#even just looking at the sky reminds me of you! sky! sun! moon! rain! stars! cats!

[rnm-magic-space-xsd]

[wesstars]

love, at second glance

tara carpenter x fem!reader (no pronouns)

summary: that’s what you do when you love somebody else… wc: 1k tags: all characters 18+; no ghostface au. angst, horribly excessive use of italics (seriously, everything in italics is either a quote, a thought, or actual emphasis. it’s terrible) a/n: what’s up y’all (title from 715 - CR∑∑KS by bon iver)

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Tara wondered when it all began.

You and me, me and you.

A mantra that used to be comforting, it now left her mouth dry, mind frantic. 

Sometimes, when it got real bad like it did today, she’d drive out to your—our—deserted garage, and look up into a pitch black night, blinking away tears. It was easy to scream at the sky: how could you forget about me about us about milkshakes shared about distances closed about how I love you and love you and love you—but to you, she’d say nothing.

She couldn’t say anything, while you basked in the glow of a new hand to hold. It was all over in a helpless shrug. That was it, and really, it wasn’t your fault. Nobody’s fault. You couldn’t help it, Tara reasoned, you weren’t cruel. Even at the very end, you were endlessly kind. Commitment was a choice, but love, love happened to you away from Tara and she couldn’t do anything but watch.

Tara switched the engine off, leaning back in her seat. The stars shone barely brighter than the city lights. It was strange, the way that when she was on the brink of losing everything, the world looked that much more beautiful. Every breath in that particularly cold winter felt like it was being swallowed up by the vastness of air itself, precious in its scarcity. 

“But I love you.”

You said nothing for a moment, a troubled little frown twisting on your lips. “Tara, I—”

“I love you.” She heard, rather than felt, herself repeating it. As if stopping you from speaking would make that cold reality any less crushing. “That’s all.”

It was odd, Tara decided, to go online and see your life in the pictures she used to be part of. She put her phone down. From tide pulls to seasons changing, there wasn’t exactly a world where she envisioned herself going on without you. There was something in that sinking feeling, like you were holding her down with a hand on her chest, when she saw you laughing with your friends, with anyone, a smile so brilliant it couldn’t possibly have Tara as the cause. 

You’d always wanted a little cabin in the woods (“not in a creepy way,” you’d insist) surrounded by mist, and it would always be raining. “You’re the only sunshine I need, Tara Carpenter.” She could still hear the way you’d tease her, lying on your side next to her, tracing the bridge of her nose with your fingertip. So easy it was, to tumble back into those shining memories where absolutely nothing would go wrong, you wouldn't let it, because she was yours.

The top floor of the lot was empty, and the moon spilled onto the windshield, into the empty passenger seat. She was lucky, you both were lucky, to have even come as close to the sun as the two of you did. Tara knew, deep inside herself, that if she just let it all go, she would be okay. The blood would rush back into her fingertips—you wouldn’t be there to massage the feeling back into them, the way you often did on winter nights like this—and then she would be okay.

Tara thought that she remembered too much for someone so hurt. Your hand on her thigh while you drove, wiping her lipstick off your cheek, the way you seemed so so so unhappy when you sat her down for one last time. You didn’t even look the same then, like you were somebody else, you weren’t hers anymore. It was getting colder in the car, but Tara didn’t feel anything but the searing coil of shame. 

Sunkissed March found you and Tara lying side by side on a picnic blanket, sodas losing their fizz as time forgot to move the two of you. A breeze ruffled the leaves, and if she really listened, Tara could hear the frogs in the nearby pond. You loved it here—you said it reminded you of hot summers spent in the countryside, the days as long as wildflowers. Not half an hour ago, you were braiding together the stems of daisies into a lush crown. 

“For you, Queen Carpenter,” you said in a posh accent. “A gift from your humble knight—each braid represents a ‘forever,’ and each flower is an ‘always.’” You set the crown atop Tara’s head, kissing the tip of her nose as she rolled her eyes.

“And what has compelled my knight to bring me such a gift?”

“Only all of the love I carry for you, your majesty.” You scooped her up in your arms, smiling as she giggled, rolling the two of you over to settle into the knolls of grass.

There was a certain bravery in the way your fingers wrapped loosely around hers, the way the heels of both your shoes made indents in the dirt—proclaiming, we were here. Even in her doze, Tara could feel you there, each moment stretching on like strings of eternity, unfailingly. 

The moment did end, as moments do. The crown, dried and shrunk, still hung from the rear view mirror in the car. The daisies themselves were long gone, but the dried stems had somehow stayed bound together. Tara’s head dropped into her hands, eyes sore and red. She’d thought so much and so often about where the two of you went wrong, she felt like she had turned over every stone in your path, ones that didn’t carry with them the weight of a goodbye. Tara would give anything to even know what it would take for you to stand in the sun with her one more time.

The abrupt knock on the window should’ve startled Tara more than it did, given that it was four in the morning in an empty parking lot, and she was supposed to be all alone. But all she could do was watch with wide eyes as the knock came from you, at your tight lipped smile. She rolled down the window, unable to feel anything but shock as she took in your mismatched shoes with untied laces, your shirt way too thin for the cold night. You weren’t looking at her, guilt evident in the hunch of your shoulders. Your voice comes out exactly as she remembered it. 

“Hey… can we talk?”

--

a/n cont'd: don't super feel like i like this but writing it came naturally so

please do not repost, reproduce, copy, translate, or take from my work in any way. thank you!

masterlist

[sentientgolfball]

Like the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars in the Sky

I'm absolutely sick for these two being soft for each other you have no idea

Read here or on Ao3

Pairing: Stardew

Word Count: 2735

Tags: self-deprecating Phantom, Dew is so very soft, mirror sex, teeny tiny twinge of body horror but that's only because Phantom is exaggerating their scars

Summary: Dew can see himself in Phantom for all the wrong reasons. He tries to get them to see what he sees.

Dew wasn’t always the confident ghoul who loved to flaunt and show himself to the world. He wasn’t always one to dress up in a tight little outfit that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. To someone on the outside, it would seem like Dew is one of the most vain ghouls in the Ministry but those closest to him know it’s quite the opposite. He clawed his way through fire to get to where he was. 

When he was a water ghoul he knew what he had. He knew just how pretty he was, everyone was always telling me so. He could bat his eyes and have Ifrit on his knees. If he flipped his long silver hair over his shoulder Mountain would be there with his lips glued to his gills. He’d stretch after a good nap, a little bit of his shirt riding up and Aether would be on him before he finished yawning. He would be completely focused on his music and Zephyr would wrap an arm around his waist and pull him into their side with a growl. 

He was a pretty, sweet, delicate little thing. 

He forgot this after his transition to fire. Oh, he had wanted the change sure, but some dark part in his mind would whisper to him. It told him he made a mistake, he wasn’t the same how could any of them love him anymore? He compared himself to Alpha and Ifrit, convinced he’d never look as gorgeous as two real fire ghouls. He saw the horrid scars that used to be his gills, his matte black limbs, and the sharp spines that used to be his fins. He knew he was being lied to when his pack still called him beautiful. Dew refused to look in a mirror for weeks after the ritual. When he finally did, it only made these feelings worse. He shattered the mirror when he saw one of his horns had broken when he realized even his curtain of now blonde hair couldn’t hide the gashes in his neck. He had wholly devoted himself to the Morning Star and what did it get him but a broken, mangled body? 

When Rain came along it was like something in Dew clicked into place. At first Dew had hated him, he was nothing more than a reminder of everything he had given up. That had changed the first time Rain saw him without a shirt. He had been going to the laundry room, fresh out of every hoodie and jacket he bundled himself in to hide. He didn’t think anyone was in the den. They had stared at each other like two frightened deer before Rain breathlessly muttered the word that altered Dew’s brain chemistry. 

Beautiful. 

Dew’s path was long, but it only got better from that moment on. He stopped constantly wearing layers upon layers of clothing to hide his scars. He finally let other ghouls take him to bed who weren’t Aether or Mountain. He finally allowed those two to fully undress him. When Ifrit kissed the fire symbol that had been carved onto his chest with the same reverence normally reserved for sacred objects Dew nearly wept. He finally felt like he belonged in his body. He finally felt like Dewdrop again. 

This is why it was so easy for him to spot it in the new ghoul. He’s not sure if he’s the only one who noticed, but he wouldn’t be surprised with how well they hide it. At first Dew thought he was reading too much into things, silently searching for something that wasn’t there. But the moment Phantom used their glamour for the first time Dew knew he was right. It was subtle but unmistakable the way their eyes fell when they saw their scars still covering their face. 

Dew had wanted to do something. He couldn’t let those feelings fester in the little bug. Unfortunately, Dew is not the best when it comes to these deep rooted feelings. He did his best to make Phantom feel appreciated, changing the strings on their guitar, giving them his extra pillow on the bus, and accompanying them to the mall that was near one of their venues. He had hoped Phantom would confide in him or at the very least make some off-handed self-deprecating joke that Dew could argue against, but it never came. Still, he noticed the way they avoided looking in the mirror for too long, the way they’d run their hands over the Lichtenberg figure scars every single time they had their glamour in place. 

Dew really couldn’t do anything about it until they were home from tour. Everything was too chaotic on the road for them to have any real heartfelt moments. That didn’t stop Dew from trying to figure something out. He had something planned, a moment where he’d steal Phantom away to go stargazing or maybe watch a thunderstorm roll in and Dew would whisper his adoration to them. 

That plan was thrown out the window though when Dew came into the kitchen for dinner this evening and Phantom wasn’t there. Dew immediately questioned the rest of the pack. 

“They said they were taking a quick shower before dinner” Cirrus supplies. 

“Yea quick” Aurora giggles “It’s been like thirty minutes.” 

“If we compare that to Rain technically it is quick” Swiss flicks the water ghoul with the end of his tail who hisses in return. 

Dew hums in acknowledgment before walking to his own room to get changed into something more comfortable. He stops though outside of Phantom’s door. He doesn’t know why, but something deep within was telling him he needed to check on them. He tried to ignore it, telling himself they’re just showering for Satan’s sake, but he already had the lock popped before he could stop himself. 

The scent of melted plastic nearly made him fall over with how strong it was. All the lights were off. The shower wasn’t running. The bed was empty. Dew peered into the bathroom to see if maybe they were hiding in there, but he came up empty-handed. That’s when he heard a small sniff from his right. He looked over only to see Phantom huddled up under their desk, knees drawn up to their chest and their face hidden. 

“Bug?” Dew crouches down to their level. 

“I’m sorry” they sob. 

“What? Why are you sorry?” 

“I know you’re only here to bring me out. I’m sorry I didn’t…I was going to take a shower honestly but then I just…I just—“ another sob wrecks their body and the space is momentarily filled with purple light as quintessence jumps from her Lichtenberg figure scars. 

Dew shakes his head, tentatively reaching out to place a hand on their arm. When they don’t pull away he scoots closer. 

“No Phantom, buggy, I came to check on you.” 

“Why?” 

“Just had a feeling” Dew shrugs “what happened?” 

It’s quiet for a moment as Phantom takes the time to find their voice. They slowly look up, eyes shining and puffy. 

“I’m disgusting.” 

“What?” 

“Oh come on Dew look at me I’m covered in scars that I can’t hide no matter how hard I try! I’m shattered! Hells even if I could hide the scars there’s no way to get rid of this!” They let the tips of their fingers slip into the empty void that should’ve been their left eye. 

Dew gasps and grabs their wrist quickly, stopping them from going any further. They let him guide their fingers away from their face as more tears start to fall. 

“Phantom…” but Dew doesn’t know what to say. 

He knows words won’t do anything. He could call them beautiful until his vocal chords gave out and it still wouldn’t clear the fog from their mind. Maybe that’s a blessing, Dew has never been one with words. He does his best with his body, so that’s what he does. He gently pulls Phantom out from under their desk. They thankfully don’t resist, allowing Dew to drag them out and into his lap. He holds them there, pressing their ear to his chest and wrapping his tail around them. He lets them cry for as long as they need to, gently rubbing their back. 

When their shoulders stop shaking Dew cups their face, softly guiding them to look at him. He brushes his thumb across the underside of their eyes, wiping the stray tears away. Dew pressed his forehead to theirs and sighs. 

“You’re beautiful to me Phantom.”

“Liar” they let out a halfhearted whine. 

“Trust me…” Dew whispers before gently pressing a kiss to their forehead. 

He travels down, kissing the corners of their eyes, then their nose, their cheeks, and the corners of their mouth. He pulls away only for a moment to stare into Phantom’s eyes, hoping to the Lords Below they’ll be able to see every word that gets caught in his throat. He leans back in slowly, giving them plenty of time to stop him, before capturing them in a kiss. 

It's soft for only a moment before Dew is pressing more insistently against their lips like this kiss alone could get them to see what Dew sees. To feel what Dew feels when he looks at them. He’d give them the breath from his lungs if it meant they would know how radiant they look. 

Even when they part they still close, lips ghosting over each other’s when Dew speaks. 

“Please believe me when I say you’re beautiful.” 

“I can’t…” 

“Let me show you what I see then.” 

Dew scoots back until he’s pressed against the end of Phantom’s bed. He turns them so they’re both facing the floor-length mirror in the corner of their room. Phantom keeps their face tucked into Dew’s neck. 

“Look” Dew gently urges. 

“Come on love bug look.” 

They hesitantly lift their head and turn towards the mirror. They put all their focus on Dew’s glowing eyes. He smiles in the reflection before pressing a kiss right below their ear. He peels their shirt off with no real hurry, dragging the tips of his claws over their skin to make them shudder. He kisses over every inch of skin that’s exposed to him, sucking lightly on their neck and nipping at their shoulders. They sigh and lean their head back against Dew’s shoulders. 

“Keeping watching Phantom. You have to watch me.” Dew whispers into their ear before softly rolling the lobe between his teeth. 

Dew doesn’t continue until he sees Phantom lift their head and make eye contact with him in the mirror. When he does, Dew laves over the branches of the scars on their neck, sucking deep marks over them as evidence of his love. He doesn’t stop until he feels a small spark of quintessence ripple through his body. 

“Sorry” Phantom tries to look away again but Dew doesn’t let them. 

“No more apologies.” 

They open their mouth like they’re going to protest before closing it and nodding rapidly a few times. 

“Good boy” Dew whispers before slowly trailing his claws down their body to hover over their hips. 

He goes slow, making sure they’re watching as he pops the button on their pants. He whispers sweetness into their ear as they pull their pants and underwear off, leaving them bare before the mirror. Dew takes only a moment to rip his own shirt off, exposing the worst of him. He grabs Phantom’s hand and rests them against the scars where his gills used to be on his abdomen. 

“Do you think I’m ugly?” 

“What!” Phantom tries to turn to meet Dew’s eyes. He holds them still. 

“Just look, it's okay. 

Phantom nods and swallows. 

“Good. Do you think I’m ugly Phantom?” 

“Of course I don’t! You’re one of the prettiest ghouls I’ve ever seen” they thumb over Dew’s scars absentmindedly as they talk. 

“Even though I’m covered in scars like you? Covered in the burnt remnants of what I used to be.” 

“I…well that’s different you can hide yours.” 

“Even if I couldn't, would you still call me pretty?” 

Phantom sighs “Of course I would. You’re you.” 

“Then do the same for yourself.” 

When Phantom doesn’t respond Dew removes one hand from their hips to slowly stroke their half-hard cock. Phantom gasps when those warm, lithe fingers wrap around him. He drags his fist over their length, squeezing gently with every pass over the head. Dew holds their hip still to stop them from bucking into his hand.  

“You’re beautiful Phantom” Dew kisses over their shoulder, minutely speeding up his hand over their cock. 

Phantom whimpers and shakes their head, yet his eyes fall to where Dew’s hand is working them. 

“Say it.” 

“Dew I can’t…please.” 

“Say it.” 

They gulp and shake their head with a whine. 

Dew lets go of their dick, letting it drop to sit heavy against their thigh. Their eyes shoot up to search for Dew’s in the mirror, concern and confusion written all over their face. Dew meets their gaze with intensity, determination set over every sharp angle. Phantom feels their resolve whither under those burning eyes. 

They mumble something and Dew wraps his hand around their cock, holding but not moving. 

“I didn’t hear you.” 

“Dew come on.” 

He waits, not dropping his gaze from Phantom’s reflection. 

“I’m…I’m beautiful.”

“Damn right you are” Dew starts stroking his cock again, thumbing at the tip to collect the pre beading there. 

“You’re gorgeous Phantom and I mean that. I can’t get enough of you. I would spend every moment tracing the paths of your lightning if you’d let me.” 

Phantom keens when Dew sucks another mark over their shoulder. They don’t want to believe him, they don’t want to accept what Dew says is true. But the conviction that he says it with makes it impossible to keep out. Their cock kicks in his hand, blurting a thick glob of pre over his knuckles as Dew continues his whispering of devotion. 

“Gorgeous. My gorgeous ghoul.” 

“Dew oh fuck Dew I’m gonna cum.” 

Dew hums in acknowledgment, setting a more steady pace. 

“Watch Phantom. I want you to watch and see how pretty you are. I need you to see it.” 

They couldn’t look now if they tried, eyes glued to the way the tip of their dick disappears and reappears in Dew’s hand. They glance away only for a moment to try to find his eyes in the reflection, but their gaze accidentally lands on themselves. They gasp a moan at the sight of their flushed cheeks and the small glow coming from their scars. When Dew notices he laughs and licks up the column of their throat to whisper directly into their ear. 

“I told you. Just look at how fucking pretty you are.” 

Phantom moans and bucks into his fist, spilling over his knuckles and onto the floor. Dew jacks them through it, muttering praise as he milks every last drop from them. He doesn’t stop until Phantom whines from the overstimulation, cock spent and sensitive. 

Dew buries his face into the side of their neck, kissing over their skin. They sit like that for what feels like an eternity until Phantom wiggles in his grasp. Dew loosens his arms enough to let them turn around to face him. They kiss him before curling up and burying their head in his chest, ear pressed right over the fire symbol. 

“Promise you won’t tell the others? I don’t want pity.” 

“Only if you promise that you’ll find me when things get too loud” Dew pokes the side of their head. 

“You’re really not gonna let this go huh?” 

“Absolutely not.” 

There’s a pause.

“Thank you” they mumble against his skin. 

Dew closes his eyes and buries his nose into their hair. His heart clenches thinking about what must’ve been running through their head before they finally broke. He hopes that maybe just maybe he’ll be able to break through to them. He knows that feeling. Knows what it’s like to look in the mirror and not recognize yourself. Phantom doesn’t deserve that. He just hopes that whatever Rain was able to do for him, he was able to do for Phantom. Phantom deserves someone as soft as Rain and if Dew has to douse the fire in his veins to that then he will without question. 

He always will.

[areyoudreaminof]

Like a Bright New Dream: Feysand 2.0

Did you all really think I wouldn't make a playlist for @officialfeysandweek?

From boot-knocking to their friendship, Feysand just reminds me what I love so much about this series. A couple that are truly partners and bring out the best in each other.

As always, deep dive under the cut!

The Warmth-Paris Paloma

It can't hurt me It's still there, but it can't now, the warmth's returning The warmth is coming back, and now, no, it can't hurt me It's still there, but it can't now, the warmth's returning

Here My Love-Jessica Pratt

He's sincerely worn this weary heart Here my love, near my love Try to keep my worries safe from where they'll do you harm But I can't be sure, endeavors I'm depending on Your love had a tender tone, would ease my own Fear my love, here my love

Head Over Feet-Alanis Morissette

You've already won me over In spite of me And don't be alarmed if I fall Head over feet And don't be surprised if I love you For all that you are I couldn't help it It's all your fault

All In Good Time-Iron and Wine & Fiona Apple

Dancing 'til we both collapse Wishing we could hide our tracks Something wants to eat us all Alive

Moon Girl-Ha Vey

Find me barefoot on the hillside swinging Pray down on your knees I'll keep all of your secrets tied up, up 'Cause I'm enveloped by the stars And I want you as you are Take me easily so far As I can dance to your guitar

Hearts a Mess-Gotye

Pick apart the pieces of your heart And let me peer inside Let me in where only your thoughts have been Let me occupy your mind as you do mine

Your heart's a mess You won't admit to it It makes no sense, but I'm desperate to connect And you, you can't live like this

Snooze-SZA

I'll touch that fire for you I do that three, four times again, I testify for you Long as you dreamin' 'bout me, ain't no problem I don't got nobody, just with you right now Tell the truth, I look better under you I can't lose when I'm with you How can I snooze and miss the moment? You just too important Nobody do body like you do

Black Mambo-Glass Animals

Slow down, it’s a science He’s been waiting to bring you down Snake eyed with a sly smile He can hold you and shake you child Leopards laze each on plush pillows Slender capes of red and chrome Paperback dreams in their deep doze Twitch their toes to black mambo

Witches-Alice Phoebe Lou

You've got this golden way of making my body sway Of making my mind fly away, of making it fly It's the world I love to be in Come on, let's go high above the ceiling Oh, we could be feeling, oh, what we could be feeling

2001-Foals

Oh, now the sun is up, high in the sky Lost in the sugar rush, violet sky Beachside candy cane, blue tongues in summer rain

I've been waiting all day inside Waiting for a summer sky When we run wild, we'll come up for air and go under again I've been waiting all day inside

Strawberry Swing-Coldplay

People movin' all the time Inside a perfectly straight line Don't you wanna just curve away? When it's such, it's such a perfect day It's such a perfect day Now the sky could be blue, I don't mind Without you, it's a waste of time Could be blue, I don't mind Without you, it's a waste of time Well, the sky could be blue, could be grey Without you, I'm just miles away

Adorn-Miguel

These lips (Would you be my f—) Can't wait to taste your skin (My friend, my freak) Baby, no, oh, no (Would you be my friend, my freak?) And these eyes, yeah I can't wait to see your grin (Art dealer chic) Just let my love Just let my love adorn you

Die For You-The Weeknd

Even though we're goin' through it And it makes you feel alone Just know that I would die for you Baby, I would die for you, yeah The distance and the time between us It'll never change my mind 'cause Baby, I would die for you

Love You For A Long Time-Maggie Rogers

Came in like a vision from the old west wind Like a bright new dream that I was steppin' in I saw your face, and I knew it was a sign And I still think about that moment All of the time You know that I could never make this up I found the reason and I'm not givin' it up I felt the fever, and I knew it was mine Oh I'm gonna love you for a long time

TAGLIST: @becandidbeautifully @bunburyahoy @bookishwithathought @foundress0fnothing @itsthedoodle @iftheshoef1tz @kataravimes-of-the-shire @melting-houses-of-gold @octobers-veryown @officialfeysandweek @popjunkie42 @rosanna-writer @romanticatheartt @reverie-tales @secret-third-thing @tunaababee @thesistersarcheron @the-lonelybarricade @separatist-apologist @velidewrites @witchlingsandwyverns @xtaketwox @temperedink @amandapearls @berd-nerd @shallyne @cauldronblssd @witch-and-her-witcher

[kalevalakryze]

Mar'e'yi'manda

A quiet night under the stars on Lothal, Shin's laying in the grass next to Sabine, "What does it feel like?" They ask, risking a glance over to the other woman in the silver light of the moons.

"what does what feel like?" Sabine hums, fingers twiddling where they're clasped over her stomach.

"To be you?" There's something vulnerable there, something that tells Sabine not to look at them, so she focuses her golden eyes into the reflection of the light that reminds her of Shin so much.

"Everything sings," Her hand raises, open towards the night sky, a gentle breeze skirting past open fingers as her other hand drops from her stomach and to the grass, caking mud under her nails when she sinks the tips of her fingers into the dirt, to the still rain-damp layers below the surface.

"Sings? They question, and Sabine can hear them rustling in the grass, rolling onto their side so they can look across the foot of empty space separating them.

"Music is in everything, y'know?" The Artist shrugged, letting her risen hand finally drop back to the ground to twist grass up between her fingers.

"The wind in the grass, the ships coming out and going in, the life in the cities, the life we can't even see, all of it; and thats just who I am."

"I am the wind echoing across stone and I'm the sun melting away shadows, and sometimes I'm the color and the world is just waiting on me to paint it; I spent too long living in monochrome prisons to be anything but this.. this life,"

"Maybe that's sappy," Sabine huffed out with a tired smile, moving her dirt streaked hands back over her stomach, clasping them together once more, as if physically holding herself in and against the earth beneath them.

"To a Mandalorian, everything is handled in song- The Manda is everything we are; past, present, and future. It's this collective of all of our brothers and sisters, the songs of the lives they've lived. I can't be me without mentioning them, and the songs they wove into this life-"

Offering a sheepish smile, Sabine dares a look back at Shin. Their gaze is cast towards the moons in thought, their gloveless fingers twirling the padawan braid in a self stimulating movement, the ball of their gemstone sliding between the lightsaber calloused pads of her fingertips.

They seemed to be deep in thought, so Sabine let her words fade into the calming silence. From the tower, she could faintly hear Ezra, fumbling as he tried to navigate their home in its new state, with the most naggy occupant in the form of a territorial Loth-cat.

When peace and good company had finally begun to lull Sabine into a near sleep-like tranquility, accent thick in thoughtful words. "The force is like that too," They were contemplative, head held up in one hand, while the other traced a line of smell pebbles hidden in the grass.

"Singing?"

"Ah... Perhaps," Shin's nose crinkled. "I do not hear the music you are referring to, but-" The wolf sat up, legs crossing beneath them and hands dropping to the dirt caught in her greaves. "I can hear the stories." When Sabine's gaze flickered back to them, she found the pebbles, suspended in the air above their palms.

"Not the echoes in the force, more..." A slow exhale, the furrowing of their brows, and a tingle of anxiety as it melted into the cosmos around them. "Your music, your manda; that is the force, for me... My Master taught that everything was the will of The Force, like the Jedi; that we are conduits of the force and executors of its will... and the force has to have wants based on experience, right?"

A smile flickered on Sabine's lips as she watched the pebbles raise higher, the stars reflecting in their eyes as they followed the bottommost stone. Even after everything, Shin never did get talking much; Sabine learned long ago to take every moment their passion and drive for understanding was allowed to surface.

"The Force is written by the lives of all, these stones were once boulders, and in the Force, their pieces can be found; they never stop Being. They will always have a story, even when we cannot see them anymore."

"Funny, Jedi and Mandalorians have a long history of fighting over things like this, when they're so similar," Sabine shook her head as she finally sat up, brushing grass out of her hair.

The pitter-patter of soft paws in the grass tickled her ears, though before Sabine's head could turn, Nix was already making his way to clamber into Shin's open lap. "Little beast," They greeted with a sigh, allowing their pebbles to drop into their hands, setting them down back into the dirt where they had been found.

"I always had a hard time understanding the 'Force is life' thing; But I get it, I think;"

"There is no true way to get it. However you interpret it, so long as you are acknowledging the life it has and the impact you have on it all, that's what it is." Silence fell over the two women again, Sabine allowed her body to lean, shoulder drifting until she was pressing against the smooth leather of the jacket she would never hope to get back. "Thanks for that; I think sometimes, I need the reminder of how big it all is, and how we're all significant despite the size of it."

"Well, you cannot punch it, paint it, or blow it up, so I doubt you would have understood it alone, Mandalorian,"

"Why you little-!" Sabine shoved into Shin, sending Nix hissing and darting off into the tall grass as the wolf and the moon rolled in the grass.

"Hey guys! The Noti are hungry and I think I set your kitchen on fire!" Ezra called, squinting at the plume of smoke from the upstairs door wafting into the night sky.

"Little brothers," Sabine shook her head as she came to a stop, pinned into the dirt with a near smiling wolf.

"Jedi," Shin agreed, rolling their weight off and offering a hand up to the purple haired woman; Force, Manda, whatever it was, both would be rich with the songs and the stories of Ezra Bridger, the Jedi who ignited a bowl of ice-cream.

[melloncolliegalaxies]

big little things

1. "how are you feeling?"

2. the sky—night or day. blue skies, gray skies,  sunsets, sunrise. stars. cotton candy clouds. the moon. 

3. "i miss you."

4. petting a cat, feeling the vibrations as they pur. listen to it, they're saying "i feel safe here. with you."

5. someone creating something for you—a drawing, a piece of music, a poem, a sweater. a meal. anything. 

6. that one song you listen to (over and over again) when you just need to feel understood. 

7. "you make me happy."

8. having dinner with people who can make a bad day feel even slightly better. 

9. when someone remembers you—your birthday, your fears, your heartaches. your favorite things. your dreams. 

10. "i appreciate you."

11. listening to the rain in a cozy spot—snuggled in a comfy bed, or on a couch, or in someone's arms. 

12. watching someone's face light up when you lock eyes. 

13. feeling someone you love kiss your forehead when they think you're sleeping.

14. watching someone you love sleep, taking in their peaceful expression until you fall asleep too. 

15. belly-laughing with loved ones.

16. inside jokes.

17. flowers on your birthday. flowers any day. flowers, flowers, flowers.

18. Christmas lights. 

19. feeling comfortable enough with someone to let them touch you, hug you, high-five you, hold your hand, trace your face and body with their fingers, kiss you. 

20. giving someone a gift they really wanted. observing and absorbing their glee. 

21. someone doing something kind for you without you having to ask. 

22. someone taking the time to (respectfully) teach you something new. 

23. pleasant aromas—vanilla, the perfume or cologne or deodorant your lover wears, whatever's cooking in the kitchen, and that very specific scent wafting in the air, you know, the one that reminds you of a happier time. 

24. doing something, anything during a very bad depressive episode. you brushed your teeth? fed yourself? showered? did laundry? fantastic. 

25. "i can't wait to see you."

26. being preserved in someone's spaces—your pictures are on their desk, their walls, their lockscreen, in a pendent, in photo albums. 

27. feeling comfortable enough to undress in front of someone, to present your natural self to them—no clothes, no makeup, messy hair. 

28. "i'm here for you" and they actually are. they're at your doorstep. they're texting you through it. they call, they listen.  

29. the scene in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind when Clementine and Joel's first memory together collapses. "Meet me in Montauk…"

30. someone asking you to listen to their favorite song. please listen to it—all of it.

31. "you make me so proud."

32. Ellie and Carl's "married-life" montage in Up

33. jinx. saying something at the same time as someone else and then grinning at each other.

34. when someone watches or reads the things you recommend. bonus points if they wind up loving it. 

35. when Joel tells Ellie "i struggled for a long time with surviving. and, no matter what, you keep finding something to fight for," in The Last of Us

36. "i was just thinking about you."

37. that thing you accomplished that no one knows about. 

38. someone supporting your work—buying your painting, sharing your novel with their friends, watching your streams.

39. the cutscene in The Last of Us Part 2 where Ellie expresses her frustration toward Joel for saving her life over sacrificing her for the cure, and he firmly tells her, "i would do it all over again."

40. "you make my life better." i met you and my smile is so big it hurts my cheeks. the sun seems brighter, this chocolate chip cookie tastes sweeter. i'm looking forward to tomorrow because you'll be there. your birthday is one of the best days of my life. oh my God, oh my God, this is terrifying—oh wait, there you are. it's not so bad anymore, actually. thank you for being here—for choosing to be here—with little old me in this brief moment in time when you could share it with anyone, anywhere in this very beautiful, very daunting, very big world. 

[yoki-doki-then]

FFXIV Write 2024 - H O R I Z O N

Gentle rain should prelude timid times. Melancholy, mirth, mischief, nothing so severe as a storm or as nothing as a clear day. The world itself makes declaration for your mind to wander and be free.

Anything else is a violation of the natural order.

Thus do two sisters do what they do every time they meet one another. They turn the sky black. There's no moon, no stars, no cracks of lightning to break the void. Just black.

Lili had been trying to enjoy her time at her Noscean villa. One of the small perks to marrying Zazamato was having access to his wide array of estates, and this one had become her small heaven. It was an ideal place to wait out the madness striking the rest of the known world, transforming the bereaved into beasts that would devour kin as quickly as claws can take.

Best not to think about such things. Best to just find safety and serenity. The Lalafell would seek joy in the little chores around the home, peppered with long ventures out in the sun, sea breeze blowing her long pale locks. Her husband once described her shining eyes as brilliant as the sea. Water reflects the sky, though, and her sister's surprise visit had brought out the most bleak, vile look she could muster.

"It's worthwhile," her sister says after endless prior platitudes, pacing along behind Lili, "to consider that if my child is ill-content with going to your family's estate, then they should be placed under my protection."

"Your child?" Lili spins on the spot. The identical twins meet eye-to-eye, the mirror broken by the intruder's need for a cane. "Did you raise her? Did you hold her when she cried? Laughed as she did? Did you hold her hand for her first steps? What motherly -- no -- what parental act have you ever committed for her? What makes you think she'd even want to share your company?"

"They are mine by blood, and yours only by Zaza's bizarre want to keep you around after you betrayed him." Her sister drew closer. Lili can't help but notice now her twin's accompaniment in the distance, a pair of linen-clad strongmen. They're far, but she knows from their look how they'd stink. Brine and grog. Dogs were better kept. "You bore his firstborn, true enough. You spurned him for some misbegotten cat from the woods for your second runt. Thus, he picked someone loyal and true to bear his-"

"Shut it," Lili says, jabbing an index. "This marriage was broken by the time I found love elsewhere. I'm not going to shoulder our entire failure just because I'm the one who made a statement."

"The blame has to fall somewhere."

"Twelve, you're tailor-made for him."

"I know. That's why we-."

"What did you come here for, except to antagonize me?"

Her sister takes a slow breath. Ten fingers rap a merry jig on her cane's head, tip pushing hard into the soft earth below. "Well," she starts. "Reminding a shorelocked sea cow how useless she is? I could come here just for that. But no, there's important business. You know the transformations happening elsewhere? The… emotional affliction?"

"Grim way to put it, but yes."

"Then I'll continue the trend. They don't leave bodies, whether their own or their victims. I've seen it. Your husband put out a call to the entire family -- me included, important to his heart as I am -- to retreat to his family's island manor. Pure isolation. Pure… opportunity."

Lili stares into her sister's eyes. Sometimes Lili tries to think back on when they were simple La Noscean children together, and they did smile and play. Adulthood robs people of those skills. The emotions become catalogued, filed away as facts bereft of feeling. She doesn't find humanity in her sibling's eyes. And she could dig as deep as she wants through the annals of her mind to find something to love, but the hate in her hands would shred everything she touched.

"You're serious."

"We're pirate-born, Lili. Not the costumed tarts of the Admiral. We take. You took from Zazamato when you married him." She looks around, smiling ever so slightly. "You're still taking from him now. Or did you pay for this with your shares from twenty-so years ago?"

"It was a call to the whole family. Zaza's a bastard, but I loved him once. My children could be there. The woman you claim your daughter-"

"Child."

"Twelve willing, you will call her by her truth if you're going to talk about my girl."

"I know what I bore."

Lili raises her hand, palm open, fingers splayed so hard the whole arm shakes. Her sister smirks as she realizes the reason for hesitation, her two men drawing closer at the sign of uncoming violence. She opens her mouth, pulling the tiniest breath of victory through barely pursed lips. "I'm gla-"

Lili strikes true anyway.

"I'm done with you," Lili says, her sister still taking in the sting, learning that a properly received slap is a whole-body experience. "I'm done with him too. You're right. I'm done with this house. I'm done with this entire family drama. I will not be his scapegoat. I won't be your… your accomplice to murder. There isn't enough gil in the world for me to put up with this anymore." With footfalls strong enough to crack stone, she marches sidelong enough to point at her sister's accomplices. "You come closer, I swear I'll be a saint of Halone when I'm done with you."

Her attention shifts back to her sibling. "This is ending. If there's anything to be gained from a divorce, I'll give you whatever it takes to get you out of my life. Out of Yoki's life. Do you understand?" The air in her chest is hot enough a dragon would be put to shame. Those breaths come in shakes and rumbles. There's no quivering to be done here.

Lili's twin, rubbing her cheek after retrieving her cane, slowly retreats to her guards once she sees her opportunity. She nods. "Of course," she starts. She spits the pain out between the pair of sisters. "Do as you will." The two lock eyes for long enough that the guards start to shift, unsure if they should be looking at their employer or elsewhere. "I wish you luck."

When the two finally split, the true daughter of the sea between them looks up to the clouds above, and she smiles. "Fifty percent of a divorce? Lili. You really are shore-brained." A breath. "Pirates don't loot half a ship and leave the rest. No."

She giggles. "They take all they can and sink whatever's left."

[cecilxa]

something so treasured, so loved

summary: xiao doesn't break promises, he cherishes memories instead.

contents: fluffy angst(?), bittersweet, established relationship, gn!reader, uh don't know how to put it lightly but the reader is deceased, changes from 3rd person pov to xiao's pov (main segment), then back

cw: death, see above for reader's status, tiny allusion to violence

recommend listening to: i love you so by the walters (one of my all time favourite songs)

a/n: part of my winter special! also i'm so so sorry this has absolutely nothing to do with winter (my fingers slipped)

A Yaksha named Alatus- a lover named Xiao- was never the sentimental type. But you changed him. He brings gifts, each with their own message. He hopes you’ll take the time to listen, for he would spend an eternity in the Abyss just to hear your voice again.

The First.

When you first met me, you weren’t scared like all the others. You were simply curious about who I was, either ignorant of my power or did not care that I could kill you in one, fleeting moment. Instead, I was the one intimidated. No one had ever treated me like that; I couldn’t help but want to know more about that new feeling you made me experience. I remember it clearly. A stormy day, clouds overcast, sun hidden behind all the grey, you could hear the thunder from all over Liyue. But you had decided to go outside. It was stupid decision; I still remember your coughs the next day. I got these Mist Flowers from Mondstadt, they remind me of the rain. 

The Second.

I don’t know how it happened, but you took down my shield. The shield I didn't know I even had. Rex Lapis said to me years ago that the simplest of things meant the greatest of moments, and I had not understood what he was saying until you held my hand. I was ashamed of how calloused and scarred mine were; I did not think that they were worthy of grasping yours. Instead, you kissed my knuckles and said that you were glad you had met me. I couldn’t look at you- as much as I wanted to- but I held your hand everytime we met after that. Some merchant was selling something that made your hands softer, and I thought of you. I probably should’ve bought it for myself, but I thought you would appreciate the gesture.

The Third.

One cloudy day, you said you liked Qingxin. I was taken off guard, but I wanted to see you happy. So I took you to the mountain peaks- fright evident on your face- but I held you tight, and when we got to the top, you were looking at the view. You could see the rolling mountains and hills, while the voices of the wind and birds drifted by. You said it was beautiful, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you. You never got to bring some Qingxin back, too distracted. But, I could still smell the scent of it weeks after. I visited that exact peak we went to, and it was like you were there with me; I could feel your hand in mine. They’re not the same anymore, but I managed to bring some back.

The Fourth.

You had a necklace made for yourself- the main crystal being made out of Cor Lapis. You said it matched my eyes, and that if you wore it everyday I would be there by your side. I asked why you needed the necklace, when I would always be with you anyway. You didn’t even question the validity of my statement. We both knew how true it was, even when I didn’t know how much weight it carried. This Cor Lapis is the heaviest thing I brought with me, but the lightness I felt on that day was like a clear sky. 

The Fifth.

I realised that I wanted to be with you forever when you pointed out the lights at the annual Lantern Rite. They shone as brightly as the gleaming stars, floating up into the sky to join the moon. But, even after all the lights, I thought it was you that shone the brightest. I still do. You looked at me, and I could see the joy that was overflowing in your eyes, your grin blinding mine. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop wishing to make that night last forever, if it made you smile like that. I couldn’t stop wishing to stay like that forever, if forever meant you by my side. I’ve had this bracelet for a long time now. I would prefer to give it to you, but there’s something stopping me from doing so. I both fear and long for it to be your voice. The red now reminds me not of blood shed, but of destiny. You were the one responsible for that change. For that, I am eternally grateful.

The Last.

Now, as I look at this stony slab of rock, rain is falling on my shoulders, like that first time we met. I barely notice it, because this rain reminds me of you, and you were always the light in my life, guiding me through the dark. I hope that I was one to you, too. The Qingxin and Mist Flowers are in full bloom, infused with adepti magic to make sure they never wilt, because each petal symbolises the memories we shared. I will never forget them; they are too precious for me to do so. Cor Lapis glows in the dark. I hope you’re still wearing your necklace, but if you’re not, don’t worry, I am here. I will always be here for you. 

Sitting next to a polished grave, some blue and white flowers, an orange stone and a little tube of hand cream, Xiao wears a red bracelet on his wrist. He hasn’t noticed yet, but there’s tears streaming down his face, hot and salty. He hasn’t noticed his heart straining, the way his eyes fill with an emotion called longing. The thunder shakes the ground he’s on, but it’s like he’s not there. Instead, he bows his head. Perhaps he’s noticed now. 

“Thank you. I am in your debt. I promise to stand by you forever more.”

a/n: merry christmas to those who celebrate it! i’m sorry for making you read angst on christmas day (this was supposed to be fluffy I swear)! likes, reblogs and comments are always appreciated ❤️

[epickiya722]

Would you mind if I ask about your thoughts on Takako Uro or Yorozu (either one) for the ask game?

Since Uro jumped on my list of faves since I recently reread her chapters, I'm gonna answer for her.

My first impression: "Is she... naked? That's actually a creative way to cover the bits!"

My impression now: As I said, Uro became one of my favorites of JJK. She's just such a cool character and I would like a spinoff story of her history. She was a leader of the Sun, Moon and Stars Squad! I would have loved to see how that went!!

Favorite thing about that character: She's just a great character to me, overall. Her design definitely captured my attention, but oh my gosh, that technique? It is so damn cool probably my favorite one in the whole series.

Least favorite thing: Oh my gosh, I hated she just blasted away by Ryu out of the fight and that was the end of her part of it. And then Ryu and Yuta got to sit down and have this chat while Uro was somewhere laying on the ground, probably unconscious, bleeding out and missing an arm because Rika fucking ate it! Glad she was alive after that though. She was smart enough in 216 to stay put because she felt Sukuna's presence in Sendai. Meanwhile, Ryu decides to challenge him... then look what happened! Uro would survive a horror movie, Ryu would probably be the first to go.

Favorite line/scene: Her response to Yuta will always be glorious to me. "The only ones who can say such things are the people who already made a name for themselves!" All what Uro had done in her first life was cater to a clan that didn't even allow her to have a name. And when she got one? When she got a name from someone she thought she could trust? She was used as a scapegoat. It was just so unfair!!

Favorite interaction that character has with another: She only has interacted with Ryu and Yuta and honestly, I liked those interactions but more so because Uro is just more entertaining during that whole fight. She was not afraid to say what she wanted and I love her for that!

A character that I wish that character would interact with more: I wrote a post about this and I it got to the point I had to write my fic, The Pink Sky and Cherry Blossoms. I wished for her and Yuji to have met. I just feel like they could have gotten along so well and I feel like Yuji would get where she's coming from.

Another character from another fandom that reminds me of that character: Mina Ashido from My Hero Academia. In terms of design, they both have pink hair and eyes with black sclera. I also find it funny they're related to space in some way. Uro manipulates it and Ashido is alien themed.

A song that reminds of that character: I have been continuously listening to Cobra by Megan Thee Stallion and every I do, I think of Uro. Also Rain by Coco Jones. That song is so beautiful and I just think that song captivates who Uro is.

A headcanon about that character: We didn't get to see what Uro's DE looks like, bit I imagine it would look like a sky with blues, pinks and oranges with hints of stars here and there. I think a sky would be fitting for her. Not only because of her technique being Sky Manipulation, but also she doesn't want to be tied down to anything. She wants to be free and the sky is an endless space she cab soar through like a bird.

An unpopular opinion about that character: Personally, I feel like she should have gotten to return at least in the fight against Sukuna. I said this is a recent post, but it just felt wrong to me that Yuta used one of her moves in the recent (249) chapter. I get his technique is copying and it was only for a second, but given how Uro feels about him and we really didn't get any closure for her character like that... it just felt unfair.

Favorite picture: She's just so beautiful!! 💖

Send Me a Character... ✨️

[r1riuse]

We got to the park. The empty damp stone paths were illuminated by bright lanterns, somewhere a couple of nocturnal birds were singing, and there was a smell of damp greenery. It was a bit chilly, but after long hot days, this evening was a real treat. The grass and foliage around shone brightly from the light, which made it seem that we are now on some other planet. And again we go together, forward, not knowing where. We just chat and wander along these seemingly endless paths of gray stone. The remnants of rain are dripping from the trees, in the sky already thousands of stars are joyfully dancing around the moon, trying to remove the annoying clouds from the sky, which still did not want to leave. What could be better? Only you. In the midst of this evening darkness, you shine brighter than all the stars, stronger than the sun on clear warm days, better than this full moon. How I would like to capture every moment spent with you, how I would like to spend every moment of my life with you. But I am so indecisive. I have something to tell you, I'm ready to talk, I'm ready to feel, I'm ready to love. But I'm so afraid ... One drop fell from the sky right on my nose, which made me frightened and wrinkled. I shuddered sharply, and a whole herd of goosebumps ran through my body, making every hair on my body stand on end. Your sonorous laugh reminded me of this empty silence of the evening park. It seemed that now the whole world would suddenly be illuminated by the bright sun and it would be warm, and all the puddles and clouds would go away immediately. And I really felt warm. Warm at heart. - You are so cute, - the tips of your index and middle fingers wiped off excess moisture on my nose. - You too, - I muttered under my breath in embarrassment, slightly turning my head away. I loved your happy face so much, but I was so embarrassed to look at it. For one drop, the next one fell onto the path, after it another, and another. In a few seconds, real rain poured down. Unfortunately, we did not take umbrellas with us, so we had to save ourselves under the foliage of a large and old oak that stood in the middle of this park. Its leaves were so tightly pressed against each other that the rain practically did not pass through them. I took off my light jacket and made an "umbrella" for the two of us, raising it above our heads. We had to hug each other to fit the two of us under our makeshift canopy. The whole situation was so funny that we couldn't stop laughing. Tears of laughter already stood in our eyes, but we felt so good now, so much fun. We stood side by side, there were only a couple of centimeters between us, and the rain was noisy, drumming on the foliage and jacket, trying to reach us. Only now, standing so close to you, I could understand how beautiful your smile is. Your tender lips stretch, your cheeks rise and a white row of teeth is shown. How I love your laughter, it is bright, sonorous, like a drop of dew that fell from one blade of grass.

[jazz-who-else]

dreaming

...& whenever i feel like the world is a hopeless place, i like to remind myself, that although there is little hope left, MY world can be a beautiful place, if i just see everything slightly differently.

i look in the mirror and smile at my tears, as i see them as my rain. i love rain.

and when i make my cheap coffee in the morning, i like to pretend i'm a barista in a tiny coffee shop in new york city.

when i visit a museum, i imagine i'm an artist looking for inspiration in a coming of age movie.

when i sing, i sometimes see a thousand people in front of my stage, and they're all there to see me. me. other times i imagine i'm all alone in my bedroom at 3am singing myself to sleep.

i like to imagine i'm my best friend when i have a hard time giving myself love. my best friend is the most beautiful person i know and she deserves everything. and so does the little girl inside of me. so i give her a shower and put on fresh clothes. i smile at her through the mirror, because she never got what she deserved.

the days i barely have the energy to get up, i grab my books and imagine i'm in an old library, reading my favorite stories.

sometimes i light a candle and breathe. i pretend i know what i'm doing. it helps.

when i pet a cat, i imagine it loves me as much as i love it. all the stray cats in my neighborhood have names. i like to believe, they have a name for me too.

when i look out of the window and see clouds pass by, i imagine how lovely it must be to be a cloud. floating through the sky, and crying my soul out whenever i feel like it. and people -people like me- are grateful, for rain is our comfort.

when i walk past a florist i imagine the people inside picking they're partner's favorite flowers to give to them and i dream of someone gifting me flowers one day.

i don't dance enough, but when i do, i dream of someone dancing with me, late at night in the living room with our favorite song playing on the stereo.

when i laugh about a silly video i see on the internet, i imagine someone next to me, laughing with me.

and every night that i can see the moon and the stars i imagine all the lovely people that aren't around anymore became stars and are watching me from above. i imagine the moon listens to me late at night when i sit at the window and talk. and when it shines, i imagine it shines for me.

a walk in nature has something so poetic about it. i like to think that i'm the main character in someone's favorite poem.

when i shower, i imagine the water is love and it runs down my body, through my hair and over my skin. it makes me feel okay. loved.

the days that i watch the sunset, i dream that i am someone's sun. far away, but always shining for them, even on the days i'd rather be dead.

and when i write, i pretend that i am someone's favorite author.

and now i realize that happiness doesn't come from being pretty and rich. it comes from being the person you needed the most when you were a child.

so whenever the world feels like a hopeless place, remind yourself that YOUR world can still bloom and that you'll be okay.

on the days that don't seem survivable, i dream that tomorrow will be better. because one day, tomorrow WILL be better. and i want to stick around to see that. but until that happends, i'll be dreaming.

[changeling6]

Changeling

I stay up late and wake up early

Just to say hello and goodbye to the moon

My wit is sharp and my eyes are pearly

I'll dance for the sky in the afternoon

I smile up at the sun in the sky

And remind myself it's a matter of time

Before I return to the world where I was stolen away

So accept me or don't, I really don't mind

But I actually do in the middle of the night

Maybe that's why I'm so tired and hopeless and in pain

But then I've taken your words and now they're mine

I'm a changeling this stuff just happens sometimes

Your forest's a playground and I want to run

Make sure to catch me before I'm undone

I'll take all your love and still decide

That I'm happy to be alone at night

But I'll peacefully sleep in your arms till the morning arrives

A changeling like me could never calm the storm inside

A little piece of my fragile soul

That the fae left for me, I'll keep it alive

In my veins, it runs with gold

But I'll make it red so I can survive

The human world is not made for me

There's nothing left to save it in time

But I can't return to the fairies

Before the ice caps melt and the oceans rise

So take my hand, run into the circle

Join my world and you'll feel alright

When you cry and your bruises are no longer purple

Maybe the sun will finally shine bright

I dance for the stars and the moon

Throughout the heartache and gloom

So I could return to the world where I was stolen away

I know that death approaches me soon

And I will have to one day leave you

And I'll still feel tired and hopeless and in pain

But then I'll take your name and make it mine

I'm a changeling this stuff just happens sometimes

Your forest's a playground and I want to run

Make sure to catch me before I'm undone

I'll take all your love and still decide

That I'm happy to be alone at night

But I'll peacefully sleep in your arms till the morning arrives

A changeling like me could never calm the storm inside

And so maybe I should let my clouds cry for once

The rain falls on my earth and the meadow erupts

With roses and lillies of peace and life

You can make a storm inside

And a changeling like me could always try

To hide my wings put a mask on my eyes

But when you look at me, I would rather die

Than ever think to hide the storm inside

But then I'll take your name and give you mine

Just as long as you smile bright

Your love is a forest and I come undone

Even when the bones in my body tell me to run

I'll trade you my love for yours and still decide

That I sleep better alone at night

But if you hold me in your arms till the morning arrives

A changeling like me could embrace the storm inside

[add3chef]

And then the picture blinks and I realise that it is the camera catering to my eye. I hear a new song with words I’ve heard before

Said before

Loved before

*Lived before*

The keyboard correcting me

Reminding my tired cannabalistic mind to leave space

But it is hungry

And starving

And it just ate

But it is never satisfied with its full plate

And I try anything to distract from the ache

I listen to the songs

I drive to the beach with a happy tired memory

One I forgot

One that made me

Tied to the person who made me

The person I forgot

And I want to scream and cry and laugh and cough and release everything into the empty sky

And and and and and and and and

The word repeats till it loses all meaning

Till the world around me loses all meaning

Till I lose all meaning

And I’m bleeding

And it’s fine

I’m fine

Always

I am the rock that hugs

But am I also the rock in the hard place?

Does my love crush

The crush is crushed

And all I can offer is the embrace of stone

But no I know I’m comfort

I’m stability

But I am so unstable

It has to hide beneath the gravel

The crunching sound beneath your vans

The ones you drew sunflowers on

They were your favourite

I was your favourite

Till I wasn’t

Till he left

And I realise as I text the woman I forgot that I cannot remember his name

The one plastered on every newspaper and street sign and water bottle

The one in my phone

And that pain, the one that made its place in your head, through your eye

Matches his wound

You lost yourself at that field

I lost you

But that’s a good thing

Because you only liked me for the sound I made under your shoes

It was like that before your headache

You were the sky on top of the warm sun baked earth

You surrounded me

Suffocating and light

And I didn’t realise it till after you were gone

The sky left the ground one day

Said she found more solace in the arms of the galaxy

The earth held too many memories

And the parts the sky said she couldn’t know were too much to bear

Even though she had been there to see them forming

So the earth was alone, with the sky still in view

Her back turned to the stars

And the ground hardened

And grew angry

And spewed lava and geysers and smoke

At the person I forgot

And the sky turned and turned and changed

Clouds and sun and moon flooding across her like the tides

But the tide was not there yet

And as the earth realised that the heavens never cared what happened to it, the lava continued and continued till there was nothing left

And the hot streams cooled and hardened and the rock hardened

And the earth turned away from the sky

And the sky turned back

Just to spit hail down

And the earth ignored it

And then the sea arrived

Consistent and reliable

She washed upon the shore belonging to her and the ground

The chilly embrace where her waters were warmed by the sphere

She would draw away sometimes, knowing her penchant for turbulent waters

But the earth stayed in place

Knowing it had a penchant for quakes

And the sky, who had turned away once more, finally looked back

She had grown bored with the empty of space

He never saw her as much and that feeling of being small was worse than the pain in her eye

And the ocean waved up to her

And she sent down gusts of wind

And the earth held on to the water

And the water held on to the earth

And the sky gave up for now

Now the earth and the ocean sit

And the sky hovers above

And the earth remembers

And I remember the person I forgot

And I wipe away at the ash that covers her spotted skin

And she blinks at me and smiles

Smiles like she never saw the eruption

And the Mother to the Earth reminds her where that memory was

But warns that it’s night and it isn’t safe to drive

And the water needs the earth

And so does the sky, although she’d only admit it in a time of regret

And the person who I remember needs me

So the spot waits till tomorrow and the water hugs the shore and the beach heats the ocean and the sky rains down tears that bounce off of all of them

And it is night filled with crickets and stars

[magpie-moon]

If you can figure out what to name it, tell me

You’re like watermelon in August, when the heat index is 102, and the air sticks to my lungs, clogs my pores and fills me with an inevitable kind of despair that only hot weather brings

You’re like BlueBell at the end of a long day and the bluebonnets on the roadsides, like the Indian Paintbrushes and buttercups that line the bayous and the hens and chickens that dot the yard, they glisten with morning dew drops and rest under roses and azaleas. They grow no matter what part of them you plant

Through your eyes, I see these walls. I see snowfalls and icy streets, air that leaves puffs of train smoke in your wake. I breathe crisp fog and glean shine from burnt lightbulbs, watch the clocks move and laugh at the ghosts that haunt me, for I am something of a ghost myself

You’ve led to everything and nothing; you’ve forged paths in my heart, in my mind, uncovered long-forgotten dreams and brought them to fruition, planting hope and sowing wishes for less wasted time and clandestine lies of petty forgiveness. You’ve made me want to remember the rhymes of childhood, the ones I sought to suppress from fear of disappointment and everything that comes with it. But I’m always disappointed. In my mother and her husbands, in my father and his new family, in my grandparents and their old-fashioned tyranny, meant to keep me on the straight and narrow. But I’ve never been very straight, and my narrowness is subjective

I’m antsy without you near but it's fine. I think about you all the time but it's fine. I wonder what you dream about but it's fine. I want to give you everything but it's fine. Maybe it's not healthy but it’s fine, and this probably isn’t even a very good poem but that's fine too You’ve made an addict out of me, and I don’t even mind the cravings

I miss you like the tides miss the moon, clawing fruitlessly at the sand trying to get closer. Instead, I only end up polishing my sea glass words and curating pearl pictures. When I think they’re pretty enough, I send them over with the hope you love them half as much as I love you

Maybe I’ve never told you this, but I sing all the time, and all the songs are for you as well

I tra-la-la around the house like a songbird with subpar vocal cords. I used to wonder why the caged bird sings, but here I am, a lark, and you’re a song, I can’t stop and I don’t want to

You make me want to write you love letters you’ll never receive. They’re full of things I barely let myself think, and I let the love-struck words leak out from my mind to the nib. Ink onto a page and onto blue bloody fingers. My heart is covered with indents from when you dug your teeth in, and you just continue to leave more and more as we go along

I hide the letters, you know. From myself or from everyone else, I'm not quite sure, but I wrap them in my stockings and stash them in a sock drawer. Sometimes I breathe them in and hold the heartsick sentiments in trembling hands. I hope I work up the nerve to show them to you one day. I think you’d find them interesting

I feel like I'm in a fever dream with you fueling the flames. And I'm still here shivering like a child lost in the rain, cold and left behind, thinking of your skin-warm hoodies and scalding touch. I want to dry my eyes on your blankets and be held when I cry during a sad movie, during a sort of depressing song that gets to me for no real reason, while reading an article about all the injustices of the world that hurt me now more than they ever did before

You're like the sun, and I constantly have to remind myself that the sun is also a star. Then I remember you are also the stars. And the moon. And every other planetary object that fills the dark sky like so many night lights

I hope this never fades. I hope I'll get to look around one day and see you full of candlelight and smiles. I want to give you butterfly kisses and watch your calico eyes, pull you close, and never let you go

Sometimes you feel like peppermint tea and heartache. I love it more than I should. And I long for you more than I’d care to admit I’m lost in space and time slides like silken wind slipping past my grasping hands. It exists, but like most things that feel important, it’s meaningless, fluid, and I can’t stay put long enough for it to solidify. And well, you're solid enough for the both of us. I'm so used to being non-corporeal, just a friendly ghost amid phantoms and poltergeists, I could barely let myself feel, let alone become something real. Something with substance and gumption

You’re helium and gravity; you keep my head in the clouds, my feet planted steadfast onto the ground. A tether to keep me from wandering too far. An anchor, so when I drift back, it’s back to the start, and I know it well. Because unfamiliarity makes me anxious, but then most things do. Its nothing unusual

You're all-consuming and encompassing. You feel like almost drowning or falling off bridges only to be caught before hitting the bottom. You're like static and I keep getting shocked. I never thought anything could be like this, inevitable. Like tectonic plates colliding, causing earthquakes that shake foundations and rattle windows. That knocks me off my feet and leaves me sprawled out on the floor, and all I can do is wait for you to pick me back up again. And I know you will. You always do

[the-sum-of-many-poets]

anthem of the solar plexus

ask any rabbit & they’ll tell you

too many offspring

no such thing

i’m wearing a coat of hungry rabbits

their warrens are in the sleeves

bower birds nest in the collar of twigs

decorated with the finest trinkets

ah

look

a beak bearing the gift of a bottle top

somewhere in the world

there’s a collector for everything

a breeze through the chest rings the medals

when it rains it becomes a waterfall

but pay attention to the pockets

the pockets are lakes

shut tight like eyes

a brow of wild fennel enclaved

listen

can you hear the gears

they’re the vermin chewing on a corn’s ear

strangely

at the time

I was speaking in bookended sentences

sir lobster lobster sir

in my genuflect of firearms to sky

I turned the stars into clay pigeons

not even their luminous toes were showing

la muerte

the thin & lanky card

flipped itself over & chose me

& the dialogue that followed

no disrespect

but

just a mess of idioms

when I resurrect

someone please explain to me

usurper the moon

or

the sun drained out of his hem

here I am trying to send a message

you’d call it a sign

remember

before this I was an iconoclast of such things

now i’m talking with the departed

about how double numbers are spooky

unaccompanied

I send my boots over to a squeaky board

the same squeak that bothered me when I was alive

while the left one hammers it down

the right kicks the clock off the wall

I mean

really

how do you miss such a ghostly ruckus

admittedly

at the time

everyone was screaming salute if you can here me

mother zephyr

your acumen please

& then i’m reminded

the will of humans to not let go

because if I could conjure lost souls

i’d gather them here

under this jacaranda

with its corollas & panicles

pinned to the mountain a lilac broach

& we’d lose ourselves in the din of small talk

we’d shout

this is our habitat

the way noisy insects do

when she brushed my fringe

foxtails formed an ocean around me

all she could smell she said

was fennel

©️David Sichler

[madhuuraaa]

//Let's hold hands and walk in the rain//

I was waiting at the park bench, looking over at the horizon; the sun beginning to set for the day, but there was still no sign of you. I started to wonder, maybe you're busy somewhere and I chose the wrong day to meet. But, it has been more than a month since we met; more than a month since I sat with my head on your shoulder, your fingers drawing circles on my thighs. Is this what happens in long-distance relationships? Is it always going to be months before I see your face out of that virtual square? I was so lost in my thoughts, that I didn't hear you come, even though the park was half empty till now; everyone went back to their homes and families; and here we were, coming home after a month.

You sat down next to me, and gently took my hand in yours, and I was home finally. All those months of separation didn't make us strangers; instead, they just brought us closer. For half an hour we spoke nothing; you kept staring at me, and I kept looking at our intertwined fingers. But it was getting late, and we didn't have time, even the sun was setting. And that's when you spoke,'Are you looking at the sky right now? These stars and the moon, they were always the same for the past 30 days, but you weren't there with me. We were sharing the same sky, but now we are sharing the same space.' You always loved the night sky, the stars and the moon and the peace calming the chaos in your heart.

In response, I just snuggled closer to you. I was never great with words, and you are always full of them for me. It was calming to just sit in silence and listen to your heart beating; I felt safe and at home. We sat there for hours, till the guard came to close the park. As we got back inside the city, the world came back to us; with its noises and chaos, but you were still holding onto my hand; as if I was your tether to peace.

It started pouring; but instead of running for shelter, you stood there getting wet, marvelling at the rain drops. 'I promised you a walk in the rain.' you reminded me. It was a long time ago, but you remembered; you always tend to remember everything about me. 'You are like the first drop of rain, soothing my skin from the scorching summer', and I spoke for the first time since we met an hour ago.