#fanfic anamation

[saturnplaza]

-- A Splitting of The Mind --

WILL DO MORE ANIMATIONS GIVE ME IDEAS YALL

[graysmiles-world]

i've just spent two hours researching and found poems that perfectly represent characters. now i'm going to spend more hours just looking up ancient celtic poems for each character and pivotal moment in the story. no one will care and no one will stop me

[bluuedraws]

Hello and welcome to my blog!!

Here you’ll find a lot of Hermitcraft/Life series art, and possibly a couple anamations. This is my current hyperfixation, so this blog with probably be updating pretty frequently for the time being. My main blog is @bluejay-flies, and I currently have a Mewtwo series running there if you’re interested ^^

I’m currently obsessed with the Watcher storyline, and basically anything Scar/Grian related.

My a03

I currently have a fanfic running! You can read it here: Fight or Flight

Requests are open!

Here’s a list of tags if you’re looking for something specific:

#hermitcraft

#life series

#grian

#goodtimeswithscar

#Grian watcher lore

That’s all! I hope you enjoy the blog :)

[pandagirl45]

Can't get Tony writing fanfics about his original characters that are not, most definitely not-not him and bucky.

It's not like he gets better at it and so engrossed he starts getting smutty with it. So much so he goes back and reads them. Makes volumes out of them to read them like cheap dime store romance novels.

It's like he anamously asked people write these characters for him. Aus. Canon stuff. He eats it up with his characters.

It gets so bad, he starts making notes and getting the written oc and actual bucky messed up. And he realizes how bad this is. He can't stop really. But gets so much worse when Harley finds one of those 200 page novels.

Harley: tony... I didn't know you had sm-

Tony: *snatches it* hey, look sorry, just... I'm old and stuff... let drop it... besides you are young this is boring... *hiding the book bright red*

It gets even worse when clint and thor finds it. Read some of it. Start quoting the words. Tony knows those because he love those words, "Hey kitten, you with me?" And Tony is dying because this is bad...

I love fanfic writer Tony.

[miss-oranje-disco-dancer]

Can I be greedy and ask for 3? 🏜️+ 🛼 + 🎨

Feel free to ignore any one of them if it's too much!

for you, anything <3

🏜️ ⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work?

my fave general comment to receive is "this made me cry" (and the like) because if i cry to a fic, that means it was really good like the fics i've cried to are all in my ao3 recs (and then there's some i haven't cried to there as well). but my favorite specific comment was one on my heavy rain fic on ao3 where someone said "never heard of this fandom or these characters but this fic is immaculate" and i was like holy shit !! i can die happily now , but i also wanted to be like no read interstate, it's a better fic than mine (literally my inspiration for writing fanfic at all!)

🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis

both of the wips i'm working on are comms (and then ofc my self-indulgent oc x character fic that will never be finished, nor published)

but for the comms:

🧸🎥🏩💵❤️‍🔥

🫂🏍️🌌👗🧑‍🤝‍👩

🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it

one of my favorite pieces of fanart from any fandom is this it was one of the most impactful moments from disco elysium (tw mention of SA) it's the "i'm 89% sure" klaasje moment :((((((

2. this one is from pinterest and i can't find the account name but i love the ethan and rose duo and the chris and rose duo father/daughter stuff is obv something that makes me emotional :(((

3. and this one from @tappioca (anam cara author!!) - gotta assume this one is a reference to anam cara (which i will not shut up about bc it has given me emotional pain (compliment) and made me ship leshley)

[daydreaming-in-letters]

Anam Cara

Part 5 - Proceeding

08/19/2021

Pairing: Andy Barber x Cara (ofc)

Word Count: 1,364

Warnings: slightly sad Andy, comfort, vaginal sex, fluff, love, so much love because Andy deserves it

Summary: Andy and Cara enjoy the last day of their holiday in Barbados, thinking of the future that is lying ahead of them.

A/N: I loved writing this chapter so much. I always like the story to end well for the protagonists and I feel that no one deserves it more than Andy to find happiness with a person who truly loves and cares for him.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

If you like my story, you are very welcome to like, comment or reblog. Please don’t copy, repost or share my work on other platforms.

With a shudder, she awoke. Squinting into the dimly lit room, her mind was barely remembering where she was, although she had woken up in the small Barbadian beach house for almost two weeks now. But something was different this morning. There were no arms to keep her close, no steady breathing that fanned across her neck in the humid morning air. With a feeling as if someone had cut off one of her limbs, she sat up to take in the room properly, and as her gaze fell through the open glass door that lead the way onto the pool deck and down to the beach, her eyes found him immediately.

He was just standing there, hands hidden in his pockets, back turned towards her, his eyes roaming the quiet waves that had not yet started to glisten in the pristine light of the rising sun. It wasn’t hard to guess what was going on and what he needed right now, and so she left the cosy nest of sheets and pillows behind to join him.

Andy hadn’t heard her quiet footsteps on the white sand, but he wasn’t surprised in the least to find her arms wrapping around his middle to secure him in her warm embrace. “Here you are,” she whispered in her husky morning voice and he could feel her hot breath on his neck before a pair of smooth lips pressed down on it tenderly. “Are you okay?”

But even before he answered, she knew that he wasn’t. “No, I’m not.”

Hugging him a bit tighter, she leant her head against his wide shoulders. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

His chest widened as he drew in the fresh morning air just to release it again with a heartbreaking sigh. “It’s just…I was thinking about Jacob. I really wish he could be here with us.”

“I know. Me too. But remember what Dr. Vogel said, he won’t have to stay at the mental institution for long. He’ll probably be back to celebrate Christmas with us already.”

Another sigh rose from his throat, this time, she guessed, to help him fight back the tears that always collected in his eyes whenever they talked about Jacob. He had been acquitted, but they had known all along that this didn’t mean everything would be back to normal. It was still a long way to go and they all had agreed that it would be best if he started therapy right away, if only to help him cope with the events of the trial and its effects on his life. It was a lot to take, especially for a teenager, and he was mature enough to understand that he needed professional help to support his healing process. On top of that, they had offered him to come live with them as soon as he was discharged and he had been more than happy to agree.

Andy’s sudden movement in her arms startled her, forcing the thoughts of the things that awaited them at home aside. When he had turned to face her, he cupped her cheeks in his large hands while his turmoiled eyes seemed to look right into her soul.

“You know, I love you so much, Cara. I don’t even want to think about where I would be without you.”

He left her no time to confess that she needed him just as much before his lips locked with hers in a desperate kiss, deep and demanding, begging her for her affection with every movement. But there was no need to. He would never have to ask for her love. Never.

He didn’t pull away until his body finally commanded him to breathe and she used her chance to grab his hand and pull him with her.

“Where are you going? Don’t you want to watch the sunrise?”

She halted, looking back at him and when she saw the confused wrinkles on his forehead, she couldn’t hold back an amused smile.

“Of course I do. But it’s our last day and we should use the time of undisturbed togetherness, don’t you think?” It took him a moment, but then she could see a knowing smirk dance across his lips. “Come on then, we can watch the sunrise from our room just as well.”

Delicately, the first light of the new day danced across his bronzed shoulder, making it impossible to withstand the salty taste of his skin. And so she gave in to her craving, pressing her mouth to it while she let her tongue lick up his familiar flavour greedily.

But she didn’t even have the time to sate her hunger properly when she could feel him adjust his angle, driving deeper into her than before. Her mouth flying open with a gasp, her head fell back into the pillows, just to find his beautiful blue orbs on her, watching her intently as she writhed in the pleasure he so generously provided her with.

Slowly he let his hand glide into hers, their fingers weaving together in an everlasting bond while he drove into her languidly, pointedly, steadily pushing her towards her high with every delicious roll of his hips.

“Andy,” she whimpered his name. Surely he must know how close she was, her tight walls already squeezing him and giving her away. Soothingly his thumb hovered above her bottom lip, but the heat of his almost touch only added to her rapture, and so his head dipped down to swallow the sweet sounds of desire that filled the room.

As always, his kiss consumed her, disconnected her from reality, but when he hooked her leg above his shoulder, making her feel the whole of him even deeper, her back arched violently as she found herself on the brink of complete ecstasy.

“I love you, Cara.”

His soft voice came to her from far away and then she could feel his lips press to her pulse point, pushing her over the edge with their loving touch. Andy grunted, a deep, guttural sound, as the sensation of her clenching walls threatened to overwhelm him. She was grabbing him so wonderfully tightly that he hoped she would never let go again, and it was the thought of being one with her forever that made him let go as well. His head started to spin as he released his wholehearted sacrifice into the temple of her body and he clutched her to his chest, grounding himself to her in the fear his unrestrained pleasure might be enough to make him lose his mind.

“Andy,” he could hear her gentle voice through the fog that still clouded his mind, but it took him too much to concentrate on breathing alone to answer her. At least, he managed to smile down at her, that satisfied, blissful smile she liked so much. And the next thought that crossed his mind was that he should probably release her of his weight. But to his astonishment, her arms only wrapped around him tighter to keep him close.

“No, I like to feel you on top of me.”

The needy tone of her voice coaxed a delighted chuckle from his lungs and he couldn’t help but press a soft kiss to the tip of her nose. There was a golden sparkle to her eyes, as warm and inviting as her embrace, suddenly reminding him of the beautiful spectacle that was going on outside the open door of their bedroom. And so he turned, facing the glowing rays of sunshine that covered their sweaty bodies in an otherworldly hue.

“Will you look at that,” the words of awe slipped from his mouth. And it didn’t take long before, from the corner of his eye, he could see her head turn towards the magical sunrise as well. Lost in the moment, her hands absentmindedly drove up and down his back and he relished in the velvety touch of her gentle caress. He couldn’t quite believe his luck, his heart threatening to spill over from all the unadulterated joy it felt, and the fear that he would never feel a happiness like this again was nothing more but a distant memory.

***

Tag List: please let me know if you want to be removed or added by either ask or DM - thank you!

@summersong69 @myloveforhenrycavill @dorothea-hwldr @omgkatinka @ashesofblackroses @amberangel112 @madbaddic7ed @icarusblinders @zealoushound @asuni921 @endofalldays01 @nerra75 @indigosaurus @nowyouseeme098 @cap-just-said-language @miss-rebel-without-applause @wheretheriversrunintothesea @maan24 @mochionly @introvertedmouse @sofiebstar @kebabgirl67 @marytudorbrandon @winterberryfox

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

AJAAAAYYY!!!!!!

You bringing back the OTP Asks is such an unexpected bright spot for me!

And I'm going to ruin the warm hearted vibe by asking if you would be inclined to do 30. An exchange of dirty talk- between PayAsh and Anjali and Aman?🙈

I LOVED the Arnav and Khushi one (pheewww) so I was dying to know how you imagine the dynamics between the other two!

Thankyou ♡♡♡

ANOOOOONNNNNN JIIIIII!

Thank you so much for the love and thank you - bada waala - for participating in the OTP ask. I see you have woken up and chosen spice ;)

30) Write a short exchange of dirty talk between them.

There was something incredibly attractive about a woman who was soft, elegant, motherly and fragrant. Payal was all of that. Akash leaned against the door and watch his wife of seven years put their twins to sleep.

Payal fastened her silk robe, grabbed her phone and headed towards him, completely unaware what her messy hair and slow walk was doing to him. Payal smiled and her heart swelled, Akash had become a better husband ever since they had their kids.  

“Pay-”

“Shush, talk softly.” Payal whispered, hoping her sweet, adorable devils didn’t wake up.

“I don’t think I’m the one who has a problem of being loud.” Akash whispered. Payal dropped her phone (thankfully on the carpeted floor) and stared at him in shock.

“What happened?” Akash held her chin and gently shut her mouth with a small nudge.  

“A-Akash ji,” Payal stammered, cheeks blooming with heat. 

“Ji Payal ji.” He replied, mirth dancing in his eyes. Payal composed herself and looked dead at him in the eye.

“You shouldn’t fly so much considering you couldn’t even think of simply removing your pants on New Year’s Eve.” Akash colored in embarrassment recalling the time he was stuck on the blasted chair.

“Perhaps many more things would’ve come off but you and your glued pants...” Payal chuckled, his hapless face incredibly comical - years later!

“I see, bohot hasi aa rahi hai?” Akash walked towards her. 

“No,” Payal tried to stop her laugh. Akash pinned her against the door, her wrists in one hand as he whispered,

“Abhi bhi hasi aa rahi hai?” Payal shivered as his free hand explored the curves he loved. 

“Akash, the kids-” Payal gasped.

“Let’s see how quiet you can be.” He grinned when Payal grabbed his collar and dragged him to the bathroom.

Anjali sat by the pool, lighting the last candle. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft breeze. A few more hours and it would be New Year. She noticed her beloved Chote and Khushi close dance in a private corner of the living room - blissfully unaware they were visible to anyone passing by.

Anjali smiled and thanked the lord for blessing her brother and Khushi with every imaginable happiness. Her chain of thought and prayers broke with her phone vibrating. 

It was a text message from Aman. 

“You look beautiful tonight.” Anjali looked around, searching for the handsome, curly haired, broody man she had grown to love. Aman Mathur. 

His name sent shivers of pleasure he had given her the night before. There was something exciting about having a secret affair. 

There he was, standing on top of the stairs, staring at her with his hawk eyes. 

“You take my breath away in more ways than one Mr. Mathur,” Anjali replied. 

“You give me too much credit Miss. Raizada, if I remember you are the one who excel at it.” Aman texted, leaning against the railing, wondering if he’d go to hell for romancing his boss’s sister. More likely killed and packaged by Arnav Singh Raizada to hell.

Anjali blushed at the text and leaned against the lounge chair, completely aware of how flattering and invisible her thin saree was under the moonlight. Keeping the eye contact she called him. 

“You are too kind.” Anjali whispered. 

“You haven’t seen my kindness yet. If you are kind enough, I might just show how kind I can be.” Aman flicker his gaze down, letting Anjali know where all he intended to show his kindness. 

“If we were alone, I’d let you know how beautiful you look.” Aman fidgeted with his tie. 

“Meet me out in five - use the back door.” Anjali cut the call and looked at the watch - it was 11:55pm. Although she no longer believed the ‘theory’ of seeing a beloved during midnight - she felt the sudden urge to see his face before anyone’s with the New Year. 

Aman shot her a grin and walked the other way, playing with the small square box in his pocket. 

--

Hope you liked this anon! I had a lot of fun time imagining how it could be! 

Love, 

- JWB

[clarasimone]

Anam Cara by @houseofthebear

@houseofthebear​ a wee gift for you. This new multi-chapter Jorleesi tale of yours is so beautiful....

Chapter 4:

 https://archiveofourown.org/works/21645769/chapters/76125860

or from the start:

 https://archiveofourown.org/works/21645769?view_full_work=true

[aashiqeddiediaz]

Fanfic End of Year asks - 15 and 29

Hello!

15. something you learned this year

That I can actually write, and I can write in two tenses hehe. That surprised the hell out of me but I’m actually quite enjoying myself.

Switching back to one tense is hell on wheels though. 

29. shortest fic you read this year

I read pretty much everything in the tags, so probably one of those 100 word drabbles? If those count as fics? Otherwise it could be a 400-500 word one, there were quite a few of those that I read.

Fanfic ask

[forthebear]

wow... the posters are beautiful 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 @clarasimone thank you for another amazing chapter @houseofthebear 😍😍😍😍

Chapters: 7/? Fandom: Game of Thrones (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Jorah Mormont/Daenerys Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen & Viserys Targaryen, Aerys II Targaryen & Daenerys Targaryen Characters: Jorah Mormont, Daenerys Targaryen, Missandei (ASoIaF), Other Character Tags to Be Added, Viserys Targaryen, Aerys II Targaryen Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fantasy, Minor Violence, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Other: See Story Notes Summary:

After a difficult year, Daenerys makes a wish for Christmas. Little does she know just how different and exciting this wish will make her life.

With two absolutely beautiful posters created by @clarasimone​ ! Thank you!!!

[grechiethegreatsxreaders]

Hanako Of The Opera fanfition hananene

Fanfic

I came up with this fanfic I i will right the rest if people like it

enjoy , grammer miskakes and spelling mistakes

Our story begins with Yashiro, Nene the daughter of a famous violinist, she was going to the opera to watch (what ever opera you want) she was also there with her fiancee Amane Yugi and her best friend Aoi ( Note that they are younger right now) As they were walking into the Opera they noticed that all of the box seats were taken except for one box seat number 7 so they then decided on that box seat 'Nene?' asked Amane 'Nene?' he asked again only this time with more urgency, when he had had enough he yelled anger silghtly present in his voice 'Nene Yashiro!' 'what' she repiled only now just realizing that she was acidentully ignoreing her fiancee Nene felt bad she had gotten lost in her head again, she then looked down hideing her face from him 's-sorry A-Amane' he then repyed ' you got lost in head your again' she then looked up at him 'I-I didn,t mean to Amane' he then looked at her with sweetness in his eyes ' its okay Nene..... besides you look cute when you do it' he teased her makeing her blush 'A-Amane y-your b-being s-stupid!' she yelled he then repiled with a michvious grin while putting a figinger to his mouth ' Shs Nene were in an Opera House' Then they continued walking to get to box seat 7, when they got their they sat down Aoi had something to ask Nene ' Nene?' Aoi asked ' yes' repyed 'Nene ' I A wanna become a dancer Nenes face lit up 'yes you should be a dancer isn,t that a wonderful idea Amane?' Amane who was looking at the people below them smiled ' yes that would be nice'

Nene smiled ' see Aoi even Aname thinks so, you should be a dancer' Amane then shushed at Nene 'Nene shh the Opera is starting 'then they all became silent and waited for the Opera to start

Time skip

During The Intermission

Nene and Aoi went to food because Amane wasn,t hungary , when they got there someone shouted' fire! therse a fire in the theater everyone out!' he screamed it everywhere, soon Nene and Aoi were running for there lives, when they got out out of the buliding Nene had only then noticed that Amane wasn,t outside 'Aoi wheres Amane!' she yelled Aoi looked at her with a horrified expression 'I t-think t-that h-h-hes s-still i-in t-t-there' Nene then ran she almost went back into the buliding only for the police to stop her ' m-miss pls stay back its to dangerous she then yelled at the top of her lungs ' n-no A-Amane h-hes still in there!' then somehow she was able to run past them and into the near colaspeing buliding she yelled into the now burning Opera ' Amane where are you! ' he then yelled back ' Nene im here!' she looked where the sound was coming from....

He was still in the box seat the way down had collsaped and he was stuck all the while the roof was qucly colspaeing Nene ahd an idea she decieded to try to get nto one of the other close by box seat so then she could pull him across to a box seat that was not blocked off

He was still in the box seat the way down had collsaped and he was stuck all the while the roof was qucly colspaeing Nene ahd an idea she decieded to try to get nto one of the other close by box seat so then she could pull him across to a box seat that was not blocked off she then ran up to the closest box seat to the one that Amane was in she then held out her hand ' Amane' she yelled ' take it' and he did he was half way over when Amanes box seat gaveout from under him and he fell with the buliding above him colaspeing on to him.... then Nenes fell but she was able to get out of it and then she suddenly lost concusenest

When she had came to she noticed that she was in a hospital room and tha Aoi was beside her she then rembered what had happened she then asked A-Aoi d-did t-they s-save A-Amane' then Aoi looked at her and said ' hes in a better place now' Nene then wept ' n-no Amane c-can,t b- be d-dead i- i love him' then she broke out in tears and soft sobs. But dear reader they didn,t find a Body...

that concludes part one I will right a part two if people like it

[autumnslance]

Hi Lyn. I came up with an idea for an alt with a potentially rp friendly backstory. But after nine years of playing XIV on my main, I’m hesitant about investing in playing through again, and am considering relegating them to anamnesis/glamourer and fic/blog. But then I feel that defeats the purpose. Any thoughts or advice?

It's going to depend on what your goal is; public in game RP, or Fanfic/Gpose and RP ends up mostly in social media.

If it's specifically a public in game roleplay character, you'll want to have access to where RP is happening. In that case, you might want to either invest the time in replay, or the money in boosts.

If it's been years since playing through MSQ, it honestly may be worthwhile to replay the story; the exp gain has been smoothed out considerably, the ARR story tightened up, and there's all sorts of things one forgets when doing it piecemeal over many years, not to mention the benefit of knowing where things are going so seeing the clues and plotlines play out.

You'll also get the various items and accesses without having to rely on mods. If you buy the boosts, you get all the items and accesses (just be aware, story and job boosts are entirely separate!).

The thing about Anam is it's only visible on your own client side; mods depends on if folks have the same ones installed.

If the character is specifically a Fanfic/Gpose character, then the Anam and fic writing won't make replay an issue; you can choose to go through it or not as needed, and use your main for looking up lore or gameplay bits.

Personally, I'm glad I replayed through everything on 2 of my alts (Iyna got a boost to Stormblood but she's #4.5, as I'd already played ARR 4 times and the rest 3). Replaying after a few years made me recall important things both large and small I had forgotten. I had better appreciation of some characters and their roles, and was better able to pick out some plotlines unfolding and how they interacted. I remembered how and why I'd fallen in love with the game's story and characters in the first place, and why I wanted to write and roleplay and generally just create in said world.

I also think it's a good idea in general to refresh oneself on the canon lore, even if one intends to write non-compliant/AU; a lot of plots and characters get fuzzy over time thanks to memes, fanon, others' fanfic and RP, etc.

So in the end, it depends on what the goal is: public RP (so easier access and resources to all the places folks have events and plots), fanfic/gpose only, and then if you do want the alt caught up, whether or not the time or the money is a bigger investment, and how much of the story do you want to resharpen in your mind to set your character and their lore in the world.

[sunlightinourheadlights]

HANANENE HUB SECRET SANTA FICS MASTERLIST

Happy holidays everyone! This year we did an art/fanfiction secret santa swap on the Hananene Hub, and here is the masterlist of the christmas/winter themed fanfics! They are in alphabetical order according to fic title. Thank you to the amazing writers on this list and for everyone who contributed in the event. 

[WARNING: it may be the holidays, but do check the ratings and read the tags for each fic carefully. Not all the fics are fluff. This is still JSHK after all.]

Hope you all enjoy!

Give Me Your Stars to Hold by sincerelyand (me!) for Rapid (@rapidfur) -  If Nene knew one thing, it was how difficult it was being childhood friends with the Yugi Twins.

Honey, Don't Feed Me, I Will Come Back by thebonezone  (@fangirlingforeverz) for sincerelyand (me) - Nene wants to marry a prince more than anything.And what price will she pay for that wish? (Bluebeard AU, Aged Up Characters) 

Imperfect by thatsrightdollface (@thatsrightdollface) for hopesartcastle ( @thehopeelias)- When she was young, Aoi Akane had liked the funny-shaped, imperfect sugar cookies best of all.

if anything happens i love you by zileywrites (@muffindounat​​)  for teafloof (@teafloof) - Amane was a young precious boy with stardust running through his veins and galaxies swirling in his soul, who had been trying in vain to protect himself from the harsh realities of life. [or, three times Yugi Aname felt utterly alone in december after the passing of Tsukasa, and one time he didn’t.]

Lemon and Peach (and you and me under the mistletoe) by Baronesscmd (SweeterThanYourDarkestSin) (@baronesscmd) for HanaNoHanabira -  Tsukasa has a plan. It may involve threatening his brother's little assistant and making Natsuhiko's life a living nightmare, but if Sakura is happy in the end it will all be worth it.

No Place Like (Someone Else's) Home for the Holidays by Hammsters (@uglierdaikon) for Sharkbytez - Yashiro Nene is down on her luck; dumped and alone in a new city where she knows no one, she's preparing to spend her holidays alone for the first time. That is, until the flirtatious bartender at the restaurant where she works makes her an offer she might regret accepting- an invitation to spend Christmas with his family instead.

Once Upon A December (Things I Almost Remember) by banjjakz (@banjjakz) for piyo_nii (@piyo-nii) -  Aoi went missing last Christmas, and the chilling bite of the new year rendered her case cold to the touch. This year, on December first, Nene opens an anonymous Christmas card to find a lock of deep purple hair. Terrified, jaded, and freshly incensed, she teams up with the boy next door to track down her best friend before it's too late.

partly cloudy, chance of snow by sourlemoncandy (@sour-lemon-candy) for Naomi -  Amane is right in at least one respect- his apartment is close to her job, vacant, and perhaps most importantly, he makes the best chocolate chip cookies she's ever tasted. 

Pining Amongst the Pines by corologs  (@corologs​) for Cheyenne / Anu (@anubis-005) -  Just as Prince Hanako had found his favorite little gardener, news of an accident brings about an opportunity for Nene Yashiro to prove her usefulness.

snowfall and frostbite by lilaflo (@istoleyourboat) for sourlemoncandy ( @sour-lemon-candy) - After blossoming into a stunning, young college student, Yashiro Nene decides to push all her past regrets and mistakes behind her.That is... until her graduating class decides to throw a high school reunion on Christmas Eve. After finding out that her ex will be there, Nene seeks out a fake boyfriend to spare herself the humiliation.And who better than her best friend, Yugi Amane.

Time, Space, and the Worlds in Between by milkteamoon (@spades-queen) for Indigo_Floof (@indigosienna) -  Amane Yugi is an astronaut stationed on a planet far away when he catches a glimpse of something he's not meant to see.

the golden age of something good by piyo_nii (@piyo-nii) for Hammsters (@uglierdaikon) - Under the silver-streaked heavens, you pray to whoever is listening. You vow to become someone she can come to rely on. Someone who can protect her, someone she can learn to love.(That night, you dream of Yashiro’s shy smile and the clicking sound of a turning lock, and that can only be an omen.)

The Greatest Gifts Come in the Most Unorthodox Places by insipidenvy (@insipidenvy) for paopu_moo (@macey-wacey) - Hanako and Tsukasa spend Christmas catching up on lost time and opportunities. The past and present couldn't be any more different.

Threads of Nettle, Threads of Gold by Indigo_Floof (@indigosienna) for thebonezone (@fangirlingforeverz) -  Nene's siblings have been cursed to turn into swans, and as for the solution...she literally can't say anything about it.

When you get together with your friend to bake, it's usually a good idea to get the recipes beforehand by Chykori  for Miko (Mito Mitochondria) -  Amane and Nene cooking together at Amane’s house! With no adult or Kou supervision. Lots of fluff, no angst allowed here in this household. At one point they do pull up Kou on the videochat because he is on a vacation trip with his family and couldn’t make it to their baking day.

Please make sure to leave the incredible authors kudos and comments! Everyone worked very hard! ❤️

[crossbows-and-moonshine]

Anam Cara (Chapter 9)

(Chapter 1)

(Chapter 2)

(Chapter 3)

(Chapter 4)

(Chapter 5)

(Chapter 6)

(Chapter 7)

(Chapter 8)

It was the sound of clamouring around outside the door and hushed frantic whispers that brought Luna from her slumber, making her sit up hastily rubbing her eyes. The door swung open making her let out a slightly startled squeak and her heart almost stopped beating when she saw Connor hauling an unconscious Murphy into the apartment with Romeo, all of them covered in blood. She stood there frozen for a moment as tears spilt down her cheeks silently, she couldn’t bring herself to speak, not just yet, as she watched Romeo run into their bedroom and lay towels down so Connor could set Murphy down on the bed. She slowly walked over and peered through the doorway as Romeo and Connor argued in another language, Connor holding a towel to Murphy’s side where the majority of the blood seemed to be coming from. A pitiful sob erupted from her as she looked at her precious Murphy, looking almost lifeless as he lay there battered and bruised. The noise made the boys turn swiftly to her, Romeo looking at her sympathetically and Connor looking at her just as heartbroken as she felt. Romeo left with the phone, presumably to call the doctor to come and help and she slowly padded over to the twins, taking hold of the towel Connor was holding and taking over, applying pressure to help slow down the bleeding.

“I’m sorry mo mhuirnín . (My darling.)” Connor whispered, regret coating each word as he looked at her with his sparkling blue eyes, his own tears falling freely as he sniffled and tried to calm himself the best he could.

“Don’t!” She snapped, unable to deal with the lighter haired twin at that moment, she would deal with him later. Right now she had to focus on Murphy and she couldn’t even bring herself to look at Connor for fear that she would explode on him. Connors’ heart hurt even more by her reaction, he felt truly alone in that moment and it terrified him. He honestly thought they’d be able to work around what was going to happen on the mission, so when Murphy got shot in the side, a pretty serious injury which caused major blood loss, he felt responsible, he was responsible, and if Murphy didn’t make it out of this he really didn’t know how he would cope. As twins they always had a strong bond and they’ve always been able to just feel each other, but right now Connor couldn’t feel Murphy, despite being right next to him. The thought terrified him, this was what it would be like if Murphy died, this empty feeling, this loneliness. And this was what Luna must feel everyday since she lost her own twin. He watched wordlessly for a moment as she stared at Murphy’s face, devastation clear as day written all over her features as she used both hands to stem the bleeding. He stood and rummaged through the big supply of first aid stuff they had and proceeded to clean some of Murphy’s less serious wounds as they waited for the doctor. It was then she noticed Connors own wound on his leg that was bleeding pretty bad too and she frowned.

“You need to do something with that.” She stated as she nodded towards his leg, making him look down in shock. He hadn’t even realised he had been hurt due to the shock and adrenaline of what happened to Murphy but it explained why he was feeling pretty woozy.

It was a bit of a blur when the doctor came, she was ushered to the door but she refused to leave as he cleaned Murphy up and removed the bullet, stitching him up with no complications. There was only one issue.

“Absolutely fuckin’ not!” Connor said shaking his head as he looked over each of them in the room sternly with his arms folded across his chest.

“He needs blood Connor or he’ll die! You can’t do it because you lost too much blood yourself!” She yelled in frustration.

“I made a promise wit’ Murph t’at we wouldn’t involve ye in t’is shite Luna, I can’t do t’at t’ him.” He frowned reluctantly. He did make a vow with Murphy that they would keep her uninvolved as much as possible and they said back at the clinic that day they wouldn’t have her giving her blood for them. But that was before Murphy was gravely injured and now faced with the reality of losing his brother, Connor found the majority of himself wanting Luna’s help more than anything. But he was trying to stay true to his word for Murphy’s sake, because when he woke up, and he would fucking wake up, he would kick Connor ass for letting her do it .

“I’m already involved, Connor!” She shouted angrily and she shoved him, she hated how he was acting.

“Man, she’s right, she’s here and she’s involved whether you like it or not. He needs her fuckin’ help.” Romeo pleaded with a furrowed brow. Connor bowed his head before nodding and leaving the room as Luna was set up for the transfusion, sitting beside Murphy on the bed propped up by the blankets and pillows against the wall. She was told to alert them if anything happened as the men all went into the living area where she could hear slightly raised voices but couldn’t make out what was said. She glanced down at the tube that was drawing her own blood from her body and transferring it into her precious Murph, keeping him alive and helping him heal. She took his hand in her own and clasped it tightly as she sobbed, trying her hardest to stay quiet and not alert the others in the other room.

“I’m so sorry Murphy, I should never have let you go.” She cried softly as she brought his hand up and placed a delicate kiss on his knuckles.

She started to feel a little light headed and sick when the door cracked open and Connor peeked in at her, coming inside with a glass of orange juice and a few cookies.

“T’ doc said t’ey’d help aye?” He said sheepishly as he sat beside her, his eyes flitting to his twin every so often with a pained look on his face. She took the juice and cookies gratefully but didn’t say a word as she sipped it and nibbled on them.

“Please Mo chroi, (my heart), forgive me?” He begged, his intense blue stare never leaving her. In any other circumstances she might have given in, but she was currently attached to his brother who still wasn’t out of the woods yet.

“Maybe you should ask me that once we know Murphy won’t die.” She retorted harshly, not meeting his gaze. If she looked at him her heart probably would have broke all over again at the heartbreak that he couldn’t hide at her words, he felt like he had been winded. Sure he blamed himself and he did expect her to blame him too somewhat after her begging them not to go, but to actually hear such harsh things from her mouth was painful for him.

“I t’ought we could avoid it, if I knew t’is was goin’ t’ hap-“

“Don’t you dare!” She yelled, cutting him off instantly and shocking him at her tone, his eyes widening at her as her own blue eyes bore into his, a fiery resolve behind them.

“Don’t you fucking dare Connor. I asked you, no I BEGGED you not to fucking leave, I told you what was going to happen and YOU made him go! He didn’t want to leave, anyone could fucking see that, but you got inside his head and made him go! You are the reason he’s lay here like this, you selfish asshole!” She screamed, trying her hardest to reign herself in, worrying that her stress might affect the current blood flowing from her. All she could feel in that moment was blind rage and she knew in her heart that if Murphy didn’t make it out of this she would never be able to even look at Connor again.

“Yer right, I was selfish. And I was fuckin’ stupid t’inkin’ we could get around it, I see t’at now.” He admitted, his voice cracking with emotion as he fought back the tears.

“Ye t’ink I don’t know t’at if he doesn’t make it t’at it’s all my fault? Ye t’ink I could fuckin’ live wit’ meself Luna?!” He exclaimed as he stood up and started pacing.

“Ye cant fuckin’ hate me more t’an I hate meself right now!” He spat before leaving the room leaving her sat there feeling a little numb. As she lay there and the numbness faded away, it was replaced by regret. She didn’t mean to lay it all on Connor and she knew there were other factors that came into play here. Murphy was a grown man after all and he could have said no and refused to go, not to mention that it was their calling from God, and she knew nothing would stand in their way from carrying out their own brand of justice, not even her. And she knew deep in her heart she didn’t hate Connor, not even in the slightest, and the fact he thought she did hurt her deeply.

She didn’t know she drifted off until she heard whispering in the room with her, but she struggled to bring herself fully into consciousness again, feeling a little dizzy from her own lack of blood now. She strained to listen hoping the voices would bring her back fully and she was almost positive she could hear Murphy.

“I fuckin’ heard it all Conn, she doesn’t hate ye at all. She was just worried.” She heard the darker haired twin rasp, his voice low.

“She hates me Murph, I’m tellin’ ye. I fucked it all up. I’m fuckin’ sorry aye? I didn’t mean..” Connor couldn’t finish his sentence and Luna’s heart gave a little squeeze as she heard him break down, sobbing. She heard some shuffling and felt the tube in her arm tug ever so slightly and she knew Murphy was trying to comfort his twin.

“I’m here ain’t I? I’ll be fine, don’t be worryin’ about me. I’m here Conn and I ain’t leavin’ ye.” Murphy soothed as he held Connor close to him. He couldn’t lie, he had thought he was going to die, he thought it was all over, but much to his relief he had woken up feeling fine other than the blinding pain and wooziness. Something which he could deal with if it meant he had more time with his brother and their girl.

“Still ain’t happy wit’ her givin’ me all t’is blood t’ough.” He added, trying to lighten to mood slightly. He was grateful of course, he knew she basically saved him, but he didn’t like seeing her like this, all pale and tired from the transfusion.

Luna tried her hardest to open her eyes and when she did she felt like the light was blinding her. Her mouth was dry and her head felt heavy as she tried to focus herself, a little whimper escaping her lips as her head started spinning once she lifted it. Both pairs of MacManus blues turned to her worriedly, she looked worse for wear and incredibly sick.

“Are ye feelin’ alright mo mhuirnín ? (My darling?)” Connor asked concerned, all thoughts of her previous harsh words temporarily erased. She could only mumble in response as she lay her head on Murphy, careful to avoid the tube. She couldn’t keep her head up and felt incredibly tired and sick. Murphy’s free arm reflexively wrapped around her and he kissed her head lovingly.

“Get t’ doc Conn aye?” Murphy asked worried as he glanced at his twin with a furrowed brow. Connor wiped his eyes and sprang up to get the doctor right away.

She ended up drifting off again for God knows how long and this time when her eyes opened she noticed Murphy now propped up with pillows and she had a soothing cool hand against her head which she soon realised was attached to Connor. When he saw her eyes open he recoiled his hand, fearing her reaction after their earlier encounter, and it made her heart drop a little as she missed the contact. She then looked to her now slightly bruised arm and noticed it free of the tube much to her relief. She sat up as the brothers stared at her for a moment, no doubt making sure she wasn’t going to pass out again or throw up everywhere and she shuffled over to Murphy and embraced him carefully. He winced a little as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, a lump in his throat with unspoken emotion. He was so grateful to have more time here on earth with those he loved, especially his angel. He closed his eyes and took a shaky breath as he just held her and he could feel her tiny body shaking as she sobbed into his neck, feeling her tears on his skin.

“Hey now Mo searc, (My love), It’s alright, no need t’ cry.” He soothed as he let his hand run through her long dark hair.

“I-I thought…thought you…” She was sobbing and couldn’t breathe enough to form a coherent sentence.

“Shhhh love, I know. But I’m here.” He whispered, kissing the side of her face. Connor left the room to give them some space and he couldn’t help the twinge of jealousy he was feeling. He really felt like he had messed it up between them and he didn’t know what was worse, if she broke it off with both of them or if she just broke it off with him.

When she managed to calm down she moved away slightly to look at him and his smile warmed her heart, there was no doubt he loved her from the way his face lit up just from seeing her and she couldn’t help but smile back as she wiped her tears away.

“Come here love.” He smiled as he cupped her cheek and kissed her. The kiss was intense and if she was stood up it would have made her knees weak. Even though he was there and she could feel him she still couldn’t shake the emotion of nearly losing him and she found herself touching him wherever she could, trying to convince herself he was actually here and she wasn’t imagining it. He held her close and poured himself fully into the kiss, nearly taking her breath away. When they parted he rested his forehead on hers and smiled lovingly at her, making her return it.

“I love you.” She whispered. She hadn’t really planned on saying it so her face mirrored his when he looked at her almost startled by her admission. But truth be told she nearly lost him today and he would have died never knowing how she truly felt, and she wanted him to know.

“Ye…ye mean t’at?” He asked cautiously as if she was just going to take it back or laugh it him and tell him it was all a cruel joke. She stroked his cheek and looked at him sincerely.

“I do Murphy, I love you so much.” She admitted, a slight pink tinge colouring her cheeks. The grin the broke out on his face could have melted her, she had never seen him so happy before ever.

“I love ye too Mo searc. (My love.)” He said, his voice thick with emotion as he pulled her in for another kiss. Those words meant everything to him, it made nearly dying being worth it just to hear those words come from her beautiful lips and his heart was swelling with emotion for the girl as he kissed her deeply. Neither Luna or Murphy were aware that Connor was just outside the door and heard the whole thing, his heart feeling like it had just been stomped on. He grabbed his pack of smokes and opened the window, climbing onto the fire escape and walking up to the roof. He had fucked things up and now she wanted Murphy and not him. And as he stood there on the roof smoking, he broke down, letting his tears fall freely knowing he was alone, leaning against the railing. He couldn’t help but think this was the worst day of his life.

[daydreaming-in-letters]

Anam Cara

Part 1 - Longing

08/05/2021

Pairing: Andy Barber x Cara (ofc)

Word Count: 1,821

Warnings: strong attraction between Andy and Cara, so I would label it as cheating already although nothing physical happens yet; if that topic bothers you, you might want to stay away from this story; also the philosophy teacher in me might me showing, sorry for that

Summary: Ever since Jacob has been accused of killing Ben Rifkin, the Barbers have arranged for a private tutor to teach him. But since Mrs Mandel is not skilled in all of Jacob's subjects, her neighbour Cara has offered to help out, alternating with her. Over time, Cara has become friends with the Barbers, a fact that will soon change all of their lives as she grows closer and closer to Andy with every visit.

A/N: I would like to dedicate this to my dearest friend @ashesofblackroses , who never tires of encouraging me and is always up for a good swooning session. I hope you like it, my loveliest 🦙.

Please note that I wrote the greatest part of this over a year ago and I feel like my writing style has changed a lot since then. So I apologise in advance if this doesn't have the narrative style you are used to. Of course I edited it a bit, but I didn't want to change it too much. I hope you will enjoy it anyway.

Divider by @firefly-graphics

If you like my story, you are very welcome to like, comment or reblog. Please don’t copy, repost or share my work on other platforms.

“Hi Cara, come on in.”

“Hi Andy.”

The warm smile on her face made his insides twist and turn. He stepped aside, welcoming her in, deeply inhaling her bloomy scent when she passed him by.

Patiently she waited by the foot of the stairs for him to close the door.

“Jake?” he called, his voice echoing through the house. “Can you come downstairs, bud? Cara’s here.”

When there was no immediate reaction, he raised his voice a bit further. “Jacob!”

With an apologetic smile he turned towards his son’s tutor. “Why don’t you wait outside on the deck while I go check on him?”

“Sure.” She shot him that smile again, so honest and pure, and he couldn’t help but feel abominable for thinking about her the way he did, had done for the past four weeks.

Still, he couldn’t refrain himself from smiling back, giving her that half smile - only one corner of his mouth turned up, head slightly tilted, eyes peaking out mischievously from underneath his long lashes - that he knew would never fail to have the desired effect on her. And like clockwork he could see the faintest hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks before she turned away, hurriedly crossing the kitchen on her way to the back door.

When he finally crossed the kitchen himself a while later, he let out a slight snort when he checked the time on his phone. He couldn’t really tell when she had arrived at their house, but assuming that she had been on time - 9 o’clock sharp - like she usually was, she had been sitting outside for at least fifteen minutes by now.

Through the glass of the closed back door Andy could make out her frame in one of the chairs. She was sitting with her back towards him, gazing out into the backyard and for a split second he had the thought that she was exactly where she belonged.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting so long,” he apologised as he stepped out onto the deck. Strangely enough, she showed no reaction at all, seemingly completely unaware of his presence. Tenderly, he laid his hand on her shoulder. “Cara?”

She jumped, immediately pulling out one of her AirPods and turning in her chair to face him.

“Andy, oh my God. You scared me to death.”

“Shit, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

But she was already laughing, obviously having overcome her first scare and now compensating her fear.

“It’s alright. It was my own fault really.” She hinted to her headphones which she had placed on the table in front of her.

Andy found himself laughing along with her. Being happy or having fun was a rare thing nowadays in the Barber family home. But when he remembered why he had come out here, his smile faltered and he had that apologetic look on his face again.

“Cara, um, I’m sorry. Jake refuses to come downstairs.”

With a sympathetic smile on her face, she nodded. “Bad day?”

“Yeah, I’m afraid so. I’m sorry you came all the way out here.”

He had expected her to stand up and make to leave immediately, but to his surprise she stayed put.

“Don’t worry about it.”

He pulled out the chair next to hers and sat down, indecently close, but she didn’t say anything and she also didn’t move her chair away.

“You know, I actually like coming to your house.” She seemed a bit flustered, yet she refused to look away. “It feels like visiting friends.”

She had this natural habit of making people feel comfortable around her. He knew it was not only him, but that Laurie and Jake benefitted from this talent as well and it was not the first time that he was thankful she had found her way into his life exactly when he needed it the most.

“Can I ask you something personal?”

“Go ahead, Mister Prosecutor. But since we’re not in court, I may choose not to answer it.” She gave him a cheeky grin and he instantly felt a bit lighter.

“Why are you doing this, Cara? Why are you coming here without judging like everyone else?”

It seemed she needed to think about his questions for a moment, choosing her words carefully before she answered, her dark eyes locking with his once again.

“Human dignity is inviolable.”

Andy looked at her with a puzzled frown on his face.

“It’s the first article of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the German Constitution, but you surely know that. I learned about it in one of my philosophy classes. Did you know that the sentence goes back to one of the greatest philosopher’s whose work I ever had the honour of reading? Immanuel Kant. He stated that every person has an inherent value that cannot be taken away by anyone or anything because it is assigned to them simply by the fact that they are people. I strongly believe in the truth of these words.”

Once again, he was completely stunned by this unearthly being in front of him.

“So, what I want to say is, whatever Jacob has or hasn’t done, it doesn’t matter. He is still a human being with an inherent dignity. And that makes him worthy of love,” she was pointing at Andy, “and education.” Twisting her wrist, she was pointing at herself now.

Silenced by the incontrovertible truth of her words, he just continued looking into her gentle eyes. It was clear to him that she meant every word she had just said, and in this very moment he knew that there was no going back from here on. She had enchanted him, body and soul, and there was nothing he could do about it.

“I think I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

She blushed, her cheeks turning a lovely peachy colour, but she still held his gaze, her eyes sparkling from his revelation. For a moment, they just looked at each other, neither of them being able to pick up the conversation just yet.

“What are you listening to?”

Not capable of following his train of thought, the sudden change of topic seemed to startle her. So he helped her with a nod towards the AirPods on the table and finally the frown on her forehead started to fade.

“Oh, nothing interesting really.”

“It’s interesting to you or you wouldn’t listen to it.”

“Right.” She smiled. “It’s just some classic stuff. Ludovico Einaudi. I can’t blame you if you’ve never heard of him.”

“I haven’t, sorry.”

She shrugged as if to say, I told you so. “Is he any good though?” And without waiting for an answer he grabbed one of the AirPods and stuffed it into his ear. Patiently, he waited for her to do the same.

“That’s my favourite.”

Softly, the melody started to invade his ear, a simple harmony of piano and strings, slowly weaving its way into his very core. It seemed to touch a part somewhere deep inside of him, filling his heart with something he had never known before.

He looked over at her. Eyes closed, her relaxed face was carrying an almost invisible smile. The warm light of the morning sun made her skin shine like gold, accentuating the delightful freckles that decorated her face.

And suddenly he started to really feel the music, to understand its true meaning, the all-consuming, heartbreaking longing of the melody pouring from his overflowing heart.

His hand moving on its own, he reached over, taking her hand in his. He watched in disbelief, unable to stop himself, thinking that she might jump and pull away, telling him to leave her alone. But to his utter surprise, she let him hold it. She didn’t even open her eyes and just continued to enjoy the music.

“Why do you like it so much?”

Slowly she opened her eyes.

“I don’t know. I mean, I’ve always liked the harmony of piano and strings, but there is something else about this song. Something that just like stirs something deep inside of me. I know it sounds tacky, but it just calms my soul. And there is also this other component, this— “

“Longing.”

She looked over at him, the astonishment apparent in her eyes. “Exactly.”

“And is there anything your heart is longing for, Cara?”

For a moment there was silence and although his question had taken her completely by surprise, her eyes told him everything her mouth would never dare to confess.

“No.”

After all this years in the courtroom, he knew how to tell that someone was lying. Sometimes it was difficult, especially with the people who were used to telling an alternative truth and had perfected their skills, but there was always something that gave it away. With a pure soul like her though, it was easy. He could see right through her.

Instinctively his hand found its way to her cheek, pulling her closer. He leaned in while his thumb was gently caressing the apple of cheek, enjoying the softness of her warm skin. Slowly he could feel her resistance fade as she surrendered to his touch. She was so close now that he could already feel her hot breath fanning across his lips, nothing more between them than a mere heartbeat, when she unexpectedly pulled away.

“Andy,” she sighed his name, the desperation in her voice immediately transferring to him, and a violent shiver took hold of him. He already knew what she was about to say, the same thought screaming out to him, and yet he had been willing to ignore it. “We can’t.”

She was shaking now, pupils dilated, her breath coming out in shallow puffs. Everything about her told him that she wanted it too, yet she held herself back with all her might.

“I should leave.”

Grabbing her bag, she was hurrying to bring some distance between herself and him. She shot up out of her chair, causing a loud rumbling noise on the wooden floor that urged him to rise from his chair as well. Her flight instinct finally taking over, she had already reached the end of the stairs, one foot touching the asphalt that covered the driveway in front of the garage, when he caught up. In the blink of an eye, she spun around, wide eyes fixed on the spot where his strong hand wrapped around her wrist.

Smirking down at her turmoiled face with a wolfish grin, he was astounded that she didn’t resist. Instead, she had just frozen in place, looking at him intently, while he took his time pulling the AirPod from his ear and placing it gently in the palm of her hand. With his free hand, he closed her fingers around the small object. Holding her hand in both of his now, he leaned closer, placing his mouth just beside her ear. “Don’t forget your longing, love.”

Part 2

***

Tag List: please let me know if you want to be removed or added by either ask or DM - thank you!

@summersong69 @myloveforhenrycavill @dorothea-hwldr @omgkatinka @ashesofblackroses @amberangel112 @madbaddic7ed @icarusblinders @zealoushound @asuni921 @endofalldays01 @nerra75 @indigosaurus @nowyouseeme098 @cap-just-said-language @miss-rebel-without-applause @wheretheriversrunintothesea @maan24 @mochionly @introvertedmouse @sofiebstar @kebabgirl67 @marytudorbrandon

[scapegrace74-blog]

Saorsa, Chapter 28

A/N  Here is the next installment of Saorsa.  I’m not sure how I feel about this chapter.  I knew I wanted them handfast, couldn’t work it into the modern marriage ceremony (which we don’t see anyway), but wanted there to be some acknowledgement of their deepening relationship.  In the series, that happens because Claire doesn’t go through the Stones.   This is my equivalent.

Rather than link to all previously posted chapters, I’ll just direct those of you wanting to catch up on your Saorsa-reading to my AO3 page, where the fic is posted in its entirety.

Thank you to each of you liking and reblogging!  It does my little fanfic writer’s heart good.

She wasn’t a demonstrative person by nature.  The circumstances of Claire’s childhood had seen to that.   Practical, pragmatic, emotionally cautious: the nomadic life of an orphan following her scholarly uncle about the globe had shaped her for an adulthood of no-nonsense behaviour.

Which didn’t explain why she was swallowing back tears the Monday evening after Easter.  She sat on their bed watching Jamie pack a simple change of clothes and slip a few spare coins in a hidden slit inside his tall leather riding boots.   She could blame her pregnancy, but it had been many months since her last hormonal outburst.   In truth, she was afraid for Jamie.  He was undertaking a difficult twentieth-century journey with only his eighteenth-century wits to guide him.   She was going to miss him horribly.  A nagging premonition gnawed at her, that he would leave and never come back.

“Dinna fash, Sassenach,” he said, noticing her discomposure.  “I may be new tae these times, but I ken a thing or twa about keeping safe on a long journey.  An’ Rupert will watch o’er me, leastaways as far as Edin’bra.”

“I know that, Jamie.  I just…”   She broke off, hands unconsciously cradling her swollen belly, as though comforting the child within her was the best she could hope for.

“What is it, mo chridhe?  Are ye worrit about the bairn coming early?”

“No.  Not really.  First babies are often born late.  I’m worried about…” she broke off, at a loss to articulate the swirling mix of emotions she was feeling.

Jamie must have intuited her ambivalent state of mind, for he settled next to her and enveloped her hands in his.

Still new to the art of husbanding, he had learned that the best way to induce Claire to talk was to offer her silence to fill.  He therefore sat quietly, tangling and untangling their fingers.

“I can’t help but feel…” she began hesitantly, “that once you leave Lallybroch you’ll… oh, I feel stupid saying it…”

“Out wi’ it, Sassenach.  If it’s causin’ ye tae fret sae badly that ye didna remind me tae pack spare socks, then it needs to be given voice, aye?”

She grinned ruefully, then tried to collect her scattered thoughts.

“I know you chose to stay here, in this time, rather than return to your own.  Given what you know about the aftermath of Culloden, it was a reasonable choice.  But Jamie…” He could see how dearly this was costing her.   A furrow of worry bisected her brow, and her molten eyes looked haunted.  “Jamie, you’re a Highland warrior, and I can’t help but feel that I’ve turned you into some kind of glorified field hand and future babysitter.  And that once you leave Lallybroch, you’ll not want to return.”

Having blurted out her fears, Claire’s gaze sheered away from her husband, focusing instead on the patterned wall coverings.

“Claire…” he breathed, stunned by her revelation.   “Sassenach, look at me, will ye?”

Their eyes met, and the look he was giving her was so pained that she blinked in shock.

“Have I given ye reason to doubt my commitment to ye and yer bairn?”

“No,” she answered plainly.

“And was it no’ me who asked ye, ripe wi’ another man’s child, to be marrit?” he continued.

“Yes, it was.”

“It’s true that I’m a Highlander, Sassenach, an’ a proud one a’ that.  But I was a warrior by necessity, no’ by desire.  I fought because to do ought would ha’ been craven, an’ my Da didna raise me tae be a coward.  Twas the only way I kent tae protect my family, my clan.   Now ye and this bairn are my family, an’ those who serve Lallybroch are my clan.  I may no’ ken much about yer science an’ industry, but I can provide for my own, an’ tis my great honour tae do so.  And if so doin’, I help ye raise a braw wee Scot tae be laird or lady of this home of my heart, weel, I will one day die knowin’ I was a credit tae the Fraser name.  In my time, I would be ded, or just as well.  Here, I can do wha’ I was born tae.  Now I ask ye, why would I turn from that?  Why would I turn from ye?”

It was the most he’d ever spoken about matters neither practical nor routine, and she took the words inside her heart where they lit a spark in the tinder of her newborn love.

“It does pain me, though, that ye feel I asked ye tae be my bride merely because it was prudent.  I havna done my duty as yer husband, if ye dinna ken…”

Jamie stood abruptly and held out his hand.  She grasped it gratefully to leverage herself from the bed.

“Follow me, Sassenach.  It’s high time tae address my neglect.”

***

Murtagh looked mildly perturbed to have his evening’s routine interrupted, but scarcely more so than usual.  A few murmured words in Gaelic from Jamie and he grunted in surprise, appraising Claire’s hastily donned overcoat and pale blotchy skin.

Claire was surprised to find the small croft next to the stables comfortably appointed, its solid wooden furniture decorated with heavy woolen throws and the occasional cushion.    An ornate picture frame adorned the mantlepiece, displaying a dour couple posed stiffly in outmoded wedding clothes.

Disappearing through a darkened doorway into the croft’s only other room, Murtagh returned carrying several objects: a long strip of frayed tartan, a two-handled tarnished silver cup, and a short dagger in its sheath.  Murtagh placed the items on a low table and exchanged a significant look with Jamie before returning to the adjacent room.

“Claire,” he began, and she could sense the air in the room shift with his pronouncement of her Christian name, muted but sure.  “I ken that you and I, weel, we’re still new.  But the lady I’ve come to know, she’s… weel, she’s all that I could e’er want in a wife.  Canty.  Brave.  Strong and fierce tae make me heed, but soft and gracious and sae, sae beautiful, she can make the sun shine on a cloudy day.  I could travel through the stones across the ages, and no’ find a better companion fer my heart.  So I’m asking ye, Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser, will ye do me the ‘onour of becoming my wife?  No’ because ye’er wi’ child.  No’ because ye need me tae drove yer sheep or mend yer fences or tend yer hearth.  I want to be marrit’ to ye because ye’er the only future I wish tae know.”

He was balancing both her hands on his open palms.  She fixated on their size; broad and calloused, yet always gentle with her.  She smiled and felt him take a deep inward breath.

“Jamie… I… that… but we’re already married!” she blurted.

“Aye.  The church ‘as blessed us, and a good thing too.  I feared I would be goin’ tae ‘ell fer all the lustful thoughts I had of ye, bonnie wee thing that ye are.  Tis a relief tae be back in God’s good graces.”

His impudent smirk released the tension from the room.

“Very funny,” she retorted.  “But seriously, Jamie, why are we here?  And what is all this…” she gestured towards the table.

“Have ye ne’er heard of handfasting, my Sassenach lass?  Tis the proper Scottish way tae be marrit’.  When ye’er bound together in the auld way, they say nought can come between ye for a year an’ one day.  Sae I’ll ask ye again, Claire, will ye accept tae be my wife?”

“Of course, you ridiculous man.  Why else would I be standing in Murtagh’s croft in the dead of night, wearing nothing but an overcoat atop my nightgown and slippers?  I swear, James Fraser…”

Any further chastisement was halted by his sudden, emphatic kiss.  She nearly lost herself in his mouth before she remembered Murtagh was only a few feet away, waiting for them to finish their quiet conversation.  Jamie called him back to the room with a shrill whistle.

Standing before the fire, Murtagh first unsheathed the dagger and drew it roughly across Jamie’s outstretched palm.   Claire flinched, but only a few scarlet beads of blood rose from the shallow cut.  Understanding what was coming next, she extended her right hand and received a matching slash.  Jamie then pressed their bleeding palms together.  Murtagh quickly enveloped them in several loops of the tartan sash.

“Is that…?” she asked in wonder.

“Aye, tis a wee strip of my plaid.  Murtagh saved me a piece a’fore ye burned the rest, ye heathen,” he joked, calm now that the ceremony was underway and she hadn’t laughed in his face.

“What now?” Claire asked, feeling the slippery warmth of their co-mingled blood against the fine skin of her wrist.

“We repeat our vows.  I ken ye dinna understand the Gàidhlig, but would ye consider sayin’ the Fraser oaths?  I could translate them for ye and…”

“Jamie,” she interjected.  “Of course I want to use your family’s vows.  I am a Fraser, after all,” she asserted proudly.

Slowly, using only their free hands, Claire and Jamie each grabbed an end of cloth.  Staring at his mouth to capture the nuance of the unfamiliar sounds, Claire slowly repeated after Jamie:

‘S tu smior de mo  chnàimh , na mo chuislean ‘s tu ‘n  fhuil

Bheir mi dhut-sa mo chorp, gum  bith ‘n  dithis mar  aon

Bheir mi dhut-sa  slàn m’  anam , gus an  crìochnaich ar  saoghal

With each phrase, they clumsily tied a knot above their pressed hands, until the room was silent and their hearts were full.  Unsentimental to the last, Murtagh quickly unbound their hands and wiped the blade of his dirk on the plaid.

Jamie opened a nearby cupboard with apparent familiarity and withdrew a half-empty bottle of whiskey, pouring a generous amount in the double-handled cup. Murtagh growled something unintelligible in Gaelic.

“Tis my wedding day, ye auld coot.  Dinna be parsimonious,” Jamie replied easily.

“Tis yer handfasting day, ye muckle-sized eejit, an’ tha’s my only bottle,” Murtagh retorted with no malice.

Claire grinned at their easy banter, happy that Jamie had made a friend in the older man.  Besides her, Murtagh was the only person to know Jamie’s secret.

“Here, Sassenach.  A’fore Murtagh here drinks it himself.”

Grasping the offered cup, which Jamie informed her was called a quaich, in both hands, she took a hasty sip while looking at him over the bowl.  His blue eyes danced in merry amusement.   Receiving the quaich, Jamie finished the amber liquid, watching her all the while.   Something crackled between them, and both could feel the buzz of it in their veins, stronger than any liquor.

“Weel,” Murtagh interrupted, “if tis all the same wi’ you, I’ll be goin’ tae bed.  There’s sheep that require dipping t’morrow.   Godspeed tae ye, lad.  Dinna forget what I told ye about the roads beyond Edin’bra.”

With a polite goodnight to Claire, Murtagh fled to the other room.

“Well,” Claire began.

“Aye.”

At this rate they’d still be standing in the croft’s living area when Murtagh rose at dawn, staring at one another.

“What did you have me say, exactly?” she asked.

“You are the marrow in my bones and the blood in my veins.

I shall give you my body, that we two might be one.

I shall give you my whole soul, until our lives shall be done.”

“Until our lives shall be done?” she asked in a timorous voice.

“Aye, Sassenach.  Ye’er stuck wi’ me,” he tried to jest while they slowly made their way across the courtyard and up the stairs of the main house, leading each other through the dark towards home.

“It’s a good thing I love you then,” she confessed.

“And I you, mo nighean donn.  Come.  Let me show ye how much.”