#i may have thought about having him with me when i met my extended family recently

[httpiastri]

pepe would be the tyoe of bf that when you introduce them to your extended family in a reunion, he'd interact with all of them and would receive a bunch of compliments from the elderly

!! 100%!!!!!! GOD he'd be so lovely to have during family parties etc…. he's just so easy to love? he probably has no issues walking around and talking to everyone… the old ladies adore him and think he's the biggest sweetheart, talking to each other about how they think you're so lucky to have him…. the kids (as we've talked about) love playing with him and look up to him instantly, all fighting for his attention…… and i think he's the type to even just impress your closer family every time? despite the fact that your parents have met him a bunch of times already, they always leave thinking "that pepe, huh? great kid" 😭

[billyshakesp]

One for his Lyctors

Something that will never cease to amaze me is how well TazMuir writes the Lyctors. So I'm making it your problem ;). CW: Spoilers for Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth.

Let's start off by stating the obvious: the Lyctors are old. Whenever I mention "the Lyctors" in this post, I'm referring to Jod's original crew of eight Lyctors, and, more specifically, Augustine the First, Mercymorn the First, Gideon the First, and Cytherea the First. Those four are the ones we have met at the time of writing this. And they are old. They are each ten thousand years old. However, ten thousand is a number which may not mean much to you since you (presumably) have not even reached the age of two hundred. To quickly contextualise how colossal a number ten thousand years is, just remember that written history only extends as far back as five thousand years. In not so many words, my bbygirls are not actually very baby, and are, in fact, fucking ancient.

We, as humans, do not have any living reference for a ten-thousand-year-old being, aside from an occasional tree or a sponge, or perhaps a condiment bottle so deep in the back of your fridge that it would warrant a paleontological dig, but I digress. So how does Muir write her Lyctors so effectively?

Vicious dehumanisation

One of the most striking things about the Lyctors is the dehumanisation they have suffered over the past myriad. The first thing I noticed while diving into this subject (and by diving into, I mean I took a long shower one day and pissed off my family) is that the Lyctors do not have last names, and their first names function more as titles. Furthermore, the Lyctors are referred to as the hands, fingers, and gestures of the Emperor. In short, the readers and the characters of the Locked Tomb, including the Lyctors themselves, don't see the Lyctors as individuals anymore. Rather, their sole purpose in life has been reduced to just a soldier of the Emperor. Muir really shows the effects of the Lyctors' age; they are ancient, to the point where they have lost their own humanity and the only reason for their existence that they still hold onto is to serve the Emperor.

2. Their morals

Are extremely fucked up. Like, I cannot emphasise enough how fucked up the Lyctors are as people. Their morals are twisted in a way which can only come about from ten thousand years, rotting in deep space. For example, G1deon probably makes like 56 attempts on Harrow's life, and he doesn't give a second thought about it. When the other Lyctors find him, they don't really condemn his actions the way a human would expect another human to condemn attempted murder. To the Lyctors, life and death are both abstract concepts: life has lost all its meaning to the Lyctors, and thus, they do not see value in others' lives, especially the life of another Lyctor. Especially the life of a "Half-Lyctor." Additionally, Cytherea's plot to destroy the Nine Houses, while technically noble in its intent, is just insanely messed up. Yet, it makes sense in the context of her being a Lyctor, and, furthermore, someone who has suffered abuse for the last ten thousand years. She wants to bring justice to Jod, and for her, a small genocide is completely insubstantial. These people do not value nor understand life the way a human would, because they are unbelievably old.

3. The ways they break

Every one of the original Lyctors we see has a point in which they break, and when they break, we see a glimpse of the humanity peeking through. I could do character analysis on all of the Lyctors, but that would take a really long time. In short, we, the reader, get to see shreds of the people the Lyctors once were, and yet this only demonstrates just how shattered they are under the inexorable weight of time (yes, I use inexorable excessively now that I've read these books). Muir feeds us these pieces of the Lyctors' former selves to show just how buried that former self is.

In short, Muir does such a good job writing her Lyctors. They really are some of the most beautifully tragic characters I've ever read. I'm really just compiling some of the elements which I think Muir used to achieve the effect of "this character is bloody ancient." Feel free to add anything you feel that I missed (and I'm sure I missed a lot of stuff), and thanks for reading!

[screechingsandwichtriumph]

Bau x reader : how they first meet

Warnings: nothing really , kinda awkward (?)

Summary: you had just joined the bau , already familiar with some of the members of your new team

Note: this is meant to be written to a gn tone , but since I identify as a female and use those pronouns , I might have made some mistakes. If there is anything to this or any other of my stories please inform me

Penelope Garcia

You had just been informed that you were accepted to became a part of one of the most elite teams in the fbi. The behavior and analysis unit.

You were told that you were to became a member in two weeks , since they needed to file some paperwork

That some night you received a message that read:

Hello, heard you gonna join the team! I'm Penelope Garcia the teams analyst

So you and Penelope had been chatting a long time before you met almost any other member of the team

Aaron Hotchner

Being in he office as long as he did , it was natural that he was familiar with most of the important agents. Same thing happened with you

He had met you maybe twice or three times already

Once when you had just joined the fbi and he was a low level agent back then that had been tasked to shaw you around and help you with any problem you may have had

He had assured you that you could call him if you needed any help ,but you never did

The next time he had met you was around two years before you were to join the team

It was in an official fbi meeting. He was one of the first agents to arrive and when you entered the room , your face shined

You went right on him , expressing your happiness to be seeing him and all the typical stuff, before lightly chit chatting

He had thought you were funny and quite amusing

Then on the meeting one of the agents spoke up saying something stupid

He turned to look at you with a ' really?' face and you almost burst out laughing

He felt comfortable around you

So when your name was on the ones on the new recruit list , he was quick to chose you

Emily Prentiss

Emily was known by a lot of names all around the world

So you an agent that had been to multiple countries , once happened to fall on her

It would have been a little awkward on your side because she was kinda your idol

She had been the agent that had hopped around in most of the federal organisations and had the best of names with the most successful cases

So meeting her was unique for you

You though that she wouldn't remember you , but boy you were wrong

She had clear memory of who you were , since you had been the first one to show such an awe at her achievements

She didn't know who you were until she heard Penelope talking to JJ about you

JJ

JJ met you the morning that you were to join the team, since she had offered to help you navigate your way throu the place and also fill you in

But this was not the first time she heard of you

Penelope had been talking about you , how funny you were and how she thought that you would be an excellent addition in the team

She showed you around , unable to not notice the way your lips curved at the place around you

A slight smile you were trying to hide behind a serious persona

She completely understood why Penelope perceived you as a good addition to their little family

You were easy going , charming and bubbly a little pep on your step

She couldn't not notice how you sent Gotcha little smile and a cute wave

In hers and your surprise , he offered you a timid smile too

Derek Morgan

The man™.

The moment you entered the room and jj told them who you were , he was on his feet , a strong hand extended as to greet you

' Derek Morgan '

He'd say in his deep voice

Everyone had at least an idea about you , through Penelope, except for him somehow

He quickly noticed your slightly fidgety hands and the way your eyes skipped in between everyone

Once he had his moment , Penelope rushed in

' I'm so sorry my sweet chocolate thunder , but you can't keep my friend away from me'

She told him and he stared in shock as Penelope hugged you and you instinctively hugged back

Spencer Reid

Spencer was the last one of the bunch to meet you

The whole time you were interacting with the team he stared at you his gaze analytical , his glasses falling downwards his nose every few minutes

Once he understood that the energetic part was over , he figured it would be a good time for him to meet you

' I'm Spencer Reid ' he'd say , extending his arm

You had looked at it started out , throwing a quick glass at an equally confused looking Penelope

' i- uhh, you don't have to shake my hand I was already told that's not your thing'

He felt seen at this comment of your shooting at his blond haired girl a grateful smile

He decided right then and there that he liked you

[hibiscusseaart]

Had a dream today and I'm evolving it as I go here

The main idea that Rin didn't die when she tried to unalive herself by Kakashi's hand, but Obito was already traumatized and got in with Madara's Moon Eye plan. So yada-yada, she's the jinchuriki of Sanbi. BUT the difference was that she decided to come out of the closet (a real tight one cuz of her clan but she almost just DIED what to regret now) that she's actually a guy. So FTM Rin guys. Rin is he/him from now on.

He wouldn't change his personality and crush on Kakashi much. Dude is a medic, have you met medics? My extended family has a lot of medics in ER and other and let me tell you, they're ruthless and give 0 fucks.

Oh and since he's a medic he has top notch access to remove his own boobs and change his hormones fucking manually.

I think he would rethink his crush on Kakashi, like, man, he's a loser, plus it's hard to crush on someone who you thought killed you (even tho you made him) AND Kakashi has doomed love with 'dead' Obito and it's a bummer.

Idk about his name tho, he probably would change it just to, unknowingly, create more confusion for poor Obito, who is SURE that Rin is dead-dead and fucking Konoha didn't even made a grave for her and Kakashi doesn't even VISIT.

Madara and Zetsu obviously don't tell him about his development. They don't need him to have a hope in this world again.

Kakashi is just glad that he didn't kill his teammate and maybe they connect better since "Rin" (listen i NEED a name for him, but i have 0 ideas about meaning or what ever. maybe he'd take something to honor Obito's memory?) doesn't crush on him anymore and maybe he's trans too?? idk about it yet but he might act warmer to "Rin" now.

So Obito is just confused, like WHO is this dude from Nohara clan who is now with Kakashi ALL the time (they're still best friends). He doesn't connect that this brown haired (!) medic (!!) from Nohara clan (!!!) with the same marks (!!!) same age as them (!!!!!) might be Rin. like no, nope, Rin a nice gentle lady, not this smoking dude who yells at Kakashi and curses at him cuz he run away from hospital again.

So yeah Obito is just not impressed. But intrigued. And jealous. He stalks Kakashi AND this guy all the time. May develop a crush on both, cuz "Rin" is still the same at his core.

Kakashi would still go in ANBU cuz Minato asked him (still not sure about it, like yeah lets put deeply traumatized 13 yo in assasin squad good job) and stuff.

So idk how canon would go from there, like i doubt that Minato would let 14 yo jinchuriki near another one at this tense situation, even tho "Rin" could've help.

So yeah Kushiha and Minato die, "Rin" barely holds onto the Sanbi but Obito finds out that the guy is holding them. He doesn't connects the dots. Or he does? His mind just CAN'T hold on to the fact that his Rin MIGHT survived.

But maybe "Rin" was closer to the place where they sealed Kuubi in Naruto (maybe he ran there cuz there's Kuubi rampaging and he HAS to help) so Minato entrusted Naruto to him, not to fucking Sandaime.

So yeah, now "Rin" is Naruto's legal dad at the age of 14 and no one can fucking take him away cuz a) it was Minato's dying wish; and b) just fucking TRY to peer "Rin" away from Naruto, you'll get your hand bitten off and NO arguments work, cuz "Rin", who was trained by Kushina in jinchuriki stuff, can make some sort of turtle shield and he hides in it with his new baby and no one can do anything.

And no one can protect baby jinchuriki better than the other jinchuriki so it's fine. Everyone just accepts it.

(Isobu laughs at Kurama cuz haha im the older sibling now :))

Naruto is bullied less but I think no one can tell him about his parents cuz Sandaime sucks ass. But "Rin" drops HUGE hints cuz he hates Sandaime now too. Like no shit Tsunade left.

Idk what would happen with Obito if he finds out about "Rin's" identity. he'd come back crawling and crying probably. Maybe try to kidnap him and cry more in Kamui.

update: added sketch

[mariabtsos]

I'll Be There ||k.sj||

Description: your family may have forgotten your birthday, but goddammit Jin refuses to let it ruin your day.

Genre: Short drabble, idol!Jin x f!reader, established relationship, hurt/comfort, found family, fluff.

Warnings: feeling of being an afterthought, feeling of being forgotten

Word Count: 2k+

A/N: It was my birthday yesterday :)

There was absolutely no way right? I mean they'd been talking to you all day, they even called you yesterday and talked about how your birthday was today.

You should've known, the first red flag should've been that your own sisters forgot your birthday and how old you were turning. This had never really happened to you before, they had always been so good about your birthday just like you always were about theirs, so why was this year different? You had moved to Korea a long time ago, over 10 years ago actually, and even your extended family back home had messaged you and made sure you felt loved today of all days. At least, even if the worst were to happen, you still had Jin.

You'd met Jin, ironically, on the same bus he'd been scouted out for BigHit's audition, and you'd been together ever since. Your relationship had had its fair share of obstacles, trials and tribulations, but you were happy together, and he made sure that you were. When Jin enlisted, just like he had with ARMY, he'd prepared little videos and notes for you to open during the times you couldn't see each other. Those typical letters that said open when you're sad, open when you miss me, and so on.

When he came back he made damn sure that you were the first person he'd spend his time off with after he was done with all his schedules, because Jin was a workaholic, even if he'd never admit it, and he couldn't stand being out first and not seeing his fans right away. You had front row seats to his event, letting the hug be just for ARMY as you knew they'd missed him, and after it was all done, you came home to your shared apartment and shared beautiful moments together whilst he was off.

Today, he'd planned an entire day for you, which basically consisted of mostly chilling together like you both loved doing, taking you out to your favorite restaurant and then singing happy birthday along with your family, even if it was over FaceTime since they'd moved away from Seoul to Busan few years back when your parents got better jobs.

“Alright mom, I'll talk to you guys when we get back!” You said enthusiastically toward your phone as you spoke to the older woman, Jin had a smile on his face as you walked toward him after hanging up.

“Ready my love?” He asked as he grabbed onto your waist and you placed your hands on his chest.

“Yes,” you gave him a quick peck and a smile.

Jin had arranged for Yoongi to drop off the cake he'd had made for you whilst you were out. He took you to a small hole in the wall restaurant you guys had found after you'd moved to this part of Seoul, the food was great and you always loved how they gave you the perfect fries to burger ratio.

“Have I done good so far, my love?” He asked after he pulled a chair out for you to sit.

“You've done great Jinnie, you always have,” you smiled softly.

“I promise next year when everything isn't crazy and full of comebacks we'll go to your parents' for your birthday,” he reached for your hand on top of the table, caressing your knuckles with his thumb, “or we can fly them out here!” He suggested.

You hoped Jin understood how much everything he did for you today, and everyday, meant to you; he'd always had that knack for making you feel loved in the most thoughtful ways, even in the most silly ways too! Just like his dad jokes he had the cheesiest pick up lines, and they always cheered you up when you were having a bad day. You remembered a few years back, when you were giving yourself a really hard time at work and you came home upset, he'd said all kinds of ridiculous things in every language you both knew. It was safe to say, you were laughing hysterically after some time.

This time, however, Jin worried that might not be enough. When you came home for dinner you were so happy to see your favorite cake waiting for you on the kitchen island along with two cards, one from Jin and one from the rest of the guys, which had all but adopted you into their little family soon after Jin introduced you to them all those years ago, it was very touching to see it and to read it.

“I'm going to call my mom so they can sing happy birthday with us!” You said excitedly as you pulled out your phone. This had been a tradition ever since they'd moved away from Seoul, because had you been back home they would've thrown you a little party…at least you hoped so. Ever since they'd moved away you'd felt a little alienated, you were often the last to know about things that you wouldn't usually be, all shielded by the excuse ‘if you called more.’

Jin got the candles for your cake ready when the first call didn't go through, you made a joke out of it at first, giving the call another try. He tried lighting the candles when you stopped him “we have to wait until they answer,” your smile was slowly fading by then. You texted your mom and then tried FaceTiming her again, and she didn't answer, you felt your heart shatter and little.

“It's okay, they might have to work tomorrow, plus we've been talking all day and all,” you chuckled, “we'll record it for them! That way they won't feel left out,” it was less of a suggestion and more of a thing you immediately got ready for, pulling out your phone in front of the cake and getting the camera angle just right.

“Are you ready, my love?” He asked, looking at you with the softest, most loving look. You didn't speak simply nodding as you hit record and he lit the candles.

“1, 2, 3…” you started clapping, singing the typical birthday song for your home country, you had been fine at first, singing happily and then your voice started breaking, you tried clearing your throat to continue but Jin didn't miss this.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, but you just kept singing, your voice broke again until it was barely a whisper so he paused the recording.

“What's wrong? We can stop if you want love, we don't have to-” he tried holding your face but you put your hands up taking a few deep breaths.

“We have to finish, I'm fine,” you said, your voice thick with the lump in your throat.

You were heartbroken, but you wouldn't be able to send this to them if you broke down on video. You were so confused, you had talked all day, and every year, even if you had talked all day, no matter if it was 5pm or 9pm they'd be there to sing happy birthday before, why was it so different now? Did you do something wrong? You thought all your issues and disagreements have been talked out enough, was it not enough for them? You remembered how earlier your dad had called you, how he said he'd been crying because he missed you and he wished he was with you. Your relationship hadn't always been the best but you thought it was better now, you thought you had gotten over your issues.

These were all thoughts that ran through your mind as you finished the song, going on to sing happy birthday in your native language and Korean, Jin hated seeing you so heartbroken, he hated the tears that came down your face. He wrapped his arms around your waist, hugging you from behind as he finished the song for you, since your voice was again barely above a whisper. The number candles had melted apart as you blew on them, the tears now escaping without you being able to stop.

Jin hated this, this was meant to be your day, you were supposed feel loved and happy and excited, hell, all of them had been back and were working on their newest comeback and he managed to plan a sweet day, the guys had all texted or called you, but your parents couldn't bother to answer your call for a simple birthday call?

“Why don't you try texting your dad hmm?” He tried suggesting as he pulled you in for a hug. “No, they're probably asleep it's fine,” you argued as you picked out the pieces of candles that had fallen apart.

“I'll call them then!” he retorded.

“No! It's fine, can we just sit on the couch and cuddle please?” You pleaded as you moved to the living room, he followed close behind, as he saw you start to break down again. He sighed, and sat next to you, pulling you into his chest as you cried, holding onto his shirt tightly. He hated this for you, especially today, he'd ve damned if he let your day be ruined by this. After you'd stopped crying he stepped aside and texted his group chat with his members:

911, I need you all at my place yesterday, no ifs ands or buts.

It took less than 30 minutes for them to get there, all in comfy clothes as if they had been about to go to bed, “hyung what's wrong?” Jungkook asked first yawning and stretching as Jin led them into the apartment.

“Yn’s parents didn't answer her call for them to sing happy birthday,” he spoke quietly and sighed, hearing your sniffles coming from the living room. His dongsaengs looked confused at first, before remembering all the days after your birthday where he vowed to learn your home country's birthday song for you one day.

“Are you serious?” Jimin whisper-yelled. It was followed by a chorus of how could they do that and is Yn noona okay?

He simply walked over to you, now they were all much more awake. “My love? The guys are here! I was thinking we could all eat cake together, hmm?” He sat next to you, caressing your head. You looked up and saw all of them, various levels of concern and sadness in their eyes. You felt your eyes water again as you stood up, pulling Jin up with as you pulled the rest of them in for a hug.

“Oh, Ynie,” Yoongi spoke, “we're all here for you! We're your family too!”

“Yeah, you always have us and Jin hyung for support,” Taehyung said next, you felt his hand patting the top of your head and you chuckled weakly.

You pulled away, seeing them all there and smiled, happy that you had them, that you had Jin and that you weren't as alone as you felt. “Thank you guys,” you sniffled, “do you want some cake?” You asked with a smile and immediately all six ran to your kitchen, a mix of reactions, most noticeable being Namjoon's and Hobi's as they agreed that they should cut the biggest piece for you. You were happy to know that even if you felt as an after thought for others, you'd never be an after thought for them, and especially not for Jin.

You turned back to Jin, who immediately cupped your face with his hands, using his thumbs to wipe your tears. “Thank you for today love,” you smiled softly, holding onto the sides of his shirt, “I'm sorry for being an cry baby.”

“Hey!” He got closer to you, “you are not a cry baby, you deserve only the best for your birthday and everyday of our lives, and I will make sure you get it no matter what,” he assured you. You simply nodded and got on your tippy toes to kiss him, it was chaste and sweet, not lasting too long since Jungkook was calling for you to come get your piece.

As you walked off, Jin received an email notification, letting him know that the most important birthday gift he'd been planning for you was ready, the ring you'd designed yourself.

And he couldn't wait to put it on your finger soon.

[nolita-fairytale]

Carmy as Your Baby Daddy | Social Media AU & Headcanon Series | part one

masterlist | part two now that i've finished my top gun: maverick series, it's me i'm back and gearing up for season two. after a bout of food poisoning, i finally cracked and am writing this pregnancy headcanon that i said i wouldn't bc my ovaries would explode (looking at you @allthefandomstogether). anyways, a huge thank you to @carmensberzattos who pinged many an ideas back and forth about carmy as your baby daddy and screamed into the abyss about this on a friday night. i'm writing this with my main character from the make your heart surrender-verse, but can absolutely read as a standalone piece. posting now because i'm so damn excited but i may go back and add some more things later.

oh and this a headcanon series now so. that part.

carmy as your baby daddy:

sometime after the wedding, you and carmy decide that you're ready to start a family. you're not trying but you're not not trying, meaning you've gone off of birth control but you're not carefully monitoring your ovulation cycle either. you both figure that it'll happen when it happens and if it doesn't, there are many other ways to make a family.

carmy never really thought about having kids until the two of you got together. after adopting your kitty together, carmy got to see a your more nurturing side and taking care of something together as a team made him think about how much he wants a family with you. after sugar has her baby it really ups the ante. seeing carmy become an uncle is what starts the conversation about seriously starting a family, and every time carmy sees you holding the baby, it's 'when our kids this, and when our kids that' for days after.

you swear it's food poisoning. after a somewhat questionable late night meal, you spend half the night vomiting while carmy works a later night at the restaurant. you text him to bring ginger ale and tums home. of course he comes through because are you kidding this man is a caretaker?!

you insist that you're fine and much better, even though you're absolutely exhausted. things are so busy at work for you (and have i mentioned the pregnancy fatigue) that you don't think much of it when a few nights later, you find yourself kneeling on the bathroom floor once again.

there are always little kids running around at the extended family gatherings and which led to your realization (when you first met everyone) that carmy is surprisingly good with kids.

it's not till a week or two later (after your little bout of 'food poisoning') that you're at cicero's place for a family birthday party that it hits you. one of carmy's cousins (not richie kind of cousin teehee) has just had a new baby with his wife. you've been catching up with ava, richie's daughter because you've become an auntie of sorts to her. you find some time to steal away for a some girl-time but when you return, carmy is holding his new niece/nephew in his arms.

the sight of him holding the baby not only takes your goddamn breath away as he stares long and hard your way, his blue eyes piercing right through your heart, but it's then that you realize that you're a few weeks late. it's like time stops as you look at him, seeing him coo at the baby with the softest look on his face. the realization hits you, clear as day.

"holy shit." is all you say, earning a few funny looks from the berzatto extended family and friends. "carm, can i borrow you for a second?" you and carmy find a quiet place to talk inside. "you okay, babe?" "carmy i think i'm-. what if i-. i'm late." "what do you-? like.. late late?" "now that i think about it, a few weeks late, honey." "yeah?" he asks you, totally in shock and eyes wide. "yeah."

the two of you make an excuse to leave the party as soon as possible, and hurry to the nearest drugstore to pick up a pregnancy test. you wait till you're home to take it. "do you want me to come in, sweetheart?" "no, carmy! i don't want you to watch me pee, you weirdo!" you answer, even though you know he's just excited.

the two of you are pacing back and forth, practically making dents in the floor with your footsteps for what feels like the longest two minutes of your lives. when your timer goes off, you're both simultaneously freaking out about the fact that you're lives are about to change forever, while also really, really hoping for a positive result. and as the fates would have it, the test is positive.

"holy shit. holy fucking shit. we're- you're-, we're gonna-!" carmy is ecstatic as searches for words. "we're having a baby, baby!" you squeal jumping into his arms." "god, i love you so much," he says, grinning at you as wrap your legs around his waist. "i love you too, carm. so, so much."

you literally get the biggest kick out of calling him your baby daddy: to friends and family, coworkers, random strangers, in restaurants, at the gas station. you'll take photos of him at the farmers market and post on your ig story referring to him as your baby daddy because you find it hilarious. carmy doesn't find it as funny (even though he secretly loves it) and he's cherry-tomato red when you tell the checkout clerk at the bodega across the street from your place that your baby daddy is going to pick up the tab.

everyone at the restaurant is so excited for you! even richie cries a little when you tell him the news. you hadn't really gotten close to richie until ava grew super attached to you, which opened up a whole new avenue and understanding for your friendship with richie.

ever since you found out you were pregnant, carmy always has bread and ginger ale on hand for your morning sickness. he started making you your favorite soft scrambled eggs with toast, but the chives have been way too strong of a flavor for a sensitive tummy. it's slowly become eggs & toast and then just... toast, which you promptly apologize for stripping away any kind of artistic freedom he may have previously had.

you get near compulsive cravings for certain foods, and carmy is always ready to throw on a jacket and run across the street when you get midnight cravings.

carmy hates seeing how tumultuous pregnancy has been during your first trimester. he's always ready with a hair tie or a glass of water for when you're done throwing up. okay hear me out: but carmy starting to wear hair ties because he wants to always have one ready for you. he'll even take off a morning with you or call your workplace if you need a sick day just so that he can take care of you. even if you don't need care, he just wants to spend time with you and be there for you while you go through it.

we already know that carmy is an acts of service king. he is the tenderest, most gentle partner and wants to be as helpful as possible. if you're sick, he wants to make you feel better. if the pregnancy hormones are raging against the machine, he's more than happy to let you be upset, or get you off by any means if the hormones go that way too. he'll sit on the bathroom floor with you and rub your back until you need to vomit again. he'll give you the best morning head of your life. he'll run a bath for you when you need one. he checks in every hour on the hour in your first trimester, which you appreciate, but eventually have to ask him to chill the fuck out.

speaking of physical changes, the pregnancy boobs are ELITE. carmy is always there to make you feel beautiful despite your rapidly changing body, esp when your clothes start fitting differently.

the first time your bump starts showing and you point it out to him, carmy cries. or maybe he notices it first and he's just like... weeping and you're like: babe r u ok? and then you realize that you're showing and carmy is kneeling and admiring your baby bump and now you're crying. sorry, but i don't make the rules it's just a fact that this is how it would go down.

carmy is so emotional about this because he realizes that he finally gets to build the family he didn't have and he gets to build it with you.

well this just hijacked my writing plans oops. part two will be more 'you & carmy pregnancy things' and part three will be birth & post-birth.

tagging my carmy taglist in the comments below!

[mytheoristavenue]

MHA Commoner!Eijiro Kirishima x Princess!Reader - So This is Love? - II

Summary: Kirishima accompanies you to the castle to make ready for the ball, and he can't help but drown in the cultural difference.

Warnings: Reverse harem, social class difference, fluff, slight angst, mentions of suggestive thoughts, love at first sight, princess x commoner trope

As promised, just as the sun got ready to settle, a carriage pulled up to the home and shop of the Kirishima family. It had arrived right on time, not that there was a chance Kirishima could miss it. He'd sat in the front room over his parent's shop since this morning, always with a perfect view of the window. He'd long since given up on his work for the day, there weren't any pressing jobs today anyway. All he could think about was the arrival of the carriage, and here it finally was.

"I-It's here!" he shouted anxiously to his parents, running to the back room to kiss his mother's cheek. "I have to go!" His parents wished him well as he scrambled out the door, stumbling over the threshold. To his delight, the footman was waiting at the end of the walk to let him inside. "Uhm," he waved nervously, slowing down a bit as he grew near. "Hello, sir..."

The glare the footman shot him made him uneasy. It reminded him of the social distance between himself and the opportunity he was presented with, and he presumed this one wouldn't be the last prejudicial stare he got by the end of the night. Nevertheless, he pressed on, letting the footman help him into the carriage.

His blood ran cold when he was met with a floor full of fine silk, ruffles, and cotton with intricate designs. Following the full skirt upwards, his eyes once again met yours as he paused, still on the carriage step. Just like before, your eyes held a mysterious beauty, barely visible thanks to the angle and the hand fan obscuring your painted lips.

"Y-You're majesty!" He gasped, scrambling into the carriage, and sitting across from you. He was suddenly acutely aware of the amount of space he took up as his knees grazed yours in the small space. "Forgive me, I hadn't expected to see you again until tonight." He admitted sheepishly.

"Quite alright," you answered, voice saccharine from beyond your fan. "I would be remiss if I didn't accompany you on your way, considering I invited you so last minute."

"Well, thank you..." he nodded timidly, hands folded in his lap. "If I may ask, why did you invite me?" He finally asked, the question having burned sores into his mind.

"All in due time," you answer cryptically, folding your fan to reveal a friendly smile that made him queasy when paired with your mystique. "All will be revealed soon, you have my word."

"Yes, my lady..." He relented with a small bow, still feeling microscopic in your presence.

-----

Arriving at the castle, the carriage halted, the footman coming around to open the door. Kirishima stepped out first, immediately turning back to the open door, extending you a hand. "Allow me, your grace." He said with a focused expression, though your could see the way the tips of his ears turned red when you gave him your hand.

"Why, thank you," you smiled, nodding to him as he helped you onto solid ground.

"Of course," he responded, holding your hand high as he always assumed a man should when escorting a lady. A bit of him was joyful when you didn't withdraw your hand, even though you had every opportunity, as it simply rested in his palm. You allowed him to help you up the castle stairs, stopping a few feet before the entrance. Giving the guards time to open the doors for you, you stepped forward, prompting him to do the same, still holding his hand as you stepped over the threshold. It almost made you giggle the way he kept sneaking glances, adjusting his posture to match yours. It was almost as if he was mimicking you to fit in.

Entering the castle, you halted, finally taking your hand back as the pair of you were swarmed by servants, dutifully directing you both up a grand staircase to the right. Once up several flights of stairs, you were ushered into a hallway where you were pulled into separate yet adjacent rooms. For you, this was nothing out of the ordinary. For Kirishima, this was strange and almost cult-like, the way people seemed to buzz around you, as if automated.

Now inside your personal chambers, you could relax, plopping down in a decorative armchair. "Best not to get too comfortable, my lady," your chambermaid, Tsu said, smoothing a white sheet into a wooden tub towards the center of the room. "Your bath will be ready soon."

"Come now, my lady," another maid smiled, kneeling in front of you to remove your shoes. When she was finished, she offered you her hands to help you up. "Can't be tired now when you've got the ball to look forward to." She chirped, bustling around you to begin the long process of removing your day dress.

"Of course," you nod half-heartedly, shivering as she reduces you to nudity before slipping a paper-thin linen gown over your head. "Ochako, I don't believe I'm prepared for tonight." You confess, approaching the tub just after Tsu has finished filling it.

"Why ever not, your grace?" The brunette asks, her chipper smile fading into a look of concern as she takes your hand, helping you into the tub.

"I fear this night will be a disaster," you lament as their hands begin to graze your skin, flannel washcloth dragging about.

-----

In the adjoined room, Kirishima sat similarly in a bathtub, a luxury he wasn't accustomed to. Not only that but he certainly wasn't accustomed to having someone bath him, let alone a young woman. His cheeks flushed as her fingers grazed his skin and occasionally, for a moment at a time, when he glanced at her hand, he'd see your manicured nails and blushed knuckles, smooth skin wet with his bathwater. Each time he caught his mind wandering off, he'd promptly call it back, never daring to tarnish your visage with such a lewd filter.

When the maid deemed him clean, she helped him out of the tub, unphased to see him naked as he tried to keep himself modest. It was as if she did this every day; like it was typical of her routine- and it probably was. After toweling him off, she stepped to a large armoire against the East wall, taking out what he assumed must have been the outfit you'd described.

Expertly, the maid helped him into a large linen shirt and cream-colored stockings that tucked into red breeches. Afterward, she slipped a matching waistcoat over his shoulders before circling back around him to fasten its gold buttons.

Once he was fully dressed, the maid quietly took her leave, but not before showering him with compliments that he couldn't tell the genuineness of. Stepping over to the full-length mirror, he studied himself in the mirror, remarking how different he looked. He was the cleanest he'd ever been and his hair was groomed and tied back with a gold ribbon. The suit he wore looked more expensive than the cottage that he and his family lived in, all crimson satin, embroidered with shiny gold threat into complicated patterns too small for him to fully appreciate. He hadn't ever worn clothes that felt so heavy, feeling weighed down by the thick coat he wore, yet still transfixed by the luxurious visage in the mirror. He definitely looked like royalty.

Just then out of a door he hadn't before noticed on the East wall, you appeared, and his breath was stolen away. You peered around the door shyly, face once again hidden by a hand fan, but not the same one as earlier. Seeing that he was decent, you strolled in, the corners of your eyes crinkling, indicating a sweet smile just behind an accordion of metal boning, embroidered silk, and ostrich feather.

"I thought it appropriate to have our outfits match..." It was obvious that your gown and his suit had been cut from the same cloth- literally. Your bodice and skirt were made up of the exact same crimson satin with identical stitching. The pair of you were a perfectly matching set, save for the long ruffled sleeves that spilled from your elbows, and the shape the fabric took on. Kirishima couldn't help but stare in awe at the way your corset hugged your ribcage and the way the crinoline under your skirt filled out your hips in a manner that tempted something primal within him.

"Y-Your majesty..." he breathed, air caught in his throat as his eyes wandered up over the curve of your uplifted breasts settling momentarily on the silk ribbon that hugged your throat, holding up what he assumed to be a ruby framed with pure gold. "You are a truly..." he paused for a moment, his eyes finally reaching yours, noticing your made-up face and complex updo, and how soft ringlets framed your cheekbones. "Breathtaking visage."

His words put an irrefutable glow in your cheeks as you inched closer, drinking him in as he had done to you. "And you, I must say, kind sir, look rather dashing this evening."

"Thank you, your highness." he nodded in appreciation, throat dry at the prospect of you finding him attractive.

"Aye," you nodded in return, pivoting on your heels to a small table to your left. "Before I forget," you say, opening a small decorative box that sat atop the table. Pulling two objects from it, you step back to him, pinning a small rose to his lapel. He stares at the gesture, heart swelling, taken by surprise when you hand him another one, this one in full bloom, along with a stick pin. Letting your eyes shut, your hands clasped behind your back as your back arched, offering your chest to him. With trembling fingers, Kirishima carefully pinned the blossom to your bodice, touch lingering a few seconds longer than needed. "Thank you, kind sir..." you said, batting your lashes.

"Y-You're welcome, my princess." he stammered, letting a beat of silence pass between the two of you.

"I'm afraid I haven't been entirely honest with you," you finally confessed, looking sheepish. It was the first time he'd seen you not entirely sure of yourself and it made him all the more nervous.

"Please, go on, my lady." he spoke calmly, concern written all over his face as he urged to to continue.

"You see..." you began, nipping at your lip. "The true reason I invited you tonight was-"

Suddenly, there was a stern knock at the door, frightening the both of you out of your skin. A servant then entered, eyes shifting towards your date with visible haughtiness before simply stating: "Your highness, the pair of you are expected in the grand hall immediately to be introduced."

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for choosing to spend Christmas with my girlfriend instead of my family?

I (22M) have been dating my current girlfriend H (22F) for a little over 5 months now. We met in college and were friends, hooked up a few times during school, but we weren't official until July this year. We don't live together, we currently live in different cities in the same state, and we see each other just about every weekend. Her family really likes me and always tells me how happy I make her.

Last weekend (the weekend before Christmas weekend, for context), while I was visiting her and her family, they were telling me about some sort of family tradition they have each Christmas, and they would really like me to be there if I didn't have any plans. I accepted immediately as I felt it was a good thing to do for H. Her entire extended family lives in her city, and H really wanted to introduce me to everyone since I wasn't able to be with her on Thanksgiving and she was upset (I was traveling to visit my extended family out of state).

Here is where I may be the AH. I originally had plans with my family for Christmas (meaning my parents and my twin sister). When I told my family that plans have changed and I'd be spending Christmas with H instead of them, they didn't take it well. Mostly my mother. I've heard my mother cuss at me almost every day since I broke the news. My sister and father didn't seem to be as upset, or at least they weren't verbally making it known to me, but I could tell they're disappointed every time I talked to them about Christmas.

I found out from my father today that my sister is more hurt about me not being there than she's been showing. She also lives away from home but in the same city, and apparently when she visited for dinner last night, she started sobbing about how selfish I'm being about "choosing a girl he hasn't even been dating for that long over family" and how "do our Christmas family traditions not matter to him anymore?" I thought my sister liked H, they seemed to get along well. My sister isn't replying to any of my messages and has canceled our usual gaming sessions until at least after the holidays. My father said that while he will support my choice, changing plans on such short noticed wasn't smart.

I feel bad about making my sister cry. I've been talking to my friends about it and while some are supporting me, most are saying I made an AH choice and I'm thinking with my dick especially because of the short amount of time we've been dating. One of them said that spending holidays with your GF's family is for long term relationships. AITA?

What are these acronyms?

[bellarkeselection]

2 - Interesting Conversations

Part 3

The Venus Muse

Not as long of a chapter as I'd like but here it is 😊 if you have any suggestions send them to my ask box

He extended his hand up to me and I smiled, placing my smaller hand in his larger one. “I accept so long as I know which Bridgerton are you?”

“Benedict, Benedict Bridgerton.” He replied, leading me out and onto the dance floor with the entire room having their eyes focused on the two of us.

I shifted my gaze up to his since he was taller than I was even with me wearing the slightly high shoes I was wearing. The others in the grand room began grabbing their own dance partner and the floor was filled with dancing suits and dresses moving about. “You’ll surely be the talk of the town after this night, lord bridgerton.”

“I don’t care much if I am. It is not my responsibility to carry the weight of my family's house on my shoulders.” The bachelor responded. 

His brother Anthony had found a wife last season, his sister Daphnie before that and now this year it was rumored that Colin was the next bachelorette according to the talk of the town. Holding my hand up away from his we slowly danced around in a circle where I chuckled. “So second siblings get to have more fun you say.” 

“Indeed they can. Would you not say the same for yourself?” Benedict asked, twirling me away from his chest throwing my hair all around and my dress twirled with such grace. 

I spun back into his embrace where our noses touched one another and the music began dying down meaning our time may have been limited so I quickly thought on my feet. “My lord, may I be so bold and ask to speak with you somewhere more privately?” 

“I’d love nothing more, princess.” He whispered, taking me by the hand and together we made our way through the crowd. We reached the outside of the ballroom but I figured we would be found if we stayed out there. 

So I squeezed his hand in mine taking the lead to the nearest horse stables that were just outside the nearest door. Benedict allowed himself to be dragged along by the princess in front of him. The fresh air finally hit my face when I busted through the large door. I sighed in relief. “Ah that’s much better. I must admit the castle walls can make me feel a little restricting.” 

“If I’m being honest with you. I don’t care for these seasons as much as others. Though it does give me inspiration for my drawings on occasions.” Benedict stands behind me. 

Spinning around on my feet I grinned hearing the excitement in his voice when he spoke the word of drawing. “You enjoy drawing, Mr. Bridgerton.” 

“I would like to just be Benedict to you, princess.” He nodded his head down to me. 

I chuckled moving across the stables yard until I found a bench to sit on and he joined me. “My father told my mother to just call him George the day she tried to climb over a garden wall so she didn’t have to marry him.” 

“I don’t think I've ever heard of this story. Care to share more details with me.” He scooted closer to me on the bench. 

Shifting my head up towards the sky I clicked my tongue thinking for a moment. My mother had told me how they fell in love despite the conditions my father has on his mind. “It’s a rather long story. I don’t wish to bother you with the full details of it. Surely you have other women you wish to spend your time with.” 

“Don’t let it be the fact that you are the princess and I am just a Bridgerton stop you from telling me the story you wish to tell.” Benedict pressed on touching my hand that was closest to his. 

I met his baby blue eyes asking the question I wanted him to answer. “Are we not expected to follow the rules of society that we have been born into?” 

“In my opinion I don’t wish to follow the traditional rules of society. Society leaves very little room for us to explore different passions. Whether it be through art, clothing, music or making our own beliefs.” Benedict moved his hands around as he declared about having some desire outside of just finding a wife or husband. 

Tucking hair behind my ear I felt the heavy weight of the crown on my head begin to disappear. “You make it sound so easy.” 

“Should it not be for you?” He asked me so calmly. 

I snorted shrugging my shoulders, explaining my situation to the lord sitting beside me. I wished the things that he was saying could be true, but I was far beyond ever seeing such freedom. “I may be a princess but it doesn’t mean I get to explore the world like I hoped.”

“What if I helped give you that chance.” Benedict asked me with that cheeky smile on his face. 

“How so?” I tilted my head to the side, very curious to what he was planning in his head only having met me a few minutes ago. 

He spoke up with passion. I almost believed it could work. “We could go strolling through the shops together, I could show you my art in the house we are staying near here or even just keep meeting in secret to have these conversations like this if it's what you truly desire.” 

“Benedict, that all sounds wonderful. But what if we get caught?” I was still uncertain of the bad consequences. 

A different woman's voice enters our conversation causing me and Benedict to turn our heads in the opposite direction seeing a girl with dark black hair wearing a light colored dress. “Live out of society's expectations please I beg of you.”

“Princess Y/n, I’d like you to meet my sister Eloise Bridgerton.” Benedict raised his hand out gesturing to the girl standing a few steps away from us. Her mouth hung open at the same time as mine, both in utter shock of meeting the other in this type of situation. For my mothers enjoyment I must say this season looks to be an interesting one from my current perspective. 

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[fanfictiongirlie]

Twilight: Some Soulmate - Chapter Seventeen

Click here for masterlist

Parings: Paul Lahote x Reader

Description: Y/N a member of the Cullen family is imprinted on by one of the wolves, she is shocked, he is shocked. She is struggling with drinking animal blood over human, and he is disgusted by a vampire for a soulmate… But maybe it could work..?

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: None

Words: 1,092

The vampires started arriving, and soon our house was full, full of so many red eyes, most of which I had met, but there were a few I didn't know. 

It was always good to see our Denali cousins again, I hugged them all and mostly stayed close to him, the few vampires I didn't know didn't trust me or some members of my family and I didn't like how it felt. 

It was good seeing Garrett again, I had known him for a long while too, and our sarcastic sense of humours worked perfectly together. I followed him outside one day, my family were outside, Nessie was showing the two vampires from the Amazon her gift. I lent against a tree and watched them, they were showing Edward their gifts, however Bella could not see what he could see. 

And when Kate took Bella's hand in hers, it made sense, why Edward couldn't read her thoughts. 

"Edward you never told me your wife was a shield" Eleazar spoke softly, Carmen close behind him. 

"The ones I've met are so different" Edward answered. 

"What do you mean, I'm a shield?" Bella asked. 

"A shield, it means you can shield yourself from others gifts, potentially shield others" I explained. I had met a few shields before, and I tried to learn as much as I could from them, as I tried with most vampire gifts. 

"Could I protect others?" She asked. 

"Maybe, if you trained" I shrugged. 

The days were spent now with various vampires training Bella, more vampires appearing, and just overall vampire things. It was a little overwhelming. 

"I'm sure you could disappear for a day?" Edward suggested quietly to me. I nodded, knowing he could read my mind, he knew exactly what I wanted... Paul. He wouldn't come here, not with all these vampires. I couldn't blame him. 

I nodded quietly. 

"I think I may stay at his house tonight, will you tell Carlise and Esme please?" I thought, Edward nodded. Smiling I run to my room and grab a few things, before leaving, I chose to leave quietly. Not being noticed. I loved my family, but all these vampires were overwhelming. I ran through the forest hoping to not run into any of the new wolves, they were as patient as the others. They'd bite before they figured out who I was. 

I reached Paul's house in record time, and knocked on the door. When I did I finally thought maybe I should of called, or texted. And when the door opened I knew I definitely should of. A man answered the door; Paul's dad I think. 

"Hello?" He looked confused. 

"Hi, sorry, is Paul home?" I asked nervously, trying to remember all my human ticks I should be doing. 

"Yeah, he's upstairs, he's asleep though" The man explained. 

"Oh okay, never mind then" I smiled and went to turn around. 

"You're more than welcome to go upstairs, I suppose you're the girlfriend?" He asks, I nod. 

"Yes, it's nice to meet you" I smile, not extending my hand, I wasn't sure if he was a wolf, I didn't think so. 

"You too, just head up" He smiled, letting me in, I ran slowly upstairs and crept into Paul's room. He was sleeping, he must of been on patrol last night. 

Carefully I laid on the bed next to him, he stirred a little, but only to snuggle closer to me. I smiled widely. Who would of known he'd be such a softie? 

"Mmmm Y/n" He mumbled. I grinned and stroked his hair, enjoying the moment with him. 

"I love you" I whispered leaning down to kiss him forehead. He didn't wake, so I grabbed my phone and started playing random games whilst I waited. 

"Hello" His sleepy voice mumbled to me, I smiled and lean down to kiss his lips. 

"Hey" I smiled. 

"How long have you been here?" He asks me. 

"About an hour, your dad let me in" I answered "He also said to tell you he was going out and he'd be out late"

"Probably staying over at his new girlfriend's" Paul answered gruffly. 

"Can I stay the night?" I asked. 

"Of course, you don't need to ask" He smiled, reaching up to kiss my lips again.  "Mmm I love kissing you" He whispered against my lips. 

"Same here handsome" I whispered back. 

Paul sighed happily as his lips met mine again. I gently moved my lips against his, always worried I'd hurt him, I wouldn't of course, his wolf strength made it impossible for me to acciendelty hurt him. One of his hands grabbed my hip, pulling me close to him, whilst his other hand reached up to hold my face. God I was so in love with this man. 

"Marry me" I mumbled against his lips, I had only meant to think it. 

"Yes, anything for you" He mumbled back, his lips moving against mine more frantically. I could feel his desire for me, he wanted me. 

Soon, and I wasn't one hundred percent how, I was on top of Paul, kissing his lips hard, his hands were firmly on my hips, holding me tight moving me against him.

"Did you mean it?" He mumbled against my lips, his hands holding onto my hips, he pulled away from me and looked up at me with those gentle eyes that made me all goofy. 

"What part?" I asked, feeling slightly nervous, I didn't want to scare him away. 

"You asked me to marry you" He answered bluntly. 

"Oh yeah, that, I guess I did" I said, laughing nervously. 

"I was going to be the one to ask you" He grinned, pulling me down for another kiss. "I had it all planned out" Each word he seperated with a kiss. 

"Well I'm sorry" I answered, giggling softly. 

"I even have a ring" He spoke, his lips now kissing along my jawline. 

"You do?"

"I do, would you like to see it?" He asked and I nodded. He lifted me off him and opened the draw next to his bed, and pulled out a black velvet box. He handed it to me and I opened it, if I were human I'm sure I would have been breathless. 

"So Y/N, would you marry me? And I know it's very soon into our relationship but I promise I am serious about this" He spoke, rambling a bit. 

"Of course I will" I answered giggling, as he pulled me towards the bed, pressing his lips to mine once more. 

Previous Part - Next Part

[getyourdirtyhandsoffme]

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑: MALE READER (FTM SAFE)

-> POC SAFE 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒): Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Non-idol Jeongin, random, non-existent village that I made 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: It was a tradition in your kingdom for a stranger to give flowers to a person they fell for. You always get flowers from strange men and woman but none of them caught your attention. None of them gave you a good reason why they liked you until one man changed your life. 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆(𝐒): The reader has trust issues, he is very much hard to get but has his reasons, the reader mentions to have insecurities about their looks for a bit, mentions of looks, mentions of the word "Sexual" called "beautiful" once or twice. Called "attractive" a couple of times, mentions of food. Cursing. Mentions of bullying but not on the reader. Mentions Minho and Hyunjin once and the Lee family (Lee Felix). This is mad corny and I hate being corny and cheesy sometimes. 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄: Sigh, I just need more male/gender neutral readers. I had the sudden urge to make a male reader.

Thank you for reading this blog, if you want to, please like, reblog or comment to show your love and support!

In the kingdom of Miroh, there was a known tradition that was used many years ago. It was like courting in a way—well, most definitely courting...

Tradition for a male, female, or whatever gender you identify as being to bring a beautiful flower from the Wysteria garden up North, pick the flower they think is a perfect match for their crush, and put it on their doorstep.

It may seem strange because why would a random stranger court another random stranger?

Well, it's love at first sight until you get rejected, then it's second or third, depending on how desperate the person is.

The courting lasts for one week; within those days, it is always the same flower and then a letter about themselves with the crush responding back, until finally, when Friday hits, they are supposed to not only have a flower on that crush's doorstep but even the secret admirer to confess their feelings. Using those exact words:

"My love for you is as fresh as these flowers. Please accept my love for you!"

Everyone knows those exact words and always uses them in hopes of getting accepted. One person thought it was dumb, which is [Male Reader].

Of course, you didn't think of that at first. When you turned 18, you were honestly excited to be courted. You would rather have the person court you, so you get to know the reasons why that person likes you.

You didn't find yourself to be quite charming like the other boys or girls, so you kind of didn't expect to get one until you opened the door to find a beautiful rose bouquet waiting for you.

You were so excited—you were even thrilled that someone out there liked you until you didn't.

Friday came along, and [Male Reader] got ready in hopes of seeing their future lover. When you opened the door, the man looked quite older than you; however, he was not bad-looking.

He extended his hand to you, almost shoving the flowers against your chest, then said those exact words to court someone when you finally met them face-to-face.

"My love for you is as fresh as these flowers. Please accept my love for you!"

The man's voice was soft, and you couldn't help but smile. Even though you were happy, you were curious about why he had chosen you. When you questioned him, the man stood there like a fool.

When he explains it to you, your smile slowly turns into a small frown. His explanation icked you, sending the flowers to his chest.

"You only like me because you find me attractive? Is that all? I'm just sexually appealing to you, is that all? What other reasons besides liking me? Those responses I made didn't attract your interest."

You shouted at him as he just looked at you in shock.

"What else is there to like?"

What else is there to like?

You are now 21.

Those are the exact words you hear every time someone tries to court you. They only liked you because you were attractive. They didn't even try to read the response you made, so you became less interested in the stories in their envelopes.

What's the point of reading it if they are not interested in your life story, only your looks?

You rejected every piece immediately, not even giving the poor secret admirer a chance.

Now that's a tradition for you.

Every time they give you their reason, it's always the word attractive, to the point where you feel uncomfortable hearing that word.

Just because of that, it became a challenge for others in the village to get you, and honestly, it annoyed you even more.

You told your friends, like Minho and Hyunjin, who both thought it was a good idea to just smack and run, and honestly, you don't feel like dealing with more drama, but they were still there to show their support and help you as much as they could.

Months have passed, and the dumb challenge has withered down a bit as they have grown tired of trying to court you.

They even add some sly remarks about you, which, honestly, you didn't give two shits about; however, you were honestly happy that people have given up on you, and you might have even given up on love as well.

Until you arrived at your house at night to see a bouquet of flowers in front of your doorstep.

You sighed, yet it intrigued you since no one has ever given you flowers around this time.

You looked around, but you saw no one but other houses with their lights turned off. You just assumed it was left there when you left to go hang out with your friends in the morning.

You grabbed the bouquet and tossed it to the side to show you were rejecting it without even looking at what type of flower it was. You assumed it was another bouquet of roses as you unlocked the front door and went inside to take a shower and sleep.

You assume this secret admirer was persistent.

Every night you hear a knock on your door, and you open to see a bouquet of flowers on your doorstep. You always toss it to the side until Wednesday, when you finally just keep it inside, even taking the ones you toss.

You notice how each flower is different.

Monday: Pine

Tuesday: Heather, but it was lavender-colored.

Wednesday: Pink Rose

Thursday: Iris

Each has its own separate meaning; you learned about this since you volunteered for community service as a garden helper.

You even notice how this person only sends poems, not an introduction. It was short, yet you couldn't help but feel cheesy on the inside.

You even feel slightly happy that there was a change and not just the same pattern.

As expected, you waited by the door in hopes of encountering this secret admirer since, as per tradition, Friday is where you meet face-to-face but you didn't hear any knock.

The flowers that the secret admirer is slowly losing lose their shape and color, just like you are losing yours.

The only thing that has withered is the pine that was placed in the bowl with other decorations. You felt yourself losing touch with everyone around you.

Maybe you just weren't meant for love.

Or maybe

People weren't just meant to have you.

You don't even know.

It's silly to feel this way about a secret admirer. It never affected you like this before, so why does this dumb secret admirer affect you now?

You know why.

Their different.

The flowers are different, the poems are different, and even the time is different.

So you assumed that this person was different.

Just that, maybe you found the one for you.

But they still haven't shown up. Not a single flower, not a single poem, not a single thing. It hurts your heart; it really did, so you cried again.

How pathetic to cry over a secret admirer—a different one, to be exact.

You kept crying until a knock was heard in front of your door. You stop crying as you quickly get up, hoping it was the admirer, until you open the door to see just a random delivery woman smiling at you.

You tried to smile back, but the pain didn't let you.

"Here you, Mr. [last name]! I hope you have a good day!" You waved at her as you walked back inside, tossing the mail on the dining table.

You didn't even bother looking at it as you grabbed some water to cool you down.

You walk back to the dining table and look down to see the mail. It was just newspapers and marketing until one envelope caught your eye.

The handwriting.

You recognize that handwriting anywhere, the poet.

You quickly opened the envelope and read what was inside.

Dear, [First and Last name]

Hello, how are you?

First, I want to start with an apology. I didn't mean to ignore you for four days; things have happened on my end, and I have gone to the hospital because of that. But have no fear; I am alright. Just a fractured leg, but it will heal!

Second, in hopes of having a way to get you to forgive me, please visit me at the Wysteria garden you used to work at.

I know it sounds strange, but I really want to meet you face-to-face so please give me another chance to redeem myself for you.

If you don't wish to see me, that is fine. I respect your decision, but please consider this offer!

Love, Secret admirer

You couldn't believe what you were reading. First off, you quickly got worried when this person mentioned being in the hospital.

Second, did this person know you before?

You tried to think, but nothing came, but you did want to meet this person. You got up, quickly changed into your best outfit once again, and walked out to Wysteria Garden up north.

You felt almost scared, yet excited.

You feel yourself shaking as you continue walking through the gravel road, ignoring everyone around you as you just keep on thinking about the secret admirer.

 

As you reach your destination, You notice how the garden still looked the same when you were 18 years old.

The same design, the same flowers, and probably the same wooden swing set up the hill where the cherry tree was.

You look around, but you don't see anyone.

You look up at the hill; you don't really see anyone up there, but you didn't want to think that since it was quite high to see what's up there, so you walked up the hill.

As you climb, you see clearly that, in fact, the cherry tree with a swing set connected to it is exactly the same, just like you said.

You made it up, but you don't see anyone.

You frowned a bit as you walked up to the swing, sitting yourself down as you rocked back and forward on the swing, signing a bit until you heard footsteps coming behind you.

You quickly got off and turned around to see a man, almost young but probably not younger than you.

You even notice that one hand was behind his back while the other was placed in his chest.

His face was turning red as he shyly scratched his neck while looking at you. His face always looked like a fox, which you thought was quite cute.

You waited for him to say something, but it seems like he couldn't, so you step in.

"Um, hi? Are you the one who gave me the flowers and poems?" You questioned. The man slowly nodded as you watched him try to calm himself down.

"Hey, it's alright; I don't bite unless you are doing this just for this dumb challenge."

The man quickly shook his head while shouting "no" at you. He quickly shuts his mouth, then finally opens it again to speak.

"N-No! Of course not! I would never! This is real; my feelings for you are real! You want to sit down?" The man stutters but still finds a way to finish his sentence.

You just nodded as you sat down on the ground and watched the man carefully set himself down, biting his lips to ignore the pain from his leg.

"Are you alright?" He quickly just nods as he looks at you.

You looked at him back, even though it was very awkward. You didn't know what to say, so you just waited for him.

"Well, sorry, um. I should introduce myself since I didn't do those introduction papers. Um, my name is Yang Jeongin. I'm part of the Yang family; you might know me from my father being a priest or my mom being a baker with the Lee family."

You nodded as you said his name in your head.

"I'm 22 years old, so it should be a fine age for you to probably date me." He said it shyly as he pondered what else to say.

"I like to help people like mom and dad with stuff. I like to sing, um. My favorite color is green. Yeah, uh, sorry, this is my first time doing this tradition!" He quickly apologized and bit his lip again.

You smiled.

"It's okay; take your time."

He nodded until his eyes opened wide, almost like he forgot something. He quickly extends both of his hands to show you a flower—a red chrysanthemum flower, to be exact.

Love and passion

Then he says his words:

"My love for you..." He mumbles a bit, almost like he couldn't decide what to do or say.

He sighs as he sits up confidently and looks at you with a serious face as he extends his hands comfortably and gently this time.

My love for you...

"My love for you is not like the others. Yes, it's fresh, but it's new, and I want to be the right one for you! So please, if you like, accept my love, [male reader], and be the love of my life!"

He shouts as he shuts his eyes, waiting for the rejection to come; however, he didn't hear any.

He opens your eyes to see you in shock.

Those words, you repeated them in your head. It wasn't the same as that stupid, repeated sentence in those traditions.

It was new; it was different.

He is different.

But you didn't let that affect you for now, as you were curious. You always are; you wanted to know why this stranger, Yang Jeongin, liked you.

He could be different, but his reasons might be the same as others.

You didn't want that.

"Well then, Yang Jeongin, tell me, why do you like me?"

You assume he was going to hesitate and say something about you just being attractive, but none of that was said by him.

"Because you helped me. I know it's dumb, and you might not remember that back when we were 14 or 15, you were there when those bullies treated me. They disliked the way I looked; they feared me. Almost everyone did, but you didn't. You didn't fear me; you stuck up for me. I felt protected when I was with you, so when I saw you again at the bakery, my heart couldn't stop fluttering. I loved you when you first helped me. You protected me, and now I want to protect you from the people who hurt you. You are beautiful. A beautiful mind, a loving personality, even the confidence gave me a boost of life, so place, accept my love so I can cherish you each night and day."

You were stunned; you didn't even notice that you were crying.

Jeongin quickly reached out to you, but when he did, you quickly grabbed him and kissed him on the lips. He froze in shock until he gave in, kissing you back. He was almost dropping the chrysanthemum flower from his hand.

You pulled back as you noticed how red he had become.

"I'm quite sad that I managed to forget you. High school really took a toll on me, but I'm so grateful and happy. Thank you! Not only that, you don't even know much about me. We can change that." You smiled as you grabbed him by the arm as you both carefully walked down from the hill to the garden house for the both of you to talk and get to know each other.

You felt loved.

And honestly, you felt lucky to find someone like him.

Your flower boy.

I don't know if I should tag them (if they want to be tagged, honestly wasn't sure) or just reblog their post but I wanted to tag them since I'm not the one who made the dividers nor gifs! Thank you!

Dividers credits: @v6que and @florietas

Gif credits: @yang-innie

Again, thank you for reading!

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

This may be an out-there one but stick with me for a sec! I remember Leona going off to Jamil about how Kalim’s best asset is that he’s friendly and he knows how to use that to sway people whether he knows it or not. With that in mind, may we see Kalim’s magical charms work on Maleficia?

Consider this interaction as a part 2 to this one! They just happen to flow together really well.

P.S. For no reason at all, you should totally go read Jade's School Uniform vignette :))

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

A single spot of sunshine lit up all of Diasomnia's dank, gloomy lounge.

Kalim, a gargantuan smile plastered on his face, was seated at a table, playfully swinging his legs back and forth. He had with him a portable stove and a tea set, both ridiculously fine and expensive. His friend Silver would soon be there, and the two would delight in sharing an afternoon snack and catching up on one another's lives.

I wonder when he’ll get here! Kalim thought, angling his head toward the doors that spilled into the room. He said he was meeting up with his dad first, so maybe they’ll come together?

From a corridor came faint voices, low and calm, like lost souls afraid to startle their own shadows. The shapes of two people extended along a stony wall, green candlelight haloing them as they approached. Their forms steadily grew larger and larger until they had, at last, consumed all light.

"Silver?" Kalim called as he hopped out of his chair.

A pair entered the lounge, chasing away the sun in favor of the stars. Cloaked in black and pale-faced, inhuman horns protruding from their heads, they heralded in the night and bad dreams like the monsters from under one’s bed.

Kalim greeted them with cheer anyway.

“It’s you, Malleus!! You’re with your family today, huh?” he cried out, excitedly waving at the duo. “Didn’t think I’d run into you. Usually you’re so hard to find for meetings!"

“Asim. I had not expected to encounter you myself.” The corner of the prince's mouth lifted into a slight smirk. "Perhaps you've not looked hard enough."

"Gahahah! I'll try harder next time then!"

“Who might this be, Malleus?”

“Excuse me.” His eyes slid to the woman beside him as gestured toward Kalim. “Grandmother, I give you Kalim Al-Asim, a fellow dorm leader. Asim, my grandmother, and current queen of Briar Valley.”

“Your grandma?!” Kalim’s exclamation echoed off the cavernous walls. There was no effort to conceal his shock, not in tone nor in face. “Whoa, I never would have known…! I thought she was your sister or something! You look a lot alike.”

Maleficia chuckled darkly. “We fae mature quite differently than humans. Our true age rarely shows.”

“So you look a lot younger than you actually are? That’s so cool!” Kalim laughed, oblivious to his own brashness as he ran his mouth. “There’s someone in my year level that’s kind of like that too. Have you met Riddle? He looks small but he’s actually super smart and responsible! I really look up to him!”

Maleficia nodded as she patiently listened in.

Next to her, Malleus slowly surveyed the room, then allowed his gaze to drift back to Kalim. “If I may ask, where have your own relatives, Asim? Were they not to accompany you today?"

“Oh, that!! Only dad could make it this year. He had to take an important business call, so he said go hang out with some friends and he’ll catch up with me later!”

Kalim indicated the canister beside his tea making supplies. “He brought back a new blend from one of his trading partners. It’s a rare tea made with petals and buds from the Queendom of Roses and Briar Valley. That’s where Silver’s from, so I wanted to share it with him!”

“A tea made in part with plants from the Briar Valley, you say…” Malleus cradled his chin in one hand. “Most intriguing. Our kingdom is a small, isolated one. It is not often that our culture is able to merge with that of another."

“The Queendom of Roses is the country east of our continent,” Maleficia said sagely. "It is not only known for its roses, but all kinds of flowers that blossom in the springtime. Being that our Briar Valley is more northward, our flora tends to be much hardier than that of the Queendom."

"That means your flowers and theirs are different somehow, right? It's neat how someone thought to bring roses from two completely different places together!" Kalim grinned widely. "It's like going to a feast where each guest brings a dish from their culture so everyone can have a taste of where they come from.”

Maleficia stared at the young man, her expression indiscernable.

“Oh yeah, if you guys are interested in it, you can try some!” Kalim offered.

Malleus cocked his head. "I believe you stated that your intention was to share the tea with Silver?"

"Don't be shy! It's my treat, and there's plenty to go around! I'll go and brew it. Take a seat while you wait!"

“Hmm, if you are offering… I suppose it would be rude of us to refuse your thoughtful invitation. Grandmother?”

“No objections.”

The Draconias slunk to the table and sat, their lithe forms melded with the quilted leather chairs. They looked right at home with their refined posture, commanding the lounge from their thrones without so much as lifting a finger.

Kalim appeared like nothing more than an attendant in the powerful presence of royalty, buzzing about and fiddling with various tools as he set to making the tea.

Removing the lid off of his kettle, he poured in enough water to fill most of the vessel up. Kalim set it upon the portable stove and cranked the heat up. A soft electric hum started, and the flat disc upon which the kettle sat slowly warmed.

“What a strange device," Malleus mused, his brows creasing at the various dials and settings on the stove. "Would it not be more efficient to prepare the tea with magic? A single puff of fire breath would also suffice to hasten the tea."

"Probably! But you two are my guests. It's my job to feed you and make sure you're enjoying yourselves! This is my way of doing that."

As he talked, Kalim kept his hands in motion. He popped the cap off of his cannister, scooping out unassuming mounds of dried leaves and flowers and letting them fall into each teacup. First, the queen's, then Malleus's, and himself last.

"In my home country, guests are always served before the host. It's to welcome people into our homes. 'You're my friend, and I respect you. I want to honor you with food and drink, to treat you like you're a member of my family.' That's the feeling behind it!"

“I see. So this is the hospitality that comes specifically from the Scalding Sands.” A small smile formed on Malleus’s lips. “I do recall similar kindness from my trip to Silk City. The people of the Scalding Sands are very friendly and warm, much like the sun.”

“The times have certainly changed,” Maleficia remarked. “Back in my day, the children of man were not quite so open-minded. To invite fae to any gathering was to invite danger—such was the common sentiment.”

“Ahhh, that’s too bad. Being left out of a party never feels good!” Kalim let a rare frown appear. “I guess I never realized how lucky I am to live in a time where all kinds of people can be friends.”

The kettle rattled on the stove, a high-pitched whistle erupting from its spout. He swiftly removed it by the handle, and set to pouring hot clear liquid into Maleficia’s cup, then Malleus’s, and his own. Curtains of steam rose up, hiding his features as he chewed on his thoughts.

“Silk City wasn’t always as big as it is now,” Kalim finally said. “My ancestors found a way to use the waterways for trade. It connected us to new information, goods, and people. Then over time, the population grew into the big community we know today.

“Things changed a lot! I’m thankful that they did, because that means all of us can experience so much more together, like this tea. The world really opened up to us.”

The leaves and rosebuds started to unfurl, their colors and flavors seeping into the hot water. A subtly sweet, mellow scent wafted up, filling the lounge with a flowery perfume.

“Indeed, it has.” Maleficia agreed. “Our Briar Valley is set in its ways, yet the world around it seems to constantly shift. I did not think I would live to see the day a child of man so fearlessly entertains me for tea myself—but here we are, fae and human, on equal terms.”

She reached over and squeezed Malleus’s hand. He laid another over hers and smiled back. There was something sad and haunting in their eyes, a mutual understanding of something far darker than their words would allow.

“Yeah, it’s great that we can do stuff like this without worrying anymore! Speaking of, I think the tea’s about done brewing. One last final touch…”

Kalim picked up his entire sugar pot and inverted it over Maleficia’s cup. Several cubes tumbled out and splashed into the beverage. The typically composed queen startled at the sugar and tea concoction (especially when Kalim produced another sugar pot and proceeded to do the same to Malleus’s cup).

“Is this… customary?” Maleficia carefully inquired.

“No, we’d usually add more! Luxurious tea is sweet tea!!” Kalim responded, totally oblivious to her shock. “I thought I’d just be serving Silver today though, so I bought way less sugar than I usually do. I hope it’s still to your liking though!”

“Ah, this style of tea would be the same kind I was served in Silk City. The… exceedingly sweet kind,” Malleus said warily. He spoke no more, but the warning had already made itself evident.

“… I understand. This dish is an integral part of your culture.” Maleficia lifted her cup with the grace and elegance befitting of a queen. “I shall partake in your saccharine fare… Asim, was it?”

“Yup, that’s me! Kalim Al-Asim.”

“Fufu. I will remember your name and face, Kalim Al-Asim. Of that, you can be certain. After all, I had the opportunity to hear many interesting things from you. It would not do to forget such an important individual—and a beloved companion to my Malleus.”

She swallowed her overly sugared tea without flinching. It was strong, peppered with floral notes—two adjacent springtimes at the same threshold. To one side, the Queendom with a sweet medley of rainbow flowers clustered around its roses. To the other, the once great Briar Country, its rosen blooms shrouded by bitter bramble.

So different, yet still meeting in the middle. Humans and fae, reconciling under the same sun.

“How is it?”

Maleficia slowly lowered the cup from her lips. They ached from the sugar in a single sip, yet she was satisfied all the same.

“It was delicious.”

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Galileo Galilei Main Story

Translations may not always capture the exact nuances or tone of the original text. Expect grammatical errors and inaccuracies.

I want to see Galileo's past with my own eyes and understand his feelings.

I want to face the real him.

With these thoughts, I continued walking down the hallway.

Soon, I was enveloped in a white light.

When I opened my eyes again after closing them against the brightness, the scenery had completely changed.

(Where's this? It doesn't look like the streets of Paris, and the era seems a bit old.)

(Is Galileo somewhere in this town?)

As I wandered the streets, adjusting my eyes to the darkness, I bumped into a man.

Mitsuki: "I'm sorry."

I looked up, and my eyes met amethyst ones.

(Galileo!?)

Galileo: "No, I'm the one who should apologize."

Even in the dark, his beautiful eyes, illuminated by a faint light, were unmistakable.

However, there was one significant difference from the Galileo I knew.

(He has blond hair.)

His golden hair was faintly shining in the light.

(This is Galileo from the past.)

I was relieved that I had successfully traveled back in time, but I was also captivated by his unexpected appearance.

Galileo: "Are you alone?"

Mitsuki: "Huh? Ah, yes."

My voice slightly wavered as he suddenly talked to me.

Galileo: "It's dangerous for a woman to walk alone at this time of night."

Galileo: "I'll walk you home."

Mitsuki: "Um, I'm traveling."

Galileo: "Then, I'll take you to your inn."

(He's not that intimidating, but his calm tone is unmistakably him.)

Though he looked confused, there was no sign of annoyance—just pure kindness.

As I internally panicked, trying to figure out how to handle the situation, he extended his hand toward me.

Galileo: "It's dark. You might get lost, so hold my hand."

Mitsuki: "Okay."

Before I could think, I took his hand.

He gently squeezed my hand in return, and my heart skipped a beat.

(Even now, his hands are cold.)

I felt a ticklish sensation from encountering an unknown side of him that I still recognized.

As he gently led me along the path like a gentleman, I boldly spoke to him.

Mitsuki: "Um, do you live in this town?"

Galileo: "Yeah, with my family. It's a nice town, but I don't approve of women walking alone at night."

Mitsuki: "I'm sorry, but there's something I really wanted to see."

Galileo: "Something you wanted to see?"

His tone carried a question as he glanced slightly toward me.

Mitsuki: "I can't explain in detail, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes."

Mitsuki: "I've come this far to uncover the truth about someone."

(Across time, to reach you.)

Galileo: "I see."

Without probing further, Galileo returned his gaze forward.

As we approached a crossroads, I told him this was far enough and reluctantly let go of his hand.

Mitsuki: "Thank you."

Galileo: "Yeah."

(He probably doesn't remember meeting me here.)

I wondered if this unexpected encounter might have any impact, but it was so dark that he probably didn't see my face. 

He turned back slightly, returning a nod.

Galileo: "I hope you find your truth."

(.........)

He said, "Excuse me," and headed towards the line of houses.

(I'm sorry for doing something so sneaky.)

I followed him until he reached a small house. After he went inside, I quietly peeked through the window.

Galileo: "I'm home. Virginia, Livia, Michelangelo."

Michelangelo: "Welcome back, big bro!"

Livia: "You're late!"

Galileo: "Sorry, the lecture ran longer than expected."

The children ran to him as if they had been eagerly waiting for his return.

(Galileo has a younger brother and sisters.)

Virginia: "Hurry, brother. It's Livia's birthday today!"

Galileo: "I know. Happy birthday, Livia."

He narrowed his eyes and patted his little sister's head.

His eyes showed a deep, genuine affection.

(He looks so happy.)

His unclouded smile made my heart warm and beat faster.

Their parents appeared, and the family spent time celebrating Livia's birthday.

Later, they went out to a flower field as a family.

While his mother held his younger siblings' hands and looked up at the starry sky in excitement, Galileo sat down beside his father.

Galileo's father: "Galileo, has anyone noticed your secret?"

Galileo: "It's fine, Dad."

Galileo's father: "Good. I'm worried because, unlike those kids, you're a dhampir."

Galileo: "I'm worried, too. After all, you are a pureblood."

From their conversation, it seemed that, unlike him, his siblings were human.

(Are his siblings not related to him by blood? Is Galileo the only dhampir?)

His father sighed softly, looking at his son with gentle eyes.

Galileo's father: "Galileo, there are three races in this world."

Galileo: "It's the story you've told me many times. One of the three races created by God is humans."

Galileo: "Another group is the vampires, who inherit the miracle of eternal life from the founder."

Galileo: "And the last one is the dhampirs, who inherit the blood of both races and are born rarely."

Galileo's Father: "Yeah, that's right."

Galileo's Father: "Vampires sustain themselves on blood. Because of this, they often find themselves in conflict with humans."

Galileo's father: "I believe that someday we can coexist peacefully. I believe in a peaceful future where hearts transcend the differences in our races."

Galileo: "Father..."

Galileo's father: "Hearts can connect across racial divides, just like our family."

Galileo's father: "As a dhampir, you can be a bridge between humans and vampires."

Galileo: "A bridge, huh? I hope I can live up to that."

Taking in his father's words, Galileo gazed up at the sky.

Galileo: "To achieve that, I'll acquire knowledge and contribute to earning people's recognition. Someday, I want to reveal the truth."

Galileo: "I want to change the world where people hold hands and live together. That's what I believe."

Galileo's father: "It's our dream as father and son."

They share their dreams under the twinkling stars above.

Smiling, his father picked up a stringed instrument he had set aside.

Galileo's father: "I'm in a good mood. Let's play a tune."

Galileo: "I'd like that. I always liked the sound of you playing the lute."

Galileo's father: "Then, let's dedicate it to Livia's birthday and our dreams."

Plucking the strings, his father created delicate and melodious tones that filled the air.

The tone caressed the petals, spreading through the air and wrenching at my heart with a bittersweet ache.

(He dreamed of vampires and humans coexisting.)

Galileo's family was warm and close-knit. They wished that the world could be filled with the same scene everywhere.

(But he abandoned that dream.)

Now, he has a goal that is the opposite of his dream: the destruction of the world.

(He seemed so happy.)

(I'm scared to think about what might happen to him in the future, but I have to witness it with my own eyes.)

With determination, I pressed my hand against my chest and looked again, only to see his younger sister running up to him.

Livia: "Big brother, I can't make the flower crown properly."

Galileo: "Let me see."

He skillfully weaved the flowers into a crown and tied the white ribbon that Livia held.

Galileo: "Here you go. Happy birthday, Livia."

Livia: "Wow, it's so cute! Thank you, big brother!"

Livia happily put on the flower crown, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Livia: "Hey, big brother. Can you tell me a story about the stars?"

Galileo: "Sure. Come here. Which story should I tell tonight?"

Galileo lifted Livia onto his lap.

Their mother and siblings listened as he weaved his tale, accompanied by the melody of the lute, spreading out into the starry sky.

Previous Part ╎ Masterlist ╎ Next Part

[natsgrave]

IN THE NEXT LIFETIME | natasha romanoff

but in those photos, i saw us instead and, somehow, i know that you and i would've found each other in another life. you still would've turned my head even if we'd met. you're always gonna be mine, we're gonna be timeless. → warnings: mention of blood and shooting. ( kinda cheating as well ) ps; some tenses may be wrong and i'm so sorry for that. again, english is not my first language so excuse my poor grammar and writing style. but i do hope you enjoy this story of mine! ( song inspired. the song is made by Ben&Ben ) i do not give permission for my work to be copied or translated on other sites. plagiarism is a crime! masterlist whispers of heartache m.list

I'm Y/N Y/L/N also known as the perfect daughter of the General in the Philippines. But let me tell you a secret, I like girls and no one knows. not even my parents because as their daughter, I need to live with their expectations. not just for them but also for the public, I need to protect our family name and reputation.

While I'm reading a book there's a knock in my door that caught my attention. I shouted a "come in" and when the door opens, it revealed my father with a wide smile.

"Someone looks happy," I pointed out and he laughs before sitting beside my bed. I fixed myself and lean my back at the headboard.

"I have something to tell you, a good news." He said, "Really?" I said with a smile and he nods.

"Well, you know the son of General Rogers in America?" Father asked and I nod, "Both of you are getting married." He finishes and I felt my world crashed.

Not only because I'm getting married to a man but also because I'm getting married to someone I don't even know.

"They'll be coming here to prepare for the wedding in a few weeks." He added snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Wait, that soon!? I don't even get a chance to know him, to bond with him then all of a sudden we're getting married?" I said seriously.

"Don't worry, daughter. We just gonna prepare for it but you still have 2 months to know each other," He said and kissed my forehead, "I'll leave you now, I have something to do." And with that he left my room without saying another word.

I closed my already forgotten book harshly. I was so shocked by the news that I stayed at my place without doing anything. What the fuck just happened?

Now, that was 2 weeks ago. And today, here we are greeting the Rogers family.

"General Rogers, it was nice to finally see you again." My father said with a smile which Mr. Rogers returned.

"It was nice to see you too again, General Y/LN. This is my son, Steve Rogers." He introduced the guy standing beside him.

He's tall, muscular, and let's say he's handsome but that doesn't change the fact that I like women and not guys.

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you, Steve. This is my daughter, Y/N." Father said and pulled me beside him. I put a fake smile and extend my hand, "Hi, it's nice to meet you." Steve gladly accepted my hand with a smile on his face, "You look gorgeous, miss Y/LN." He said and if I can just say it out loud, I'd totally tell him that it cringes me.

"Thankyou, Steve. You don't look bad yourself." I complimented back and we stayed silent just looking at each other's eyes.

"Come on in, let's talk about the wedding." Father said breaking our eye contact and I extracted my hand from him.

Few hours later, and here they are, still talking about the wedding and let me tell you, it's boring as fuck and I don't know how Steve can be so interested in this. I excuse myself and walked to the garden seeing a redhead standing alone.

"Hey," I said making my presence know, she turned around and when she saw me she bows a little before looking at me with a small smile.

"When did you get here?" I asked as I stand beside her.

"Along with the Rogers family, miss Y/LN." She respectfully said and I chuckled making her look at me confused, "Why are you laughing?" The woman asked and I shook my head. "Nothing, and please call me Y/N." I said and she smiled before walking around the garden.

"What's your name by the way? and are you Steve's sister?" I asked looking at her while following.

"I'm Natasha and no, I'm not her sister. I'm... their maid." She said whispering the last part.

"Hey, don't be ashamed. Being maid is nothing to be ashamed of, it's a decent job." I said causing her to smiled at me widely. "Thankyou."

The day continues and we're getting to know eachother, she have a sister and her name was Yelena. Her parents name was Melina and Alexei. Talking to her was comfortable and there's no awkward space between us like we've known each other for so long.

Her laugh is so good to my ears, her eyes that I can look forever along with her smile that made me feel weird things. As the day comes to an end, she excuse herself to do her job. She goes first before I followed few minutes after.

"Where have you been?" Father asked once they saw me entered the dining room.

"Just walking around the garden. I'm sorry, got lost track of time." I said and sat down noticing Natasha standing on the other side along with the other maids. I sent her a smile which she returned.

"How's your day everyone?" I asked while the maids do their job, serving us.

"It's good, but it'll be much better if you're there with us to organize the plans." Steve said with a smile which I return.

We continue the night talking about what they want and plans while I kept stealing glances at Natasha. When she caught me sometimes, I'll just send her a smile which gladly, she returns.

As the days goes by, I've been learning more and more about Natasha. we're hanging out more than we should have. more than me and Steve would probably talk.

Everyday, I tried to act enthusiastically in front of everyone until I got tired and go to my spot, where I met Natasha for the first time. It becomes our spot.

Until there's this night that I realized, I fell inlove. with her. It maybe be risky but that's what I feel and I decided to face it.

"Steve?" I called out for him.

"Yes, Y/N?" He asked and gave me his full attention.

"Can I borrow Natasha? I need to talk to her." I said and he furrowed his eyebrows. "Did she do something?" Steve asked and ready to go out and find Natasha.

This is also the thing that I've learned from him, he's nice, caring, and sweet. Steve Rogers is a very good man. A gentleman and thoughtful. He is every girl's dream boy but not me.

I stopped him, "Steve, no, she didn't do anything. I just needed to talk to her." I calmed him down, "Are you sure?" he asked and I simply nodded.

He gave me a warm smile before letting me find Natasha. I went to her room and knocked for a couple of times before hearing a foot steps followed by the door opening revealing the newly woke up girl.

"Hey, I'm sorry, did I wake you up? I can go if you want." I said and ready to leave when she stopped me. "No, it's okay. Please, come in." She said yawning before stepping aside.

"I have something to tell you." I told her seriously sitting at the edge of her bed.

"Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry, please don't tell them to fired me." Natasha begged and kneel in front of me.

"Hey, no, please listen to me first." I said and pulled her to sit beside me.

I lift her chin and wiped the tears that fell into her beautiful face. She looks at me in the eyes and I swear to every guardian, I'm falling for her even more without her doing anything.

"I like you." I suddenly blurted out. My eyes widen and she looks at me shocked.

"I- uh, what?" She asked can't comprehend what I just confessed.

Fuck! now or never?

I took a deep breath before holding her hands, "I like you. I realized that I fell for you already and I just, I can't hide it. I like you and I don't care if you like me too or not. I just like you." I confess.

She smiled at me with a blush on her face, "I-I like you too," Natasha confessed and it makes me smile widely. "Really?" She nods and I hugged her tight.

"Oh my god, this is definitely one of the happiest moment in my life." I said making her giggle. "Me too, Y/N. Me too."

After that night, we now always keep stealing glances at eachother. We keep our relationship a secret for obvious reasons. We would sneak out late at night to each other's room and come back soon before the others woke up.

Then, this night comes. The night before the wedding, everyone was here. My father and Steve's family's friends. All of them are having fun while all I want is this night to end and be on Natasha's arms.

We dance around, talk, and laugh while I felt two pair of eyes watching me. I look around and found Natasha looking at me. I gave her a smile and mouthed 'I love you' which she replied with 'I love you too'

We continued the night until this one soldier came to my father and whispered something to him changing his all happy demeanour to anger.

He left the room and I excuse myself following him behind. I saw him went to the garden and found Natasha was there also. I stayed behind waiting what he's going to do until I saw him pulled his gun out and pointed it to Natasha.

Before he can pull the trigger, I put myself between them catching and feeling the bullet goes to my back. Natasha turned around and saw me, she instantly smile but fades away when I collapsed in her.

"Oh my god, Y/N? Are you okay? What's going on?" She asked panicking and saw blood comes out to my mouth, "Y/N?" Natasha looked up and saw my father holding a gun. "Shit, Y/N? Don't close your eyes, please." She said and tears start to form on her eyes, the people started to fill in and saw the situation.

"What happened?" Steve asked and sat beside me, "Natasha? what happened?"

"I-I don't know, she just- her father," She said unable to speak straight without being interrupted by her tears.

"It supposed to be you! You're supposed to be the one who's laying down there right now!" I heard my father shout, "you- you're having an affair with my daughter!"

Steve looked at her with a mad expression while she focused her attention to me, Steve was about to say something when I beat him to it.

"Please, don't blame her on anything. I confessed first, I did this because I want this. I'm sorry Steve but I never loved you, I-I just don't want to disappoint my father that's why I said yes to this," I stopped catching my breath, "Let her live. Let her be with her family, please, for me." I said as tears start to come out.

"Please," I whispered and he nods, I look at Natasha and smiled weakly, "I love you, always and forever. Meet me in another life, my love." I felt my eyelids starting to feel heavy while they were begging to keep my eyes open, there was screaming, crying, and all.

"Please, don't leave me, I love you!" I heard Natasha until all I heard is nothing but silence.

Few months after, everyone's been moving on with their lives. It's hard for them especially your parents but it's harder for Natasha. You showed her the love she deserves, you loved her for who she is, and didn't leave her side until the end.

When she lost you, she also lost her life. Her motivation to live and not even her family can make her happy anymore. She can't find any color to her life now that you're gone. She barely eats and go out to her room, all she do is to think about you, cry and grieve for you.

Thinking, what her life would be if you're still together and building your dreams for each other. Slowly, she's starting to feel ill and don't want to drink any medicine or to be better. She wants to be with you and if this is the only way, then so fucking be it. ---

"That's the story of them, they both died in the end," The tourist guy said, "You may continue your journey now, thankyou for listening."

"Wow, that was something." The girl said and continue walking around the museum until one painting caught up her attention.

A painting of a woman holding a book. The woman of the guy's story, the woman who looked exactly like her but she's sure that they are not related.

She took a better look at the painting and saw the notebook in the painting has a page indicated to it. Page 28.

After a few strolls, she couldn't take away her mind from the painting. She went to the nearest coffee shop and start to do a research.

'Y/N Y/LN daughter of General Y/LN of the Philippines.'

They even have the same name, she looked for some more and came across an article that says about the love life of the woman in the painting. An image is attached to the article. It was a part of the notebook and it was on page 28.

"I don’t know how it is you are so familiar to me or why it feels less like I am getting to know you and more as though I am remembering who you are. How every smile, every whisper brings me closer to the impossible conclusion that I have known you before, I have loved you before– in another time, a different place– some other existence.”  - Lang Leav

She read it out loud and felt something weird in her heart. The woman started to think that she and the woman in the painting are the same person. She looks back at the article and scrolls down some more and saw a painting of a woman with red hair holding the same notebook and indicates the page 31.

“It feels bittersweet to love you, as though time has already run its ruinous path and everything good is over before it begins. It feels perilous to love you, like a dust scorn swallowing up the sky or a comet skimming the stratosphere. But it is an honour to love you. Like the snow drifts giving way to spring, I will hold you for as long as I can.”

She lean back to her chair and let all the information sinks in. She looks at her watch and didn't even realise she was late for her errands today. She quickly fixes her things and practically ran out of the coffee shop but then she bumped into someone and spill the coffee that is left.

"Holy shit, I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me, I'm really sorry," She begins to apologize, then looked up and she was shocked. It was the same woman at the picture with red hair but now she's blonde.

She shakes out her thoughts and apologize one more time, "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't mean to."

"It's okay, don't worry I have a spare in my car. What's your name pretty lady?" The woman asked making her blush.

"Y/N miss—" She stopped and look at her waiting for the name.

"I'm Scarlett." The woman extend her hand which she gladly accept and shakes it. "Nice to meet you, Scarlett."

"You too, Y/N..." She stopped, her words trailing and looked at Y/N trying to figure out something.

"Do I have dirt on my face?" Y/N asked and touched her face.

Scarlett shakes her head before speaking, "Do I know you? I feel like I met you before."

"We haven't met ever Scarlett like ever." Y/N replied with small never hand gestures making Scarlett giggle.

"What about we get to know each other? Could I ask you to join me for a coffee? Even I know you just had one." Scarlett offered.

"It's okay, I don't want to intrude your me time, Scarlett." Y/N declined.

"Come on, please. It's the least thing you can do for spilling your coffee all over me." Scarlett said with a bright smile.

"Fine." Y/N said with a sigh and playfully rolled her eyes. Fuck errands.

"Let's go!" Scarlett cheerfully said.

The lovers succeed in what they want. They promised that they will meet in another life and they did. In this lifetime, the lovers will start over again. No more secrets. No more expectations from others. Just two of them in each other's arms.

Their love was a burning fire that never extinguished. They said forever till the end and indeed they were forever until death and after it.

Even through all those hardships and obstacles, they were guided by god to each other once again.

[eternadreeblissa]

I was in the middle of brainstorming with Madra (nickname i have for @gliphyartfan ) and as I was rambling with her I just had a thought.

How many years would pass before they meet Ava?

Cuz like, if you're gonna look at canon, they're just ACQUAINTANCES so far. They all met slowly by pairs, and as they go along together, they slowly met the rest, until eventually the start of the LU comic finally happens.

But even then, even with the unknown amount of time they all spent with their partners before they met the rest of the group we know them by now, none of them know what had happened to the other during their journeys. I'm talking about very intimate and personal stuff. They could joke some references about it but the full deets? Zipped, locked in a chest buried to the ground 12 feet under.

They're still trying to adjust as they all go on this quest they have. Theyre treading carefully about pasts and secrets and doing their best to be all buddy buddy without risking accidentally setting off sensitive things within the group. Heck, they'd rather not reveal any of them at all.

Why am I mentioning this? Cuz in fanon, we write the chain as if they're very, very close. It's like a lot of time has passed and they all went through a lot of stuff together that theyre all brotherly bonding and everything. Altho ofc this could vary between AUs and stories, the general, majority of what ive seen is that the chain are much closer already than they supposedly are in canon. And this extends to the (yandere) LU x reader community (i think).

I will admit I myself have gotten used to the chain being really close, that theyre like a family and share each other's burdens. So sometimes reading the comic gives me a raincheck cuz theyre still at the acquaintance stages IHSRIUGFRTH That said it's not bad if theyre closer in fanon. I like them when theyre closer. And honestly it's preferrable if they are closer and not acquaintances. Cuz my content will eventually go on some yandere harem themes, one heavily inspired by @gliphyartfan and @yanderelinkeduniverse kind of yandere harem as the chain. Where basically the chain would be united to protect and love darling and put aside their rivalries and whatnot for her sake. If I followed canon and theyre just acquaintances, theyre less likely to eventually unite cuz they dont know these people that well yet, and worse it may destroy any possible future family brotherly bonds they would have. So yeah to make this yandere harem work they gotta at least be closer than canon.

So since I made my decision, it begs the question I just asked earlier, but maybe I should word it better: how much time would have to pass enough for the chain to get close enough before they reach Ava?

It MAYBE would sound like a stretch, but I'm GUESSING it'll be 2-3 or 4-5 years.

Bcs think about it; in canon theyre only acquaintances so far and they JUST learned about Twilight being Wolfie. Legend being a bunny, Four being able to split, those were revealed to only one individual. Theres still secrets not revealed yet and especially big revelations like Sky possibly blaming himself for being the reason the heroes, like him, will be living forever to save Hyrule but suffer a life of loneliness and loss and possibly trauma, or that Time also caused another timeline where he failed to save Hyrule.

Do you think all of the secrets, all of the trenches that every hero has went through, would all of that happen in one year? With how well guarded they are and how theyd rather not talk about their secrets almost forever? No soul to reveal it to?? Well some probs wants to share a lil but the fact of the matter is, is that theyre gonna be vulnerable and theyre gonna open up. But its gonna be a while so really, they cant know each other well enough in one year. In one year, at most, it would be the times during the start of LU Comic and so far and it's not enough I think that they would be sharing burdens and pain and whatnot. Theyre comfy with each other, they cant rlly be that intimate or close about trauma or deep personal secrets just yet. They throw little references of secrets here and there, but the full details are locked in.

So If theyre gonna know each other, like how fanon interprets them in majority of the fanfics, or in the PROCESS of getting to know each other, itll take at least 2-3 years. But it could also possibly more than that. They have a whole package of secrets and things they went through they carry around individually, and there might be some secrets that will never get to be revealed in the end. 2-3 years are the LEAST amount of years that gives them the time to know enough secrets like Legend being a bunny, Sky blaming himself and so on. Not all of the revelations or secrets will be revealed, heck said secrets I used as examples may not BE the kind of secrets that will be revealed during those times or, maybe even AFTER several years have passed they still randomly learn things about the other heroes, but at least in 2-3 years its enough for them to know or have some chunks of ideas of what some or most the rest went through in their adventure. If 2-3 is not enough it could go 4-5 years depending on how much I want to be already revealed KHSIUHKUSUHFK

SO, basically, what's gonna happen is that, the chain will be going for about 2-3 years before they meet Ava. Meaning, they're gonna be aged up.

Which would mean everyone would be in their early twenties or mid twenties, and Wind.. might reach tweens??? I forgot the term IUDHGIUSGHFISF

Hold on lemme do the subject that i dont rlly like: math.

Im just gonna google search their INITIAL ages during the start or end of their adventures: starting of with: Wars!

Wars is 17 in Hyrule warriors, roughly at least.

Now here's the thing: Jojo had a Q&A, and the one of the questions she answered she revealed that there was some time that had passed after their adventure BEFORE they went onto their quest with the rest of the chain. And she said Wars finished his adventure 6-7 years ago. So 17 + 6 or 7, hes about 23 to 24 in canon

Then we add the years in the reboot or Ava's story in LU, AKA: the time he spent w the chain before meeting Ava, which is lets say plus 3: my calcu says he'll be 26 or 27

Twilight is also roughly 17 but finished his adventure 4-5 years ago, so he should be about: 21 or 22 in LU Canon.

Plus 3 in reboot: he'll be 24 or 25

Sky is seemingly the same. Idk if he started 17 and then became 18 at the end of his adventure, but he's basically said to be in similar age to Twilight. He finished his adventure 1-2 years ago, so hes either 18 or 19 Plus 3 reboot: 21 or 22

Wild is... Oh boi: 17. But now 117 technically cuz of the sleep thing. He finished his adventure less than a year ago so nothing's changed. But plus 3 reboot has him in: 120, or 20

And then.. Oh blobs.

Legend is gonna be a HEADACHE 😭😭😭😭

Im gonna make a guesstimate 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

Ok so he had about 4 or 5 adventures

A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages, KOHOLINT 😭 (Link's Awakening), A link Between Worlds, Idek if I'm gonna include Hytopia

ALTTP def took a year (I heard smth about a year passing when he finished?... Or there was a year break before Leg went off to OOS.) He was 16 or 17 in ALTTP so during that break or right AFTER he finished he would be about 17 or 18 in OOS.

OOS and OOA i'll hc to have taken under one year at most. So he'll be 19 to 20. And then... There was LA, and ALBW, and if were including it, Hytopia too. Those 2 (or 3 w Hytopia), happened within a year from the looks of things. So Leg will be about 20 to 21.

He finished ALL OF THAT, and had a lil mini break from his adventures for about 1 year Jojo said so plus 1 equals to him being 21 to 22 in Canon LU

Plus 3 in the reboot: 24 or 25 🧍‍♀️

And then.. Hyrule, OHSDFH

Help I searched at google and his first adventure it was said he started at 10 years old TT Then he started his 2nd adventure at 16.. Huh he had a long break before he went on a new one.

Rulie finished his adventure 2 years ago so he should be about 18 in LU canon. Then 3 plus reboot: 21

Next is Four. He's ROUGHLY about 12-15 in the start of his adventure, which his first being in Minish Cap. EDIT: In LU Canon, one of the earlier comics of Jojo, Four said he isn't a child. Implying he's of legal age. So he must be AT LEAST 18. For him to reach that age, he has to be 15 in minish Cap, then four swords must take a year, which makes him 16. So that, and then add what Jojo said he had a break after finishing his adventures for 2 years, that will FINALLY make him 18.

Then finally, plus 3 in the reboot: he would be 21 or 22

And lastly Wind: he is one of the only, or the only honestly, to have canonically dropped an age in the comic and I believe he said he was 12 when he set out. In Jojo's Q&A she said he finished his adventure 1 year ago. That means he's 13 in LU canon, and its further solidified when he said to Malon "I'm almost 14." THEN we add 3 in the reboot: he's simply 16 by then.

No we can't do much with Time. Malon was laughing when the guys guessed he was 60 years old. It's gotta be more than that IGSIUDFGISFG Regardless,.. ugh. He finished his adventure PHYSICIALLY 20 years ago, plus 3 in the reboot... there's 23+ years added to his belt.

Be reminded that the sources I got are from google and the people who stated these ages were also guesstimating everything. So you don't have to take these seriously or just take it with a grain of salt. But regardless, I'll be using these ages in Ava's story/ Ava LU Reboot... I might also apply these ages in my other stories Ava has with the chain-

Okay but with all their ages settled (mostly), do you know what all this realization means to me.

...I might be redesigning the chain...

Wish me luck guys. 🥹

[eksvaized]

Part Fourteen [ Previous 〡 Next ] taglist: @kingsprettyangel, @simonsslvt, @herwristsarehercanvas, @the-faceless-bride if you want to be added - let me know!

As the day continues, an undeniable tension permeates every interaction between the two of you. The weight of it hangs heavily in the air. As though it’s a physical presence that you can almost reach out and touch, and after a while, it becomes almost unbearable to endure.

Simon, who usually fills the space around him with constant chatter and dialogue, even on the occasions when you refuse to engage in conversation, is uncharacteristically silent. His change in his demeanor is not lost on you, and you find yourself unwittingly mirroring his silence. Your own words dying in your throat before they can be given voice, too.

 Your mind is a tumultuous whirlpool of thoughts and emotions, a storm of confusion and uncertainty that refuses to settle. Despite this, you remain close to him, never straying far from his side. It’s as if you are both tethered together by an unseen string that refuses to be broken.

You shadow him silently around the house, tracking his every move as he systematically transports all of your belongings to his bedroom. The only break in the palpable silence comes when he presents you with a pile of freshly washed, pristine white sheets. He asks, in a voice barely above a whisper that’s almost drowned by the tension, if you could help him in changing the bedding. Without uttering a single word, you take the sheets from him and get to work, immersing yourself in this simple task, finding a sense of solace and normalcy amidst the chaotic storm brewing within your thoughts.

After dinner, you settle into the comfortable couch in the living room. The warm, ambient light casts a soft glow around the room. Simon guides you through the detailed expectations he has set for your behavior during the impending visit from his friend. His approach is exhaustive, leaving no stone unturned as he anticipates every conceivable situation that might arise during the visit, no matter how unlikely it may seem. His thoroughness extends to the tiniest of details, ensuring that there is no room for any unexpected surprises that could potentially disrupt the smooth flow of events.

“Johnny will come tonight,” Simon states, his fingers tightly intertwined in a visible effort to hold back any involuntary twitching that might betray the anxiety lurking beneath his composed exterior. “By the time he arrives, you’ll have already retired to your room for the night. So, the introduction can wait until the morning; you can meet him then.”

You nod in understanding. Your gaze drifts to the clock mounted on the wall. A part of you, a small hopeful one, had wished to meet Simon’s friend today. However, Simon’s words and actions seem to suggest otherwise. From his demeanor, it appears he intends for you to remain isolated, safely tucked away within the confines of his bedroom.

There are to be no unnecessary conversations. If possible, let Simon answer all the questions. As long as Johnny stays here, refrain from going upstairs or into your bedroom. These are just a few of the new rules that Simon has imposed.

“Remember, if he asks how we met, tell him it was two months ago, at a club. We spent an entire month getting to know each other, dating, before you decided to move in with me,” Simon instructs, his intense gaze capturing your attention entirely as he lays out the story. He pauses for a moment, allowing you to digest the information. He doesn’t continue until he sees you nod your head, signifying that you’re following along. “If the topic of my family ever comes up, let him know that I don’t talk much about them or my past. As for your own family, if he’s curious, just tell him that you’re not quite ready to introduce us yet.”

“If he asks about why you’re staying at home all day and don’t go to work, say that you’re working from home,” he continues, giving you a moment to absorb this flood of new information. “For the duration of his stay, each and every day, right after we finish lunch, you need to make an excuse that you have work commitments and then you must excuse yourself to the bedroom. Johnny won’t pester either you or me with incessant questions about why you’re not spending more time with us if he thinks you’re busy with work.”

He presents you with a vast array of different scenarios, each one meticulously crafted to prepare you for any situation, and explains how to navigate them. Each scenario is followed by a series of questions, reflecting the potential queries his friend might ask you. You think that you’re expected to respond to them on the spot, but before you even have the chance to open your mouth to articulate your thoughts, he steps in and provides the answers for you. By doing so, he ensures that you’re fully prepared and equipped with the right responses, regardless of what might be thrown your way.

After an exceedingly prolonged and intense conversation, which Simon punctuates with a stern warning, “And don’t dare to ask him for help to escape. He’ll tell me if you do,” he guides you towards his bedroom. It’s a quiet and solitary space, filled with an air of mystery and intrigue, a stark contrast to the heated discussion that just took place. Without uttering another word, he leaves you there, alone, amidst the silence. He then closes the door behind him, ensuring it’s locked, to prevent any potential attempt from your end to sneak out.

Upon finding yourself alone, you take a moment to compose yourself and gather your racing thoughts. The surrounding silence seems almost tangible, and you take a deep breath before you embark on a cautious exploration. Your heart is racing, but the unknown only fuels your curiosity.

With a sense of wonder gripping your senses, you extend your hand out, allowing your fingertips to gently trace the contours and textures of various surfaces around you. The rough grain of the wooden furniture, the softness of the fabric draping the windows — everything feels new, different, and strangely exciting. Your eyes, wide with intrigue, absorb every detail of the unfamiliar surroundings. You take in the antique dresser, the faded grey wallpaper, and the soft glow of the lamp, casting long shadows in the dimly lit room.

The room’s centerpiece is a grand bed, significantly larger than the modest one you are accustomed to sleeping in upstairs. It’s a sight that causes your breath to hitch in your throat for a brief moment, not out of fear, but a profound sense of relief. The sheer magnitude of the mattress provokes an involuntary sigh of relief from your lips. With such a generous expanse of space, it becomes clear that you will be able to comfortably settle at one edge. You could curl up in a manner that ensures Simon maintains an appropriate distance—measured, safely, at arm’s length.

Against the wall, there stands an enormous wardrobe that now houses all of your clothes, meticulously arranged in two neat stacks. As your eyes continue wandering, they catch sight of a nightstand, a simple yet elegant piece of furniture that contrasts with the grandeur of the wardrobe. On top of it, you spot a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, casually discarded as if they were mere trinkets. They pique your curiosity.

Intrigued by this unexpected discovery, you saunter over and pick up the pack. You slide out a single cigarette. You bring it up to your nose and take a deep breath, allowing the scent of the tobacco to fill your senses. Contrary to your initial assumptions, you find that the aroma of tobacco is not as unpleasant as you had imagined.

In the past, you’ve found yourself occasionally indulging in a cigarette or two, often in the company of a glass of your favorite drink. Now, you find yourself teetering on the edge of that familiar habit, ensnared in the contemplation of sparking up yet another cigarette. This idea, as strangely alluring as it may be, offers a short-lived sanctuary, a momentary diversion from the ceaseless tedium that has become a constant in your life. The scent, the smoke, all of it calls to you in a way that is both comforting and unsettling. You remember the relief each puff brought, how it seemed to momentarily pause the world around you, allowing you a brief moment of peace.

Yet, despite this enticing vision, you make the deliberate decision to resist. You choose to distance yourself from the pack of cigarettes that beckons you, deciding to abstain from succumbing to this old habit. For now, at least.

Retrieving your pyjamas, you make your way towards the bathroom, ready to indulge in a different kind of solace. The privacy offered by this bathroom is a comfort you yet have come to appreciate. But the lock on the door, a simple mechanism that guarantees your solitude, is put to use as soon as you start undressing.

The shower, typically a hurried routine, takes on a languid and indulgent pace tonight. You linger under the cascading hot water considerably longer than usual. The comforting steam and enveloping warmth penetrate your pores, methodically dissolving the day’s accumulated fatigue. You indulge in this moment of solitude, meticulously scrubbing your skin until it radiates a flushed shade of red, a testament to the relentless onslaught of hot water that dances upon your flesh.

 The air in the room becomes thick with the intoxicating scent of sweet shower gel—a sensory delight that heightens your relaxation. Every detail of this extended routine seems amplified, from the rhythmic droplets splashing onto the tile floor to the ambient hum of water coursing through the pipes.

The passage of time loses its significance, the usual rush replaced with a slower tempo that privileges self-care over efficiency. You dedicate a full hour to lavish attention on each strand of your hair - washing, conditioning, rinsing, repeating - until it gleams under the artificial light. Only then, with your skin glowing and muscles relaxed, do you finally step away from the comforting drumming of the hot water.

As you gently push open the bathroom door, a thick cloud of steam, warmed by the hot shower you just took, escapes into the bedroom, creating a humid atmosphere. The room, previously cool, now takes on a comforting warmth, wrapping around you like a soft blanket. You contemplate making your way over to the bed, hoping to fall asleep before Simon comes back. However, your attention is abruptly seized by an unexpected sound.

The faint murmur of two voices, barely more than whispers, reaches your ears. You find yourself drawn to the source of the sound, curiosity piquing your interest. So, your feet carry you silently across the room, your heart pounding in your chest. You press your ear against the wooden door, straining to catch the words that are being shared on the other side. Although the voices remain muffled and the words indistinct, you are able to pick up bits and pieces of the hushed conversation.

You listen to the faint sound of Simon’s voice as it carries through the walls, “—asleep, but she promised to introduce herself properly in the morning—” he says. Then, he says something else, but his words are muffled and you can’t quite catch them.

“Why didn’t you tell anyone ‘bout her? I know things have been tense between us since... well, you know, but—” the other voice is filled with confusion and a touch of regret.

Simon, without missing a beat, responds quickly and with a hint of sarcasm, “I didn’t introduce her to you lot ‘cus I didn’t want to scare her away. Not a single one of you has the slightest idea how to conduct yourselves around attractive women.”

Both men chuckle, their laughter a low rumble that seems to echo through the living room. Their conversation continues, the sound of their voices a steady murmur. You remain standing, your ear pressed against the door, listening intently to their exchange. But eventually, your legs begin to ache and you reluctantly retreat to the bed.

For what feels like hours, you toss and turn on the enormous bed. Your legs get tangled in the soft sheets, and pillows are thrown haphazardly across the mattress in your restless attempts to find a comfortable sleeping position. Sleep eludes you, your mind too active with thoughts and questions, your body too restless to settle. Your frustration grows with every passing minute, which only serves to make you even more awake, pushing sleep even further away.

Every once in a while, you get out of the bed to see if you can hear anything else, curiosity and a sense of restlessness driving your actions. But once Simon and his friend move to the kitchen, their voices become even more muffled and you finally give up on eavesdropping.

After what feels like an eternity, Simon finally trudges into the bedroom. The moment the door creaks open, you close your eyes and roll onto your side. You pull the blanket closer to your body, trying to put up a convincing facade of sleep.

A soft patter of his footsteps slowly makes their way across the floor, towards the adjoining bathroom. The sound of water running from the tap fills the silence. The rustle of fabric follows soon after, the unmistakable sound of clothes being shed and tossed carelessly onto the floor. You can almost visualize him standing in front of the mirror, brushing his teeth with methodical strokes.

As he makes his way back into the room, you can sense the subtle shift in the air. The mattress beneath you gives a gentle creak—a quiet surrender to his weight as he lays down. Your anxiety starts mounting. The bed dips in more, and the blanket rustles as he slides under it, the noise seeming loud in the otherwise quiet room.

Every fiber of your being is hyper-aware of his movements. You find yourself silently pleading with the universe, desperately hoping that he would just roll to the other side of the bed and sleep. You wish for the night to end, for the tension to dissipate, for the calm to return. Unfortunately, your silent prayers seem to go unanswered, swallowed by the darkness that surrounds you.

 You feel his hand slyly sneak around your waist. His touch sends a shiver down your spine. The faint scent of his cologne lingers in the air, mixing with the fragrance of your own anticipation and anxiety. As his palm encircles your waist, the warmth spreads through your body.

He pulls you closer, and you can feel the heat emanating from his skin, like a comforting fire on a chilly night. His touch ventures lower, tracing the delicate curve of your waist, igniting a trail of electric sensations. His fingertips, cool against your warm skin, graze the bare expanse of your lower back, causing a tingling sensation to rise within you. In this moment, a sudden realization washes over you, mingling with a surge of regret. The choice to wear just a shirt and panties to bed now leaves you exposed, vulnerable to his touch. But alongside the regret, there is an intoxicating thrill, a surge of adrenaline that quickens your heartbeat.

As he inches closer, the warmth of his breath brushes against the sensitive skin on the nape of your neck, causing a tickling sensation to spread like wildfire. It feels as though your skin is being kissed by the sun itself, the heat almost searing, leaving an indelible mark. With deliberate intent, he takes a deep breath, drawing in the fragrance of your freshly washed hair. The intimacy of the moment catches you off guard, sending an electrifying shiver down your spine, reverberating through every nerve ending.

Each beat of your heart echoes in the silence, pounding in your chest like a wild drum, its rhythm so loud and clear that it drowns out the stillness of the room. As you lie there, pretending to sleep, you can’t help but question, wonder, and even obsess over whether Simon has any inkling that you are not truly lost in slumber. Holding your breath, you wait for the slightest hint of suspicion to escape his lips. But if he harbors any doubts, he keeps them locked away, unvoiced and hidden.

Simon falls asleep much faster than you, his steady breathing and muffled snores fill the silence. Only when you’re sure that he’s deep in slumber do you finally allow yourself to close your eyes too.