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[legacygirlingreen]

“Christmas with the Sallow Family” Chapter 7 - Birthdays and Hogmanay // Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Authors note: I’m back! This is the last chapter of part 2 so I wanted to go out with a bang! Hope everyone enjoys! Thanks again to everyone who continues to read and comment 💚

Shoutout to the awesome @aiyariaart for the screenshot of seb in a kilt, seriously go check out their page! Also shout out to the awesome @hyunrikim for her suggestions along the way (particularly with some canon ideas for Sebastian’s birthday gift!)

Warnings: NSFW content, male receiving. MINORS DO NOT ENGAGE 18+

Word count: 12,500 +

The days between Yule time and Hogmanay were filled with little in the way of eventful excitement, however Sebastian felt more at peace than he had in a while. Their steady rhythm of waking up next to each other, even after nights filled with talking and less of being physical, brought him much more happiness than he thought possible.

When December 31st finally reared its somewhat bittersweet head, he tried to suppress his mixed feelings on his and Anne’s birthday. Part of him was so grateful knowing that Anne had made it a fully year now after being cursed. But the reminder that exactly one year prior, was the origins of such a plague, was proving difficult to manage. Top it off with his usual amount of sadness at his parent’s absence, and the typical uncertainty that often accompanied the yearly reset, he had much to be sad, angry and worried about.

However, despite this he found himself awaking the morning of his 17th birthday with a smile. He awoke finding his love nestled along his chest, her hair fanned out across her back and shoulders. Her lips were slightly parted, leaving the softest puffs of air when she exhaled along his right pectoral. The tiniest amount of moisture had collected there as she slept and he couldn’t help but smile at the thoughts of her so comfortable while laying on him, that she had actually drooled in her slumber. He adored watching the way her long eyelashes would flutter ever so often as she dreamed in the sanctity of his arms. He would never tell her, but he often found that some of the times she looked the most beautiful was when she was asleep.

She reminded him of the story his mother read to him when he was a young boy, about the beautiful princess whom was cursed to sleep for one hundred years until she was awoken by a kiss from a prince. And while a part of him recognized she truly was beautiful while asleep, he himself felt more like the princess in that fairytale. This wonderful witch had come into his life, rescuing him from going down a dark road with her love and affections. She was inspiring him to grow up, to be a better man, to repair his broken relationship with his guardian, and to actually see hope in the future. The way she fought, the way she stood tall against the evils he had come to know, and show him the care he’d so been lacking… she seemed more like a hero, than he ever could fathom himself capable of being.

While she continued her slumber he took to drawing unconscious patterns along her semi exposed back. She had taken to only wearing a thin silk slip each night when she laid next to him, no longer awkward about shifting close to his naked chest now that their initial shyness in the matter had long been dissolved over the course of the few days since he’d been exposed to her. He would not deny that the selfish and uncontrollable parts within him continued to have a large pit of desire to see her come undone again, however with the peace they had created over the last few days, he felt no immediate rush. Receiving word from her family helped, making their future seem obtainable. Expediting such whims now were in some ways were loosing their appeal, as he continued to want to make such an occasion special for her.

When the curtain cautiously shifted, and Anne’s mischievous face stuck through he barely glanced up, unable to look away from the girl resting on him. As Anne quietly came closer to the pair, standing near the foot of the bed she glanced down upon the girl who was still deep in slumber, watching her brother reverently brushed loose strands of hair off her face.

“I was hoping to steal you away for some one on one time, but I can come back later. I just thought I would slip out while Ominis was still asleep.” She spoke as softly as possible as to not wake the girl.

Sebastian looked up at his other half’s hopeful face and nodded, recognizing that need his sister had for him on this day. She too understood its conflicting nature.

“I shall join you in a moment” he spoke and she nodded, sliding back out of the privacy he shared with y/n.

Ever so carefully he attempted to shuffle out from under her, hoping to slip out without waking her. Given how much she had pressed into him while asleep that was impossible, and just as he removed her head halfway from his chest her eyes cracked open with confusion.

The girl went to inquire where he was going but he quickly shut her questioning down with a gentle brush of his lips against her forehead, carefully lowering her head onto the pillows.

“Shh, I am going for a walk with Anne, I shall return soon. Go back to sleep.” He said threading his fingers through her messy locks, helping lift the covers to her chin as she snuggled back down into the warmth of the bed without him. Sleep quickly overtook her again, as he rose to replace his sweater and pull on his trousers. It didn’t take him long to lace his worn boots before sliding an arm into his long coat and grabbing his scarf off the trunk in the corner. Walking towards the entrance he rejoined Anne in the living space as they made their way outside.

“You are quite sweet on her, always doting these days” Anne spoke playfully once they made it outside in the cool air of the early morning.

“Should I not be?” He responded in a similar tone, happy that Anne’s cheerful personality had slowly been returning slowly with the introduction of the witch they spoke of.

“I am not saying it is a bad thing, simply an observation.” Anne said, pulling the tartan blanket she had grabbed from the living space tighter around her small frame.

“Does it make you uncomfortable?” He asked, worried he may have neglected to consider how his Twin, or even Ominis was at their more open shows of affection as of late.

“Of course not. I am happy to know you are happy. Although…” she started to speak then trailed off as they came close to the shoreline near the town square.

Sebastian turned to her as she stopped, arm reaching out to grab his in support as she stifled a quiet sob. He had grown so used to her pain in the last year, it surprised him somewhat at how he almost didn’t flinch before carefully holding her up and to his chest as she shook.

Bringing a calloused hand up over the top of her head he softly brushed it over her crown repeatedly as the other held her firmly along her back. While her bouts of pain had become less frequent over the past weeks, when they did strike they were often more intense than they had previously been. With no end in sight, he recalled the small stone bench just up the path, slightly bending to lift his sisters body in an effort find her some sense of comfort while she cried out in pain.

Before long he took to sitting on the worn stone, keeping her legs thrown over his lap while he held her through the tremors that wracked her body, slowly rocking her body and quietly saying things like “its alright” and “I’ve got you”. Until now he hadn’t noticed truly how much they had grown apart in size since summer. He knew she was loosing muscle mass and some of her childish fat, but he had grown taller and stronger in the months apart. In many ways he was blossoming into a man, and here she remained more like a child in his arms, instead of his twin, born only moments before himself.

Eventually Anne stopped shaking, pulling her sullen face from the comfort of his chest and looked up at him with the remnants of tears on her cheeks. He softly brushed them away with the back of his right hand, the others rubbing comfortingly up her back, helping as she tried to even out her breathing. There was no need for thank you’s, as they had grown accustom to her curse, and more recently his witch had encouraged him to focus on making Anne comfortable while she focused more on finding a cure. In moments like these he is glad he listened.

“She is rubbing off on you” Anne said after collecting herself.

“I suppose so.” He said, looking out as the waves slowly crashed along the sandy shore.

“You two remind me of mother and father. The way you are so soft with her, and the way you both tease one another.” Anne spoke while toying with the fringe of her blanket.

Neither of them knew how to respond, both seemingly lost in their own trance of grief over the loss of their parents and how that had impacted how they had grown.

“I asked her father for permission to marry her once we are both of age.” Sebastian finally broke the silence, ignoring her wide eyes as he continued to watch the sunrise.

“Have you received word yet or..?”

“He wrote back. Christmas Day actually.”

“That’s right Teddy did smash into the window. You and Solomon were acting strange all night. That makes much more sense now that I think of it… What did he say?” She eyed her brother curiously as he finally tore his gaze back to her.

“Well… while there’s much to arrange on the financial side of things… muggles apparently handle these matters more logistically and with legal council… that played a partial role into why I felt the need to ask now, as they take at least a year to plan, often longer… that aside, he did grant me permission to make such a proposition.”

“Sebastian you’re… you’re really serious about this aren’t you?” Anne spoke, unsure how to respond.

“I am. I’ve never been more sure of something in my life.” He said trying to reassure his sister once again that this was a decision he was making on his own, without her push from their conversation on Christmas Eve.

“How did you know?” She asked, quite vaguely.

“Know what?” He asked slightly confused as to what she could be referring to.

“That you loved her? That you were in love?” Anne spoke looking down at her hands. While he was unsure whether she was inquiring to quell her curious mind on his behalf or out of the need for answers into romance for her girlish whims he would never know. He still thought for a moment before giving her an honest answer.

“I am not sure there ever was an isolated moment, more-so a culmination of them. At the start of term during the feast I wasn’t feeling quite myself I suppose. It felt wrong to start term off without you there. I thought for certain you would’ve been back at school before the start of 5th year, so that day wasn’t filled with much happiness. I am sure Ominis could practically feel me sulking, that’s most likely the reason he forced Imelda between us. Then we started hearing whispers of Professor Fig and a new student being attacked by a dragon on the carriage ride from London, and I will admit it peaked my interest.

It wasn’t until the very end of the evening when the headmaster joined a very shaken up Professor Fig at the entrance that I actually started paying attention. Everyone was whispering, wondering about the new student and curious how they had survived. It wasn’t long before the door burst open again and she came in, trailing after Black with dirt and ash smudged all over her face, leaves in her disheveled hair and a dried gash in her eyebrow. She looked like she’d been beaten around quite a bit yet, as she followed him up to the front she had this… wonderstruck look in her eyes. Like she had to take in everything all at once. There was no ounce of fear, just excitement and curiosity.

She looked so beautiful sitting up at the front, smiling as she spoke with the sorting hat as if they were old friends. Violet was sitting next to Imelda, going on about how she looked horribly disheveled but I found myself almost begging Merlin to put her in our house. I was almost shocked when it said Slytherin. The way in which her face absolutely ignited into happiness when her hogwarts robes turned green… I shall never forget that. She got held back by professor Weasley at the feast, I imagine to make sure she was okay, but I waited in the common room until the prefects made me go to my dorm room that night. If they hadn’t threatened to wait outside my room I would’ve snuck back down. All night I laid there awake, trying to think of what I was going to say when I spoke to her that next morning. That feeling like I had lacewing flies in my stomach started there I suppose.

When I finally did get up the next morning I was so nervous I grabbed a tome to read by the fire to calm alleviate that feeling. Ironically enough she interrupted me, and in my panic I was somewhat rude to her. Luckily not horribly so, less I imagine I would’ve ruined my chances entirely, but from the second I looked directly into her eyes next to the fireplace… I suppose a small part of me knew then and there. Like all the air left my lungs in that moment and the world was just her beautiful face looking up at mine. Her face softened so much while she looked at me. Despite the forming scar in her eyebrow from the dragon attack, and the tiredness under her eyes, I couldn’t help but feel that she was the most wonderful creature I’d ever seen.

Sure I was impressed it when she beat me in Hecat’s duel, and adored how she joined me at crossed wands. I was blown away when she took down that troll in Hogsmeade with those special abilities of hers. That night we snuck into the restricted section, when I risked possible expulsion for her sake, knowing I was likely not getting in again to check for tomes on your behalf… I think that’s another moment I knew I had grown to care. How couldn’t I? She had sought me out for help. She trusted me with her secrets. She had these wonderful powers yet deemed me worthy of being a sidekick on such an endeavor.

It wasn’t long after that I surprised even myself and shared with her the Undercroft. Merlin, Ominis was so cross with me for allowing her to know of it, but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted her to know everything there was to know about me. All my secrets. All my favorite things. All the things I despise. Then she surprised me one day while we were down there looking through some tome she found while exploring about curse breaking. She touched me, so softly, so innocently, simply trying to put my hair back in place after I had made a mess of it. I guess that’s when I knew I wanted to do things properly. It wasn’t just some whim or passing fancy, but something I wanted to do the right way. If she was willing to fix my messes, even absent-minded, how could I not feel so indebted to the universe for that?

The day she visited Feldcroft for the first time, I was so nervous I hardly slept the night before. When I sent her the owl asking her to join, I asked some of the older boys in the house how they were able to win over the affections of women, and most of them had poor advice yet I found myself thinking perhaps looking the part would help. I am sure you are aware I never cared much for my appearance before, but Ominis can attest that morning felt… different. I think I wasted nearly an hour on my hair and I still couldn’t figure it out. Merlin, Imelda gave me such grief knowing exactly the lengths I was going trying to make a good impression.

Yet when she met me over on the lookout tower near the town circle, hair blowing in the wind, soft and delicate in the golden morning light. Everything sort of melted away. She always tended to look unkemp, hair pulled back but escaping its plait. Clothes disrupted from constantly exploring. Merlin, even her mismatched clothes from the adventures she would go on, finding helpful gear. Occasionally she would return to school sporting a new bruise or cut along her face or hands, even debris in her hair. She hardly seemed to care of her appearance, much like I did. However that morning I could see that she was trying to make a good impression the same as I.

Seeing her here, with you, being so gentle with your condition yet loving all the same, especially while not knowing you beyond your relation to me. That meant a great deal. After Solomon made us leave we spent the rest of the day in the Undercroft together. I told her stories about us growing up, and our parents. But that day she showed me she cared for you. She cared for our parents legacy. She cared for me. When I got embarrassingly emotional at some point she held me the way mum used to, stroking my hair, and I suppose that’s when I knew without a doubt. It may have been an inappropriate show of emotion, yet to not feel stifled for a moment with her… that feeling of being free… that’s what love is to me. Everything after that moment has merely solidified and confirmed my thoughts on the matter.”

Anne was quiet while he spoke, explaining the way he had fallen for the girl in her absence. A part of her felt saddened, knowing she wasn’t around for a majority of the events he spoke. When he arrived with the mysterious girl she’d heard of so much in his letters, she knew he was infatuated with the new student. It wasn’t hard to see why: the girl was beautiful in her own way. A little rough around the edges, slightly more tom boy in nature, mildly eccentric, yet still hauntingly beautiful in her demeanor. However from the moment Anne saw them together, there was already an unspoken affection and respect between them. Anne could see it in their eyes, the way they lingered on each other when the other was seemingly unaware. The way they often blushed in the others presence. How her brother smiled more than he had in years. She merely accepted that he was already in love despite the lack of time they’d known each other.

“She told me she wants her children to have my brown eyes someday, Anne.” He quietly spoke, awestruck still by the admission she had given him that night they spoke of their desires for the future.

“Well, I certainly hope you both wait a bit to make me an Auntie” she said, cutting through the weight of their conversation and he laughed with her.

“I am truly happy for you Sebastian. Do you know how or when you plan to ask her?” She continued.

“When we return to school I may see if Sirona knows of any shops around Hogsmeade that could use an extra hand so I can put away some money for a ring. I know we have our inheritance, and I am unsure exactly what a normal muggle dowry is, but I would like to work with my own two hands to be able to buy a ring for her. I have been wracking my brain for the last few nights trying to think of how I would like to ask, but its -“

“Overwhelming?” Anne questioned.

“Very. I want it to be special. I can’t imagine doing it in a dusty place like the undercroft, and while the room of requirement has become a special spot for us, that doesn’t seem quite up to par either.”

“You’ll figure it out I am certain.” She said while patting his arm comfortingly.

“So you and Ominis… when exactly? Or has that been under my nose this whole time and I have been blissfully unaware?” He said, attempting to shift the conversation onto her instead.

“Ominis said he’s always felt, something, for me. I recon much like you said, you aren’t sure exactly when things shifted but sometime this past summer when he got more comfortable offering a comforting hand, or when you both returned to school and he started writing every day I realized I missed him, and more than as a friend. I realized as time went on he had grown more and more handsome. Before long he stopped feeling like “Ominis Gaunt, our dear friend and boy who partakes in mischief of all varieties” and more like “My dear Ominis, who’s smile brings butterflies to my stomach and makes my heart soar like a hippogriff in flight”.

“He’s a good man. My best friend. I know he won’t hurt you. That’s truly all I could ask for.” Sebastian admitted, still slightly uncomfortable at how it mentally shifted some of his childhood memories with the two, but he was growing to see the situation as more normal with time. The two of them seemed more reserved in their affection, perhaps due to Ominis’s aversion to touch that was instilled in him so young.

“It doesn’t upset you?” She asked

“Why would it? I love you both. He’s always been a brother to me. You two together… just makes that more a reality. Ever since he has been in our lives he has been more Sallow than Gaunt.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Of course. Do you two plan on telling Solomon or…?” He was slightly concerned that his Uncle may not take so kindly, especially knowing the boy had been left alone with Anne on numerous occasions thinking it not to be a concern, only to realize that Ominis may not have been the gentleman he was thought to be.

“Yes. Ominis has already informed his family he will not be returning home for his brothers wedding in the spring, equally negating his duties to his own arrangement in the process. The final bridge to be burned so to speak. Informing Solomon… that is what I wanted to speak with you about.” She said, looking down.

“You are worried he won’t react well.” Sebastian knew it was a gamble, respecting her apprehension.

“I am just concerned that he will assume Ominis had done something indecent or taken advantage of me in some manner when he has been an absolute saint in that regard. Ominis believes he should be the one to tell Solomon, alone, man to man. I told him that I think it should come from me. It is concerning knowing he can fully prevent us from seeing or speaking to one another should he take things the wrong way. You know how Solomon can get, especially thinking of what happened with mum and dad.” Anne trailed off, thinking back to how cruel their uncle reacted to Sebastian wanting to remain by y/n’s side while she was injured.

“Why don’t you confront it together. Let Ominis take the lead, offer the chance to speak privately, but go at it a united front. I would offer to be there, but seeing as Solomon and I are just now getting back on decent terms, it may not be the best idea. I can wait close by should you need the assistance, proving nothing dubious has occurred. Shockingly he respects Ominis a great deal, choosing to leave behind wealth and dark magic to be here… I don’t imagine he would be incredibly upset at the prospect of having him around long term.” Sebastian tried to reassure her the best he could, knowing that the path they were on would be quite difficult to navigate.

“I suppose you raise some valid points. I shall discuss it with Ominis. Perhaps doing so on a day that is supposed to be happy will encourage our Uncle to keep a level head about the matter.” Anne agreed with his sentiments.

The pair watched the sun rise fully over the ocean, soft spray kissing their faces. It had been a while since they had enjoyed a moment alone, especially since their Uncle refused to leave Anne in his company knowing how insistent he had gotten over a cure. To be in their own world again without the worry bearing down was a level of peace and calm they needed during a time of such chaos.

“What do you think mother and father would say of the both of them?” Anne asked, her slender fingers toying with his pinky much like she did when they were younger.

“Well despite how much father liked to joke, I have a strong feeling he still would have given any man who attempted to get within the near proximity of you a difficult time. I don’t believe Ominis would be immune to that. Dad was very protective of you, instilled it in me as well. I do think they would have liked his dry, sardonic sense of humor. I know they would have taken him in with open arms after what happened with his family. I could imagine him easily a part of the late evenings we all read together. You know they weren’t afraid of dark magic, merely sought to understand from afar to protect us. They would have been a safe haven for him in that way.” Sebastian paused, curling his long pinkie around his Twin’s unsure how to start in regards to his chosen partner. Luckily Anne picked up where he left off.

“Mother would have been so incredibly fascinated by her. I imagine she would have asked a million questions and then some of what it was like to grow up in the muggle world. She would have adored those plaits she can do. I am sure they both would have been curious about her affinity for ancient magic. Father would probably tease you about how convenient it would be to have a woman of the same house. I could see the both of them offering to tutor her given the years she missed at Hogwarts. I think they both would enjoy watching her play quidditch if she’s nearly as good on a broom as you suggest. She is so incredibly kind how could they not welcome her? Father might feel the need to reprimand you to avoid an unwanted catastrophe… but I know if she could melt Solomon’s frozen heart, they would have loved her.”

“I miss them.” He said somberly as he pulled his hand from hers, drawing her closer to his side.

“As do I. Sometimes I feel as if they aren’t truly gone, instead smiling in the space next to us. Like a gentle breeze gripping my shoulder or tousling my hair.” She said laying her head on his shoulder, deeply breathing in the sea air.

“Sometimes when I look in the mirror I see father looking back at me and it is jarring, yet comforting to know that a part of him lives on.” Sebastian admitted aloud the sentiment so often spoken to him, even that he thought to himself, but was scared to voice.

“When you returned home recently the resemblance was almost uncanny, especially to those photographs of their wedding.” Anne said recalling the photo atop the hillside photo of their parents, weeks away from graduation in dress attire. Their fathers dark kilt contrasting their mothers simple white gown, showcasing her slightly round belly protruding from behind flowers. The way they beamed to one another while softly dancing in the enchanted photograph.

“I suppose wearing a kilt tonight for Hogmanay will be even more uncanny.” He said, racking a hand through his untamed and now windswept hair.

“Terribly so I am afraid.” She responded with a laugh.

“We should head back. I imagine they are quite bored without us.” He said, rising with her from the stone.

“Y/n perhaps… I know for a fact Ominis is still dead asleep.” She said with a laugh.

“It always amazed me how he could fall asleep anywhere and without a moments notice.” Sebastian said with a chuckle, recalling all the unique spots about the castle he had discovered his friend in the midst of a cat nap. Perhaps it was easier to fall asleep if your world existed in darkness all the time.

Without warning Anne threw her arms around his middle, pulling him close and tight. “Happy birthday Sebastian” she said into his jacket.

“Happy birthday Anne”.

***** ***** *****

She was laying in the conjured bath when he arrived back from his walk with Anne. Hair pulled atop her head, being held by her wand, while soap unfortunately covered her body from the shoulders down. Smiling at her cheekily he stepped towards her, slowly shedding his outer layers to join.

“I was just thinking how wonderful it would be to take a bath to warm up.” He told her as she rolled her eyes.

“Well that’s unfortunate considering the water is now quite cold so perhaps you should rethink your plan.” She responded as she lifted her eyes to take in his broad and unclothed shoulders as he ripped the sweater off his head. He eyed the steam still coming off the top of the water mischievously.

“Luckily that is an easy fix” he quipped, gripping his wand ready to prove his point.

“I don’t recall giving you permission to join me Mr. Sallow. It is still highly improper for you to be in here, let alone next to me while nude.” He could tell from her tone she wasn’t serious, only playing with him, but he continued to humor her narrative.

“Well, could perhaps it being my birthday a worthy enough exception for you to break your rules of propriety? There is nothing else I truly want more, than to enjoy what time I have with you.” He lowered his head, glancing at her through his lashes while his lips twisted into a small pout.

“Is that all you’ve got?” She laughed at his attempts to get a concession.

“I am wounded M’lady. You dare reject such a fine gentleman’s proposition after you have teased him as such. On a day of such wonderful celebration no less” he stripped himself of his pants, still leaving on his breeches while he stepped closer, leaning over the barrel of the wooden tub, putting his weight onto his forearms.

“You are lucky I adore you.” She let out with fake annoyance, moving over to make room for him.

Even without an audience he felt the need to lift his fist in victory, smile upon his face, before bowing to a nonexistent crowd as if he had won a crossed wands duel. With his prideful display she splashed him slightly with water before laughing.

“And that ladies and gentlemen is how it is done” he spoke as he lowered himself into the spot she had created for him.

“How what exactly is done?” She questioned.

“That is how one fine, incredibly capable, not to mention talented, young gentleman would be so lucky to find himself nude next to such a beautiful woman as yourself”

At first she thought perhaps he was joking, considering he was speaking so highly of himself, but the more he continued she realized he was being at the very least, mildly serious. Rolling her eyes she turned away from him temporarily reaching for the soap.

She gestured for him to occupy the space in front of her as she had done so previously when they bathed together and he happily did so, water sloshing over the edges slightly and onto the floor. Carefully she brought her palms to cup water, draping it over his back and shoulders to wet the skin that stuck out above the waterline. He sighed as the water she had lied about being cold covered his aching muscles. Time in feldcroft with Anne was always nice, but took much out of him physically with all of Solomon’s chores.

He couldn’t help the groan that escaped his throat as she brought her hands up to massage the tension away from his shoulders with a firm pressure. He could feel the way her thumbs were moving in circles in the space under his shoulder blades that he could never properly reach himself enough to get the pain to go away.

Neither of them spoke as she worked on relieving the months of pain he had build up in his body from both physical labor, but also too many nights leaning over a book desperately searching for answers. As she did so she couldn’t help but admire all the freckles that spilled down from his cheeks onto the top half of his body. She adored the way they almost sparkled with the iridescent soap lathered across his skin.

He had already closed his eyes and felt himself somewhat nodding off as she tipped his head back to resting along her chest to wash his hair. Her fingers worked a more potent magic than the kind she wielded, along his scalp as she continued to aid him in relaxing in the water’s warmth. He let out a moan as her fingers worked gently along the tender spot he always got in his neck underneath where his hair touched the back of his collar from his poor posture.

The way she caressed and allowed her fingers to purposefully move about his body had distracted him to the point he hadn’t realized she had scooted closer, lazily wrapping her legs around his waist from behind. Her calves laid across his knees and his hands were slightly skimming them subconsciously.

Eventually once she had rinsed the last of the soap from his skin and all the suds from his dark hair she carefully laid his weight back into her body more, holding him up slightly as his rear touched her womanhood under the water. She held the bar of soap out in front of his chest, motioning for him to take it to finish washing his lower half as she traced unintelligible patterns on his chest.

Sebastian brought his knees up one at a time to work on his legs before carefully undoing the tie on the front of his undergarment and realizing he was sporting a decent boner under the water. He had intended to simply wash his member from within the confines of the fabric quickly, but when nimble fingers plucked the bar of soap back from him he lost the ability to breathe.

Ever so carefully she finished loosening the string protecting the rest of his modesty with one hand while the other started dragging the material from around his hips the best she could while they sat. His eyes immediately flew open at the recognition of what she was doing as he glanced over his shoulder to see the concentrated and determined look she sported. Bringing one of his hands over hers he briefly paused her action.

“You don’t have to…. I don’t expect… I appreciate…” he kept starting off sentences, struggling to find the right words to say. On the one hand he did not want her to feel an obligation to please him physically. She didn’t owe him anything, and if he was honest just feeling her take care of him as she already had was more than enough. However, the other half of his brain was actively screaming at him to let her do as she pleased.

Bringing her eyes up from his shoulder to meet his sideways gaze she continued to move her fingers slowly from under his hand. A small smile worked itself onto her face as she spoke out with a sultry gaze “Someone became of age today… what better way to show my undying respect…”

Sebastian went to speak, his mouth opening but the syllables dying on his tongue as she pulled his hand aside by grabbing his wrist in her other hand, setting it down on his thigh.

She brought her lips close to his ear, gently nibbling his earlobe before continuing “let me show you how much I adore the man you are…”

Sebastian gave in. Lifting his bum enough she could work the fabric completely off his body, he returned to the same position, loving the way he could feel her hardening nipples along the skin of his back. Tentatively she wrapped a hand around his fully hardened manhood, simply holding it without moving.

“I have to be honest, I have no idea what I am doing… however if you show me how to please you, I would be more than happy to help…” she continued the soft assault of kisses down his neck to the top of his back, gently nipping the skin.

Sebastian brought his right hand back up, adjusting her fingers so they more gracefully and comfortably wrapped around his cock, before laying his hand atop hers. Once he got her hand into the same position he did when he was alone, pleasuring himself, he carefully squeezed down a tad, encouraging her to do the same.

At first she was too gentle, so he applied a tad more pressure to her hand. She over compensated a bit too much, gripping too hard and he let out a slight hiss. She attempted to retract her hand, fear of having hurt him but he stopped her.

“It’s okay, just a bit gentler…” he said and she followed his instructions. Sebastian couldn’t help but think how incredible it felt to have someone else’s hands on him instead of his own. Being more careful this time, he mimed the movement he often practiced on himself, with her hand between himself and his cock.

“Just sort of…” he trailed off, demonstrating a single pump of her hand up and then back down before letting her try so on her own. She was a little clumsy with the movement at first, but slowly build a steady enough pace as he leaned his head back, resting it on her shoulder. All the while she slowly pumped his cock with her hand, mindful of the pressure and way he had placed her fingers.

“How does that feel?” She asked once again taking his earlobe in between her soft lips all the while continuing the motion he’d shown her.

“Amazing… you’re doing perfect sweetheart…” he mumbled out somewhere between the sighs leaving his mouth. At one point she got curious, her index finger moving over his slit. The initial contact shocked him, making her return to the original position he’d put her in. Before long he was softly thrusting upwards into her ministrations, losing himself in how good it felt to have her bring him pleasure.

Without warning she slowed, and he turned around to look at her, worried the whole situation had become too much. That he should’ve been more appropriate and stopped her. However the look in her eyes told a different story. While the sultry look from before was gone, replaced with curiosity, and innocence, he wondered what it was she could be thinking. Despite the hopeful look in her features, she retracted her hand.

“Sebastian… could you possibly… can I see you?” She asked, timidness entering her voice. She so shyly brought herself to looking up at his stark red face, as he nodded. He was unsure why he liked the thoughts of showing himself, all of himself, to her. Perhaps it was because she ask so sweetly or some inherent primal desire within him to proudly display himself for her. Either way… it fueled his desires knowing she wanted it as much as he did. Unceremoniously he rose up on his knees, hand reaching out to somewhat cover himself as he turned around to face her.

Finally coming face to face with an appendage she had only seen in crude drawings or felt pressed against her while they laid was daunting at first. Being so foreign from her own feminine body was startling. While she had heard maidens in her village speak of what men were like, and the fact she had felt it already under the water, she wasn’t fully prepared for the site.

He slowly brought his hand back to his side, allowing her to take her time examining him. At first her bashful nature forced her eyes to reside at his navel, seeing the way sparse dark hair started right below his bellybutton, growing in density as it went down. It shouldn’t have been a shock that, much like the rest of him, as he was covered in such a lovely shade of chestnut brown curls. However to be a breath away from a small bush of said curls, that were situated at the base of his manhood was enough to let her shudder out.

His often mixed complexion of olive undertones and blush overtones extended down below the belt. Carefully lifting her hand back up to wrap around his member, she used her index finger to graze the tip of his most sensitive skin all the while he gazed down at her. Despite the feeling of the thunder of desire pounding somewhere behind his ears, he couldn’t help but fall in love with the sight before him. Here she was, reverently and innocently gazing upon him, on a day where he finally would be considered in the eyes of wizard law an adult. Her curiosity, desire to please, admiration, care, love and feminine divine energy all converged in this moment, for him.

If she had stopped even now, he still would’ve been elated. Yet, with a small shake of her head, coming back to reality, she once again gripped his cock in her hands and began stroking him.

Sebastian had to fight to keep himself upright and on his knees as she did so. While she may not have physically done it as well as he often did himself, the fact that it was her hands, and her eyes bringing him closer to the edge was more alluring than well rehearsed movements and figments of his imagination. As he climbed higher and higher he almost neglected to consider a crucial detail, however as he got to the precipice of committing to his pleasure he remembered to be mindful of his manors.

“I.. oh.. darling” he choked out with a sob, barely catching the proud smile that etched its way onto her face.

“Yes dear?” She said so, large eyes looking up at his with a return of that sultry tone.

“You are aware of what happens when a man…” he once again trailed off as she brought her other hand up to caress his sack.

“Is consumed by his desire?” She asked with a quirked eyebrow and he could only find it in him to aggressively nod, hands coming down to the sides of the tub, gripping tightly to hold himself together.

“Mess” he all but wheezed out, unable to form a coherent sentence as his mind was slipping.

“Then it’s a good thing we are already in the bath my Love… is that your way of saying… that you are close to coming undone?” She asked and he once again nodded, aggressively pulling his bottom lip under top row of teeth to keep from making loud sounds. Quickly shoving down the intensity of the feelings he had brewing under the surface, he was able to voice one last completed thought on her behalf,

“Where… I don’t want to make a mess of you” he wasn’t sure even if she had a suggestion if he’d be able to make it a reality in time as he could feel himself already leaking along her hand.

“I don’t mind a little mess every now and again” she spoke fiercely as their eyes crossed and he knew that he was done for.

“Love you -“ he said as he looked down in just enough time to help her angle is cock down preventing his cum from winding up in her hair or on her beautiful face. Despite his brutish desires to do so, he cared enough for her to no soil her soft cheeks or sweet smile with his body’s release. Instead he watched as it landed along her neck, sliding down her collar bones as her eyes widened in shock.

While she seemed prepared for the act through the words she spoke, the sudden sensation made her jolt up, torso rising from the water. Sebastian watched as his cum continued sliding down her bare chest, between the valley of her breasts, before finally falling into the water below her. Grunting out he continued to thrust into his hand and hers while watching as the last of his cum situated itself against her beautiful curves.

Shakily and out of breath he sunk back down, as he tried to regain his mental state from the pits of desire he’d fallen into. She watched him as he did so. His chest rising and falling, eyes screwed shut, face and body flushed, eyebrows turned in the similar manor he got when he was confused, lips parted. He looked stunning in the soft glow of the morning light while his body rode the aftershocks of his pleasure.

It wasn’t long before he looked at her again. Gone was the confidence as she shifted, almost scared to reach for the soap to clean herself. Sitting across from him he could see how absolutely vulnerable she looked, and while he didn’t believe she regretted her actions, he understood that these adult declarations of affection could be frightening.

Sensing her hesitation and shyness in the matter he leaned forward, quickly cupping her cheek with his clean hand and bringing her lips to meet his. His sudden movement made her slip unceremoniously into his waiting arms as her soiled chest pressed against his while their lips moved together. Quietly groaning into the kiss before pulling back despite the mild protest she had in her eyes.

Sebastian pushed the stray lock that had fallen from her crude bun and tucked it behind her ear, once again cradling her face as he asked her “that wasn’t too much was it? I didn’t..”

He wasn’t fully sure what he was asking but he knew that despite their improper acts he could still be respectful to her by making sure she was alright with what they had done.

“I have no regrets…” she said, deeply staring into his eyes as her hands wrapped around his waist, holding them together. “I admit… I enjoyed watching you experiencing euphoria” she spoke quietly as she softly scratched the skin of his lower back with her fingernails.

“I can say the same for you” he told her, his thumb tracing over her cheekbone. He brought his lips down to hers once more, for a slow kiss before finally pulling away.

“Let me clean you up Love… least I can do” he said grabbing the soap with a toothy grin.

“Are you in a rush to get out of here? My, my what have you done with my mischievous Sebastian?” She joked, allowing him to start rubbing the bar over her skin.

“I won’t lie… I am really looking forward to eating my weight in Tablet” he spoke candidly about his desire to consume excessive amounts of his favorite sweet, that he only got once a year.

“Eat too much and you’ll go soft” she joked, bringing a hand up to stroke his belly playfully as she imagined with a slightly more soft frame in contrast to his current muscular one.

“Trust me with you around, I will hardly ever be soft.”

***** ****** ******

“I am amazed at how quickly you’re able to do that” she said watching as Anne carefully wound the tartan material around her body with skill hands.

Not long after Sebastian and her found themselves dried off and in their plain clothes Anne sent Ominis to collect her brother in order to get them all dressed for the days festivities. Ominis grumped out something about how difficult wrapping a great kilt was and needing Sebastian’s assistance, so he bid her a gentle kiss upon her knuckles goodbye before exiting to join their blond friend.

It wasn’t long before Anne emerged rifling through a trunk and tossing out a mass of tartan fabric to the boys before collecting her own. Anne quickly set out, pulling the tailored skirt in their family’s pale green and blue plaid up her legs and tucking in her white blouse. It wasn’t long before she set out to wrap the shawl around her shoulders that matched.

“Does everyone wear that for the celebration?” She asked Anne, amazed at how the simple fabric looked elegant once the look was complete.

“Most of them yes. Ominis May not be Scottish but he participates with a less tailored kilt than my uncle and brother” Anne explained running a bruh through her knotted hair.

“And the colors are those varied or..?”

“Family’s usually have a very specific pattern and color that go back to the original clans. Our family’s is blue and green, others in the hamlet you’ll see are reds, yellows, purples, and all kinds of colors.” Anne offered the information as she continued on her hair.

“Should I wear the green dress to match you all?” She inquired, wondering what would be the most fitting for the day.

Anne ross, walking back to the trunk and collecting more material of the same print before walking over towards her. “This was our mothers earasaid, I thought you could wear it today. You’ll need to change into her underskirt to have underneath it, and I can help you with the rest but… would you?”

The sickly girl looked hopeful, asking her to outfit herself in the clothes of the twins departed mother. It felt like the highest honor but she still remained unsure how Sebastian would feel.

“While I am honored, will that not upset Sebastian if I were to wear this?” She asked, fingers delicately tracing over the material.

“Hardly. I imagine seeing you admits the rest of us wearing the Sallow family plaid will bring him great joy” Anne told her, hoping to convey the importance of such garments on days like today.

“Alright. Would you like me to help with your hair Anne? Plait it?” She asked, setting the fabric back on the bed as the sallow girl nodded.

“That would be lovely, thank you. Let us get you dressed first. All you need to do is change into this plain skirt and I shall start hand pleating this. Then I can help wrap it around you.”

The process was simpler than she thought as Anne managed to get the material ready moments after she stepped into the pale green skirt and tucked in her white blouse. It wasn’t long before Anne was walking around her, pulling the long wool material to drape effortlessly off her body, tightening it over her shoulders with a simple silver pin in the front.

“If you get too hot you may remove the pin and let it hang down more like an overskirt” Anne demonstrated by removing it, then replacing the way she had originally fitted the fabric.

She felt warm and comfortable bound in the plaid, as the chill of December was spilling in from the out doors. Stepping back to admire her work Anne nodded before sitting down on the bed to allow the other girl the chance to braid her brown locks.

The witch got to work, carefully twisting the girls hair into several smaller braids around her head. Once she was satisfied with them, she began to take them and wrap them around the length of Anne’s head like a crown, similar to the way the milk maids back home would wear theirs. As she went she pulled a few strands out to look more feminine and soft.

Looking over she found her wand, conjuring some small babies breathe flowers before weaving them into Anne’s hair. When she finished the girl squealed, delighted with the results.

Carefully she replicated part of the process on her own hair by the feeling of touch alone. She was used to doing her hair without the assistance of a mirror so she set out to braiding two small sections along the front of her hair before pulling them back, adding left over flowers to her hair before deciding leave the rest hanging down.

The two girls spent time making sure to give each other a few lingering touch ups to their appearance, attempting to look as perfect as possible before linking arms and strolling through the tents flap.

Through the other side they could hear Sebastian and Ominis arguing as they got ready.

“Hold still Ominis.” Sebastian said through gritted teeth as the girls eyed each other with a fit of giggles upon hearing their struggle.

“You are doing something wrong.” Ominis insisted

“How would you even know, you can’t see it!”

“I can feel a breeze where the wind ought not blow Sebastian!” Ominis yelled back in response as the girls giggles turned to full blown laughter

“Do you need help in here Sebastian?” Anne called out as their laughter died down

“No!” Both boys shouted as the girls decided to allow them privacy and step out into the morning air.

It had significantly warmed since Anne and Sebastian took their stroll, but still remained brisk.

“Might I speak freely for a moment?” The sick girl asked

“Of course Anne” she responded as they made their way through the village, watching as witches and wizards used their wands to set up for the days festivities.

“I am so thankful that Sebastian found you. I was.. quite worried when he returned to hogwarts this year. The way he was this summer, snapping at everyone, obsessively reading books, neglecting my uncles warning towards the dark arts. I feared… I feared we would loose him to a great deal of evil magic in his search to find me a cure. Knowing that he was to be alone with the exception of Ominis concerned me a great deal. When he returned home after only one week at school my uncle almost sent him back immediately fearing he’d be talking about a fix for this curse… but he didn’t. He immediately started going on and on about some witch who started as a 5th year who got sorted into Slytherin. How you knocked him on his arse in Hecat’s class. About the troll attack in Hogsmeade. For the first time in months he spoke to me not as his sickly sister, but as he used to.”

“Anne… I had no idea”

“I am sure in many ways this curse has changed me. But this curse also has changed my brother. You seem to be the only thing that is bringing him back. I understand that a cure may not be possible for this curse, but in many ways you’ve cured my brothers mind. You’ve brought him peace. You’ve brought him affection. I am thankful for that. I know Sebastian cares deeply for you, but I wish to share that I also care for you as well. From the kindness you’ve shown our family, the nurturing nature you have, it’s been so wonderful having you here. I hope one day I can have you as my sister.”

The girl didn’t fully know how to respond to the Sallow’s kind words. She was always scared that Anne may not take kindly to another woman becoming important in his life, but she seemed to have fully embraced her as family. Turning she carefully brought Anne into her arms in a hug, thankful for the candor spilling out. Thankful she’d found a loving family contrary to her obligations and duties and formality of the one back home.

“I would like that too Anne. I promise I will do all that I can to protect you from this curse, and protect your brother from going down a dark path.”

“Thank you. Truly.” Anne responded as the girls parted. As they did so, Solomon joined from where he’d been assisting in building the the structure for the bone fire taking place in the evening.

“Don’t you two look lovely? Where are your brother and Gaunt?” Solomon asked looking around for his nephew and the other boy.

“Probably still preening. Last I heard Ominis was fighting the kilt with Sebastian like a stray barn cat being forced into a sweater.” Anne responded with a laugh.

“Anne why don’t you both go wait in the house, since we’ll celebrate your birthday before we join festivities. We are almost done here and I shall rejoin soon” he suggested as they decided to take his advice.

Once inside Anne was delighted to see Solomon had set up a small amount of decorations for the Twins birthday, with 2 boxes of differing colors on the table next to food.

Reaching around to the small pouched shed attached to her hip, y/n took out two similarly wrapped packages placing the one for Anne next to the burgundy box knowing it was the girls favorite color. Repeating the same she placed the smaller wrapped parcel next to the brown one wrapped with black twine for Sebastian.

As she did so Anne gasped taking her hands “you did not have to get us anything”

“Of course I did.. you both are adults in the eyes of the ministry” she said sheepishly turning on her heels as she heard Ominis and Sebastian’s muffled voices and saw their blurred figures walk past the kitchen window.

Anne pulled her into her side as she said “truly your kindness knows no bounds”.

The door opened and Ominis stepped through, wand in the air as he tried to find Anne’s silhouette in the room. As he did Anne separated from her to walk over and stand near the blind boy. Straightening out the tops of the great kilt, adjusting the messy pleats her brother had managed carefully before collecting his empty hand is hers.

“You look very handsome Omi” as she rose to her tip toes, pressing a kiss into the porcelain skin of his cheek.

Watching as their friend turned pink at the open display of affection she couldn’t help but chuckle as he used his hands to feel around her handiwork on Anne’s hair.

The pair were so wholesome that she almost hadn’t noticed the way Sebastian stood off to the side, eyes widened and not blinking. Motionless he watched as she stepped closer apprehensively, brushing a palm over the plaid.

“I hope you don’t mind, Anne said I shou-“ she started speaking but was quickly silenced with a small yelp as his mouth claimed hers hungrily.

When Sebastian stepped through the door seeing her wearing his mothers old earasaid he truly became enthralled knowing she had allowed herself to be wrapped in his family’s tartan. In a way it was like she was accepting his family as hers. That alone made him feel more possessive than he should’ve given his twin and their friend were only a few feet away.

His hands were tightly wrapped around her small waist and against the side of her neck as he pulled her closer into him, her hands still resting on his biceps from the shock of his movements as his mouth continued to nip at hers with a more brutal force than he intended. Sliding his tongue into her mouth he kept going, no intension of stopping. Just as she was relaxing into his embrace a loud shout caused them to break apart, Sebastian accidentally biting her lip as they did so.

“WHAT IN MERLINS NAME IS GOING ON IN HERE?!” Solomon’s voice boomed throughout the house and Sebastian quickly whipped around expecting to see his uncle standing directly behind him. Instead he was surprised to see Anne in Ominis’s arms, his hand on her cheek as Solomon’s hand pressed down on the boys shoulder, effectively separating the pair.

“Uncle Solomon-“ Anne started but was stopped

“Not a word Annabel.” He spoke out scarily calmly as he drug Ominis to the center of the room before turning his attention towards Sebastian.

“Don’t think you’re weaseling your way out of this either.” He said dragging Sebastian off in a similar manor while the girls sought out the sides of the room together.

Both young men looked down ashamedly as the older man started to berate them.

“I expected this sort of behavior out of Sebastian, but Gaunt? I trusted you entirely. I’d left you alone in my home with my niece believing you to be a gentleman, so imagine my surprise to finding you both entangled in one another. How long has this been going on? How long have you been making a fool of me?” He spoke, shaking the boy by his shoulders as he pointed at Anne.

“Please Uncle Solomon, we planned to tell you this very afternoon. I promise. Any advancements have been made on my part, not Ominis’s. He has remained a gentleman.” Anne pleaded, hoping to convince her uncle of their situation.

“Gaunt is a man. He is responsible for keeping your whims, as his own, in check.” Solomon spoke.

“If I may-“ Sebastian cut in, trying to ease the tension but that only caused Solomon to turn to his nephew quickly.

“YOU may not. Especially considering the display of your tongue down her throat mere moments ago.” Solomon said, pointing at the other girl in the house. Sebastian nodded lowering his head.

“I will not have you being taken advantage of Anne, especially given your situation.” He said frustratingly tugging on his shirts cuffs as he released both boys.

“Ominis is not taking -“ Anne started but was once more interrupted

“You are not well enough to make those decisions!” He shot back, turning his anger to the girl.

“I am well enough to know that I desire to die having know what it was like to have loved, to have been loved! Do I not deserve that?” She all but shouted, voice firmly rising to meet her uncles tone.

Everyone stood there in shock, letting her words ring out as silence overtook them all.

Solomon sighed, fingers probing his temples and he looked around at the 4 teenagers all in various states of embarrassment, sorrow, and fear.

“Sebastian please refrain from displaying such affections to Miss y/l/n. I understand you care for each other a great deal, but you are not wed yet. Even if you were, I do not wish to watch them displayed in my home. Am I clear?” He said turning towards his nephew. Sebastian simply nodded, suddenly finding his shoes quite fascinating as he escaped his uncles wrath.

“Anne I am upset you felt the need to hide this- whatever it is - from me. I expect you both to keep whatever whims at bay until we come to some sort of arrangement.” He told his niece who slowly nodded as well.

“I understand you all to be adults or nearly adults, however there are rules you must abide by in my home and in general. Ominis I apologize for my outburst. I know my niece and nephew are usually the ones orchestrating such mischief, however do not let me catch you with your mouth on Anne again. You may hold her hand, you may escort her around, you may hold her close within reason, but I will not allow that level of affection to publicly to be shown again. Do I make myself clear?”

“Very sir. I apologize.” Ominis said shakily as Solomon finally turned towards her.

“Do know, I will not be afraid to castrate that boy if he lays another hand on you that openly again. I will not have little Sallows running around any time soon nor allow people to call you a harlot because of his actions.” He told her, alluding to the fact Sebastian and her were crossing lines and while she couldn’t deny that he was right, a small part of her also felt it not his business. Given the twins were old enough technically he wasn’t required to be their guardian. She nodded.

“So we are all in agreement. I will have no more of what I just witnessed. I understand you all to be at a part of your lives where it is difficult to… keep your hands to yourself, but please refrain from going too far or doing so with others around. I am not a fool. I know you all have probably entertained more in privacy… I just do not want Anne with child in her state nor having to return Miss y/n to her family unwed in the same situation. Now, can we all move on and pretend as if that did not occur?” He spoke putting the situation to rest as everyone agreed, taking a quiet seat at the table.

Solomon left the 4 temporarily, wandering out back to the storage they kept in the back yard, promptly returning to toss a book on the table before wandering into the kitchen to collect the rest of breakfast.

Sebastian grabbed the tome, reading the cover as the others curiously eyed him. Over his shoulder his witch could make out the words “A wizards guide to preventing procreation: An Abstinence Approach with practical knowledge” before she turned as bright red as he did. Sebastian quickly tucked the book into his jackets enchanted pocket for later.

Reaching under the table he intertwined his fingers with hers as they both watched the beginning of the Twin’s birthday festivities.

***** ***** ******

Anne happily skipped around in the bonnet she was gifted, with dirclaw feathers woven in for additional protective capabilities. Sebastian had yet to open any of the gifts laid before him, instead enjoying his sisters happy expressions.

“Are you going to see what you have Sebastian?” His twin questioned as she rejoined her seat at the table and he shrugged reaching for the one with his name written in the beautiful calligraphy of his witches handwriting.

As he felt around inside the box he lifted a silky feeling material from the confines. As he did so he saw the silver shimmer in the light. Confused he stood, letting it fall to the floor as its odd patterns shifted. It took him a moment before he realized what he was holding.

“There’s no way! This must’ve cost you a fortune!” He said draping the cloak over the back of his chair, lifting her in the air with a quiet squeak. He laughed as he spun her around until he caught Solomon’s warning eyes and set her back down.

“What is it?” Ominis asked curious without his sight.

Sebastian lifted it back up, wrapping the fabric around his body as he disappeared. Anne’s shocked face spoke volumes as her brother dropped the cloak once again.

“How on Merlin’s earth did you find a cloak of invisibility?” Solomon asked her

“I made it actually… Mr Moon cornered an actual demiguise and sent me to collect it. I returned it back to a safe location where I’ve been taking care of it. Eventually I saved enough hair to weave into fabric with Deek’s help.” She spoke as if the task was normal, but everyone else was left stunned.

“Well that’s… here Sebastian, I’m not really topping that am I?” Ominis questioned, handing him a new wand handle exactly like his current one to replace the worn wood.

“This is incredible. Thank you.” Sebastian said, once again dragging her into his side. Never could he have imagined to be in the possession of such a high value item. Invisibility cloaks were deeply sought after and expensive. If she hadn’t made it herself he debated selling it to purchase a ring for her, but given the hassle she’d gone through to craft such an item, he knew he’d never part with it.

Setting it back in the box he turned towards the brown paper wrapped package, opening it to find several documents as well as several pouches of galleons.

“That’s a decent enough portion of your inheritance to do with as you please”.

Solomon spoke with a knowing tone and Sebastian nodded, carefully tipping one of the pieces of parchment away from the girl next to him. Seeing what was detailed on the page he promptly returned it to the box to look at later. Realizing his uncle had laid enough research in to land in the surrounding area, as well as a ring maker up on the coast, made him happier than he realized. Knowing his uncle took time to make it easier for him was shocking to say the least.

Setting the lid back on the box he pushed it onto the center of his he table to resume their eating. He didn’t notice the way the woman next to him eyed the box curiously, wondering what all the pages of notes around the top could be, but she did briefly see the words “metal worker”, deciding to let the information go until later.

***** ***** *****

Bellies full, faces flushed from whiskey, and the cold Scottish air all met them with a welcome greeting as they danced around the fire with the rest of the hamlet. The Hogmanay celebrations had been underway since noon and everyone was happily taking part.

As the music faded away and everyone cheered, several men began work on finishing the preparation for the firework display. Sebastian stepped back, watching as Anne and his witch spoke together with hushed whispers before looking over at him by the firelight. The girl’s eyes looked up and down his figure hungrily as he raised an eyebrow.

Ominis had left a while ago to properly apologize to his uncle and from the way they were laughing now all seemed forgiven.

The girl made her wait to him, however as she did so, her foot caught a cobblestone and she fell forward with a laugh. He skillfully caught her, holding her upright as he adjusted the tartan around her shoulders from where it had fallen when she tripped.

“Careful now, don’t want you falling over me darling” he quipped

“Are you concerned about me looking up your kilt?” She asked, referring to the time he may have not-so-accidentally fell during one of their outings to get a glimpse up the skirt she had to borrow from Nerida after her trousers were ruined.

“Not in the slightest. If you wanna look I certainly won’t stop you.” He replied smugly, puffing his chest out as he brushed a small spec of lint off his jackets lapel.

“You are an utter delinquent. And a proud one at that” she laughed

“I make no attempts to hide who I am darling. I also do not deny how wonderful you look in Sallow green and blue” he said, lifting his hand to ask for hers. She relented, giving him her hand as he carefully spun her under his arm before caressing her knuckles with his thumb.

“Stunning.” He replied matter of factly , before looking back at the fire.

“I’m really going to miss Feldcroft” she said as they watched the hamlet dance and sing in celebration of the new year.

“We won’t be gone long. And we can visit any time you like” he tried to console her sad thoughts.

“Good. This place feels like home.” She said looking back at him as he smiled. Carefully making sure Solomon was distracted he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before drawing her close.

“I’m glad you feel that way. I’d like to make this our home someday” he spoke with honestly.

“I’d like that very much.” She confirmed and pushed herself closer into his side as they saw the bright colors take to the sky.

He hummed out as she rested her head along his chest, both enjoying the artful display. Slowly he started loosing track of time. Having been awake for a long time, feeling content with a lovely woman in his arms and scotch in his belly he started to almost doze off standing up.

“Sebastian” he heard his uncles voice and he opened his eyes. Looking down he saw his uncles outstretched hands with an unopened bottle of scotch, some coal and a galleon.

“Why don’t you do it this year?“ Solomon said and he felt himself nodding, retrieving the items from his hand. He had never been allowed to take part in the tradition, his uncle doing it every year.

“Come along Lass, he’ll join us in a moment” Solomon said escorting the girl back inside as he stood watching as other men or the hamlet waited outside their doors. Grabbing his father’s golden pocket watch that was fastened to his coat he brought it out, watching as the time ticked closer to midnight.

He looked at the top seeing a portrait of his mother when she was much younger, before the twins were born. She looked radiant with her long dark hair waving in the breeze and her smile stretched wide. He heard cheers around him as several other wizards finally crossed their thresholds and he tucked the watch back inside before opening the door.

“Did anyone request a tall, dark haired, devilish handsome man?” Sebastian called out as he stepped through the door before shutting it behind him. As he did so he almost got teary eyed seeing the sight before him. His best friend standing next to his sister, their fingers wrapped together. His uncle holding out an empty glass, demanding a pour. And lastly in the middle of them all stood the love of his life.

Her smile radiated so brightly seeing him take part in a tradition explained to her only moments before. His mothers tartan wrapped around her frame, while she looked so beautiful in the fire light of their hearth. Seeing all his loved ones together and in one place, on a day so sacred to his family moved him. He couldn’t wait for more years as this one had been.

And as he brought the gifts inside, setting them down he could only thing of how utterly blessed he was that she had allowed him to bring her home for a Christmas with the Sallows.

To be continued in part 3….

[dawninlatin]

Queen of Peace, chapter 17

A manorian High School AU

Words: 1,9k

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Summary: Manon Blackbeak is flawless, untouchable. From the outside at least. Her grandmother pushes her to achieve greatness, and she doesn’t let anyone get too close in fear of being hurt. How can anyone love her when not even her parents could?

Dorian Havilliard has always felt safe and confident around his friends. He might not have the greatest of families, but with Aelin and Chaol by his side, nothing can go wrong. That is until he tries keeping his greatest secret from them.

What will happen when Dorian and Manon gets to know one another? Can two lost souls find their way back together?

Then it tries to find a home

With people or when I’m alone

Picking it apart

And staring at your phone

-Florence + The Machine, Hunger

Dorian broke into a huge grin as he opened his Christmas present. He’d been saving this one for last, knowing it would be something good.

And he’d been right.

Inside the messily wrapped box was a special edition of his favorite book, one he’d tried to find for years without success. How she’d even gotten this-

He lifted the book, admiring the gorgeous sprayed edges, then picked up the second item. It was a custom library stamp, saying From the library of Dorian Havilliard. Dorian felt almost giddy, wanting to use it on all of his books immediately.

It really was the perfect gift, and the fact that it was from Manon made him all warm inside.

«Show me what you got,» Dorian’s mother urged from her spot next to him on the couch, trying to look over his shoulder. 

On the floor, aunt Philippa was helping Hollin build his new Lego’s.

It had been over a month now, since that faithful night that had begun with Dorian coming out to his parents, and ended with his mother leaving his father, basically starting a new life for her family.

Things weren’t perfect, they’d had plenty of bad days, but they were doing better. His mother had managed to stay sober, as far as Dorian knew, and she still went to her meetings, still saw a therapist on the regular. 

Sometimes, the three of them even saw a family therapist together, and Dorian found that having someone to guide them through all the difficult conversations really helped. It had most definitely helped Hollin, who seemed like an entirely different kid now. He hardly had tantrums anymore, he did way better in school, and overall he seemed much happier.

He also seemed to adore his new aunt, whom he’d not even met before, but who’d stayed with them for three weeks after the fight, and now visited as often as possible.

Thankfully, their father had left them alone. Dorian hoped it stayed that way, that he never had to see the bastard ever again. 

Looking around, Dorian took in the small, but cozy living room he was sitting in. 

They’d moved here about a month ago, their old house being too big, too empty, too full of bad memories, and things were finally settling. Already, this felt more like a home than their old house ever had.

«Is that from Dorian’s secret girlfriend?» Philippa asked just as Dorian handed his nosy mother the book and library stamp. 

The nosiness didn’t bother him, though, not in the slightest, because it meant she cared.

«She’s not secret, and she’s also not my girlfriend,» Dorian pointed out, but his aunt just waggled her eyebrows and then joined them on the couch to take a closer look at the gift.

His mom gave him a playful look. «If she’s not secret, why does she only have time to visit when you’re home alone?»

Dorian simply shrugged, feigning innocence.

«Give it a few years, Georgie, and you’ll be planning their wedding.»

«Okay-» Dorian said, plucking his things from the hands of his gushing mother and aunt. «That’s my cue to leave.»

He quickly stood up, trying to hide the fact that he was very much blushing, and announced, «I’m going to my room, alone, so I can call my not-secret not-girlfriend.»

Then he left, hurrying as he heard his aunt quip, «Did you see how red he got?»

Dorian let out a sigh of relief as he closed the door behind him, pulling his hand through his hair. 

After carefully placing his gift on his desk, he flung himself down on the bed and pulled out his phone, dialing Manon’s number from memory (which was an absolutely normal thing to remember about a person that absolutely wasn’t one’s girlfriend).

She picked up almost immediately, and Dorian let himself imagine that maybe she’d been waiting for him to call.

«Merry Christmas,» Manon greeted, her voice so bright.

Grinning, Dorian returned the words, then asked, «What did you think of your present?»

«It’s beatiful,» Manon breathed on the other end of the line. «Thank you.»

He ‘d gotten her a necklace. It was simple, really, just a silver chain with a shining star in the middle, two smaller ones on each side, but Dorian knew he had to get it as soon as he saw it. 

«I’m actually wearing it right now,» Manon added.

«The shirt? Sexy.»

Because as Dorian stood there with the necklace, he’d also thought that while it was perfect, it was a little too cliché, too couple-y, se he’d needed to get something else as well, something less serious.

It had taken a few days of searching, but he’d found it eventually: A hot pink shirt that said the words «You’re looking at a crazy cat lady». The letters were black, in fucking comic sans, and the message was underlined by rainbow-colored paw prints. It was honestly the ugliest shirt Dorian had ever seen, but he knew Manon would love it.

She chuckled, before saying, «The necklace, dumbass. I’m saving the t-shirt for prom.»

They’d seen each other just two days ago, but it had been long enough for Dorian to miss talking to her, miss their playful banter.

Cold, unapproachable, mean, bitchy. They were all words he’d heard to describe Manon, but as he’d gotten to know her, he knew she was none of those things. She might let the world believe otherwise, but Manon was kind, caring, clever, and downright hilarious.

«I’d expect nothing less. Thank you very much for the book and library stamp, by the way. You couldn’t have given me a better gift.» Dorian glanced over at said gift, smiling at how well she knew him.

«Maybe Aelin won’t steal all your books now, if she’s constantly reminded of who they actually belong to. And if it looked like your gift was wrapped by a child who loves tape too much, it was all Abraxos’ fault! He just took over, insisting he did it!»

Dorian laughed, picturing a very frustrated Manon trying to wrap a Christmas present. «Don’t bring Abraxos into this, he probably wraps his gifts beautifully!»

They kept going back and forth like this, Dorian’s facial muscles beginning to strain from all the smiling he was doing.

«What are you doing right now?» Dorian asked after Manon had given a detailed description of how she’d tried, and epically failed, to make gingerbread cookies last night.

«I’m chilling in my PJs, watching the greatest Christmas movie of all time.» 

«Let me guess…The Grinch?»

«Shut up, he’s my literal soulmate!» Manon claimed, sounding as if she tried not to laugh. 

«You probably love something annoying like Elf or Home Alone.» Dorian could hear the eye-roll.

«And what if I do?» he teased, even if those two were among his favorites.

Manon’s reply came quickly. «Then I’m afraid I can’t be seen in public with you anymore.»

Just as Dorian was about to make a retort, his mom knocked on the door, asking if he wanted to play Mario Kart with them. As much as he wanted to keep speaking with Manon, he had a title as reigning champion to defend, so they made their goodbyes, promising to talk again the following day.

Then Dorian went to join his family, ignoring how he’d felt the urge to end that phone call with three very significant words.

-

After ending the phone call with Dorian, Manon returned to her movie, snuggled up with Abraxos on her bed. 

She’d felt so light, mere moments ago, laughing and bickering, but as soon as she’d hung up, a heaviness had settled over her again.

To her, Christmas had never been the warm, joyful holiday everyone else believed it to be, but this year was particularly depressing.

All morning, she’d tried not to cry as she thought about how different it would be if Asterin was still here. They would have opened their few presents together, Asterin waking her up at some ungodly hour, then they would have watched movies in one of their beds, gorging themselves on candy, before they went ice skating, and returned to a not-horrible dinner with their grandmother.

It physically hurt, to be doing it all alone this year. 

Especially when Manon knew it was all her fault.

She was the one who’d pushed Asterin away, who’d answered with insult after insult when all Asterin had done was care about her.

Manon hoped she was okay, hoped she was happy with her new family.

Her grandmother was still making dinner later today, but Manon wasn’t sure she could sit there and pretend something vital wasn’t missing. It was becoming more and more clear how Asterin had been the one bringing some light to this house.

In addition, Manon was beginning to run out of plausible lies as to why she was spending more time out, and less time in her room studying. It was hard to keep someone hidden, when they had become such a huge part of her life.

At least she still had Dorian, Manon thought, touching a hand to her new necklace.

She’d been so relieved when he’d called her after he’d gone home that morning, telling her all about how his mother had finally stood up against his father, how she’d promised things would change. His voice had been full of disbelief back then, but his mother had kept her promises so far, and it showed, because Dorian seemed happier and happier by every day.

As he’d retold their conversation, though, Manon couldn’t help but draw parallels to her own situation, a heavy feeling settling deep within her.

She wished she had the strength to stand up for the ones she cared about like that. To do something, say something. Maybe then-

But you’ll never manage to do that, stupid girl! You’re nothing more than a pathetic coward, exactly like your mother-

That fucking voice… Manon would give anything for it to shut up. 

She turned up the volume of the movie in a feeble attempt to drown it out, but it only reminded her of how she didn’t have Asterin beside her, making funny comments the entire time.

Manon contemplated calling Dorian again, but he was spending time with his family, and she knew how much he valued that time, so she quickly let go of that thought, instead choosing to let herself mope some more.

«Christmas is overrated, anyway,» she said to a snoring Abraxos, who continued to ignore her.

Sighing, Manon mentally prepared herself to go and get more snacks, but then her phone started buzzing somewhere underneath all her blankets. 

Shen frantically searched for it, thinking it was Dorian calling, but her face fell as she saw that it was an unknown number.

Normally, Manon would have just ignored it, letting it go to voicemail, but this time, it was as if a voice urged her to pick up, just this once, pick up!

So she did, trying to remain calm as she said, «This is Manon speaking.»

The person on the other end drew a deep breath, before replying in a shaking voice, «Hey, Manon. This is your father.»

A/N: We have finally reached the chapter, that when plotting it out, I thought "I'll have plenty of time to have this out around Christmas...in 2020"

A win is a win though!

This one's more of a filler, and therefore a little short, but I hope you appreciated the ending...*cue evil laughter*

Taglist: @fireheartfaery @bookishwitchling @gwynethhberdara @darklingswhxore @onfma @ireallyshouldsleeprn @sayosdreams @rowaelinismyotp @rainbowcheetah512 @mirubyjane @zoyalovesbooks​ @wishfulimaginings​

[starrbar]

The July 2022 Amphibia Attacks

DISCLAIMER: Awhile back, I privated my Twitter to feel safer, but it still had some things on it that I don't want to cut off people's access to. And while the Wayback Machine is absolutely incredible for what it does, I find it so agonizingly tedious to load up even one page to read. It's even worse if there's images attached, each of which I have to manually open in a new tab to see, if they load at all. So I'm taking some of my old posts and reformatting them for Tumblr. This is STRICTLY FOR DOCUMENTATION PURPOSES. Do not assume these are recent events and do not EVER harass anyone!!!

SUMMARY: The Amphibia Attacks (as I call them) were a set of targeted stalking, harassment, and witch-hunting of four artists in the Amphibia fandom for their private, "problematic" nsfw art. This led to the doxxing of a fifth artist who was at very real risk of death. It's one of the most dire situations I've ever seen spawn from the "anti/proship" discourse, and I had the displeasure of being there as it happened, where I was able to document and collect information so that people could be informed.

CONTENT WARNINGS: Harassment, doxxing, mocking victims of such things, discussion of nsfw art of child characters (but no images shown), liberal accusations of "pedophilia", disturbing audio of the culprit bragging about what they had done with their "fans"

The original Tweet thread on the Wayback Machine can be found here. Everything below the Read More link is a direct paste of that thread and its relevant media (with a couple accessibility tweaks).

I also dumped all the individual screenshots I've used into this Google Drive folder, in case people would like to borrow them or if the combined versions I made are difficult to read for some reason.

Speaking of accessibility, almost all of these screenshots are nothing but text, and I've been working on this for hours, so I'm going to post them as is, but anyone who sees this is welcome to add captions that screen readers can follow.

In the last few days, I've come to understand that all the info I wanted people to know about the recent Amphibia Attacks has been documented by others, BUT they're all separate threads posted across Twitter.

This thread is to provide some connective tissue to form a full picture.

Several anonymous users conducted a coordinated attack against four artists, two of whom are crew members for Amphibia. The invasive release of these artists' private nsfw accounts also directly inspired the doxxing of a fifth artist (a minor), almost leading to her murder.

The "proship" crowd gets made fun of for overstating the "body count" of antishippers, but this time it almost happened. Brownteen32 was a 17-year-old girl living in a third world country where "dishonor is death", and she would have been legally killed for her art.

I'm starting with her case because it was the most dire, and thus I paid much closer attention to how she was doing. Thankfully, Brownteen is safe now, though she has decided to leave social media. I hope she will remain safe and still be able to live a fulfilling life.

The people that attacked BT have many sock puppet accounts, but a thread by @/stopnow98630374 (linked next) suggests they aren't all one person. The original attacker is @/phibbyburner, who at time of writing, is still active. The doxxer is @/ballsybeech aka @/AllBeech.

Part 1 of the aforementioned thread (and the Archive if it's ever needed).

Part 2, because the thread was cut for some reason (and the Archive)

Phibby's priv has been confirmed to be @/booboyapologist, both in these screenshots and in the linked video (more on the videos soon).

Video (and the Archive)

There are also mentions of a "mole" that helped Phibby get the information. I have not seen confirmation of who this person is yet.

Link to the video pictured above (Archived version)

I'm going to come back to Phibby after I cover Beech's actions.

These are the 1st posts Beech made against Brownteen: screenshots of her old Instagram callout against someone else for "pedo" art. Brownteen's responses included in the link so she can explain. I understand and believe her.

There's also these, specifying that Brownteen was 17 (A MINOR) when this happened. These are from Instagram.

I don't know if these are from Phibby, Beech, or someone else.

I really want people to see this in particular. She is BEGGING this person not to do this to her, APOLOGIZING for shit that wasn't wrong, and even calling her own artwork REVOLTING. Said she would get off social media forever too. All to survive!

THIS TOO! Directly pleading for her life, and this heartless monster went through with it anyway and smugly said "that's what you get uwu"! It's honestly heartbreaking.

I'll restate that Brownteen was able to get home safely, and was very thankful to everyone who supported her and gave her advice through all this. Also of note is that Brownteen deactivated for a short amount of time, out of fear.

I am DISTURBED by the fact that someone was backed into a corner like this and almost killed. She deleted ALL her artwork out of fear, tried to say she regretted drawing it, was made to express remorse for it, and all the while mocked and terrorized.

Besides that, Beech has continued to post Brownteen's private fucking photos online with VERY nasty captions.

I'm only linking these so y'all can report them. Make these into dead links please!

Link 1 | Link 2

Hey, present day Starrbar here, THESE ARE STILL UP FOR SOME GOD-FORSAKEN REASON. So I'm leaving the links here to be reported! Brownteen made it clear she didn't want even partially censored pictures of herself left online, which is one reason I literally chopped up my original thread and re-did it with all her photos FULLY blacked out. I know some of the other documentation does have partially censored photos of her, but those people were at least on her side and trying to help. These, on the other hand, were purely malicious and trying to bring her harm. GO REPORT THEM, PLEASE!

Beech had also leaked Brownteen's address, but thankfully that Tweet was successfully removed.

Now, to finish covering Phibby's (current) actions.

This thread, which I have already linked parts of, contains audio/video recordings of Phibby damning himself further in a voice chat. It's painful to listen to if you aren't a remorseless pig like him.

Video (Archived)

Phibby claiming to have a coherent motive despite admitting in a public voice chat that he just likes to fuck with people for clout~

"Cyberbullying isn't real", also said in one of the audio clips. Constantly mocking the victims and talking about how they just need to "turn off the PC and go outside", as if his entire goal wasn't to ruin their fucking lives.

I think we've ALL clowned on this one by now, so pick your favorite QRTs! Reminder that the rhetoric Phibby based his "reasoning" on is entirely bound to lead to stuff like this. If you dehumanize others by convincing yourself that they're predators, things WILL escalate.

Now, as for the other artists that were attacked, primarily by Phibby, I don't know every detail of that, but I'll highlight a few things.

Phibby's 1st Tweets were just a bunch of screenshots (and a tasteless video compilation) of the artists' private nsfw of "minor" characters.

I will not be spreading those callouts, as they were not meant to be spread in the first fucking place. But I will assure people that the ONLY thing contained in any of them was artwork. Stylized, cartoon sketches of the Amphibia characters doin smut.

The horror. 🙄

The main thing I think I need to say about these 4 artists is that people initially thought that all of them were Amphibia crew members, but that isn't true. Only 2 of them are, the other two are fanartists.

Here's a simple guide. (Archive)

I do know that Sook, aka @/DirdyBongWater, deactivated after all this. However, I have been told that they're fine. Obviously I can't verify this personally, but I really hope that they are.

Alex, aka @/raebits, has also deactivated, and the fuckers are all celebrating it.

One thing that has come to my attention is that a user by the name of @/dilydily292 has appeared and started going after Phibby, with alleged doxx information. -_- This is not okay, and I encourage people to go report that account, regardless of how much I hate Phibby.

The account also fails to prove... anything?? Like, they don't give any evidence that actually connects Phibby to the names and messages they're posting. All around lame job. And again, don't doxx ANYONE!

I think that's all I got for this. I REALLY hope I didn't accidentally post anything that Brownteen didn't want out there. I know other people have already shared some of it (not their fault—Brownteen only told me directly what her boundaries were), but I really tried not to.

Never forget what this was really about. Not pedophilia, not incorrect art. It was about stalking, privacy invasion, and people playing judge, jury, & executioner for the sake a power high. This was an attack, not a tragic outing of "bad artists".

Link to another one of my (much shorter) threads about this (Archive)

And I hope anyone who reads this will believe me when I say this. If you have any kind of taboo/dark fictional interests: You are not alone, you are not wrong, and you are not obligated to live in accordance with the wonky demands of bullies on the internet. You are okay. 💖

Tiny update: It's hilarious that all it took to make the bullies mad was for Alex to reactivate and then sit there on priv with an icon people feel entitled to gatekeep x'D

The irony of the "you're a grown adult" comments too, ah, chef's kiss~

Happy update! The other three artists are BACK and wearing their true selves proudly!! @/raebits is still priv, but they've been back for awhile, and I hope they're doing well. We also have @/FISTRAID, @/bokobokosplices, and @/bangkaigagak (just so no one has to dig around)

[sirmedicknight]

Hello, how are you? I am displaced from Gaza and I have two children, one of whom was born in these difficult circumstances under the bombing and missiles. They need food, milk and diapers. I hope you can help me, even with a little bit, so that I can protect my family. Please, here is the link.

Please share my post too

https://www.instagram.com/mohamed_j_h123

https://chuffed.org/project/helpjalalsfamily

Only $10 out of $18,000. This is being run on Chuffed instead of GoFundMe so the rules are different. If anyone can help verify this fundraiser please do so.

Direct Link

[thebisexualwreckoning]

An urgent and urgent appeal. Please do not stop reading. I am Safaa Asaad, a university student. I am 26 years old and married. I gave birth to my first child during the war. My life was full of love and optimism. I was distinguished in the field of law. I was diligent and had dreams and ambition. I intended to open my own law firm and defend the rights of others, diligence and perseverance. In restoring the rights to their owners, I got married while I was a student. I married the right man whom I had always been waiting for. We loved to always be together. He suffered before he married me. He worked hard to build the house and collect money to propose to me. His source of income was very good, and we got married and lived a good life. As time passed, the war came, and I had not completed the year. My marriage and our home were destroyed. My husband lost his job. My father, after seeing the destruction that befell our area, became unable to speak and became paralyzed from the outside. My husband, two months after entering the war, gave birth to my first child under difficult circumstances in a small tent full of insects and mosquitoes. I and my son could not live in a tent because of the insects, so we fled to escape. The border is under the shadow of the wall. We are suffering greatly, and now, after exhaustion and exhaustion, I decided to create a donation link to go out and save my family from Gaza. We were insulted and humiliated by the occupation army. The relative died and the relatives were killed. We were displaced. I cannot describe what happened to us. I ask you to save my family and get us out of Gaza with a donation. To us via the link, please donate, even if it is $10, it will make a difference to us. They can save us from death, and your donation will be a reason to save our lives, so my son can live the life I dreamed of, open a law firm, and open a project for my beloved husband. Please donate and support the💔💔😭😭 campaign.https://gofund.me/b25cb4bf

I hope you donate it will really help save my family. Even if it is $10 or $20.

You know there's something really wrong with the world when people have to justify their reason to live to strangers on the internet. Everyone has the right to live a life of peace while not being bombed to death, regardless of their net impact on the world. If anyone can donate, then please do so as every little bit counts

[van-yangyin]

Hello🖐

Im Fatma from northern Gaza, mother of five children, the oldest being 12 years old. I am living in very difficult conditions due to the war and struggling to provide basic necessities😔. I have been displaced with my children 17 times in search of a safe place🥺... there is no safe place. We suffer from a lack of water, food, medicine, and milk for my little girl, whom I had to wean due to the unavailability of milk 😔 because of the war of starvation we have been enduring for the past 10 months. I need your support so we can survive, even a little support helps my family a lot

Your donation،rebloge will help me a lot🙏.

Help me if you can🙏.

Hi Fatima, of course I can do it! I'm praying for your family and you, that you can evacuate and get a new home to start again. Good luck with your goal, hoping you and your family the best and hope my bit can help you too 🙏

For anyone who need to know the campaign is vetted by 90-ghost, northgazaupdates and caocao-caokie-blog.

3425 € / 20.000 €

Direct link of Gofundme here, if you can donate consider:

[unbrokensestra]

Hello🖐

Im Fatma from northern Gaza, mother of five children, the oldest being 12 years old. I am living in very difficult conditions due to the war and struggling to provide basic necessities😔. I have been displaced with my children 17 times in search of a safe place🥺... there is no safe place. We suffer from a lack of water, food, medicine, and milk for my little girl, whom I had to wean due to the unavailability of milk 😔 because of the war of starvation we have been enduring for the past 10 months. I need your support so we can survive, even a little support helps my family a lot

Your donation،rebloge will help me a lot🙏.

Help me if you can🙏.

I am sharing the link for anyone who can donate I hope this will help you and your family 🙏

[axolotlsandabsolsarethebest]

Hello🖐

I hope you are well.

Im Fatma from northern Gaza, mother of five children, the oldest being 12 years old. I am living in very difficult conditions due to the war and struggling to provide basic necessities😔. I have been displaced with my children 17 times in search of a safe place🥺... there is no safe place. We suffer from a lack of water, food, medicine, and milk for my little girl, whom I had to wean due to the unavailability of milk 😔 because of the war of starvation we have been enduring for the past 10 months. I need your support so we can survive, even a little support helps my family a lot

Your donation،rebloge will help me a lot🙏.

https://gofund.me/a5b6d4ae

Hello, while I'm sadly not able to donate myself due to currently being a minor with no disposable income. I will gladly and happily share this post so more people will be able to see this.

Link to gofundme:

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!!TO ANYONE THAT SEES THIS POST! PLEASE DONATE IF YOU ARE ABLE TO AND IF YOU CAN'T FOR ANY REASON THEN PLEASE SHARE AND REBLOG THIS!!

🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[analytik2]

Israel says Hamas weaponised rape. Does the evidence add up?

The Israeli government insists that Hamas formally sanctioned sexual assault on October 7, 2023. But investigators say the evidence does not stand up to scrutiny. Catherine Philp and Gabrielle Weiniger report on eight months of claim and counter-claim

On a cloudy morning in early spring, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Pramila Patten sat down to deliver her findings on sexual violence during the Hamas-led massacres in Israel.

It had been five months since the October 7 attacks and the ensuing conflict in Gaza was raging, as was the seemingly irreconcilable war of narratives that had characterised the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for the past eight decades.

Perhaps nothing arising from that day had been more contentious than Israel’s assertion that Hamas had not only burned and slaughtered its way through Israeli communities along the Gaza border, killing 1,200 and taking more than 200 hostages, but that it planned and carried out a campaign of mass and systematic rape as a weapon of war.

Patten, the UN secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence, knew what she was walking into. Her fact-finding mission to Israel came amid a furious row over whether such allegations should be accepted as fact and accusations that anyone failing to do so was guilty of antisemitic bias against Jewish women.

Litigating sexual violence within a conflict is difficult enough at the best of times, not least on a battlefield of the scale and complexity of October 7, 2023. It becomes even harder without testimony from any survivors, the usual linchpin of such investigations.

What would make the effort over October 7 harder still were the examples of false and misleading information from senior political figures and government-linked civil activists to those in the police and security services tasked with the official investigation. All this in an atmosphere of extreme national fear and trauma.

Lost in all this are the victims themselves, none of whom are definitely known to have survived. The only woman yet to testify about her own sexual abuse is a released hostage, Amit Soussana, who spoke to foreign media about how she was forced to strip and commit a sexual act on her male captor at gunpoint during six weeks in captivity in Gaza.

Those familiar with Soussana said she had decided to speak out following accounts from other hostages about abuse. They hoped it might help those still being held captive who may still be suffering sexual abuse.

“Specific survivors, the only reason they told their story was because they wanted some kind of political pressure on the Israeli government to work harder to release the hostages,” says Dr Sarai Aharoni, an academic at Ben-Gurion University who is helping to compile a historical archive of the events that will be closed for 50 years. “And that is a horrible decision to have to make.”

Relatives of those held hostage have become a powerful political voice in Israel, leading protests against what they see as the government’s failed covenant to protect its citizens and bring hostages home.

A female relative of one woman still held in Gaza tells us that government representatives are no longer even bothering to attend meetings with the families.

Meanwhile, the political establishment has opened a fresh battle with the UN over what the Patten report didn’t say: that sexual violence was beyond reasonable doubt, systematic, widespread and ordered and perpetrated by Hamas. Israeli advocates for the female survivors are now warning that the country’s refusal to co-operate with a full and legal investigation, which the carefully worded report was not, threatens the prospect of ever finding out the full truth about the sexual violence of October 7 and delivering justice for its victims.

FOR JEWISH ISRAELIS, THE SPECTRE OF RAPE was more closely associated historically with the pogroms of eastern Europe, in which thousands of Jews were killed and Jewish women raped by Christian soldiers and antisemitic mobs. That persecution would become one of the driving forces behind modern Zionism and the resettlement of European Jews in the Ottoman province that became British mandate Palestine. These “historical memories”, Aharoni notes, have become a cultural inheritance for the Jewish people, particularly those without a secular education, a fact that would come to play a role in the reporting of what happened on October 7.

The idea of the Arab male as an explicit sexual threat to Jewish women developed in tandem with the movement of Israeli politics to the right.

Months before October 7, national attention was seized by news of the rape of a young Israeli mother by a Bedouin man in southern Israel. The horror was amplified by the fact that the victim had been assaulted in front of her own children. In the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, attention became focused on the Arab ethnicity of the assailant, although police ruled out terror as a motive.

In July 2023, the Knesset passed legislation proposed by lawmakers on the right and far right, quickly dubbed the “sexual terrorism law”, which doubled the penalty for sexual assault or harassment committed with a “nationalistic motive”.

“Clearly it means that Arab or Palestinian men who are accused of rape might be tried according to a totally different procedure from Jewish men who rape,” Aharoni says. She calls the prospect “unthinkable”, pointing out that besides the racial implication, it sought to create “a hierarchy of victimhood” among rape survivors. Israel’s Association of Rape Crisis Centres (ARCCI) fought the law, unsuccessfully, on the same grounds.

IN THE EARLY MORNING OF OCTOBER 7, thousands of heavily armed Hamas fighters poured across the border having breached the special security fence, slaughtering the mostly female Israeli soldiers who monitored the border. The invasion was both minutely planned and chaotic: at least hundreds of civilians streamed into Israel unprompted, along with other militants armed and unarmed as well as Hamas-armed allies such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Their targets were the kibbutzim along the Gaza border. They also found a previously unknown soft target in the shape of the Nova music festival, where about 4,000 young people were dancing in the early morning light.

Hamas’s own live streams from body-worn cameras showed them ruthlessly gunning down men, women and children, torching homes, shooting dogs and hauling off screaming and crying civilians as hostages. When the scale of the carnage became clear, it was described as the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Less commented on is the damage it did to the Zionist dream of an inviolable safe country for the Jewish people, a place where “never again” could become reality after centuries of persecution and expulsions at the hands of European Christians. No event in the history of the modern state of Israel has more brutally demonstrated the logic of its necessity.

Talk of rape began circulating almost before the massacres themselves were over. Much of it came from what Patten would later call “non-professionals” who supplied “inaccurate and unreliable forensic interpretations” of what they found, creating an instant but flawed narrative about what had taken place.

Among the first responders on October 7 was Zaka, an ultra-orthodox volunteer force. Zaka members are not trained in forensics, nor were they directed to do any more than retrieve remains from what was still an active battle zone. The decision to send them in has come under heavy assault in the Israeli media, including from military officers who believe if they had been deployed, forensics might have been preserved.

Orit Sulitzeanu, the executive director of ARCCI, notes the volunteers’ lack of familiarity with the women’s bodies they were finding and their tendency to focus on injuries they believed pointed to sexual violence, such as smashed pelvises and gunshot wounds to sex organs, ignoring other injuries that muddied the picture.

“They are all religious guys; most of them are ultra-religious. They never saw a woman except their wife,” Sulitzeanu says. “So to see all these bodies, how did they deal with that?”

Aharoni and others are struck by how closely the Zaka accounts cleaved to stories handed down about the horrors of the pogroms. “The first framing of rape and sexual violence was automatically linked with European histories,” she says, particularly by those with a religious education. “So there is a Zaka volunteer whose main education is religious. He’s read a lot of Jewish texts that depict the raping of women. These texts kind of reappear again and again in Jewish stories and they reappear every time there is a major event against Jewish communities.”

Journalists first on the scene of the massacres spotted immediately the echoes of the collective historical trauma of the Jewish people. “You are about to enter Bergen-Belsen,” Richard Hecht, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, told one of these reporters on October 10 as he ushered in the first group to enter Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Bergen-Belsen was the Nazi concentration camp where British forces found thousands of bodies exposed and unburied when they reached it in 1945.

Yossi, a volunteer from another religious group called United Hatzalah, told the reporters he had seen a “pyramid of bodies”, although no such thing was found. His description seemed to echo a photograph of a mountain of corpses at the crematorium mortuary at Dachau concentration camp. The now debunked story of the pregnant woman and her slaughtered foetus is well known from the pogroms. Many other erroneous tales involved babies — one Zaka figure claimed to have found a baby baked alive in an oven.

But women too made forensic assessments they were far from qualified to make, while others repeated stories after they were proved false. One of them was the legal expert Cochav Elkayam-Levy, who formed what she called a “civil commission” following the attacks to collect evidence of sexual violence. She was joined by Professor Ruth Halperin-Kaddari, a highly respected jurist and specialist in international women’s rights, who marshalled powerful legal assistance.

As time went on, however, Halperin-Kaddari grew increasingly anxious about the conduct and motives of her colleague — a close associate of the prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu — whose work had included a legal manual on the force-feeding of prisoners. “I realised that I cannot accept the way she’s handling things — talking at some points irresponsibly without checking the credibility of information, repeating questionable accounts,” Halperin-Kaddari said. Among them was the apocryphal story about the pregnant woman and her foetus, which was also repeated by Michal Herzog, the president’s wife, in a still uncorrected Newsweek article. Elkayam-Levy also circulated photographs of murdered female soldiers that turned out to be images of Kurdish fighters in Syria. Halperin-Kaddari and her legal team quit the commission and turned to the UN for help. Elkayam-Levy has nonetheless remained the most prominent public voice on the sexual violence of October 7, winning the country’s highest civilian honour, the Israel Prize, in April.

Asked to address the allegations she has knowingly circulated false information, Elkayam-Levy’s spokeswoman tells us that she has been “meticulously working to collect information and testimonies that will serve for generations to come for justice and remembrance.

“The contested information reported on behalf of leading experts in the field regarding a pregnant woman tragically killed was, at the time, backed by both a testimony and several other reliable sources. We were all relieved to learn it was not from Israel and immediately ceased referencing it. Above all, this incident exemplifies the trauma and difficulties of giving voice to victims of atrocities.”

Aharoni expresses her concerns about how both political leaders and others linked to the prime minister’s Likud party “have used the feminist agenda in a very opportunistic way for a very specific political narrative associated with the Netanyahu government”, with little concern for the actual victims. “The politicisation of rape by the Israeli government was part of the political agenda of this government,” she warns. “The question of believing the survivors has become a test of your loyalty to the nation.” On November 11, the foreign ministry launched a campaign under the hashtag #BelieveIsraeliWomen. “I did not think that was sensible,” Sulitzeanu says. “They didn’t mean ‘believe Israeli women’. They meant ‘believe Israel’.”

CRITICS ARGUE THAT ISRAELI OFFICIALS have regularly wielded the rape claim as a cudgel to silence critics of their assault on Gaza. On November 11, the same day the hashtag campaign was launched and more than 300,000 people marched in London in support of a ceasefire, the Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy tweeted a photograph, quipping that, “I don’t think London has ever seen such a large demonstration of rape apologists before.” Levy was suspended from his job in March after picking an online fight with David Cameron over the blockade of aid to Gaza.

On November 14, the police held their first press conference for the international media on their investigations into sexual assault. Despite promising new evidence on its systematic nature, none was provided. A short video clip was aired with testimony by “Witness S”, who described in horrific detail witnessing a gang rape and murder while hiding at the festival. To this date, police have not interviewed a single survivor. On December 24, the police issued a decree to hospitals ordering them to hand over accounts of any rape survivor who had sought treatment. On January 4, the police put out a fresh appeal for witnesses, saying they had succeeded in interviewing just three and had been unable to match their accounts with the bodies collected from the massacre site.

On March 4, Pramila Patten sat down before journalists to deliver her findings. There were, she said, “reasonable grounds” to believe there had been rape and sexual assaults on October 7, particularly at the Nova festival ground, and “clear and convincing information” — a higher standard of evidence — of rape and sexual torture of hostages held in Gaza. She warned that sexual violence against hostages could be ongoing, confirming the fears of their families in Israel, who by then had evolved into a powerful political force against Netanyahu, whom they blamed for prioritising the unrealistic destruction of Hamas — and his own political survival — over the lives of their loved ones.

It was not a legal investigation, Patten explained, as Israel had not allowed one: that mandate could only be fulfilled by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which Israel has refused to work with since its inception. She hoped that would change.

Halperin-Kaddari praises the report as “excellent, a solid, serious piece of work” with a “very careful, meticulous analysis of the information.

“I think it’s a game-changer,” she says. “I think that after it, anybody with some degree of ethics and basic morality can no longer simply say it didn’t happen. It’s no longer possible to deny it outright.” What the report did not say was whether sexual violence was part of the battle plan. Nor did it name Hamas, given the chaotic array of actors that day. “I think that just strengthens the credibility of the report,” Halperin-Kaddari adds. The document calls out a number of fabricated and mistaken claims, including those about the discovery of raped young women in Kibbutz Be’eri and the false story about the pregnant woman.

Patten made it clear there was sufficient evidence of acts of sexual violence to merit full and proper investigation and expressed her shock at the brutality of the violence. The report also confirmed Israeli authorities were unable to provide much of the evidence that political leaders had insisted existed. In all the Hamas video footage Patten’s team had watched and all the photographs they had seen, there were no depictions of rape. We hired a leading Israeli dark-web researcher to look for evidence of those images, including footage deleted from public sources. None could be found.

The report would prove confusing to the Israeli political establishment. On the one hand, it gives substantial and substantiated credence to the sexual assault claims; on the other it does not show them to be systematic and specifically says Israel has been unable to produce evidence it has claimed to possess of Hamas’s written orders to rape. Patten also asked that Israel investigate “credible allegations” of rape and sexual violence against Palestinian women and girls gathered by the UN’s legal mandate mission in the Palestinian territories. Israel swiftly rejected Patten’s request, calling it “a derisive and deliberate Palestinian manoeuvre aimed at creating an intolerable equivalence between the horrific crimes that were committed, and continue to be committed, by Hamas and malicious and baseless claims made against Israel and Israelis”.

Patten’s other recommendations included calling for a ceasefire to facilitate the rescue of hostages who she feared were suffering ongoing sexual abuse, and she asked the Israeli government to sign a framework of co-operation with her office so a full legal investigation could take place with international assistance.

Israel refused point blank, turning its ire away from Patten and towards the UN Secretary General, accusing him of trying to suppress the report — which Patten strongly denied — and blocking the naming of Hamas as systematic users of sexual violence even though Patten herself had said such a move would require the full legal investigation. Israel recalled its UN ambassador and the foreign minister, Israel Katz, travelled to New York for a showdown at an emergency Security Council meeting to discuss the report.

Patten spoke movingly of her encounters with communities left traumatised by the terror attacks. “I saw the pain in their eyes,” she said. “It was a catalogue of the most extreme and inhumane forms of killing, torture and other horrors.” But she also hit back with unusual force against Israel’s refusal to look into the allegations by Palestinian women — to “believe Palestinian women”, in its own cadence — both in the present climate, where detentions have soared, and in the past, over decades, in which such allegations have been raised.

“In this regard I wish to express my disappointment that the immediate reaction to my report by some political actors was not to open inquiries into those alleged incidents but rather to reject them outright via social media,” Patten said.

The Palestinian representative to the UN, where Palestine holds observer status, challenged the Israelis to agree with Patten’s recommendations and allow a full independent investigation into October 7 sexual violence. “Let the facts speak. Let the law decide,” Riyad Mansour said. He noted the same false reports Patten had dismissed in her report, which had fuelled many of the outright denials from pro-Palestinian and far-left commentators. “Shamefully this was never about the Israeli victims. This was about justifying the atrocities that Israel intended to commit against Palestinian victims,” Mansour argued.

WILL THE TRUTH ABOUT THE SEXUAL VIOLENCE OF OCTOBER 7 EVER FULLY BE KNOWN? Women’s rights advocates in Israel are doubtful. The mistakes that were made, say most, came from the hasty decision to send in Zaka to retrieve the slain rather than the IDF’s Home Front Command or another organisation. “These people deserved better volunteers,” Sulitzeanu says. In her report, Patten said the scale of what happened might never be made clear. But, she added, “I do not have numbers in the report because for me one case is more than enough,” she told reporters. “The first letter that I received from the government of Israel talked about hundreds or thousands of cases of brutal sexual violence perpetrated against men, women and children. I have not found anything like that.”

But Patten also spoke of the grave difficulties of ascertaining the truth in a case where most who suffered sexual violence were probably dead. Soussana’s account, along with that of other hostages, allowed for more certainty about the abuse of hostages; there remain 19 women either dead or still captive whose stories may never be heard unless they are freed alive. After a number of freed hostages spoke about the abuse of others still held, some families urged them to be quiet, fearful it was now too easy to identify them. We are aware of several stories of the abuse of women and children that, if recounted, would rob the victims of their privacy. Families have lobbied the government about their fear, including whether they could send abortion pills into Gaza in case their loved ones fell pregnant by their abuser.

About 10 out of 900 survivors treated by the non-governmental group SafeHeart recounted either hearing or seeing sexual violence, all of which ended in murder. None of them has reported being assaulted themselves. Dr Reut Plonsker, a senior psychologist with SafeHeart, believes the focus on sexual violence has been unhelpful for Nova festival survivors wrestling with their trauma. “I don’t think there were a lot of sexual assaults,” she says. “There was a lot of murder. That’s what happened there. People were hiding and watching very horrible things.” She is sceptical that political leaders have the victims’ interests in mind. “Therapists are interested in the victims and the survivors,” she says. “I think politicians are interested in the image of Israel.”

Halperin-Kaddari now heads Dinah Project 7/10, aimed at collecting evidence to support prosecutions for sexual violence committed that day. Dinah is a tragic figure from the Bible, a daughter of Jacob raped by Shechem, a prince from a rival tribe, setting in motion a chain of events during which Dinah’s brothers massacre the men of Shechem’s tribe and enslave the women and children. In anger, Jacob expels and curses the brothers. Dinah’s voice is never heard.

Halperin-Kaddari hopes to restore a voice to any future survivor who may emerge. “The question of even the estimated scope will probably remain unknown for ever,” she says. “Given how long it typically takes survivors of sexual violence to open up, the possibility that survivors will decide to speak out exists. And it’s really critical that there will be the most appropriately qualified mechanism to engage with them. We are very hopeful that Israeli authorities will understand the importance of further co-operation with the office of the special representatives.”

Patten is less hopeful. “When I discussed it in Israel I did not get any positive feedback,” she explains. “The ball is in the court of the government of Israel.” Angered by its stance, the families of some of those killed and taken hostage on October 7 are taking their complaint to the International Criminal Court, despite Israel’s refusal to engage with that body on a state level. In the meantime, Patten has seen her findings instrumentalised by both sides: the denialists who focus on the evidentiary failings in Israel’s version of events, and those who have used the claims in support of the brutal campaign being visited on Gaza and its civilian population. “On one hand we have the fog of war, and that often silences crimes of sexual violence. But we have also seen in history instances where sexual violence can be weaponised,” she told reporters. “Truth is the only path to peace.”

(source via 12ft.io)

[entities-of-posts]

The links on the lore masterpost are broken for me :(

I’m going to cry.

Ok so the titles shown there are the tags I used for each arc (be careful to use a straight apostrophe not a curly one in those that have one. Believe me I almost went insane trying to make the links work), plus /chrono at the end to make them show up in the right order. Like this:

https://entities-of-posts.tumblr.com/tagged/the%20fateful%20mass%20ritual/chrono

You should be able to use that model to search for any arc with the title in the masterpost. The links work fine for me though :( you guys have no idea how many hoops I had to jump through to put this in place. I hate tumblr more than I hated Mike on that harrowing night of Another Damn Vast Ritual.

[kikyan]

You’re my favorite Human (Yandere Izaya x F! Reader x Yandere Shizuo)

Before ANY of yall say anything, I wrote this as a birthday special to an online friend I once had. If Izaya and literally anybody else sounds OOC, it’s because this was written back in 2018/2019 after I watched Durarara!! For a bit of background info, I first watched Durarara!! back in middle school when a friend admitted to liking the anime and well I decided to watch too. This show was too complex for my small ass mind so I dropped it. Then I met my online friend (we are no longer friends) who would always comment on Quotev where I was most active at the time. Well, I literally only picked up this anime again for said friend and the birthday request. I wrote this immediately right after the show so if it sucks ass, there is a reason for it. Anyway’s I promise to give them justice if I manage to write my spooky Slasher AU’s for them. Also if you somehow end up managing which ‘slasher’ Shizuo and Izaya fit I’ll write you a special one-shot within my guidelines for your birthday/Christmas depending on the time constraint. Here you go, for the curious peeps!  This story branches off to two endings, Izaya ending w/ Smut and a Shizuo ending because I became a hardcore simp over that man and will literally do anything he tells me to. Regardless, I will edit the links and such for their appropriate endings! This story is also unedited so. . .have fun IG 

ALSO THE READER IS A FEMALE BECAUSE THIS WAS A BIRTHDAY REQUEST THAT A CERTAIN SOMEONE DIDN’T LIKE SO YEAH FUCK THEM, BUT THEY WERE FEMALE AND WANTED THAT SO JUST REPLACE SHE/HER WITH THE PRONOUNS YOU FEEL MOST COMFORABLE WITH!!!!! I ALSO DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO WRITE BACK THEN SO YOU’RE A GENERIC MC WITH A STUTTER PROBABLY 

God I sucked at writing fics so much back then. . .

"IZAYA!!" 

The blonde man proceeded to pick up the red vending machine stationed outside a random building, preparing to lance it at the black-haired male he called Izaya. 

"S-Shizuo!! It's not worth it!! Calm down!! Um- I know! I'll make some tea for you to calm down just please drop the vending machine!!"

"NO, I CAN'T! AFTER SEEING THIS PIECE OF SHIT I'M ALREADY FUMING WITH RAGE!" 

"Shizuo!! Please!! Milk! Yep, milk will surely calm you down just please Shizuo!! You're attracting too much attention and you don't like violence right!!" 

“Throw it Shizu-Chan. Or are you too weak to hold it anymore.”

"IZAYA!!!" 

Shizuo turned away from the (h/c) individual as he began to grip a stop sign before removing it from the ground and began to run towards Izaya. 

" Shizuo stop!! Geez, Izaya please refrain from edging him on! Shizuo don't give in! You're better, in fact, you want to be better!! You want to be stronger to have more control right!! Well. . . Don't give in!!" 

At the sound of this Shizuo stopped before tossing the stop sign to the side and grabbing the (h/c) haired individual and dragging you off with him. 

Looking back, the person Shizuo was dragging turned around to look back at Izaya before stopping in their tracks and bowing apologetically. 

" I'm sorry Izaya for the commotion we caused, but I hope you understand that Shizuo is a bit difficult but I'm sure he can change! You too izaya, you seem to try to edge him on and that reflects poorly on you! So please Izaya, I hope you understand too!" 

" Oi (Y/N), what are you apologizing for?" 

Smiling softly at Izaya and giving him a shy wave (Y/N) turned to face Shizuo and continued to answer his question.

"Well, I mean I didn't stop him from edging you on!" 

" I swear you really are the most optimistic, apologetic, and kindest person on this planet. You are one of a kind." 

Laughing softly (Y/N)  turned to Shizuo as they began to reply, " Thank you! It means a lot to me Shizuo!" 

Walking alongside Shizuo, (Y/N) proceeded to make small talk unaware of the lingering dark eyes upon her figure.

~~ 

"(Y/N), I swear I can't figure you out. No matter what you do or what happens you always apologize to everyone. Even that damn Izaya!" 

"Well, Shizuo I like to be positive!! Besides, I'm sure second chances must be given!!" 

" Hmph. Even those who commit the worst of crimes?" 

"Well, I'm not the one entitled to forgive them for crimes committed against another, but I believe if someone truly wanted to, someone could change." 

"Oh?" 

" For example, you! I mean you've gotten several chances, haven't you? You have a stable job, although you can get quite violent, you have friends, and you are trying your hardest to change! So, I feel like anyone could change!!" 

"Hmph. You forgot something. . ." 

" I did?" 

" Yeah, I also have the best person next to my side, you, (Y/N) (L/N)." 

" I-I-I-I u-um S-sh!?" 

" Heh, you get flustered all of a sudden and it suits your personality. I wonder how I got stuck with someone like you (Y/N). . ."

~~

Bodies were lying around Shizuo in the school field as he huffed in rage and looked to the side to see a (h/c) haired female with (e/c) eyes looking wide at the scene that laid before them. 

" Hmph, what are you scared?" 

Shizuo asked as he looked at the female before looking a bit confused as he noticed the expression on the girl changed. She was smiling and shook her head before answering his question. 

" Nope! I mean what you did isn't good but I'm sure you have a reason! Besides, I feel like deep down you regret it. I mean, although you are pretty violent, you probably don't want to be right?" 

"I... .hmph. Stop being odd and spouting nonsense." 

As the female turned to the bodies she bowed apologetically and began to speak. 

"I'm sorry! I apologize for his behavior! He doesn't mean it! He regrets it! Besides, you guys should know that violence isn't acceptable so please apologize for your actions as well! Fighting isn't acceptable!!" 

"HUH? WHAT THE HELL? WHO THE HELL YOU APOLOGIZING TO?" 

" W-w-well I am apologizing to them and you!! I mean you didn't mean too!! Besides, fighting is wrong! Both parties were at fault so I must apologize for it!" 

" WHY THE HELL DO YOU WANT TO APOLOGIZE? YOU DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!"

"W-w-well!! They are knocked out and can't speak, plus you won't apologize, you want to but you can't bring yourself to!!"

" OKAY BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?" 

"I-I’M SORRY!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO BOTHER YOU BUT I THOUGHT THAT WELL I-?!" 

"NOW WHY ARE YOU APOLOGIZING?!" 

 "I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN TO-!?"

"STOP APOLOGIZING!" 

"I'M SORRY! AHHH I KEEP DOING IT!" 

"YEAH. NOW STOP!" 

"I'M SORRY I'LL TRY! WAIT-" 

"OH JUST SHUT UP!" 

"I'M SOR-!?" 

"STOP APOLOGIZING! GOD DAMN IT!" 

"I CAN'T IT'S A HABIT!" 

"Geez, troublesome woman." 

" Ahhh!! What time is it?!" 

"Why the hell are you asking me?" 

"Crap I think I missed my train! Now I have to walk home! Wait, that's fine! I missed gym class to help the teachers so this will count for my exercise! Of course, I shouldn't feel down!" 

" You're unusually optimistic. I'd be pissed as all hell if that happened." 

"Well I think everything happens for a reason and besides, you need to see the bright side of everything! Anyway, I need to go! I have to walk for about maybe 2 hours till I arrive home and I do have homework to complete! I'm sorry for being a bother but I hope to see you tomorrow at school!" 

"Wait." 

 "Yeah?" 

"Let me, let me walk you home alright." 

"B-b-but!?" 

"LISTEN IT'S MY FAULT YOU MISSED THE TRAIN SO LET ME WALK YOU HOME DAMN IT!" 

"Ahh okay okay! I'm sorry for bothering you but thank you!!" 

"Yeah, yeah just stop apologizing and don't start again." 

"Alright! By the way, what's your name?"

" Shizuo Heiwajima. Yours?" 

" (Y/N) (L/N)!" 

As they began to walk side by side (Y/N) began to laugh as she asked Shizuo questions upon question leading to Shizuo answering them and laughing as he realized, maybe having someone not fear him, was a good feeling. 

"Hey, Shizuo?" 

"Yeah? What is it?" 

" Wanna go for Russian sushi?" 

Looking down at the girl Shizuo gave his usual smirk before responding happily. 

" Sure, why not?" 

~~

"Hey, Shizuo?" 

" Yeah?" 

Turning around he met with the female who became his best friend and possibly his crush. Smiling softly he turned to give her all of his attention despite the number of bodies surrounding him in the field of his high school. 

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to um, well. . ." 

"SHIZUO! I have someone I would like to introduce you too!~" 

" Huh?" 

Shizuo replied in his usual tone as to be turned to meet the faces of the young boy with glasses, brown hair and grey eyes whom he quickly recognized as his friend Shinra Kishitani but the other boy, had dark hair and matching eyes he did not. 

"What do you want Shinra?" 

"Oh? Am I interrupting you and your girlfriend~" 

"Girlfriend?! I-I-I’m j-just a friend!?" 

Shizuo looked to the side but quickly locked eyes with the boy. Shinra looking at Shizuo quickly turned to introduce the other boy. 

"His name is Izaya Orihara! He is in the same year and class as us!" 

Upon looking at Izaya, Shizuo quickly launched an attack towards him before Izaya leaped out and grabbed his knife before slicing Shizuo across the abdomen. Shizuo looked down noticing the wound before looking back at Izaya. 

"S-s-shizuo?! Are you okay? Oh, I'm so sorry this happened!!" 

"(Y/N) it's fine and stop apologizing! You didn't do anything wrong! Besides, it was him, Izaya. . ." 

"Oh? Come on Shizu-chan I haven't even done anything. . ." 

"I'm sorry!! I apologize that Shizuo charged at you and hurt you! He tends to do that a lot, but I apologize on your behalf! Shizuo, I apologize that Izaya cut you! I'm sorry I couldn't stop him from cutting you and possibly distracted you. So please, violence is not the answer! Izaya and Shizuo I apologize and I hope you may make up and be best friends!!" 

"Eh?" 

"(Y/N) YOU DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG! STOP APOLOGIZING FOR OUR MISTAKES!" 

"I'm sorry! Ah, wait u-u-um well I know you both didn't mean it!!" 

"Here we go again. . . (Y/N) STOP APOLOGIZING, ON TOP OF THAT TO THAT GUY!" 

Shizuo was pointing at Izaya with a hint of disgust written across his face as Izaya looked dumbfounded for a split moment before asking, "Wait? You serious?" 

"Huh?" 

"Did you just apologize for something you didn't do?" 

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to bother you!" 

"I-, well it seems this took an interesting turn of events. Well, goodbye Shizu-chan, (Y/N) right?" 

"Y-yeah. . ." 

Shizuo stood in front holding his arm protectively (Y/N)  as Izaya twirled the pocket knife in his arms in a strange direction before smiling and whispering a small, “Interesting. . .” 

As Izaya turned to leave, Shizuo muttered a small “ That bastard makes me so damn mad” before turning to (Y/N) realizing she had something to say before you were both rudely interrupted by Shinra. 

“ Hey (Y/N) what did you want? You had something to say before that damn bastard arrived.” 

“ O-Oh I-I did. . . um, Shizuo I wanted to ask if you wanted to miss the last train again and... .walk me home, and get Russian sushi with me. . .” 

“ Is that your way of asking me out on a date?” 

Teasing (Y/N) slightly she turned red upon hearing that before nodding her head softly. With a sigh, Shizuo smiled and dragged the smaller female by her arm before muttering a “ finally you asked” causing the female to turn even redder at the comment. (Y/N) ran a little ahead and turned back to smile at Shizuo before whispering “ I love you Shizuo. . .” 

~~ 

Walking to the shared home that Shizuo and (Y/N) have, (Y/N) grabbed a small jug of milk before handing it to Shizuo scolding him for getting violent, but congratulating him on holding back and not letting Izaya get to him. 

“ I don’t know what I would do without you (Y/N), I mean it . . .” 

“ I’m just lucky this happened when we were walking together and not when you were working. Izaya can be a bit extreme but I’m sure he means well!!” 

“Heh, you always look on the bright side, don’t you?” 

“ Exactly!! Looking on the bright side is exactly what brought us together!! I mean after you dropped me off at my house we got to be great friends, that's also when you confided in me your secrets and feelings. Then you began to realize that I didn’t fear you and truly cared for you. Then we went on a date, and became a couple! Dating for a good 5, 6 years?” 

“ Yep, luckily we still love each other.” 

“ I won’t ever stop loving you Shizuo, because you accepted me for who I am. Now it’s time to let me accept you for who you are. . . I mean I already did but you can’t get it through that thick skull of yours can you?” 

“ What do you mean, I understand.” 

“ Yet, every time you encounter Izaya and I’m not around you come home quite sad and always ask me if I would ever leave you. Shizuo, I would never leave you.” 

“ Well yeah but. . .”

“ But?” 

“ You’re right. I should head to work. See you later (Y/N). Take care and don’t do anything strange.” 

“ I wouldn’t do anything you wouldn’t do.” 

“ That worries me.” 

“ I’m just going to talk to Celty or just hang around the park! See you later Shizuo!” 

“ Hmph. Later and don’t forget that I love you.” 

“ I should be saying that but of course! Love you too and later!” 

Shizuo smiled at the girl before heading off to visit Tom his friend and employer. They had another client that refused to pay up and Shizuo was going to “pay” him a visit to ensure he did. (Y/N) locked the door before going on her phone and texting Celty. 

‘ You busy Cel?’ 

‘ No, not really. Why do you ask?’ 

`` I just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out and chat.’ 

‘ Sure. I’ll pick you up and we can head off to the park. That fine?’ 

``you read my mind Cel. Alright, I’ll get ready.’  

(Y/N) changed into a new set of clothing before waiting on the couch for Celty to pick her up and head to the park. Celty and (Y/N) got along well as well, (Y/N) always saw the bright side. When she and celty were close enough, originally being introduced by Shinra, Celty confided in her about not having a head and (Y/N) offered some light on the subject. 

“ Well, head or no head  I think you’re perfect just the way you are. For example, you can still do pretty much everything right? Aside from taste but still Celty! I think that is what makes you unique I mean, if you think about it, only those people who truly love and care for you will accept you no matter what. Take a look at Shizuo, he believed everyone feared him, but I didn’t. I love him! Just like I love you Celty! I accept you for who you are and you will always be celty with or without your head! So cheer up, I don’t like seeing my friends sad!” 

With that, a new friendship was born leading (Y/N) to be best friends with the fearsome headless rider. 

< - - - - - - - - - - - - > 

KANRA HAS JOINED THE CHAT

Kanra: Hey guys! I have a question about a specific person. 

Setton: A person? Who? 

TarouTanaka: Agreed. It’s quite rare to see you not having information on anyone. 

Kanra: Precisely, which is why I must know. Do any of you know a (Y/N) (l/n)? 

Setton: (Y/N)? Not personally but I’ve heard rumors. . . 

Setton: There’s not much I know about her, but I’ve heard rumors of her being in the Dollars.

Setton: Besides that, I’ve also heard she’s Shizuo Heiwajima’s girlfriend and possibly future wife.

TarouTanaka: Shizuo Heiwajima? As in THE Shizuo Heiwajima? Do you know the violent one? 

Kanra: That’s so scary!! Who would put up with him? 

Kanra: *Gasps* you don’t think. . .

TarouTanaka: Think what? 

Kanra: You don’t think she’s using him do you? I mean, having a strong boyfriend has its perks right? 

Setton: She’s not that type of person.

Setton: From what I’ve heard, at least.

Kanra: Oh? You seem to get a bit defensive. Are you sure you don’t know her? 

Kanra: I mean, think about it. What is so special about Shizuo that would lead someone like her to love him? 

Kanra: Honestly, I think she could be using him after all I’m sure there are more people that someone like her could pick from. 

Setton: Well everything is just based on rumors, but I doubt she’s a bad type of person.

Setton: Love has always been a confusing matter. All that matters is that they like each other for who they are.

Setton: It’s not our place to make assumptions.

Kanra: Love is indeed confusing. 

TarouTanaka: I agree with Setton, I am sure they love each other for who they are. Is everything alright Kanra? 

Kanra: Yes, but it still stumps me on how little information we have of his girlfriend. Not only that but we have little information on the relationship as well. Has anyone seen her? Know what she looks like? 

Setton: I’ve only heard a vague description of her: (e/c) and (h/c). I could pass her on the street and not even know.

Setton: But I’m sure she’s just a private person. We should respect that and try not to dig into her life.

Kanra: Oh fair maiden will I ever see you?

TarouTanaka: You sure you aren’t trying to steal his girlfriend? 

Kanra: ^ 0 ^ Never! 

Setton: This has been an interesting discussion and all, but I’m needed elsewhere.

Setton: Later.

< - - - - - - - - - - - - - > 

SETTON HAS LEFT THE CHAT

Kanra: Well I better head out too, later Tarou! 

TarouTanaka: Later! 

< - - - - - - - - - - - - - >

KANRA HAS LEFT THE CHAT.

TAROUTANAKA HAS LEFT THE CHAT. 

THERE IS NO ONE IN THE CHAT. 

A figure began to ponder and look outside with a pair of binoculars as a female with (e/c) and (h/c) walked by. 

‘ Oh? I think I should properly introduce myself to the fair maiden’ 

~~ 

The young girl walked out of her house ready to speak with the dullahan. Upon seeing the headless rider the young girl waved her hand signaling the rider. 

“ Celty! Over here!” 

The rider began to make its way to the female before hugging and typing away on its phone. 

“Oh good, I was worried I arrived too early.”

“ Nah! Even if you did, you would have more time to look around and notice life at it’s finest!” 

“Oh Y/N, still as cheerful as ever, huh?”

“ Oh, you know it! Now let's head to the park! I want to see Ikebukuro at its prime time at night!” 

“Of course, but as we’re walking let me ask: How’s it going between you and Shizuo?”

“ Well. . . I-I-I I think it’s going great! He isn’t getting as rowdy and violent so I think he is changing a little bit! He ended getting me a gift, a necklace to be exact for our 5th anniversary! It says his name! He also has one, one with my name!”  

“I’m glad to hear you guys are going great. I’m sure that nothing could ever break your relationship, right?” 

“ Exactly! He and I have never had a serious argument! Maybe a little scolding but it’s fine like this! I always end up congratulating him in the end! He is the sweetest! Every time he comes home he asks me if I love him which makes me sad because I hope he knows I do! However. . . he always ends up spoiling me in love! The real question. . . is how is it with Shinra?” 

“Oh. . . Well, you know how he is. We’re as close as we can ever be, especially now that I’m more accustomed to the whole headless thing. That doesn’t mean I’m not looking, though.”

“ You will find it Celty! I know for a fact you will find it! I’ll help you when I have time! Hey look it’s the park let’s find a bench!” 

[park bench scene]

“You know, Y/N, I heard that you and Shizuo were considering getting married. Is it true?”

“ Well, I-!?” 

“ Well, Celty! I didn’t know you were here? (Y/N) too! What a surprise too! Do you mind if I sit with you guys?” 

“ Well, not really! Feel free to sit Izaya!” 

“ Interesting, now continue what were we talking about?” 

“ Well, Celty asked about my marriage to Shizuo!” 

“ So it’s true. . .” 

“ Yeah! Celty we are! Sometime next week we were going to look for dresses!” 

“That’s wonderful Y/N! If you need anything, I’m always available to help.”

“ Of course!” 

“ Same here.  . . a wedding between Shizu-chan and (Y/N) seems interesting. . .” 

“ So (Y/N), why are you with Shizu-chan? What’s the catch?” 

“ Pardon Izaya?” 

“ I mean, why would someone like YOU be with someone like HIM? What are the perks of having Shizu-chan as your boyfriend?” 

“ Perks?!” 

“I know that you and Shizuo have an on-going rivalry, but should you be asking Y/N questions like that?” 

“ I was just curious Celty! Besides, do you have the answer?” 

“ Well, there are no perks.” 

“ Huh?” 

“ I love Shizuo, not for his strength or perks. I love him because he was kind to me. He accepts my optimistic side, even though it can be quite annoying and I accept his violent tendencies! He is doing so much to change and I will support him from now on! When we met, he kinda beat the entire team on the field and I apologized for the both of him! He got confused and I apologized for my behavior and we kinda got into a mini battle of him asking me to stop apologizing and well my apologizing even more! Nonetheless, I missed the train, but it gave me a chance to talk to him and as you can tell he walked me home! Since then, a steady relationship! So it’s not about the benefits, it’s what we feel for each other that motivates us!” 

“ Interesting. . . “  

“ I agree Y/N, it’s about love, not benefits. Might want to save a speech that profounds for your wedding though.

“ You’re right! Oh, I’m sorry Izaya for ruining the surprise!” 

‘ Interesting. . . she isn’t like every other human, she doesn’t seem to lie, hide things, and seems to be honest. She seems to be optimistic. Hmph, interesting that she isn’t like all the other humans I love, she’s different and I can’t wait to see her face, her entire being change as I pull the strings from behind! (Y/N), you are quite interesting, you are like my special, no my favorite human and I need to see your reactions to everything... .’ 

“ (Y/N)?” 

“ Ah, Shizuo! O-over here!” 

“ Celty’s here too and-?!” 

Shizuo stared at the black-haired male with such anger raging within them as he let out a growl before examining the area. 

“ IZAYA! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” 

“ It’s a park? Am I not allowed to visit one?” 

“ IT’S WHO YOU’RE WITH THAT MATTERS! (Y/N) DID HE TOUCH YOU OR HURT YOU IN ANY WAY?” 

“ N-no! Shizuo we were only just talking! Besides, Celty was here with us! It was all friendly talk!” 

“ Celty, take (Y/N) and go to Shinra’s place. I’ll meet you there once I finish killing this bastard!” 

Typing away Celty nodded showing her phone with the message being, ‘Of course. Be careful before doing anything crazy, but please hear Y/N out first. Learn a bit about the situation before jumping into anything dangerous.”

“ Oh my Shizu-chan!~ So you are dating her. Isn’t that interesting. . . I say though it’s shocking, to say the least, that someone like (Y/N) would fall in love with you. Someone as fragile, beautiful, delicate, and forgiving like (Y/N) with a violent man as yourself, well I’d be damned!” 

“ I’m sorry! Izaya, I apologize for Shizuo’s behavior as he ended up attacking you without hearing my part, which I still have yet to say! However, I apologize on your part as well Izaya as you didn’t mean anything by chatting with us, but you asked some not so nice things. On the bright side, you know the truth and know that Shizuo isn’t a bad person!” 

“ (Y/N) . . .?” 

“ Shizuo! Celty and I were chatting when Izaya approached us, we were just talking! He didn’t hurt me, besides Celty would have put him in his place before I would have! Please believe me, Celty tell him the truth as well!” 

“Of course, there was nothing suspicious going on. Just a regular conversation full of small talk. Nothing shady or malicious between us and Izaya.”

“ Tch. Fine, but still take her to Shinra. I don’t want this bastard to find out where we live. I still want to kill him. . .” 

“ S-Shizuo! It’s fine, we don’t need to go see Shinra!” 

“ Aww, Shizu-chan you’re scaring her!~ Besides, what if (Y/N) doesn’t want to leave? You’re her boyfriend but you aren’t her owner. Besides, why do you get to keep her all to yourself, as you know I love humans, I can’t get enough of them! But she, she is quite interesting, as all humans I love her as well but aren’t you pushing it Shizuo chan?” 

“ Keep that damn mouth of yours shut!” 

“ I wonder, how long will it take you to screw up your relationship with her like you always do. Have you even proposed to her yet? Being the violent person you are you probably used someone's body as a foot stand before asking her to be your wife!” 

“ NO! That’s wrong! He proposed at Russia Sushi! We went out to eat as it was also our first date! See, even Simon took the picture and hung it in the dining area! You can see Shizuo’s fist but that was because he was embarrassed Simon took a picture and well he snapped, see how red he is? I’m the one crying in the background while holding the ring! It’s even my lock and home screen!” 

“ YOU DON’T NEED TO GO THAT FAR! WAIT-HE HAS IT HANGED? I NEED TO KILL THIS MAN FIRST THAN YOU DAMN IZAYA!” 

“ NO NOT SIMON! WAIT SHIZUO!” 

Running after Shizuo, (Y/N)  turned around one last time before bowing apologetically and smiling at Izaya before running after her fiance. Celty typing away on her phone showing it to Izaya. 

“Be careful about what you say around Y/N. I know what you’re trying to do and I advise you against it. It won’t end well for either of you.”

“ Whatever do you mean Celty?” 

“I’ve seen the way you look at Y/N; the way you observe her with that calculated glee in your eye. Even if you do separate her from Shizuo, she wouldn’t be happy with someone considered a homewrecker. She’s too optimistic for her good, she’ll easily forgive you, but she would never be able to forgive herself for hurting Shizuo. If you truly value her like you say you do, don’t try to meddle in her personal affairs.” 

“ I want to see every possible reaction from her, so this is quite tempting. Besides, Celty why do you care much about her? I love humans and I’m not willing to share, (Y/N) is no exception.” 

“Y/N is the best person I know. She’s kind no matter what and brings hope and joy to all of those that she comes across. She deserves to live the best life she can, one filled with no despair or tragedy. You need to learn to respect that and move on.”

Celty, displaying her anger towards Izaya, revved her motorcycle upwards causing several people to look in worry and walk away to avoid getting hit. Izaya stood unamused with his smug grin as he watched Celty chase after the couple to take them to Shinra. 

“ Celty, it’s a shame. All humans will experience despair no matter what, even our darling (Y/N). It’s just how long will it take for her to fall into despair that’s the real game and who the one pulling the strings will be.” 

Izaya began to walk away only to stop at Russia sushi and was quite intrigued by the photo that was taken. As he began to examine the image he saw (Y/N) smiling with tears rolling down her eyes as she turned to the camera holding the ring Shizuo had given her. On top of that, he saw Shizuo, quite red ready to punch Simon for taking the picture. 

“ Well well, seems she was telling the truth. I guess he didn’t screw it up.” 

“ Izaya, I heard about what happened.” 

As Izaya turned he was met with Simon the dark-skinned Russian who began to speak in his native tongue signaling that this was a private conversation. 

“ Simon, how’s it been?” 

“ Don’t ruin it.” 

“ Ruin what Simon?” 

“ Shizuo and (Y/N) found happiness here so don’t ruin it.” 

“ Oh? What makes you say that?” 

“ (Y/N) is special, the unpredictable happens around her but that doesn’t mean you should ruin what they have for the sake of your entertainment.” 

“ Special huh?” 

“ You like her don’t you? Leave her with Shizuo, she is not meant for you.” 

“ You see Simon, you’re right she is special but she isn’t Shizuo’s. I believe her to be one of the few people who aren’t on this playing field. She, like all humans, belongs to me. I won’t let Shizu-chan, Celty, or even that damn Saika blade have her.” 

“ Izaya, I know you don’t like losing to Shizuo but that does not mean you have to ruin this relationship. For once, let it go.” 

“ It’s Shizuo who needs to let her go.” 

With that Izaya left the place before walking away thinking about the girl. Since he met her years ago he realized how forgiving and optimistic she truly was. It shocked him, every human he met would be the same and oh so predictable. Shizu-chan and Simon would be the unpredictable ones spicing up his entertainment but (Y/N)? She was the most unpredictable one of them all. She took both sides of an argument and attempted to find a solution and she would keep Shizuo in check something that no one could do. On top of that, (Y/N) forgave anyone and you could never guess what she would say next, but her actions were always surprising. As he entered his workplace he was met with Namie Yagiri who looked at him in disbelief. 

“ It’s late where have you been?” 

“ Ah, Namie I was out with Celty and (Y/N) (L/N).” 

“ (Y/N) (L/N)?” 

“ Shizuo Heiwajima’s girlfriend, well fiance but not for long.” 

“ What do you mean, not for long?” 

“ Well you see, I intend to steal her away.” 

“ You never seem to bother with people’s love lives anyways. Why now?” 

“ (Y/N) (L/N) is a fascinating human! Here on this board, Shizu-Chan is the king and (Y/N (L/N) would be his queen, but the queen is one of the few people with free-range movement, in other words, the most powerful piece, nonetheless all are useful but the queen is the one who defends her king. If the queen is removed you’re pretty much set to fail and the king is left weak and ready to be dethroned. So, Shizu-chan is only strong with his queen, but this fascinating human being should be next to me, her God!” 

“ So you want to use her-!?” 

“ No! You’re not getting the picture! I am going to take the queen and leave her next to her god’s side! ME! With Shizu-chan weak I’ll simply kill him and fully take (Y/N) (L/N) as mine!” 

“ I thought Shizuo provided you with the most entertainment. . .” 

“ (Y/N) makes up for both of them, I don’t need Shizuo when I have his queen. . .” 

~~ 

“ Shizuo! Wait!” 

Shizuo was walking faster while dragging (Y/N) behind him as they proceeded to go to their house after staying at Shinra’s. 

“ What for?” 

“ I’m sorry for embarrassing you in front of Izaya. . .” 

“ I’m fine, as long as it was you I didn’t mind.” 

“ You sure?” 

“ Of course, now let’s go home. I’m tired.” 

‘“O-Okay!” 

As they entered the home in which they both own Shizuo immediately grabbed (Y/N) as he held her close before asking her yet again, “ Do you love me?” 

“ Of course silly! I wouldn’t marry someone I don’t love! I love you to the moon and back Shizuo and I wouldn’t change that for the world! No one and nothing would ever split us apart Shizuo! You accepted me for who I am, now it’s time you realize that I accept you for you!” 

Cuddling closer with the (h/c) hair colored female he blurted out something that made her turn red upon hearing it. 

“ I want a baby.” 

“ A WHAT?!” 

“ A baby. I hope to be able to be a father once we wed.” 

“ W-w-w-w-what g-g-g-gave you that idea?!” 

“ We are both at a young age, once we marry I feel like we should have a child. I won’t rush or force you but I think we would be great parents.” 

“I...OKAY! Of course! After we marry, we can have as many children as we can!” 

“ W-Wait you serious?!” 

“ Of course Shizuo, because I love you to bits! Just like I will love this child, I'll make sure you both know how special you are to me!” 

“ I do wonder how I found someone like you (Y/N). . . I love you!” 

“ I love you too Shizuo!” 

As they both fell asleep in a lovers embrace Shizuo was reminded of how much (Y/N) loves him and was also reminded that she will never leave him. Izaya was wrong, (Y/N) loves him for himself and as Shizuo sighed in relief as he cuddled closer to the female, not being feared, but being loved was a great feeling, the best in the world. 

~~ 

“ Now. . . what should I make for dinner? I should make Shizuo’s favorite meal, but that means that I need to go shopping. Oh well.” 

(Y/N) pulled out her phone before sending Shizuo a quick text saying how she would be stepping out and would be home soon. After getting an, ‘alright. Be safe.’ text she immediately set out to the store. As (Y/N) was searching through the ingredients she came across a hand reaching for the same one, the last one. 

“ Oh, I’m sorry! You can take it!” 

“ No, no that fine! By all means, take it.” 

“ Izaya... .?’ 

“ Ah! (Y/N)! Isn’t that wonderful? I wanted to speak to you!” 

“ Same! Just let me finish shopping and I’ll go with you!” 

“ Here! I’ll help, by the way! Feel free to take it, I don’t need that ingredient as much as you do.” 

“ Thanks! Are you sure you don’t want it though, I’m making a meal for Shizuo but I can always go to other stores! If you want it you should take it! On the bright side, I can get my daily walk in by going to other stores and I might be able to browse through other items I may need!” 

“ Oh? A meal for Shizu-chan? Then, by all means, take it. I wouldn’t want to make him upset.” 

“ Thank you Izaya! You really care for him!” 

“ Well, I wouldn’t say that. .  . “

“ Well, we should get going! I think I got everything I needed!” 

Walking to the park in silence was a little awkward until (Y/N) lit up at the sight of ice cream. 

“ Hey Izaya, look it’s an ice cream truck! Do you want some? My treat!” 

“ Actually, it will be mine! Which one do you want (Y/N)?” 

“ (F/F) please!” 

“ Of course!” 

Upon getting the ice cream ( Y/N) desired and Izaya getting one for himself they decided to sit on a bench and she continued speaking with Izaya. 

“ Izaya, I have a question.” 

“What is it (Y/N)?” 

“ Well, why do you like edging Shizuo on? You know he is trying his hardest to change, wait, is it to push him? To see how much he needs to improve left?” 

“ You really are optimistic aren’t you? Not exactly, you see Shizuo tends to act differently from the rest. . . he truly is unpredictable so I just want to see every possible reaction from him. Just like you?” 

“ Me? I hardly think I'm unpredictable, I feel like you could read me easily.” 

“ You can’t and that’s the best part. I truly love all humans (Y/N), they are just so interesting! In the end, they all act the same yet it’s so exciting!” 

“ Interesting. You like the unpredictable more though right! I do too! It’s like a book, if you can predict the way it ends then it isn’t all the fun. However, if the book ends with a plot twist and catches you by surprise then it is fun! Every new day, every new day is something different for me! I feel like, when you look at a new angle you end up seeing things you’ve never seen. This could easily impact what you think or what you do! That’s what I try to do to make my day more interesting!” 

Izaya looking at her with insanity swirling his eyes grabbed her hands causing her ice cream to fall before laughing. 

“ You understand me! You see what I see! You truly do deserve to be next to your god's side! Tell me (Y/N), you’re very forgiving, aren’t you! Every god needs to judge and punish the sinners, BUT THEY ALSO NEED TO FORGIVE! THAT MY GODDESS IS WHERE YOU COME IN! WITH YOU BY MY SIDE, WE COULD TRULY RULE OVER THESE HUMANS! JUST AS I LOVE HUMANS, THEY SHOULD LOVE ME TOO! THAT INCLUDES YOU (Y/N), DO YOU LOVE ME?” 

“ I-?!” 

“ That’s enough!” 

Turning to Celty who began to write furiously fast on her phone shoved it in front of Izaya as he skimmed the words that were written. 

‘Shizuo is on his way, leave if you don’t want your ass kicked. I told you to leave (Y/N) alone! For once, listen to me!’ 

Celty grabbed (Y/N) and led her to the motorcycle before writing on it explaining that Shizuo was around the area and was planning on picking (Y/N) up from the store. Celty mentioned that she too was around the area and that she was asked by Shizuo to help him look for her as well. Nodding, (Y/N) turned around to meet Izaya smirking, despite all she smiled at him and bowed before apologizing. 

“ I’m sorry Izaya! I hope to talk to you soon and I apologize our time was cut short. I’m happy that you told me a little about yourself Izaya as I told you I like to see both perspectives before saying or doing anything. On the bright side, although our time was cut short I realized that you trust me a little and bothered to open up a bit! So I'm glad!” 

Indeed Izaya found his Goddess, she forgave all and will forgive all. Smiling a bit he turned and wished her good-bye before plotting a plan to take her from Shizuo forever and make sure his goddess was with him all the time. Besides, even if he committed a crime, his goddess, (Y/N) (L/N) would forgive him. 

(Y/N) was riding with Celty until they found Shizuo in which he expressed his concern for the female. He examined the ingredients and smiled realizing what she was planning on doing before ruffling her hair. 

 “ I still have a little bit of work left but I'll make it home in time for dinner.” 

“ Of course! I’ll get started on dinner right away!” 

“ Alright. See you then, oh (Y/N).” 

“ Yeah?” 

“ I love you.” 

“ I love you too!” 

~~ 

Getting out of the shower, (Y/N) proceeded to dry her hair with a small towel wearing (F/C) shorts and an extremely overgrown shirt, more importantly, it was Shizuo’s bartender shirt that he allowed her to wear. It fit more like a dress but no one was complaining. 

“ I better get started on dinner, Shizuo is going to arrive any minute!” 

Proceeding to get the ingredients (Y/N) was washing the vegetables when she heard a click signaling the door was open. 

“ Shizuo I’m not done with the meal-... Shizuo... .?” 

Examining the living room she noticed that the door was opened but no one was in the room with her, that was until she heard a familiar voice from her right ear. 

“ Good evening, My goddess. . .” 

“Iza-!?” 

With that Izaya knocked out (Y/N) cradling her in his arms before making his way to him home with the young girl, his Goddess.  

~ 

“ Wake up sleeping beauty~” 

Izaya was poking her cheek repeatedly hoping for the young girl to awaken sometime soon and luckily she did. 

“ Izaya, w-where a-am I?” 

“ Why you’re in our home my goddess~” 

“O-our? Goddess? Izaya what’s going on?” 

“ You will be living with me from now on~ You see I explained it to you, I love humans my dear (Y/N), you are no exception. However, unlike all the other humans you have an interesting personality and you are quite unpredictable making each new day exciting and something to look forward to! Someone like you should be by my side ruling alongside next to me! Just as I adore humans, they should adore us, as they should!” 

“ I-Izaya I’m sorry but it’s late and I need to get to Shizuo before it gets too late-!?” 

“ You aren’t getting it! You aren’t going back to Shizuo! You belong to me! Besides, Shizuo is weak right now! I could easily get rid of him!” 

“ He isn’t! Shizuo is quite strong! I know for a fact that he can overcome anything! Now, please let me go before I-!?” 

“ You aren’t seeing the big picture (Y/N) and it saddens me. You see the queen is the strongest piece in chess. Shizu-chan is the king and you by right, are his queen. If we take the queen away, the king is set up to fail. Haven’t you realized, everyday Shizu-chan asks you if you love him and to never leave him? Coincidence I know? I always make him doubt of this reality because without you Shizu-chan would be a violent monster! Think about it, you’re the only thing that can hold him back but you aren’t by his side! Shizu-chan does not want to be feared but he thinks it’s a fantasy, someone like you being in his life that he just needs to confirm if you love him too!” 

(Y/N) gasped when she came to notice her fiance's true feelings. Feeling down, (Y/N) looked to the side to examine the board Izaya kept close to see if she could find a pattern or attempt to figure Izaya out to create a plan.   

“ In fact! I think he is worried sick trying to find you, but he won’t! Even if he does, he doesn’t have the right to take my Goddess away!” 

In the meantime, Shizuo was frantically searching for where (Y/N) could be. When he arrived home he came to see the door open and no sign of (Y/N) causing his anxiety to spike up at the thought of losing you forever. Having enough he texted Celty and even the dollars home page alerting all members to keep an eye out on a female with (H/C) and (E/C) as she could be in danger. 

“ Celty! Have you found her yet?” 

“ No.... but I think I know where she is. I hope she isn’t though. . . “ 

“ Spit it out! WHERE THE HELL IS SHE?!” 

Shizuo was running out of breath as he looked at Celty with desperation as he saw her type away with incredible speed, but the answer both shook him and angered him to the point of no return. 

“ I think she is with Izaya. If so, we must hurry!” 

“ Of course! Leave this to me. . . I think it’s time that bastard met with his fate.” 

Shizuo walked away with anger as he began to prepare his fist to execute the man who stole his fiance.

IZAYA ENDING w/SMUT

SHIZUO ENDING

[thedragonnerd]

Rayaari headcanon - travel through the emotions with tears

(inspired by this lovely anon)

Tears of sorrow and pain

Raya is so young when she loses her mother, that the concept of death is difficult for her to understand. The reality doesn't strike her until bedtime, when she slowly begins to realize that Ma will never again be there to sing her a lullaby, or hug her fear of the monsters away. Benja is unable to stop the tears for hours, as Raya screams and cries and hits her small fists on the bed. Finally, she upsets herself so much she throws up, and her crying trails off to quiet whimpers instead. For months afterwards, Benja and Raya both dread bedtime, for this is when sorrow hits the hardest for her.

Namaari is nine when her Ba dies. Death is not an unknown concept for her, unfortunately. She has already begun to see its cold grasp ensnaring Fang citizens as famine begins to sweep the lands. But nothing can prepare her for the news the young soldier delivers of her Ba's accident, nor the expression on Ma's face when they both realize he won't be coming home. She doesn't cry for the first week after his death, and people whisper about how stoic and brave she's being. In reality, she is too shocked and numb to demonstrate any further emotions, until one night she awakens to find Ma has crawled into bed next to her, hugging her close in her sleep. Hot tears fall down her cheek, and she burrows into her mother's embrace as she cries silently.

After the Druun return, after she loses her Ba, Raya finds herself scared and all alone in the world, besides faithful Tuk Tuk. During the day, she wraps herself in false bravado, learning how to be a confident young woman instead of an easy mark for people with questionable motives. She employs a 'fake it until she makes it' approach to life, and it carries her through well enough...except at night. At night, she can't help but remember both her parents, and in the darkness she softly sings her mother's lullaby to soothe herself as the tears fall.

When the magnitude of what she has done by trying to take the Dragon Gem hits Namaari, she is horrified with herself. She cries quietly at night for weeks on end, reluctant to talk to anyone about her guilt. And then one day, she wakes up and decides she has no right to cry over it – she should step up and be responsible for her own actions instead, and be the best leader she can be. For several years after that moment, she refuses to let herself cry. Then one scouting mission, she loses her first soldier to the Druun, watching him turn to stone over her shoulder as they flee. She manages to hold it together as she tells his family how brave he had been; then, she goes to the kitchen, stealing as much rice wine as she can carry. She hides with her serlots, drunkenly crying into their soft fur until she can barely breathe. After that, she allows herself to cry sometimes, but only ever when alone.

The first time Raya visits Talon, she is fourteen and half-starving. The market place is loud and confusing, but it’s also full of food and wonderful scents. Unfortunately, she has no jade pieces and the soldiers patrolling the stalls do not seem like people with whom she should risk get into trouble. She almost walks away instead of trying to buy anything, but her stomach cramps just at that moment, and she almost gasps in pain. It breaks her heart, but she slowly hands over a ring of gold in order to buy some food – the only thing she has with her that belonged to her mother. ‘You know, that vendor scammed you,’ a young boy tells her with a snort, as she walks away. ‘You should have gotten far more product for the worth of the ring.’ The food tastes like ashes in her mouth after that, and hot tears slip down her cheeks as she tries to choke down the rest of her dinner.

Namaari’s scouting party is ambushed, not by the Druun, but by angry citizens from Spine. She loses good people that day, watching in horror as they are overwhelmed by Spine’s army, still acting as good soldiers trying to protect their Princess until the end. The last warrior screams at her to run, and even though it is against her instincts, she turns and flees into the forest, not even stopping when a sharp pain pierces her side - an arrow hitting its mark. She collapses some distance later, crying in pain and fear. For the first time, she fears she will die alone, bleeding out amongst the trees. Then she remembers her mother, remembers her duties and the promises she made to herself, and staggers upright. Her serlot finds her as she slowly makes her way forwards, and when she finally manges to crawl onto her back, they take off towards Fang.

‘You’re a traitor to your people,’ someone snaps at Raya, as she tries to mediate between two disagreeing Heart citizens. ‘You try to tell us what to do, but you’re a Princess who doesn’t even know half of her own culture. Too busy cavorting with binturis from Fang and other lands to bother with your own.’ She can feel the tears coming on as the words cut deep into all the fears she has about herself – how she isn’t a good leader, how she lost so many years where she should have learnt about Heart and her role as Princess. A hand lands on her shoulder squeezing gently, yet the voice behind its owner is cutting. ‘Gentlemen, I suggest you leave now before you make me do something I regret,’ Namaari says, and when the men depart angrily, silence falls. Namaari doesn’t say anything at first, drawing Raya into an embrace instead. ‘You’re a better leader than they could hope to be,’ she whispers into Raya’s hair, kissing her head gently. Raya clings to her tightly, arms wrapped around her waist.

‘You’re not welcome here, binturi,’ comes the accusation thrown into her face, and Namaari flinches, much to her own disgust. The celebratory gathering is supposed to be for all the lands to come together, but she can understand Fang not being so warmly welcomed. She is trying though, trying to atone for her mistakes, and after a long day of talking herself into having the confidence to attend, she is now just feeling overwhelmed with their cutting remarks. She simply nods and tries to walk away while hiding her face, but Raya is already pushing past her, getting into the personal space of the other women with a snarl. ‘She’s more welcome here than you currently,’ she growls. Then she spins around, holds out an arm gallantly to Namaari with a smile, and says ‘shall we?’ with a wink. Namaari links their arms, and they walk away with their heads held high.

Tears of laughter and joy

There is something charming and fun in watching Sisu learn more about people and their odd behaviours. Namaari is still slightly in awe of dragons in general, but she finds it easier the more she spends time with Sisu and watches her do ridiculous things. Sisu often brings Tong, Boun and even Noi along to visit Raya, and Namaari loves this time especially, because Raya will go and join in on the fun, laughing at her friends’ antics until tears stream down her face. Namaari sits and watches them with a smile, until Raya runs over and grabs her by the hand, dragging her over to the group.

Raya likes to think she is excellently athletic and nimble on her feet, and to a certain extent this is true. Unfortunately, she has a rather clumsy side to her also, and she spectacularly demonstrates this in front of Namaari by mistake. She is trying to demonstrate how smooth her mounts and dismounts from Tuk Tuk’s saddle are, and even goes so far as to try and show off by standing up on his back. And yet, she slips sideways instead, arms windmilling in the air before she drops onto the floor. ‘Are you alright?’ Namaari calls, and as soon as Raya answers in the affirmative, she can hear a cackle of laughter. Namaari is laughing so hard that there are tears shining in her eyes, and Raya can’t feel too embarrassed by her tumble when it brings Namaari such joy.

At the end of a very long day of Council meetings, Raya wants nothing more than to escape the political grandstanding and disappear into the night instead of staying for dinner. She manages to grab some food from the kitchen before it is even brought out for the guests, and then steals Namaari herself as company. They sit under the stars, enjoying their picnic and complaining about the day. Namaari does a wonderful impersonation of the most annoying Councilor in the meeting, and Raya startles into loud laughter at how realistic it is. Soon they are lying next to each other, giggling loudly until they are both crying from laughter.

Namaari kisses Raya for the first time during a sparring session. They are fighting in a casual manner for once, not trying to be highly competitive as usual, but preferring to shoot as many teasing remarks towards the other as punches, enjoying the moment. Raya manages to pin Namaari down on the ground, leaning forwards slightly to highlight her triumphant and teasing expression, and instead sees Namaari staring up at her with a soft smile. Namaari brings both hands up to slide her fingers through Raya’s hair, drawing her down until their lips are touching softly. Raya feels tears welling up behind her eyes at she feels the love emanating from Namaari.

Raya proposes after two years of dating and several days of angsting over whether she has the correct words to say or the correct proposal gifts. But when it comes to the moment, she forgets everything, and just blurts out ‘I love you. Marry me?’ Namaari stares at her in shock for a moment, before stepping forward to kiss Raya. ‘Yes, yes of course,’ she says, her voice shaking from her emotions. Raya cups her cheeks in both hands, gently wiping away her tears before they kiss again.

When they marry, neither of them can get through their vows without some tears of happiness. No-one judges them for it though – most of their family and friends are crying also.

[hacawijo]

The Most Story/Technical/Writing-related Reasons I Think Elriel Will Happen

AND Why Comparing Elain/Azriel to Nesryn/Chaol doesn’t make a ton of sense

Chaol and Nesryn, in the Throne of Glass series, did not have the stakes and chemistry set up by the story for the switch to Chaorene and Nestaq to not make sense. See reblogged post below from @mardereads19 for my inspiration - such a concise and helpful layout!!!! Thank you! And thank you to the poster who inspired them 🤪😌

Chaol and Nesryn-

— Stands to Gain —

— their individual happiness in romantic love/a successful relationship with someone in whom they’ve indicated romantic interest.

— for Chaol - the opportunity to move on from Aelin and be happy without her

— for Nesryn - aside from finding happiness re: above, nesryn doesn’t stand to gain anything more specific from their relationship (as far as we know up until the next book - we don’t know enough about her for her personal stakes to be significant to us)

— Obstacles —

— Chaol’s self-blame and self-loathing

— Chaol’s still healing heart after Aelin (but, NOT the possibility of Chaol and Aelin re-entering into a romantic relationship)

— the stress of their duties and responsibilities (I.e. needing to focus on getting support for the war with the valg)

— Overarching Consequences —

there is nothing about the two of them being together that will have overreaching negative side effects on many other people as of the end of the prior novel.

——

NOW, Chaol and Yrene - their stakes and consequences did need to be mapped out over one book, so we’ll talk about them as of the first 2/3rds of the book or so, bearing in mind that that is much less time to build effective stakes for a couple (not that it’s not doable, but the stakes are automatically less for the audiences if they can go through the initiation and resolution in one book).

Except they had the added help of four prior books with Chaol as a main POV character - thus his character’s personal stakes are higher.

— Stands to Gain —

— Chaol - his physical, emotional, and mental healing are directly rooted in his relationship with Yrene. He stands to lose any shred of hope, health, closure, and possibility of leg mobility that he has left. (We have absolute confirmation of this from Chaol’s direct POV)

— Yrene - the opportunity to come to terms with her anger and sorrow over the loss of her mother and country by opening up to a man who was not personally responsible for any of it but who was intrinsically linked to those who were (a personal stake we have absolute confirmation of from Yrene’s POV in the book)

— For Both - the chance to have a loving, successful relationship and life together with someone they love.

— Obstacles —

— Yrene’s (not unreasonable) prejudice against Adarlan

— Chaol’s self-blame, self-loathing, and general belief that he can’t and shouldn’t be happy. And his frustration with his legs and recovery process.

— Prince Kashin’s interest in and proposal to Yerene; as well as Yrene’s relationship with Hasar and the rest of the royal family.

— Chaol’s relationship with and obligation to Nesryn.

— The physical distance between their regular homes and duties and their commitment to those duties as taking priority over everything else.

— Overarching Consequences —

- the loss of Kashin’s support and thus the loss of the empire’s military and aid and support in the war with the Valg.

SO, as you can see, Yrene and Chaol’s relationship ultimately had more for them to gain, overcome, and risk, thanks to Sarah’s writing, but also thanks to Nesryn and Chaol as characters and in their very specific circumstances. If Chaol and Aelin had still been a viable relationship by the start of this book, it would have been VERY difficult to establish a successful HEA between Chaol and Yrene.

NOW, let’s compare Elriel, Elucien, and Gwynriel- I think you’ll find that Elriel has the highest stakes, followed by Elucien, and then Gwynriel. AGAIN, this is not to say that those stakes couldn’t be altered over the course of the next book (though POV confirmations will probably inform this a lot), but it would take much more work and page acreage.

Elriel:

— Stands to Gain —

- For both - personal happiness in a loving and successful relationship with someone they love or are at least deeply attracted to/interested in as confirmed by Azriel’s POV chapter and Elain’s arousal and supported by 3.5 books worth of (let’s call it) circumstantial evidence 🙃

- Azriel - the chance to move on from Mor and feelings of loneliness and lack of self-worth he’s had for 500 years. (Hopefully - we have partial confirmation of this gain given scattered evidence from Azriel’s POV chapter and that cassian and others have noticed that Azriel doesn’t pine after mor as much/at all anymore and in moments in the text where Elain has specifically not recoiled from him/judged him - I.e. seeing his scarred hands)

- Elain - the chance to find a partner she loves and would choose and who loves and accepts her for who she is now and will be in the future (hopefully - we have partial confirmation of this gain given the evidence that she chose to pursue romantic/sexual physical touch with Azriel in that moment in the bonus chapter and the moments where it has been explicitly stated that Azriel sees Elain/notices things about her that others don’t)

- For both (but moreso for Azriel than Elain) - the chance to be with someone who will not take them away from their home and will in fact connect them even more with their brothers/sisters, current loved ones, and friends.

— Obstacles —

- Elain’s mating bond with another male that is not (yet) broken

- Her bond with a male who is essential to the continued safety and peace of the night court/their home and who is close with Feyre, and who is a genuinely good person who doesn’t deserve to be hurt.

- Rhys, his high lord and superior, forbidding Azriel from spending time with Elain.

- the remnants of Azriel’s feelings for Mor and Elain’s feelings for Graysen.

- Azriel’s belief in his lack of worthiness for Elain (see: Bonus Chapter POV)

- Azriel’s work as spymaster as a priority and the dangers both he and Elain face as a powerful Illyrian with a dangerous job and a Made female high fae who can wield/access the cauldron and related objects, who sees the future, and whose existence is known by malevolent forces.

- Potential misunderstanding around Azriel regifting Elain’s necklace to Gwyn.

— Overarching Consequences —

- Blood duel - the potential death of Azriel and/or Lucien in a duel put forth either by Lucien or forced by his not actual father.

- the potential loss of support from the spring court, the day court and/or the band of exiles as well as the potential end of a shaky neutrality with the autumn court and secret alliance with Eris. All of which could lead to war and the deaths of everyone in the night court.

Elucien -

— Stands to Gain —

- For both - personal happiness in a loving and successful relationship with someone they love. (And this is generously assuming mutual interest of which we truly do not have confirmation)

- For Elain - relief from her loneliness/ feeling of being unseen (hopefully - see above parenthetical)

- For Lucien - relief from his loneliness/feeling of being unappreciated (hopefully - see above parenthetical)

- A successful mating bond for both of them

— Obstacles —

- Elain’s now-confirmed sexual/potentially romantic feelings for Azriel

- Elain’s residual feelings for Graysen

- Lucien’s potential feelings for Vassa

- Current physical distance of the places they call home.

- Displayed lack of chemistry/mutual interest/trust/effective communication/understanding

— Consequences —

- Maybe violence between Lucien and Azriel but that seems much less likely than in the case of Elriel.

Gwynriel

— Stands to Gain —

- For both - personal happiness in a loving and successful relationship with someone they love. (And this is generously assuming mutual interest of which we truly do not have confirmation)

- Azriel - the chance to move on from Mor and feelings of loneliness and lack of self-worth he’s had for 500 years (hopefully- not much evidence one way or another that he would gain this from a relationship with Gwyn (one way or another!! Not saying a relationship with Gwyn COULDN’T help him gain those things))

- Gwyn - the chance to move on from her past trauma and be happy with someone who appreciates her and whom she implicitly trusts (hopefully - not much evidence one way or another - see above)

— Obstacles —

- Azriel’s residual feelings for Mor

- Azriel’s current and enflamed feelings for Elain and their reciprocation

- Gwyn’s lack of interest in romantic companionship either because she’s not interested in it or because of her trauma (we have no confirmation from the text that Gwyn even wants a romantic relationship - let alone the reasons she may or may not have for the answer to that question)

- HALF OBSTACLE - Azriel’s potential belief in his lack of worthiness for a romantic relationship with anyone (I’m calling this a half-obstacle because we don’t actually have confirmation that Azriel believes he is unworthy of anyone and/or Gwyn - we only have confirmation that he believes himself unworthy of touching Elain and the perspective of others that he believes he doesn’t deserve Mor)

— Overarching Consequences —

- A potential fracture in Azriel’s relationship with someone who does not want to see Elain hurt (and even this loses teeth because Nesta is the most likely person to turn on Azriel for this and she loves Gwyn just about as much as she loves Elain, so it would be very difficult for her to assert a position either way) ALSO, this consequence isn’t relevant to Elriel because, as of now, we do not have confirmation that Gwyn even has feelings for Azriel so there’s no saying she would be heartbroken if he entered into a relationship with Elain, and certainly it would not be the same level of distress as it would be for Elain since Elain and Azriel have already declared interest in each other.

Alrighty, so, this is not a 100% reassurance of anything, but it’s important to think about plot and the work Sarah will have to do over 700 pages. If Gwynriel is endgame, she will need to address all of the gains and obstacles around Elriel (because it has been established throughout the books and confirmed as a relationship by the bonus chapter) and THEN build larger gains and more dramatic obstacles and consequences for Gwynriel that rival Elriel in emotional and world stakes, and THEN overcome those obstacles in a way that is satisfying and that leads to satisfying gains for the characters.

For an Elriel book, however, most of the gains have already been established by previous books and would thus not require as much development and the obstacles have already been established and could be addressed immediately (as in they would not need to be further outlined).

That’s a lot less stuff to get done in the same amount of book. One thing that could help Gwynriel in this case is if they had an added subplot in another book that actually comes before the Elain/Azriel/Lucien resolution (I.e. a book about Mor) and a lot of work was done there first as well as in the main plot book. That would still take a lot more emotional work for the characters and reader than to pursue and resolve Elriel.

The reason it was different for Chaol and Yrene is that there was not a particularly well-established relationship/ship story for Nesryn and Chaol as much as there is for Elain and Azriel (tbh, Chaol’s relationship with Aelin was probably a deeper emotional obstacle in his relationship with Yrene) AND we had already had 4 books of POV character development for Chaol. Whether you liked him or not, we had spent a lot of time with his character and he was one of the first three main characters in the series - we knew a lot about him.

On the other hand, Azriel has only had one bonus POV chapter (the rest of what we know about him being second- or third-hand through the perspective of other characters) and he will have had about 3.5 books of development before his starring book (unless his book is not next) and then it was only as a side character. The same can be said for Elain, though without the bonus POV chapter and with a bit more book-mileage for us to go on. We only have one book of side character development for Gwyn (though it is perhaps more significant than the average of Az and Elain’s 2nd- and 3rd- degree perceptions from other characters as Az and Elain spend a lot of time in the other books as tertiary characters (Mor or Rhys is to Feyre what Gwyn is to Nesta, Elain or Azriel is to Feyre what Elain or Azriel is to Nesta).

So, total, as readers we do ultimately have a little more stake in Elain and Azriel as individual characters and combined (based on length of establishment in the series and level of involvement in the series) than we do in Azriel and Gwyn combined. But more than either of those couples, we had stake in Chaol and Yrene because, again, we’d been with Chaol as a main POV character for 4 prior books, and Yrene is a POV character in the book in question. It is definitely possible that Gwyn will at least also become a POV character for the next book/books, but there is not as much evidence to support that as there is to support that Elain will become a POV character (given what Sarah has said in lives, Elain’s establishment as a character and the fulfillment of the three sisters’ POVs, the Feyre bonus chapter’s focus on Elain, Elain’s totally unresolved role in Azriel’s bonus chapter, and the general lack of resolution for all of her character’s secondary and tertiary growth in ACOSF as opposed to the amount of closure with which Gwyn finishes the book).

As for Elucien, even more work would need to be done to develop their stakes in each other than in Gwynriel, because from what we can possibly know based on text and secondary and tertiary perspectives of their relationship they are actually DISINCLINED toward each other. At least Azriel and Gwyn have an established, positive rapport.

So these are the real technical, plot-y reasons that I believe the Elriel situation is very different from the Chaol&Nesryn situation, and much more likely to happen than Elucien and/or Gwynriel. Wow this is long, but I hope it reassures some of you and creates opportunities for respectful thought and discussion between shippers!

[cancerjupiter]

cancer moon: observations

ps: this all varies according to your other placements, etc etc.

Your feelings are very sensitive, which means that you link in very quickly to other people's feelings to the point where you can feel whether they are unhappy or in pain. You can sense a strange atmosphere as soon as you walk into a room.

The negative side of this coin is over-sensitivity. Like the other feminine water signs of Pisces and Scorpio, you can take things too personally, brood, sulk and shut yourself off from others. 

Women with the Moon in any of the water signs will be very susceptible to period problems and hormone-related mood swings. The very worst aspect of this placement is that you may indulge in emotional manipulation by shutting off from others and sending out disapproving vibes.

You can also be over-critical and fault-finding on occasions. This kind of behaviour is rare because you are much too kind and thoughtful a person, far too receptive to the needs of others to be this unpleasant for long. 

You may complain about the situation you find yourself in, but you will make the best of it and will often find a way of changing and manipulating the circumstances to suit yourself. Remember Cancer is a cardinal sign and the Moon represents one's instincts. Your instinctive reaction is to put things right and create a better atmosphere.

You are considerate towards others, especially your family, whom it would be almost impossible for you to leave - you would only do so under extreme circumstances. I think that you would try several times to put things right before giving up on them. You have patience with children and young people, and are probably very fond of animals.

You are not entirely selfless; it is only when you are settled and satisfied that you can relax and give sustenance to others. Your greatest requirements are for emotional security, likely through a partner you can rely upon, and harmony in the home.

You like children and enjoy having them around you, and are not only good to your own children but kind to other people's as well. Your gentle inner nature responds to the vulnerability and honesty of children. You may remain a bit too close to your own children after they have grown up, or you may want them to be independent but find that you can't get rid of them (in my case lmao).

You react to any difficult situation by worrying. You genuinely worry about your family way too much. There is a tendency for you to attract parasitic people who hang themselves onto you and order you around. This is most evident among those of you who have your Sun or Ascendant in a steady Earth sign or an enthusiastic Fire sign.

 You probably enjoy good wine, but there is no evidence of this Moon placement leading to overindulgence. You could be a good cook yourself, but this will depend upon other factors in your birthchart.

You can put up with any amount of chaos around you at work, but you need peace and harmony in the home. You may have the Cancerian trait of collecting things, ranging from valuable antiques to junk. You don't like losing anything - or anyone.

You enjoy the company of new people and visiting new places, but also you have an attachment to old ones. You enjoy gossiping almost as much as your Gemini cousins do. You have a habit of observing the behaviour of others as a form of self-protection.

Being emotionally cautious, you are slow to fall in love and open yourself to the prospect of hurt and rejection. Others may fall in love with you because you have an immediate understanding of their problems. You seem to know others psychically.

You are basically honest both with your money and in most other senses; you can be trusted in any kind of confidential situation and with any information.

Both solar and lunar Cancerians find it hard to get rid of anything. There is too much sentiment attached to your junk for you to be able to throw it out. Unless there is a strong dose of Libra or Virgo on your birth chart, you are not over-fussy about the appearance of your home; you could make a home anywhere.

Lunar Cancerians have a long memory; therefore, you can hold a grudge if you are hurt, but you also remember those who have helped you. Being rather sentimental, you like to remember birthdays and anniversaries and you feel peeved if yours are forgotten.

In relationships, you play the part of a parent and may take an over-responsible attitude to others and try to organize them too much or dictate to them too much, or play the child hoping to be forgiven for bad behaviour just one more time.

The Moon in this position suggests that your mother gave birth to you easily. Your parents' home will have been comfortable, and the relationships there will have been pleasant. The chances are that you are the eldest in your family (although this is much more likely if the Ascendant is in Cancer).

[where-dreamers-go]

Merlin x Fem!Reader (Soulmate AU) (Text reupload)

(A/N: Yes, I know I already have this up here, but it’s a DeviantArt link and it’s bothering me because it’s an external link. So...can’t take away the link aspect because it won’t let me save it. SOOO...here’s an insert reader from 2017 and my first attempt at a soulmate au.

Warnings: Minor angst?, fluff.

Word Count: 3,773 words)

“I’m telling you, Gaius, I felt something. It has to be magic if I woke up like that,” Merlin stood in front of his room as his older companion prepared breakfast.

“Merlin,” Gaius sighed and turned to the young man, “It could simply be nothing, but.....if you feel so strongly about it we should keep ours eyes open.”

Merlin simply nodded with a minute smile, not informing Gaius that, despite all they’ve been through, he was strangely looking forward to discovering the source of his new curiosity.

The young sorcerer went back into his room to dress for the day and giving the world a hopeful smile as his blue eyes peered down at his golden mark over his heart.

“Someday,” Merlin whispered to himself before pulling on a colored shirt.

* * *

Hide it.

You had to hide it.

The gold, the shape, the details.

A mark that helped bring souls together must be hidden.

Everyone else did since as long as their ancestors could remember. A unique mark appearing on everyone some time after birth, an image that would be perfectly matched to their soul mate. Whether the mark actually resembled something or was a pattern of shapes or swirls. It was said to be a powerful experience to meet one’s other half especially upon realizing who each other truly were.

Regardless of one’s mark, the pair were usually still bound by the laws of whichever kingdom they lived in. A ridiculous notion that you didn’t bother yourself with much. You only pitied those who were unlucky enough to deal with strict kingdoms where it was difficult between soul mates with different statures in life or overall trickier situations.

You were one of those lucky enough to live in Camelot, but even more fortunate to have been granted the opportunity to work in the castle as a servant. It was a drastic change from tending to the farms your family and neighbors grew for many decades.

A newly adjusted life as a castle servant gave you many opportunities during the day to daydream about your possible first encounter with your special someone as you went about your duties.

But how in the world were you suppose to find your soul mate when yours was inconveniently located over your heart?

It wasn’t as if your soul mate was going to display theirs. Well, you certainly hoped not.

You preferred not to tell anyone outside of your family about your golden dragon mark on your chest lest they scrutinize you for having a magical creature as your mark. Some marks weren’t even anything specific as an animal let alone a silhouette of a flying dragon. Your family liked to relish in their hopes of it meaning that your soul mate was a Pendragon, however deep down you knew that wasn’t true. Not just because King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were widely known as soul mates by now, but how the meanings of the marks went much deeper than names or outside appearances. They were symbols of who they were and you were honestly worried for your other half because of living where the majority of kingdoms outlawed magic and if your mark implied as such, you hoped they could take care of themselves enough not to be put to death before you met. If only you knew where to find them because even a peaceful kingdom such as Camelot forbid magic of any sort.

Working in the castle was still a learning experience that involved memorizing directions and scheduled times for cleaning rooms or simply changing sheets on a bed before washing them in a large barrel of water.

Not unlike your current state as you hauled a hefty load of used bedsheets in a basket from more than one bedchamber. This week had brought a number of visitors who sought to greet the new queen of Camelot; although they were a bit late by a few months.

Many of the castle’s servants, like yourself, were scampering around like ants on a daily quest. You had met a few already during your short time there, but remembering their names was more of a challenge than learning where to clean the laundry.

You continued walking with the basket wrapped in your arms as you centered your direction on getting to the lower levels of the castle. Taking a turn, you gingerly made your way down the stairs, being careful to the placement of your feet on each step as your eyes focused on the stone beneath you. The last thing you wanted was to bust a kneecap or make yourself look like a fool if you couldn’t even handle walking down about a dozen steps. More than halfway down the stairs, a patch of skin on your chest prickled and heated into a burn causing you to loose focus on anything else, including the placement of your footing.

“Ah!” You felt the ever fearful sensation of falling ripple through you.

Your body twisted to the left as gravity pulled down on your legs, the basket of dirty sheets leaping from your grasp. Your positioning was quickly leading the fall to surely be on your side in a painful trip instead of toppling headfirst.

(E/C) eyes were trained onto the steps as you closed the distance with hands hardly ready for the impact that was deemed so evident.

It never came.

Well, not from the stairs at least.

A pair of arms were braced under yours before you even registered anyone was near you. Their blue shirt filled your vision as you now felt how your savior was supporting you from even sitting on a single step. Being as your legs were the only part of you touching the cold stone.

“Are you alright?” A strained male voice asked, you figured it was from the position you found yourselves in, but the voice was soothing nonetheless.

“I’m fine,” you answered, not even positive if you were lying or not.

You didn’t fall, which was a plus. Yet your mark was burning into a searing pain with your blood rushing through your veins as rapid as a fleeing rabbit. Too much so for simply almost falling. Your mark had never done that before and you knew that it wasn’t a normal occurrence.

“Thank you,” you said, finally looking up to meet a pair of gleaming ocean blue eyes. A fluttering in your stomach added to the overwhelming feelings that coursed through your body that severely increased in this young man’s presence. One of whom you have never met.

“I’m Merlin,” he smiled as he pulled you to your feet.

The name registered in your mind in a snap, you had heard about him from the other castle servants about how he was the King’s loyal manservant with a name that seemed to stick in your mind.

His hands slid down to your hands before slipping away hesitantly and their comforting warmth they left on you slowly faded.

“I’m (Y/N),” you said, glancing up at him, your hand subconsciously going up to press onto the fabric of your dress that hid your mark underneath. As much as you tried, you couldn’t ease the stinging as it kept your attention.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Merlin asked bringing his hand up to copy your movements. His blue eyes suddenly bouncing between the two of you.

You didn’t reply, you couldn’t, and every part of you was screaming know if he felt it too. The pulling, the aching itch of your bright mark, and the undeniable need to be closer despite only just meeting him.

Was he your match?

Azure eyes bore into your orbs eagerly waiting yours short reply and full of hidden knowledge. His brown jacket moving shakily upon his now heaving chest.

“It burns,” you whispered, hand pausing its movements.

“Your mark?” His voice came out low, tickling your insides into a shudder.

Again you were silent, but you nodded. Oblivious to the by-passers having to walk around the pair of you at the foot of the stairs.

“A golden dragon,” Merlin whispered so quietly that your ears barely caught his three words.

But those words had your eyes widening to saucers and lips parting for what little breath you had.

Merlin took ahold of your free arm, pulling you away from the stairway before almost tripping over the dirty sheets. Using his brown boots to repeatedly kick the scattered fabric and basket aside to be out of the way of others.

Now beside a wall, the two of you stood in front of one another with the fabric mess at your feet.

Brushing aside his red neckerchief, he adjusted his shirt enough to pull the fabric down to his left to reveal a very golden dragon. A shining silhouette of a flying dragon’s profile was imprinted above his heart, an exact copy of your own soul mate mark.

Neither your eyes nor your mind could fully believe it was real. Yet your heart and soul was singing with rejoice at the discovery.

You raised a trembling finger to Merlin’s mark and tentatively touched it. A jolt went up your arm at the skin contact and he let out an uneven breath. Being mesmerized by the sight of it all would be an understatement, what with your shaking knees. Not only did you find a matching mark--your soul mate was seemingly happy and healthy. You would be more than glad to spend a few hours tracing your fingers along the delicate shapes on his warm skin.

An equally heated hand went up to cover your own with the thumb rubbing gentle strokes on your knuckles.

“May I see yours?” Merlin asked, breaking you out of your trance and focusing on his blushing cheeks.

Only now did you realize how close the two of you were standing from each other. Shoes mer centimeters from touching and Merlin’s breath billowing your hair.

Your eyes flickered over to where people were still milling around. Of all places, you and your soul mate, Merlin, had to meet at one of the most used staircases in the entire castle. That being said, you weren’t too keen on anyone seeing you physically disclose the location of your mark. Even if the neckline of your simple dress made the task rather simple.

“It’s okay,” Merlin softly shifted you to have your back to the stairs and effectively blocking your actions from any prying eyes.

Your fingers worked on their own accord, pulling the (F/C) fabric across your skin the short distance to reveal your still stinging mark.

“We are soul mates,” he whispered, “I knew something was different in Camelot.”

Tilting your head at him, you watched as Merlin’s mouth morph into a triumphant smile. You half expected him to touch your mark as you did with his, but he wrapped you in his surprisingly strong arms instead. A most welcome gesture being as you’ve never felt more relieved and happy in your entire life as you hugged your arms firmly around his waist.

There was a lightness in your chest that could have sent you floating to the ceiling as you nuzzled your cheek into your soul mate’s chest. Safety and joy emitted into you like the warmth from a fire. One of Merlin’s hands combing themselves into your hair while his other held you securely to him by the waist.

“I’m so glad I moved to Camelot,” you mumbled into his shirt as you squeezed your arms tighter around him.

You were sure the grin on your face would become permanent with Merlin resting his chin on the top of your head despite the tears threatening to roll down your cheeks.

“MEEERRRRLIIINNN!”

A spark of fear shot through you at the sound of the booming, annoyed voice. Your other half on the other hand didn’t seem fazed by it in the slightest. If anything his grip on you only grew tighter.

“Merlin! There you are,” King Arthur came from around the corner spotting his manservant. “What are you doing?” He pulled a face as his confusion sank in at the sight of his brunette friend embracing a girl.

“I....,” Merlin gazed down at you, “I found her.”

The look in his eyes as you met his again was overflowing with emotion. Ones that made your heartstrings pull and flex if only as a sign to tell you that he already cared so deeply about you.

Arthur’s eyes snapped wide and he pointed between you and Merlin.

Both you and Merlin looked back to the other young man.

You held in a giggle at the King’s lengthy reaction as Merlin nodded in glee with a new shine to his blue eyes.

“Oh.” Arthur peered around in thought before spying the floor. “Pick up your mess and the both of you can have the rest of today off. I’m sure someone else can take care of the laundry,” he looked straight at Merlin. “But I expect you to be on time tomorrow.”

“Really?” You gasped, fingers digging into the back of Merlin’s jacket. “Thank you, sire.”

“You’re welcome,” King Arthur let a smile slip. “If anything, you need luck having Merlin as your soul mate.”

“Ha. Ha,” Merlin looked as if he was suppressing the need to roll his eyes. “Thank you, Arthur.”

The King nodded at the both of you as he went to walk away, but turned to point at the scattered mess.

“Now, Merlin.”

“Right!” Your soul mate released you and spun out of your grasp.

A surprise giggle escaped your lips as you watched Merlin crouch down and rush to gather the almost forgotten mess. Before you knew it he had everything back in the basket and was standing with it ready to go.

“Shall we?”

It wasn’t difficult for Merlin to keep pace with you as the two of you completed your earlier journey to drop off the laundry. Leaving hand in hand after a hurried explanation to a rather confused woman who was already scrubbing away at some clothes.

You sprinted to keep up with Merlin, following his lead through the halls of the castle. Passing some knights as you went who called out to Merlin in a friendly manner to only have Merlin shout over his shoulder in passing.

“I found my soul mate!” Merlin was practically beaming with his wide grin that you equally matched with a short wave to the men.

Cheers and whistles echoed down the halls from the red-caped knights that added fuel to Merlin’s already quick pace.

Sooner than you thought in your adrenaline-rushed state, Merlin had finally stopped long enough to swing open a wooden door.

“Gaius,” Merlin called out, scanning the room as he lead you inside.

“Yes, Merlin. What is it?” An older man, much older in age than the knights, looked up from a much tattered book and adjusted his glasses. He eyed Merlin with suspicion, making you wonder what trouble the young man beside you had gotten into in the past.

“Gaius,” Merlin took a few breaths, “This is (Y/N). She’s my soul mate. (Y/N), this is Gaius the Court Physician.”

If only you would have noticed the physician’s jaw drop, but Merlin’s voice saying your name as if it was a proclamation of love was an easy distraction. Your hand that held his tightened all the more.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, (Y/N),” Gaius stood from his seat to shake your hand.

“A-and you as well, Gaius,” you briefly shook his aged hand.

“Ah....How did you both meet? Might I ask?” Gaius’ mind was clearly running through a long-winded list of questions and a mixture of emotions at the moment.

It wasn’t everyday that someone you know finds their soul mate.

You and Merlin on the other hand were clearly feeding off of one another’s energies, practically bouncing in place with excitement that only grew.

“When I was heading back to grab Arthur’s armor.....that I forgot, and once I went around the corner to go up the stairs my mark started to burn. But before I could do anything I saw (Y/N) about to fall down the stairs. I mean I didn’t know who she was at the time, but my feet were running after her before I realized what was happening.” Merlin’s fingers easily wound their way between yours. “Then we showed each other our marks just before Arthur showed up and figured out what happened.”

“Not to forget I dropped the laundry basket and made a mess out--.”

“That wasn’t a problem,” Merlin interrupted you and gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

“Let me be very honest with you both,” Gaius started and making you tense, “Soul mates, especially upon first meeting one another can hardly stay away from each other. They are drawn together.”

“Like Arthur and Gwen,” Merlin added in, unfazed by the in progress lecture.

“Yes and you remember how difficult it was for them once they found out. Being together makes soul mates complete and one. So I advise you both to spend your time wisely...and I hope Arthur understands your situation.”

“He gave us both the day off,” Merlin boasted as if he’d never had one, which quite frankly might be the case.

“Today or tomorrow?”

“Just today. You know Arthur can’t function without me,” Merlin glanced down at you with a smirk.

You bumped him lightly with your clasped hands.

“It’s nearly noon, Merlin.”

“I’m sure Arthur has told Gwen and he can survive a few hours without me. Well, hopefully,” Merlin mumbled the last bit, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.

Gaius only sighed, looking about his home, and grabbed an empty hand basket.

“I’m....going to the market....for....I’ll be back later,” Gaius excused himself and walked past the pair of you before leaving.

“Is he alright?” You asked, glancing at the now closed door.

“....He might be in shock,” Merlin suggested with a shrug. “He’ll be fine though. I promise.” He reassured you, leading past the table and towards a door on the other side of the room with a couple of small steps leading up to it.

“Alright, but....maybe we should have listened more about what he had to say,” you said, “Just in case.”

“We’ll be fine. I won’t let anything bad happen to you for as long as I live,” he opened the door and gestured you inside. “But we won’t have as much time as we would like to speak to one another. So we can talk in here.”

“Is this your room?” You asked, taking a seat on the edge of his bed.

“Yeah,” he glanced around the room a bit.

You could sense his overall giddiness, however there was an amount of anxiety now that the two of you were alone.

“To be honest....I was afraid something would have happened to you before we met,” Merlin shut the door behind him, “because of our mark.”

“Afraid? I was worried you’d be locked up for magic or something. It’s a dragon, Merlin!” You gestured to your own mark.

“Er....About that,” he started fidgeting his feet.

“What?” You furrowed your eyebrows at him.

“I have magic.”

Your eyes widened and you were sure your eyebrows met your hairline.

“And I’m the last Dragonlord,” he added, “Which would probably explain our mark.”

“....Dragonlord?.....B-but I....I don’t have magic....a-and you....you have magic,” you tried desperately to have your mind wrap around this information being that it wasn’t theoretical anymore. “But you’re....”

“Arthur’s manservant.” Merlin sat down beside you, his hand finding its way to yours and intertwining with your fingers.

“Yeah,” you breathed out. “How in the world have you not even been caught?”

“It’s a long story.”

“We some have time,” you scooted closer to him with a sweet smile and rested your joined hands on your lap, his hand nicely nestled between yours. “Mister I-can-hide-my-magic-powers.”

“We do,” Merlin leaned closer and lowered his voice, “And I’m pretty sure Arthur will come looking for me before dinner.”

A short snicker shook you before resting your head against his shoulder and peered up into his deep blue eyes.

“I really hope we have more time than that,” you said, watching as he shifted his attention to his free hand that was closed.

“Well as long as nothing decides to attack Camelot today, we should be as good as you make me feel.”

Your eyebrows rose shortly as you breathed out a soft laugh.

“Did you just use a line on me?”

“Yes.....It was bad wasn’t it?”

“No, it was cute,” you smiled, feeling your cheeks get a tad rosy.

“So are you,” Merlin answered back and placed a small rose in your hair.

“Where did--Oh.”

Merlin moved a few stray hairs away from your face before resting his forehead on top of yours. The pair of you closed your eyes, absorbed in the calm moment that resulted from such a fast-paced turn of events.

“Thank you,” you whispered, still keeping your eyes shut and not entirely wanting to break the silence.

“For the flower?” Merlin asked, his fingers playing with the ends of your hair.

“No, for catching me.”

A soft warmth pecked your nose causing you to open your eyes in time to see Merlin kiss the tip of your nose again.

“I’ll never let you fall.”

You couldn’t help biting your lip because the back of your head was hurting from smiling continuously. Something in you told you that he would be the most positive person in your entire life.

“Merlin?”

“Hmm?”

“Did your mark stop burning too?”

“Yeah. I forgot when though.”

“Good,” you snuggled into his side as he buried his face in the crook of your neck.

You looked forward to your future together even if you didn’t quit know it would involve more magic and adventure than you had ever experienced. Merlin would show you more of his magic and entrust you with knowledge of his destiny. No matter what was to come, you would be more than glad to help him in any way you could, even if that meant making sure he remembered to rest and eat.

~~~

Part Two 💖

[incorrectsmashbrosquotes]

Another Age of Calamity 2

*Sometime after the battle to rescue the champions, in a secure location somewhere in Akkala Citadel …*

BotW Zelda: I can’t believe this is all really happening. Not only did we save all the champions and recover the divine beasts, but now I get to speak with one of my ancestors face to face!

Smash Zelda: Believe it girl! It’s all real.

Smash Zelda: I mean *cough* by deciding to interfere we may have inadvertently created yet another offshoot timeline.

Smash Zelda: But it’s all definitely REAL.

BotW Zelda: Um, this is a bit awkward, but can I ask who this woman is upon whose lap you are sitting?

Smash Zelda: Oh this is my girl, Eve! Yes, I know what you’re thinking, she is technically Dark Samus but I promise she’s completely harmless.

BotW Zelda: Forgive my apprehension, it’s just that in our legends “dark” copies of heroes tend to be creations of Ganon himself.

Smash Zelda: No, I get it. But I swear there’s nothing to be afraid of. She may come off as intense, but she’s actually a complete sweetheart. Isn’t that right, honey?

Eve: If anyone here harms one hair on your head I swear I will raze this kingdom to the ground until they are found and I can personally eviscerate their still-living body before their eyes.

Smash Zelda: D'aawww! <3

BotW Zelda: Yes … um, very … sweet?

——————–

*Meanwhile, in the Citadel’s war room …*

Impa: It’s great that we managed to thwart the Calamity’s attempt to overtake the Divine Beasts, but that’s far from the end of our problems.

Urbosa: Indeed, the enemy still has the guardians under their control, and what seems like a neverending swarm of monsters.

Impa: But our biggest problem is the meddling of the Yiga clan. They’re numerous and also tricky. It’s difficult to know what they’re planning.

Marth: Don’t worry guys, we already have our best spy on the case.

*Transition to the Yiga hideout, where Sheik is disguised in Yiga gear amongst a few other Yiga footsoldiers.*

Sheik (thinking): Alright, where would be the best place to find some juicy information…

Sooga, entering the room: Alright men, listen up. The Seer thinks there may possibly be a spy in our midst. So I need you guys to- … yes?

Sheik, with her hand raised: Yeah, are you guys lovers?

Sooga: What?!

Sheik: You and Master Kohga. Do you, like, make out and stuff?

Sooga: What is this? This is so ridiculous…

Sheik: It’s okay if you do. We’re totally cool with it, right guys?

Yiga Footsoldier 1: I mean, Kohga’s not really my cup of tea, but to each his own happiness.

Yiga Footsoldier 2: Omigods is my 235 page fanfiction actually coming true before my eyes?!

Sooga, somehow clearly blushing despite the mask: Okay you guys are clearly too stupid to be spies. I have to go … do something … elsewhere … *disappears into smoke*

Sheik (thinking): Yessss! Juicy gossip acquired!

——————–

*Meanwhile, under a bridge somewhere in Hyrule, Wolf is waiting alone.*

Isabelle, ducking under the bridge: Wolf! It’s me! I got your note.

Wolf: Isabelle. I’m not happy to see you here. You realize this is a war, right? This isn’t fun and games. People are dying here.

Isabelle: But I want to help! Besides, you don’t have to worry about me, they just have me helping out at the lab. Robbie and Purah may be brilliant but they’re horribly disorganized. I’m as far out of danger as you can get.

Wolf: Hmph.

Isabelle: Besides, what about you? What are you doing here?

Wolf: Ganondorf has me keeping tabs on this Astor guy. Dude is kind of an idiot though.

Wolf: What is up with that? First Zant, and then Ghirahim, and now this guy. Why are all of Ganon’s followers complete idiots?

Isabelle: *stare*

Wolf: I- I mean not us obviously!

Isabelle: *raised eyebrow*

Wolf: I mean yes, Bowser isn’t that bright, and K. Rool is a moron … Dedede is incompetent but he barely counts … and Ridley is supposed to be “cunning” but all he cares about is murder … and Wario’s obsessive greed makes him easy to manipulate … and Gruntilda couldn’t witch her way out of a paper bag …

Wolf: *pause*

Wolf: Holy shit, are we all actually idiots?!

Isabelle: Yes, but you’re my adorable idiot. <3

——————–

*Meanwhile somewhere else in Hyrule, one could find the scattered remains of a once army of bokoblins, moblins, and lynels, now nothing more than piles of corpses. On a hilltop overlooking their hard work sits two heroes having a peaceful victory picnic.*

Samus: This is nice.

Link: Yeah, the view from here is pretty great.

Samus: Well, yes, that too, but I was actually referring to getting to help you save Hyrule.

Samus: I’m so used to isolated missions. Doing it for the bounty or to keep pirates from abusing my adoptive family’s legacy. It’s nice to do something that helps people in immediate need, getting to see the smiling faces of the people for whom you’ve come to their aid. I’m genuinely glad that we decided to come help here.

Link: Wow, I didn’t realize how therapeutic this was for you.

Link: But, err … speaking of deciding to intervene, we’re not going to get in trouble for abusing the Mansion’s space-and-time thingy, are we? I feel like that might have been a big no-no.

Samus: I’m hoping by the time Master Hand notices it will be too late.

Link: Isn’t he going to notice that a bunch of us are missing?

Samus: I’m not worried about it. The assist trophy crew offered to run distractions for us.

*Meanwhile, in the Smash Mansion*

Master Hand: Where the heck is everybody? We have Smash matches to run here, people! Young Link and Daisy are supposed to be fighting in like five minutes!

Skull Kid, in a tunic: Yes sir! Young Link, that’s me! Best buddy any guy could have in the whole world! See, I have a sock on my head and everything.

Master Hand: Uh… huh… sure, whatever. Dare I ask about Daisy?

Skull Kid:

Oh she’s right here, see?

*drags somebody into the room*

Shadow, in a dress: I don’t know how you convinced me to do this but know that I will be ending all of you later.

Skull Kid: See? I’m sure she says that all the time.

——————–

*Much later, back at Akkala Citadel*

Sheik: So, what do you think?

Marth: Sheik, you were supposed to be gathering intel on the Yiga’s plans. What you gave me is a shipping chart of everyone in Hyrule.

Sheik: But it’s good, right?

Marth: SHEIK.

Sheik: Okay relax I’m just playing with you. The truth is, though, the Yiga don’t really have any plans. They just wait for this Astor guy to have a vision or something and then do what he says. And he’s obviously being set up by Ganon. Very dumb.

Marth: Alright, I guess you’ll have to keep and eye on that guy for us then. Good work.

Sheik: Oh and it’s probably worth mentioning I saw a suspiciously DK-shaped Yiga member.

Marth: Donkey Kong dressed as a Yiga? But why?

Sheik: Either he’s joining them for free bananas or he’s plotting to steal all their bananas for himself.

Sheik: Either way it’s going to end hilariously bad for them. I can’t wait.