#hope you're all relaxing and eating good food these last few days of the year

[sir-walton-goggins]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Kris!! 🎄🎁

You have been visited by Elf Arthur! May he bring you much luck and happiness for 2025!

Kris, thank you so much for your presence around here! I've loved interacting with you and it was really caring and interesting every time. Also, bravo for your writing, and for starting to show us your drawings! You are skillful, versatile and showed us your talents in these different areas! I also enjoy watching little snippets of your playthrough (and noticing your very well-groomed Arthur every time, eheh).

I wish you to spend relaxing holidays and send much love to you and your loved ones! 🎄🎆

-Pine🌱

Aaaah Pine you're always so sweet!!

I absolutely LOVE your lil Arthur elf drawing!! So freaking cute I need to eat it right now

Thank you for your kind words, I've loved interacting with you too and bonding over our shared interest :)

You're an amazing artist and writer and the sweetest person ever, it's been a joy to be your mutual.

🥂cheers to a 2025 full of art and sharing it with our friends!🥂

[viktoriaashleyyx]

Chapter 2 is here!

This is a pro Tamlin, anti Rhysand self insert revenge fic. All characters belong to SJM, but she wasn't treating them right. Tam x reader, Tam x Rhysands Sister (OC), First person narrative. This will also reference Elucien and Neris in the future but we aren't there yet.

This one is mainly fluff.(?) (I am not sure what tw to put on this) mutual bathing. Making out. They accept the mating bond, no smut that's next.

I would love to hear any criticisms.

Ch1 Ch3

Chapter 2:

We sat there for a long while, until we were interrupted by the grumbling of his stomach. I looked up at him with wide doe eyes “you're hungry.” Not a question. We never got a chance to accept the mating bond before I left, and I remembered this tradition. I scoured the realms and planned what meal I would prepare for him first. I learned how to cook the best meal of every town I had visited. I knew exactly what I wanted to prepare for him and had even packed the ingredients in my bag. I had held all hope that I would finally make it home and I was right.

“You don't need to worry about that.” he breathed, his strong arms still wrapped around me.

“It doesn't have to mean anything if you don't want it to, you have to eat. But if I am being honest I have looked forward to this meal since the day the bond snapped into place.” I consoled him.

“I am no longer the man I was when you left. Amarantha, Feyre, Hybern and Lucien have broken me.” His arms finally released me and he pulled away. The pain in his eyes, he was utterly alone here and he believed he deserved it. “I am a monster, now, Sky.”

Good, I've developed a monster fucking kink. No wait, now is not the time to say that thought out loud. I grabbed his face in my hands and looked him in the eye “Do you still have love in your heart for me?”

“Always. I would die for you. I would burn this world to the ground to find you again, now that I know you're alive.”

“But would you live for me? Would you heal, and rebuild? Would you face and confront your traumas and mistakes, and atone for those you hurt in the interim? Would you rebuild your, no, our court and work to regain the trust of our people?”

His emerald eyes looked deep into mine before he muttered a soft “yes, all of it.”

“I will accept nothing less. You are good, you are kind. I know your heart. You are deserving of love. Allow me the right to make my own decisions. Now I am going to make you food.”

He didn't argue any further, just looked in my eyes, searching, as if waiting for the punchline, waiting for another cruel joke. What has my horribly cruel brother done to him? “I love you, Tamlin. I always have. I am home now, please allow me the pleasure of proving it to you.” I spoke softly, burying my face in his neck holding him once more. He embraced me again and I could feel a few tears dropping onto my shoulder.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Tamlin admitted with a raspy broken sigh. I looked at him, with star bright eyes and a wide smile.

“So you agree? I am home? And you will let me make you food, knowing what it means?” almost too excited, I asked with a big smile. His face relaxed and he allowed himself an amused half smile.

“If you wish, I will gladly accept.” Relief poured from his voice.

“Yay! Now help me clean the kitchen so I can cook, I have all the ingredients in my bag here.” I requested, no, commanded excitedly. With a wave of his hand the kitchen was spotless. “If you are able to do that, why is the manor such a mess?” I scolded.

“I missed the last Calanmai, and the one before that Lucien stood in for me.” he answered, “it's been a rough few years. My power is dwindling.”

“We are gonna have to fix that, aren't we?” I said bluntly. He took a seat at the small table in the middle of the kitchen and watched as I prepared to make him the best stew I had ever had. “You have a lot on your mind, speak freely as I cook, I will keep my questions limited.”

“I killed her.”

“Who? Amarantha?” I asked, he nodded his head. I put the knife down and walked over to him, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. “I am so proud of you.” He looked at me like he hadn't heard those words in a very long time, it broke my heart.

I returned to the stew, “I could never hurt your brother. If he were anyone else, I would've killed him a long time ago, but he was the closest thing I had left of you. He died in the hybern war, and through everything I should've left him. His mate, my ex, Feyre destroyed my court and I knew that if it had been me laying there no one would've batted an eye. Feyre screamed and pleaded for me to revive him. I almost had the strength to walk away, for 300 years I mourned you, I will admit I had lost hope of you ever returning. But that hope sparked one last time and I revived him. I told her to be happy, but it was for you.” I had so many questions, stories we would need to catch up on, but that's not for now.

“You should've let him rot.” my response was gentle enough, brother or not, Rhysand was a selfish brat who never utilized his daemati powers for anything that didn't get him what he wanted. A spitting image of our father. “But you've always had a kinder heart than me, Tamlin.”

He released a sad chuckle at my words as if to say ‘I know.’ “The lady of Autumn had the baby all our mothers were stressing about, Lucien, he became my closest friend. And yes, he did look like Helion.”

“No” I gasped.

“And Beron knew it. He treated him cruelly and dropped him at my border. I took him in almost 200 years ago. It's only recently with the events of Amarantha and Feyre that he's left, but he stops by every now and then. If a male with long red hair and a golden eye stops by, don't hurt him.”

I giggled “so you do remember me well. Thank you for the heads up.” I poured him a bowl and sat it in front of him. He held my gaze for a minute, still in disbelief. Any hope he did have when he woke up this morning, couldn't compare to what is happening now. He slowly picked up the spoon and began eating.

“This is delicious, what kind of meat is this?” He asked between bites.

“Bear.” I answered.

He was filthy, his hair matted and his clothes ripped. As he ate I grabbed a wooden hairbrush I found and began to work out the knots, gently. He savored every bite and when he finished, he leaned back almost to show how good it felt and to allow me to finish detangling his long blonde hair. When I was done I pulled his head back ever so slightly just to leave a kiss on his forehead.

He took my hand, guided me around to face him and pulled me onto his lap straddling him. “Thank you, it's been a long time since I've felt a gentle caring touch from anyone. It means more than you realize.” He admitted, but I could tell, he was holding back, putting on a strong facade. He needed me just as much as I needed him, that much was true.

“Good thing I have no intention of letting you go anytime soon.” I breathed, my eyes drifting from his to his lips. I had always heard that men go absolutely feral by this point, does he not want me? Why is he being so cautious? I leaned closer and he got the hint. His lips met mine, gentle at first, his gorgeously muscled arms wrapped around my waist. I bit his bottom lip playfully, and he smiled, amused. He deepened the kiss, his hands traveling up my back to pull me closer, my hands tangling themselves in his gorgeous blonde hair. I pulled away, “You could use a bath first.”

He grunted “you're probably right.” Most would take offense to this, but he knew me, he knew my blunt outbursts were merely observations and meant nothing more. Generally, he found them amusing. He once explained to me that he hated having to guess everyone's thoughts and moods all the time, he's not a daemati, and my willingness to admit what I was thinking, so clearly and straightforwardly, was a breath of fresh air for someone growing up in a royal home.

He led me up the stairs to his chambers. My attention wandering from the destruction around me, to the beautiful strong hand holding mine. As we entered the large room he called his, I was taken aback in pure astonishment of what hung over his bed. My mouth gaped open as I stared at the painting. “Just the rumors of your artwork has gotten me into a lot of trouble. I’ve never let anyone else in here.” There, hung above his bed was the picture I had painted of my own wings. I spent weeks, no, months perfecting it until it looked like my actual wings were encapsulated in the canvas. He had always complimented them and when I started to excel in my art, he requested this specifically. Most days he would sit next to me and point details out and give me direction and praise.

“You still have it.” was all I was able to mutter.

“Why would I ever get rid of something so perfect?” he smiled at me. I shook myself out of awe and tried to focus. Bath, that's right.

“Do the hand waving and clean this room too,” I demanded as we entered the connected bathroom. A large white tub with golden clawed feet sat in the middle, and I searched through the cupboards for the soaps and oils. I tried to divert my gaze as he undressed and climbed into the warm water he had conjured. I would say every inch of him was sculpted by the gods, if I hadn't met the gods and realized what ridiculousness they actually engaged in. “Now dunk under and wet your hair so I can wash it.” I sat at the head of the tub, scrubbing shampoo into his scalp and massaging oils into the length. He purred in approval. This is everything I have wanted, to take care of him, and for him to care for and protect me. I hated the fighting, the battles, the training and being dirty and covered in blood that wasn't mine. I was good at it, but every night I would lie down and dream of my life at the Spring court. I would dream of having a big comfy bed, a daily bath, and his arms wrapped around me. I wanted to spend my days painting, dancing, singing or just annoying him while he completed trivial tasks only he deemed important.

He rinsed the soaps out of his hair and drained the water. I was still lost in my thoughts of what I had missed, had I truly gotten it back? He wrapped a towel around his waist and helped me to my feet. I stood before him and looked up at him, hoping the wonder and love I was feeling translated to his understanding. “Thank you, my love, you have helped me feel like I'm worth something again,” he admitted, looking down to me and running a gentle hand along the side of my face. He was so much taller than me. “I think it's your turn.”

True, I don't remember the last time I was able to bathe properly. He re filled the bath with slightly hotter water this time, and I began to peel off the layers of leather and chain I had collected off the monsters I killed. He turned his gaze out of respect and I giggled.

“Am I really that bad to look at?” I teased giving him a sly smile. “You can drop the gentleman act, I know you want to look”

He gave me a cautious smile, his gaze fixed on my eyes “forgive me love, the shock is still settling, it all seems to be happening so fast… but I don't want it to slow down.”

“3 centuries of waiting is too fast?” I teased as I lowered myself into the hot bath. I sighed as I cherished the feeling. I grabbed a rag with some soap and started scrubbing my face, working my way down. He took my place at the head of the bath and began carefully undoing the intricate braids I kept my black hair in to preserve the length that touched my waist and keep it out of the way. I finished scrubbing my body down and leaned my head back, enjoying the feeling of his gentle hands massaging the shampoo into my scalp. I always loved my men with long hair because that meant they knew how to help me care for mine. It was as if we were washing the past 300 years off eachother, to start anew. As he finished I dunked my head under and he reached for my wings.

He grabbed a fresh washcloth, wet it and added a small amount of soap and oil. He carefully stretched out my wing as I allowed him and began running the warm rag across the entirety of the dark sensitive skin. My eyes rolled back, I could climax just by this feeling alone. No one, save for him, has ever been this gentle with me. I let out a soft sigh and opened my eyes to catch his. He stood next to me, soft towel in one hand, the other extended to guide me up and out. I took his hand and stood up, I tripped getting out and fell straight into his chest. We both giggled as I corrected my footing but not pulling away. His hands rested on my back holding me up.

His loving and amused face turned to concern. “It's been so long, my love, I don't know if I can hold back if I loosen my restraint. I want you so badly, but I don't want to hurt you.”

I smiled and pulled his head down closer to whisper in his ear “I like it rough.”

And with that he wrapped his hands around my waist and picked me up, I locked my legs around him and kissed him, hard and passionately, as he carried me over to the bed.

♡♡♡♡♡

Tag list: @ladythornofrivia @rin-u-pos @rcarbo1

Lmk if you want to be added to the taglist.

[differenteagletragedy]

with the new year approaching, i was thinking to request headcanons of celebrating it and counting down to the new year with the OL boys (if requests are open!!) happy holidays to you and i wish you a great new year ahead!! i really love reading your writings and i would reread them over the few months :,) thanks in advance!!

Happy new year, friend! Hope you're ready for a good time with the boys!!!

-- Baxter is wearing a nice suit and drinking champagne. Do you have a party you want to attend? Do you like to spend New Year's Eve at a favorite bar? Maybe a get-together at home with a few friends? Or perhaps you'd rather have a cozy night, just the two of you? Doesn't matter, nice suit and champagne.

-- He would really like it if you dressed up too! He's a fancy man.

-- Baxter is also going to have approximately 10,000 jokes about the occasion.

Baxter: *kisses you at midnight* That was delightful, I can't believe we haven't done that since last year.

You: *suffers*

Baxter: *the next day in bed* I'd better prepare us something for breakfast, I'm starving. We haven't eaten since last year.

You: Are you done?

-- I kind of feel like Cove would be totally unimpressed with the idea of New Year's Eve. It's cold outside, it gets dark too early, and the big idea about the holiday is that he's supposed to stay up past midnight? Is this some kind of sick joke?

-- If you like it though, he would obviously do whatever you wanted. You might just have to poke him to stay awake sometimes.

-- Haha what if Cliff sees that Terry tagged Cove in a picture from New Year's Eve on Instagram, he's just totally passed out on the couch, head back and mouth open, and Terry and Miranda have put a festive little hat and those glasses on him? And he gets concerned that Cove drank that much and goes to have a heart to heart with him, and Cove is confused and has to be like "What? No, I just fell asleep."

-- He's a total sap about the concept of a new year though. It barely even makes sense, it's just something about a whole fresh year that he gets to be with you, like a brand new chapter in your life together. He can't really explain it but it makes him feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

-- When Derek gets a little older and more settled and capable taking it easy on himself every once in a while, then this week, this little stretch between Christmas and New Year's? That's Derek's Week, baby. He's not doing a damn thing.

-- He's super healthy and that's his preference, it's not like eating healthy foods and working out is a chore at all for him. But this is the week that he's going to eat way too much pizza and then have the rest for breakfast the next day. If he has to work, no he doesn't, he's on vacation. Derek is in bed past 8:00 am, but don't sound the alarm, he's just relaxing!

-- He would throw back a few on New Year's Eve. And drunk Derek is real real cute and VERY affectionate.

-- Drink responsibly and respect and trust your partners, but please someone write drunk possessive Derek at the bar when someone starts flirting with MC I am begging

-- I was going to do more but now I am thinking about that last one too much

[toomuchracket]

omg it was my birthday a couple of days ago too, both taurus!! I ended up drunkenly crying on a night out in a club on my birthday (lol) so I just have this image of you and Ross having the most lovely night out, just the two of you, going to a takeaway place after, waiting for a taxi in the rain at like 4am and you both just being all over each other and so in love, and he’s so sweet and made your birthday so special. maybe he requested your favourite songs to the dj and danced with you all night, and when you get home you’re just so happy and all warm and fuzzy <3

happy birthday by the way angel!!

omg taurus angel i hope you had a good day (aside from the drunk crying. mood tho lol)!! this is so so cute!! i always think the best nights out are the impromptu ones, so i'm thinking that the two of you have had a really lovely day, gone out for a huge fancy lunch, then to a bar with the intent of having a few drinks then heading home. and the night just flies in, because you're having such a good time (and you and ross, sappy cuties that you are, keep getting lost in each other's eyes), so much so that neither of you want to go home when the bar staff call for last orders. ross is like "you know, we could go out out, if you want, babe" and you're like "clubbing? alright!", so you go and queue for a nearby nightclub. ross has to subtly kiss your neck as a distraction technique to prevent you having an existential crisis about your age when you end up behind a group of newly-eighteen-year-olds, and as soon as you both get in he drags you to the bar to do a shot or two to relax lol. and it works - you have a great night dancing with him (he defo makes sure to request some of your fave songs lol) and drinking weird nightclub cocktails (would pay to see any member of the 1975 drink a venom actually) and befriending random girls in the toilets when they tell you how pretty you are and compliment your dress (mvps, truly). i do think you'd leave a teeny bit earlier than 4am, but not for tiredness reasons - the grinding on your boyfriend and the making out in the smoking area really gets to you both (if you catch my drift), and you drag ross out of the club at 2:30, ready to jump into a taxi and then jump him as soon as you both get through your front door lol. but then you clock the takeaway across the road as soon as you get outside and you're like "ok babe i love you and i really do want you, but i also really want a munchie box (THE post-night out food don't @ me)", and ross laughs and he's like "right, well, we can get one if you promise to share the chips with me" and you're tipsy like "you're the love of my life i'll always share my chips with you!!" and then you make out again for a bit until it starts raining and you have to run for cover in the takeaway lol. and you get your food, and the two of you stand in this random doorway contentedly eating chips and naan and pakora and then having another smoke before walking to the taxi rank. it's still raining, and the queue is long, but neither you or ross care - you're too busy snuggling into ross' chest sleepily, him asking you if you've had a nice birthday and you saying "the best", to care. and yeah, you don't end up having sex when you get home because you're so tired, but you're both so content just cuddling lovingly and spooning to sleep that it doesn't matter <3

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch24 Interluding P3

Warnings: Karaku IS his own warning plus some innuendos.

wind 

That's the main thing that rustled through the trees tonight dancing with it's friends the scary shadows of the abyss dancing across the large trees. Their large branches creaking in Encores for more shadow dancing, their leaves shifting in claps for the scary performance. It all made him squirm. Every sound made him squeal. Every sight made him cower. Every feeling made him go faster and faster. Why did he ever think it was a good idea to gather supplies around this time at night. Almost there however. He was almost home. Hurried footsteps accompanied by sobs and whimpers scuttled about. Home. He was almost home. Just a little more and he'd be safe. He was getting too old for this. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't his fault!! Closer and closer he went until he did get there. A giant wooden door to be in fact which creaked open upon pushing it and the warmth from within welcomed him into it's safety.

"Father." A squeal sounded from the sudden young child's voice he whirled around too. His son..HIS SON!! Oh how joyous and wonderful it was to see a face concerned for him. "You haven't returned for a few days. I was worried about you. I almost left to start searching."

"Good son. Kind son. *Sniff* All of you have been has been so good to me."

"You're our father. I won't let anyone harm you."

"*Sniffle* Wh-Where are your brothers, Zohakuten?"

"Sekido and Urogi are out looking for you, as Karaku and Aizetsu are looking for a lost child from the Spider Clan named Rui Master has interest in. I chose to stay behind I'm case you returned. It seems I made the correct call. Shall I tell them you are safely home?"

"*Sniff* Yes. Su-Su-Summon me your dear older brothers. I h-have found a gift for one of them?"

"Father?"

"I-I am an old man. It makes me so sad, so sad my sons will never find someone who feels the same way about me they do. But I have. Kind girl. Understanding girl. S-Summon them quickly." 

 The young boy's face looked all kinds of surprised in one minute,and at first he didn't respond but another sniffle sound made his face relax into that permanent scowl his youngest son always seemed to have. Instead his youngest came over to him, and he felt a stronger arm wrap around his shoulders and a firm hand grab his upper forearm.

"They'll be back before the sun arrives. Come sit." One strong but gentle pull was enough to get the sobbing mess moving towards an already lit fireplace, and made the mess sit down in a chair near there. "You had us all worried being gone for almost a week. What were you thinking running off without telling us?!"

A sob as trembling hands covered the mess's face. "Not my fault I go-go-got llllooooosssttt!!! *Hic*"

A groan followed by a sigh. "Well that's what happens when your eyesight isn't what it used to be! You're not a young man anymore, Father! You have to stop taking unnecessary risks all the time. That's why we made you retire last year! NOW DON'T DO THAT AGAIN!!"

A small wail followed by sobbing but there was a pained nod in the mess which made the young man nod.

"Good. You look thin. Wait here and I'll get you some food. Then you can get cleaned up."  He then left and returned a moment later with a bowl of some food and what looked like tissues both thrusted into the mess's hands. "Here. Clean yourself up and eat something. You'll feel better afterwards."

"*sniffle* Thank Y-You. How kind my sons are to me."

" Hmm." The tissues were used. The food was ate. And his interest was still peaked. "Now what's this nonsense about you trying to marry off one of the idiots? Don't tell me some woman has come knocking on our door hoping to marry into wealth now that we're important enough to gain attention?" A deep growl. "I HATE those women!! They make me rage when they act all sweet and then change once they catch sight of you!! The only other one who seems to hate it is Sekido!! Karaku and Urogi thinks it's all fun and games and wallow in the attention when women throw themselves at their feet! And Aizetsu rather run away and hide from them all instead of help!!!''

"No. No. This one is different." The mess's voice cleared now but there was still sniffles. "I asked her."

"Oh really? And you're sure she just didn't trick you into asking that? You're too delicate to know better, someone could've tricked you."

"*hic* A-Actually s-s-she denied it when I offered her first."

The young boy paused looking at him. "...HMPH!! It still could've been a trick! What could she have possibly done to gain your attention?"

"She saved me. Believed me. Said I-It wasn't m-m-my fault."

"She-...I-...W-What? I mean-...What did you get yourself into while you were out?!"

"She saved me from a monster child! He would've ended me if it wasn't for her, I'd be dead! She treated me with such kindness. *sniff*She was so kind."

"....UGH!!" Two hands facepalmed himself. "The things that happen around here are unbearable! Just go get yourself cleaned up and I'll get the idiots over here!"

"D-Don't be so harsh on them."

He ignored that last statement to just go gather the idiots (his older brothers) to alert them of the arrival of their father. They shouldn't be too far away and the wind outside will help carry the sounds over the hills and trees. Leaving the house and sniffling sounds behind,  the door opened back to the scary world outside and he gathered energy into his arms. Raising them up over his head...Before slamming them down.

BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM

The sounds of beats embarked on their own journey to the winds and dancing shadows joining in the symphony of sounds in the night. Surely anyone else who heard it would run from the frightening heartbeats from the mountain, however he was expecting a certain group of quadruplets to arrive answering the music he made. Minute after minute he sounded. Going on for longer and longer as time passed.

BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM

Over and over again and again the rythem played out. Calling. Calling. Calling.

BUM BUM BUM BUM B-

A hand froze inches away from a leather bound instrument. A centimeter from making another noise when he finally got a sense that he wasn't alone. 

"I've been at this for almost two hours, Sekido! You better have a good reason for keeping me waiting!"

He didn't even need to look to know someone was scowling at him. But the jingling of a deadly staff was enough to identify the newcomer. And of course the voice- "SHUT UP YOU BRAT!! YOU TRY STEERING A FLYING CHICKEN THROUGH THE WIND WITH THAT INFURIATING INSTRUMENT POUNDING IN YOUR DAM EARDRUMS!!"

"...You let Urogi carry you here? You must've been very worried about Father or being around them all has finally made you just as insane."

"Shut your dam mouth before you make me angry!!"

''That's not a long walk for you to achieve."

He could hear his brother sputter incoherent angry yells just as a gust of wind blew over them both and a second later there was a loud thud. Ah. He knew who that was too. "Urogi. Nice to see you join us."

There was a different voice who laughed despite Sekido's yelling. "HAHAHAHA!! Zoha! You should've seen the way Sekido landed when he told me to drop him!! He looked just like a ragdoll without any stuffing!"

"IT WAS YOUR FAULT!! YOU LET GO OF ME ON FUCKING PURPOSE AND YOU KNOW IT!!"

"Aw, Sekido.~ You're the oldest but you still act so immature.~" 

"I swear one day I'll rip your wings off!!"

He rolled his eyes by this point. His brothers were always fighting in some way, shape, or form. Gave him constant headaches. 

"ENOUGH!!  What did you even summon us back for, Zahakuten?! Did Father return or not?!"

"He did. However he has....strange news he wanted to tell all of you. Now where's the others?"

"Haha! 'Strange news' little brother? Sounds exciting! They should be along shortly considering I spotted Aizetsu from the air."

"That must mean Karaku's not too far behind either-" 

"Actually we are closer than you three think!" All heads turned to two other faces. One a smug grin, the other a worried frown. "Seeing all your faces again makes this day brighter!~ Especially all the leaves and sticks sticking to Sekidos hair. Was flying fun?"

"Shut up, Karaku! Did you find that brat or not?!"

"N-No. W-W-We followed the scent to a couple ponds not too far from here but the trail went cold. It makes me sad to displease the Master again."

"DAMMIT!! Ever since Urogi lost him months ago we've been stuck not being able to find him at all!!"

"Don't blame me! How was I supposed to know that the kid could shoot webs and blind me!?"

 B U M

A loud bang of a drum ended the bickering. "Silence all of you! We have all the time to find one sickly child who couldn't have gotten far! For now come inside and greet Father. He's expecting you."

With that he turned and just walked back into the building. It did not take long for him to be followed by four pairs of footsteps also opening and closing the door before he was pushed aside by two of his more upbeat brothers whom quickly hugged their father in greeting. He hated when they did that. Aizetsu was kinder and didn't hog barely any attention other than a quick greeting to their father before Sekido grunted. 

"Enough pleasantries. State what you want to tell us before we leave. I have to find a brat from the mountains!"

"*sniffle* Apologies. Apologies. I haven't been able to tell you yet." A thin, frail hand was held up. "I'm getting to old, too weary to keep you all much company for too very long. *Sniff* Which is why I have taken it upon myself to arrange a marriage to a suitable girl for you four."

Silence. STUNNED SHOCKED SILENCE. Karaku's face froze in a strained smile. Urogi's mouth hung right open. Aizetsu just....stood there awkwardly and silently stared. Sekido looked like someone just spat in his food. And Zohakuten? He wasn't too surprised now so he just reached up to close Urogi's mouth before Sekido broke the silence. 

"WHAT?!"

"F-Father, you can't be serious. Why?"

"You all have turned down the many families who made offers. I'm getting old and I wish to at least see one of my sons married. So I took matters into my own hands. You all brought this up on yourself. *sniff*"

"So you found four different women for us to marry?" Urogi didn't sound angry. Instead he hummed curiously. "Wow....Did you accept Douma's offer of sending over concubines then or are they orions you paid off the debts to in exchange for the marriages?" 

"Neither. She is a kind girl. Understanding girl. She'll be good for you all."

"Father said she saved him from the clutches of a small brat." Zohakuten rolled his eyes. "Most likely one of the forest people's brat, they aren't the most polite."

"So wait.. You said 'girl' as in the singular sense yes?," Aizetsu's blue eyes blinked. "So...Does that mean only one of us is getting married? W-Who?" He winced. "I hope not Sekido."

"AND WHAT'S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!"

"Is she cute?~" Karaku cooed intrigued. "Is she a sweet pure thing?~ I bet she's just a little snack waiting to be devoured-"

"Karaku, that's disgusting! Don't talk about our future wife like that! N-Now who is going to be the one engaged exactly?"

Everyone shut up at that question and looked to their father who also paused. "Oh...I ..U-Um...I did not remember to be specific when she agreed to m-m-my proposal."

They continued to stare at him. "So..You didn't pick a specific one of us because you forgot to ask which one of us she'd rather marry?"

Their father winced. 

"OOOHHH!!!~ This sounds like such FUN!~ I call dibs if she's cute!~"

"Shut up all of you!!" Sekido looked back to their father. "What did this monstrous child look like?"

"*Sniff*..H-He was as pale as the moon with the most violent tendencies!!"

"THAT'S HIM!! THAT'S THE BRAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR!! WHERE DID THIS HAPPEN?!"

Their father cowered. "B-B-By the lakes!'

"LAKES?!"

"H-H-He must mean the ponds to the south of here. That's where we lost track of the scent."

"How long ago was this?!"

"Gah! A w-week! Maybe less!!"

"Then that's where we should go!!" Sekido instantly turned and began stomping off towards the exit.

"S-Sekido."

"WHAT?!"

"*sniffle* The g-girl who a-agreed to the marriage h-has the child."

*******************"*****************************************************************

"Mother. I don't want to go! I want to stay and listen to you reading me more stories!! It's not fair!"

You had expected Rui would throw a tantrum when Kyogai ordered he would be put back into Mayla's care starting today. He insisted in order to have him un-imprint on you, he had to start spending time away from you in order to be sure he wouldn't be too attached whenever it was decided what would be done with him. While you agreed it would be best since it would mean it would solve another one of your problems,you couldn't help but feel...Wrong about this whole thing. Especially when Rui clung to your kimono with a pout. 

"It's only for a little while." You gently tried to coax him.

"IT'S NOT FAIR!! WHY?!"

"Because Kyogai and I are grown ups and we need to talk about grown up business with each other. By ourselves. It won't be forever."

"Then I can just sit down in the corner and be quiet! I promise you won't even know I'm there!"

"Rui, I need some time to myself too. You can do whatever you want in the meantime." 

"I want you!! I want my mother!" You groaned. This was going to be difficult. "If it's because you two want to kiss I can wait until you're all done."

......Say what?

"R-Rui!! That's not- ..I mean we weren't- ... Kyogai wasn't trying to kiss me!?," You shouted red faced. 

"Then why do you want to be alone?!" Small hands grabbed your sleeve and a small tear formed on his eye lid. "P-Please don't leave me.. Please. I-I promise I'll be good this time. Just don't go."

'....."

Kyogai hummed and was just finishing a new transcript when the sliding door opened in behind him. "Ah. Y/n, right on time." He turned his head. " I have a new book...for..." He blinked seeing you standing there with Rui happily holding your hand and Nagi just behind you both. He narrowed his eyes. " I thought he was supposed to be with Mayla today."

"I decided otherwise. C'mon Rui."

Rui happily followed you as Kyogai groaned. "You're being too soft on him. He'll never get it if you keep coddling him."

"He's only ten years old. I think I can have him for a little longer." You happily let Rui sit down next to you. How ever Kyogai failed to notice exactly how close you all were. "You're just being too hard on him." Rui leaned more into your side as your arm instinctively placed around him. "Now about that new book-"

"And food!"

Kyogai groaned before holding a purple covered book over his shoulder. A moment later he felt a smaller hand take it from him. "Nagi, get them some food. I swear you're making a mistake. The child needs discipline not more-" He shut up when a warm mass suddenly pressed against him. ".... coddling."

Nagi's hands covered her mouth I'm shock as Kyogai slowly turned his head, and stared shocked as you leaned against his side instead of the wall where you usually sat at. Opening the book much to Rui's excitement.

"Oh hush now. You just need to loosen up more and be open to him. He's just ten years old. Now let's start with this Toad Prince story. Ok?"

"Yes!...But I Still need food."

"Hm...It feels like you're running another small fever again too. We'll get you all settled. Don't worry."

Kyogai quickly looked away from the figures leaning against him now red faced. Before clearing his throat and shakily picking his quill back up. Hed do his best to ignore that and continue working. ... Although it was very hard having a pretty woman literally leaning against yourself. The day went by pretty well and ended with you going to sleep, trying to insist Rui should sleep in his own room tonight, failing, and then just accepting that he would just sleep next to you tonight again. However things weren't going to remain quiet for long because deep in the middle of the night you were awoken by a shriek cutting through the air followed by the entirety of hell breaking loose. But that wasn't what had your blood running cold. Not the screams. Not the panicked footsteps. Not the hell beyond your room. No.

Rui was gone.

[resi4skz]

CHAPTER 4

Pairing: idol!Chan x Rebecca Greywood (OC)

Warnings: none for this chapter

This is purely fiction!

Cover by: @3rachasdomesticbanana

For the next few weeks, I got Luna acquainted with the few necessities to get around outside. I got her a new phone number, got her registered in korean classes and some days I would let her follow the map on her phone whenever we were out. We even visited Just Java and had their coffee. It was the yummiest coffee I've ever had. We enjoyed every bit of the time we had with each other. Luckily, we started our work next month also so it was great to know that she won't be home alone.

"Hey, Luna, do you want to try tteokbokki?" I ask as I scroll through the menu on my phone. "I'll tell them to make it very mild."

"Sure!"

I find a restaurant with good reviews and order on the food app. "Okay, our order will be here soon. I even ordered fried chicken."

As we wait for the food to arrive, I turn on the tv to pass time. "Hey, what if you get to work for Stray Kids?"

"Doubtful," I say flipping through channels.

"Hey now. Don't underestimate your skills."

"I'm not. I just don't want my first day to work THE group. What if I say something really embarrassing?"

"Then you'll have something to tell your grandkids." I hit her arm as she laughs. "Relax. You'll do fine, trust me."

Our food finally arrives and we eat as we watch tv. I even teach her some words in Korean when she asks me. We finish eating our dinner and soon we start getting ready for bed. After doing my skin care, I settle myself in my bed and turn off the light. Let's hope Luna is right about me doing well at my job next month. I promise myself that whoever I will end up with, I will give it my best.

------------------------------------------------------------

Next month rolls around pretty fast and I get more and more nervous which I shouldn't be feeling. A few days ago, I went out and registered for a Korean name: Kim Na Eun. Only Luna and I know about this though.

Luna finally started working at the coffee shop today and I'm standing in front of my mirror as I examine my outfit. I'm wearing a beige button shirt with a long black jean skirt and white sneakers. Giving myself pep talk before I head out. "You got this, Becca."

It takes me half hour to reach JYPE and soon I'm in the HR department filling out some forms. I get introduced to my team members and soon I'm following one of the staff members, Yujin, down towards the makeup rooms. She told me I'll also be meeting the group that I will be assigned to. She introduced me to other makeup artists and I was surprised that everyone was so friendly which made me feel at ease somewhat.

She leads me to another room full of makeup vanities. There were a total of 12 chairs and even had a couch at one end. "They should be arriving shortly." I smile at her as I wait with her. I admire all the vanities that had makeup products laid out along with hair tools. The door opens and I hear the commotion of a couple of guys laughing and talking but I don't turn around as I'm still looking at all the makeup stations. "Becca-ssi!"

"Ne," I turn around and I suddenly wished I was still home.

"These are the guys I was talking about. You're assigned to them."

Back home, whatever I did, whether it was school work or job wise, it wasn't ever good enough for my father. I wanted to learn dancing when I was 15 but took my money pot away that I had been saving since I was 10. I wanted to learn ballet, dad called the ballet dance school and had them deny my admission. Whatever it was, it wasn't worth my while because he wanted me to become a surgeon like him. So he had me studying 24/7 till I collapsed and was on bed rest for 3 months. Even then, he gave me stuff to do related to medicine. Since then, I always did what he wanted me to do. Till last year, I did whatever made him happy. But when I finally stood up, he crushed my dreams.

I was very glad because I got all certifications, even international ones, for this moment all thanks to Luna. Of course, she was on my side the entire time. If it wasn't for her, I don't know how I could've dealt with all the stress. She pushed me and told me give it all my best. And thats's exactly what I did. Living in a new country was surreal. Everything was new to me. The food, the environment, the smell in the air.

But now as I stand in front of 8 handsome men staring back at me, I don't think my life could get any better. All of them introduced themselves to me and I was in awe of their beauty. Each member had their own aura. I glance around and noticed that only 4 out of 9 had different hair colors. I made a mental note to tell Luna later when one of them walked towards me. He had blonde with blue streaks styled hair, eyes that shined like stars and a jawline that was swoon worthy. I couldn't help but stare at him as he stood in front of me. Bang Chan stood in front of me. I know somewhere Luna is kicking her feet in the air.

"You're not from here, are you?" Bang Chan asked.

My god. I had seen him a few months ago. I don't know if I can handle this. I mean out of all the boys, he was the one I was most fascinated with. I watched them from their pre-debut days till now. And he's right here. Standing. Looking all glorious. In front of me. And who knew I would be seeing him again.

"No, I'm from Australia," I replied, containing my posture.

"Oh, really?" The way his eyes lit up, I wanted take a picture of it. "Which part?"

"Melbourne." I replied. I don't think he remembers me?

"Ah, the city of night life and architecture," he said, smiling. I think my mental state is not okay at the moment. Seeing his smile was one of my favourite part of him. It always made my day. But to see it in person....

"Yes, but I never got to enjoy it. I like Seoul more," I said.

"So you'll be our new makeup artist?" He asked. When I'm about say something, the voices come.

"What's your name?"

"Does she like ice cream?"

"Ask her age!"

All these questions came like a firing round in a game. I burst out laughing but immediately stop when they look at me. "Sorry."

I looked at all of them and replied in korean, "My name is Rebecca Greywood. I'm 20, korean age 21. And I like chocolate flavor."

It got quiet and I blinked at them looking back at me. "Uh, did I say something wrong?" Even the staff was looking at me. "Uhhh, hello?"

Felix the one with blonde hair, Jeongin with red/pink hair  and Seungmin the one with dark brown hair, skipped towards Bang Chan and smiled. "Noona!"

Noona? Oh my god. I need to call Luna like asap.

"Yah," Bang Chan said to his kids who immediately went quiet. "Don't scare her. Sorry about them, teenagers and all."

"It's fine," I say, waving them off. Internally, my brain is doing math of Bang Chan's and my age. Oh my god. If I'm 20, and if I'm doing the math right, he's older than me by 2 years. "Nice to meet you all."

All the other members bow and smile at me. And Bang Chan extends his hand towards me. "Welcome to the team."

I look at him and his hand. I raise my hand and shake his hand. "Thank you."

As he's walking back to the members, Yujin comes to me. "Oh I forgot to tell you. You'll be one of the main makeup artist for Bang Chan, Felix, and Han."

Wait, did she say Bang Chan? "Gamsahamnida," I say and look around the room. The eight of them were chatting and fooling around whereas I have only seen them like that on my laptop. I try to compose myeelf but the fangirl inside me wants to scream. I fish out my phone and take a quick selfie with the room behind me and quickly send it Luna. I put my phone on silent. I will have to talk to her when I'm off work.

One of the staff members claps her hand. "Alright, we have a new member joining is officially today!" She gestures towards me as everyone in the room, including the boys clap welcoming me. I bow and smile.

"Thank you for having me." I clench my hands trying to get the nerves out.

"Alright, we have a show in a few hours. Felix and Han will be covered today, Rebecca-ssi. So you can get started on Chan."

I don't think I heard her right. Did she just I have to work on him? The man that made the fandom go crazy over his abs? I look at where he's sitting playing games on his phone. Jeez, even sitting down like that he's attractive. Damn, I don't think I'm going to be able to survive this job.

Putting my feelings aside, I walk over to where he's sitting. "Please make yourself comfortable. I'll start by prepping your skin." I turn towards the makeup items laid put for me to use. Wow. They really went out. I quickly study the table and spot the skincare stuff. Picking up on of the moisturizer, I study and frown at the ingredients. "Why are they using this stuff? This will just make your skin dry and break out after," I mutter under my breath. But not my place to say anything so I sanitize my hands before I turn around and start prepping his skin. I use gentle hands and when my fingers touch his cheeks, I nearly swoon over how smooth it is. Holy, I would kill to have this smooth and silky skin. I start the makeup with foundation application followed by concealer to hide any blemishes and blend everything together.

Once I know the foundation looks great, I put face powder followed by eyebrow shaping and eye makeup. I strictly kept it professional but couldn't help to admire his beauty. When his eyes were closed, I noticed his eyelashes. They weren't long but weren't short either. The last thing that was left were his lips. I gulped when he tilted his head up so I could apply the lip products easily. Gently, I swipe the product over his plump lips. I don't outline his lips that much. "Where do I know you from?"

I freeze and look at him to him looking at me. "Sorry?"

"Have we met before?" He asks.

Yes. It's what I want to say. But I shake my head. "No."

"Oh." He says, still looking at me.

"Okay, you're all done." I say as I put the brush in my hand down beside all the brushes.

"That was fast," he says as he gets up to inspect my work. I watch as he checks his face thoroughly and his eyes go wide at particular spot. It was where he had a blemish or a simply an aftermath of a popped pimple. "You covered it? I can't even tell that it was there. Wow."

I beam at him. "I'm glad you like it."

"Thank you." He simply smiles warmly at me and I drop a brush, not because I wanted to but because I was transfixed on his smile. I only wish I could've taken a picture. He bends down, picks up the brush and hands it to me.

"Thank you."

"Anytime." Then he leaves to go to the other members.

I think I need a break.

------------------------------------------------------------

I'm currently sitting in the break room having my lunch. A few people were sitting and eating their lunch too. I have my phone in my hand watching a dance practice of one of Stray Kids songs and I almost want to dance to it.....if there weren't people around. I receive a text from Luna.

L: uh, what is that picture of?

R: me with people I'm working for and with.

L: and WHY exactly why do I see the faces of Bang Chan, Han and Seungmin? Felix?

I stifle a laugh and try not to choke on my food.

R: that's because I'm their MUA.

L: ....

R: girl, I'll see you when I get home because my lunch just ended.

L: get back here!

I grin as I pack up the leftovers and head out of the break room. But before heading back to work, I hopped in the bathroom to quickly brush my teeth and touch up on my makeup. Once I was done, I head back up to the makeup rooms and see that it's empty. Or what I thought was empty. As I walk inside towards my makeup station, I see 3RACHA snacking on chips and snacks as they joke around with each other. I bow to them as I clean up anything that needed to be cleaned.

"Becca-ssi." I turn around and see Han walking to me.

"Ne?"

"Hokshi noona namjachingu isseyeo?" (Do you have a girlfriend?)

I blink at him before bursting out in laughter. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh," I say, chuckling.

He laughs. "Sorry, I didn't wanna ask but," he turns around and looks at at Changbin, who suddenly has an interest at imaginary dust on his clothes. "Someone dared me."

"It's okay. And no, I don't have a boyfriend," I say with a smile.

Then I see their leader walk up to Han and pat him on his back. "Han-ah, stop messing with the newbie."

"Sorry." Han apologizes but I wave him off.

"Sorry about him, he's usually not like that." Bang Chan says as Han goes back to Changbin.

"Ah, no. It's okay. I don't mind," I say smiling. He stares at me for a few seconds and I suddenly question my life choices. "Uhm."

"It's you!" He exclaims, pointing his finger at me.

"Sorry?" I blink at him.

"You're the girl from the other day," he says. Oh, he finally knows. "I knew I've seen you somewhere before."

"I'm sorry," I say as I bow.

"Are you kidding? If it wasn't for you returning my bag, I would've lost big chunk of our hardwork forever," he says smiling. "I should be thanking you."

I beam at him. "It's fine really. I'm just glad it didn't get into the wrong hands."

"Thank you, Becca-ssi."

"Ah, just Becca is fine."

He nods his head. "Becca." The way he said my name sounds so sweet like strawberry dipped in chocolate.

"Ne, Bang Chan-ssi."

"Just call me Chan." He smiles at me before going back to Han and Changbin.

"Chan," I whisper. I smile and go back to my previous task. I think I'm going to like working here.

A/N: the boys are finally here

[ruins-and-rewritez]

DAY 7: LEAVES: Helnik

They take walks sometimes. Languid, lazy things. Just a few moments to appreciate how peaceful life can be when you're not faced with a constant war that you can't escape. Other times are swift, jostling things. At the markets and shops. Learning the unseen, unknown nooks and crannies of a new place. Exploring whatever there is to be offered.

Matthias prefers the ones where they're off the beaten path, not surrounded by people and all the noise that they create. He likes the peace and quiet, or more specifically, he likes having Nina all to himself (not in a serial killer sort of way). He likes the reassurance that no one is about to take her away from him or that any moment they could enter some forbbiden territory and have to revert to fighting for their lives, there's been enough of that.

Nina walks beside him, humming a soothing melody that's tinged in childhood, he'll remember to ask her later, unwilling as he is to disturb the moment.

Sunlight flits through the leaves above them, sending rainbow of colors cascading around. Oranges, reds, and greens. This autumn is as picturesque as a scene on a postcard, with its cool breezes, bountiful harvest and bright warm colors.

It's so much more preferable over Fjerda's early snows and Kerch's unrelenting rain showers. Perhaps they return again for it next year, if not for another visit but to avoid the unsavory alternatives.

"We should head back soon, before it gets too late."

Matthias murmurs his assent, wondering if he can discover away to put a lock on time so he can relax like this a little longer. But returning before dusk is probably for the better seeing as how they aren't exactly prepared to face a night in the forest (he has a rifle of course, and Nina, but that's more for if they accidently run into a bear)

He threads their fingers together as they turn around, a gesture that seems less forward here in Ravka and is practically a handshake in Kerch. He's sure that someday he'll grow used to being so open with his affections in a way that's so blatantly obvious.

Nina rambles about her hopes for dinner, insisting the Zoya better pull out all the stops after they travelled all the way here just to see her. How it doesn't matter if she's queen or not she should be a good host for her best friend and use those royal coffers to have something tasty.

"But mostly I'll be happy as long as it's not that crap we had to eat at the Little Palace."

Matthias smiles. Even back then Nina believed that if they were being forced to serve in the country's armed forces they might as well have splurged a little on food so that their soldiers good have a decent meal before being sent to the slaughter.

Traveling around, tasting all the different dishes that were offered had only proved to her that every second spent eating should be a second worth enjoying.

"I'm sure it will be as delicious as last night."

Nina smiles, a dazzling thing, "one can hope."

Matthias is resigning himself to the fact that diner is bound to be another boisterous affair (between Nikolai and Nina there's alot to deal with), when they reach the gate.

"Matty, look."

He's not sure what he's looking at until Nina points enthusiastically to a shaded area next to the gate post.

Someone, a castle servant, has raked up all the leaves near the castle's lower walls and piled them under an oak.

"Let's go," and then she's pulling him, yanking on his arm, to the tree, before he has the chance to even ask what's so exciting.

At the trunk she let's go and starts climbing when the realization of what she's planning to do, finally, dawns him.

"Nina. No."

She grins down at him, "Matty, come on, have some fun for once."

Before he can protest anymore, she gives him a saucy little wave from the lower branches, and leaps down.

Leaves explode from the pile, a brilliant burst of color flying into the air, one of them landing in his hair, another skimming his cheek.

And then Nina. Sitting in the middle of the chaos, laughing like a child. Her face lifted to the sky watching the way they float down like feather. Crowning her head like she's the queen of the forest. She's always been so beautiful.

He knows for certain then. The thing that his heart has always known. The thing that his brain need a while to catch up to. That for her, whether it's off a cliff or into a pile a leaves, he'd take the plunge. (Like he hasn't fallen already)

[wanderinstar]

Hi!

Ah, thanks!  I just had my final exam yesterday, it went well, and as soon as I’m done sending this, I’m loading the car up and getting on the road home.

I understand why sometimes it’s not for everyone to research bands.  I can’t help but research them, and it can be sad and disappointing at times, but it does remind me that these guys are indeed imperfect humans.  And it really makes me appreciate bands where there’s minimal drama, and a lot of love between the members all much more.  One of my favorite bands recently imploded with drama practically out of nowhere, and it has been heartbreaking to watch it all go down.

All I know is with the indoor snowball fights in my family with the yarn snowballs, it spirals out into chaos and hysterical laughter every single time, and it seems the more senior family members get the craziest with it!  We don’t usually do it at Christmas because of all the fragile decorations that might get knocked down, but it’s not a family birthday party until there’s an indoor snowball fight.  There have been a few times where when we didn’t have the yarn snowballs wherever we were, and we just crumpled up tissue paper from gift bags and went at it.  In some ways, I actually like that method better, because since we throw the tissue paper away when we’re done, the snowball fight ends with a little basketball game of trying to throw all the tissue paper balls into the trash can from across the room.  Wish I could bottle the serotonin from that and give it to everyone, because the world needs more of it!

Ah.  Well, I hope being at home will give you some good relaxation, even if there is some working involved.  I’ll be working over break, too, but even while my job certainly has its tough days, and a certain subset of those days are tough because of parts of my job that can be sad, I do truly love my job, and I enjoy spending time with my work family when I’m home, as well as my true family.  It’s extra special this year, because this summer, with how my school program works, I won’t be able to go home for a long break like I have in the past.  Just one week at the end of the summer.  So I’ll probably be very tired when I go home for Christmas next year, but it is worth it.  And I enjoy being busy, anyway.  It only takes me about three days home from school to start getting stir crazy if I don’t have something in particular to do!

Coming up with a menu is fun!  I’m helping my mom with one too, for New Year’s Eve, because one of my cousins has a lot of food allergies.  So we have to get creative each year to make something that everyone will like that she can eat, too. Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to making?

I have two cats waiting for me back home -that I’ll be seeing when I get home this evening!  One is a brown tabby, and the other is a longhaired lynxpoint -so she’s part tabby and part Siamese.  Maybe I’ll send pictures of them after Christmas when I’m out of anonymous restrictions.  

✈️

Sorry I took so long to answer, these last few days before Christmas have been insane. I'm packing up to travel tomorrow :)

I'm glad to know you're probably home now and your final exam went well, also really glad to know you have that tradition in your family, I bet it's amazing! I wonder what you'd do if I were a part of your family, as my birthday is on Christmas lol. Probably do it a little before or a little after, or maybe in another location, right? When I was a kid we used to throw birthday parties, but we had to do it way before my actual birthday because, you know… otherwise no one would attend! I hope you're able to make the most of the holidays this year :)

I'm looking forward to making the panettone recipe that I learned this month. I've made panettone before, but this new recipe seems to be a lot more moist. Let's see if it works haha

I'd love to see the pics of your cats! What are their names?

[casspurrjoybell-19]

Does it Matter? - Chapter 7 - Part 1

*Warning: Adult Content*  

Brayan weaved an expert path through the crowded hall with Dara following close behind him.

He stopped the first servant he came across and murmured instructions to him while Dara hugged himself and stared at the ground.

Once that was taken care of, Brayan led the way out of the hall and back towards the stairs.

Brayan shot Dara another look.

He was still hugging himself.

"Do you always look so scared when you're away from Maric or is that something special just for me?"

Dara's arms shifted but when they settled again they were still wrapped around his chest.

"Am I in trouble, sir?"

"No, you're being fed."

"Fed?"

"Maric forgot to feed you for two days. You probably could have held in there for another couple of hours and saved us all this fuss but I think he panicked a little when he realised."

Dara frowned.

His arms were still around him but they had loosened.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't realise he would care. I probably should have said something."

"True."

Brayan unlocked the door to Maric's room and waved Dara inside.

"Not worth worrying about now, though."

Dara walked into the room and then just stood there in the middle of it for a few long moments before finally turning to face Brayan.

"Do you think he really cares, though? I mean, about me?"

"Certainly seems that way, doesn't it?"

Dara shook his head.

"I just don't see how he could. I'm useless, sir."

"Actually caring about people doesn't have a whole lot to do with how useful they are. If it did, babies would be in trouble."

"At least babies become useful, sir."

"And what, you plan to be useless for all your life?"

"I.." Dara opened and shut his mouth.

"No, of course not, sir. I'm doing my best, I just..."

"Relax. It doesn't matter and I don't really care."

Brayan heard footsteps behind him and turned to see the servant he'd spoken to approaching from the other end of the hallway, carrying a tray of food.

"Ah, good. Here's that food for you now."

Brayan let the servant deliver the food, made sure Dara had everything he needed and then left, locking the door behind himself.

Hopefully that was the last conversation he would ever have to have with Dara.

He was going to find the slave somewhere he could be happy and cared for and then they would be done with him forever.

********

The entire event had been a miserable experience but at the end Brayan had come to Prince Maric and reported that he had found a place for Dara.

There had been a part of Maric that had been bracing to find fault with whatever Brayan presented to him but in the end he really couldn't.

It was as perfect as he could ever have hoped for.

If he wouldn't accept this, he would have to admit to both himself and everyone else that he'd never had any intention of parting with Dara.

But no, he had to.

They couldn't keep going like this.

Maric's resolve was tested again when he returned to his room to find Dara stripped down to his underclothes and laying amongst the cushions on the bed.

This wasn't fair.

Maric sat down on the edge of the bed, out of arm's reach of Dara so that he wouldn't be tempted.

"Did you get something to eat?"

"Yes, your highness. Thank you. I haven't eaten that well in many years."

Maric nodded.

"Good. I'm sorry I neglected you like that. It wasn't my intention."

Dara's eyes fell to the tassels on one of the cushions as he played with them and then leapt back up to Maric's collarbone when he remembered himself.

"I know. I was trying not to be a bother by not complaining but I suppose that only ended up causing more problems. I'm sorry, your Highness. I am trying."

"I know you are, Dara but we both know this isn't who you are."

Dara's eyes jerked up to meet Maric's, wide and then darted away again.

"What do you mean?"

Maric took a slow breath in and let it out again. Dara looked so vulnerable.

"I mean that you're obviously not enjoying the role I've put you in."

Dara looked like he might cry.

"No, I... no. I'm trying, I just..."

"It's okay, calm down. I'm not cross with you. I've found somewhere else for you to stay."

Wet eyes met Maric's.

"Is this because of what happened at dinner? I know I shouldn't have looked at him like that. I just reacted and..."

Maric squeezed his fists together to resist the urge to move towards Dara.

If he started touching him now, he wasn't sure he could hold onto his resolve.

"No. Dara, no. You're not in any trouble. Listen, this place I've found for you is at a horse ranch owned by Raedon and Mathers' aunt. You're not being punished. This is a gift. You'll be safe there and hopefully even finally find some happiness."

"A horse ranch?" Dara asked.

His voice sounded strangled.

"Yes. She breeds and trains champion horses but her husband and older sons have all joined the military and she could use an extra pair of hands. I spoke to her myself and I believe she will treat you well."

Dara drew his knees up to his chest and just breathed for a few seconds.

"I like horses."

"I know."

Dara looked up to meet his eyes.

"I wouldn't ever see you again, would I?"

"I don't know, Dara," Maric admitted.

"I could visit whenever I'm in Broven but that's so rare that it wouldn't be much different from never."

"Hmm," was all Dara said to that.

Maric lay down on his side and reached a hand out towards him.

"Would you really miss me?"

Dara crawled towards him and lay down as well.

He took hold of Maric's hand and squeezed it.

"Of course."

"Don't 'of course' me, Dara," Maric said,but there was no anger in his voice.

"You hide your feelings from me. I don't blame you for that. It's your job but I have no idea how you really feel."

"Ah."

Dara was quiet for a long moment.

"Oh. I haven't been addressing you properly or anything this whole time, your Highness."

Maric groaned.

"No. Please don't. Brayan taught you that nonsense for public perception, not for this. Not for us."

"Okay."

Maric swallowed.

His thumb brushed over Dara's knuckles.

"Dara. Can I ask one thing from you, for our last night together?"

"I, well... of course you can."

"I want you. The real you, whatever that is. Even if you think I wouldn't like it. I promise I won't get angry."

[punksdocrimes]

I'm not even disabled nor do I have trouble driving a car but I still suffer horribly from a lack of public transport or living in a walkable community. I live 20 minutes either direction to civilization by car in rural bumfuck Alabama. I don't have access to a car. I can drive, I just don't have a car — and I live with my grandparents (except they're probably younger than your parents — my dad was a pedo; long story) which makes things worse because yk they expect the whole bootstraps thing. I can't get a job, I haven't been able to hang out with my friends in months, I have no credit or debit card, I can't start college — I literally can't do anything. I'm just stuck at home in perpetuity, rotting away my days hoping I'm randomly bestowed a functioning car or that my grandpa will fix up my old one (that he wrecked). I graduated this May and it fucking SUCKS having to watch my friends and peers start their adult lives and actually do stuff, while I just play video games and watch TV all day because there is literally nothing else to do where I live.

That's how fucking shitty car-dependent infrastructure is. You literally cannot have a life without a car. If I didn't live with people who provided for me, I legitimately would just fucking starve to death. The nearest grocery store is like an 8 hour walk one way across hilly ass terrain — and I can't maintain a job (because there's nowhere to work within like 10 miles of where I live) so after I spend the little cash that I have, I couldn't even buy groceries. I'd just have to die. We don't have even land to work!! You are forced to have a car or just die. There is no place for you in the US if you don't have a car unless you live in an urban area.

I can't even imagine how shitty it is for someone who couldn't drive even if they had a car. You legitimately can't have or do anything. No love life, no friends, no job, no going to a park when you're stressed or just want to relax, no going out to eat (and if you live so far away from civilization that food delivery services don't even go to your area like me then you can't even Doordash a nice meal home). . . You're just fucked.

And there is no quicker route to depression than being eternally stuck in your home, trust me. I've dealt with depression all my life, but god these last few months I've had it ***BAD***. I'm not actively suicidal or anything like I was last year or anything, I'm just apathetic to fucking everything. It's impossible for me to feel anything these days. I wake up and I stare at the ceiling for 30 minutes to an hour before I can muster enough will to crawl out of bed to shower.

Just goddamn I hate car-dependent infrastructure so much and ESPECIALLY fucking suburban and rural hellscapes. Yk if you live in like a little rural community in like Western Europe there's probably a bus route that goes through your area at least, maybe you have to walk 30 minutes to get to it but at least you have one. Good fucking luck if you live in the US though.

incomprehensible to me that 90% of arguments about public transportation infrastructure in the USA circle back around to “but some people still need cars for x, y, and z”

yes. correct. and less people on the road would make it significantly easier (and safer) for vehicles to drive around. you guys get that, right? public transportation isn’t universally accessible—and neither is private transportation, which means that under our current system, people whose disabilities render them unable to drive a car suffer horribly. horribly

[zoeykallus]

HI HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I love your fics so much, and was wondering if you could write a bad batch x reader plus Cody, Rex and Fives how they would spend Christmas with a female reader:) please and thank you:)

I hope you have a really good day!

Happy Holidays!

Thank you so much! Well, considering it is December and I won't get through to this ask before Christmas is over, I take the freedom to pick and do this now.

The Bad Batch x Fem!Reader HC's - Snow, Gifts, Sweets and Life Day

Wrecker

He is like a child when it comes to the holidays. Wrecker is so hyped and dreaming and humming life day songs all night and day before life day. He loves the smells of all the foods, the cookies, the life day dinner, the sweet-scented candles.

He animates you to snowball fights, building snowmen and decorating everything.

Wrecker is probably not sleeping much the night before and keeps you awake too, talking to you, excited about the next day, the presents, the food, the good time.

However, he is most looking forward to giving you your gifts. He has been getting them all year and has gathered quite a few. He needs half an eternity to put all the gifts under and around the tree the night before.

Among his gifts are jewelry, clothing, wire art he made himself and candy. It takes you a long time to unpack everything the next morning. And he is grinning all the time, super happy about your joy over his gifts.

Hunter

It is the first time that he celebrates the life day properly. You spend the time decorating, cuddling and drinking hot chocolate. The holidays with him are dreamy and relaxed.

The night before life day, you take a long walk through a snowy landscape and admire the beauty of winter. Hunter likes to be outside in nature, even in cold weather. Both of you are dressed nice and warm, so you can endure some time outdoors.

If possible, you spend the time on Life day together with the rest of the batch and Omega, with good food, gifts and in a familiar family atmosphere. However, Hunter wants you all to himself by the evening at the latest. Snuggling in front of a fire, with hot chocolate and a soft blanket wrapped around you, you wind down the evening.

Echo

A few days before Life day, you bake cookies together. All kinds, chocolate, vanilla, with sprinkles, with powdered sugar and nuts. It's fun, everything smells wonderful. Your favorite Life Day songs are playing in the background, and here and there you sneak a nibble of the dough.

Echo also has a knack for decorating, and you do that together, too. When you're done, everything looks like a fairy tale. Candles, figurines, the Life Day tree, colorfully wrapped gifts underneath and mistletoe everywhere.

Echo takes every opportunity to catch you under one of the mistletoe branches and sneak a gentle, loving kiss. Over and over while you're still decorating, you suddenly feel his hands on your hips before he gently turns you around to face him and steal a kiss.

"We'll never get anything done if you keep just lurking to catch me under a mistletoe," you say with a smile.

Echo, kisses you again before saying, "I can live with that."

You help him make the Life Day Dinner for everyone and are once again amazed at how skilled Echo is in the kitchen, despite only having one hand. He is resourceful and skilled. But most of all, he seems to enjoy preparing the food for everyone and seeing their happy faces when they eat it.

Tech

You see quite little of him in the last days before Life Day, he is constantly in his workshop, which no one, but he, is allowed to enter at the moment. He always locks himself in there when he is working. Of course, you can imagine Tech is working on gifts and trying to keep that a secret. So you try not to disturb him, either. Most of the preparations, decorations and food, you do with Echo and Wrecker.

Once he has everything done in the workshop, the day before Life day, he will eventually join you for the final preparations and help you with the finishing touches. It's good to finally see him outside the workshop, and you adore him, hardly able to take your eyes off him. Tech smiles at you, questioningly.

"You seem especially happy with me today."

You wrap your arms around him and squeeze him gently.

A surprised, "Oh", comes out of his mouth before he wraps you in his arms as well.

"I know you've been busy, but I'm so glad you're finally getting out of the workshop," you admit.

He kisses the top of your head, one of his hands gently going to the back of your neck.

"I'm sorry you had to do everything alone with Echo and Wrecker, but you'll see that the time I spent in the workshop was worth it."

Of course Tech is right, his gifts are thought out with a lot of love and homemade, for everyone exactly what they need and what they are happy about. He has decorated the entire workshop because that's where he presents his gifts. The joy on his face and the pride swelling in his chest as everyone enjoys their gifts, and you are once again more than impressed with him, is a wonderful sight.

Crosshair

It is the day before Life Day and you had a little fight. Crosshair has never participated in Life Day before, only watching it from the outside when others celebrated it. He can't really warm up to the idea yet and is a bit grumpy. He didn't want to help with the baking or decorating. He also doesn't want to try eggnog, and in general he is rather hard to enjoy at the moment.

When you tell him that to his face, he leaves the hut where you all want to spend Life Day together with a growl and disappears for a while, while you and Echo do the rest of the decorations and other preparations.

Somehow your Life Day mood is gone, you look sad and Echo and Wrecker try to talk you through it.

"You can't take Crosshair so seriously, you know him, he's always that grumpy," Wrecker says lightly and hands you another globe for the tree.

You shrug your shoulders and say, "I was stupidly hoping that today would be different".

Echo says calmly, "Give it some time, Crosshair doesn't adapt to new situations outside the battlefield very quickly. But he'll catch on"

Indeed, Crosshair does come back later that night. Everyone else is already in bed, and you are sitting in an armchair near the fireplace, looking at the beautiful tree you decorated with Wrecker and Echo.

When you hear him come in, you look up and are surprised to see that he has an armful of fir branches. He looks at you meekly and points at the branches.

"Do we need anything else for the decorations?"

Your sad face brightens. You stand up and walk over to him. Actually, the decorations are mostly done, but that doesn't matter at all. You nod and take the branches from him. As you set about decorating the branches with ribbons and other Life day tree decorations, he leans over to you, kisses your temple, and hugs you from behind.

"I know you like all this Life Day nonsense, so if it really means that much to you, I might as well get used to it," he finally says softly.

Fives

Not only does he have branches of mistletoe hanging everywhere, he always carries at least one around with him to randomly hold it over your head and say, "Oh look, mistletoe, I have to kiss you now, mesh'la."

His little cheeky ways never know a break, even in Life Day time. However, his pranks are now tinged with a certain wintry flair. Whether it's mistletoe, a little snowball in your collar, or salted instead of sugared cookies. Fives can be exhausting, but always gives you his attention out of love, even with his pranks.

However, he knows that on Life Day itself, he better not play pranks, this day should just be nice, with good food, togetherness, maybe some friends and his brothers, the exchange of thoughtful gifts and lots of affection. He loves to spoil you with gifts, cuddles and affection.

Rex

He's stressed because he knows his brothers probably have mostly nonsense on their minds on Life Day too. It takes your gentle but firm hand to calm him down and make him relax.

Rex is in seventh heaven when you hand him a mug of hot chocolate and snuggle up to him. Because of your loving care, he quickly forgot his worries... at least until Fives and Echo showed up at the Life Day celebration.

You walk up to them and say, specifically to Fives, "If you mess up today, in any way, you and I will get a serious problem. I want to enjoy this day, and I want Rex to lean back and enjoy it too. So don't even think about any pranks"

Fives looks at you, eyes wide.

"Got it?", you ask with a stern look.

"Got it, ad'ika", he replies, a bit startled.

You smile hug them both and say, "Now, let's all enjoy the good food, good company and a good time"

Fives' smile comes back, and he nods, grabbing Echo's arm.

"Come on, I wanna try that eggnog thing"

You walk back to your man, kissing his cheek.

Rex looks at you with a soft smile and says, "You are my Life Day savior"

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@puppetswithteeth

@palliateclaws

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

@extrahotpixels

@starwarsnerd111

[slugswarriorsdesigns]

I hope this isn't a bother but I really hope you're having a good day<3

This ask is the perfect opportunity for me to update all my followers:

So mentally, I'm doing decent! I'm going back to vet school, I'm taking driving lessons (actually drove home for the first time yesterday!!) and in 2 weeks I have my first appointment at the gender clinic yeehaw (after 6 years of being diagnosed with GD and 3 years on a waiting list)

But my anhedonia has grown extreme. I can't do anything to relax, drawing has been impossible for a few weeks now. I can't play games or anything either, it's like a huge mental block that won't go away. I'm trying but it's just too much. I WANT to draw but I can't.

My physical health has also gone down the drain. I have an undiagnosed disorder that causes me to not be able to digest most foods (only meat and fish). It's progressive but in the last I'd say... 2 months it's rapidly gotten to the point where I can barely eat anything now. The waiting list for diagnostics is also 6 months long. Since my intestines don't digest the food, I'm barely getting any nutrients at all, so my joints are constantly in horrible pain and I'm fatigued 24/7. Eating means pain and nausea for hours now. Again, only fish and meat are still safe, but, not to be extremely political but to be extremely political, v*gan lobbying in my country has raised the prices for animal-based products to extremes so we just can't afford it. And the prices are still rising and won't stop rising until all those lobbyists are kicked out of our government (which sadly isn't happening) so yeah.

[laylaswriting]

Winterfest Lights

my masterlist | how to request

Pairing: Viktor x gn!reader Word count: 2.9k Warnings: None Tags: fluff, christmas/winterfest, friends to lovers (WHAT ELSE), Request: I merged @ohmybubbletea's and @viktors-lover's request, I hope it's ok loves! ❤

ohmybubbletea asked: Hi! First time requesting 💕 I love your blog and I just saw you're accepting some! What about Viktor trying to invite his crush to look at Christmas lights and visit the cute market? Maybe even a first kiss? 👀 viktors-lover asked: VIKTOR STRESSING IN HOLIDAY SEASON BECAUSE EVERYONE IN THE LAB IS TAKING HOLIDAY BREAK AND HE DOESNT N READER JUST STAYS W HIM DURING THE TIME N HE REALIZES LIKE WAIT WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ON HOLIDAY ITS CHRISTMAS EVE FOR GODS SAKES AND READER JUST SAYS ITS BECAUSE I LO- CARE ABOUT YOU, A LOT. Sorry i just really need to see some holiday fluff or anything, please..?🥺

A/N: I was working on this for the past few days and idk, I really wanted it to be good for you guys and rework it and rewrite it but idk I got very insecure about my writing all of a sudden so I hope you'll like it! 😳🤧 Also did I do a little edit for my silly little christmas story? of course I did! Enjoy! ❤

Winter has finally arrived in Piltover. At this time of the year the first snow usually fell down onto the city, making everything seem much quieter and more peaceful than usual. The building’s golden accents were now covered in snow, the golden shimmer replaced with colorful festive lights. People were coming and going on the streets, little clouds of their breath covering their face.

In the Academy Park, a big tree was set up every year, decorated with all kinds of lights and colorful decoration pieces, drawing all attention to itself. Students and professors both found it harder to concentrate around the time of Winterfest. One last final effort before the holidays and the new year, then they could go home to their families, their friends and relax together while eating delicious food.

You were walking around the Academy after finishing your last class. You were on your way to Viktor’s lab, a lunch bag in one of your hands filled with delicious (and warm) pastries. You knew he was still working so much despite it being Winterfest. It was just how he operated. Viktor was your friend for a few years now, you met when he was still Heimerdinger’s assistant. Since then, a lot of things have changed – but your feelings towards him didn’t. If you were honest, you felt much more for him than simple friendship. It was so much more: adoration, respect, love. You quickened your steps as your hands started to get cold as you reached his door. One disadvantage of having such a huge Academy building was that it was usually pretty cold in there.

You knocked on the door before you heard his sweet voice inviting you in. You stepped into the room which was unusually bright – all the curtains were open, the sun reflecting on the snow outside made it exceptionally well lit. Yet it seemed way too small when its only occupants were you and Viktor.

‘I brought you lunch.’ You said as you settled onto a chair next to him. Jayce was nowhere to be seen, you assumed he went out to spend some time with his mother. Viktor took the bag from you with a smile on his face, which only spread further after he saw what was in there. The room just got even brighter from it.

‘You know me too well, Y/n.’ He said as he got the pastries out of the bag, handing one of them to you which you gladly accepted. Having lunch with him was the favorite part of your day. You two sat in silence for a bit while eating your food, you were looking out at the window on the snow-covered city while he was seemingly lost in his thoughts as usual.

‘Are you leaving today?’ He asked all of a sudden, eyes still wandering everywhere except you. You raised an eyebrow at him, not quite understanding what he meant, but your heart picked up its pace without your control.

‘Where would I be leaving?’ You replied with a question, genuine curiosity in your voice.

‘You know, on a holiday. For Winterfest.’ He said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Well actually it was – everyone was either leaving or already left to celebrate with their loved ones. However, it didn’t even occur to you to leave for the holidays, because you wanted to spend them with Viktor. With this realization in your mid, you quickly averted your gaze from his face, not knowing what to say. You were getting a bit flustered and he always found it amusing when you did.

‘No, I don’t think I will be leaving. I was thinking about spending time here for the holidays.’ You finally said, smiling at him. He let a small smile find its way past his lips, it was like if he wanted to hide it from you. You didn’t attribute any meaning to the motion, but your heart started to beat heavily in your chest. You thought you could handle being near Viktor after all these years, but you really couldn’t. He somehow made you so happy and sad at the same time it was maddening. You wished to stay away and be close to him at the same time, feeling light headed when he smiled at you or touched you, like a spark igniting your whole body. He had no idea about the effects he had on you and you had no intention to let him know either. While you were lost in your thoughts he leaned back in his chair, legs comfortably crossed and he drummed on the desk with his fingers.

‘Why? Everyone, all your friends will be leaving and spending their time with their loved ones.’ He said, not looking at you, it was like he was thinking out loud. Somehow you felt like he was teasing you. Was he teasing? It was probably just your mind playing games.

‘You are not leaving. And you are my friend, Viktor.’ You replied, smiling at him. Little did you know that every time you did his heart filled with happiness and love. He smiled at your words, a small, loving smile which you knew all too well. Your heart swelled at the sight as you leaned back in the chair as well.

‘So, you are staying for me?’ He asked and only looked at you when he said the last words. For him. You laughed out loud to hide how flustered he made you. He was definitely teasing.

‘Is that so bad? I can always leave if you want.’ You replied to him, matching his tone. You knew he didn’t want you to leave. Not because he didn’t like your company at least. He would probably want to try to convince you to go but only because he wouldn’t want you to miss out on anything because of him. His smile faltered for a second before he continued. He was playing with a pen on his desk, and you could see him thinking so hard that you could basically hear his thoughts.

‘I was thinking about something else.’ He started, looking at you with his sweet honey eyes, his expression was uncertain for a second before he continued. Your heart was pounding in your chest, and now it was your turn to be afraid that he could see it under your academy jacket. Giving away your feelings. You almost missed his words because of the deafening sound of your heartbeat in your ears.

‘Would you want to visit the Winterfest fair in the city? With me?’ He finally asked and for a second you felt like your heart stopped beating altogether. This was no big deal. You two visited plenty of places before. But just the thought of being with him under the holiday lights, wandering around the fair seemed so magical you could hardly imagine.

‘I would love to.’ You finally answered, your voice much calmer than you expected and you were happy that you could keep your excitement to yourself. Or at least you thought so, because he clearly noticed it, and acknowledged it with a smile to himself.

He walked over to the coat hanger near the door and put his coat on, before wrapping a big fuzzy scarf around his neck. You couldn’t help but adore how he looked – his lean figure wrapped in the long coat and the warm scarf covering his mouth, only letting his nose peek out from under it. When his amber eyes met yours, you quickly averted your gaze, chuckling a bit. You put your own coat and scarf on, crowning it with a cute hat. He opened the door and stepped aside so you could exit the lab. He looked down on you as you passed him, the scent of your sweet perfume filling his nose. He closed his eyes in attempt to steady his heartbeat, but with no luck. You could basically feel the heat radiating off his body as you passed by him an inch too close than it was necessary, and a tingling sensation ran through your spine as you did. You couldn’t deny it but loved to tempt fate with touches just a bit too long, interactions just a bit too close.

You walked in a comfortable pace around the city, headed towards the big square where they held every big celebration in Piltover. The streets were neatly decorated with garlands and lights and colorful ornaments. Merchants were standing outside their shops, trying to lure people inside, bakers, toy makers, jewelers. The smell of cinnamon lingered in the air as you approached the fair.

On the big square there were different small tents and pop-up shops, all filled with delicious food, drink and all kinds of trinkets and merchandise. In the middle you saw a huge tree, decorated to the last inch, twinkling and glowing beautifully as the sky got darker. From the top of it several strings of lights were led to every side of the square, creating the illusion of the roof of a tent. When you looked up the twinkling lights mixed with the light of the first stars. It felt magical. You felt a touch on your back and it startled you for a second before you realized it was Viktor.

‘Gorgeous, is it not?’ He asked, looking at the lights with you. His honey eyes seemed even more golden than usual because of the glow around the two of you. You looked up at him in awe, he seemed even more beautiful than he was in your dreams. You felt like your heart could burst at any second. He looked down at you, smiling into his scarf. Your breath got caught in your throat as his eyes met yours. He gestured towards the fair with his arm, then nodded to you.

‘Shall we?’ You nodded to his question, smiling wide at him. He could swear your smile was the most beautiful thing to ever see. You walked peacefully in the whirlwind of people, families were walking around and chatting, kids running around, couples slowly pacing between the stalls and tents. You couldn’t help but let your thoughts wander to the idea that you could be one of those couples. A little nudge to your side snapped you out of your thoughts. It was Viktor, holding out a steaming cup of liquid towards you.

‘Something to keep you warm.’ He smiled and handed it over to you. His fingers brushed yours as he handed the hot drink over, and your heart fluttered. Such small things could drive you crazy. You were head over heels for this man. ‘Y/n, your hand is freezing!’ He exclaimed, genuinely shocked by how cold your hands were.

‘Oh yes, I left my gloves in the dorm.’ You replied casually as you took the drink away and wrapped both your hands around it. You smelled it cautiously, it was your favorite tea. You looked up at him with the widest grin.

‘Thank you so much.’ You said, sipping into the drink. You felt it warm up your body and the contrast between the cold of the world and the feeling of the warm drink sent a shiver down your spine. He was standing so close to you it felt like the whole world just got smaller. His arms occasionally brushed against yours and even though it was the most innocent thing in the universe it made heat spread over your body. You stood there for a while, peacefully drinking your tea when an older woman approached the two of you.

‘May I offer some roses darlings?’ She asked in a raspy voice, a basket full of beautiful clockwork roses on her arms. She held one out towards you and you felt the hotness creep up your body, your heart slamming against your chest.

‘N-no th-‘ you wanted to refuse her offer but Viktor interrupted you.

‘We would love one, thank you.’ He said quickly and took the rose from the woman’s hand and paid for it. She thanked him for being so generous and slowly walked away.

‘Happy Winterfest!’ You heard her old voice call out to you, but your attention was focused on the rose he held out in front of you. It was gorgeous – its petals looked like they were made from little cogs, the whole rose was a beautifully forged piece. You looked up at him while taking the flower away, his golden eyes twinkling with anticipation and he had something else in his eyes you couldn’t quite pinpoint.

‘It’s beautiful.’ You said, letting out the breath you didn’t even realized you were holding. He opened his mouth for a second then closed it, like he wanted to say something but changed his mind. “Thank you, Viktor.” You added, holding the flower close to yourself.

“Walk with me.” He said, looking at you like you were a riddle, a mystery. The most precious thing on earth that he had to figure out. His simple words made your heart flutter and you nodded, stepping next to him and following. Your mind was racing and went blank at the same time. You could only focus on the rose and think about the implication behind it. Its metal touch felt cold under your fingers and it sent a shiver down your body.

“Can I give you my gloves? Your fingers must be freezing off.”

You shook your head quickly, looking up and down between him and your hands.

“I’m fine. You really don’t have to. And if you do your hand will be the one that freezes off!”

You already left the loud noises of the fair behind yourself. You were standing in a quiet little street; only faraway discussions could be heard and the lights weren’t so bright here. They were glowing on Viktor’s face, drawing a soft halo on it.

“At least let me hold it then.” He said, the sentence is a statement and the question at the same time. You blinked up at him a few times before your brain caught up with his words, but by that time he gently took your hand into his, the warm touch of his palm was the total opposite of your cold hands. He took his gloves off. Your head felt light from the contact.

“Better, is it not?” He asked and all you could do was nod furiously and smile. He chuckled at your enthusiasm, and looked into your eye. You wanted to avert your gaze but you were drawn to him, like a starving man to his first meal.

“Y/n.” He said your name like it was a prayer.

“Yes, Viktor?”

“Did you really stay because of me?” He asked and your insides turned into thousands of butterflies, all fluttering in your chest, trying to escape. Was there a point in denying it? Did you want to deny it at all?

“Yes.” You breathed out and his eyes and smile both grew wider.

“Why?” He asked, but you were 80% sure he already knew the answer. You just weren’t sure if you wanted to say it.

“Because I lo-“ You started but caught yourself, stumbling with the words and correcting them. “Because I care about you, and I didn’t want you to spend Winterfest alone.”

Viktor let go of your hand for a second and gently moved it up to your cheek. You could see him smile under his scarf and your heart skipped a beat from his touch. He gave you a knowing look before he started to speak again.

“I am flattered.” He pulled you closer to him, his body and face dangerously close to yours and you were afraid your knees were going to give out any second. “I also wanted to spend the holidays with the one I love.”

The gears in your head turned to a halt as his lips pressed onto yours. You felt like your body completely froze, you couldn’t process the feeling of his soft lips. After a second you returned his kiss as relief, happiness and excitement washed over you body. You wrapped your arms around his neck, tugging his scarf lightly as you pushed yourself closer to him. His palm moved from your cheek to rest on the back of your neck as the top of his tongue brushed your lower lip and if not for holding onto him for dear life you knew your knees would’ve betrayed you already. Every bush of his tongue against yours sent a jolt through your body. You’ve never felt happier.

He broke the kiss and smiled to himself, resting his forehead against yours. You closed your eyes and let out a low chuckle, still processing what just happened.

“I love you, Viktor.” You breathed out, burying your face into his chest. He moved his hand to your head, caressing lightly as he wrapped his other arm around you, still holding his cane. You’ve never felt this warm in your entire life. “This has to be my best Winterfest.” You chuckled and he let out a low laugh as well. You’ve never seen him so relaxed before.

“I have to outperform myself next year then.” You smiled at the implication of his words and looked up at him, pressing a soft kiss on his lips.

[dragon-kazansky]

Made with love | Helmut Zemo

Chef Zemo AU! 👨‍🍳

Gender neutral reader!

Collage by @realremyd

[Next chapter]

Part 1

You had always wanted to travel through Europe. You wanted to see those streets at least once in your life. Meet the people, attention the languages, taste the food, and maybe even do a little shopping in certain cities.

Your friend, Wanda Maximoff, came from a rather unknown country called Sokovia. When you had told her about your trip, she had brought it up. She hadn't been back home since she left, but she remembered it well. She suggested some places to go if you ever stopped by. You made a mental note to drop by her home country for her sake.

Sokovia was a declining country. It had its fair share of issues and problems, but it was still out there waiting to be discovered. The least you could do was visit on your travels.

You had passed through Spain and France, spent a few extra days in Gemany, stopping by the Netherlands to see Amsterdam. You have lost count of the photos you had taken in Austria, and it was as your stay in Poland was coming to an end when you remembered about Sokovia. The other countries you had planned to pass through would have to wait. You spent your last night Poland planning the flyover to Sokovia, luckily finding a flight that will take you to the capital.

In your pocket you kept the list of places Wanda and suggested, her hoping most of them were still there. You would of course take pictures for her.

The plane landed and you exited the airport. You wanted to see the city. A cab station near by grabbed your attention, so you hurried over. You asked the driver of the nearest cab to drop you off in the city centre. He did.

Looking around Novi Grad, you were taken in. The city was old. People were going about their business, but some even turned to smile at you as you walked along. You took in the area, admiring the buildings and the people. You were impressed and in awe with the city.

You keep an eye out for somewhere to stay, checking Wanda's list as you go incase you spot one of the places on it.

You're not sure how long you have been strolling the streets when something catches your eye. It's not a very big building, but it stands out. A restaurant. A Spanish restaurant. You smile. Spain was one of your first stops when you got to Europe, the food was one of your favourite parts.

You realise just how hungry you are. You hadn't eaten anything since before your flight. The door is open and it looks like a good place to stop.

You look up at the sign as you get closer to it. Gold letters on a purple background. There was something elegant about it.

Escorpión Morado

You look at your list quickly. It's on there. Purple Scorpion. Wanda knew about this place. You put away the list, grab your camera, and stand far enough away to get a shot of the exterior. You smile at the outcome.

Outside there were a few tables. Four, to be exact. They had a nice view of the courtyard just in front of the restaurant. The entrance was two narrow double doors, opened wide to let air into the shop, and allowing easy access for the customers to come and go. The shop being on the corner of the street allowed a view on either side theiugh the large windows. On each window was the name of the restaurant in faint lettering. You could see inside, but decided you could admire it better by going in.

Entering the restaurant, you were welcomed with a certain warmth. It wasn't too busy, but there was still several people here, enjoying themselves. You took a picture of the inside.

The inside was nice and open, plenty of room to move around. A bar was situated at the far end, a couple of people sitting at it. You walked over the polished floor and made your way to the back. You pick a stool and sit down, looking up at the menu. There were plenty of options.

"What can I get for you?" A voice asks, coming over to you. You turn your head to see who was speaking, your voice suddenly doesn't want to work.

The man comes to stop in front of you. Brown hair swept to the side, dark brown eyes, sparkling with amusement, a smile tugging at his lips. His shirt sleeves were pushed back up to his elbows, and apron was around his waist. He had very clearly just been in the kitchen.

He tilts his head to the side slightly. You had yet to answer him.

"Are you alright?" He asks. "English?"

Oh, he thought you didn't understand.

"Um, yes. I speak English. I'm sorry, I'm fine," you feel embarrassed, shuffling on the stool slightly.

"That's alright. What can I get for you?" He asks, offering a friendly smile.

You glance up at the menu again. "What do you reccomend?"

As you glance back, you see his smile widen. You had eaten tapas while you were in Spain, but you found yourself wanting to hear him speak again. There was something about his accent that was satisfying.

"Since I haven't see you around here before, I'll make a special for you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds lovely, thank you."

He smiles and leaves you to go and make it himself. You look around the restaurant again while you wait.

On the wall just off to the side, there was a plaque. You get up and walk over to it, wanting to read what was on it. There was a photo above the plaque that caught your attention first. An older gentleman, dressed smartly and looking proud. You read the plaque to find out who he is.

Or was.

Heinrich Zemo

Founder of Escorpión Morado.

He died a few years ago, leaving the restaurant to his son, Helmut Zemo. There was no photo of his son, but you assumed he was here somewhere.

Actually, looking at the photo, you could awe some semblance with the man who had served you. Was he the owner?

You look at the plaque once more before going back sit down. The atmosphere in here was nice. You could see yourself coming here every day just to pass time. It certainly seemed like a favourite spot for these people.

You smiled as you glanced over the few people gathered here. A couple by the window, just looking out at people passing by. A man sitting at the bar talking to one of the staff members, they seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were a couple of families taking up tables here and there.

It was very relaxing here.

You turn back around when the man returns, he puts the dish down in front of you and smiles. It looks delicious, just like the one you had back in Spain.

He stands there as you take your first bite.

You stop and look at him as soon as the food touches your tongue. It's amazing. You smile as you eat it, nodding at him, impressed.

"This is the best tapas I've ever eaten."

He looks really pleased with himself.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, especially since I was Spain not that long ago." You go for another bite.

"A traveller?"

"Yeah. I always wanted to see Europe, so I've been saving like crazy and here I am."

He leans against the counter, seemingly interested in this information. You're not complaining, he is definitely attractive company.

"And you found yourself here of all places."

"I have a friend who comes from Sokovia. She had mentioned it to me before I left for my trip, the least I could do was come and see," you told him, still enjoying your meal.

"Sokovia isn't exactly a popular destination, but I welcome you all the same. I also welcome you to my restaurant."

"Ah, so you are Helmut Zemo? I was reading the plaque over there," you said, nodding over at the wall.

"The one and only. Do I get the honour of your name?"

"So you ask all your customers for their names?" You ask, smiling at him.

"Only the really interesting ones."

"Interesting? I've been here all of five minutes. What makes you think I'm interesting?"

"When you work in a business like this, you get to know who is interesting or not. It comes with the territory. Also, moat of my customers are locals, so anyone from outside the country has to be interesting in some way," he crosses his arms and looks at you smugly.

"I see," you chuckle.

"Is that a no, then?"

"Y/N. My name is Y/N," you reply rather bashful.

"Y/N, lovely."

The way he says it with his accent makes a shiver run down your spine. You had a sudden need for him to say it again, but you also had to remember to be a normal human being who isn't going to freak out the lovely man they just met.

"Your meal is on the house."

You look up at him sharply.

"Oh no, please let me pay," you say urgently.

He shakes his head.

"No, this one is free. Only this one."

"You say that as if you know I'm going to come back," you look at him with a narrowed gaze.

"I trust that you will," he smirks.

"Why?"

"Well, you ate everything, complimented both my food and establishment, and I'm far too interesting, myself, for you only to come by once."

You laugh softly, shaking your head at him. His eyes lit up at the sound.

"Insufferable," you say, sliding off the stool.

"I'm aware, you get used to it."

You smile as you make sure you don't leave any of your belongings behind and thank him for the delicious food.

"Come again," he says.

"I'll think about it."

You leave, knowing he was smiling as you left the building. You make your way across the square, resisting looking back through the window to see if he was still there.

You pull out your phone and bring up a map. You needed to find somewhere to stay for a few nights. You didn't have to look far. There was a small hotel up ahead and around the corner. You decided to try there.

Finding it wasn't too hard. You only had to go down a small backstreet. It was out of the way and hidden, a nice peaceful place to stay for a while.

You enter. The lobby wasn't too big and it was nice and quiet. The building was old, but the inside seemed well looked after.

You walk over to the desk and smile at the man sitting there.

"Hello."

He smiles, "hello."

He spoke English too. That was good. Your Sokovian was... nonexistent.

"I would like a room for a few nights."

He nods and opens a big book information front of him. He grabs a pen and flicks through room numbers.

"How long are you staying?"

"Three nights? Yeah, three should do." You still had countries to check off your list.

He nods and asks you to sign the book. While you do so he grabs a key from the wall behind him. You pass him the book back and take the key.

"Enjoy your stay."

You nod and take the stairs up. Your room was nice. Big enough for one person and on the main street side, where you came up to get here. You could just about see the square from the window.

You sat on the bed. Perfect. There was a TV, but something told you it would be Sokovian television. Maybe you could watch it just for the sake of it.

You lay back on the bed and took our your phone, calling Wanda.

She picked up almost immediately.

"Y/N, where are you?"

You smile, "Sokovia. You were right, Wanda, it's very pretty here."

You hear her little gasp down the phone.

"You're actually there? You're making me homesick now."

You chuckle softly.

"I'm sorry, Wanda. It's a beautiful city though. I even stopped off at one of the restaurants you listed."

"You did? Which one?"

"Escorpión Morado."

"Escorpión Morado? Oh my gosh! It's still there? Did you meet Heinrich? I remember him being so wonderful to his customers."

"Actually, Wanda, Heinrich passed away a few years ago. His son runs it now, but I guess you could say I did technically meet the owner."

"My heart is saddened to hear of his loss. I do vaguely remember his son. Though back then he worked in the kitchen and very rarely came out."

"Helmut is rather lovely. He stayed and talked to me while I ate."

"Is he cute?"

You roll your eyes at her question.

"He might be," you chuckle.

"Perhaps a romance will spark and you'll be left heartbroken because you'll have to come back here and maybe never see him again. I'll be here watching you drink wine straight from the bottle and gobble down ice cream because you're utterly in love with this man you met once while travelling."

"Wanda, I need you to stop watching those chick flick movies and come back to the real world. I'm not going to fall in love with him. His food, however, is to die for."

"Oh, you're in love with the food. Spain exists, you know."

"I know, I was there, remember? Kind of missing the sun, if I'm being honest, but my God Wanda, this man can cook."

"Marry that man, Y/N. He can cook."

"Wanda, shut up," you laugh with her down the phone.

"Never. Enjoy your time in my home country, Y/N. It honestly means the world to me that you're there."

"In taking photos, don't worry! I'll be home soon, Wanda. See you."

You end the call.

You drop your phone on the bed beside you and stare up at the ceiling. So far you really liked Sokovia, very different from places you had been to so far.

You smile as you think about Helmut. He was certainly the most memorable part of your stay here so far.

Maybe you would visit him again tomorrow.

For the food, obviously.

@namethathasnotbeentaken @belle82devart @cathrin2405 @lieutenantn @wilder-fangirl @latenightartist-author @lucky-luck-lucky @hb8301 @charistory @thatoneartgalsstuff @thesuitkovian @malkaviangirl @zemosimp420 @realremyd @the-chaotic-cow @lostghostgirl94 @zafiro-draco @lazygurl05 @pinkcutiepiee @goddessofmischief03 @whovianayesha @myybebe @awesomesauce-abbie @that-stupid-head-tilt-thing @zemo-is-my-muse @nonamec0s

[vdlest]

Each Other's Home

Characters:

Husband!Bucky Barnes x Wife!Reader

Summary:

You just got home from your shopping and spa day with Wanda and Nat, and you found your loving husband cooking dinner for both of you. Just a normal sweet night with the love of your life.

Warning:

Fluff

After a long day of nonstop shopping and bonding with your friends, Natasha and Wanda, you finally got home.

You, Wanda, and Natasha agreed to reserved this day just for the three of you, especially now that Natasha's getting busier in planning her upcoming wedding with Bruce. She's the last single among the three of you since Wanda was the first one to tie the knot with Vis a year before you and Bucky got married. The three of you have been friends ever since you joined the Avengers, they were your sisters from another mother and it may cliche as it sounds, it is real. They're your number one defenders.

As soon as you finished parking your car inside the garage, you went inside your two-storey modern house and you noticed that the lights are dimmed. There are also candles lighted around the living room. You and Bucky have been living in this modern house for a year now, right after you two got married. You both agreed that you won't hire any maid so that the solemnity of your house will remain no matter what. After all, the two of you worked hard to be able to achieve this dream house of yours.

You heard noises coming from the kitchen, so you left your bag and the things you bought from today's shopping in the living room and walked up to the kitchen.

Upon walking inside the kitchen, you smelled something delicious from that, you heard someone singing and after hearing what song was playing, you knew instantly that it was your dear husband, Bucky.

When you finally entered the kitchen, you saw your husband placing the foods he cooked on a plate. You also noticed the set-up he made for both of you, there are rose petals scattered all over the kitchen, you saw an expensive bottle of wine placed on top of the table where he was setting everything up.

"I'm home," you said to let your husband know that you're already behind him, admiring his sweet surprise.

Bucky turned as soon as he heard your voice. He is topless and there's a towel hovering around his neck. He's wearing his favorite pair of pants that matches his vibranium arm. You don't mind seeing him like this, you admire him more whenever you'll see him this confident and relax.

He walked up to you, smiling, "Finally," he wrapped his arms around you as soon as he reached you, leaning closer to you to give your lips a quick kiss, "My wife is just in time for dinner," he said.

His wife — it still feels too good to be true. But you got to believe it one way or another. You are Mrs. Barnes and he's your husband for the rest of your life and that's the best thing about your life.

"I hope you're hungry," he said, his arms are still wrapped around you.

You chuckled, "I am and even if I'm not, I'll still gonna eat whatever you prepared and cooked for me, for us," you said. "What's the occasion anyway?" you asked him, forming a small frown on your face.

"Nothing. Come on," he grabbed your hand and the two of you walked up to where he set up your dinner. He pulled the chair for you and once you sat down on it, he handed you a glass of wine and a red rose, "I just want to make my wife feel extra special tonight."

Bucky kissed your forehead before he grabbed his own glass of wine and toast with you.

It is not unusual to come home to Bucky's surprises, and surprises have been part of your lives ever since you two got together. Sometimes he would surprise you with quick out-of-town or getaways just the two of you. The two of you are still enjoying the time that there's just only the two of you because once you and Bucky finally agreed that you're both ready to have a baby, everything will change.

"How's your day with the girls?" Bucky asked as he made his way to get your plate with food, "Did you guys had fun?" he added.

"Oh, yeah," you took a sip from your wine before telling Bucky how your day went, "Wanda and I are so excited for Nat and Bruce's big day. I can't believe it's only a matter of weeks before they are finally Mr. & Mrs. Banner," you excitedly shared.

Bucky smiles and nodded, "It's about damn time," he commented. He placed the food he cooked for you in front of you, "For my lady," he smiles at you.

You're still amazed by the fact that your husband is not just an Avenger, he is a damn good cook, as good as how good kisser he is.

"Thank you," you grabbed his left cheek to give him a quick kiss on his lips, "Love you, baby."

"Oh, I love you more," he said, giving you another kiss before he went to his chair to finally start your dinner.

The both of you start eating the dinner that Bucky made for the two of you, and the two of you can't stop talking about how your day went.

The whole time you were with Wanda and Nat, Bucky was in the compound with Steve, Sam, Tony, and Rhodes. The five of them are working on a mission in Florida, but they all agreed that they'll go to Florida only after Bruce and Nat's wedding. Bucky also told you about Steve and Sam's question about your future kids.

And that's something you and Bucky haven't talked about again. But the both of you already have an understandingabout it.

"What?" you asked Bucky when you noticed the way he looks at you, "Why are you looking at me like that, Mr. Barnes?"

He chuckled then shook his head, "l just can't believe that you are my wife and our friends are already asking us about having kids," he reached for your hand and felt the warmth of his touch, "I didn't know what I did to deserve this good and beautiful life I have with you."

If you will be asked about what you love the most about your husband that is he is the most understanding person you have ever met in your entire life. He never questioned your love for him. He never asked anything in return. He will always choose to understand you. And these are only the few reasons why you believe and why you will always believe that he deserves everything he have right now.

You stood up from where you were sitting and you went on his lap and sat down on it, "Love, you know how much I love you. I mean, the fact that we have come a long way already, we should know by now that we are meant for each other and that there's no other man in this world who deserves but you alone, my Bucky," you put your hands on his cheeks, cupping his ever charming face, "I love you more than life itself."

Before he replies to your sweet words, he planted a quick kiss on your lips, tasting the sweet wine from it.

"l can't believe that I get to spend the rest of my life with you," he began, "I don't think forever is enough for me to show how much I love you."

You think of it either. You think that you and Bucky could live forever just to show each other how much you love one another.

"I love you, my wife," he kissed your forehead afterward.

You pressed your forehead against his, "I love you too, my husband."

And just like that, you found a home in each other. That's how you both knew that you'll forever have a home with each other.

-v.dl

[cuuno-moved]

Hope: Feasts

or i invented a holiday to write thanksgiving in minecraft.

On the Hermitcraft server, very few people can really cook. It's ironic, almost, that among all these gods and wizards so few of them can put together an actual meal.

TFC is one of the ones who can.

He doesn't like to- as an earth dwarf, the mines were pretty much his home, the lines that thread beneath the server were the veins of his body, but once a year he came out to spend two or three hours in the kitchen with Xisuma and Keralis, working to make something that would be gone in hours for the Feast Day of Condifiction- the one day a year that people were allowed and encouraged to waste all their time eating.

Tommy could cook too. He'd learned from Niki and Jack and Sam, and he hadn't really gotten the chance to show off. So, when Zedaph mentioned that the kitchens needed help, he volunteered immediately.

He didn't really know Keralis. He really didn't know TFC. He only knew of Xisuma through his brother. All in all, these were strangers.

But when Keralis flicked flour at him and called him little prince; when TFC grunted and showed him how to whisk the eggs right; when Xisuma put on a heavy metal ballad to listen to while they worked, it felt a little like home.

Grian showed up once to be a pest, and Tommy glared at him.

Grian rolled his many eyes, pouting. "Oh come on. I'm just here to watch."

"Leave," Keralis sang, waving a spatula at him. "Or we will have to chase you."

"Yeah! Scram, you pest!" Tommy huffed, like he and Tubbo hadn't spent their last Feast Day breaking into Niki's bakery.

"Tommy," Grian half-growled, half scoffed. "You're not one to call me a pest."

"Boys," Xisuma hummed, lowering his gas mask to venture a taste of the cranberry relish he'd been making. "No fighting in the kitchen, please and thank you."

Tommy fluffed up his wings once more- although he knew that Grian's 27 foot wingspan was a good deal more impressive than his own four foot one, it made him feel nice when Grian knocked a bag of onions off the counter trying to return the gesture.

"Oh for god's sake-" Xisuma swore, snatching up the bag. "Both of you sit down and stop preening your feathers."

Tommy winced, stepping back. "Sorry big man."

Grian cooed unhappily, but he muttered an apology too before whirling around and leaving in a huff.

Xisuma let out a whispered swear as he failed to adjust his gas mask, finally giving up and ripping it off, tossing it on the counter. "Good fucking riddance," He hissed, scarred lips curling in annoyance. "Whatever."

TFC must have seen the tenseness in Tommy's frame because he reached out, offering him the bowl of mashed potatoes. "Try some."

Tommy took the spoon offered, eating the tiniest but and immediately perking up. "Oh that's- that's good!"

"Mm," TFC nodded, a smile nudging at his wrinkled, weathered face. "Glad you like it. Ex?"

Xisuma glanced over, some of the annoyance leaving his frame as he sampled the pillowy food. "That's… not bad. Some more butter maybe?"

Keralis, without prompting, reached a hand into the bowl, using a finger to scoop out a good chunk. "Ohh, yes yes yes! Butter and pepper, yes!"

Tommy relaxed finally, as he passed the old dwarf the pepper shaker and laughed as Xisuma immediately knocked his gas mask onto the floor.

He was safe here. He didn't have to steal food or fight Tubbo for the scraps.

…

The Feast of Condifiction was something the Nobles of the Empires SMP did not take lightly.

No, that's not true.

The Feast of Condifiction was probably the only thing they took lightly, which was, in itself, something they took so seriously. In fact, every year, they all gathered together and enjoyed the feast.

The Feast was to be held in Mezalea this year, much to Joel's excitement.

Gem was also incredibly excited about it, something Purpled didn't really understand.

She also made him dress up, which made him significantly less excited about it.

"This looks dumb," He muttered, tugging at the silk collar that managed to be both too silky and yet still itchy. "Why do I have to do this-"

"Stop tugging," Gem hissed, glaring at him. "My brothers are here."

"Ugh," Purpled hissed. "I hate your brothers."

"Thanks kid, you're pretty cool yourself." Fwhip snorted, swinging the front door to Gem's house open, holding up a basket of food.

"Put that over there," The wizard directed, tugging her hair out of her eyes. "Is Sausage on his way?"

"Already here," A cheerful voice chiming in. "Hello everybody!"

Fwhip let out a laugh, reaching out to pull Sausage into a headlock.

They were both dressed for the occasion, Fwhip's normal white dress shirt and red scarf coupled with a corset and coat with elaborate redstone embroidery. Sausage, on the other hand, was wearing an elegant gown with what looked to be little enchantments on the sleeves, and a gold and netherite crown that was currently grasped in Fwhip's hand.

"Do we really all have to dress up?" Purpled muttered, tugging at his sleeves.

"Do they not dress up on your home server?" Fwhip asked curiously, finally relinquishing the crown to Sausage, who cackled joyously and shoved it back on his head.

"Not really," Purpled shrugged. "Most people could only afford one or two sets of clothes anyway."

Sausage's jaw dropped. "What? Only one or two? For real?"

Gem frowned, kneeling to pick through her basket of gifts. "I'm sorry… did you celebrate the Feast at all?"

"Eh. Day off of work," Purpled waved his hand. "Sometimes people would hold private feasts. My siblings and I used to…"

"Used to...?" Sausage prompted.

"We used to make s'mores," Purpled muttered. "And hot chocolate."

Gem pressed her lips together, standing up. "... If you don't want to go to our feast, you don't have to. I'll tell Joel you're sick, or doing homework. He'll understand."

In her long green robes and purple cloak, her impossibly long hair in a bun, she looked nothing like Hannah. She was too bookish, too careful.

Fwhip was nothing like Punz either, too thin, and far too loud.

Sausage seemed almost opposite to Boomer, with all his color and muttering.

But sometimes, when Gem laughed, or Fwhip did a trick shot, or Sausage yelled, it was just like back home.

"No," Purpled sighed, standing up. "I'll tag along to your stupid fucking family tradition."

Sausage laughed, dancing forward to wrap his massive arms around the teen. "That's what I like to hear! Come on, you won't believe what Katherine told me about Pearl, I'll tell you in the carriage."

…

The Bear SMP was a pretty tight knit group, which was pretty unsurprising, considering the fact that there were so few people there in the first place, but on the day of the Feast, things got really emotional.

The first sign that things were getting festive was the smell of fresh bread coming from Bear's house. Aimsey stuck her head in the front door to ask if she could take Chat on a walk and nearly lost her life. The admin was not a man to be distracted when he was baking, apparently.

The second sign was Ori wearing a new sweater for the first time since he'd come to the server. It wasn't super different- the usual daisies embroidered on it was replaced by blueberries and strawberries- but it was a pleasant change.

The third sign was the fact that Michael had made half a million paper turkeys and taped them up all over the server- the bridge, the stable, the town hall, even the weird condemned building with the initials 'b4 and cn' carved in the doorframe. Nowhere was safe from the little piglet's crafts.

"Be careful," Ranboo called, for the hundredth time, as Tubbo picked up the toddler so he could pin a turkey on a door. "Don't drop him."

"I'm not going to drop our son, Ranboo," Tubbo sing-songed at him, sending a little smirk his way. "Calm down."

Michael let out a satisfied little snort, and his father lowered him once more. The moment the boy's feet were on the ground, he was off, trotting along the path.

"It's nice out," Tubbo hummed. "Nicer than usual, I mean."

"Yeah," Ranboo smiled, tilting his head back, letting the sun warm the damaged scar tissue that ran down his body in little streams. "It's going to start getting colder soon, though."

"Yeah. I like the cold." Tubbo grinned.

"I know, Mr Snowchester," Ranboo laughed, reching out to grab his husbands hand. "Not all of us are warmblooded, though."

Up ahead, Michael had stopped in his tracks, happily talking to a very bemused Sniff. He waved back at his fathers, then handed the spirit a paper turkey, dancing off again.

"I… have no idea what he said to me," Sniff admitted as the couple got closer, standing back up on all fours. "Do you guys need this back?"

"Naw, keep it," Tubbo laughed. "Tis the season, et cetera."

Sniff shook their head, the vines hanging from their antlers swinging around them. "Sure, if you say so. Are you coming to dinner at Ela's house tonight?"

"Yes we are," Ranboo smiled. "Are we supposed to bring a dish?"

"You can if you want," The spirit shrugged. "I'm bringing pasta salad, and I think Aimsey is making their 'Epic Super Good Grilled Cheese', but I'm pretty sure it's not mandatory."

"Good," Ranboo hummed, glancing over at where Michael had run into Jonah and was very excitedly showing him the turkeys. "This will be his first Feast, you know."

"Really?" Sniff asked, surprised. "Well, I guess it'll have to be a good one."

"It will be," Tubbo insisted. "It will be."

…

Prison was not a good place to celebrate Condifiction Day.

It was cold and damp and smelt terrible, and the only food they got was a really terrible chicken and a thin slice of bread.

Worst of all, Mythrodak had never even heard of the Feast.

"What do you mean, 'Who's Condifiction?'" Jack cried, dramatically.

"I mean, who's Condifiction?" Mythrodak shrugged. "Is he like, a king?"

"He's a god," Niki explained, calmly. "The god of the afterlife. The Feast of Condifiction is a day where everyone gathers together in a celebration of life."

"Oh," Mythrodak said, tilting his head. He still had yet to reveal his face, and the mismatched eyes of his mask gave the uncomfortable impression of a perpetual raised eyebrow. "Sounds… dumb."

"Is not," Jack snapped, crossing his arms. "It's the best day of the year, ya prick. I just- can't believe you've never celebrated it before."

Mythrodak shrugged, slouching against the wall. It still scared Niki how easily he moved, like everything he did was purposeful. He never tripped or stumbled, never made a mistake. It was uncanny. "Why do you like it so much?"

Jack hesitated. "I don't know. I guess… back in the good old days, it was an excuse to get together and drink and eat and hang out. And then later on…"

"It's a celebration of life," Niki whispered, her throat suddenly sore. "Which is something we were more than lacking back home."

Mythrodak hesitated, before slowly turning his head up to the security camera that hung in the back of the room. "Whaddya say, Sven? A feast for the living?"

There was no response. There never was.

Later that night, though, when they were given food, there was a single slice of carefully wrapped pie on each tray.

…

The emptiness of the Lovely World was something that ate at Eryn, but during the holiday season, it made things somehow more lonely.

Stampy was getting better. That was good, at least, even if it meant he wasn't blindly going along with what Eryn said.

He was actually working now, tending to his garden and trading with villagers, and building new spawners. He felt more emotions than bliss. He ate more than cake.

Today, though, he was weirdly determined, going through life with an odd obsession, doing extra work in half the time. Eryn almost felt bad for not helping, but on the other hand…

Stampy scared him a little like this.

Finally, lunch rolled around and Stampy came inside, ripping off his jacket and stalking to the kitchen, tail slashing the air behind him.

He had made a Feast, the night before, a vegan one, and he set it all out, laying it on the table.

"I haven't cooked a Feast before," He warned. "That was always Lee or Squid's job."

"Why's it vegan?" Eryn asked, poking at the large bowl of mashed potatoes.

"Sqaishey didn't like meat, and Squid was lactose intolerant," The feline patted at his hand. "Don't touch that."

"Do you miss your family?" Eryn asked, before they could convince themself not to.

"...Maybe." Stampy said, quietly. "Yeah a bit. Yeah."

Eryn sighed. "Yeah I bet."

(A million miles away, two ducks huddled around a fire.)

They dug in, silently.

…

Condifiction didn't like his feast day.

That was odd. In all the years the slime had been alive, it had never before met someone who didn't like the Feast.

It asked him why.

"I don't know…" He rubbed his chin, grimacing at the scruff. "It's weirdly expectational, right… is that a word? I don't know."

"You're the god of the afterlife? They don't expect you to do anything but take the souls Trixtin gives you, this is just a brief day of paradise before then," The slime said. "Or something."

Condi laughed in surprise, shaking his head. "I keep forgetting how smart you are. You're right, I mean. But, people tend to blame me for them passing on too early. Like, Trixtin's angels deliver them to me and it's fine, but then I put them in hell and I'm the monster who killed them."

"It's not your fault."

The younger god hesitated, resting his chin on his knees. "You're too kind, Slime."

"It's right though." Bizley said, suddenly, and Condi jolted.

"When did you get here?!"

The other god laughed, kicking at his friend's lower back gently. "I've been here for a while. Stop angsting shithead, Grizzly said he's ordering burgers."

"Wait, tell him not to put onions on mine-"

"-Tell him yourself, bitch."

"I used to live in a burger van!" The slime chimed in cheerfully. "It was gross."

Both gods paused, staring at him, before Bizley nodded. "Sure. Checks out. Anyways-"

Condi laughed, standing up and adjusting his cloak. "Come on, dinner time."

Slime smiled. It wasn't exactly a Las Nevadas feast, but it was good enough.