way to the marrow of your bones. The way his eyes gently rolled over your hair, down your face, across your chest, over your abdomen, all the way to your feet. You felt a tingle work its way through your body. “Intelligence?” he guessed. 

You shook your head. 

“Engineering?” 

“Nope.” 

“OK I give up,” he said with a small grin. 

“I’m an aviator.” He blinked in disbelief. “You’re surprised?” 

“Honestly?” he asked. “Yes. You look really young to be on this carrier as an aviator.” 

“I’m twenty eight. Not sure that’s considered young.” 

He groaned. “Trust me, it’s young.” 

“So how old does that make you?” 

“Thirty five.” 

“God, ancient.” You watched him grimace. “Being a grandpa suits you.” 

“People are living to one hundred now, easily. I’m young by those standards.” 

My eyes scanned him top to bottom. He was taller than me, with thick blond hair combed evenly to one side, soft blue eyes behind a pair of thin wire glasses. Nerdy in an unassuming way, but there was an energy that radiated from him. 

“OK, my turn to ask questions,” you said and his lips twitched into a smile. “What brings you here?” 

“The ship or the deck?” he teased. 

“Either.” 

“If we’re talking about the ship – I’m a doctor. Peds. Someone had to drop out last minute and I got called in. That phone call you overheard last night was about one of my patients back home. I didn’t know I’d be here. Didn’t realize I’d be gone so long without seeing him.”

A doctor. You had suspected, but it fit. The sympathetic eyes, the large steady hands. The way he made you feel calm without even saying anything. 

“As for the deck,” he continued, “what if I said it was because I thought maybe I wouldn’t have to be alone tonight?” 

“Presumptuous,” you whispered. 

“A bit,” he murmured, round cheeks turning pink, “considering we’re not even on a first name basis.” 

You told him your name and he smiled. 

“I’m Bob,” he replied. “Bob Floyd.” 

“See? Now we’re not strangers.” 

He smiled, wire glasses sliding down his nose and he pressed them up with one fingertip. Behind him, a few security lights casted thin yellow halos, and you could make out the faint shape of a person on the other end of the long, flat deck. It couldn’t be more than forty degrees out, and you shivered in your thin jacket. “Are you cold?” he asked. 

“I’m alright, thanks.” You wrapped your arms around yourself, and in doing so realized you left the engagement ring back in the bunk after your morning shower. It had yet to become a habit to wear it. After twenty eight years with an empty finger, it’s an adjustment to slip on a ring every day and let it be one fact that the world knows about you before you even open your mouth. 

Bob shrugged off his jacket, a black Patagonia puffer, and held it out. “Here,” he said softly, blushing again like he was embarrassed to be offering it. “Please? I’d feel really guilty for monopolizing your time and keeping you cold while doing it.” 

You smiled and he held out the jacket as you slipped your arms into the sleeves. Bob’s hands lingered on the coat for a moment before dropping as he backed away. “Thank you.” His scent surrounds you – a warm woodsy pine, mixed with the sharp mint of toothpaste. 

You tapped your fingers on the rail, desperately racking your brain for something to say to continue the conversation. 

“What brought you out here tonight?” Bob’s deep, throaty voice punctuated the silence. 

“I’m not sure, honestly,” you replied. “I think I prefer to be out here as opposed to being in there.” His eyes followed your gaze to the cabin door. 

“I get that,” he replied. “Not a fan of small spaces either.” 

“There’s something about the ship at night that I really like. It’s quiet.” 

He gave you a sideways glance. “Sorry to be interrupting your quiet time.” 

“Trust me, I’ve had enough of that already and it’s only been two days.” 

“Where are you getting off?” 

“Pensacola.” 

“Quite a trip.” 

“Always is,” you replied. “Not really what I thought I was signing up for.” 

“It never is,” Bob added. 

You turned around, pressing your arms against the railing and propping up one foot. You watched as Bob ran one hand across the corner of his mouth before shoving it in his khaki pocket. The Atlantic wind penetrated Bob’s jacket and your shift, nipping at your skin. “You said you came up here hoping you wouldn’t have to be alone. Were you looking for me?” 

Your words are tossed out into the open like a gunshot. 

Bob stilled for a moment and you half expect him to make an excuse to leave. To avoid answering. But then he opens his mouth. “Yes.” 

That’s it. One word. Simple and complex at once. He is honest and raw in a way you’ve seen with very few men up until that point. A younger man would find a way to deflect. A smarter girl would have asked in a more coy way. Understated. Neither of which you excelled at. You’ve always been too pushy, too bold, too forward. 

“Why?” you pressed, embarrassed by how badly a part of you wanted this near stranger to want you. The neediness was unbecoming. And despite the fact that he was a stranger, you wanted Bob’s approval. It felt like an Olympic medal you had been chasing your entire life. 

“You were so kind last night,” he said, voice dipping down into a whisper. “I just, I wanted to learn more about the person who was nice to a complete stranger. That felt like someone worth knowing.” 

“You’re sweet.” 

Bob blushed and it spread to the tips of his ears. You could feel Bob’s gaze linger for a beat too long before he, too, turned back out toward the open, angry sea. 

“I should probably get to bed.” You stepped away from the railing, unzipping the jacket and handing it back to him. Instead of putting it on, he folded it over one forearm. 

Bob smiled. “Goodnight, Y/N.” 

Part of you wants more. Maybe it’s the chill of the wind and the sudden loss of warmth from his coat. Perhaps it’s your future, looming ahead. The unknown. Dark and uncharted, like the water the boat is struggling against. 

You wonder what Bob is thinking. His blue eyes searching yours, evaluating your next move. 

“Goodnight.” As you make your way inside, you resist the urge to turn around and see if he’s watching you walk away. 

A part of you knows that he is. 

Lying in the bunk, the cool dampness of the sheets on your skin, you curse yourself. What are you doing? You have a fiance at home. You have a life at stake. 

But who is to say that if you had met Bob before Connor that you wouldn’t fall into the same trap. Maybe every relationship is bound for it, eventually. Everyone boards a train headed in the same direction. There is no basis to say that one relationship is inherently more exciting than another. There’s every reason to believe that it’s because you grow older, more set in your ways. You get busier, drink more, have less sex, watch more TV, spend more time apart. That might just be life. And no matter how strong the butterflies are, it’ll eventually route back to that same destination. The end of the butterfly period, where everything turns into the inevitable. 

But that doesn’t explain why the last thing that crosses your mind before you fall asleep is Bob’s soft face, smiling at you from behind his wire frames. 

And how part of you can already feel him slipping away. 

Please follow my library page @ereardonlibrary

Tagging some people who I think may like this (but feel free to message me and say you're not interested and I won't tag you going forward!): @blue-aconite @bobfloydsbabe @horseshoegirl @clancycucumber230 @kmc1989 @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @spinning-away @bvbfloyd @startrekfangirl2233-writes @shanimallina87 @xoxabs88xox @xomrsalliej4787xo @sio-ina-bottle @joaquinwhorres @thedroneranger @gigisimsonmars @fanficfandomlove @callsign-magnolia @sometimesanalice @stargazer-88 @tomanybandstolove @laracrofted @iangiemae @teacupsandtopgun @palepeanutponyshoe @mrsjobarnes @desert-fern

[astrosky33]

PLANET MEANINGS IN ASTROLOGY

[READ] People often question why there’s so many meanings for each planet/house and the reason is so that you can learn more than just one thing about yourself through each placement. Otherwise astrology would be very vague and boring. These are all meanings that I’ve learned from my astrology classes at Kepler College

THE SUN: your ego, your identity, your vitality, attention, spotlight, leadership, creativity, authority, royalty, pride, generosity, individuality, development, dignity, consciousness, things that make you happy, festivals, validation, and self expression

THE MOON: your inner emotions, emotional responses, emotional instincts, care, your comfort zone, femininity, your mother/motherly figure, family, your childhood, your nurturing instincts, fertility, baking, maternal instinct, adaptability, nursing, menstruation, pregnancy, boobs, the ocean, habits, and comfortability

MERCURY: communication, speaking, the mind, health, perception, lower education (pre-k, elementary, middle, and high school), writing, social media, cell phones, short trips, transportation (not flights only ground transportation), mannerisms, twins, gestures, reason, change (in general), forgetfulness, clumsiness, the press, trading, publishing, correspondence, profanity, gossiping, literary works, daily routine, mathematics, youth, and printing

VENUS: love, attraction, romance, who you fall in love with/who you’re attracted to, your love languages, beauty, sympathy, pleasures, art/artistry, self love, harmony, femininity, rhythm, sentimentality, compromise, sharing, cooperation, aestheticism, dancing, entertainment, values, festivities, possessions, luxury items, cheerfulness, sloth/laziness, jewelry, your vagina, and sensuality

MARS: passion, desire (in general), confidence, ambition, lust and sexual desire, sexual preferences, sex style, anger/aggression/aggressiveness, competitiveness, athletics, temper, impulse, courage, fire, self-assurance, tasks, masculinity, assertion, dominance, activity, physical energy, heat, sexuality, enthusiasm, forcefulness, friction, combativeness, war, your dick, tattoos, motivation, and violence

JUPITER: luck, abundance, wealth, success, opportunity, popularity, expansion, knowledge, honesty, wisdom, travel, air travel, ease, blessings, philosophy, higher education (college/uni), optimism, religion, justice, the law, exploration, profit, vision, devotion, study, growth, faith, fulfillment, speculation, and gambling

SATURN: hard work (and rewards), achievement and mastery, challenges, struggles, karma/karmic lessons/karmic debts, your father/fatherly figure, work (in general), fears, guilt, delay, longevity, old age, limitations, discipline, responsibility, your work ethic, contraction, the past, deficiency, bones, skinniness, practicality, confinement, effort, self-control, stability, endurance, maturity, detachment, consistency, grudges, and history

URANUS: friends/socialization, technology, film, unplanned/sudden changes, uniqueness, ups and downs, fluctuation, rebellion, independence, invention, freedom, originality, the unexpected/surprises, freaks/freakiness, p*rnography, shock, chaos, natural disasters, science, engineering, fans/followers, and electricity

NEPTUNE: kindness, compassion, creativity, glamour, sensitivity, selflessness, escapism, intuitiveness/intuition, the hidden, dreams, imagination, deception/lies, delusion, mysteries, hallucination, disguise, confusion, disappearance, evasion, divinity, spirituality, inspiration, mysticism, transcendence, hypnotism, prophecy, fascination, and idealism

PLUTO: transformation, power, sex, orgasms, destruction (ending in renewal), rebirth, intimacy (not just sexual), death, intensity, magnetism, regeneration, infatuation, obsession, black magic, seduction, manipulation, sexual organs, evolving/evolution, extremes, and purging

MY MASTERLIST

MORE BEGINNER ASTROLOGY

HOUSE MEANINGS

© 𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝

[aquidragon]

heya! could I request a comfort blurb for re4 remake Leon after he has a raccoon city related nightmare?

of course!! sorry that this took a while, I had to get back into the swing of things lol

---

re4 Leon S Kennedy x reader

[drabble]

-

Normally you wouldn’t care for the concerns of your fellow squad members, agent Leon S. Kennedy especially. Not that you had anything against him, of course, but you found that meddling in the emotions of others led to disaster when they inevitably got mauled by some abomination Umbrella creation. So in the end, it was better to keep it impersonal. You assumed most of your fellow agents had similar insights, especially after the deaths of multiple of your former friends and comrades. 

You sat alone, your glock-17 dismantled, as you gently cleaned it. Your nose wrinkled in disgust as you scrubbed off built up gunpowder and dried blood off the muzzle. All you had to focus on was the gentle hum of the airplane’s engine, and Ashley’s soft snoring. You were somewhat impressed that she was able to sleep after the actual nightmare that she had experienced, but you figured that she hadn’t slept in the days that she was trapped with Ganados. 

Leon, her rescuer, was also asleep. He chose to sit in the seat across from yours, you weren’t “friends”, but you accepted that he was a good ally to have within Strategic Command. His ash blonde hair fell across his closed eyes, his head was slightly tipped forward as his broad chest rose and fell as he slept. You also noted that his facial features were slightly angular, and the dim lighting of the cabin emphasized the shadows of his face.  

You put your gun back together with subtle clicks, it came mindlessly to you.You had been sent to pick up Leon and Ashley after their original extractment was shot down. There was no action you had to deal with, which meant an easy paycheck. As you slid in the empty magazine back, you heard the slightest whimper from the man across from you. 

You froze, eyes flickering up to the blonde a foot away. His fingers twitched around the armrests, his eyebrows furrowed as his face pinched with distress. A few, almost decipherable words escaped his lips with a frantic whisper, as he began to trash in his seat. Had Leon been bitten? Was he still infected with Las Plagas? Your brain spun with confusion as you frantically considered your options. 

Finally, his cobalt eyes shot open, and instantly met yours. He was breathless, his grip taught against the wooden armrests, as he began to reconnect with his sense of reality. Your heart fluttered with an uneasy feeling as the image of his fearful gaze locked deep within your very core. It scared you, almost, to see a seasoned agent with prey-like eyes. 

“Sorry,” he cleared his throat, “I had a nightmare.” He averted his gaze. 

You stumbled over your words, as you swallowed deeply. “No it’s fine, I get them too.” 

Leon laughed humorlessly, clasping his hands together and looking down at his dirty knuckles. “I guess it comes with the job.” He cocked his head to the side slightly, to look out the small oval window. The ocean stretched for miles below, a dark, murky blue for as far as the eye could see. 

“Do  you want to talk about it?” You offered, anxiously rubbing your thumbs together. 

The blonde agent made a noncommittal grunt, resting his forehead on the plexiglass with a dull thump. “You can probably read about it in my file.” He mumbled, exhaustion evident in his voice. 

You snorted, a small smile poked at your cheeks. You were fully aware that your co-worker had the same perspective on “friendships with coworkers” that you had. If anything, he was more familiar with the concept than you were. He had joined STRATCOM a couple years before you had joined. In fact, he had been there long enough to become the president’s “golden boy”. 

Leon S Kennedy was good at his job. 

In this line of work, you knew that being good at your job meant witnessing the gruesome deaths of your fellow agents. A violent, disturbing ordeal that forced the best agents to suppress the parts of them that made them weaker. Typically, that meant vulnerability. 

You sighed, finally stilling your rubbing hands as the walls around you began to crumble. “I used to get nightmares after my first mission. I couldn’t sleep for like, two weeks.” You almost chuckled at the memory. “It was pretty ass, I lived off of caffeine and adrenaline.”

The man scoffed, amused. “I remember that, that was just before the mission to Chicago, right?” 

You nodded, as vivid memories of your first few days on the field flashed through your mind. The scent of rotting flesh, the screams of survivors, gunshots, more screams, infants wailing, and the chilling sound of cracking bone. Noises that you had grown familiar with, but not comfortable. Never comfortable. 

“You’ve heard of Raccoon City?” Leon asked suddenly, his gaze locked somewhere in the distance. 

“Yeah, we got a crash course on it during rookie training.” You answered.  

“I was there in 1998. I was only twenty-one, my first day as an RPD officer.” He turned away at the window to glance at you, but his eyes still held a distant fog. “It was gruesome, I was just a kid. I had witnessed more carnage and suffering than anyone should ever see in their lives.” His lips twitched into a humorless smirk. “Honestly, I didn’t even want to become a STRATCOM agent, it wasn’t exactly in my five year plan.” Leon paused, “didn’t get much of a choice, though.” 

You frowned, a slight jab of empathy poked at your heartstrings. You had heard the whispers around the office, about agent Kennedy and his connections with Raccoon City. You hadn’t paid much attention to gossip around the building, mostly since you figured it wasn’t your business. Hesitantly, you reached out to rest a hand on his firm shoulder, gently brushing your thumb against his black shirt. 

There was no need for words, you understood how he felt. Albeit, you didn’t get dragged into the agency to fight against Umbrella. You had signed up for it yourself, fully aware of the job you were getting yourself into. Leon, however, didn’t have that choice. For that reason, your heart ached for him.  

He looked up at you with wide, surprised eyes, before relaxing his shoulders underneath your warm palm. “Thank you.” The agent smiled at you, a genuine, affectionate smile that you had never dreamed of gracing Leon’s pink lips. 

You felt your cheeks flush, you returned his expression. “Anytime, Leon.”

---

[linkemon]

Eine Kleine (Zhongli x Reader)

Friendly reminder that English is not my first language. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here. Consider supporting me on Ko-fi. You can also check out my commissions if you’re interested.

Other oneshots can be found here.

ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴛᴜʀɴ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴛɪᴍᴇ? ᴍᴏʀᴀx ʜᴀꜱ ᴀʟʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ʟɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏɴɢ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ʙᴜᴛ [ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ] ɪꜱɴ'ᴛ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ɪꜰ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɴ ᴡᴀɴᴛꜱ… ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜʏ ʟɪʏᴜᴇ ɪꜱ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʀᴇᴇᴅᴏᴍ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴏɴᴅꜱᴛᴀᴅᴛ, ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴꜰɪɴɪᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ɪɴᴀᴢᴜᴍᴀ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪꜱᴅᴏᴍ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜᴍᴇʀᴜ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴊᴜꜱᴛɪᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴᴇ, ᴛʜᴇ ʙʀᴀᴠᴇʀʏ ᴏꜰ ɴᴀᴛʟᴀɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʟᴅɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱɴᴇᴢʜɴᴀʏᴀ. ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ʜɪꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴏꜰ ʟɪʏᴜᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴜɪᴅᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏꜰ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴀᴄᴛꜱ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴇᴅ, ᴀꜱ ᴡᴇʟʟ ᴀꜱ ᴏʟᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴇᴡ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅꜱ. ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɢʟᴀᴢᴇ ʟɪʟɪᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɢʀᴇᴇᴅɪʟʏ ᴀʙꜱᴏʀʙ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡɪꜱʜ ʜᴀᴘᴘɪɴᴇꜱꜱ…

ᴀᴅᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: 1. ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ꜱᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀʀᴄʜᴏɴ ǫᴜᴇꜱᴛꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʟɪʏᴜᴇ. ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏɴʟʏ ꜰɪʟʟꜱ ᴀ ɢᴀᴘ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴏꜰꜰɪᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ ᴏʀ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ɪꜱ ᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɪᴛ. 2. ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ, ɪᴛ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɢᴜɪᴢʜᴏɴɢ ʟᴏᴏᴋᴇᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴏʀ ʜᴏᴡ ꜱʜᴇ ᴅɪᴇᴅ. ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢɪᴠᴇɴ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴀ ʏᴇᴀʀ ʟᴀᴛᴇʀ.

Morax looked helplessly at the woman holding his hand. Guizhong smiled slightly. Her black hair danced in the crazy gale surrounding them. He was her last resort. His hand was what kept her above the raging river. The water boiled, flooding the entire Guili Plains. With every second he felt his strength leaving him. He wanted to howl. He was a god, damn it! He had no right to be weak. Not at a time like this. In all his long life, he had never craved strength more than at this moment. So why didn't the soil listen to him? The boulders falling on Osial were still too small. The ground could not absorb the sea waters that poured far inland. People looked at him helplessly. They were only a few hills away from disaster. Mothers hugged their children. He couldn't hear their cries. The wind drowned out everything. Yet he clearly heard Guizhong's words:  

— You have to let me go.  

— NO. — He wondered if she could see his face clearly now. The one from which no tears could fall, even though he wanted to. He wanted to somehow let her know how he felt but no words left his mouth.  

She always told him that he couldn't express his emotions. She was making fun of his straight face. He didn't feel the need to externalize what was going on inside him. How he liked Marchosius's dishes. How beautiful the Goddess of Dust looked as she gathered her beloved glaze lilies. How he cared about the happiness of the people under his care. Everyone thought he was emotionless. Only she was able to break through the shell he had surrounded himself with. Their mutual agreement, sealed with a bell that he received from her as a gift. It wasn't a contract like he had made so many before. It was a relationship based on trust. Something so foreign to him given the unstable world he lived in where most gods only wanted to take as much as possible for themselves. She was a breath of fresh air.  

— Please take care of my people. Goodbye, Morax. — The words were quiet and gray. It seemed to him as if she had shrunk into herself.  

Desperately, he reached out his hand but she slipped from his grasp. She turned to dust before she touched the water. He told himself it was better this way. If she wanted to choose her death, he wasn't going to question it. He knew how much the war was tiring her. He had predicted that it might happen but never like this. He looked in disbelief at the hem of the once white robe, now stained with blood and dirt. Drops dripped on it. He touched his face. He cried. His lips stung as soon as it was touched by the salty tears. He got up from his knees. Many people later said that Rex Lapis screamed. And it was a cry like a storm. The sky darkened with dust. Hundreds of stone spears pierced Osial's body. The great serpent fell, sinking into the depths of the ocean for years. And Morax led the survivors towards the place later known as Liyue, where the city he swore to protect was built.  

[Reader] looked at the table, wondering how much longer she should wait. Does she look pathetic enough already? Judging by the way the waiter looked at her after the last refill of tea, it was almost time for her to pay and leave. She felt it was a stupid idea. She met this guy through letters. They were supposed to meet here and he didn't show up. The thought was running through her mind that maybe something had happened to him. But even if it did, she won't be here soon. She had no idea when the next opportunity would come to return to this area. She felt disappointed and angry with herself. She had been here for another hour. If she had at least taken a book with her, she could have pretended to be busy. She crumpled her napkin and took the last sip of her drink.  

— Excuse me, can I have a moment? — A low, warm voice came from somewhere high.  

For a moment she thought that maybe her torment was finally over. Unfortunately, the man standing in front of her did not match the one she saw in the photo attached to the letters. She looked behind. No one else was behind her.  

— Mrs. [Reader], right? Can I join you?

She nodded.  

She looked carefully again. Slim and definitely tall. Brown hair tied in a long ponytail fell freely over a long coat. Only when she looked closely at his eyes did she come to the conclusion that she recognized the unexpected guest. For some reason, those amber irises stuck in her mind.  

— Mr. Zhongli? From Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? — His gentle smile let her know that she had guessed correctly.  

They had met several times in their lives. However, none of them were associated with happy memories. As is usually the case with funerals. However, she remembered that he had always been tactful and understanding.  

— It's me. Although I must admit, I didn't expect you to remember me. The circumstances were usually not favorable for making friends. — Saying this, he summoned the waiter. — I'd like this blend. It has a unique taste. — He turned back to [Reader]. — It's as if someone had trapped the essence of the earth in these leaves. This is first-quality dried fruit harvested in the north. Difficulty in selection leads to a high price but this is justified.  

The woman was sure she had never heard anyone know so much about tea. It wasn't that he didn't let her speak but the passion with which Zhongli talked about it made her not even want to butt in. He seemed to fluently jump from topic to topic, bringing out new interesting facts and anecdotes. She had to admit to herself that she had not expected such extensive knowledge from him. She thought that as a consultant, he would be a rather boring person and there was certainly no indication that he had traveled to the distant corners of Liyue. But where could he get so much practical knowledge?  

[Reader] looked sadly into the cup. Once again that day, its clean, white bottom appeared. Even professional tea making was no problem for this man. She usually just poured hot water. Her excuse, however, was the fact that her trips usually forced her to spend the night in places where a proper tea ceremony was not even possible. She had to admit that the taste of the drink was wonderful. Deep and strong, with the addition of a floral note. It was as if she had immersed herself in the soil and learned all its secrets. And now she has returned to the surface because all that was left was an empty teapot and the feeling that she should be gathering herself. Captain Beidou won't wait forever. Soon it will weigh anchor and sail away.  

— I haven't actually said what I came here for yet. — Zhongli took something out of an old bag. — I wanted to ask for an autograph.  

This was another surprise of the day. Especially since the time passed so unexpectedly that she actually stopped wondering why the man had approached her at all.  

— Do you read my guides? — She accepted the book with genuine surprise. Her fingers touched his gloved hand for a moment.  

Yae Publishing House signed a contract with her a long time ago. It was what allowed her to visit other places in Teyvat. She then earned her first real money and took a risk by going to Sumeru. Soon after, she met Captain Beidou, becoming a frequent guest on her sea voyages. Plus, it allowed her to travel cheaper. Since then, she has already made a name for herself. However, it still could not compare with the leading items produced in Inazuma. Her genre was mainly targeted at new merchants, tourists and people looking for adventure. Average residents usually didn't know who she was unless they needed to go on a foreign vacation.  

So, while it wasn't the first time she had been asked for an autograph, it was a rare occurrence. Fortunately, she carried a pen with her everywhere. After all, she never knew where inspiration would strike her.  

— I think they capture the atmosphere of places very well. You have the gift of describing what is important to feel their spirit. When I read them, I feel like I was there. Honestly, they pushed me to make a few decisions that helped me start traveling again. — His smile was delicate and barely noticeable. As if with a touch of melancholy.  

— I'm glad to hear that. — [Reader] felt a little embarrassed and handed the book back to him.  

— I've always wondered why there was never a guidebook to Liyue. — Zhongli's gaze was piercing.  

— I guess I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do this. This is my country after all. I've been to so many places and I still love Liyue the most of all. If I had to do it wrong, I'd rather not do it at all. — She stared ahead.  

That was the truth. The freedom of Mondstadt, the infinity of Inazuma, the wisdom of Sumeru, the justice of Fontaine, the bravery of Natlan and the coldness of Snezhnaya. She met them all. And yet her heart always returned to the Nation of Contracts. She grew up here. From an early age, she lived with her family, dreaming of the big world. And when she finally experienced it, she decided that Liyue was the most beautiful. With its own port where you can stroll and feel the sea breeze on your skin. Where sailors brought fish to market, telling stories of legendary creatures sleeping at the bottom of the sea. In the mountains where powerful adepti lived and the slopes were covered with glaze lilies. Grandmas always had the best stories about them, selling kites during the Lantern Rite when fireworks dominated the sky. There was also beauty in the bamboo forests near villages full of acquaintances and friends, statues of ancient gods forgotten by time and Lady Ningguang's Jade Chamber heralding a new time for people. Everything was so wonderful that she was afraid to describe it incorrectly. She expressed these concerns to Zhongli and he listened the entire time.  

— That's why you would be the perfect person to describe Liyue. — The man's gaze was fixed somewhere far away.  

— Only if you would give me some advice on good tea houses — [Reader] laughed.  

Maybe she should actually do it. This would be the perfect ending to the series. She could finally live at home for a while. It would be a nice change after such a long time wandering abroad.  

— Always available. I hope to see the next volume soon. — Saying this, he stood up. — I won't take up any more of your time. — He bowed elegantly and disappeared into the street crowd.  

The woman wanted to follow in his footsteps but she remembered about the bill. She had spent so much time here waiting for someone who never showed up that she felt the cost would be high. But when the waiter told her how much mora they were talking about, she almost choked.  

— How much? — she asked again.  

— The gentleman who was here with you ordered the most expensive mixture of all and several times at that. I don't understand why you're so surprised — said the irritated waiter.  

— He didn't pay for himself?! I'll give him a guide! I swear on the dead Rex Lapis! 

— I'm nervous — [Reader] admitted.  

The climb to Aocang Mountain was long and arduous. She was sure that if it weren't for her years of traveling, she would have given up halfway. Even beautiful views did not reward the effort.  

She wished Zhongli was with her. Hu Tao urgently needed his help, so he stayed at work. Despite everything, she decided not to give up. It would be rude to cancel now.  

— You really don't have to be stressed — Ganyu assured. — Cloud Retainer will definitely like you. — I'm just asking you, if she starts talking about my childhood...  

— I must change the subject categorically. I remember. — She smiled broadly.  

The secretary had asked her about it several times. She had to admit it was funny imagining someone telling childhood stories about such an important person. Besides, Ganyu was very easy to embarrass herself with anything and sometimes she felt like teasing her just to see her grab her horns in embarrassment.  

Thoughts about meeting the adepti kept running through her mind. It wasn't that she was afraid of them. Like everyone in Liyue, she had often heard about their strength and the respect they deserved. They were just a bit of a mythical idea until it turned out that Zhongli led them and saw them quite often. The problem was how she viewed her visit. In her mind, it was something like visiting her loved one's family. He didn't have the real one. After all, gods do not have parents or grandparents. Not that she knew any others for comparison... She just wanted to look good in front of his closest friends. It was a kind of next step in their relationship.  

— Here we are! — her friend announced happily.  

The small lake was surrounded by green hills. The red leaves on the trees were moving steadily due to the light wind. She had to admit it was a beautiful abode. The place breathed peace and quiet. She didn't really want to disturb it. However, the girl was apparently used to it because she led her along the round stone islands to the middle of the lake.  

— This is [Reader]. [Reader], this is Cloud Retainer. — The woman bowed. Immediately afterwards, she took out a gift wrapped in a decorative box from her bag.  

— It's a lens with an interesting mechanism. I brought it from one of my trips to Mondstadt.  

The study Lisa helped conduct at the time was long and boring. It involved running around the city and looking at people through a glass. To this day she regretted agreeing to it but the librarian could be scary when she wanted to be, so she somehow overworked the challenge.  

The crane looked at the object, then nodded with satisfaction.  

[Reader] breathed a sigh of relief. It's good that Zhongli told her that she was interested in engineering. No one came to such a place empty-handed. This was considered something of an insult. And although she was here on different terms than most mortals, she preferred not to take any risks.   

— Nice to meet you. It's good that today's youth is at least a little educated. Last time I was in port...  

— Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper didn't come? — Ganyu looked around.  

— These old folks prefer to sit and keep their noses shut. Or maybe they met alone without me like last Lantern Rite? — Cloud Retainer spread her wings angrily and ruffled her feathers.  

— And this is…— Ganyu began.  

— Adeptus Xiao. We have already met several times.  

Yaksha nodded to her in greeting. She had passed the Wangshu Inn many times, especially recently. Anyone who stayed there overnight would encounter him sooner or later. Most people, however, had no desire or opportunity to see him up close. He definitely didn't like the company of mortals. However, she did visit him once. Zhongli once asked her to bring him some medicine from Bubu's pharmacy. He appeared before her only when she placed a plate of almond tofu on the porch. Gloomy but polite — that was the impression he made on her back then.  

[Reader] and Ganyu unpacked the meals from their travel backpack. The stone table under the tree was filled with various dishes. Of course, everything went with the tea blend chosen by her beloved. She brewed the drink proudly, remembering the time when she didn't know how to do it properly.  

Time passed lazily. The hostess tended to move slowly from one topic to another. She did it less interestingly than Zhongli but still enough to provide the girl with a lot of facts that will certainly be useful for her guidebooks. Xiao disappeared as soon as she started to bore a little. He mentioned something about mortals not being able to handle his loads of bad karma and he actually had a lot of work to do, so he took off right after eating dessert.  

— You must hear this story! Well, when Ganyu was still tiny, she was so chubby that she rolled down the hill and...  

[Reader] stifled a laugh, pretending it was caused by a piece of cake. She had to admit that it was going to be quite an anecdote. Her friend looked at her pleadingly. The woman was tempted to keep listening but she kept her promise anyway.  

— Change the subject — the secretary mouthed, clasping her hands as if in prayer.  

— An extremely entertaining story — the [Reader] coughed. — But I wanted to ask about…— she looked around — about these chairs. Even if everyone showed up, there would be one too many of them. Are we waiting for someone else?  

— You're smart. You remind me a bit of her. Cloud Retainer nodded. — There are usually only three chairs here. Mine, Morax's and the extra one you're asking about, belonging to Guizhong.  

— Is this about the Goddess of Dust? The one who died on Guili Plains, right? — [Reader] made sure.  

— It's about her. — The bird looked for a moment above the mountain peaks. It clattered quietly. — I told Morax he shouldn't try to meet her. The dead have the right to sleep peacefully. This artifact will not bring him luck. — She pointed with her beak at the necklace hanging around the girl's neck.  

This was the first time she had even heard of it. And she didn't like it. The magic of the moment disappeared, filling her mind with questions.  

She had been carrying the gem with her since she found it while researching a book a few months ago. She didn't think much about it at the time. One of the merchants mentioned some strange legend but she didn't believe him. It looked beautiful, although its glory days were certainly long behind. She failed to fully clean it. Zhongli did ask about it but only once while purchasing and never after that. She didn't want to jump to conclusions just yet. She'll have to find out more.  

— Sometimes I think they were in love — Cloud Retainer sighed. — These conversations have tired me, girls. I think it's time for you guys. — With these words, the crane rose into the air.  

[Reader] made her way back, trying to ignore Ganyu's confused glances. She could tell when she felt uncomfortable and this was definitely one of those moments. She wasn't responsible for her mentor but she tried her best to talk about anything to cover up the earlier conversation. It didn't work out but the woman appreciated the effort.  

[Reader] spent the last few days searching through old notes, legends and in Wanwen, digging through piles of books. She wanted to visit the original buyer of the artifact as well but there was no need. Everything became clear as much as such myths could be true. The stone decorating her neck was part of a larger ritual. There was disagreement as to whether it allowed the dead to be brought back to life but it supposedly allowed one to at least see them. The opportunity to perform the rite appeared once every few thousand years and according to all predictions, it was supposed to take place today.  

She looked out the window, sighing loudly. She had had enough.  

— What are you thinking about, darling? — Zhongli hugged her from behind and kissed her on the head.  

For a moment she savored this moment. The view of Liyue was beautiful. The city was bustling with life, although the sun was slowly ending its daily journey. Wangsheng was quiet and warm. Her lover was right next to her but deep down, she felt like she was cheating on him.  

— Nothing important. — She closed the thick volume. The dust flew away in the sunlight.  

She knew she should talk to him but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Ever since she heard what Cloud Retainer thought, doubts began to form in her mind. She had no doubt that the man loved her but that was now. What if Morax really could turn back time, in a sense? Given the choice between her and the Goddess of Dust, would she still come first?  

— I wanted to ask you something. — Zhongli moved away gently. — Would you lend me your necklace today?  

This made something break inside her. The knowledge she had gained over the past few days had accumulated pain within her, which now manifested itself in one simple question:  

— Why didn't you tell me about Guizhong?  

Her eyes welled up with tears but she blinked rapidly to keep them from falling.  

— [Reader]…  

— Cloud Retainer said you two were in love and you were interested in this whole ritual… so I was looking behind your back, even though I know I shouldn't have…

She took a deep breath. The truth was cathartic in a way. Confronting the situation that had been on her mind for the past few days was quite a challenge but at least she would know where she stood.  

— It doesn't matter. I should have told you from the very beginning. — He frowned slightly, as he always did when he was thinking about something but the amber irises didn't seem to bear any trace of guilt.  

— Mr. Zhongli, if we want to make it on time, we must leave now! — Keqing rushed into the funeral parlor.

— Wait a minute — the man began.  

The road to Guili Plains was quite long. Young Yuheng was always busy. [Reader] knew this well. If she showed up here, it must have been planned some time ago. Several Millelith were waiting outside the building. So that's how many people knew besides her...  

She took off the necklace, looking at it one last time. It seemed to weigh more than usual. As if under the weight of her decisions.  

She took her beloved's hand and pressed the object into it. It glowed with a faint light. The legends were true.  

— You have to go. — Seeing that he wanted to interrupt her, she put a finger to his lips. — Listen. Cloud Retainer advised that the dead should be left alone. I think so too but I will never stand in the way of your happiness. If you need to see her, please do so. This is not the end of this conversation. I need some time. I'm going to go and finish the last chapter of the guide. We'll talk when I get back. — Saying this, she reached for her bag. Without waiting for an answer, she left Wangsheng.  

Rex Lapis gripped the item tightly and set off for the mountains. He couldn't concentrate. His thoughts swirled around everything that had happened. It was bad that he left in such an atmosphere. Especially since he didn't get to say any of the things he wanted to explain.  

A cool wind blew on Liyue. The sun was going down. The time for the ritual was approaching inexorably. He took care of everything and yet the anxiety would not go away, even though he repeated the steps in his mind over and over again. The glaze lilies swayed steadily in the shade of the trees, reminding of everything that once was. He was lost in thought. Maybe that's why he didn't notice three hikers appearing on the horizon. They were pale and terrified.  

— Everything's all right? — Keqing was the first to fire at the strangers.  

— We were at Luhua Pool — the woman began. Speaking was clearly uncomfortable for her.  

Her dress was torn. She had to escape in a hurry.  

— Monsters. And…— the man next to her coughed. — And the mages of Abyss.  

The third hiker was in much worse condition. He was speechless with shock. He just sat on the ground and started sobbing quietly. They must have barely escaped alive.  

As the soldiers helped him recover, Zhongli realized one thing. This was the only place missing from the Liyue guide. [Reader] could have gone anywhere but this was the most likely.  

— Xiao. — At the sound of his name, Yaksha appeared right next to him. — A group of monsters at Luhua Pool.  

That was enough for the demon to disappear back into the dark cloud.  

— Shall we move on? Now we really don't have much time left. — Keqing left the people in the care of several Millelith.  

Zhongli stood in the middle of the road for a moment, not saying anything. He clutched the jewel in his hand, looking at his reflection in it. He looked again at the Guili Plains visible in the distance.  

— Go back to town. I'm sorry I brought you here — he just said, quickening his pace.  

— You're running to her, aren't you? — Yuheng's voice came from a distance.  

He didn't answer because she knew the answer well. She was always smart. He appreciated her. Even if she really disliked him and denied everything he had done over the years. However, he had no doubt that such people were needed in this city in the new era belonging to the people.  

He was no longer as fast as Xiao. Some time ago he could outdo him. Now, after the surrender of Gnosis, his strength was gradually leaving him. He wasn't weak but he definitely wasn't what he used to be. This was the price he had to pay if he wanted to remain an ordinary Zhongli and not Morax, the Great Rex Lapis.  

The Demon Slayer could probably handle everything on his own. If Zhongli looked at it coldly, there would probably be no need to run at all now. He could stay and perform the ritual. Will he have the opportunity to see Guizhong again? Who knows. It was hard to tell how long his body could go without what had fueled it for so long. Maybe a few hundred years, maybe another millennia. Everything indicated that the necklace would remain only a souvenir, unfit for use during his lifetime.  

And yet, if there was even the slightest chance that [Reader] was out there somewhere right now, surrounded by monsters, he had to check it out because he would never forgive himself if something happened to her.  

That's why the sight he saw made his blood run cold. Alatus held a cloak covered in bright red in his hands. Zhongli looked into his eyes for confirmation. However, before he could ask anything, he heard a cry for help. The voice was familiar. Never in his long life had he felt more relieved to hear someone scream.  

He ran to the edge of the cliff, where he saw first the hand and then the rest of the body. [Reader] held on to a protruding rock with one hand, looking for support for her legs. In the blink of an eye, a pillar grew from the side. The woman carefully placed her feet on it. Immediately after, she grabbed a warm, familiar hand and was pulled up. She fell straight onto the man. She was about to get up when Zhongli hugged her tightly. So she gave in, burying her head in the crook of his neck. They didn't say anything for a moment. They were just lying in the meadow of glaze lillies. The sun disappeared below the horizon and the flowers spread their white petals, facing the moon.  

— Why are you here? — [Reader] asked quietly.  

— I heard about the Abyss mages and had to check if you were alright.

— Did you send Xiao? — she made sure.  

— Yes — Zhongli replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.  

— And yet... you came here anyway? — A smile spread across her lips.  

He had to admit that smile was beautiful. As always. He was lucky. He was never going to lose it.

He just nodded.  

— When I saw your coat, I thought something had happened to you — he confessed.  

— I ran into Jueyun Chili on the way and then some slimes stuck to me and pushed me to the edge.  

That explained why her eyes were red and swollen. They must have burned her severely.  

— What about Guizhong? — [Reader] asked, looking at the necklace around his neck.  

— I'm not sure I'll ever see her again. I wanted... I wanted some closure from my time as Rex Lapis. I don't know if I loved her... — He stared into the distance. — I think at that moment I didn't really know what emotions were. Her death was the first time in my life when I cried. I really wanted to meet her. Tell her I kept my promise. That I miss her. That the descendants of her people are in safe hands and our friends are well. That I am grateful for the many things she taught me. And that I'm in love with you...  

— I'm sure she knows that. She hears you now and is happy. — [Reader] hugged his arm. — I would like to tell her that I love you too and that I will take care of you as best as I can.  

A light wind blew. And for a moment, the woman felt as if the glaze lilies around her bowed their heads, then returned to their original position. Or maybe she just imagined things...  

— Are you crying? — Zhongli asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.  

— Come on... it's just... ahem, chili. — [Reader] sniffled.  

— The mortal is definitely crying — Xiao stated. Saying this, he gave her the dirty coat.  

— Were you here the whole time?

However, she didn't get an answer to this question because the demon raised an eyebrow, muttered something under his breath and then disappeared.  

So [Reader] and Zhongli stood up and holding hands, went back to Liyue. They closed an old chapter. It was time to start a new one.

[brandileigh2003]

Wolfstar fic recs: (this is not exhaustive and I know I'm missing some that I loved and have made follow up posts linked at the bottom)

All are wolfstar (mix of jily and jegulus as other ship) Complete unless marked. There is plenty of fluff, however. Check tags please, some are sad, mcd, or deal with things that some find triggering.

*My obsession: Crimson rivers by bizarrestars @starsworth - angsty hunger games au. Some of the best remus and Sirius characterizations. Wolfstar is top notch. The friendships and black brother dynamics are all 💯

Hogwarts/magical

-The Standard Book Of Spells Series by imparfait connected fics and 1 shots, still wip: wolfstar is so in love, I want to melt multiple pov. no voldy.

-Would That I by third_crow (wip) soulmates, canon divergent, no voldy, autistic remus

-what a wonder (what a waste) by peachyybabe all the emotions. Mcd. Divergent.

-Honey If I'm Not by @brigid-faye divergent post war where remus left, jily lived, and wolfstar only reconnects years later by chance. (Also has a Sirius pov)

-snakes and lions by @her-smile-forges-galaxies (read tags though! Slytherin remus, platonic soulmate remus & regulus turns death eaters, angst with happy ending)

Au/modern/non-magical

-orange juice (i've been ready for you to come home for so long) by raggedypond it's fantastic!!!! divorced wolfstar get back together, raising teddy, flashbacks to remus getting diagnosis, breakup, and Sirius dealing with alcoholism. Hea.

-Tender is the touch (of someone that you love too much) by- @purplefiction-ao3 multiple pov journey of remus waiting for heart transplant, written from someone who's been in position. Sirius is such a strong and sweet caretaker and remus is a fighter. (It also has James and Sirius as hockey players)

-the sea is a good place to think of the future by peachyybabe first in series is happy/open ending. Love them reconnecting and how disability is written. Check tags. 2nd in series has mcd. But it's oh so good, broke my heart.

-Forget the World by @amberlink mcd sickfic with mental illness, complicated prongsfoot friendship and black bro dynamics. Greys inspired (ish)

-like real people do by third_crow (disability coffee shop)

-wading in waist-high water by @colgatebluemintygel bake off fic where sirius is host and Remus is a disaster

-love finds a way by littleoldrachel: Jurassic Park exes to lovers

– best friends brother bizarrestars: has it all, jegulus as well, moonwater friendship, black brother dynamics

-lessen my load by moonymoment (university, so sweet together)

-pb to my j by aqua_myosotis (texting fic, so cute together)

-Heat and balance by eyra: beautifully depicted disability/illness fics, au

-Second Generation by MsAlexWP older wolfstar, single parents, getting back together. The sequel is so perfect too! It's a Nice Day for a Wolfstar Wedding

-An infinite ocean by orphan_account (raising teddy au, he has cf)

-my only sunshine by loua29xx- remus is sick and asks Sirius to help him die

–wolf's heart by mizdiz- heartbreaking. Meet in bookshop, Remus has heart problems, they fall in love, Remus tries to push him away to save pain of watching him die but Sirius won't let him.

-Flight of Destiny by Lucigoo89 female wolfstar fic, my gift from my fandom wife. Two women find their soulmate on a long flight and almost miss the chance to reconnect.

Authors in general

third_crow disability rep!

Peachyybabe he is great at portraying disability

Littleoldrachel disability and trans rep

her_smile_forges_galaxies

MsAlexWP

de_sire

moonymoment

MesserMoon @sophsicle

beautywolfstar

xinasvoice @xinasvoice

Brigidfaye

Eyra

MollyMaryMarie @mollymarymarie

Check out my fandom wifey lucigoo

Some of my fandom friends moon_stars, raggedypond, beautywolfstar, and speckinthevoid

Other top picks I've reread

-As It Was by peachyybabe mix of fluff, angst and hurt/comfort

-Burning and Buried With the Rest of It by @kalegreeneyes Remus is bitten summer before 5th year, and how it affects friendships, and his mental health mind the tags!

exes, horcruxes, and other reasons to panic by @lynxindisguise divergent from 1st war, picks up 7 yrs later

-This Is the Way the World Ends by @blitheringmcgonagall sad but beautiful MCD

-Did You Miss Me? By @krethes @fantismal long text fic, angst and humor. Check tags

- it's a new dawn by ilbaritz: Remus never went to Hogwarts and met everyone after school. Trans remus

-Let's Play Pretend by MsAlexWP fake dating, single parents, remus and teddy are wonderful disasters

-Engaged for 43 years by @halfravenhalfclaw sirius proposes at first sight at 11, follows til the afterlife (divergent) extended version!

-wip or maybe abandoned but good: Of Leaves and Stars (modern magical texting, trans remus and genderfluid sirius)

as well as Of Initials and Postscripts (Hogwarts era, remus is homeschooled and sirius is his penpal) both by irrationalmoony & LadyAmina

-from white-hot anticipation to cold-blooded fear and back again by @drowsyanddazed ravenclaw remus unimpressed by prank idea and they get close

-this is erosion by cruelrage: modern magical, texting at Hogwarts, remus homeschooled

-We’ll Make It Out Alive by wolfstar_addict417: texting fic with angst/fluff and disabled remus (au)

-canon so far **shifting Lines by dovahtobi (wip currently updating)

-mayors of simpleton by @fruityindividual divorced raising teddy ft blind remus

--Forever Is a State of Mind by orphan_account (raising teddy, deaf remus)

–After the fire by Coriaria lie low at lupin's, a dark look at remus' past (check tags)

– text talk by merliwhirls: great banter and flirting firming a solid connection through text before they meet in person.

-Befriending A Ravenclaw by @kreestars slow burn with pining. Remus is ravenclaw prefect

-ten reasons (to go to michigan) by @greyeyedmonster-18 falling in love au author remus, artist sirius raising Harry with regulus angst+ slow burn

-Saccharine by moonymoment @mayescapade(au) Sirius is a ghost in remus' apartment

-An Interesting Grasp by @thebibutterflyao3 remus with tourettes, artist sirius, moonflower friendship, au

-summer you let your hair grow out: Sirius goes to remus instead of James'

-Berlin Angel by de_sire: Remus helps him really begin to live, asks the deep questions help him discover who he is. Sirius helps remus open up as well, sees his layers, thinks remus is Sirius' own sun

--A Brief History of Dragons by @eyra nuerodivergent remus

-sweater weather by @lumosinlove hockey fic they're so cute

-Highland Fling by @picascribit summer disability strangers to lovers (au)

-Dear Your Holiness by MollyMaryMarie check tags but some of the quotes still stick with me.

- Heavy In Your Arms by MollyMaryMarie: slytherin Sirius as padfoot finds injured ravenclaw remus and takes care of him

-we can be heroes series by YouBlitheringIdiot school years through the war. Divergent ending

--Evolution is spelt with an R by de_sire: Remus never went to Hogwarts, saves Sirius and Sirius gets involved with pack by being healer

-Of Memories and Milk Thievery by moonymoment older wolfstar, raising teddy, get back together

-Tertiary Colors by krabapple mpreg 1st war divergent, potters live

-just lovers by bizarrestars: divergent fic, fake dating (wolfstar isn't main but they're heavily featured)

-Living Like We're Renegades by orphan_account deaf/hoh remus and genderfluid cheerleader remus

-Language Lessons by MsAlexWP: divergent post 1st war with flashbacks. FWB (sort of, you'll see)

-Found Heaven by fierrochase @madefortherain lovely fluffy text fic

----Other lists----

**themed lists: chronic illness/disability/deaf/blind, trans remus/Sirius, older wolfstar, fluff, raising harry and/or teddy, autism, mcd, Asexuality, texting

**I made a PART 2 bc this was getting long if you're interested, one shot version, my to reread list, my read a 3rd time

**wip version

Jegulus recs

**Ofc feel free to check out mine (all of them) and then spotlight ⬇️

Silence Between Us by brandileigh2003 a soft wolfstar falling in love, features Sirius dealing with anxiety, and remus who is deaf and has an adorable service dog.

[lord-westley]

I match you up with...

Heya Lovie, @tolkien-fantasy! Thanks for reaching out about doing a matchup trade with me! Sorry for being slow to complete it. I struggle with including proper details and tend to focus more on emotions than anything so I hope it's to your liking. Warning for Spoilers of Act 1 and Act 2, and anyone OOC

Let's get something straight-which neither of you are- Emmrich is a gentleman through and through, the King of Charm

When you first approached him to receive help, he was nothing but kind and a little excitable about meeting new people

It wasn't exactly love at first sight but more highly intrigued- there was something special about you, especially with the way your gods hover around you with an air of protection and care

You were a puzzle that he wanted to figure out and boy was he going to succeed

The two of you are a match made in heaven, or.. technically the fade

You got to know each other through your love of books and the desire to know everything you can, soaking it up like a sponge

Sitting in his library, he let's you ramble about anything and everything, whether it's your current obsession or something you need to get off your chest- he's always happy to listen

In return, he will talk about his necromancy, how much he adores his career and students while being exasperated that the Board wants to put ten, 10! students in his next class

You two bounce off of each other perfectly, asking questions and leaning over shared tomes, crafting the most detailed notes known to man

When you share your interest in necromancy, the dead, or even the idea of working in Necropolis

and the fact you are so so kind and sweet towards Manfred? oh that just tips him over the edge- he's in so deep

An attachment he is so willing to have yet nervous about what it may entail after the disaster of his previous relationship

Your guys relationship is so charming, with the way he looks at you like you personally hung the stars

and how he walks beside you, a hand resting gently on your back

It's all so sickening sweet, your companions grinning with mischief already planning the most regal of wedding

He calls you all sorts of sweet names; My Darling, My Dearest, My Love; as long as he gets to say "my"- an affirmation that you did indeed choose him, he's happy "Time to wake up, My Dearest, it's a new day"

Speaking of new days- he adores your bed head

The way your fiery mane puffs up with the sun filtering through, creating a halo affect around your face in the morning light- Maker, you just might be a goddess yourself

Verbal compliments are his thing, and he does not relent. Enjoying the way your face lights up in a bright blush "Oh- Apologies, My Darling, I can't seem to focus when you look at me like that" "Oh my, what have i done to deserve such a beautiful smile?" "You are breathtaking"

Emmrich adores your chaotic side, it's a breath of fresh air of a life he didn't know

It makes him feel younger, lighter, as though he could take on the world

He's more than happy to indulge you in your chaotic affairs, huffing a laugh when you give anyone a verbal smackdown before trying to calm the situation

Whenever you're in pain, even if it's something you're used to or think to not be a big deal- to Emmrich it's 100% a big deal

He'll force you to rest, sitting you down, wrapped up in a blanket with fresh tea made by Manfred himself

he keeps you company, depending on your affection levels that day. By holding you close, reading aloud from a book, or simply doing his work in your presence (while keeping a close eye on you)

Another handsome man that I don't believe would be love at first sight- his route in canon is very very slow burn

Lucanis is forever in your debt for rescuing him from the Ossuary

You had much more important things to take care of, such as saving the world from murderous, evil gods

Yet there you were, thousands of feet under the ocean, rescuing him- an assassin from his prison

It was only supposed to be a contract for a few weeks

You saved him, so he helps you in return, using his skills to help you kills the gods

So why- why does his chest hurt so much yet feel so light, fluttering with each conversation he has with you?

He's conflicted, so goddamn conflicted about his feelings towards you

With everything going on, him being nothing but an assassin- possessed by a spite demon who only wants chaos

Lucanis doesn't believe he deserves you, someone so kind and so gentle, yet with a raging fire in your heart as you help others, setting firm boundaries and arguing for your own rights- for your friends rights

He's just... Lucanis, but you- you are the future Hero of Thedas, a leader, his leader, he doesn't deserve you

But dammit, he's going to do whatever he can to care for you and help you

He remembers every little detail regarding you, from your favorites foods and drinks, to specific smells you enjoy the most

Each time you enter the kitchen, the air is sweet of baked goods and tea, ready and kept hot just for you

Incense and candles are found around the lighthouse tables, creating a cozy atmosphere

He thinks he's being subtle, but Maker- he is far from subtle

Lucanis is so soft around you, his usual frown gone- with warmth and joy in his eyes

He finds your bluntness hot, never failing to bring a grin to his lips and a tinge of pink on his cheeks

watching you give people smackdowns, putting your foot down. Man if he could sit with a cup of coffee, he'd be able to watch you rant for hours

Lucanis is a more acts of service and silent affection lover which is extremely noticeable with the way he acts around you

soft touches on your waist, twirling a strand of your hair and listening so intently to your infodumps while preparing tea

He'd offer to go on a hunt for a book you've been trying to find

Only one exists in the whole world? And it's owned by this specific person? What a coincidence, the crows have a contract ready for him. No one will notice if a book suddenly goes missing from the scene

Spite LOVES you so much, and he makes it extremely known, constantly talking over Lucanis and trying to convince him that he just MUST do this thing!! She will love it Lucanis! Trust me, I'm your inner demon! If you don't then I'll force you to sleepwalk and do it myself! "ROOK. IS. MY. FAVORITE." - Canon Spite Quote

If there is anything you need, Lucanis is there, ready for anything you throw his way. It doesn't matter what it is, he will be on his hands and knees for you- prepared to take down the world at your command

[pikapeppa]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love ❤️

Oooh don't mind if I do since I'm on a kick of rereading a bunch of my own writing currently! 🤣 First off: tagging back to you, lovely @johaerys-writes, and forward to @crackinglamb @alyssalenko @sinsbymanka @vorchagirl @chloefraazers @mwasaw @himluv @ocean-in-my-rebel-soul @contrivedchaos and anyone else who would like to play! Please, anyone and everyone, join in!

So okay. I thought wayyy too hard about this and had A LOT of difficulty choosing because I actually really enjoy rereading my own fics 😅 but I did my best! Answers below the cut for anyone who wants to keep reading:

- Fall Into The Tide: Dragon Age, Sten/f!Mahariel, ~54k words. The premise of this fic is that Mahariel decides on a whim to follow Sten on his maritime journey back to Par Vollen. This was actually the first fic that came to mind as a favourite, and to date, I feel that it's the best thing I've ever written; I'm really proud of Sten's characterization and the emotional beats. I still cry like a baby every time I reread it LOL.

- Lovers In A Dangerous Time: Dragon Age, Fenris/f!Hawke, ~525k words. This is my Fenris the Inquisitor fic. I just finished rereading it and I had a lot of "wow I wrote this? Good job me" moments while reading it! 😂

- Until We Meet Again: The Witcher, Geralt/f!Reader, ~250k words. The point of this fic was that I personally want to fuck Geralt so I made it everyone else's problem BAHAHA. This fic completely mutated from self-indulgent smut to accidentally-falling-in-love in a totally unplanned way, and I'm so thrilled with how it turned out!

- Just Hold On, We're Going Home: Samurai Champloo, Mugen/Fuu/Jin, ~38k words. SamCham is my favourite anime, and the end of it is so heartwrenching to me, even though it's a happy ending. So I wrote this fic to heal myself 🤣 This fic was entirely a gift I wrote for myself on the assumption that no one would actually read it, and it's been lovely to see how many people were craving a poly happy ending like I was!

- The Love That Grows From Violence: Dragon Age, Felassan/f! Lavellan, ~181k words. This is a post-Trespasser fic where a bitter Lavellan falls in love with Felassan, who was made Tranquil rather than killed in the Fade. This fic holds a hugely special place in heart partly because the idea was BRILLIANT (it was suggested to me by a wonderful reader-friend!), and because writing this became my cozy escape during the worst of COVID. I'm really proud of some of the emotional beats in this fic and the lore aspects, and I really hope that Veilguard will not end up proving me entirely wrong or I might just die LOL. 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS (I CAN'T HELP IT, THIS WAS REALLY HARD):

- Even The Hardiest Desert Blooms Need To Get Wet Sometimes: Horizon Forbidden West, Drakka/Aloy, ~365k words. I JUST REALLY LOVE DRAKKA, OKAY? I JUST LOVE HIM. A LOT. I had a ball writing every chapter of this fic just because I adore the disaster Desert gremlin, and I always love the opportunity to write texting in fics, which I got to do here a lot, so this fic makes me a very happy girl 🥰 The only reason this didn't make my top five is that I don't actually reread it very often!

- Inadvisable: Dragon Age, triple romance for Solas/f!Lavellan, Abelas/f!Lavellan, Felassan/f!Lavellan (different Lavellans LOL), ~668k words. This is my modern AU university fic collaboration with my beloved friend and artist Elbenherz. IT WAS SO HARD NOT PUTTING THIS FIC IN THE TOP-FIVE; the only reason it didn't make the cut is because it was either this one or The Love That Grows From Violence, and I just have such cozy-fuzzy vibes/memories of writing TLGFV. 

If anyone decides to check out any of these fics, I hope you enjoy! 🥰

-- love from your friendly neighbourhood Pika xoxo

[purplealmonds]

Extrapolating on my "Karakasa is an abnormally strong mononoke" theory.

Just as a refresher, this was my comment in @sarahwatchesthings's post in the Mononoke community:

I wonder - in the lore video Kusu confirms the existence of other exorcism swords and by extension, more Kusus. Narratively, this newly revealed information should have a payoff. The karakasa is a formidable mononoke - it manifests as a tsunami-like entity and creepy sky vagina. Far more powerful than any mononoke we've encountered. Perhaps we will have an "Avengers Assemble" moment in this movie to, err, shall we say, unfuck the Sky Vagina?

Let's examine the mononoke anime-Kusu previously encountered as a baseline:

The Zashikiwarashi were confined within the brothel-turned-inn and as far as we know, didn't harm anyone except the innkeeper and her assistant. Even Shino's child, who we thought died from miscarriage, was revealed to be alive and well at the end of the story arc.

The Umibozu, while attracting an ocean of Ayakashi, originated from Genkei's soul rather than the sea itself. No casualties here either.

The Nopperabou was bound to Ochou. It's highly implied the murder of her in-laws was a delusion (along with the rest of her daydreams with Fox Mask). The only thing that was metaphorically "killed" was her sense of self but even that is restored in the end.

The Nue probably has the highest body count, but it is all localized in Ruri-Hime's estate.

The Bakeneko is haunting one (1) carriage of a train. Most of the people involved in Setsuko's murder were spared when they showed remorse, and the bystanders were unharmed.

Even the original Bakeneko, as powerful as it was, haunted just the Sakai estate. Although everyone on the premises but Kusu, Kayo, Odajima, and Yoshiyuki were slaughtered, the palanquin drivers just outside the gates were unharmed and none the wiser.

There are a few common threads with these mononoke:

Their influence is constrained to a single location.

Save for the original bakeneko arc, these mononoke did not harm or haunt anyone that was undeserving of their wrath.

They are created from the intense repressed negative emotions of a handful of individuals.

@the-mononoke-facade If any of the Shu novel mononoke support this theory, let me know!

Now let's examine the Karakasa:

In Kusu's words, it is created by the grudge of women- plural. This is not just a few women working in a brothel like in Zashikiwarashi, this encompasses all women's suffering within the ooku. Because each woman's suffering is unique, the form, truth, and reason will be all the more difficult to unravel even if everyone's forthcoming with information.

The Karakasa's manifestations very much resembles the hellish geographical and weather conditions that Japan faces even to this day. The Sky Vagina = typhoons. The rising/exploding water = earthquakes and tsunamis. The Karakasa is not just an entity, it is a forces of nature. And like all forces of nature, it cannot be reigned in, only weathered.

There are massive crowds of civilians in the fourth trailer. Hell, even the faceless women in the ooku can be considered innocent bystanders. If Kusu doesn't solve the mystery quickly enough, the Karakasa will break confinement. The Karakasa is a mass casualty event in the making.

Judging from the second image below of the Karakasa-tsunami expanding beyond the ooku's walls, Kusu failed and people will die because of that failure.

And moments before that disaster, he was at its epicenter taking a bath in the hot tub.

Actually...you could even say that this explosion resembles like that of an atom bomb. And that's a whole other can of worms to unravel.

So, yeah. Although this mononoke originated from a ratty old umbrella, it's abnormally powerful. Too powerful, perhaps, for movie-Kusu and Shingi to best.

It is said that Japanese society is shaped by the forces of nature it must contend with. In order to survive these earthquakes and typhoons and tsunamis, a community must put aside their petty grudges and differences to work as a team. Simultaneously, this tribal mentality is also what makes the ooku a miserable place to live; an outsider who doesn't fall in line is punished no matter how small the infraction.

With these themes in mind, my conclusions/predictions are:

Kusu and Shingi cannot defeat the Karakasa alone. They must put aside their pride and ask for help.

When faced with adversity, the women (and maybe the men too, but they're on thin fuckin ice) in the ooku will band together to assist Kusu in warding off the Karakasa.

To reiterate what I said earlier, Kusu implied the existence of multiple other Kusu's and exorcism sword. Perhaps these other Kusu's will also make an appearance to help him vanquish the Karakasa. Because, you know. The Kun exorcism sword is affiliated with the earth element and Pokemon logic says earth is weak against water.

And as a final bonus observation, given Shingi's more human-like (shall we say down-to-earth? ha-ha earth puns) appearance compared to anime-Hyper, I believe he is not as invincible as one would believe even when the sword is drawn. To supplement this, I'll share a spoiler from the light novel. Putting it below the cut! As a disclaimer, I'm unsure if it is spoilers for the Shu or Oni novel, so look at your own risk!

So, Hyper and by extension all other manifestations of him are not always effortlessly slaying all mononoke nor invulnerable to harm. Like Mani, I'm also rather curious if this will be reflected in Karakasa. The production team's already throwing all sorts of insane lore nuggets at us. This metaphorical curveball of Shingi getting roughed up by the Karakasa is not entirely implausible!!

[libbee]

Understanding Scorpios/8th House

note: combination of all placements make up your personality, not just one planet or sign. when you read this post, try to envision the word into your mind, imagination, symbols of it.

There are no beautiful surface without a terrible depth - Friedrich Nietzsche.

Possession by the unconscious.

Periodically gets consumed by the psychological unconscious content, loses touch with reality.

Returns to reality, bringing up psychological content from the depths of the unconscious. Look what I brought from the ocean when I went fishing.

Intuitive eyes. 4 pairs of eyes; two biological, two spiritual. Spiritual (intuitive) eyes help see beneath the surface into the energy realm. Biological eyes see the physical world; Intuitive eyes see the imaginary inner world. The reflection of the outer world in the inner life.

When comes back to reality, there is desire to transform, shed previous skin, become as individuated as possible, find the core of being. Who I am exactly underneath all this skin?

But self destruction and reconstruction do not happen as fast, may take days or weeks or months. Irritated, highly sensitive to energy changes in people, sees himself/herself in others and hates it. Leave me alone, I am shedding my skin.

caption: everything that exists outside also exists inside the mind

Spends more time in the internal world, perception of the world, imagination world, the world that exists within. Interacts with the external world as the native will interact with the internal world.

Emotional States Of:

Chaos | Calamity | Collapse | Tragedy | Disaster | Catastrophe | Shaken | Possession | Upheaval | Emergency | Adversity | Mishappening | Misfortune | Crash | Distress | Ruin | Casualty | Mess | Accident |Violence

Unconscious | Fall down | Breakdown | Falling apart | Falling unconscious | Blackout | Getting lost in the unknown

Trauma | Turmoil | Confusion | Toxic | Harmful | Unhealthy | Fatal

Sudden | Shocking | Unpredictable | Unexpected | Unforeseen | Without warning | Without notice | Abrupt | Quick | Hurried | Surprise | Revelation | Eye opener | Thunderbolt | Whammy | Unfortunate

Powerful | Forced | Controlling | Dominant | Causes fear | Formidable | Control | Power and ability to make somebody/something do what you want | Psyche forces you to transform | Helplessness | No other choice but to transform | Dangerous | Emergency | Combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action

Life threatening | Deadly | Mortal | Emergency | This is important, nothing else but this, this is urgent and important.

Isolation | How do I tell others what psyche looks like, what is going on within me, whom do I tell what is going on within me? | Hidden | Secrecy | Private | Feels difficulty in expression | Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible - Carl Jung | Even if others find out what can they do? Only you can help yourself

Repetitive Nature:

Cycles | Again and again and again | Rhythm | Pattern | Series | Does not end or stop

You feel like you are in a state of emergency and tragedy although from the outside you appear calm. External conditions are stable and ordinary but emotional response is that of tragedy, emergency, alertness, chaos and pain.

Clock | 12 AM to 12 AM | Round and round and round

Transformation:

Sheds skin | New clothing | New skin

Chemical Reaction | A chemical reaction is a process that leads to the chemical transformation of one set of chemical substances to another | a A + b B → c C + d D | Breaking up of reactant bonds and formation of new bonds

Metamorphosis | Metamorphosis means a complete change of character, appearance, or condition | Caterpillar to Butterfly

The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed - only converted from one form of energy to another | Eg, Mechanical energy to electrical energy

Self destruction and self construction | Self decay and self development | Self degradation and self improvement

Evolution | Evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during which species of animals, plants, or insects slowly change some of their physical characteristics

Accident | Accident is an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss (in the conscious world)

Surgery | Surgery is the treatment of injuries or diseases in people or animals by cutting open the body and removing or repairing the damaged part (in the psychological, spiritual, emotional, physical, material life)

Flood | Flood is a temporary rise of the water level (unconscious psychic content) resulting in its spilling over and out of its natural or artificial confines onto land that is normally dry (conscious life)

Germination | Sprouting of a seed after period of dormancy

caption: transformation of soul

IMMATURE NATIVE: Externalizes, tries to control others, manipulative, power seeking, emotionally reactive.

MATURE NATIVE: Internalizes, deliberately controls inner processes, intentionally manipulates own thoughts, emotionally calm and composed.

HEALING:

To become healthy again | Repairing of damage | rehabilitation | recovery | rehab | recuperation | mending | revival | comeback | to become sound or healthy again | remedial | If the wound is smaller it will be healed quickly, but if the wound is deeper it will take longer to heal

Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, succeeding winter and preceding summer | Spring is known for life. It's the season of rebirth, joy and love.

Psychoanalysis | Therapy | Surgery | Treatment |

Stages of healing of wound: Hemostasis > Inflammation > Proliferation > Maturation | Wound no longer hurts | Painfree | Peace and harmony

Forgiveness | Higher consciousness | Identification and acceptance | Integration | Remission | Survivor | Healer

"When the student is ready the teacher will appear. When the student is truly ready... the teacher will disappear" - Tao Te Ching

SACRIFICE:

Giving up something that is important or valuable to you in order to get or do something that seems more important | short term loss in return for a greater gain | Invest your money into stock market for future gains | Transaction, you give something and you get something back | Offering something or someone close to you to the Great source

Everything everywhere is a sacrifice | Relationship is a sacrifice of time, emotions, thoughts, feelings, | Shopping is the sacrifice of time, money, savings | Every sacrifice brings with it a finished product

Sacrifice of knowledge | Spreading awareness | Teaching others | Helping others | Tuition classes | Goodbye and come back again!

To conclude, everything around you in the physical world and everything within you in the spiritual world has characteristic of death and rebirth. The duration of transformation will vary in each native. The nature of transformation will look different to the biological eyes. But in the intuitive eyes, the hidden psychological and spiritual transformation is sensed, recognized, acknowledged and identified.

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