#gave him a reason to hope for a brighter future

[wr-n]

GOD i love dustard,,,,, GOD,,,,, yeah,,, yeag,,,,

they're just,,, SO GOOD i cant even,,,,

[heartofmortis]

✶ Lionheart

Chapter One

Robb Stark x (Baratheon/Lannister!) Reader

warnings: mentions of alcohol consumption, robb is down bad

note: ignore the reign pilot inspo in the third scene lmfao

word count: 4.1k

tag list: @houseofamidala @madeofstaardust @justmymindandstuff (lmk if you want to be added of removed!)

masterlist

You walked with heavy steps. Your gaze flickered sideways to the Silent Sisters, who stalked around the body of Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King. The former Hand of the King. A cold shiver tensed your body as you walked. The air had felt heavy since Lord Arryn passed. Mere days ago, you and Lord Arryn had talked, as you often did. It was no life-changing conversation: you spoke of the weather, how you felt about reaching marriageable age, and what was the last book you read. But it was the last time you spoke before the Hand took ill, wracked by a horrid fever — your mother had the masters flurry around you for two days to make sure you had not been infected. All things die eventually.

Your path led to your mother and uncle — the golden, twin lions — who were also watching the Silent Sisters and Jon Arryn, watching like vultures after their prey. Jaime Lannister’s head raised as you approached, his smile at you made brighter by the gleam of his Kingsguard armour.

“How was the Small Council meeting?” Jaime asked, one hand on the pommel of his sword.

“Dull, as usual,” you admitted. You attended most meetings of the Small Council as your father’s cupbearer, even though Robert Baratheon seldom attended the meetings, and you spent more time listening into the Council’s discussions about the state of the realm than you did offering refreshments. It was your grandfather, Tywin’s suggestion to your father that you attend the meetings. You were just a girl, but you were a princess too. You could not influence what was being said, but you could learn. “They were predicting who is going to be the next Hand of the King.”

Cersei turned from the funeral preparations to look at you. “Who do you think should be Hand?”

“I don’t think my opinion matters. Father told me he is going to ask Lord Stark.”

Your mother chuckled. “A Stark this far south for that long? Northerners never fare well here.”

You caught your uncle looking at the centre of the throne room. “Eddard Stark is an honourable man. He might do a good job.”

“Did your father mention who is following him when he travels to meet with Ned Stark?”

You gave a short laugh. “All of us.”

***

The streets of King’s Landing were bustling with smallfolk. With your blonde hair braided back and a thin cloak over your sky-coloured dress, you ran like a river down the cobbled pathways. Accompanied only by two of your ladies in waiting, you made frequent quiet visits into the capital city. You saw no reason to hold yourself higher than the smallfolk: you were all the same and they had far more need for gold than you did.

You brought yourself to one of the orphanages in the city. The matron on the door graciously gave you entry. There were too many homes for children in King’s Landing — children who had lost their families to sickness, drowning, starvation, or terrible accidents. In the few official visits your family took through the city, you saw too many people left to fend for themselves. It was the least you could to try and help the children into good positions. They deserved good lives, these children were the future. (So were you.) You were a ray of light, a hope for the future. A sign that the smallfolk were not forgotten by all the lords and ladies in the land. Your heart did not crave power and a throne, despite the world you were raised in, instead you laid it with the people. Those trodden into the dirt by people like you — you liked being the exception, though you wished it could stand for more.

With your pockets of gold and sharp mind, you devoted yourself to helping people. You donated to keep the houses running, to keep children safe, and taught them to read and helped them draw, and showed them that someone cared for them. But today’s visit was filled with less joy than usual. If you and your family were to travel North to the seat of House Stark, you did not know if or when you would return home from Winterfell. (You tried to fight the thoughts of leaving people behind, you knew this journey would be good for you.) You had already had help lined up to continue your efforts in the city. It would take weeks to travel to Winterfell, you would be gone for months at the least. You would miss the children greatly — the bright-eyed skinny figures who held your hands and reminded you of your youngest siblings, Myrcella and Tommen.

The children were far from thrilled when you explained your journey to them. Worse, so many of them wanted to join you, to flee the city and take refuge in the cold north — you had no choice but to break their little hearts and tell them they could not go with you.

A brunette girl stuck out her bottom lip. “Why would you go when it is pretty and summer here?”

You scooped the girl onto your lap. “I haven’t much choice, I’m afraid. I’m supposed to marry the future Lord of Winterfell.” (It was all that encouraged you to go. You had not seen Robb Stark in years now, but he was a kind boy and you missed him.)

“But the North is scary!” one child whispered to his friends when you objected to them coming with you. “It’s all big and cold. Man-wolves live there.”

“Why can’t he move south and live here?”

“All their ghosts freeze in the snow and come back as dead ice creatures!”

Children shrieked with fright and intrigue. “Don’t leave, Princess!”

You giggled. “I have visited the North, it is not so bad. It is terribly cold, but there is wonder in it. I promise, no winter monsters will harm any of us. Winter is scary, but it does not last forever. We do not even know if it will arrive soon.”

“But the Long Night lasted a generation!” another boy cried.

“Oh, but that is an old story. Who has been telling you such tales?” You scooped shivering children into your arms, their worries fading from their faces. “None of you have anything to fear.”

***

Dawn arrived with the northern sun trying to claw its way through soft grey clouds. The royal carriage crawled towards Winterfell in such a slow fashion that caused you to grow restless. You were quite tired of these early mornings that had plagued them all for a month. Having already thumbed through the books your Uncle Tyrion had allowed you to borrow for the journey, you could tell anyone everything about Dragonglass but nothing about how to entertain your younger siblings who were even more bored than you were. The evenings were usually easier to sit through, when everyone relaxed after a day’s travel and you could finally source a moment of peace.

You had visited the northern reaches of Westeros before, but only once, when you were ten. You had travelled by yourself, with only guards and ladies-in-waiting by her side — it was the furthest you had ever travelled without your mother. That time, you had taken a boat from King’s Landing to White Harbour, for a quicker journey, and made the unfortunate discovery that you suffered from violent seasickness. Your last experience was part of the reason your family was now making their journey along the Kingsroad instead of quicker paths — your mother had insisted that her eldest daughter's comfort be a top priority — as well as your father’s love of hunting, which had the party taking frequent breaks for expeditions deep into the woods. You would not have minded the hunting trips if your younger brother, Joffrey, had not brought you a rabbit that he had killed and showed you how to skin it for supper. (You had screamed then and eaten nothing but bread and vegetables for two weeks after, even when any other kind of meat was placed in front of you.)

“We’re almost there, I promise,” Cersei Lannister said as she considered the tired expressions across her three children.

You stared out of the window at all the men on their horses. Even though you could not ride, you wanted to be out there with your father, your brother, your uncles. On horseback, you would be able to go anywhere and move at your own pace. But in the carriage, you were stuck. Your mother and two youngest siblings were never bad company as you loved them all so dearly; you almost felt guilty when you dreamed of having your own space again. But when Winterfell finally came into view, your complaints washed from you mind like a summer storm, and you knew the long journey was worth it.

***

Robb Stark stood in line with his family to greet their King and his family. With his father on his left and his twin sister on his right, Robb was the Heir of Winterfell and he needed to prove himself worthy of his place. As stoic and noble as he tried to present himself, Robb could not calm his thunderous heart. He almost trembled with anticipation. The King’s visit to Winterfell was the greatest honour, but it also came with the promise of a new chapter and the return of the spring to his winter.

He tried not to glance sideways at his twin, Alys, as he knew she would take the piss out of his hopeful demeanour in all her annoying and particular ways. And as King Robert rode through the gates with his eldest son and second child, Prince Joffrey, and their Kingsguard and carriages, nothing could dampen Robb's high spirit.

His eyes searched as the riders and carriages poured into the confines of Winterfell, almost completely distracted from the King coming forth to greet Robb’s parents, the Lord and Lady of Winterfell: Eddard and Catelyn Stark. Robb counted the seconds until the formalities would conclude. And then he saw you again. It had been more than five years since Robb had last seen you. More than five years since your fathers had decided their eldest children should marry when they reached better ages.

Dressed in pale pink silk, shining like a sunray, you followed your mother out of the carriage, which could scarcely fit through the gates of Winterfell. Soft as a spring bloom and thrice as sweet, you had always been beautiful. Robb watched as you helped your siblings down from the carriage too, holding your youngest brother under his arms so you could spin him around and make him laugh before setting him down. Your eyes reached Robb's blue, and he tried to look away before you could find him staring at you, but you were too quick. You gave him a bright smile and a small wave — it took everything for Robb to not break into a grin.

Finally, the introductions came to a close. Your fathers went off in the direction of the crypt and the maids and servants snapped back into action to tend to the royal family. As soon as he could move without appearing rude, Robb closed the distance between himself and you. You were ordering the septas and handmaidens to bring your siblings into the castle when he approached (although ordering was too strong a word for the politeness and care you showed your staff). Robb knew others would not be so kind, but this was your unshakable nature. When your siblings were taken care of, you turned to search for Robb and beamed when you found him before you.

Robb bowed. “Your Grace.”

You giggled, cheeks flushed pink from the cold. “Please, you don't need to be so formal.”

Though it had been almost six years since you had last breathed the same air, the two of you had not been lax with communication — you and Robb had written to each other almost every month in the years you had been apart. Your first meeting had left both of you hopeful for the future, even though you had only been ten and eleven, but the letters had allowed Robb to truly begin to know you. Neither of you were marrying a stranger, Robb was grateful for that at least.

Robb noticed your fingers fidgeting with the chain around your neck.

“The castle seems bigger than I remember,” you said, staring up at Winterfell with wonder in your eyes. Then you looked at Robb. “And you too, of course.”

Breaking into a short laugh, Robb asked, “Is that such a surprise?”

You shook your head. “I was taller but you were so much faster than me — I hated that.” You giggled. “I felt like I was always chasing after you.”

Robb stretched out a hand to take the bag you had strung over your shoulder, and you allowed him to take it. “You’re staying in your old room, if that’s alright?”

You smiled and nodded, tucking your hair behind your ears. “Of course. As long as you don’t challenge me to a race this time.”

You both laughed and began walking across the courtyard together. Robb grinned. “Don’t hold your breath.”

***

Your room was precisely how you remembered it.

You had last been in Winterfell a moon before your eleventh name day, your trip cut short by your mother’s insistence that her daughter should come back home. Winterfell had enchanted you since the first day you arrived. The castle felt far more homely to you than the Red Keep or Casterly Rock did. But what you truly held envy for was the Stark family. They were far more tight-knit and loyal to their blood than your family had ever been. You held such love for your siblings, sweet Myrcella, little Tommen, even Joffrey — despite his wretched ways, he was still your little brother. You knew your parents held no love for each other, you would have had to be blind or stupid to not see it. The only bonds you possessed that could be akin to the familial bonds that were so strained and lacklustre in your own family, were the friendships you had with your ladies in waiting — four girls you had known since girlhood, four girls you trusted with your life.

When Robb left you to get settled, his presence was quickly replaced by your ladies. You had been surrounded by Erielle Lannister and Alyssa Baratheon, young cousins of your parents’ families, since your siblings had been born. Then came Lana Tyrell, a grandniece of Olenna Tyrell, and Jeyne Westerling, whose family were Lannister bannermen. They busied around you now, helping to unpack your trunks. They were there to serve you, your mother had drilled that into you, but you valued your ladies far more than that.

There were still hours until the welcome feast by the time Erielle finished slipping pins into your carefully styled hair. Lana stood behind you, tying the corset threads of your gold dress securely before sweeping furs over the your shoulders.

Alyssa took your hands. “Let’s explore. It has been half of summer since we’ve last seen snow.”

You grinned. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

You felt ten years old again, chasing around the old stone castle. Last time you visited, your company was far smaller, but now every corridor in Winterfell was flooded with rushing servants and marching guards. It made the castle feel like a grey and colder mirror of the Red Keep, not the northern wonderland you remembered from being a child.

You found your way to the courtyard. Outside, under more eyes, you tense your shoulders. As far as you enjoyed being girlish and running about giggling, Gods forbid your family — or worse, the Starks — saw you acting childish. You had already let your heart guide you the way North, but the time to play was passing. You had been betrothed to Robb Stark since you were ten years old; you would be Lady of Winterfell one day. (It felt far more real now you were standing back in the castle’s walls. At home, in King’s Landing, you could almost forget your fate.) There was a time to be the girl you longed to be, and there was time to be the Princess of the Seven Kingdoms — it was an easy balance to maintain, as long as you remained focused.

Suddenly, Jeyne gave a shriek, the sound muffled by her hands covering her mouth. Your attention snapped to the girl — and where she was looking. Inside the kennels, where Winterfell’s hounds slept, were wolves. Seven darling pups of grey, brown, black and pure white.

“Those aren’t normal wolves,” Alyssa whispered. “But it must be impossible. Direwolves do not live south of the Wall.”

You walked forwards, shaking off the clutches of your friends. In the last letters you and Robb had passed before you and your family began their journey north, Robb had told you pages about the litter of direwolves the Starks had found in the woods. You had not truly believed him until now. A smile rose to your face like the morning sun. The pups were days old when Robb sent his letter describing each of his siblings’ wolves, and soon they would grow bigger than any dog.

The pups played together while Lana tugged on your sleeve and begged you not to get too close.

“I promise they won’t hurt you.”

You and your ladies turned to see Robb approaching them. The afternoon sunlight made his red curls glow. By your lead, the girls curtsied to the heir of Winterfell, and Robb bowed to you. (It had taken two years of writing for you to convince Robb to stop calling you “Your Grace” at the top of every letter.)

“Have you decided which wolf is who?” Robb asked, standing at your side to watch the little wolves.

You nodded. You pointed out Robb’s wolf first. Grey Wind, a smoky grey pup with bright golden eyes. “The others watch him. They follow him like little ones look to their eldest sibling.”

Grinning, Robb bent down on one knee and called Grey Wind to him. The wolf ran over eagerly but paused to consider you. You lowered to be closer to Grey Wind’s height and reached out a hand, which the wolf sniffed at, before licking at you and allowing you to stroke his head.

You could not hide your own grin. “He’s beautiful. They all are.” Grey Wind seemed to understand you and nuzzled against you.

“Are you looking forward to the feast tonight?” Robb asked. Grey Wind ran back to his siblings and Robb took you hand, helping you to your feet.

You gave a shrug. “It will be nice to see your family again, properly. But I’ve never been so fond of feasts.” A red flush painted your cheeks. “I prefer quiet evenings.”

“Then perhaps I will find you later and free you. I’ll find a nicer way for us to spend the night.”

You smiled at his kindness. “Thank you. That would be wonderful.”

Robb mirrored your smile. “I’ll see you later.”

***

The feast was as lively as you had anticipated. It was not the noise and the food that you found wretched, or the company of your siblings, it was the rowdiness that came with alcohol. At the top of the hall, beneath the high table where Lord and Lady Stark hosted your parents, you sat with your three siblings and the Stark children. You made polite conversation with the eldest Stark daughters, Alys — who you were glad to see again — and Sansa, who had been too young to join in your games last time you had visited. It took three quick glasses of sweet wine to begin to dull your senses enough to start to enjoy yourself.

Hours passed and courses of food were devoured, little Tommen tugged on his eldest sister’s sleeve. You looked down at your brother. “Are you alright?”

“Do we have to stay at the feast all night?” the little Prince asked.

You shook your head. “Of course not. We can leave whenever you like.”

“Can we go now then?”

You stood and picked Tommen up under his arms to lift him off the bench.

Myrcella had been sitting on Tommen’s other side. “Can I come too?” she asked, pushing her plate away.

You smiled and reached out for your sister. “Always.”

You kept a tight hold of your brother and sister’s hands as you weaved through Winterfell’s great hall. Past the singing bard, your father and his drunks, and the guards by the door. The cold night air made the Baratheon siblings’ cheeks turn red. Also outside you found Joffrey. You had not seen him slip away from the feast.

“Joff, you should stay inside. You’ll catch your death out here,” you warned. Myrcella and Tommen skipped off in the direction of their guest rooms.

Joffrey gave a bitter laugh. “Always the mother. Good thing you’ve had plenty of practice with those two before Robb Stark gives you your own wolf pack. Are you looking forward to it, sister? To be bedded by a wolf?”

You wondered what could have gone wrong for your brother to turn out so rotten when Myrcella and Tommen had always been so sweet. Whatever it was, you were happy to watch Joffrey saunter away from you. You wished you could wipe that smirk from his face. Gathering the fabric of you skirt in your hands, you raised the hem of your dress off the ground and followed after your youngest siblings.

The three siblings settled in your room. Myrcella and Tommen, in their nightclothes, nestled warm under the blankets of the bed, while you sat the foot of the bed

Myrcella whispered your name. Her emerald eyes glitter in the glow of the smouldering fire you had tried to light. “You won’t leave us forever will you?”

“I would never,” you promised. “I will live here once I marry, but I will visit often. And one day, you two will also marry wonderful people and have your own castles.”

“Can you tell us a story?” Tommen asked, tucked up to his chin in the warm furs. “You’re the best at stories.”

You chuckled. “Then what story would you like to hear tonight?”

***

Robb found you outside, bright as a midnight sun. He watched you walking back towards the great hall from the guest quarters. The clouds had opened to release a gentle fall of snow upon the castle. Robb found himself staring at you again as snowflakes landed in your hair. Six years had not taken the wonder from your eyes as you grinned, twirling alone in the snow. Robb felt as though he was intruding. He turned to leave, to return to the feast and wait for you there, but gravel crunched heavily underfoot and you found him.

You blushed scarlet. Your figure straightened, ever regal. The glow in your eyes dissipated. Disappointment and guilt spread through Robb as ice froze a lake. “I’m sorry,” he spoke quickly to get ahead. “I should not have disturbed you–”

You shook her head, brushing snow out of your tightly wound southern-styled hair. “No, I’m sorry. I was acting improper. It’s just–”

“–Been a long time? I know.” Robb came closer to you and offered you his arm. “You don’t have to hide from me. We can dance in the snow all night if you want to.”

You giggled and took Robb’s arm. “That would be far nicer than spending the rest of the night inside.”

Robb took you in the direction of the godswood, where he knew it would be quietest. “The men are going hunting tomorrow. Would you come with me?”

“Oh.” The pinkness returned to your cheeks. “I cannot ride. I was never taught. My mother thought my skills should be better tuned elsewhere.”

“I could teach you.” Perhaps his tone was too eager. Taryn had not been here a day yet. They entered the woods, there were enough gaps in the dark clouds to allow moonlight to shine through and illuminate the trees.

You smiled — the same smile you had given Grey Wind earlier in the afternoon, the same smile that came in the snowfall. “I would love that. It’s suffocating sometimes to be in the castle, unable to go where I like because I need a carriage to take me around.” You shuddered.

“I won’t keep you caged in,” Robb said. “You’ll be safe and free here at Winterfell. I promise.”

[https-genesis]

your beauty, beside me | neteyam x f!reader

Summary; Neteyam is positively infatuated with you. He'll prove it if he has to.

Contents; small drabble, fluff, omatikaya reader, soft neteyam, reader is depicted to have long hair/braids, friends to lovers

Dictionary; sempul - father , sa'nok - mother

A/N; im back :)) neteyam is so babygirl it hurts my heart

The first time Neteyam Te Suli Tsyeyk'itan set his eyes on you, he was a still a small toddler. His sa'nok had told him that playing with other kids would make him happy, so the first person apart from his sister, Kiri, that he went to, was you.

The years went by, and you grew togheter. You watched him grow into a beautiful young man, the mighty warrior and future Olo'eyktan that he is, and he watched you grow into the most ethereal na'vi he had ever seen. Your hair that fell onto the small of your back had him wondering what it would feel like to the touch. Your eyes that seemed to shine a brighter shade of yellow than the others made him think that if Eywa had a physical body, you two would be twins. The way you'd ride your ikran with the rest of the hunting party, your war cries that , to his ears, sounded more majestic than any other song Neytiri would sing to him.

His sempul had noticed the way Neteyam stared at you. With his eyes full of the same love Jake had for Neytiri during all these years. So, Jake decided he'd catch his son alone, and have 'the talk' with him. Alone in one of High Camp's huts.

"So... son. ' He pauses to cough.' I uh... I've noticed somethin' is off 'bout you these last days." Neteyam felt his cheeks heat up. He took a breath, and his eyes moved to his feet. "Oh uh... It's.. it's nothing sir. I guess the last hunting party has gotten to me." Jake laughed, and put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Look, Neteyam. I know you've had a lil' crush on that girl... and watchin' you stare at her from a mile away's creepin' me out." Jake shook Neteyam's shoulder lightly. His cheeks were a deep purple by now, and he started into his father's eyes.

"Dad I- I don't know. What if she doesn't like me? I mean we are friends and all but I do not know if she likes me that way and I'm scared that it'll ruin our friendship and I-" Jake laughs, so loud the he has to hold his stomach to keep himself from getting a cramp.

That day, Neteyam had an hour long talk with his sempul about love. Jake told him about Neytiri, the way they fell in love, and how they survived the war together. Neteyam found himself imagining you and him, riding your ikrans off to wherever Eywa would take you. He decided to make up strange and silly little reasons to make contact with you, maybe even try to gift you courting presents. He asked Kiri to craft a beautiful beaded necklace with oranges and deep blues like his ikran, and he made sure to add one of the prettiest rocks he'd found at the bottom of it. You were weaving a basket when he knew this was the right time to approach you.

Neteyam walked fast and stiff to you, and the cracking of branches under his feet made your ears perk up and twist your head towards him. The way your hair moved with it made his stomach do flips. "Oh- Neteyam! Hi!" You gave him one of your sickeningly sweet smiles that made his face hot, and patted the empty spot next to you, signaling for him to sit. "Hey, um.. Hi." He took a seat close to you, his body stiff and rigid, and hid the necklace in his hands. Looking at you, he forced words out his mouth. "I have a gift for you. I-uh.. I hope you'll like it." Neteyam slowly reached one of his hands to yours, and you took it as a sign to put your work down and give the backside of you palm to his. You smiled again, and cocked your head to the side in a curious manner. "I made it with Kiri." He said as he placed the necklace into your much smaller hand. "It's for you.. Well, yeah." You smiled again, brighter, and giggled. He start to wonder if you were ridiculing him. "Oh, Neteyam... It's... It's beautiful. I love it... Thank you." You ran your finger along the thing beaded piece, and pat the small rock dangling at its bottom. Neteyam felt his heart flutter again, and his eyes rapidly shifted from your face to your hands. "You.. want me to put it on you?"

You nodded eagerly, your hairs following suit. Handing him back the necklace, you shifted and turned you back to him. His touch uncertain, he placed your hair over your shoulder and the slight graze of his fingertips against your skin made you shiver. You felt his arms reaching around you, and his heaving breathing agasint your shoulder as he passed the necklace from one side to another. Few seconds later, he tied it at the back of your neck and gently caressed the skin there. Shifting again, you turned back to front him, and he went a deep shade of purple. The necklace accentuated your skin and yellow eyes even better than he pictured it to, and the way your face lit up made him feel faint.

"I love it Neteyam. It's beautiful, really." You grinned again, and for a second you seemed unsure of yourself. Closing your eyes for no more than a few seconds, you opened them again to press a kiss to his cheek. He fell out of his lovestruck trance, and his smile rivaled the sun's. He took your hands again, and he felt you squeeze them gently. "I see you, beautiful girl. I see you."

"I see you, Neteyam. My mighty warrior."

my first avatar drabble! live laugh love neteyam te suli tsyeyk'itan

[buggyjuggie]

I know this might be a weird request but I saw on one of your old post and it was mentioning a swap AU with kenshi and Johnny, I wanted to do something kinda similar and it be instead swap, be opposite personality (ex johnny instead of being confident and cocky hes timid and insecure) I'm new to MK so im not sure how opposite kenshi would be but I hope you understand, if you have any questions feel free to ask me again!

──★ ˙ ̟Johnny and Kenshi Swap personalities AU

( There’s little hints of johnshi here but can be read as just platonically)

「 ✦ Kenshi ✦ 」

* So because this is swapped personality but not positions Kenshi i imagine is in a higher rank in the yakuza than normal.

* Because of his cocky attitude he takes more jobs and is more confident about his missions.

* He still doesn’t like doing them but he hides his guilt using his personality.

* I feel 50/50 about the idea of him being a show off for example in MK1 Johnny tends to show off his wealth, fame, movies, everything but i feel like even in this AU if Kenshi did it would make him look insane on one hand he’d do it because of the amount of time he’s spent in this bussines has at least semi desensitised to it but im not sure at the same time cuz i dont feel like it’ll fit his character so idk let me know what you think.

* When Kenshi broke into Johnny’s mansion i want you to imagine the scene where johnshi + Kung lao are walking to Baraka’s village and basically take the dialogue and put it here Kenshi just straight up shit talking Johnny to his face

* After losing to Johnny, Kenshi is absolutely pissed because he’s never failed a mission.

* Johnny and Kenshi’s relationship initially starts off very hostile they bicker argue and insult each other but trough training at the academy they slowly start to put that behind them and it evolves to a sort of rivalry less hating each other and more competitive if that makes sense.

* Kenshi was surprised when Johnny gave him Sento while yes he’s cocky and acts childish Kenshi still feels guilty for all the lives that he has taken while being a part of the yakuza, Kenshi doesn’t feel like he deserves this until Johnny explains his reasonings and slowly starts to put the past behind him and starts hope for a brighter future.

「 ✦ Johnny ✦ 」

* Because his personality is different in this AU instead of being knows for action movies Johnny is most known for horror and historical films.

* His social media presence is small but he’s still got big fanbase that likes him for his mysterious aura.

* Because of his now more silent personality when Johnny drops movie quotes in conversations it tends to sound more ominous and makes people scared of him.

* Johnny and Cris break up still for the same reason as normal : Johnny’s spending habits and perhaps some looked over alcohol problems.

* Did not understand at all what was going on when Kenshi broke in. Whas this a movie ? A prank ? Or is it real ? Dont look at him because he doesn’t know either.

* Johnny keeps sento to himself not because of it’s monitory gain instead for it’s history and doesn’t give it to Kenshi because he think that he’s untrustworthy.

* Eventually after being in the Wu Shi academy for long enough he starts to slowly open up to the people around him.

* Kenshi tends to rile him up so after a while when he gets annoyed he’ll talk shit back to Kenshi and they’ll be off just bickering (like love birds WHO SAID THAT)

* As for the dreaded Mileena poking Kenshi’s eyes out™ i imagine it goes pretty much the same Johnny realises that Kenshi saved him. Even trough all the bickering and rivalries that they had Kenshi still choose to sacrifice his sight for him.

* After the incident Johnny gives Sento to Kenshi as a token of his appreciation of the man and the sacrifice that he committed.

「 ✦ Random hc, these can be read as platonic or romantic ✦ 」

* Because Kenshi was part of the yakuza since he was young he didn’t have many chances to see any type of movies so when Johnny suggest to watch something Kenshi is on board,he’s really excited and keeps talking and making comments while watching.

* Kenshi’s favourite movies tend to be action and thrillers.

* Yes Johnny did show Kenshi the movies he played in but only because he was forced to after loosing a bet. Kenshi just talked about how hot Johnny was.

* Because Johnny doesn’t flaunt his fame like in MK1 his mansion is diffrent. It’s smaller, has simple designs, the awards that he’s won in his carrier are stored on a shelf in another room, all the items he bought are expensive but in the modern art type of way aka simple shapes, basic colours, some of them are small and don’t take up too much space.

* Johnny and Kenshi have different aesthetics when it comes to clothing Johnny tends to wear more basic and neutral colours while Kenshi if he’s not on some sort of mission wears more vibrant clothing.

* Ok i know this one is basic and practically canon to the fandom but still i gotta do it. Johnny buys Kenshi blindfolds, they tend to differ in colour so Kenshi can match them to the outfit that he’s currently wearing some of them have embroidery on the front(?) to make them fancy.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Happy new years !!! I wanted to get this out before new years in my time zone so I’m a bit late lol. This one was a bit hard to write and get idea and I’m REALLY hoping that i didn’t make the character OOC if i did please let me know so i can improve but yeah hope you like this :3

[sleekervae]

The Bride [0.2]

Masterlist

Pairing: billy the kid x fem!reader

Summary: Billy and Eleanor reunite in Silver City.

Warnings: foul language, mentioned racism

Word Count: 4,458

Tag List: @poppyflower-22 @ponyslayer

Life didn't get much easier for Billy. His stepfather's reckless spending on brothels and alcohol left them with dwindling funds, worsened by the bank's refusal to extend more credit. Forced to seek new opportunities, the Antrim family packed up and headed to Silver City.

Billy learned of a town called Silver City, and after the sudden and tragic death of his friend Carlos, he didn't find much more reason to stay in Santa Fe. It was about an arduous journey, a week-long trek through scorching heat, relentless mosquitoes, and the ever-present danger of snakes. Yet, despite the challenges, they finally reached Silver City, hopeful for a fresh start and a brighter future.

Though as it turned out, opportunities in Silver City weren't so good either.

While Kathleen embarked on a new restaurant venture, Henry flitted between jobs, proving too finicky and fragile for any substantial work. So Billy helped out where he could, working odd jobs here and there, and playing rounds of cards to make some more money. Sometimes he won big, other times he lost hard.

But at least he wasn't alone. Along the way, Billy crossed paths with Jesse, an older, more weathered individual with a cynical outlook on life. Jesse and his circle shared this perspective, yet Jesse saw a reflection of himself in Billy. Taking him under his wing, Jesse offered his help wherever he could.

Silver City was still a sprouting town, with newer businesses opening all the time. One of those businesses was a saloon, indistinguishable from the other dusty timber buildings around. But on the entire way over, Jesse was trying to talk the nerves out of Billy. He had reluctantly agreed to join up with Jesse's cattle rustling ring, he desperately needed the money after all. Joe had caught consumption, it was just another expense piling on top of all the other expenses his family had accumulated.

"Don't look so spooked, Billy," Jesse slapped him on the back, "You look like I'm taking you to you're fuckin' execution,"

"I'm not spooked," Billy assured him, but on the inside he truly was. He'd never been involved in any type of criminal behaviour, and while he knew it was wrong, he was also extremely desperate.

"You gotta get a better poker face," Jesse chuckled, "Don't worry. I'm gonna introduce you to a friend of mine,"

"What friend?"

Jesse's smirk only got wider, "You'll see,"

They strolled into the saloon, already filled with dusty, gnarly cowpoke, the distinctive smell of bitter whiskey and smoke immediately filled Billy's nose. There were a couple girls standing over card tables, watching with lacklustre while the men played silently. The energy at the bar was matched, men drunk and rambling amongst each other while bartenders poured and sweated over his glasses.

Jesse and Billy took up a spot at the bar, and Jesse gave a sharp, short whistle to get one of the bartender's attention. He motioned for two glasses of whatever they had.

"So, where's this friend of yours?" Billy asked, dark eyes darting across the crowded room.

Jesse took a brief look around as well, his smile growing when he spotted his friend, "Over here," he pointed out a young woman clearing empty glasses from a poker table. Her back was turned to them, her hair tied up tight in a ponytail, small and petite but she moved quickly.

Jesse led Billy over, "Billy, I'd like for you to meet my girl, Ellie," he grinned.

The woman turned around, her eyes rolling as she turned; and as she did, Billy swore his heart may stop.

"Jesse, how many times do I have to tell ya to stop telling everyone I'm your girl --?" Eleanor's words stopped short when she laid eyes on Billy, any inch of vexation in her suddenly vanished, leaving way for only disbelief.

Billy was equally stunned. Of all the places he'd hoped to find Eleanor again, this saloon certainly wasn't one of them. He had so many questions, how did she get here? How did she know Jesse? And what did she possibly have to do with cattle rustling?

Jesse was hardly the wiser to either of their shock as he continued talking, "Oh, come on Ellie, ya know I say it with the most respect and admiration or ya,"

Eleanor quickly resolved herself of her stupor and picked up her tray of empty glasses, "That's you all over, innit' Jesse? A perfect gentleman to every woman in town," she huffed, "Erm -- who's your friend?"

Play dumb, got it.

Billy nearly jolted as Jesse slapped him on the back, "This here is Billy. I'm taking him under my wing, so to speak," he grinned.

Eleanor scoffed, looking to Billy again, "And may God have mercy on your soul. Aren't you a bit young to be a cattle rustler?" she asked him.

Billy finally found his voice again, clearing it briefly as he spoke, "Aren't you a bit young to be working a saloon?"

"Touché. I'm Eleanor... or you can call me Ellie," she nodded to him.

"Billy," they all suddenly turned when a bartender shouted out.

"Ellie! I need them glasses lickety split!" he called, "I don't pay you to chat to the customers!"

"I'm coming, David! Keep your britches on!" she started for the bar, turning to the boys briefly as she muttered, "Meet me behind the building in ten minutes. Oh, and Jesse -- you're paying for those drinks this time,"

Jesse simpered, "Yes ma'am," and they watched her go back behind the bar.

Billy took a nervous sip of his whiskey, the singeing after taste barely left a burn on his mounting curiosity.

Sure enough, ten minutes later the three were cloistered in the shadowy alley, away from any prying eyes or ears. They had to be quick before Eleanor's boss would notice she was missing.

"Here," she threw a map at Jesse, "The cattle are gon' be on the North-East side of the property, just out by the forest. You'll have plenty a' cover there. But you gotta' move fast: there's two minutes in between shift change with the guards,"

"You don't gotta worry," Jesse assured her, "We'll be in and out before they know what hit 'em,"

"Good. Now, how about my money?" Eleanor's gaze darted between Jesse and Billy, her expression unreadable.

Jesse leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips, "Don't worry, darlin', you'll get your cut. Just as soon as our business is complete," he replied, a hint of menace underlying his words.

Eleanor's jaw clenched, but she maintained her composure, "I expect nothing less," she retorted, her tone firm, "Now get outta' here, before someone sees me talking to you,"

Jesse laughed, "You're too uptight, Ellie. We should go riding together sometime," he tilted his hat down, his eyes darkening, "Might relax ya,"

A familiar feeling swirled in Billy's chest: disdain, distrust, perhaps even a hint of possessiveness. He didn't like how close Jesse was getting, and given the unamused glare on Eleanor's face he understood that she didn't take too kindly to his advances either.

"You know the deal, Jesse," she drawled back, "I'd hate to have to tell the boss that you or any of the guys were giving his spy a hard time,"

And with that, Jesse put his hands up and stepped back, "You made your point. I'll have your money by the end of the week,"

"Alright," she looked to Billy again, "Don't get yourself killed," and she extended her hand to him.

"I'll try my best," Billy forced a brief smile, shaking her hand while taking the piece of paper she had clenched in her palm. He shoved the paper into his pocket before Jesse could catch on.

Eleanor left without another word, her icy exterior faltering the moment she had her back turned. Her heart raced, her knees tingled with every step she took. She had only dreamed about the day she might find Billy again, she just didn't realize how he'd be so wrapped up in her business.

Billy walked with Jesse, the note still clenched tightly within his pant pocket. He was ever so curious to read it, but he saw the way Jesse looked at Eleanor; he didn't want to get in between anything that didn't involve him.

"She's cold as ice, but she's smart as a whip," Jesse sighed, "We've made good money off her,"

"She's... pretty intense," Billy muttered, "Doesn't seem to like you very much,"

Jesse laughed under his breath, "She likes to put on a hard edge. Fact is that girl owes me her life," he then looked to Billy, his attitude turned cocky and cold, "... and she knows that," he started walking towards his boarding house, "I'll come get ya in the morning, get some sleep,"

"Alright," and he watched him walk away. Billy waited until Jesse had disappeared around the next building before he pulled out Eleanor's note. There was no message, just a building name and a time scrawled in pretty writing.

The Imperial Hotel stood grand and imposing, a beacon in Silver City, its doors welcoming a steady stream of transient souls. Eleanor stood beneath the awning, wrapped in a shawl against the evening chill, her brimmed hat shielding her eyes. She lifted her gaze at the sound of approaching footsteps on the gravel.

Billy's figure emerged from the shadows, his steps measured and wary, illuminated by the soft glow of scattered lanterns and moonlight. Eleanor stepped out from the building, she felt as though she was in the presence of an approaching ghost. She hadn't seen him in a year, yet he looked different. Weathered and worn.

"My god," she gaped, "You look like shit,"

Billy scoffed back, "Why, thank you. I feel like shit," he smiled nevertheless. Eleanor smiled back, it was the first time today she felt relatively... happy.

The hotel clerk was down for the night so Eleanor invited him inside. Billy noted how she didn't have much with her, the bed spread hardly appeared to be touched. He took a seat in a miscellaneous chair while Eleanor poured two glasses of bourbon.

"David couldn't pay my wage one day, so he paid me in whiskey," she sighed, handing him one of the glasses, "Straight from his 'private collection'. Cheap old bastard,"

Billy took a sip from his glass, the taste was bitter and burned while he nostrils became singed from the strong scent. Nevertheless he watched Eleanor take a seat on the bed, kicking off her boots and folding her legs like a young child.

"So, what brings you to Silver City?" she asked.

Billy shook his head, "You want the short version or the long version?" he asked.

"Whichever is less likely to cause you a headache," she said.

So Billy summed up... well... everything. Carlos was murdered, Antrim was a fraud, money was drying up so they had to move on. His mother was slaving away at a new restaurant, his step-dad was a penniless deadbeat, and his little brother had fallen very ill. Hence why he was entertaining Jesse and this cattle rustling business so he could get medicine for Joe.

Eleanor watched him talk, she noted how deflated he became the more he talked, he was missing that spark of mischief and optimism when they'd first met. He was so beaten down, scraping at the sides of the barrel trying to make his way back up. She felt for him, couldn't imagine the kind of shit he'd had to put up with.

"Jesus Christ," she shook her head, "I'm so sorry,"

He shrugged back, "It ain't got nothing to do with you. Ma says God has a plan for all of us, whether or not it's long or short... it's not up to us,"

"But it doesn't change the fact that he's your little brother, he deserves a chance to grow up, just like you," she replied.

Oh, he knew. He knew damn well how unfair it all was. Joe never did anything to hurt anyone, so why was he suffering so?

"Yeah, I know," he muttered, wanting to change the subject, "What about you?" Billy then asked, leaning forward in his chair, "How did you get here?"

She sipped her drink, pondering how much to tell, how much to leave out. Overall, she had traveled from town to town, living on whatever provisions she could scrape up while trying to survive as a single woman in the blistering terrain. She'd been approached, propositioned, threatened, nearly robbed how many times, and every time she dodged out of the fire until she got to Silver City.

"Jesse found me sitting outside the hotel down the street; they wouldn't let me board unless I had a man to escort me," she explained, "He offered me a job, a place to stay, I was desperate so I said yes,"

"What came first? The saloon or the ranch?" he asked.

"The ranch. Billy Matthews needed a care woman to do the cleaning, cook for this cowboys, and Jesse and his gang needed an insider who knew where the cattle were gonna' be," she replied.

"S'pose you're lady-like enough you can actually get away with it," Billy noted, a small, teasing grin tugging at his lips.

Eleanor rolled her eyes, "I suppose so," she simpered, "The saloon came later, a fall back just in case something... happened. It's a good cover for passing information,"

"And it affords this place?" he asked, wagging his finger around the room.

"I'm in town three nights a week. The rest of 'em I live out on the county line," she replied.

"County line?"

"Lincoln county," Eleanor glanced out the window, the town near-pitch black under the rain of subtle stars, "Jesse and 'em have a house out there. No one knows, no one checks on 'em. Kind of like a secret lair of sorts," she chuckled at the end.

"And they keep you safe?" Billy asked.

"Yeah," she nodded, "They're all outlaws and criminals, but they've shown me more decency than any man ever has. Barring yourself, of course,"

Billy tried to smile, but he couldn't help but sense the deflection in Eleanor. She was grateful to be alive, for the money she had and for how Jesse took care of her, but she didn't seem happy. Happy with life, herself. Billy only saw her truly happy once, no worries and at ease in his old home, tossing cards at each other and staring at the stars.

He came to sit beside her on the bed, staring out at the sky just like she was. The night glistened in silver dots, there was not a soul to be had on the streets below, and beyond the town the horizon of the desert called, beckoning to be explored for new adventures.

"What do you want, Eleanor?" he asked, his tone soft and cautious, "In life?"

She sighed softly, turning her gaze to meet his, "I want to step outside and not have to feel the urge to look over my shoulder all the damn time," she replied.

"Is the captain still looking for you?" Billy asked.

"I guess so. I haven't heard anything. But I also don't want to give anyone the power to hold... things over me," her gaze was dark, her deflection growing. Though Billy had a feeling she was talking about him, maybe that was why she didn't want Jesse to know about them?

"What about you, Billy? What do you want in life?"

Billy didn't have to think very hard about that one, "A good night's sleep," he said, "Because if I can sleep, I know I'm not worried about anything,"

Billy and Eleanor sat in silence, their breaths mingling in the stuffy room air. Billy’s mind raced with the reckless notion of grabbing Eleanor's hand and running away, leaving behind the suffocating constraints of their lives without a care. Meanwhile, Eleanor couldn't tear her eyes away from him, marveling at the way the moonlight highlighted his sharp features, his eyes sparkling with a warmth that made her heart flutter. She yearned to bridge the gap between them, to taste the promise of his lips, but the moment felt fragile, precarious. So, instead of voicing her desire, she pointed to the sky, her voice barely a whisper as she asked:

"Can we see Orion's Belt from here?" Her question hung in the air, a delicate thread connecting them, while the words they truly wanted to say remained locked inside.

Billy snapped out his train of thought, immediately sitting up and glancing out the window, "Yeah," he pointed off in the distance, "Those three stars, the little bright cluster. You see it?"

Eleanor nodded, though peripherally she kept her gaze on Billy, "Yeah, yeah I see it,"

Sure enough, Jesse came to get Billy the next morning. Billy was a ball of nerves all day, right up until he rode with Jesse to the edge of the forest and met up with another group of men. This was Jesse's gang, ten or thirteen brutish men, hankies drawn over their noses, whips and guns holstered to their belts. And while they were at first skeptical of Billy's appearance and know how, they let him join in.

Billy kept his focus as sharp as possible, but he couldn't shake the notion that this was the gang, the group of thugs that were taking care of Eleanor. As they yipped and herded the cattle along, Billy could just spot Matthews' ranch house off down the hill. He could picture Eleanor in his mind, peaking through the window, watching him and the others make off with the herd in the blink of an eye. And they were fast enough that they got away with it without so much as a twig snap of trouble.

And while the money Billy was paid was good, it wasn't enough to make a difference. Joe was too far gone, and in only another week he passed away. Kathleen was devastated, and despite her justification for God's plan, watching her youngest son be buried only made her more heartsick. Billy wanted to stay as strong as he could for her, that being said he was angry. Angry that Joe was taken so soon, angry at himself for not getting the medicine in time. Angry at Antrim for showing up at the last moment to beg and make his case for how he was a changed man. The only relief he had was finally being able to kick Henry Antrim out of their lives once and for all.

Despite his grief, Billy still had work to do, bills to pay. He continued running rustling jobs with Jesse for money, all the while practicing his shooting out in the fields. Jesse was much more of a practiced gunslinger, but even he had to admit Billy was a great shot. As far as he knew, Jesse didn't know about a thing between Billy and Eleanor. And while he doubted he would ever hurt Eleanor, he knew how rough Jesse could be, he didn't want to put either of them in a position to be hurt.

On his off days, Billy would go down to the saloon to see her, just talk to her. It was relaxing, she was relaxing to be around. They talked as if no time had passed; Eleanor would spill some of the gossip about the saloon's patrons while Billy would tell her the stories that he'd picked up on his travels. It got to the point Billy's visits would be the absolute highlight of her day, a shred of flickering happiness within her weary spirit.

Things turned rough yet again when Billy learned of his mother's sickness. Consumption, just like Joe. And while Kathleen was a devout catholic woman, even she professed how she wasn't ready to go yet. Billy shut down more and more, devoting his time to care for his mother, to make sure he was comfortable and at ease. He stopped coming to the rustles, stopped seeing Eleanor. All that mattered to him was his mother, she was the only family he had left. But just like his dad, just like Joe, his mother slipped away too.

Billy was the only one left now.

He wasn't the same, and despite Jesse's coaxing, despite Eleanor's promising that he would be alright, Billy didn't feel alright. He felt desperate, alone, and without many options. So, when Jesse offered him to help rob the home of Chinese family, Billy took his chances. It would be one job. One quick job to get him started, and then he'd pick up the piece from there.

Of course, no job ever went smoothly, and soon enough, Billy found himself in court, being sentenced for armed robbery. Eleanor sat in the back, her heart heavy and breaking as the verdict was read. Billy wasn't a criminal; he wasn't like Jesse. Jesse, the coward who couldn't even bother to try and save Billy, left him in that house alone at gunpoint. Eleanor's grief for Billy quickly morphed into anger —anger at Jesse's stupid plans, anger at Billy for being so easily influenced, and anger at the judge, who she knew was fully on the take.

Eleanor wasn't sure what to do from here, so she did what she was used to: keep her head down and work until she could move on. It was the way her life went; she found her people, got comfortable, and then something would happen to uproot her. Billy was going to spend the next three years in jail, and she wasn't content to slave away in Billy Matthews' ranch for that long. She wasn't quite sure what she wanted, but she was sure she wasn't going to find it in Silver City.

She said goodnight to David and started back to the hotel, the quiet night wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The soft glow of lanterns cast long shadows on the deserted street, and the faint smell of smoke from nearby fireplaces filled the crisp air. The only sounds were the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze and the distant hoot of an owl, making her footsteps seem unusually loud. As she walked, Eleanor couldn't shake the heavy thoughts of Billy, but the serene surroundings offered a small measure of solace.

"Ellie," she stopped dead in her tracks, turning to find Jesse leaning against an awning post, hat missing, hands deep in his pockets, a solemn look on his face.

"Jesse," she muttered with disdain, "What do you want?"

He stepped out from the shadows, his lean figure illuminated by the pale moonlight. "I guess you heard about Billy."

She scoffed bitterly, "Yeah, I heard. Heard how you left him for dead on the Chinaman's floor. Nice work, hero." She turned on her heel and kept walking. Jesse followed her.

"Well, it was either one of us or both of us," he caught up to her. "I thought he was right behind me!"

"And he wasn't, was he?" she huffed back. "That's just you all over, Jesse. I wish you'd told me what you were doing so I could talk your dumb asses out of it!"

"Well, I wish you'd told me about you and Billy, and yet here we are," he hissed back.

She stopped again, whipping around to glare at his smug expression. "What are you on about?"

"I know Billy comes to see you. I see him do it. I see how different you've been since I brought him to you," he dropped his voice to a gravelly whisper.

Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Whatever you think is going on in your feeble little mind, drop it. Nothing is happening, not with me and Billy, and certainly not between us!"

Jesse's gaze turned cold. "I saved you. You'd be dead if it weren't for me, Ellie."

"Oh, don't flatter yourself. This is not about us!" she snapped.

"What's it about then?" Jesse asked.

"We have a working relationship, that's as far as it goes!" Eleanor exclaimed. "You did with me what you do with everyone: bring new people into the gang and train them, protect them. You didn't protect Billy. You failed him, Jesse. Now he's gonna spend the next three years chipping jib rock and fighting over bread rolls with other inmates. Congratulations."

She turned to leave again, but Jesse moved quickly. He grabbed her by the arm and yanked her back. "Hey!"

"Don't you walk away from me, woman!" he seethed.

"Let go of me!" Eleanor growled, her mouth agape, eyes wide with rage.

"Or what?"

"Or I'll scream so fuck'n loud I'll wake up God himself!"

Despite his anger, Jesse knew how devious and petty Eleanor could be. He begrudgingly let her go, sniffling and wiping his nose from the cold. "I don't want to fight with you, Ellie. You know I care about you."

"… I know," Eleanor conceded. "What do you want from me?"

"I'm sorry I grabbed you," he nodded. "I'm just… you're right. I failed Billy. I haven't been able to stop thinking about him," he wandered over, kicking at the dirt and rocks. "He's like a little brother to me, ya know?"

"I do know," Eleanor nodded, her voice calmer, demeanor gentler. "I could see how you guys worked together. But being a brother and friend means protecting your own. Billy's not ready for this kind of life, Jesse."

Jesse shook his head, his gaze softening. "No one's ever ready, but we don't have a choice," he replied. "I'll come see you tomorrow. Let me know where Matthews is moving the cattle." He started walking away.

Eleanor watched silently, the tension, pent-up rage, and frustration melting away into a deep, aching sadness. She knew Jesse better than he knew himself, knew how much he was blaming himself for this. She should have seen it too, should have warned Billy not to fall in with Jesse. But even she couldn’t have predicted how things would unfold.

She looked up at the night sky, her eyes finding the familiar cluster of stars that made up Orion’s Belt. It was said to symbolize the eternal resting place of Osiris, and she wondered if the rest of the stars were other souls at peace. Maybe her mother was up there, staring down at her. Maybe Kathleen was watching her eldest son falter at the hands of poor influences.

Eleanor wasn’t a religious woman, but she said a silent prayer to those stars. Was she expecting an answer? Certainly not. Was she hoping for some shred of a miracle to get her out of this mess? Just maybe.

[antiquatedplumbobs]

Spring 1916

It was a cool spring evening and Will Sewell was rushing home. He'd come to town on important business: accepting Joe's job offer.

The older man has been ecstatic and insisted the two share a celebratory drink, the very reason Will was now running late. Taken with Joe's infectious excitement, Will found himself unable to stop smiling even as he made his way home. Of course, he’d have to wait a bit before starting: Joe still needed to find an investor, an endeavor that was proving difficult, with the war in Europe making everyone a bit skittish. That was good for Will, though — he had yet to tell his father the news and wouldn’t turn his nose up at a bit of extra time to do that.

He was nearing the train station, his mind still occupied with fantasies of the future awaiting him, when he noticed a young woman standing by the notice board. She was dressed somewhat shabbily, and had only a thin sweater and straw hat to protect against the chill off the bay. He would not normally stop, running late as he was, but something about her caught his attention and he found himself impulsively stopping to offer assistance .

She turned, looking up at him with a suspicious, unfriendly look. A look Will hadn't noticed, being too distracted by what he thought might have been the clearest blue eyes he had ever seen.

“I thank you, sir, but I am quite alright on my own,” she said stiffly, turning away. Will realized belatedly that an unsolicited offer of help from a strange man might unnerve a young, unaccompanied woman.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his eyes shifting to the ground. “It looked like you might be a bit lost, and — well, it’s going to be dark soon; I just thought you might need some help.” He turned to go, discomfited at the thought of having upset her.

Wait!” He turned at her call. She was biting her lip and looked deep in concentration. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me. I could use some directions.” She looked a bit like she’d just eaten an entire lemon; asking for help did not seem to be a comfortable experience for her. “Do you know the Cavalier Hotel?”

“Oh sure, that’s just up that-a-way,” he said pointing. “You’ll want to take Front Street, then when you see the cannery, take the lane to the north, and then it’s just up the Cove Road. It’s a bit of walk, but manageable.” She looked in the direction he had pointed, not looking all that comforted by what Will considered to be very good directions. He held a grin back and said, “I could show you the way, if you’d like.”

“That would probably be for the best.” She sighed. “I’m not good with directions.” They began making their way, and Will cast a surreptitious glance at her, intensely curious about this tight-lipped, brusque young lady.

"What brings you to Brindleton?“ He asked, trying to make conversation as they began to leave the town.

"I saw an advert saying the hotel was hiring chamber maids,” she replied, sounding almost defensive, as if expecting him to argue.

“The Cavalier’s a mighty busy spot — lots of wealthy tourists stay there. I’m sure they’d be lucky to have you,” Will said earnestly, and she looked up, perhaps surprised at the honesty behind the words.

“I hope so," she said with a small smile. There was something about that smile — perhaps the way her nose crinkled up, or the way her eyes seemed to shine brighter than a sun-soaked ocean — that entranced Will. It seemed all too soon the Cavalier Hotel was looming above them, the walk having flown by. As they reached the gate, she turned to look at Will.

“I do thank you for showing me the way, Mister —” Will realized he’d never introduced himself, and flushed as he answered the unspoken question.

"Sewell, Will Sewell."

“Pleasure to meet you Mr. Sewell, I’m Hattie Willager.” She gave him that lovely smile of hers, and then she turned away, heading up the drive towards the bright electric lights of the hotel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

next / previous / first

[wyllaztopia]

My question is: let's imagine that Nightmare had a childhood friend, his one and only childhood friend, and that she was a little girl who liked to fight to protect him and who literally had scars because of that because she literally fought every day to defend him, let's imagine that she survived the "incident", After the corruption of Nightmare how would he be with her? Would he be distant because he doesn't want to remember his past and the fact that he needed someone to defend himself, would he be tsundere with her or would he have a soft spot? Because I mean, his brother did not protect Nightmare because he was not aware of the others who harassed him, but she was the only one who had protected him, in part in any case. sooo.. would he be able to hurt her as much as he would be able to hurt Dream? After all, it's not as if she had protected Nightmare from absolutely everything, because as you said, it's not the only reason why Nightmare became corrupt and there were many others who added up.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ (i love that enoji-)

I really love your version of Dreamtale! Joku doesn't give any more news so I have trouble orienting myself with Dreamtale’s story, but you show a whole new vision of things with Soulsborne! The philosophy you gave to Nightmare is much more complex than that of the original but I really hope that Joku will develop Dreamtale in the future! And we're counting on you for Soulsborne and his development 🫵🏼

thank you for such kind words omg this version of dreamtale literally came to mind when me and @neotxnic were reading the original dreamtale comic after we had a session of elden ring - it was also around the time i was delving deep into the dark souls trilogy lore. i wanted to add more depth and tone to the world of dreamtale and fromsoft games have really good story telling and lore so i wanted that to reflect on our revision of the story. note that i'm not trying to compete with joku and the original dreamtale. i think the original is good as is and very fun + heartfelt to read. on anotherrrr note - this will be a really long response to the initial question so buckle up because i will lore dump.

For this specific scenario, I won't make this character's insertion into the lore canon yet - I actually want you lot to share your opinions on the addition of Nightmare having a childhood friend.

-

Nightmare and Dream were both born from the roots of Motus Arbor (the Tree of Feelings, the very being of Nim or what's left of her). The two of them are task to guard the tree - Dream guarding the negative apples and Nightmare guarding the positive ones.

Dream sought out to the people, he believes that through guarding the tree, he also has to guard the feelings of others. Thus, he often travels around the kingdom where he does his best to help his people have a brighter day.

Meanwhile, Nightmare keeps to himself and guards the tree while Dream focuses on their people to keep their emotions stable. He usually sits by the bed of motus arbor and reads books under its huge shade.

Because of Nightmare guarding the positive apples and the stereotype people have formed of him being the guardian of negativity (despite Dream's attempts to let people know that Nightmare isn't a bad person), many other kids would go behind Dream's back to harass Nightmare and accuse him of taking advantage of the positive apples.

This happens often but Nightmare never paid mind to these claims or mistreatment. Because of his pessimism being influenced by the positive apples that he guards, he's more of a realist (pessimism-leaning) - and so he doesn't see much value in the bullying.

However, a young girl around his age would stand up against the bullies, speaking up about their prejudice and unfair treatment. She called them out about how their judgement held no merit because they didn't know Nightmare personally, what right did they have to come to such conclusions about a person?

As the kids went away, Nightmare told her that there was no need for her to stand up for him since he wasn't affected by the mistreatment. He was perfectly fine simply ignoring the flock. She shook her head at his statement,

She told him her belief that passiveness won't progress society to a better environment. If we simply ignore the bad, does that make us good? Does that stop the evil? Does that stop the dishonesty? How will a wrong become a right if nothing is done for it to be so?

This philosophy was quickly dismissed by Nightmare; "Fighting fire with fire never bears any good fruit."

Despite their opposing ideals, this girl would pursue a friendship with the dark prince. She was true to herself despite how different their worldviews are but somehow, some of their morals were seen to overlap - such as their respect for intellect and honesty. The two both found enjoyment in books and being less social. It was a blissful friendship where they didn't feel the need to be someone else and the other was perfectly fine with it.

However, the conflict between Dream and Nightmare happened. Nightmare saw that Dream was being mistreated by the other kids, that they were abusing his kindness - and he hid his feelings from his very own brother, Nightmare. The guardian of negativity slowly realized that Dream's ignorance and selflessness - whilst spreading happiness… it was happiness given the wrong way. It was a clear imbalance.

And for the first time, he'd heed his friend's words: something had to be done. - and as for how nightmare would treat this friend of his in the present time? well, he holds no attachments. he had already stripped himself for any positive feelings towards anyone - including the very friend that pioneered his current ideals. however, deep down, he respects her integrity - a thought lingers within him that she'd understand his plans if one day she were to find out. however, if he finds reason to, he'll kill her with his own hands.

[lloyds1fan]

Ninja habits

This is pretty much a post about habits I think the ninja would have or things that they would do in the show or my au, I might to do other people in the future but no promises :)

KAI: ○I think Kais eyes would get slightly brighter red then usual when he gets super angry or hurt. ○ Kai has slight burn scars on his hands from when he first got his power and weren't used to them (same with his dad Ray). ○ Kai is like a human heater, his body temperature is always warmer than a normal person's so he is always in the middle of the couch or cuddle pile with the ninja.

COLE: ○ I feel like Cole is the best at being intimidating out of all the ninja even though he is a huge cuddle bug.○ From his time being a ghost sometimes he forgets he's human again and tries to walk through a wall or something or and sadly has nightmares of dissappearing. ○ Cole has super good lower body strength as well as upper body strength from when he used to be a dancer and sometimes when he's playing music he starts dancing using some of the moves his dad taught him.

JAY: Jay has little lighting spark scars on his hands,wrists, and arms. (I know they have a proper name but I forgot it, I'm sorry) Nya calls Jay's lightning spark scars lightning kisses :). ○Jay and Cole sometimes curl eachothers hair out of boredom or for practice, and they both have little pins and trinkets they put in eachothers hair (I don't really ship bruise shipping but if you do thats all good :). ○ Jay and Nya often help eachother when they have nightmares because they mainly have nightmares abt Nadakan and the others don't know what happened.

ZANE: ○ Zane is the main healer/nurse/doctor for the team and helps treat their injuries after training or missions. He also gave all the ninja basic training on how to treat simple wounds. ○ When he is especially stressed or upset he accidentally creates thin layers of ice over and liquids nearby. ○ Zane and Lloyd always had a closer connection after Lloyd saved Zane from his ice emporer situation and so Lloyd often helps Zane when he has nightmares because of that (yes I believe Zane has nightmares and sometimes needs sleep (some sort of temporary shut down mode that's needed for whatever reason). ○ After missions Nya or Pixel helps him with his injuries if he can't take care of them himself. ○ Zanes eyes glow in the dark like Christmas lights and so when the other ninja run into him at night they get the scare of their lives because it's like waking up to a freddy fazbear in your house.

LLOYD: ○ Lloyd loves pillow mints and has his own secret stash of candy beneath the floor boards in his room. (He used to have one in the kitchen but then someone found it and kept stealing from it, he has no idea who though.) ○ He purrs when he's happy like a cat, him and garmadon have also hissed at eachother every now and then when angry at eachother. (He's also accidentally hissed at enemy's before and the other ninja find it very amusing) ○ Sometimes due to being part oni he feels the need to eat raw meat, (NOT HUMAN MEAT) so he often eats beef jerky or uncooked lunch meat because he finds it unsanitary and wierd (Zane tried to convince him it was normal and he wouldn't get sick because of it because hes part on but Lloyd didn't care.) ○ Lloyd is a VERY light sleeper during to a couple of reasons 1) When he used to live on the streets he was always alert just incase someone found him and tried to hurt or help him. 2) He is scared of enemy's coming to attack someone on the monastery 3) Because he is part oni his senses are a lot stronger than a normal person so he can hear super well so he wakes up easily when other people get up at night. ○ Lloyd's eyes glow in the dark and scare the life out of the other ninja when they run into him at night.

Thats all for now. (I think you can tell my favorite character from how long these are and my username and ig my entire account lol) Hope you enjoyed these! :)

[bindeds]

explaining my musical-only lucifer magne/morningstar playlist bc i would be confused too if i just happened to chance upon this on spotify BUT I HAVE EXPLANATIONS I PROMISE

quick disclaimer before i start, this playlist is still a wip and these are just my headcanons of lucifer’s story from his pov! i just wanted to share because i wasn’t sure if anyone’s done anything like this (and i may have hyperfixated on this instead of falling asleep, whoops.)

i grew up on theatre so a lot of these songs mean a great deal to me, though some of the movie versions are here instead of the animated films (for disney only) because i simply prefer the movie versions.

i arranged the playlist according to the (rough) order of events, meaning i’ll be going section by section which represents each stage of his story. i won’t be going through every single song but majority of the time, the titles explain themselves but i will be talking about the songs that stand out to me.

of course, we have his heaven era, which has two subparts—his admiration for heaven but his hopes and dreams for a brighter future for the world they’ll make.

speaking of subparts, lmk if you want a part 2 of this as i’ll only be covering the ‘first arc’ of this backstory in this post and i have songs all the way up until the hotel becomes successful (which hasn’t happened yet, i know. but sometimes i am hopeful.)

i feel like honor to us all not only represents how lucifer had to conform to the other angels’ way of thinking but also just how rigid the rules and system of heaven is. the entire song, mulan gets told that she must be this or that and a lot of it are almost impossible standards, and i imagine lucifer, especially being the dreamer that he is, found it even just a little suffocating in the beginning and of course it grew worse as time went on.

“men (god) want girls (angels) in good taste; calm, obedient who work fast paced”

i imagine the angel’s got to properly see the wonderful things lucifer was capable of before he started talking about them and i think the greatest show represents that well.

a million dreams is obviously a song that can describe lucifer’s many creative ideas and goals for the new world they’re going to make soon.

— mother knows best is where his pure admiration becomes unstable doubt as it’s god/the angels shutting lucifer down on his ideas (and possibly gaslighting him into making him feel ashamed for having ideas.)

proud of your boy is lucifer listening to god at first, seeing as being an angel is all he’s ever known, of course his first instinct was to obey god and listen to the other angels.

waving through a window describes lucifer’s struggle with being shut down and being forced to essentially hide who he is, and since he was no longer allowed to take part in the making of man, he was on the ‘outside looking in.’ lucifer also gave the angels reasons to stare at him and cast him out when he shared his ideas so the first line fits perfectly.

“give them no reason to stare; no slipping up if you slip away, so i’ve got nothing to share. no i’ve got nothing to say.”

“we start with stars in our eyes; we start believing that we belong; but every song doesn’t rise, and no one tells you where you went wrong.”

“when you’re falling in a forest, and there’s nobody around, do you ever really crash or even make a sound? did i even make a sound, did i even make a sound, it’s like i never made a sound—will i ever make a sound?”

— DEFINITELY represents how he was casted down into heaven later on, and he wonders if he ever even mattered to the angels, if he made even just one valuable contribution in their eyes, so maybe they can reconsider and see that he could be forgiven.

waiting on a miracle definitely refers to him being a part of the angels and yet they don’t quite treat him with the same respect just because of his ideas, and him ultimately hoping that he can go back to being or feeling loved by god wholly.

“don’t be upset, or mad at all; don’t feel regret, or sad at all. hey i’m still apart of the family madrigal (angels) …”

“and i’m fine, i am totally fine; i will stand on the side as you shine … i’m not fine, i’m not fine.” — ‘shine’ could refer to the archangels making the new world without him.

“i can’t move the mountains; i can’t make the flowers bloom, i can’t stay another night up in my room”

— of course this isn’t about lucifer being unable to do things, but i think it could mean that unlike the other angels, he’s just not comfortable bending completely to god’s command if he has genuinely good ideas to offer. but of course, no one listens to him.

i’d like to think almost there is both about lucifer almost getting the whole ‘conforming to the angel’s rigid rules’ thing right, AND refining his ideas so that maybe heaven doesn’t find them so outlandish and they won’t cast him out again, even if the chances are highly unlikely. judging from just how reluctantly he was to let charlie go to heaven that time, it seemed that lucifer really was as hopeful or even more hopeful than charlie was that heaven would listen to anyone with good intentions, especially their own angels.

when will my life begin and naughty come hand in hand with the former being lucifer trying to convince himself that things are good as it is even if it doesn’t feel like it, and the latter being about two things; 1, to stop sulking about his current situation—2, actually doing something about it, thus the decision he made to visit the garden of eden (because i assume he wasn’t allowed to enter for obvious reasons) where he met lilith and began to spend time with her.

touch the sky is about lucifer getting to explore and spread his wings in eden.

something there and can you feel the love tonight is just two love songs i really like for lilith and lucifer as lilith representing belle, the beauty, is just so accurate and makes so much sense as she was made by god to be ‘the perfect woman,’ even if things didn’t turn out that way. and of course, beast represents lucifer very well because later on lucifer ends up being the devil, the worst ‘beast’ of them all.

defying gravity is lucifer’s first proper realization that heaven’s prejudice against him doesn’t matter and that he should still try to pursue his wonders despite it all. i would also like to think that lilith helped me realize this; that if lilith can make him feel this amazing and this loved being on her own, then imagine the things others can do when they too, like lilith, take matters in their own hands. thus, i headcanon that the idea of free will might have been inspired by lilith caring for lucifer. (i am a hopeless romantic like that.)

“i’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s (god’s) game.”

“as someone (god) told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly.”

“and if i’m flying solo, at least i’m flying free”

— if lucifer is the only one who will support himself, at least he is no longer bound the rules that suppress him and who he is as a person/divine being.

“to those who ground me, take a message back from me; tell them how i am defying gravity.”

“and soon i’ll match them in renown.”

— and soon, lucifer will be just as good or even better than the angels who helped make the earth.

the other side is SO definitely about lucifer convincing (or maybe even seducing) eve into biting the apple of free will.

“you run with me, and i can cut you free, out of the drudgery and walls you keep in.”

— drudgery and walls very much referring to having to submit to adam and not knowing the taste of free will. same with ‘same old part you gotta play’ that plays during the chorus

“and if it’s crazy, live a little crazy; you can play it sensible, a king of conventional—or you can risk it all and see.”

— i don’t know. this quote struck me as so, authentically lucifer, the subtle playfulness in both the lyric choice and the tune towards the end.

“is this really how you’d like to spend your days, whiskey and misery, and parties and plays?”

— i can see lucifer saying this to eve 100% because it’s completely reasonable to be skeptical of a man you just met, so this could be him trying to further convince eve.

“if i were mixed up with you, i’d be the talk of the town (angels), disgraced and disowned”

— eve fighting back. though similar to how this song ends, eve gives in eventually … but i do headcanon that lucifer offered eve’s first act of free will to be either to reject or accept to have sex with him, just because i really like the idea of lucifer getting back at those who made the first humans without him by seducing both of adam’s wives.

h

story of tonight is lucifer knowing that his consequences have actions, and even if his plan works, heaven wouldn’t be happy about him disobeying their orders. but at this point, lilith had been the only person to fullyaccept him for who he is, and he realizes it’s not worth conforming to the rules of people who force you to be someone you’re not.

“raise a glass to freedom; something they can never take away, no matter what they tell you.”

— definitely lucifer raising a glass to lilith and eve, because they’re most likely more free from heaven’s clutches compared to him, and both of them have discovered free will at this point already.

if you’re still here, my god, thank you so much!! please let me know if you’d like to see me explain the rest of my playlist, and here’s the link again if you’d like to check it out on spotify :)

[emmatgc]

Twin Flame ❤️

Tommy x Grace

The scene of Polly saying "or maybe its time you forget about her" and Tommy replying "forget about who?" is very poignant to me in the whole series and I'm sure to all viewers esp Tommy x Grace shippers. The acting and delivery was superb. The feelings oozing on the screen. We felt it.

Little did we know that line would foreshadow what's gonna happen and expose the mind of Tommy from the beginning, in between the break up, the reunion and her death.

Tommy has always been a conflicted and tormented man. He says this yet does exactly the opposite at times. But with Grace, he is ride or die, hell or heaven, he means what he says. Its black or white regardless his methods are greyish and blurry. Plain and simple, his feelings for Grace was never in question. Never in doubt.

To be fair, he tried to move on. He really did. She held on though. He let her go once, she left. I believe he really believed there's no future for them. I believe he thought he doesn't deserve her for both reasons-she was different and she hurt him. It is very interesting to me that never once Tommy brought up any anger or animosity about the so called "betrayal" of Grace in the show directly. The reunion scene was more of her being married to a rich guy. Hardly real anger. Polly did, yes but in a bigger picture, it is heavily implied, it was her job. An actual job. She got the best of her job and in the process lost her one true love at that time. They say all is fair in love and war but neither was true.

Both lost something. Both used each other. Both hurt each other. But the most amazing thing was? Neither of them cared. Neither was mad enough to let go. Neither was sane enough to move on. Neither was reasonable enough to hate or take revenge against one another. For above all of it was love. Love. Respect. Integrity. They were fighting for causes they believed in. In reality, that is a fight worth fighting for ever damn time.

Tommy fell in love with a woman fighting for a cause she believed in. She was not perfect, oh no, she was very flawed, too. But Tommy?heck he was the worse of them all, the family I mean. No sugar coating. Tommy was not a simple man. He was bad, in a lot of ways. But yes, he had redeemable qualities. Twin flames, they were. For better or worse.

See, their worse is not worse though. Theirs was a shining beacon of hope. What they had was a promise of tomorrow, a brighter future and a peaceful life. All colors of Tommy and Grace were brighter, clearer and bigger. That's deliberate by the show. Not coincidence.

So, 2 years without her don't mean a thing. He chose to let her stay-in his mind, heart and soul. She moved on but see that's one of her biggest mistakes. Grace, for me I believe was the one angry he didn't followed her or stopped her the 1st time. Tommy's ego would not allow that plus Tommy loves Grace too much to force her into staying . He respects her too much to make up her own mind. It upsets many Tommy fans that Tommy was passive, indecisive about Grace like dude, forget about her already! You have your whores, etc..she is just another woman, there will be others as Polly said. Yet, there was none.

Tommy held on. Grace held on. Despite the odds. Both patiently waited under dire circumstances. Both went through the uncertainties and dangers, the family objection, the doomed life and for what? For Love. So, no, nobody forgot. Nobody truly moved on. Nobody let go. Those 2 years be damned. Didn't put a dent to Tommy's feelings. Grace loved Tommy, she came back but Tommy fell harder. She was his oxygen. His air and water. You don't forget that. You simply can't. She leaves him breathless after all.

When after all is said and done, all Grace had to do was say "It's me" and the battlefield is back and Tommy is alive again. Love is a battlefield for Tommy. Grace had no one left only Tommy. Tommy had so many baggage but Grace was a priority. Grace warned her. She took his heart and never gave it back. Not because she doesn't want to but because he doesn't want to give it back nor give it to someone else. He allowed his heart to be taken away, broken and repaired only to be broken again. He doesn't care at all. If Only for her. Only with her. They will always find each other. Twin Flame, Tommy and Grace.

[honestlyspookytyphoon]

Little Cupid

Summary: you meet an adorable little girl at your friend’s wedding. At the end, she happened to be the best possible wing-woman her really attractive cousin could have asked for.

Wordcount: +/- 3.5k

Pairing: non-famous!Charles x non-famous!reader

Warnings: Angst, but I am also a hopeless romantic so the end might turn out sweeter than Pixie Sticks 👀  Not really proof-read. My apologies for any incoherence and bad writing. Feedback is, as always, more than welcome! 😊

L/G/N: Little Girl’s Name - Y/N: Your Name - I will go with Charles for now as male lead (I mean, look at him!) but feel free to change it yourself - Y/F/S: Your Favourite Song

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It was July 23rd, meaning that summer was at its peak. It was 1.30 pm and the sun had been shining brighter than during every other day that year, which you believed had to be a good omen. It is not that you were superstitious, but life had been rough on you the past couple of months and you made it your personal mission to find those little sparks of happiness again everywhere you went and in everything you did.

A few months ago, you and your boyfriend went separate ways after almost 6 years together. It was truly a wonderful relationship and, in contrary to what everyone seemed to expect once you break up, you did not regret a single second of it. He had been your everything, your rock-bottom. He was the person you first called when something happened in your life. He was there through all the highs and lows. He was your first ‘good morning’ and last ‘good night’. He was the one who loved you when you did not. Your family absolutely adored him and you really thought you two were endgame.

However, after 5 years together and looking for a little house for you two, you noticed him slip away. His texts became shorter and less frequent. Instead of going on holidays with you - under the guise of not being able to close his business for so long - he chose to go on holidays with his friends or to go to the track to support the GT3 team he used to work for. He did not seem keen on moving in anymore, on sharing his life with you. His own dreams became bigger than the dreams you shared. He always said he wanted to marry and have kids - god, you two even made a shortlist with names -, but he seemed to become more and more reluctant to both ideas. You were no longer his number 1 and your future together was no longer the reason he worked long hours for. You both did not known when exactly things started to go south but they did and there was no going back. The split rather came as a shock to you two and both of your families and you were still not entirely over it, but you knew it was for the best.

Hence, you were a bit scared to arrive at the townhall alone instead of with your expected +1, not ready to be met with pitying looks and well-meant but unneeded break up advice. It even took quite some convincing from your friend’s part to get you to come to her wedding in the first place, but after a while you gave in. You owned her that after everything she did for you the past months and, as a close friend, you were more than happy to celebrate this special day with her.

The ceremony had been brief but wonderful. While the newly-weds got into the car that would bring them to the party venue a few kilometers up north, you looked back one more time and you hoped that you would ever be able to find that type of love again.

After returning home, you replied to the most urgent emails and ran some errands before you got ready for the wedding reception and afterparty. Luckily for you, the thermometer still indicated 25°C , which allowed you put on the most gorgeous festive attire you owned. It was a mustard-coloured one-shoulder jumpsuit that hugged your petite frame in all the right places. It highlighted the few female traits you did have and, helped by a pair of solid nude heels, it made your legs look endless. After a last quick check in the mirror, you closed the door and made your way towards the party.

Although you were right on time, the reception was already in full swing when you arrived. You spotted some friends in the back of the garden, so after congratulating the couple again and having a short chat with the family, you got yourself a glass of champagne and walked to their table.

On your way, you were stopped by a small girl who was without a doubt the most adorable little creature you had ever seen. With her braided curly hair, cute mint green dress, matching shoes and little tiara, she looked like she walked straight out of a Disney movie. You guessed she was not older than 4. To your surprise, she had a mustard-coloured flower clamped firmly between her two small hands, almost as she was scared to lose it.

You looked around to see if someone was searching for her but since nobody seemed to be bothered, you kneeled down to meet her level and greeted the little girl.

“Hello there, what is your name?”, you asked. 

 “Ello. My name is L/G/N”, she said. 

 “Hi L/G/N, I am Y/N. How can I help you?”. You did not know her and you were curious what she was up to. 

“I wanted to give you this”, she answered and handed you the flower. “Also, I think you are really pretty”, she giggled coyly.

“Oh, thank you! That is very kind of you”, you smiled and signaled her to come closer. “Can I tell you a secret?”, you whispered. She nodded eagerly, causing her tiara to wiggle up and down so hard it almost fell off her head. 

 “Did you know that I wanted to buy this dress as well?”, you asked, slightly tugging at the small sleeves of the little dress. 

 “Really?!”, she whisper-yelled. 

 “Yes, really. But the shop assistant said that I could not buy it because it belonged to a real princess. And since you are wearing the dress, you must have been the princess she was talking about! Do you like princesses?”, you tried. 

 “Uhu, my favourite princess is Belle, she is so pretty. And I like Pendule too”, she said, showing a toothy grin.

“He is really cool indeed”, you replied, remembering him from the times you watched Beauty and the Beast yourself. “Are you here alone?”, you asked. 

“No, I am here with mommy and daddy but they are talking to nanna so uncle Charles decided to play hide-and-seek with me. But I found him, look!”, she exclaimed enthusiastically and she pointed towards a guy you had not seen before. He was already looking your way, probably alerted by the squeals from the little girl.

Charles was absolutely breathtaking. He seemed to be your age and he was wearing a slick black suit, which was perfectly tailored and highlighted his athletic form. Together with the black tie and patent shoes, he just radiated confidence - something you found widely attractive. His dark brown hair looked thick and healthy and the small golden earring in his left ear gave him some edginess. He really was what you called a picture perfect. Charles smiled at you politely, already intrigued by the gorgeous woman his niece was talking to and wanting to meet her later that night too.

You smiled too and averted your attention back to the cute girl in front of you. “Oh, okay. What about you back to Charles and continue playing?” 

 “I want to play with you too”, she said softly, clearly disappointed that you were leaving. 

 “Look, what about I go to my friends now for a while and you come to me after dinner? Then we can draw and do silly dances?”, you asked, “Is that okay?”

“Yeah, ‘s good”, she giggled, “Bye Y/N!” and off she went.

Later that night, not even a minute after dinner had finished and the speeches were given, you found L/G/N standing next to you. This time, however, she was not alone. 

“I am so sorry”, Charles said, “But I really couldn’t hold her down any longer”. He gave you an apologetic smile. “She seems to be very fond of you”, he continued. And I can totally see why, he whispered to himself. 

“It is okay, really. I promised her to play after dinner, didn’t I?”, you said, picking up the little girl. “And I mean, isn’t she adorable? Come on L/G/N, let’s draw and dance, yeah?”

After an hour or two filled with drawing and dancing, the little girl started to become tired. “Oh, look at you”, you said, “you are almost falling asleep. Let’s go find your parents, okay? They can bring you home.” She nodded sleepily. You stood up, but soon realised that you had no clue who her parents were. So you decided to look for Charles instead and ask him to get her parents. You spotted him sitting at a table with other relatives of the groom and although he was surrounded by people, he looked lonely.

“It’s sad, isn’t it?”, you said, “so many people here to talk to and have fun with, but everybody is still on their phones. A sign of the times, I’m afraid. I hate it.”

 “Yeah, it’s horrible. And I am even feeling worse since my favourite niece decided to ditch me for you!”, he answered teasingly. 

“Oh, I am sorry”, you replied, “but nobody said you couldn’t join us and have some fun too”. You shot him a wink. 

“Maybe I should have done that, yeah”, he smiled. 

 “I am Y/N, by the way”. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman, he thought.  

“I am Charles. Thank you again for doing this, Y/N, I know she can be a handful at times.” 

“No problem, I love kids - especially cute ones like her”, you smiled while looking at the little girl you were still holding and you noticed she had fallen fully asleep on your shoulder. “Do you know where her parents are? I mean, I have been playing with her for hours and it was fun, but putting this little one to bed is a bit too intimate I feel. And, to be honest, I really want to be alone for a second and get some fresh air”, you whispered. 

 “Of course, Y/N, I totally get it”, he stated, “If you hand her to me, I will get her parents. Enjoy your time off, you deserved it”, he said cheekily. 

 “Thank you, Charles. She’s lucky to have an uncle like you.”

The venue your friend had chosen for her wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was a 18th-century Renaissance building at the country side. It had a large main room, several small rooms that could be used as storage, a wine cellar, a bridal suite at the first floor and a wonderful garden. In the middle of the garden stood a small garden house, which was surrounded by flowers whose colours seemed to have darkened even more upon the sight of so much love today. The sun had started to set, turning the sky into a sea of warm red and orange shades. What a beautiful day to get married, you said to yourself. You managed not to think of your ex for the entire night, but now that you were on your own, you could not help but wonder how it would have been with him by your side.

He would have looked great in his suit.

He would have adored my outfit, saying that he could not wait to be back home and show me how much he loved me.

He would have enjoyed the mingling with the other guests and free drinks.

He would have liked the food.

He would have befriended the groom, since they share a thing for fast cars.

He would not have liked you spending your evening with L/G/N, she was too energetic for his liking.

He would have been on his phone as well, watching bits of the 1000 km of Palanga instead of talking to you. 

He would have not danced with you until he was sufficiently drunk.

He would have stopped you from saying ‘What do you want our wedding to be like?’, because he thought it was too early to discuss these things.

“Do you mind if I join you?”, someone asked, breaking your train of thoughts. You turned around and saw Charles standing there with two glasses of still water in his hands.

“No, not at all. I could use some grown-up company now after spending so much time with a toddler”, you smiled. 

“I thought so”, he chuckled. “And I could use some human interaction as well, after being around phone addicts the entire night. Here”, he offered you a drink, “I figured you might be thirsty.” 

“Thank you, Charles. That is very kind of you.” You took the glass and took a sip. “Damn, I was secretly hoping for vodka”, you joked. 

“Oh, I am sorry”, he stuttered, “I just...I just did not see you drink any alcohol tonight so I assumed...sorry, that sounded weird, I did not stalk you, Y/N. I did not mean it like that, it just slipped, I...”, he was rambling now. 

“Easy, Charles. It is fine, water is perfect, thank you. I was just teasing you a bit, that’s all”, you said, holding back a smile. 

He let a sigh of relief, “Thank god.”

Conversation with Charles flew effortlessly. The two of you happened to share several interests and opinions on both important and irrelevant things, such as political matters and which ice cream flavour is superior. You talked about your jobs, hobbies, idols and ideal holiday destinations. You talked about your families and how much they meant to you. You reminisced your childhood and shared funny stories. You gossiped about the other wedding guests. For the first time in months, you genuinely felt happy again. All thanks to him.

The sun had now set completely and the temperature had dropped, causing you to shiver slightly.

“Do you mind going back inside?”, you asked. “It is getting a little cold and I actually also need to go the toilet real quick”. 

“Yeah, sure. I was going to get a re-fill anyway”, he said, “I had a great time talking to you. This might sound a little weird, but do you maybe want to share a dance with me later? From what I saw earlier, you seem to have the moves”, he winked.

“I had a great time talking to you too”, you said genuinely. “And I wouldn’t say that, I mean, it hard not to slay the Chicken Dance”, you laughed. “Especially compared to a four-year old, but please don’t tell her I said that”. 

“You’re secret is safe with me”, he promised jokingly. “So what do you say, Y/N? Do we have a deal?”, Charles asked hopefully.

“Deal. You know where to find me”, you winked.

You had gotten back to your table after your conversation with Charles, catching up with your friends. Charles was also back at his seat, and to his surprise, his absence did not go by unnoticed. He had been listening to his brother’s and cousins’ teasing for a good hour now when suddenly one of his cousins made his way to the DJ.

“So, since you are too scared to act upon your feelings, I did”, he said upon returning, “I requested Y/F/S, so you can dance to that song with her”. 

“I am sorry, YOU DID WHAT?!”, Charles hissed. 

“I helped you, mate!”, he exclaimed, “I am sorry, but I can no longer deal with you sitting here and looking at her with those puppy eyes. Listen, we saw you two sitting outside for hours...We could see the sparks fly, I think even the astronauts in the ISS noticed. So man up, go get her. Have some fun. She’s a great gal, Charles.” 

“But...how do you know her favourite song anyway?”, he questioned, “How can I be sure that you’re not pulling a cruel prank on me?”

“Look, I know I am not sharpest tool in the shed but I am not an idiot. I can see how happy she makes you and how happy you make her. You would be perfect together and this might be the perfect first step”, his cousin said sincerely, “And to answer your first question, I follow her on Spotify and that song is her most played one”.

Just when he was about to ask more, he heard the intro of Y/F/S playing. Getting a nudge from his brother, he knew his time had come so he got up and rolled up his sleeves. Taking one last deep breath, he made his way to your table. “Good luck bro!”, his cousin shouted, “Sway her off of her feet!”.

All his doubts disappeared as soon as his eyes locked with yours. You just looked so radiant he was sure you even put the sun to shame. The glisters in your eyes were visible. You were actually excited to dance with him.

This song is good. She’s got great taste.

I hope I do not step on her toes.

Oh god, does my breath smells? Do I have peppermints?

Am I sweating? Oh no, what if...

“Could I have this dance please, Y/N?”, he asked politely as if you did not agree on this just over two hours ago. 

“Of course you can, Charles”, you said, giggling like L/G/N had done hours prior when you told her ‘a secret’.

Once he had led you to the dance floor, he took your hand in his and rested his other hand in the small of your back. “I was already wondering what took you so long”, you teased, “I thought you were going to back out”. 

“I would never, Y/N. I just...wanted to wait for the perfect song, if that makes sense?”, he wondered. 

“It does”, you smiled, “I love this song too.” He was definitely buying his cousin a beer afterwards. 

“You’re doing great, by the way. You’re a natural”, Charles said before twirling you around with ease. A soft giggle escaped your lips when he pulled you back in his arms. 

“Well, it’s hard to be bad when you have such a great dance partner”, you replied.

You continued to dance in silence until the song ended. Once the last note died down, you two kept standing on the dance floor as neither of you was ready to part again. Charles was the first one to speak up.

“I really enjoyed this dance, Y/N, and...”, he hesitantly continued, “...meeting you was by far the best part of today. I know we just met, but I like you and I was wondering if, maybe and only if you want to, we could see each other again? Preferably not with our friends and family spying on us though”, he laughed. 

“I think we can”, you smiled, “I would love that, actually.”

Your fingers intertwined for the first time that evening and at that very moment you knew you were ready to open your heart again. For Charles and L/G/N, his cute little matchmaker.

[voidsentprinces]

I enjoy Jullus. Here is a character who joined the Garlean Military to protect his lands from what he was taught was the "Savages" coming to drag his friends and families away. He stuck to his guns and stood fast against rumors of Zenos's death and being possessed by the Ascians. He keeps to his values even though they are clearly flawed because that is what his family needs. And then, Zenos kills the Emperor and the Capital is razed with his family inside it. He is drenched in the colour palette of the expansion, despair. But, there is a sliver of hope, word has it the Emperor's voice can still be heard on the radiowaves. There is something still worth fighting for, he can fight against the monsters who are overrunning the capital, he can serve Garlemald and the memory of his family against the invading Savages who have finally arrived on his doorstep.

He pushes himself in the roll of a soldier, who is ignorant of the Eorzeans. But Alisaie and Alphinaud both show us how greatly they've grown. By trying to break through his indoctronation. They are the perfect candidates to break through to Jullus but they are not just bright and kind individuals. But they might also been the same age as his siblings were before their untimely demise. They carry with them, a want to aid and a hope that someday they'll break through. And slowly, overtime, going to do chore after chore. We slowly learn of Jullus and what he had gone through.

We are the Warrior of Light, the daemon who wiped out the Praetorium and many Castrums, the nightmare that haunts his fellow soldiers. But still, he sees how the people in other provinces gather around us as a legend of hope and light through the dark. And dark through radiant blight. He confides in us, warms to us, gets to know us and the twins. But he still clings harshly to his sunk cost fallacy. He still wants to do right by his nation and his family's memory. So he reluctantly arms the Twins collars and prepares for a suicidal attack on Camp Broken Glass. Only to learn that no reinforcement is coming. There is no one else to defend the nation of Garlemald. Just his skeleton crew of the remaining 1st Legion. And so, he surrenders as his own Legatus uses his blood to strengthen the remaining chain of what remains of Garlemald.

He comes face to face with Zenos and fosters his grief and rage at the Prince who caused him so much pain and suffering. And in return, he is met by apathy and indifference and a question, that had Zenos had a good reason for throwing Jullus' and so many others' lives in turmoil, if it would of justified it all? Jullus is confronted by this and sees that the atrocities were without purpose only the boredom of a man seeking to reach the Warrior of Light for a duel. It is absurd and yet it clears Jullus's mind, his last act as a soldier for the Empire is to exile the prince and denounce the Royal Family more or less. He then follows Alphinaud and Alisaie's example and turns his focus to build a brighter future for Garlemald. Welcoming their help and our aid in the coming conflict. And when we bring another exile who is closed off from the world in Zero who is beginning to open up, he offers her the same kindness and understanding as the Twins gave him. He then continues their mission by trying to convince the old rigid remaining Garlean council to see that they cannot remain closed off from the world. Something that Vrtra rekindles by opening trade with the fallen Empire now budding independent nation.

I look forward to see what they so with Garlemald. This Empire founded to sow misery and chaos by Emet-Selch's design. Now having to bear responsibility for the past sins while kindling good alliances where they can to make what little amends they can. Since they're now burnt to the wick.

Side observation: In a way, Haurchefant's hot chocolate gesture is repeated throughout the MSQ. First the cup of cocoa is given to us, then Alphinaud picks up the torch in finding a way to use it to look forward to the conflict with Nidhogg and Estinien, then we give the Garleans a cup of warm soup and a hearty song, and then Jullus offers up Buuz to Zero. Zero then offers her own power to Golbez to turn the Thirteenth around and return it to as it was before.

[the-blind-geisha]

My Love will Burn Brighter than any Star

Desc: Even if the world would shun their love, Pascal and Vivi continue to thrive ever brilliantly in this war torn world they live within. Nothing and nobody will tear them apart.

In a moment of worry that he may have stolen her wishes, Pascal works to rectify that—to remind his beloved how much he loves her.

A/N: This piece was commissioned by the ever talented Dawn! I absolutely adored writing these two!! Thank you so much for trusting me with them! ♥ Vivi belongs to her!

Pairing: Pascal x OC

Rated: SFW

Words: 7,427

The night was beautiful from what any memory or book could show her.

Small, precious specks of what looked like glittering gems in a sky made of beautiful blues, dazzled many pictures either handmade by humans or old photographs taken so far back in time. Stars, they were called, and so many theories regarding their creation, their lifespan, and mythology lined the pages of the book she held.

She knew of them from her time in the Kingdom of Night, but most of those memories she wished more than anything to fizzle into oblivion. All the same, very few books she was allowed in regards to what stars even were, what their purpose was and beyond.

In the past, she never truly took time to admire such a thought. The sun was always there at her back for better or for worse when passing through into the Kingdom of Day. Now, being the guardian of Pascal’s Village, she couldn't help but find herself restless. 

It wasn't something that clawed at her like the dread that often found her in the middle of the night when she fled from her own place of creation. More her mind and heart worked in unison to stir up the beautiful future that she now would have.

The familiar grinding of gears called to her attention, as the ever gentle voice of her lover beckoned to her.

“Oh, uh, you’re out here? At this hour?” Pascal couldn't help but be a bit confused, as he carefully approached her. “If you need to nap or anything, I will gladly assist you!” While Vivi would nap at different times of the day, it had gotten to the point where Pascal took note of those times. It was a precious moment he valued above all else.

Mainly, because he wanted to make sure he was never disturbed in helping the one he loved to rest for a moment.

Vivi looked over at the machine who, to her, was more than that—he was her savior, her world, her everything. She stifled a small laugh at his concern, opening her hand for him to take.

Pascal assumed that meant she wanted help standing, and without any hesitation, attempted to do so.

“No, no,” she giggled with a gentle look. “Care to join me? I would love for you to.”

The gears in his legs grinded a bit as he took a seat beside her to the best of his ability. Rarely did Pascal ever need a reason to sit, but he had found living with her he was experiencing the need to do brand new things—things he otherwise wouldn't have cared to do to begin with.

“Normally you’re napping by now.” His hands found hers, pulling them close to his cylindrical body. It had become a bit of a habit of his as of late, as if there was something in him that was urging the sensation onward. “Is something troubling you?” It was there his eyes caught sight of the book she held. “Oh, that one is really interesting! I am certain you’ll like it.”

Vivi couldn't help but smile, appreciating his sweet nature that was as constant as the sun itself. “I just thought I would enjoy the starry skies for a moment—even if it can only be in this book. It seems that there was a time humans would wish upon those little stars in the sky.” Her eyes turned back to the sky above. If there was anything she missed from the Kingdom of Night, it was the glittering jewels all above her. “Maybe I’m being sentimental, but I can’t help but think about all those wishes I gladly gave them, hoping for a life like this before finding a lunar tear.”

“Wishing on the stars?” Pascal paused in thought about what she meant. During a moment of silence, it was there the light, which represented his eyes, upturned to show he was smiling. “Kind of similar to those lullabies I once read to the children, right? I believe a lot of them represent wishing upon a star and hoping your dreams come true.”

She had searched through his library of books at times, and while she knew the gist of each fairy tale that was meant for the children to read, all she could do was nod as only a few came to mind. 

“I’ll have to read them someday to the children.” Her feet kicked back and forth as her mind continued to wander. “I am not sure why… nobody really told me about making such wishes on these stars. It was only the lunar tear I knew about when it came to such stories.” She paused, eyes shifting about in thought. “Did you ever just wake up one day and realize there’s a new memory inside of you that almost feels like a dream?”

The question wasn't meant to be seen as literal, but she figured someone like him would catch onto that.

Pascal scratched the side of his face, pondering such a question. “If you mean when I disconnected from the Machine Network…I can’t say I have. Though, reading all the books I’ve been able to find has been very enlightening in a way! I don’t doubt some of those stories have embedded within me somehow.”

There were times Vivi forgot Pascal was a machine. There was so much within him that felt so much more, as though she were talking to a soul that embodied the very being in front of her. Anybody could argue that wasn't the case with facts of the life around them, but she would gladly ignore all of it. Souls must have held some sort of meaning if human beings held them in such high regard.

Maybe he did indeed hold such a precious item within him.

The silence made Pascal tilt his head. “Do the stars give you comfort?”

Offered such a question, she twisted her mouth to the side as if to dismiss the very thought. However, her eyes ventured back up to the sky again, her hand caressing the photos within the pages of the book. “I wouldn't say that.” Giving a playful look at him, she continued, “If there is any being on this earth that gives me that joy and comfort, it is you.”

As if shocked by those words, Pascal shifted back before a soft hum that sounded of excitement rumbled from his metallic body. “That brings me so much jubilation that I don’t think any book could describe on my behalf how I truly feel!” The hands of the machine moved towards her hair. The tips of, what could be described as fingers, brushed against a few loose strands before resting upon her cheek.

Her grasp wrapped about his, holding it close. What any being would see as cold and lifeless held so much warmth and comfort in her mind. “I guess because the lunar tear is so hard to obtain, I can’t help but wonder if the stars can be a better place to send my wishes.” It was there she looked down at the book within her lap. “I just wish even during the day you could see them.”

There were very few things she missed about that horrible place she came from, but the stars were a constant hope shining through the darkness of her life. Vivi couldn't deny she missed them sometimes, even if a new ray of light and hope found her—with first the lunar tear, and then her now husband.

“You can make as many wishes as you want with the lunar tear I gifted you,” Pascal insisted, recalling all too easily the bookmark he gave her. “There’s even the two from our wedding! I am certain that any wish will continue to come true if you keep them close.”

She smiled at the thought. “But I worry of putting too many burdens on that flower. The stars… they’ve burned for centuries, and even if one should die, another is born in its place.” She leaned against him, admiring the view from where the two sat, as she shut the book in her possession with that beloved bookmark being mindful of the page she last left off on. “A flower will wilt and die out, and if one is not careful, the whole lot of them will disappear.”

How Pascal even managed to find the three was a question she had been eager to ask him. But even so, she felt the answer would merely be simple and that only the few remained. That now, such a rare treasure, was in her grasp alone. More than ever, she wanted to take care of those flowers—never burden them.

Holding her close to his body, Pascal could be heard humming in thought. “That is true. But, in the meantime, I can always do my best to make your wishes come true.”

Again, Vivi couldn't help but stifle a playful laugh. “You’ve already done that, and so much more.” Her eyes closed, as exhaustion found its way to her. “My wishes are more coming from that of protection—protecting you, the children, and this village of ours.” She was too tired to really explain herself. She didn't want to trouble him at all with the thoughts she saw as silly.

But more than anything.

She wanted to protect their future together. And, no matter what, she would see to it that happened.

Vivi didn't have to say a word. Pascal knew her well enough by this point to realize she was tired, and the want to nap was upon her. He looked at the book about the galaxies and stars that decorated them, gently pulling it away from her lap to gaze over the pages that she was reading.

“I’ll just continue where you left off, if that’s okay.” The words were said with such gentle joy that Vivi couldn't help but smile as her eyes closed.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “That would be delightful, as I get to hear the most precious thing speaking to me.”

Blushing wasn't a thing for machines. But an easy way for Vivi to tell she had flustered Pascal, it was the sudden acceleration of the gears in his body. Even the mechanical form was good about heating up just a bit over its normal rate to send such a hint to her.

It was these simple acts that brought her joy.

┌── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──┐

“Are you certain you will be fine on your own for a bit?” It was a question Vivi always had to ask, as she knew Pascal wasn't one to raise any weapon in a desperate attempt of defense. His words were the most powerful thing on his side. Regardless, she often worried what would happen if she walked away from the village just to run a few errands or even make certain nothing came to harm their home.

But she had to protect them—all of them—no matter what. Pascal saved her, and she loved him more than the sun or the moon. He was her own light.

“We should be just fine,” Pascal insisted with his eyes upturned to show he was attempting to mimic the sight of an Android smiling. “I will miss you dearly while you’re away, but I must stay here and make sure the children remain safe.”

Vivi wished she could do both—run errands for the village and protect them—but it was times like these she had to put trust in her partner. Her fingers gripped upon her spear as she nodded. “I won’t be long. I promise.”

The village children began to chant in excited unison with their arms raised in delight. “Auntie Vivi! Auntie Vivi!”

“We will protect your flowers, Auntie Vivi!”

“We will water them as you taught us!”

The joy those simple words meant to her. Just seeing the children so excited to do anything to help her in return was more than she could express. “I am certain Uncle Pascal will be more than happy to help you all while I am away, children.”

Her voice was warmer than the sun, leaving Pascal stunned for a second before returning to the scene unfolding around him. “Oh, of course! I will watch them closely, and aid them with their chores.” It wasn't the proper words he was looking for, but it was close enough to what he meant to say. “Afterwards, we’ll have today’s lesson.” He turned to the children, opening his arms to try and rouse delight. “How does that sound, children?”

There was another buzz of excitement, allowing the anxieties within Vivi to subside. “I shouldn't be long. I will return shortly.” Just as she was about to turn and head towards the Resistance Camp, she paused and hurried back towards Pascal.

The machine was shocked by the sudden change in direction, only to relax when he felt her arms tightly around him. New emotions blossomed within his mechanical form every day when it came to her. Feelings and actions he only read about were almost surging through his core. It felt as though they were becoming second nature, or something he should have realized was within him this entire time.

How a miracle such as her was able to cultivate this experience like she did her garden was a mystery the universe would never unravel. No book would tell such a truth for him either. 

“I love you,” Vivi spoke in a whisper, but even the children could no doubt hear the loving words.

“And I love you, more than the sun itself,” Pascal insisted in return. His eyes closed, as he pressed his face against her lips, imitating that of a kiss.

A small spark ignited between the two as they shared a meaningful kiss. It would be enough to carry her through to the Resistance Camp, no matter how long it might feel being without Pascal at her side.

The children could be heard making a sound akin to giggling, as if they had been silently cheering the two on for quite some time. Even if they were slowly learning the ways of humans and the world around them via Pascal and Vivi’s teachings, there were some emotions that almost felt as though they were there all along.

Reluctantly, Pascal released his wife but not without at least keeping his hand within hers until she was too far away for him to hold onto her anymore. With a wave goodbye, he too did his best to imitate such an act with the limbs he was given before watching as the forest embraced her.

His eyes closed, and what could be seen as a sigh of comfort shook his body. He knew he would see her again.

That was all that mattered to him. 

It was a trip she had made often enough. Besides, she was no damsel. If anybody or anything dared to try and end her, she would make sure they found themselves wishing they never raised their weapon first.

The calm and gentle expression hardened, leaving Vivi very focused and keeping herself occupied on all sounds around her. She had to gather a few materials from the Resistance Camp. It was on her husband’s behalf she was willing to do so.

“Any materials would do just fine, but I’m looking for… certain gear parts,” she remembered Pascal explaining.

“Certain gear parts? Whatever are you up to?”

“Oh, nothing! Nothing! I just have something in mind I wish to make!”

The memory still made her smile as she shook her head. “He’s a dreadful liar at times, but even so—I don’t think I’ll be able to understand what it is he’s looking to craft. Perhaps it’s something for the children.”

While she knew she took a big place in his life, it was the children that he adored equally. Perhaps he wanted to surprise her with the idea later.

The moment the camp came into view, Vivi sighed her relief as she greeted each member one by one in passing.

“Daffodil~! What brings you out this way?” one of the androids asked in a rather sing-songy kind of tone.

“Just running some errands,” she answered with a gentle expression. While she only heard that name around a few about the camp, it was still one she would respond to. Even if Vivi held a higher and more joyful meaning in her mind.

As the excitable chatter rang about the Resistance Camp, there came a gentle voice that called to her in a rather excitable yet soft manner. “Vivi, it is good to see you again.”

“Eh?” Pausing in her stride, it was there she saw Lily not far from the shade of the buildings. “Oh, Lily! It is wonderful to see you as well!” Vivi closed the distance between them so as to not let their talks carry too far.

The resistance leader smiled, head tilted to the side as if she were eagerly awaiting some sort of update from her personally. “I’ve not seen you here in awhile now. In fact, I’ve not seen Pascal either!”

The mere mention of her husband’s name made her grip tighten upon her weapon. Not in a fit of fear or anger—more in loving want to have him close by.

“I can assume he couldn't join you,” she said with laughter in her words, but there was something in the way she was talking that felt as though she were hunting for something.

“Oh, eh, no. I mean, one of us has to watch the children.” Vivi moved a stray hair from her face, as her body warmed at the thought of the ones she held dear.

It was there Lily seemed to be shocked at something. As if, whatever it was she was looking for, she got her answer without a single word.

A ring. A wedding ring… Lily witnessed as the light kissed the gorgeous band in that single act, and while shock stole any words that dared to surface, it was there a gentle breath of delight passed her lips. She wanted to say ‘congratulations’, but perhaps now wasn't the best time for that. 

Lily would wait to see if Vivi ever brought it up first.

“I see.” Her smile brightened, leaving the Flowered Guardian confused for a moment. “You both had been gone for some time, I was about to send someone out to check on you!” All of those worries subsided, and Lily now felt silly for ever fearing the outcome.

Especially after the advice Pascal often asked Rose for in regards to Vivi. She had been told quite a lot, but swore secrecy as who knew what anybody would think of this union.

“So, what can I help you with?” Lily asked. “Is it oil? Minerals? A weapon or two?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you might have a few gears that I can buy off of you?”

The Resistance leader blinked in confusion. “Gears? Seems you’re looking for specific types with that kind of tone.”

It was there Vivi thought of the best way to describe it. “I believe Pascal wanted something that was similar to that of a clock. He said, kind of like the ones that make up parts of his arms, but not too large in size.”

Lily cocked a brow at the description, rubbing her head in thought. “I am going to assume he means something that fits in the palm of your hand, huh?” A smile crept across her lips with a shrug. “If that’s the case, then yes. We have more than enough of those.”

She wondered if she should say something about the ring. It would be easy enough to pass it off as a mere decoration, but Lily wasn't certain how many she could fool with that line alone.

It was there she decided to break the urge to remain silent. “By the way…” She leaned in closer, whispering to Vivi with her hand cupped to the side of her mouth so nobody could dare even read her lips, “Congratulations on your wedding.”

“Eh…? Eh?!” Realizing that she forgot to take her wedding band off, Vivi swiftly tucked her hand into her clothing to try and hide the sight of it. Every part of her body felt like it would shut down. Even her knees felt as though they had locked up.

Shit. Dammit! Of all the times to forget to remove her wedding band, this had to be one of them?!

Even if Lily was smiling, that smile now felt as though it held any meaning. Vivi couldn't think straight. Her voice quieted as she bit at her lower lip. “....Tell no one of this!”

Lily shook her head, raising her hand to do her best to subdue the rising fear she could obviously see and hear. “You need not worry. I won’t utter a single word.” She motioned for Vivi to follow her. “I would tell you that you can stay put while I fetch what you need, but I am sure that will just rouse suspicion about what you’re up to.”

She was teasing. Vivi caught onto that, but also, there was some buried truth in there. The last thing she wanted was to have someone wondering why she was standing there with her hand tucked so carefully into her clothing. No doubt someone would assume she was injured and not willing to speak of it.

Able to find her feet once more, she swiftly followed behind Lily while her eyes looked about the camp, as she was now on high alert. No matter what her mind and body were telling her, she needed to fetch those items for Pascal. “I thank you for this. I know nobody would truly be accepting of such a thing.” 

The Resistance Leader waved the thought away. “You have every right to be worried,” she whispered back. “But as I said: your secret is safe with me. Don't worry about it.” She made it into one of the nearby buildings, sifting through a few of the many pieces of scrap and metal that she had yet to really take note of what could be used or sold. It was there she plucked a gear piece from the pile that easily fit between her index and thumb fingers. “Is this it, perhaps?”

“Yes! Absolutely!” Vivi cheered. “I am certain that’s what he is after.”

Without warning, Lily tossed it in her direction with a playful smile the moment she saw the fellow android catch it within fail. “All yours. How many do you need?”

“I think he said two should be enough, and just whatever scrap of metal I could get my hands on.” Knowing that Lily was willing to part with the gears, she didn't want to feel as though she were freeloading off of the Resistance. “But please, I don’t wish to take all of your precious scrap!”

“Well, you help us out too, you know? Besides, I’m allowed to give away a freebee or two. I guess consider it a very late wedding gift.” It was there Lily playfully winked, stepping to the side to let her look through at her leisure. “Making something, is he?”

Vivi held the precious gears in her hands before looking through the remaining scrap that Lily had offered. “I am going to assume it is something for the children. Honestly, he’s not told me what it is yet.”

“Strange behavior for a machine, I will say.” Lily tried not to sound as though she were being dismissive of Pascal’s actions. If anything, she was surprised by it. The machine truly proved that love could change any being—machine and android alike.

However, there was a moment that the gentle expression of the Flowered Guardian fell into that of the all too well known hardened look that would make any fearful they may have overstepped their boundaries.

“I mean no disrespect, of course,” Lily swiftly corrected, raising a hand as if to surrender to the very sight of the android. “I just find it interesting that he would go through such lengths for a mere project, is all.”

Vivi relaxed hearing the explanation, the smile returning. “He’s a man of many talents, and whatever it is he wishes to make, I am so very excited to witness the outcome.” Grabbing up the remaining piece she felt would be perfect for Pascal’s private invention, she tucked it all away safely so that nothing would be lost. “This should be all I need.”

Pascal’s thoughts began to race as he watched the children very closely, just to make certain they watered his wife’s flowers as they both taught them. If I could make a field of Lunar Tears, I would gladly do it for her, he thought to himself. But, I wonder what it is she’s looking for when it comes to her wishes.

The memories he had pleasantly stored away surfaced once more as the machine tapped one hand against the side of his face.

So many of those thoughts were pleasant. At least, from his perspective. He always made certain she was happy as her joy meant more to him than anything on this earth. The mere thought of Vivi looking at him so kindly made the machine bundle his hands near his face and try to stifle a joyful noise.

“Oooh~!” he hummed aloud, “I am sure it’s just something I need to give her personally, maybe? I have little doubts she’s unhappy with the life I have provided her.” A sigh reminiscent of love echoed from his body. “With a smile like that, how could she be unhappy? I will do whatever I can to cultivate that smile of hers like she does these flowers!”

“Uncle Pascal. Uncle Pascal,” a few of the children chanted as they approached him.

Returning from his daydreaming, he answered, “Yes? What is it, children?”

“Look what we found.” It was there they pulled their hands away from the item they had been carrying so carefully, showing a flower that had an interesting color to it that Pascal had to admit he had not seen in the garden at all as of late.

He had seen it before during his many years of creation, but not recently.

The beautiful leaves were heart-shaped, as the blossoms looked tie-dyed with blue and white streaks. The center itself almost appeared to be a type of purple in color. “Oh my, that is a beautiful flower,” he praised. “May I see it for a moment, children?”

It was kept in a pot, making certain that it could still thrive as the children were aware of how to move about flowers without harming them. Pascal, more than anything, wanted to be sure that the children knew that all life had a purpose, that no matter how big or small, there was value in everything. When it came to Vivi’s garden, it was the perfect way to teach and show that.

“It’s pretty. Very pretty,” they all agreed, handing it over as he asked.

The moment the precious flower was in his possession, Pascal got a better look at it. He tried to remember the exact name of it, as he often read a lot of the books regarding flora whenever he had the time; especially with Vivi.

“What is it, Uncle Pascal? Is it a special flower?”

“I believe it’s called an Asagao—a Morning Glory, in other words.” The lights within his eyes upturned to express a smile. “I think humans, long ago, thought this flower was hard to come by. So, yes! It is indeed a special flower!”

The children began to make sounds that anybody could see as an attempt to imitate a child’s laugh. They were excited they found something so precious.

“This wasn't the only one over there, was it?”

“No. No.”

It was there one of them pointed towards the flowerbed that Vivi often kept watch over. Much to his relief, he saw that another was just trying to bloom as well. “That is truly wonderful! I am certain Auntie Vivi will love to hear this news.” It was there he walked over to where the flower was uprooted and motioned to the empty spot in the dirt. “Now, we should put it back. It can’t thrive without help from its friends and the world around it.”

“Shouldn't we give it to Auntie Vivi?” They offered, a bit confused as to why Pascal wouldn't want to do such a thing if the flower was so rare.

“Oh, no, no, children,” Pascal insisted with a raise of his hands. “We should let it live here where it belongs. I think Auntie Vivi would like that the most, don't you agree? That way, whenever she comes out here to these flowers, she can be reminded that her hard work created such a beautiful life.”

The children seemed to look at one another, as if confused about something.

“So, come now. Let’s put it back. You remember how, right? It’s like what you just did, but in reverse. Here, I’ll guide you if you need any help.” Once more, he couldn't help but attempt the gentle expression of a smile when it came to the light in his eyes. “Just always be careful. Even if some would think flowers are just plants without a purpose, they—like all things on this earth—need to be treated with love and kindness. They are part of this world. Even if it cannot speak, it would be dreadful to ever harm it.”

Pascal watched closely, mind still wandering back to the Lunar Tear and how he wished more than anything he could give his wife countless wishes and stars to have all her wants and desires come true. When the children finally were able to loosen the soil and be mindful of the roots, he suddenly had an epiphany about something.

“Oh—oh no!” he gasped, making the children pause in what they were doing. Realizing that he slightly startled them, he apologized and waved his hands from side to side. “I-It’s nothing, children! Forgive me! My mind was somewhere else for a second.” He clasped his hands and nodded at their actions. “You’re doing great. Keep it up!”

With the beautiful flower joining the rest, Pascal motioned back towards the shade.

“Let’s prepare for our lesson today. How does that sound?”

“Lesson! Lesson!” They all cheered, excited to know what it would be.

“Mhm! Now, I’ll be with you in just a moment. I need to make sure everything has been taken care of here.” The children wouldn't be too far away from where he was keeping his eyes on things. Besides, he needed a second to think to himself without distressing the children by accident.

When they all hurried to where the lesson would be taught, Pascal tapped the mechanical fingers together as if feeling a bit guilty about something.

“Lunar Tears can only grant one wish… right?” His eyes looked to the bright sky above, wishing he could see the stars. “Did I accidentally steal Vivi’s wishes?”

When he found her, battered and nearly broken, the first wish he wanted was to see to it she made it out alive. He didn't know her, but that didn't matter. Pascal knew she deserved better than whatever fate had tried to offer her.

So he wished for that.

When she asked for him to marry her, he already had one of the Lunar Tears in his possession, and when he found the other, he continued to wish for their union to remain a strong and joyous one.

He sighed to himself, wanting more than anything that he could find another just for her and her alone to have and wish upon if she wanted. “They’re so difficult to find,” he thought aloud to himself, venturing towards the children. “If I could, I would just leave for a moment to search the places where I found the ones I did.”

Shaking his head, he turned his hands into what could be seen as fists. But he was determined to give his beloved bride something she could cherish forever.

“I’ll think of something. I have more than enough time!”

After the lesson was over, Pascal found himself rummaging through many of the books that he read to the children or to himself. There was one in particular he was hunting for, and he was hoping he could remember the name of the right one.

“Simple machines through the centuries…?” He muttered aloud, flipping through a few of the pages carefully. “Maybe this one…” 

If there was one thing Pascal learned, it was that humans often called machines different things. Some of them once were used to help with day to day activities back before his creation while now, it seemed they all mostly referenced his own kind.

It took a bit of flipping through the pages before he was finally able to come across what he was looking for—a camera.

There were so many different versions of a camera, and while he had heard of such a device over the years, he never actually got to have his hands on one. It wasn't really something he needed, but he still thought their creation was an interesting one.

If a painter could capture a single idea with a few mindful strokes of a paintbrush, then a photograph could take an exact copy of a moment in time and let it linger for all to see. There were times he wished he owned one, just to take as many photos as he could regarding the children and his wife.

“If I could make one myself, I’d do it.” He really didn't want to bother the Resistance Camp or Vivi in regards to finding one for him. The pieces he was asking her to fetch for him now were for something completely different. “But what I’m about to make… It kind of needs a photo or something like that.” The thought to have someone get more parts for him to try and make a replica of one came to mind. “Maybe I can find a way to break down the device and its creation if an old scrapped one can’t be located.”

Excitement rang out about the village, as the children chanting Auntie Vivi could be heard from all over. Pascal put the book away on a nearby desk before hurrying out to meet his beloved.

Vivi’s expression softened the moment she saw the children waving and calling out to her from across the bridge. She waved back, smiling only bigger than before when Pascal came hurrying to meet her.

“Oh, thank heavens you’re okay!” Pascal often said such a thing in reflex. It wasn't that he doubted his wife’s ability to handle herself, it was just the world he did not trust.

Seeing her husband, she hurried all the faster to his side. Without a second thought, she found her arms wrapped ever tightly about him with her cheek nuzzling against his face. “I know I was gone for only a few hours, but it felt much longer without you there.”

Hearing such a thing, Pascal’s arms wrapped tightly about her. While he had been lost in his own thoughts, they were all of her. “You were with me this entire time,” he admitted. “There’s not a single moment I’m not thinking of you.”

Being reminded of that tender thought, her embrace only tightened before she reluctantly pulled away. “I got the items you asked for.” She uncovered the gears and scrap that she thought he might want for this project of his.

“Oh, these are perfect!” Pascal cheered in delight, taking them into his possession. “Thank you ever so much, Vivi!”

Hearing the joy in his tone made her heart flutter as she gave that smile that filled his memories rather fondly. “Of course, my dear. Anything for you.”

He motioned for her to follow, heading back to the makeshift home that was created and decorated over the years to be more for him and his wife alone. “I am so sorry to trouble you with fetching these for me, but I couldn't very well make the project without them.”

“No trouble at all, but…” The moment his back was turned to her, she reached out and gently placed her hand upon the large exhaust pipe on his back. “...what exactly are you making?” Vivi was hardly offended that she wasn't told. She just found it interesting he had yet to tell her what his plans for it were.

Hearing her ask such a thing, his words fumbled about as if looking for the right answer without spoiling too much. “Oh, uh… You see… umm…It’s something special—for you—and I can’t have you knowing what that something is, or it will ruin the surprise!”

“A gift? For me?” Her body warmed as she folded her hands near her chest. “But you’ve already given me so much, Pascal. You know this isn't necessary.”

“But I want to!” he insisted, turning around to grab her hands. Looking into her beautiful eyes, the gears within his body began to ramp up in excitement. “I umm.. You know those stories about how humans often kept something precious of their loved ones close?”

She nodded, wondering where he was going with this.

“I want to give you the same thing. I want a constant reminder of myself to be with you—always.” 

The words were so kind that her cheeks flushed the moment she felt his hand upon her cheek.

“Oh! By the way, the children found a new species of flower blooming in your garden.” Pascal grabbed up her hands once more, hurrying her back outside to take her to the mourning glory they found.

The moment Vivi’s eyes laid upon the beautiful flower, she smiled at the gorgeous colors that mixed brilliantly with the rest. Taking to her knees, her fingertips touched the petals and the joy within sparked all the more. “A morning glory,” she whispered, knowing right away what it was. “Oh, how wonderful! The people who thrived her centuries ago believed this flower had gone extinct, didn't they?”

Pascal hummed, trying to recall the information in his data. “I think the words of the books said that it was here on this land that it thrived the best. This type of mourning glory was just harder to come by in other parts of the world.” The lights in his eyes upturned to express a smile once more. “But, given its rarity, I wouldn't doubt that is what the humans believed at one point.”

“But it is thriving,” Vivi said with a smile that made Pascal’s robotic body accelerate with delight. “And I know it will continue to, just as I continue to under your love and care.”

No matter how many times she said it, Pascal had a hard time believing he was so lucky to have found her—to have found and been given her love. “Oh~! Vivi,” he hummed, bringing his hands close to his chest, lacking the right words to even respond for a second. “I must say that I ummm… I need a second to work on your gift! Mind if I borrow some of the children for it? I can actually get it done much faster with their aid.”

Her hands on her hips, she gave a teasing look that almost appeared as though she were scolding him. “All of this for a gift. What are you up to?” 

He swayed from side to side. “Nothing~! Nothing!” It was that same sing-songy response that made her smile and laugh a bit to herself. “Besides, the faster I get it done, the sooner you’ll see!”

“Alright then.” Her words were gentle, merely teasing him all the more with a sigh to follow. But the moment her eyes met with his, he couldn't help but be energized to work on it all the more. “I’ll wait. Patiently.”

It was there he managed to pull out the astrology book he had been hiding on his person to hand over to her. “Here! Read this in the meantime! I promise I won’t be long!”

Without another word, he turned and ran swiftly back to their bedroom.

She couldn't help but laugh once more. The way he was behaving was almost like that of a young man trying to impress his crush. It was adorable, only encouraging her love for him all the more.

Vivi didn't care to keep track of the time. The moment she sat down to begin reading the book, some of the children that weren't helping Pascal came to join her. Reading to them and teaching them about the stars that were once easily seen at night was always a delight. Hearing them attempt to generate the sound of glee always made her smile.

“Auntie Vivi! Auntie Vivi!”

The children that were with Pascal suddenly came running to her, sounding excited about something. Marking her place in the book, she closed it. “Oh my, what is it?” Brushing the grass from her backside, she smiled warmly.

“It is ready! It is ready! Come with us!”

Pascal’s gift was finally done. Her heart was racing as she gripped upon the binding of the book tightly. “Alright! Take me to him!”

The children grabbed her hand and escorted her back to the bedroom, but once outside the door they waved their hands as if asking her to stay for a second. One of them scurried inside, just to make sure they would be okay to send her in.

Waving both hands, they imitated a giggling noise as they waited for her to enjoy the view that would unfold.

The moment she stepped foot into their bedroom, she found her breath stolen from her. There were paper stars made of various colors of paper that hung from the ceiling with string or any material the kids or Pascal could get their hands on. With the curtains drawn to make it a bit darker inside, it tried to imitate the idea of the night she once knew.

“We thought this might help with your desire to see the stars!” Pascal said, stepping to the side to let his wife enjoy the view. “I also wanted to give you something to look up at and wish upon.” He rubbed the back of his head nervously. “I just really wanted to give you something special. Somewhere you can place all your wishes and dreams.”

“Oh my… All of this, for me?” She looked at him, so overwhelmed with emotion she wasn't sure what to even say at first. “Oh, Pascal…”

“But that’s not all!” he interrupted swiftly, holding his hands together as he moved them outward with a bow of his head. When he opened them, it was there that a handmade heart shaped locket appeared in his grasp. “This is what I was working on, but it’s a bit… incomplete!”

She had only seen images of these on humans. Rarely had she seen one in reality. Grabbing up the precious item, she pressed the top button and watched as it swung open to reveal that it was indeed empty inside.

But that didn't matter. Tears welled up in her eyes as she covered her quivering mouth.

“I-I promise when I find or make a camera, I’ll be able to have a picture of us in it! But for now I—.”

“—It’s perfect, Pascal.” Vivi’s words trembled as she cradled the locket close to her chest. “Just knowing you made this is more than enough for now.” She brought it close to her cheek, nuzzling against it. “I will cherish it and keep it with me always.” Extending her hand, she asked, “Will you do the honors and help me put it on?”

Pascal made a sound of delight, taking the chain and carefully putting it in place upon his beloved. He was mindful of her braid, making certain nothing got stuck in the clasp. “There.”

Her hand touched the treasure, looking at him with tears of joy still cascading down her cheeks. “Well? What do you think?”

“You’re as beautiful as ever, and, no matter what…” He rested his face gently upon her forehead, continuing, “...I will always make your dreams come true.”

[elbertsbabygirl]

Title: Twilight's Ember

Ellis twilight x Reader

Note: to all my Ellis lovers there especially @ellisgirl this reader is for you dear I hope you like it

Beware: NSFW so minors of you are reading this be at your own risks don't read this if you are a minor beware at your own risks!!!

Ellis stood in the dimly lit forest, his golden eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and longing. The air was thick with tension as he caught sight of you, the reader, walking gracefully through the trees. Your presence ignited a fire within him that he couldn't quite explain.

Hey there, darlin'," Ellis drawled, his southern accent sending shivers down your spine. "What brings you out here all alone?"You smiled, meeting his gaze with a playful glint in your eye. "Just couldn't resist the call of the wild," you replied coyly, stepping closer to him. "And maybe I wanted some company."As the night stretched on, the tension between you and Ellis grew palpable. Sparks flew with every stolen glance and lingering touch, until finally, the simmering desire between you erupted into an inferno of passion beneath the moonlit sky. In that moment, amidst the whispers of the forest, you and Ellis found solace in each other's arms, lost in a love that burned brighter than the stars themselves.

As the night deepened, Ellis and you found yourselves lost in conversation, sharing stories and laughter beneath the canopy of stars. His charm was undeniable, his wit as sharp as his gaze, and with each passing moment, you felt yourself drawn deeper into his magnetic presence.

You smiled, feeling a flutter of excitement in your chest. "And what about you?" you teased, leaning in closer to him. "What's your story, Ellis?"

And as the night wore on, you discovered that there was so much more to Ellis than met the eye. Beneath his stoic exterior lay a heart as tender as it was fierce, and in each other's company, you found a connection that transcended time and space, binding you together in a bond that would endure for eternity.

Lost in the enchantment of the night, Ellis's gaze held yours with an intensity that sent a thrill coursing through your veins. With each shared moment, the distance between you seemed to vanish, replaced by an undeniable closeness that left you yearning for more.As the hours slipped away, Ellis's laughter mingled with your own, filling the forest with a symphony of joy that echoed into the depths of the night. And in that magical moment, beneath the star-strewn sky, you realized that you had found something truly special in Ellis – a connection that defied logic and reason, yet felt undeniably real.With a gentle touch, Ellis cupped your cheek, his eyes shining with an emotion that mirrored your own.

"I don't know how or why, but being with you feels like coming home," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the rustle of the leaves.And as you leaned into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your own, you knew that no matter what the future held, you and Ellis would face it together, bound by a love that was as timeless as the stars above

In the quiet of the forest, illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight, you and Ellis shared a moment that felt suspended in time. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring you together, weaving a tapestry of fate that bound your souls inextricably to each other.With a tender smile,

With a hungry gaze, Ellis pulled you close, his lips crashing against yours in a fervent kiss that set your senses ablaze. The heat of his touch seared through your skin, leaving you breathless and desperate for more.

As the night whispered its secrets and the stars bore witness to your passion, you and Ellis gave in to the primal urges that consumed you. Beneath the moonlit sky, your bodies entwined in a dance of ecstasy, each touch, each caress fueling the flames of desire that raged between you.

In that forbidden embrace, time seemed to stand still, leaving only the two of you lost in a haze of pleasure and longing. And as the echoes of your passion faded into the night, you knew that this fiery connection with Ellis would forever burn bright, a tantalizing reminder of the intoxicating allure of desire.

In the secluded embrace of the forest, beneath the ethereal glow of the moon, you and Ellis surrendered to the intoxicating allure of each other's touch. With a primal hunger burning in his eyes, Ellis pressed you against the rough bark of a tree, his lips trailing fiery kisses along your jawline and down the curve of your neck.

Every touch sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body, igniting a fire that threatened to consume you both. Ellis's hands roamed boldly, teasing and tantalizing every inch of your skin, his touch leaving a trail of heat in its wake.

Lost in the throes of desire, you arched against him, your breath coming in ragged gasps as he whispered promises of ecstasy against your skin. In that moment, beneath the moonlit canopy, you and Ellis became one, your bodies moving in perfect harmony as you soared to heights of pleasure you had never known before.

"With every touch, every whispered word, you ignited a flame within me that I never knew existed," you confessed, your voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of the forest's symphony.

Ellis's gaze burned with intensity as he drew you closer, his lips trailing a path of fire down your chest, leaving you trembling with anticipation. "You're my greatest temptation," he murmured, his voice husky wi want to let you ire, "and I neverwant to let you go."

In the embrace of the night, beneath the moon's watchful eye, you surrendered to the heat of your passion, lost in a whirlwind of sensations that left you breathless and utterly consume of your union. the fiery ecstasy

As the intensity of desire softened into a tender longing, Ellis's touch became gentle, his fingertips tracing delicate patterns across your skin. In the moonlit embrace, the air was charged with a different kind of electricity, one that spoke of intimacy and connection.With each caress, each whispered endearment, you felt yourself falling deeper under Ellis's spell, his presence wrapping around you like a warm embrace. His lips found yours in a soft, lingering kiss, conveying all the love and longing that words could never express.

In that moment of quiet intimacy, beneath the celestial glow of the moon, you and Ellis became entwined in a dance of passion and tenderness, each touch a testament to the depth of your connection. And as the night whispered its secrets, you knew that in Ellis's arms, you had found not only desire, but also a love that would endure for eternity.

Taglist:@ellisgirl @judejazza @natimiles

If you want to be in my taglist feel free to message me and comment your fav suitors so I could make it a story like this

Quote from Ellis to @ellisgirl : I love you my dear I will make you the happiest wife in my whole life I love you so much 💖

[dundermisfits]

Hesitation

Pairing: Angela Martin x (female!) reader

Warnings: None

Requested by: @carrie-drowned-in-moonlight

Plot: Angela is hesitant to let her feelings she has for you show and is even more hesitant to confess them, little did she know, you return the feelings

***

Ever since you started working with Dunder Mifflin, Angela Martin seemed she wasn’t going to take a break on picking on you.

The only wish you ever have was for her to give it a rest as your conscious mind gave you the guilt feeling of wanting her to take this back to Phyllis. You’ve had enough of Angela’s nonstop bickering towards you every time she claims you’re doing something that’s so little, “wrong”and you were nearing the end of your rope, the last straw. You tried befriending her in the beginning, but you get the sense that she has little respect for you at least more then friendship since you work together, but it seemed to you the friendship you tried to offer her would neither of you will have.

Ever since day one on this job, for some reason Angela Martin seemed to have beef with you about literally nothing at all. It was the second month since the first day and Angela had you at the end of your rope as mentioned before. As much as you wanted to allow yourself to outburst at her, you held back in fear of that possibly costing your job then you would not only be jobless, but very well even homeless. You couldn’t afford that, so you kept your silence and let her think you were allowing her to get away with this kind of behavior. What really got to you, upset you most about this holy war between the two of you is that you haven’t been treated this badly since you left home after high school.

It was still the first time out on your own, but your family was complicated. Your mother was more caring towards you then your father was at all. It’s safe to say that the relationship with your father was no good and you stopped talking to him the very day you moved out of that house. Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t love him, you loved your father like any daughter would and should. You try to be the better person in hopes of changing his ways, but that didn’t work. Only your mother and siblings mentioned how good of you it was to do that, despite not having getting along with your father at all. That was the life you were trying to leave behind, so you can start over a fresh chapter and a brighter future, but it seemed karma followed you through Angela.

The thing about Angela is she knows that treating you this way was wrong and unacceptable. I’m her mind, she hides her true feelings for you and because she had never really experienced these feelings, she didn’t know how to react to them properly. So she took in the idea of pushing you around like she used to do to Phyllis. What Angela didn’t realize was that you shared the same exact feelings and when she runs into you talking to Pam, the two of you goofing off together, she couldn’t help but feel jealous. As Angela’s jealousy grew, it was becoming the kind of jealousy she never remembered ever feeling. All that she can recall on it was a feeling that was so unpleasant to her that she wouldn’t wish it upon her worst enemy, which in her case was nearly everyone in the office she worked with.

Angela wanted to open up and confess more than anything to get it off her chest, even if it resulted in rejection. You wanted to as well, but as you were a little scared to approach her with it as well, that meant neither of you could pluck up the courage to make the first move. The both of you had actually gone to Pam for advice, and finding out that Pam never had those same feelings towards you or towards any other girl for that matter, made Angela feel better and becomes a little somewhat nicer to Pam. With the advice still in mind, neither of you still hadn’t made a move. Angela was also known to be a hesitant person, so it took her some time to figure out how she wanted to be the one to make the first move and goes over to talk to you about this.

Angela soon finds herself looking for you before finding you at your desk. When she got there, the scene was not one she was expecting, and it made her sick to see someone to treat as bad as Ryan was. Ryan was being a jerk to you, sort of in the same way she did in the start very moment. There was no words to describe how infuriated Angela had become as the unpleasant greeting unfolds before her eyes, this being the first time she wasn’t hesitant to do something about anything.

“Can’t you do anything right, (Y/n)?! You mess up on even the simplest tasks! Everything you touch gets destroyed, I mean come on, there has to at least be one thing you can do right!” Ryan bickers.

You remain silent.

“You should be fired, eliminated from this job!”

That’s when Angela stalks over to pull him off you, putting him in his place. You had to admit, this was sort of entertaining for you then almost anything else.

“No! You do not talk to her like that! Listen here, if there’s anyone in this office should be fired or eliminated, it’s definitely you! You watch yourself, if this happens again, I will make sure you get terminated! I could very easily easy take this up to corporate, you understand? If you lost your mind I can very well indeed help you find it!”

Ryan looked almost as mortified as he did when Stanley took off on him in the a similar way, this was amusing in a way. Seeing you smirk at the sudden change of look on his face, he just walks away.

For one, you couldn’t believe your tormentor just stood up and defended for your sake. Yet, this was reality and this was what was actually happening now. Nobody stood up for you like how Angela just did, not even David Wallace, not even after you told him about the mess between you and Angela he didn’t seem interested in helping you figure something out and brushed it off like gathering dust. That took away some self trust, but now you can feel it building back up and it was all thanks to Angela Martin. Angela turns to face you with a look of concern before speaking.

“Are you okay, (Y/n)?”

“Yeah… thank you.”

“No problem at all. Any time.”

You get up from your chair to go make some copies before Angela briefly has you freeze in your tracks.

“I love you.” She confessed.

Did Angela really say that? Angela, the most hesitant person you possibly could know, but did she really though?

Angela was beginning to think your silence was a code of rejection until you spoke at last.

“I love you, too.”

The first date and shared kiss happened that very same evening.

This was what true love felt like.,

***

@dundermisfits

Characters:

• Michael Scott

• Dwight Schrute

• David Wallace

• Jim

• Pam (x female reader only)

• Angela Martian (x female reader only)

• Erin (x female reader only)

• Kelly (x female reader only)

• Karen (x female reader )

• Gabe

[soupdeewoop]

Favorite lines from “The Secret of Us” 🌸

crossed lines, past lives, clear vision

held my breath for your reaction like the first time that we happened

we were fightin’ more than laughin’, black and blue, mm

fell hard then i lost your interest

all my friends they tried to stop me wanting you but i was never meant to listen, not until i found a reason

felt good about you til i didn't you felt nice for a bad decision felt good about you felt good about you

really got me thinkin, future plannin’ for no reason there were nights i skipped out sleepin’ cause of you and i had less than half of somethin’ what you gave was what i wanted til i realized i felt fuller without you

felt good about you til i didn't i felt good about you

look at me now said i wouldn't do it, but i hunted you down

you can just talk, and i'll stare at your mouth it could be bad, but i wanna find out

and i feel like i could die cause you're not here

god, im jumping in the deep end its more fun to swim in heard the risk is drownin’, but i'm gonna take it i'm gonna take it

isn't it fun? thinking im right when i'm probably wrong

you cant even speak but i think that its sweet yeah, i think that you're sweet

with the light on and you're not here

god, i'm actually invested haven't even met him

classic

i'm gonna bend ‘til i break  i wish you could hold me here, shakin’

why aren't you here in my bedroom? hopelessly boring without you

too soon to tell you "i love you" too soon to tell you "i love you"

wish that i was kidding i'm not, and i hate it

you're the risk, i'm gonna take it

i cut the rope and you fell from the tower i let it go for my peace of mind bit the bullet, it didn't hurt but i still hate the image of you kissing her chalk it up to "its all for the better"

are your conversations cool, like are you even interested? i know what you are, brighter than the stars tell me if she takes you far far enough away from all the baggage you've been carrying up another hill to all the girls who'll help you bury it they're just blowing smoke, i'll say what they won’t i know everything they don't

i sleep alone, im completely fine

if she's got a pulse, she meets your standards now? you feel nothing and yet you still let her

but i bet you're at her place right now you couldn't point her out in any crowd

and i find your books pretentious now at the time they'd fed the fantasy i was so impressed at your hotel took a drag and read aloud to me

and i bet you think about me now when you should be sleeping

and i know, i know, i know, i know and i know, i know, i (hey, hey, hey, hey) and i know, i know, i know, i know and i know, i (hey, hey, hey, hey) and i know, i know, i know, i know and i know, i know, i (hey, hey, hey) and i know, i know, i know, i know and i know, i

two augusts ago i told the truth, oh, but you didn't like it, you went home

i like to slam doors closed trust me, i know its always about me

two summers from now well have been talking, but not all that often, were cool now i'll be on a boat, you're on a plane going somewhere sane

and i'll have a drink wistfully lean out my window and watch the sun set on the lake it might not feel real, but it's okay, mh

cause that's just the way life goes i push my luck, it shows thankful you don't send someone to kill me

you were the best but you were the worst as sick as it sounds, i loved you first i was a dick, it is what it is a habit to kick, the age-old curse i tend to laugh whenever im sad stare at the crash, it actually works making amends, this shit never ends im wrong again, wrong again

the way life goes joyriding down our road lay on the horn to prove that it haunts me

hope that i don't, won't make it about me  i love you, im sorry

it felt just like a joke im sure you dont know were talkin’

i know your ghost i see her through the smoke

and if history’s clear, someone always ends up in ruins and what seemed like fate becomes "what the hell was i doin'?"

babylon lovers hangin’, lifetimes on a vine do you miss mine?

wonder if you regret the secret of us, us

it felt like somethin’ holy like souls pleadin, so it felt like what i've known you're twenty-nine years old so how can you be cold when i open my home?

give it ten months and you'll be past it (you'll be past it)

that night you were talkin’ false prophets and profits they makin’ the margins of poetry sonnets you never read upon it

the curse of a miracle, curse of an oracle youre incomparable, fuck it was chemical you (you) plus (plus) me (me) was

mistaken for strangers, no way in us, us the pain of the rain of the fain of us, us

the outline, well, sometimes do you miss us, us? (us, us, us) the best kind, well, sometimes do you miss us?

no, i know i'm a walking contradiction and it shows

and i've never craved someone's attention as much as yours, thought i should mention that

 i bet all my money that i will lose to you and hand you my life

dont love you yet, but probably will turn me into something tragic just for you, i let it happen

i lack context so i've made up all these lies it's the only thing that helps me sleep at night

and now i'm looking in the mirror you made me vain, i can't believe i have to be heard

here's to hoping you're worth all my time (ah, ah) i might barely know you, but still

you've turned all my skies to pouring rain locked me out the house again is this how you see me now? im reeling and i might break the windows, let myself back in lost it for a minute there get my shit together, its whatever, but i could die knowing that you're probably out somewhere while i'm in my underwear eating through my feelings, i'm still reeling, but its fin oh, thank god that you're not seeing this i'll spare you from everything if you would still have me, i'll be waiting all my life oh-oh

whatever, i let it happen whatever, i let it happen whatever, i let it happen i let it happen

i took a train to boston and i wanted to cry

i'll date for like a summer and i'll leave when i'm bored this train is full of strangers but i might like him more

when i left him there to feel it couldn't guess when i'd be leavin' for

no chance i waste my twenties on random men not one of them is cooler than all my friends

i feel like i'm home, there's a bar down the road i'm wasted with the sister of a boy that i met through someone back in college, she's a weird intellect she liked to tell the truth and she was harsh but direct her boyfriends all left, she had that effect

but that's just tough love and you're lucky to receive it, right?

i guess it's always funny until it's not

no, i'm not gonna miss the way he'd kick me in my bed while sleepin'

and i'm not gonna miss his old inflated ego, shallow thinking and i'm not gonna miss denying that i got my own damn reasons

not one of them is tougher than all my friends and i hate to leave him bleedin' but i know, know what i'm leavin' for

i swear to god, i haven't thought of you in ages

i understand, i changed your plans, i had to, baby

and i think that you earnestly have waited on apologies but i can't pretend that i'm sorry when i'm not sorry

so aren't you sad about the fact that you can't write me? i cheered the loudest for you when you won your trophies

and don't you feel alone at night or sorta kinda daily?

and we don't even know each other now and i'd blow all my plans if you'd meet me out

we could talk, we could get it, we could both calm down down (down, down)

it all changed for me and i told you (down) (down, down) you had the wrong idea about me (down) (down, down) and all i ever did was consider you (down) (down, down) until all i could do was consider me (down)

you don't know how to step outside yourself

you really thought you would get what you wanted (down) down, (down) down (down) down, (down) down 

you were the shoreline you were the crash and now i break

gave you i, gave you i, gave you i, gave you i

am i what you wanted? was i self-appointed?

all of my dark blue covered it for you but i'm just so embarrassed now

and you did all that i wouldn't do, erasing lines around us i held my head, i used to hold you, but now i'll walk around us and i can't lie and claim confused when i know just what happened you got bored, and i felt used, now i'm all sad about it

would it have killed you to explain that you weren't ready?

and, still, i gave you i, gave you i gave you i

my honest commitment i sat and listened i was your floorboard, holding it down

and could you not deny the truth? 'cause i know just what happened you got bored, and i felt used, now i'm all sad about it

when did you slip through my fingers, did i ever have you? was i just a placeholder to fill the hole inside you?

i held my head, i used to hold you but now i'll walk around us

and i won't lie and claim confused when i know just what happened

oh, you got bored, and i felt used, now i'm so sad about it

it's a normal thing to fall in love with movie stars when the lights are low and red at all their favorite bars

and the plotline was rare, swear i felt you right there maybe that was the beginning of our love affair

 did my pacing and reeling i even think it looked cute at times i know there's more than that feeling i didn't know it for most my life

you were great, what a show, but i don't recommend getting close, that's how it goes but i'll see you again

couldn't you go quiet? no one noticed, i did but i notice everything, so you're not different

i practice speeches in private i was impressed with my every line i think we call that performing that's not how i want to spend my life

getting close, should have known but i'll see you again

and you changed my life, but i guess i'll see ya 'cause it's over now, so i guess i'll see ya

he made you live out that nightmare and you nearly lost it you made a joke and you watched it go over his head

good luck, charlie i hope you're happy this isn't what you wanted you know that it's her or nothin'

you can go home at night and you might really not need her but you feel her everywhere, she is the love of your life

now it all comes down to you

good luck, charlie i hope you're happy

you openly admit you're far away from healing and i hate to pull the plug but i think i get your deal

you're the saddest, but a good kid almost loved you, but i didn't i could laugh now, how we tried to play those parts

and it's half of you that hurts sometimes, the half that i don't get i swear that i'm not mad at you, but i can't share your bed now

that you blew up on a tuesday how does pain taste when it melts into your tongue?

it's a pain that i caught you at a bad time it's a shame that i memorized your outline you were straight up with me, you were so kind but i knew what you knew, honey, great minds it was harsh 'cause i lost what i wanted i was brave when i kissed you in london we're collateral here, man, we got hit hope you find somewhere safe for your baggage every page that i wrote, you were on it feel you deep in my bones, you're the current and i showed no restraint, it was something i was scared until you made me love it

chances are i'll be here, we could share a lifeline if you feel like fallin', catch me on the way down

never been less empty, all i feel is free now

smoky, dark, crowded room, i need nothing under pink light in june (ah-ah-ah)

i burn for you and you don't even know my name if you asked me to i'd give up everything

break my heart and start a fire, you got me overnight

(just let me be) oh, close to you, close to you, close to you

you pull me in and touch my neck, and now i'm dying

you should be mine for life, i'll be signing every dotted line (ah-ah-ah)

chemical override, ultraviolet you could be mine tonight

pull the trigger on the gun i gave you when we met i wanna be close to you

just let me be close to you, close to you, close to you