#i want to know if i should pay more attention to this or if this can remain a silly hobby

[ayamari-no-goshi]

Time to make the post again.

For those who are new to Danny Phantom and/or are in the Phandom (normal or any of the crossovers) haven’t seen the show, please know that Dani/Elle Phantom only shows up in 2 episodes and has a cameo in a third.

It’s only been more recently (past couple years from what I’ve seen) that she’s been seen more regularly in fanfiction and has been given a more rounded personality by the Phandom.

If you like her as a character, that’s great. If you don’t, that’s fine too.

What’s not fine is the badgering of authors demanding to know when she’ll show up in a fic, what she’s doing if she’s not present, or going something along the lines “and then Dani should show up and do x thing!”.

I’ve absolutely had it with this. I shouldn’t have to put tags in saying she’s not there/doesn’t exist in the fic or notes explaining I got fed up with people not paying attention to the character tags (which don’t include her) and decided she doesn’t exist in the story I’m telling. And then it still happens.

And I know it doesn’t just happen with her or just in this fandom.

Some writers are okay with those comments, but for me, it’s so frequent that I’m at my wits end.

Not all characters in a series need to show up in a fic. If an author doesn’t like or want to include your comfort/favorite character, that’s their prerogative. Just please, PLEASE, pay attention to the character tags. If your favorite/comfort isn’t listed in the character tags, note it and move on, especially if it’s a completed fic.

I promise this is not a call out. I’m just so done

[mothekko]

Her woman.

Where Ambessa demands your attention after a long trip.

Ambessa Medarda x fem!reader Warnings: alcohol drinking, buff reader, reader is implied to be lesbian, slightly sub!ambessa, fluff, no-smut, kisses<3 mwah mwah. Word count: 968.

notes: ambessa my beloved (not just mine but of course my best friend's beloved too), i had this idea yesterday when she cried cause every reader is always the girly girl type, never a big woman with big everything (including her arms 😛), anyway, enjoy reading as I did writing :3 xoxo

MEN AND MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Ambessa was not a fragile lady, no. She was far from this. First, she was the type of mercilessly war dog everyone heard about. Her fingers were not as delicate as some women tried to imagine.

Oh, and you knew it. You knew her hands were stronger than any other woman you ever had an affair with. She was delicate, but rough. She was firm and strong, and for God’s sake, you could listen to all the girls and boys in the whole Noxus almost moaning for her, just by seeing her walk on the streets. She didn't pay too much attention, she had her business with you. She came back from war, her fatigue was noticeable in her letters, and you analyzed them perfectly, all of them.

As much as you knew about her weariness, she always asked you for a visit, and how could you deny the woman who gave you your position as high guard in Noxus? The more time passed, your attention was drawn to the dark streets of Noxus, scantily clad women didn't attract you, even though it was the complete opposite for you and they sometimes tried to attach themselves to your belt, along with the axe and sword that were in the hem of your pants and back. The icy wind touched your hair, two braids made by the war general framed your face. It wasn't usual for you to leave your hair loose, but after weeks, or months, without seeing each other, the braids were Ambessa's only request.

You looked across the horizon, all the tents closed and quiet, but that one... that central one, which you knew who was inside; the candles flickering in the air were warming someone. Ambessa was waiting for you. As you approached the place, your muscles tensed in suspicion as you entered the tent. You sighed and Ambessa looked back, a smile from her brightened up her face. A woman like her? Smiling? You're lucky.

“Night, ma’am…” You said, the smell of alcohol around the place was a little too much this time, but well, it’s Ambessa, after all. “Too much to handle this time? Or drinking for fun?”

She didn’t answer you, not like she usually does. She silently invited you to sit next to her, moving the wine bottle to the side on the floor. Cautiously you walked through the tent, until you reached her side, and before you could even sit down, she settled her head on your waist. Her mind was heavy with thoughts.

Ambessa without her usual clothes, smiling, and laying her head on you? Of course something was wrong. But this kind of wrong is not so bad, not at all. At least she was showing some affection. 

“Listen, darling… don’t ask any questions today… I just want you to be good for me.” She said, she doesn’t look drunk. Does she? “These months without you made me so bored, you know…”

You kindly touched her hair, asking yourself what you should do in that situation. 

“Ma’am, you’re not drunk, are you?” You laughed, looking a little closer. You touched her face, checking her eyes, and suddenly, she removed your hand and sighs deeply. 

“You know me too well, sugar. Maybe I should pretend harder next time…” You finally felt like everything was okay, she was lying and that’s all. “Are you gonna sleep here tonight?” she took a sip of wine “Or will I wake up with a boy calling me out for being too sleepy?”

A sigh escaped your lips, a frustrated sigh now. You looked straight at her, sitting by her side. 

“Listen, ma’am, I always told them to send a woman to wake you up, look at me, do I look like someone who likes any kind of boy here?” She shook her head. “That’s what I thought. And, who said you’re too sleepy? These boys around here have no fucking respect for you…”

You pulled the woman closer, holding her tightly. She was warmer than you, obviously because you were outside thirty minutes ago, but still, that makes your heart skip a beat. Again you move your hands to her cheek, and she looks at you with those shining eyes.

“What a beautiful woman I see…” You said. And then, you gently kissed her lips, in a simple way. You used to kiss each other, nothing new. But it was definitely special this time. You felt like it was. Her hands, which had been resting on her thigh, now moved up so that they could rest on your waist. “Won’t you tell me about your…”

She shut you with a finger to your lips, kissing you again calmly, caressing your war scarred face. Your arms, which were a bit stronger than hers, held her against your body, feeling how fast her heart was beating.

“I have to be careful… or you’ll become stronger than me, imagine if they put you in my place?” She made you chuckle softly, moving a hand down to rest on her back.

“You’re making no sense, ma’am. I could never replace you. But I’m happy you noticed…” 

“Well… I always notice, sweetheart.” She gave you a peck on the lips, snuggling into your chest. “You’re my woman, and I know when you get stronger.”

She said it so casually, with her closed eyes as if she was almost asleep; you wouldn’t doubt it. She had just arrived from a long trip after all.

“Your woman…? Mhm… yeah, you’re definitely sleepy. Goodnight, ma’am… I’ll wake you up tomorrow…”

You could hear a “finally” coming from her as she snuggled into your body. You picked her up, taking the woman to the bed, blowing the candles, pulling the blankets over you, finally spooning her from behind and nuzzling her neck.

[arcanarix]

f!sorcerer reader, dubcon, stalking, possessiveness, harassment (there will be a non sorcerer reader version)

bully!satosugu aren’t your average bullies. they aren’t bogged down each time you ignore their attempts at getting under your skin. they know you’re smart and know better… but so are they and they do too. and maybe they’re less interested in breaking you down more than simply getting to know you :)

(but they need to understand you aren’t your average target. you can and will stand up for yourself. you don’t show much interest in general and that just baffles them.)

bully!satosugu…who aren’t the kind to dominate the small world of jujutsu tech one because there’s no reason for that or anything to gain from it either but they are instead viewed as just two boys sharing the same brain cell. shoko and utahime tell you not to pay them any mind; they’re just two dumbasses with an overinflated sense of importance being speshul grades. nanami even reiterates the fact. plus they annoy everyone, so it’s not like you’re a special case here.

bully!satosugu who get all up in your space and in your business, ignoring your protests when they snatch your books and notes out of your hands and lap and geto’s scooping you into his strong hold instead.

“why’s a grade 3 sorcerer wasting her time? trust me, we have better things in mind for a pretty thing like you,” geto purrs.

“and besides, what use is a grade 3 in the field when the two strongest can just take care of everything? hmmmm?” gojo taunts while fiddling with a stray strand of your hair.

instead of seeming intimidated, you’re just annoyed that your work has been disrupted. you don’t give them an outward reaction, just a deadpan, “if you don’t let me go i’ll use my curse technique to castrate the two of you.”

that seems to work for now!

bully!satosugu who…for some reason hover over you like they’re your bodyguards yet you treat them as if they’re not there the entire time. even if gojo can usually annoy someone to the point of tears, you don’t react, instead you’re able to completely tune him AND geto out.

how… Unnerving! Perplexing?

bully!satosugu who HATE to see you divert your attention to anyone else be it nanami or haibara or even shoko and utahime. something sets them off when you giggle a little too hard at some off hand deadpan remark nanami makes, you keep making eyes at him like you like him and not them. what’s up with that? and then they see nanami resting his hand on your thigh……….

and shooting a glare their way, as if to ward them off of you or else? wha?

bully!satosugu who aren’t keen on the idea of you trying to have a life outside of them (you never wanted a life with them from the start, but you digress) so they corner you in one of the empty lecture halls. you tell them you don’t know what they mean. in fact you insist, because you really don’t understand (or really care either). you have no regard for them, but they seem to hold so much interest in you and they don’t like that you don’t appreciate their attention so you had to get it instead from fucking NANAMI.

setting your book on your lap, you meet their accusatory gazes with disinterest.

“i don’t have to entertain any of this,” you remark, “i’m not interested in engaging in something like this when we’re in an environment where we’re forced to coexist. i will acknowledge you as my peers but nothing more.”

thinking you have the last word, you get up and brush past them, but geto grabs your wrist and twists you around. you grunt.

“maybe we have to show her why she should want us by her side, satoru,” he suggests in a low, dangerous tone.

“will she actually learn this time, though?”

“oh, it doesn’t matter. we can always repeat the lesson until she understands,” geto yanks you toward him until your back hits his front, your breath hitching as you feel a growing erection through his baggy uniform.

“you both might find better payoff deepthroating each other,” you scoff.

geto’s nostrils flare at that.

“such a foul mouth,” he snarls, "better watch that tone with us."

“yeah,” satoru pitches in, inching closer with a little smirk. “maybe we ought to plug it up.”

TBC???

[mads-hemmo]

It’s Nice to Have a Friend - Jschlatt

Part 3

Reader has been lonely their whole life. They have never been in a relationship. They don’t understand why no one will love them but their best friend, Schlatt has always been in love with them.

Part 1

Part 2

Schlatt lets you both in. “What are you doing here?” He asks Ted.

“I’ve been on a roadtrip with Tucker and I just dropped him off. I thought while I was in New York, I would come visit my buddy, Schlatt,” Ted says.

“Why didn’t you at least call first?” Schlatt asks.

“I wanted it to be a surprise. I just didn’t think you would be having company.” Ted turns to look at you.

“Oh I can go home, so you two can spend some time together,” you say. You are still wearing your backpack full of your sleepover necessities, so it would be easy to just leave.

“Nonsense. We can all hang out together. What did you crazy kids have planned anyways?”

Schlatt gives you a look like he wants to keep some things between you two. That thing being the coloring books in your backpack. “We were going to order some sushi. Not sure what else,” you tell Ted.

Ted nods. “That sounds great. I’m just excited to get to know Schlatt’s best friend.”

“Let’s go to the living room,” Schlatt says. The three of you take a seat on his couch while he orders the sushi on DoorDash.

“So (Y/N), what do you do for work?” Ted asks you.

“I’m a hairdresser.”

“Oh cool. Did you dye your own hair? I like the blue tips.”

“Oh yeah I did. Thank you. I have a pretty lenient schedule. Gives me more time to do my various hobbies.”

“What are your various hobbies then?” Ted asks, focusing on you.

“Oh god. I have so many. I crochet, I read, I play piano and I recently started coloring,” you tell him.

“Interesting. How do you have time to do all that?”

“I create my own schedule so I can work as many or as little hours as I choose. I’ve been at my shop for a while so they let me do what I want,” you tell Ted.

“That’s one thing I like about YouTube. I can pretty much work whenever I please.”

“Yeah it’s good for you since you barely upload,” Schlatt replies.

You let out a laugh. Ted looks between the two of you. “I upload. I just don’t want to spoil my viewers and make them get bored of the incredible content I make.”

“I must admit. As one of your viewers, it’s a little treat when you actually post,” you tell him.

He gives you a big smile. “Thank you. I’m glad to know I have such good looking viewers,” Ted winks at you.

Schlatt narrows his eyes at Ted as you blush a bit. “So Ted, how was your road trip?” Schlatt asks, getting the attention off of you.

“It was really fun. Tucker and I just drove around the US, exploring random places. Have you ever taken a road trip?” Ted asks you.

“Unless you count me helping Schlatt move back to New York. Not really. I’ve never really had the time or the money to do so,” you admit. Schlatt had promised you a trip to Japan at some point. However, you told him you wanted to raise the money yourself. You knew Schlatt would pay for everything, but you didn’t want to use him.

“You should go on one! They are a lot of fun! You could join me on my next one. I’ll even let Schlatt come along,”

“They don’t want to ride in your old truck. They might fall through the hole in the passage seat,” Schlatt chimes in.

“I’m not that tiny,” you pout.

“And I’m not huge, Toots,” Schlatt says. You flip him off.

The doorbell rings, alerting you all that the sushi had finally arrived. Schlatt gets up to answer the door. Ted turns to face you. “My truck does not have a huge hole and you’re welcome to ride in it any time,” he tells you, loud enough for Schlatt to still hear him.

Schlatt returns and places the sushi on the coffee table. “I got a lot of different rolls so we can all just share. That’s usually what (Y/N) and I do anyways,” he says.

“Awesome. Thanks Schlatt,” Ted says. “What was Schlatt like as a kid?”

“Not much different than he is now. He has always been quiet, but also Incredibly funny. He also was just as loyal and dependable as he is now. I have always been proud to call him my best friend,” you admit. Even though it may be sappy, you never pass up the opportunity to brag on your best friend. You had said similar things to Paige at work. You hated being single some days, but you hated Schlatt being single even more. He’s such a great guy who deserves to be loved by someone.

“Wow, don't get all soft, Toots. Don’t let them lie to you, I’ve always been an asshole. They’re the one who’s all those things and so much more,” Schlatt says, making your heart skip a beat. When he says things like this, it makes you jealous of his future partner. You know he’s going to be such a great husband to his spouse.

“You do seem really great (Y/N). I’m glad I got to meet you tonight,” Ted tells you. You feel your cheeks getting redder. Ted is obviously flirting with you right? You weren’t the best at judging if people were flirting, but you felt like he was. Ted is a very good looking guy and one of Schlatt’s friends so maybe you should flirt back.

“You seem really great yourself, Ted. Glad that you interrupted our hangout,” you tell him.

“Ted, were you planning on staying the night?” Schlatt asks.

“I was hoping I could. I have my bags in the car,” Ted says.

“That’s fine. It’s just (Y/N) was going to spend the night and they usually sleep in the guest bed.”

“I can sleep on the couch. I am tiny after all,” you say. Schlatt’s couch is comfortable and you don’t mind.

“You’re not sleeping on the couch. Ted can sleep on the couch.”

“How about Ted takes the guest room and we can share your bed? We used to do it all the time when we were kids. I always stay on my side of the bed so it won't be an issue,” you offer.

Schlatt doesn’t look convinced. “Or we can share the guest bed,” Ted says to you.

“(Y/N), that’s a great idea. We did it all the time as kids. Why not as adults? What’s the worst that could happen?” Schlatt says.

The three of you decide to watch a movie. Schlatt lets you choose and Ted agrees. That is how you end up watching Tangled. Even though you don’t know Ted very well, you don’t let that stop you from singing along. You smile to yourself when you hear Schlatt humming to himself. The singing keeps you awake. A few times during the movie, your hand accidentally touches Ted’s as you both grab for some sushi. He lets you have it every time.

After the movie, you all get ready for bed. “Night Schlatt, Night (Y/N), sleep tight,” Ted says, before going to the guest room.

“Good night, Ted. It was nice meeting you,” you tell him, going to Schlatt’s room.

“Ted’s single right?” You ask Schlatt, while washing your face in his on suite bathroom.

“Yeah, why?” He asks.

“Just wondering. Did you see how he was flirting with me tonight? Maybe he was just being nice, but it really seemed like he was flirting with me.”

“I think he was just being nice, Bub. He has a flirty personality.”

You sigh. “You’re probably right. I just thought maybe. He’s your friend, so he’s obviously a good guy. He’s also pretty attractive.”

Schlatt just looks at you. “He lives way too far away. You don’t want your first boyfriend living across the country. You need someone who you can go on dates with and that will spoil you here.”

You just nod. “You’re right. I was just being optimistic. Thank you for always looking out for me.” You kiss him on the cheek as you walk back into his room. You miss the way his entire face turns red and the way he stays paralyzed for a second.

He takes a deep breath and walks into the room. You have already tucked yourself in. You have unintentionally put yourself on the opposite side that Schlatt usually sleeps. He makes his way into the bed and lays beside you.

“You know you can take your shirt off. It’s not like it’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” you tell him. He nods, before pulling his shirt off. “Comfy?”

“Yeah,” he lets out.

“Awesome. I sleep like a rock, so don’t worry about me cuddling you in the middle of the night. Also sorry if I snore,” you tell him.

He laughs slightly. “It’s okay. I’m sure I snore as well.”

“Night Jay.”

“Night Toots,” he says. After a little while when he thinks you are asleep, he mutters softly, “I love you.” Before pressing a gentle kiss to the top of your head.

You lay still, pretending to be asleep. Surely he means it in a friendly way, right? You choose to ignore it and drift off to sleep.

A/N: ahhh I love writing this story!! Parts might start being not as frequent as I have to go back to work next week. Boo!! Anyways thank you so much for enjoying this! Let me know what you think!

[the-ace-with-spades]

(sorry this got longer than I thought)

You know what fic I'd love to read?

One where Carole dies but doesn't get anything in order before her death (as is many times the case) and Mav is installed as Bradley's temporary guardian after her death but everything goes wrong very fast

Due to Mav's less than heterosexuals tendencies, Bradley ends up in the foster system. One day a social worker with a police officer just shows up and takes him away from school and he doesn't know what's going on. He ends up in his first not so good foster family the same evening. Mav can't even visit as he is deemed a bad influence and has an ongoing investigation if he is 'fit' to be Bradley's guardian.

He doesn't stop asking about Mav for months. Keeps trying to run away to him (he's about 50 miles away because foster homes are sparse so no dice) and finally his foster 'mom' is fed up with the constant asks to at least try and call Mav so she tells him Mav didn't want him and doesn't want Bradley to contact him.

And because Bradley is twelve, he believes it.

(It's not that Mav didn't try. There was a whole appeal process but Mav had a deployment right after and he couldn't explain to the social workers that no, Bradley would stay with someone trusted while he was gone, because that someone was Ice, the source of his suspected homosexual tendencies. They literally told him he's not allowed to contact Bradley and once he came back from deployment, Bradley was already in a different foster home, a few counties over and lost in the system.)

Bradley spends the rest of his childhood in the system. His first family is dubious and the following ones are a mix of constant hope and disappointment. He has at least two different families foster him every year, until he is sixteen and ends up in a group home. There are only two families that he actually comes close to calling family - a young married couple that stops fostering when the wife is diagnosed with chronic autoimmune disorder, and a couple of teachers that have to drop one of the two kids they foster when the financial requirements to foster raise and decide that Bradley is going to be that kid.

No one ever even thinks about adopting him. He's got good grades and stays on top of school, but that's about what is going well in his life. Some families he's with are average - they let him be and maybe don't care as much for anything that involves him as long it doesn't stir trouble at the fostering agency and Bradley is healthy and safe. Some families are worse - sometimes he is one of the five kids and is expected to stay and be a live-in nanny, sometimes they're only doing it for the money and he has barely anything, barely any food, barely any attention, barely any clothes, barely any school supplies, just so he doesn't cost too much. Sometimes, things get physical - it happens less, the taller he gets and by the time he starts fighting back, he has enough reputation that no one believes it and no one wants to foster him anymore. And group home it is.

By the time he's seventeen, he's enlisted. Just so he leaves the system as fast as he can. It all works out because the Navy fits the bill for his university and NROTC when the time comes - even if he's told he's not a good candidate for the USNA, even if he was told his grades and his achievements should be more than enough, even if despite the circumstances, he managed to meet the same requirements.

Finding out that it was Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell who protested his application and pulled the plug on it is Bradley's second heartbreak.

Bradley bites down any complaints he has about life and enters UVA at 21, with a military scholarship and NROTC bursary. At that point, he doesn't even know if he still wants to go into aviation, it brings so much bitterness in him. But then his grades and his overall achievement are so good, everyone says it'd be a waste if he didn't go to one of the most competitive pipelines. The Navy pays for his private pilot licence when he hesitates, and sure enough, it does feel good.

The pipeline is where he meets Jake Seresin. Jake Seresin, who has two brothers and two sisters and who has jars of homemade jam and chocolate-covered plums sent in a little package from his mom at least once a month. Jake Seresin, who uses all his leave to attend weddings, holiday parties, birthday parties, even a dog's funeral. Jake Seresin, who comes from every Thanksgiving with spare pumpkin pie, who has a new handmade Christmas sweater every year.

Jake Seresin, who, for some reason not known to Bradley, is impressed with how effortless learning to fly is for Bradley, with how much Bradley knows, with how much he leads in the lectures and the flight lessons - most guys find Bradley annoying and cold and Bradley would've agreed with them if any said it to his face. The Navy is the only good thing Bradley's had since his mom died, he has much more time to focus on being good at whatever Navy throws at him and maybe that makes him strange and aloof. But not Jake.

Jake Seresin, who is a competitive asshole that can't shut his mouth for his own good. Who has no idea of personal space, who fills the silence better than a jukebox, who will drill and drill the topic until he gets an answer he can comprehend, who doesn't care what people think of him as long as he knows his worth.

Bradley might have a bit of a crush on him, but it's an annoying crush kind of crush - one he doesn't really want to have, one he doesn't really know what to do with. Jake Seresin, who probably would never look at Bradley twice, especially in that way.

They get separate F-18 training bases and Bradley forgets for a moment Jake Seresin ever existed.

Then, summer of 2011, Jake Seresin gets restationed, right into Bradley's squadron. And he's still his annoying self, inserting himself into Bradley's private space, private time, and doesn't let Bradley have a say in it, at all.

Maybe Bradley doesn't want to have any say in it, deep down.

A few months later, DADT gets repealed. It doesn't change much for Bradley, he's not going to talk to anyone about his personal life. But it seems it changes something for Jake.

Because he asks Bradley out on a date.

Bradley's never really dated. Didn't really have the time to when he was a teenager, moved so many times, and then he enlisted, and then he was in college and NROTC. He slept with people, but he's never dated anyone.

So he gets to know Jake Seresin. Jake Seresin, who despite bringing all that food back with him any time he visits his parents, can't cook at all and who would hang onto Bradley's arm or shoulders whenever Bradley cooked. Who can sew so well that he saves all of Bradley's old shirts. Who can't keep his mouth shut, no matter the circumstances - not in the theatre, not when they eat, not when they just watch a movie at home, not even in bed. Who seems to know every single tune under the sun but can't play a single instrument. Who has elaborate, detailed plans for his life - an admiral by forty, two kids by thirty-five, a nice little house in driving distance to some body of water, a German shepherd or a border collie for a family dog once the house is there, a personal two or maybe four-person plane by the time he's forty-five, maybe co-owning aeroclub by fifty.

Bradley's never before thought about the future.

He never tells Jake even half of the things he's seen and lived through when he was in foster care, never tells him about his pulled application from USNA, never tells him about Mav. He doesn't think Jake would be able to understand, the way his family seems perfect and loving and caring. He doesn't want him to know how many things is wrong with him.

But Jake knows he's got no family, that his dad died in the Navy, his mom when he started middle school, that he's been in foster care for all his teenage years. Knows that Bradley has no one to come back home.

"Don't be a fool, sweetheart," is what Jake tells him. "You've got me."

For the first time in his life at the age of 29, Bradley requests Christmas leave.

Bradley's never had a big family, but there was a time he once had a family - or so he thought, when he was twelve and the illusion shattered - so he thought he'd be okay.

And at first, he is fine. Jake rotates him around like a prize piece, introducing him to his siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, grandparents, but it's just two or three people at once. Whenever it seems like too much, Bradley drifts away to the kitchen where he can just stay silent and listen to Jake's mom talk to the various people that come by while he slices homemade ham or he steps out onto the backyard and talks to the kids of all the ages gathered around the makeshift playground.

But then they're right before dinner starts - there are over thirty people in the open space of the house, now that everyone arrived, and Bradley feels hot, suffocating in the crowded space, in the clutter of gifts and food and colorful Christmas sweaters.

And then, before he can take any of it in, he hears Jake, saying in his typical loud and teasing tone, that Bradley can play the piano, and look at that, he could play something Christmas-y before the turkey is done, and next thing he knows, there's over thirty pairs of eyes on him and plenty of people asking questions and making teasing remarks and it all seems so tricky--

He can't imagine himself, in that room, with all those people, feeling comfortable. So he walks out.

Bradley doesn't know how to be a part of a family. There's no reason to try and lie to himself and everyone else.

They don't see each other for years after. The next time they do, it's only the eight weeks at Top Gun. The Jake that Bradley knew isn't there - this Jake is bitter and sarcastic and sharp with his tongue. This Jake wins Top Gun and never looks back at Bradley when he returns to his station base.

The next time they see each other is at the Top Gun recall when Bradley is going through a life roller coaster.

Not only is Jake being the biggest ass not just to him but to everyone, for the first time in twenty years, Bradley sees Mav. Sure, maybe he's not moved on from Jake - he still remains the only person Bradley ever dated - but he's managed to dodge Maverick, and Iceman by association, in all those years he's been in the Navy and now he's forced to pretend all is fine.

And Maverick doesn't make it easier.

He tries to approach Bradley like they're long-lost friends, saying all those things about how he missed him and how Bradley looks so much like his dad. Like he didn't leave him in the foster system when he was a kid and didn't fuck up his application for USNA.

So he pretends he doesn't remember Maverick because that's the easiest given that Maverick is supposed to train him.

On top of that, Jake mixes himself up into Bradley's shit life situation when he overhears Mav trying to get Bradley to 'remember' and 'renew their relationship' and keeps pestering Bradley. Maybe he can tell you more about your childhood, why the hell are you so rude to him, he wouldn't make up knowing you, you know, maybe he's got some of your parents' stuff and can share---

And hearing the love of his life that he let get away because Bradley didn't know how to be part of his family side with the first person that told Bradley he's not enough to be someone's family - well, it's not exactly helping the state of Bradley'e mental being.

So maybe he explodes at Jake, a little bit, in the end. You want to talk to the man who left me behind when I was twelve and the only time he looked back was to tell me he didn't think I was good enough? Then so be fucking it.

Instead of butting into Bradley's life, Jake shuts up and starts avoiding him. Bradley supposes he has what he wanted.

Bradley doesn't care what Maverick thinks or if he changed or if he wants something from Bradley.

He still turns around when he's shot down. It's not like he's got someone to come back to anyway. Not because he cares about Maverick.

"I'm not you," Bradley tells Mav. "I don't leave people behind."

The admittance - that he knows and remembers Mav and wants nothing to do with him, wants to be nothing like him - works. They survive and Bradley doesn't see Maverick again, not when they're in the med bay, not when they're in the hospital in San Diego, not when he gets discharged.

He sees Jake instead, waiting on him at the reception of the unit he had been on, patiently waiting for Bradley to sign his discharge papers without using his broken wrist.

"What, do you have someone else to take your broken ass home?"

In truth, Bradley was just going to take a taxi. Instead, Jake takes the plastic bag with Bradley's clothes and silently leads them to his truck before he asks for Bradley's address.

And in all this mess, the first thing Jake asks him is, "Are you going to stay in San Diego?" because they have the offer to stay there and make their place in Top Gun-adjacent brand new squadron.

"No, I'm going to go back to my base," Bradley tells him. There's nothing for him San Diego, but there's plenty for Jake and he doesn't want to be a barrier.

"I think you should stay in San Diego. With me."

He wishes it was that simple but the truth is, Bradley is still the same.

"I can't be the person you want to have in your life."

"But you already are the person I want in my life."

"I think this is going to end up badly."

"Only if you let it."

Bradley's never really could say no to Jake.

It all seems so easy, when he falls asleep on Jake's shoulder watching Top Gear, but at some point, Bradley knows, they will get to the point when it'll all crush again.

There is also the whole thing with Maverick, their now CO, who appears to be some kind of ashamed now that he finally knows that Bradley remembers what he did - or rather what he didn't do. He avoids Bradley like the plague and it seems to be affecting the squad - because they all love Maverick and Bradley is the weirdo who can't have fun or be friendly. He's just waiting on someone to call him out as the party pooper contrasting to their fun CO and deem the problem, as always, just because he can't pretend to be happy to be around him.

Jake hasn't said anything about the Maverick thing explicitly but he gives Bradley those looks whenever Maverick is nearby and sometimes he makes those quips

[signanothername]

As someone with little to no empathy because of autism, I can vouch that it does it hurt when you upset someone you love because of the lack of empathy.

The thing about a lack of empathy is that you cannot relate to or understand or connect to *other* people's emotions but you do have your own emotions to go off of. It's like a bubble where nothing can go in or out emotion wise and you are stuck with your own tilted view that you distinctly know doesn't encompass everything but it's the best you have.

The closest you can get is an approximation of someone's pain when you hold it up to your own, comparing the physical reactions and trying to think of when you did those things and the feelings attached to them.

It doesn't always work because you don't know when you are *missing* an emotion, something that wasn't present in you to start with or it's an atypical expression of an emotion that the general populace doesn't experience. So with no internal knowledge and faulty data you turn to research about it so maybe you can at least know what not to do to hurt someone even if you don't know why.

You do all of this because you love this person and care about them enough to try and parse through an emotional language you don't even know the alphabet for.

So it hurts and it's frustrating when you mess up and upset them anyway even when you are trying desperately not too. Sometimes you don't even know what happened immediately and that's the worst part.

You don't know how to fix it and comforting doesn't come naturally because you can't connect emotionally like that. So you do your best, you do things that help you and you do the things that you read about that helps while doubting it's effectiveness without the correct emotional display behind it.

But you try and that's the important part.

I know how it feels to watch your loved one go to others for comfort, not out of malice for you, but simply because you can't give them what they need at that moment. No matter how much you want too. (It seemed like killer tried to maybe fix his mistake but it wasn't helping color calm down so he had to let the others take over)

With an added layer of turbo dissociation and not in tune with his own emotional displays or behaviors. I'm sure killer has to get really analytical about it and given his penchant for research and high intelligence, I'm sure it's even more frustrating for him to hurt color when he has gone through all of the things not to do and he should have been watching colors body language and all that but he slipped up because he got too comfortable around color and wasn't paying attention (a product of being around someone you love) mistakes happen and situations pop up that you weren't even beginning to prepare for yet (you can't prepare for everything).

But yeah sorry for the ramble and these are my own personal experiences and I wanted to say something because I have been in killers exact situation and he has become even more baby to me.

(I like to think that when color isn't as upset anymore killer wanders in and puts a cat in his lap without saying anything and curls up next to his feet on the ground and does his weird purr equivalent bone rattle thing because he knows cats help him and he knows purrs help calm down skeletons so he does his best)

Fun fact about me: I have little to no empathy as well

I simply don't mention it

The problem with the stigma around empathy is the false view that you have to have empathy to be even remotely capable of doing good things, which is absolute bullshit, empathy is morally neutral, someone who has empathy can be an absolute asshole and someone with zero empathy can be kind

It's actions that matter not thoughts or what you feel or lack thereof

Killer lacks the understanding of what Color truly needs emotionally, but it doesn't mean that Killer enjoys hurting Color, it just means that he ends up lost on what to do to make it better, and when he tries to do what he knows best (acting on what his mind says than heart) it doesn't work at times cause it's not what Color is in need of at that critical moment

That's where love comes in

Color fully understands this, but he has some social needs that Killer can't provide at the moment, he needs to be held close and to have someone reassure him, and Killer simply can't provide that, and Color does not hold it against Killer in any way, and that's how deep their love for each other is

Killer of course, does try to fix it the best he can, the only way he knows how is by what he observes of Color, what Color likes and what might put a smile on his face

And most of the time it works, others it doesn't, but Color still sees and appreciates Killer's efforts when he knows full well that being connected doesn't come naturally to Killer at all

(Also that image is honestly so adorable gbsdcbsud)

[lennadanvers]

Pure Imagination: sitting on top of his amp

Pairing: Eddie Munson x female!Reader

Practice makes perfect. That’s what people say. Eddie thinks practice makes thinks automatic. Boring. He kinda likes the thrill of not being sure if he has what it takes to make it right- he’s used to feeling uncomfortable, on the brink of being not enough.

The rest of Corroded Coffin, on the other hand, enjoy knowing that their next performance will always be the best. And Eddie may think it’s boring to play the same song twenty times in one afternoon, but he loves his friends too much to bail on them.

Besides, now that he can play all the songs even while asleep, he can put his attention somewhere else. To hell with Jeff’s cue. His hands will do what they have to do, right on beat. Meanwhile, his head can focus on more stimulating thoughts.

Like you.

Eddie loves a good audience. And there is no better audience than you. He’d know. You were there once, at the talent show.

He was far less experienced than now. He loved playing the guitar just as much, though. You were in the third or fourth row, not that far from him. Eddie was nervous. You were laughing with your friend, but not at him. When he stepped on stage, you stopped talking and started paying attention. The smile was most likely the remnants of whatever had made you laugh earlier, but Eddie likes to lie to himself and believe it was for him.

When he started playing, you didn’t look away from him once. He supposes it would’ve defeated the purpose of a show, but still. His fingers felt your eyes. His arm. His neck, his cheeks. Eddie hoped you’d think the blush was because of the heat from the lights and not because of you. To this day, he’s a little ashamed you saw him with the buzz cut.

He doesn’t regret it, though, because you made him feel important.

Eddie wants to return the favor. That’s why he plays looking at the amp. It’s easy to picture you there. Back in high school, he noticed you like to sit on furniture. The art class tables, the kitchen counter at someone’s house party… And his amp, hopefully.

He starts playing and the beat paints you there. You’re sitting crisscross, hands on your knees. Eddie improvises a little and your fingers follow, little taps that echo his heartbeat. He shakes his hair and you laugh, and he’s happy. Truly, really happy. Who cares if he’s trapped in a dark garage. Who cares if no one will really appreciate his art when they play at the Hideout. Eddie, for once, doesn’t give a crap.

He can still pretend you’ll catch his guitar pick. He can convince himself you’ll keep it in your wallet for good luck, or that you’ll make it into a necklace. Eddie can convince himself you’ll keep a piece of his music hanging next to your heart. It’s easy to believe a part of him will always be warm, on top of your skin, under your t-shirt in a space that is exclusively yours.

It feels natural to be exclusively yours. His music is. His inspiration, too.

If Gareth wants to play another million times the same song they already perfected, great. Amazing. Eddie will happily take any chance to play for you.

A/N: me?? Posting Pure Imagination again?? Who is this diva?! Sabrina said "short and sweet" so that's what I did. I won't let this series die- instead I'll drag the suffering for as long as possible (that is to say it's taking longer than expected to finish). Anyway, hope you like it! If you want me to add you to the taglist, just comment or send an ask.

Btw, I used dividers for the first time to introduce a new series (The Heartbreak Chronicles, in case you want to check it out), and I was thinking maybe I should find a divider for this one too. Maybe something Alice in Wonderland related? Or just Eddie in general? Pls let me know if you have any suggestions.

Masterlist here

Taglist: @whataboutbibi , @hellfirenacht , @daisyridleyss

[bruhnze]

Personal Records - Chapter 7

Summary: AU about Lucy being a personal trainer and Ona being a realestate agant. Chapters before this one: Personal Records Masterlist

Warnings: hurt/comfort - fluff

Wordcount: 5k

She took a deep breath in and out, and looked at her phone. A couple of texts from Ona.

’Do you know how late you’ll be home’ – being the last one of the bunch.

She looked at the time, more then an hour later then she’d normally be home on a Wednesday.

Wednesday was the day Ona had chosen to work from home, a thing she’d been trying since a couple of months. It was nice, Ona could take the boys to and from school, and they’d eat at home during their lunchbreak. Lucy did this on Monday, but she didn’t work from home then, she just drove a bit more that day. But it was worth it to spend a little more time with her kids.

She gathered her bag, her coat, the thermos cup from this morning and the empty bottle of water and got out of the car.

Quietly she got inside, setting her shoes where they belonged, putting her coat where it belonged. She walked further into the house. The sight of Lucas sitting at the breakfast bar with her wife brought a smile to her face.

‘’Hi guys,’’ she said, setting her bag down to be dealt with later.

Ona turned around, and looked at Lucy curiously, tough she didn’t question her, ‘’hi love.’’

‘’Mommy!’’ Lucas flew off the stool, - a bit too quick for Lucy’s liking, as he almost hit his head to the counter, - and launched himself against her legs.

‘’Hello my clever boy, what are you and mamá working on?’’ she asked, putting her cup and bottle on the kitchen before picking Lucas up from the ground and giving him a peck on the cheek as she walked with him to where he had been sitting.

She set him back on the stool.

Lucas eagerly started explaining that they had been working on the homework he had gotten today. Lucy smiled as he showed her, she found it ridiculous that a four year old had homework already, but Lucas loved it. Oliver had homework, so he wanted it too. She was curious how long this excitement about doing schoolwork at home would stay, but they’d embrace it for how long it lasted.

‘’Ahhh, so you have traced all the letters of the alphabet?’’ Lucy asked.

Lucas turned around and nodded at her, ‘’only,’’ he looked as his fingers and wonkily held three up, ‘’ics, i grega and zeta are left, so not done yet.’’  

"Wow, it seems like you’ve been paying close attention in class," Lucy said as she leaned in to kiss the top of Lucas’s head. He had already turned back, busy repositioning the pencil in the grip he had learned at school.

Then she turned to Ona, and leaned in to give her a peck on the mouth.

It didn’t feel like Ona fully reciprocated, but Lucy guessed it was fair enough since she’d some explaining to do.

‘’Where is Ollie?’’ she asked.

Ona tilted her head, ‘’Ollie is playing at a friends house, they’ll bring him home tonight after dinner.. I texted you about that.’’

‘’Oh, right.. I hadn’t.. you’re right I just read that actually,’’ Lucy scratched her neck, walking back to the kitchen to put her cup in the dishwasher. It was one of Ona’s annoyances if she left her dirty dishes out. ‘’do we have plans for dinner or should I-

‘’Did you have a busy day at work?’’ Ona asked raising her eyebrows, she smiled at Lucy.

Lucy shook her head, ‘’no, I uh, left early today actually.’’ She said looking in to the dishwasher.

‘’Oh?’’ Ona laughed surprised, waiting for Lucy to explain further.

‘’Done!’’ Lucas said loudly, dropping her pencil down and holding the paper up.

‘’Perfect, you go and put that in your bag for tomorrow,’’ Ona said, helping him on to the ground. Now that Lucas wasn’t sitting on the high chair anymore she could move again too.

Lucy was pouring herself a glass of water as Ona came up to her. ‘’Are you okay?’’ she asked dryly.

Lucy looked up at her, she studied Ona’s face and smiled, ‘’I went to see a therapist.’’

‘’Oh?’’ Ona said surprised, tough this time it wasn’t with a laugh, ‘’did it.. uh.. why..’’ it stayed silent for a couple moments, ‘’I thought you hated those?’’

‘’I do,’’ Lucy nodded as a breathy laugh escaped her, ‘’but it was good, I uh, made the right decision in going I think and..’’ she turned slightly so her body was facing Ona’s, ‘’I think I’ll go a couple more times.’’

Ona nodded, ‘’well you know how I feel about talking to a professional.’’ She smiled as she took Lucy’s hand, ‘’I’m proud of you.’’

‘’Mhm,’’ Lucy brought Ona’s hand to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to her hand before pulling her in. ‘’sometimes I have to listen to you more.’’

Ona smirked, tilting her head, ‘’only sometimes?’’ she teased.

Lucy rolled her eyes, her hands moving down to pinch Ona’s sides, ‘’I love you.’’

Ona’s face screwed up as Lucy didn’t tease her back, ‘’will you tell me what it was about?’’

Lucy nodded.

‘’-I’m hungry’’ a whiny voice cut through their moment.

Lucy and Ona turned to look at Lucas. Lucy looked at her watch; almost seven thirty. ‘’it’s not dinner time yet.’’ She said sympathetically, ‘’but you can eat some fruit if you want?’’

Lucas shook his head, looking at his moms offended as he did so, his nose crinkling.

‘’We’ve got strawberry’s,’’ Ona joined in, ‘’or pineapple, you love pineapple’’

‘’I already had fruit.’’ Lucas crossed his arms, ‘’no fruita.’’

‘’What are you suggesting then?’’ Lucy chuckled.

Lucas looked up with a cheeky smile, ‘’ice cream.’’

Ona and Lucy looked at eachother trying not to laugh.

‘’ice cream?’’ Lucy repeated.

Lucas nodded as he walked to the fridge, ‘’is in here.’’ He pointed at the bottom door of the fridge. ‘’Només una bola.’’ He held up his hand with his other hand as he put his pointer finger up, ‘’una.. please.’’ He added as he saw no progress at his moms’ side.

Lucy and Ona shook their head, Lucas knew they stood no chance against him. He was just way too cute.

‘’What would you say about fruit and ice cream?’’ Lucy said, pretending to herself and Ona that they still had a bit of saying in all of this.

Lucas moved from one foot to another as he thought about it.

Ona and Lucy waited curiously, already amused by what his next move would be.

‘’But..’’ he started, then he looked up at his moms as he seemingly thought of something brilliant, ‘’maybe my belly would be too full for sopar.’’ He said, clearly smug with himself.

‘’Ohh, well maybe we should wait on dinner then?’’ Ona said.

Lucas shook his head, ready to explain himself. ‘’No, mamá.’’ He looked down, ‘’fruit is big, and ice cream is only a small space.. so I can eat dinner and ice cream.’’

Lucy laughed, ‘’do we even have ice cream?’’

‘’Yes,’’ both Ona and Lucas said at the same time.

Lucy didn’t know why, but it brought a warm feeling to her heart.

‘’Okay,’’ she walked up to the fridge, ‘’so what you’re saying is you just need a small scoop of ice cream and then you will eat all of your dinner tonight too.’’

Lucas stepped aside for his mom to get the ice cream.

‘’Not very small,’’ he said, looking at the fridge drawer, ‘’this one.’’ He pointed at the ice cream Ona loved. Gelat de Màlaga. Horrible choice, she couldn’t understand why anyone would ever voluntarily eat it, let alone it was anyone's favorite.. but here Ona and Lucas where. Preferring it every time.

But instead of the usual disgust by the choice, she smiled as got the tub out. The boys both had stuff in common with Ona.. she thought back to what the therapist and her had discussed.

Ona had set a small bowl and a plastic spoon on the counter, and Lucy scooped in some ice cream for him.

‘’Not too much, he already had a merienda too.’’ Ona said.

‘’Ohh, what did he have?’’ Lucy said, closing the lid and giving Ona the spoon she’d scooped the ice cream with, having left a bunch on it on purpose.

‘’Bocadillo,’’ Ona hummed as she took the spoonful in her mouth, ‘’hmm.’’

‘’Here you go, silly,’’ Lucy said, giving the bowl to her son, ‘’eating ice cream in the winter.’’ She shook her head laughingly.

‘’autumn.’’ Lucas said as he eagerly took the bowl.

Lucy shook her head at his know-it-all attitude. Though she didn’t say anything as he was correct, after all. ‘’Careful with eating that,’’ she called after him, ‘’try not to spill.’’

She placed the tub of ice cream back in the freezer and turned back to Ona, ‘’you bunch are crazy.’’

‘’Is this about the ice cream flavor again or the fact we’re eating it in pre-winter.’’ Ona joked.

‘’Yes.’’ Lucy joked back.

‘’For dinner I was thinking pasta.’’ Ona said.

Lucy nodded, ‘’perfect, shall I cook or do you want to do it?’’

‘’It’s still early,’’ Ona said gently as she closed the gap between them, ‘’do you maybe want to talk first?’’

Lucy glanced over at Lucas, who was sitting on his knees at the coffee table. ‘’I’ll put the tv on for him.’’

Ona nodded.

Lucy plopped down on the couch next to Ona, in the main living room. Though they were still within view of Lucas, they were far enough to be out of earshot.

‘’Come here.’’ Lucy said, opening her arms up to Ona as she shifted.

Ona went to lay on top of her, shifting until they where both comfy.

‘’Hmm,’’ Lucy hummed as she closed her arms tightly around Ona, taking a second to enjoy the embrace, ‘’I’ve missed you today.’’

Ona stayed silent, though her thumb soothed the skin of Lucy’s side below her shirt in a sign of compassion.

‘’So I, uh, I made an appointment with.. a psychologist..’’ Lucy started, looking up at the ceiling, ‘’I made the appointment after you.. after we..’’

‘’You don’t have to say it,’’ Ona whispered against Lucy’s chest, ‘’I know.’’

‘’I should be able to say it,’’ Lucy said unsteadily, ‘’I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to talk about my feelings, sorry.’’

Ona pulled her hand from under Lucy's shirt, shifted upwards, and gently cupped Lucy's face, meeting her gaze. "You don’t have to apologize for trying your best," she said softly.

‘’Well, what you asked.. uhm.. mentioned,’’ Lucy bit her lip as she looked away from Ona, ‘’I want to start by saying that I’m all for it, I’m very exited and ever since you mentioned it I’ve been imagining our family with.. another.. little one.’’

Ona nodded, stroking Lucy’s cheek with her thumb. Brushing the tears away. 

‘’I just felt this.. uhm.. I uh..’’ Lucy licked her lips frustrated, she remembered what she’d discussed with the therapist. ‘’There’s two things.. I-‘’ she looked back at Ona, meeting her eyes. Her sympathetic eyes. That beautiful face. Her wife. 

‘’I love you so much, you must understand that,’’ she said.

Ona nodded.

‘’And it will sound selfish and there’s so many layer to it… but these are feelings that I’m having too.. and I need to talk about it.’’ Lucy said thoughtfully.

Ona leaned in to kiss Lucy’s cheek, ‘’you’re so strong my love,’’ she whispered, ‘’your feelings are valid no matter how selfish they seem.. it’s..’’ her eyes started to water too, ‘’we… you.. have experienced a loss... it was.. it is a grieving process.. Luce, I-‘’ she bit her lip.. what more could she add to this.

Lucy shifted, guiding them to lie on their sides, still holding each other. But now, facing one another, it felt even more intimate. She cupped Ona’s cheek and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

They looked in to each others eyes as they let the silence linger.

‘’Two things,’’ Lucy whispered after her breath had steadied again.

Ona nodded.

‘’the realization of the fact that I’ll.. nev-,‘’ a whimper cut through her words, it felt as if there was a lump in her throat making it hard to talk.

‘’I know,’’ Ona whispered, shifting to tuck Lucy’s head into her neck, she rubbed Lucy’s shocking shoulders, ‘’I know,’’ she repeated, ‘’let it all out mi vida. You don’t have to say it, I know.’’

Lucy sobbed quietly into the nape of Ona’s neck, thick tears leaving her eyes as her mouth twitched in grief.

It took a couple of moments before she could calm down again, she took a couple of deep breaths. ‘’The sEconD,’’ she cleared her throat against Ona and sniffed her nose. God, if it wasn’t for the fact they’d been married this long she’d be worried about being perceived as gross. Though, Ona would probably wave that off immediately, especially now. There was no other human being on the planet that Lucy felt more comfortable around then Ona. But she liked to stay a bit attractive to her.

‘’The second,’’ Lucy tried again, whispering softly, ‘’the second thing is… that… the baby..’’ she swallowed hard, ‘’would be yours… and you’d carry it.. and it’d be a half sibling to it’s brothers.. and’’ she leaned back to meet Ona’s gaze, ‘’you have such a good bond with-.. you.. you.’’

Ona shook her head softly, tears rolling down her cheeks.

‘’It doesn’t have to be m-‘’

Lucy shook her head, ‘’it should be, I want it to be.’’

‘’We still have y-‘’

Lucy took Ona’s face in her hands carefully, ‘’do you have a good connection with our sons? Did you.. have you ever felt like..?’’ she didn’t know how to even finish that question.

Ona smiled at her, ‘’having a good bond with them isn’t only about sharing blood with them.. dna.’’ She said softly, ‘’sure I have thought about it, what if something happens between us and..’’ Lucy’s face screwed up at those words, making Ona chuckle, ‘’what if,’’ she repeated, though she couldn’t finish what she wanted to say.

Lucy crinkled her nose, interrupting her, ‘’won’t happen.’’

"See, this is why it doesn't matter whether they're your blood or mine," Ona said, gently tracing Lucy's nose. "I love our little versions of you. I see so much of you in them... and all it fills me with is love, because I love you more than anything."

Tears welled up in Lucy’s eyes again. God, this had to be one of the most romantic things Ona had said to her. Lucy leaned in to kiss her.

‘’Yuck,’’ Lucy said in disgust, pulling away just as quickly as she’d leaned in. ‘’really don’t know how you got him hooked on that god awful ice cream.’’

Ona could only chuckle, ‘’see, you can learn the kid everything you want, not everything is passed through genetics.’’

‘’Wise woman,’’ Lucy smiled, leaning in again.

‘’Thought you hated the taste,’’ Ona murmured against her lips.

‘’Love you more then I hate gelat de Màlaga.’’ Lucy murmured back.

Ona chuckled between kisses, ‘’so romantic.’’

After breaking the kiss they stayed there for a while, just holding eachother. Both digesting the conversation they’d just had.

After a while the sound of small feet pattering against the floor caught Lucy’s attention, her ears perking for any signs of things being not alright with Lucas, but she assumed it was just him coming to ask something.

Sure enough, seconds later, Lucas stood next to the couch.

Lucy and Ona shifted to be able to look at him, though they kept cuddling.

‘’The video ended,’’ Lucas announced.

‘’Oh,’’ Lucy shifted, trying to get her phone from her pocket, ‘’should I put something new on the tv?’’

Lucas leaned in to look at the Netflix screen on his moms phone.

‘’This one?’’ Lucy asked, hovering above a series about cars that she knew Lucas had watched before.

Lucas looked at her, though he seemed to think about something else then what he was going to be watching next.

‘’Sad?’’ he asked, his eyes moving from his one mom to his other.

Lucy smiled and reached to the coffee table to lie her phone down, ‘’mamá and I where a little bit sad, yes.’’ She said, taking the boys’ small hand in hers.

‘’Nightmare?’’ he asked sympathetically, ‘’when you have a nightmare you sometimes have to cry because you are scared and then you get sad.’’

Ona smiled at her wife as they turned to look at eachother.

‘’Yes, that’s right,’’ Ona said, ‘’if you have a scary nightmare sometimes you have to cry, but mom and I didn’t have a nightmare.’’ She said softly.

The boy tilted his head, thinking for a couple of seconds before he smiled. ‘’hug?’’

Lucy grinned, relieved at how easily they seemed to have gotten through this, and lifted Lucas to lie between them.

"n abrazo hace todo mejor," Lucas said, wrapping his arms around both his moms' heads.

Lucy pulled him close, wrapping her arm around both her son and wife. "Mhm, a hug makes everything better," she repeated, smiling.

…

The rest of the afternoon and evening passed smoothly. Lucy made pasta for dinner, and Lucas sat beside her and Ona, chattering animatedly about his latest obsession. Oliver returned from his playdate in high spirits, just as they were finishing eating.

Later, the four of them went for a walk with Nela, their dog. The boys raced ahead, their laughter echoing through the quiet estate as Nela tugged at her leash, eager to join them.

Bedtime had become routine—perfect, even—for the past couple of weeks. Lucy read Oliver a story while Ona tucked Lucas in, listening as he rambled on about whatever crossed his mind. Lucy cherished this balance, the way they alternated spending bedtime with the boys. They’d switch kids each night if they were both home, a rhythm that felt just right. Lucy hoped Oliver wouldn’t start wanting to stay up later than Lucas anytime soon; things were good as they were.

Once the boys were asleep, Lucy headed downstairs. Ona had insisted she take a shower, and Lucy had already showered at work, so she used the time to tidy up the living room and kitchen.

When Ona still hadn’t come down, Lucy lit a few candles, set out snacks—ice cream for Ona, chocolate chip cookies for herself (though she knew Ona would steal a few)—and made two steaming cups of tea. She plopped onto the couch and paused the TV on the series they were currently into, waiting for Ona to join her.

A few moments later, Ona appeared, her robe tied loosely at the waist, her damp hair brushing her shoulders.

Lucy glanced up, smiling as Ona walked into the room. “Good shower?”

Ona nodded, her gaze sweeping over the room.

“You cleaned up,” she said, her lips curving into a smile as she circled the couch and settled herself comfortably on Lucy’s lap.

Lucy nodded, wrapping her arms around Ona’s waist. “And I got snacks out, made you a cuppa.”

“Mmm, you’re the best,” Ona murmured, burying her face in Lucy’s neck.

Lucy chuckled, her hand moving to soothe Ona’s back through the fluffy fabric of her robe. “Tired?”

“Mhm,” Ona hummed. “You?”

“A bit,” Lucy admitted thoughtfully. “But it was a good day.”

Ona sighed softly, leaning further into Lucy’s shoulder. “Yeah, I think so too.”

Lucy ran her fingers gently through Ona’s damp hair. “..and? ..are we doing it?”

Ona tilted her head to look up at her wife. “It’s a big decision.”

“It is,” Lucy agreed, her voice steady but thoughtful. “But I keep thinking about all the good things. Like, we’ve got that spare room upstairs, it’s just a playroom now.. it could be a nursery easily. The cars all have a empty seat left if we put Nela in the back like she’s supposed to be. We wouldn’t even need to upgrade anything major.”

Ona chuckled. “You’re already thinking logistics.”

“Of course… but not just that.” Lucy’s tone softened, and her hands settled on Ona’s waist. “I was also thinking about how amazing Ollie and Lucas would be with a little sibling. I can already see Oliver being the protective big brother and Lucas wanting to teach it everything he knows.”

Ona’s expression softened, her eyes glimmering. “They’d be good with a baby.”

“They would,” Lucy said confidently. “And… there’s always the chance it could be a girl.”

Ona’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked away, biting her lip. “That’s not the most important thing, you know.”

“I know,” Lucy said gently. “I just… I know you’ve always dreamed of a daughter. But of course, it being healthy is what matters the most.”

Ona nodded. “Mhm. But yeah, it would be cute… she’d have two big brothers.”

Lucy smiled, leaning in to kiss Ona’s temple, her voice dropping to a soft murmur. “You know what else I thought about?”

“What?” Ona asked, her lips curving faintly in anticipation.

“You,” Lucy said simply. “How you look when you’re pregnant. You’re always beautiful, Ona, but when you were carrying the boys…” She trailed off, her gaze warm and adoring. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you… the glow, your cute baby bump.”

Ona buried her face in Lucy’s neck, her ears turning red. Lucy smiled at her reaction. Ona had been the same way during her pregnancies—always shy about the compliments. Lucy found it adorable.

“You’re just saying that,” Ona mumbled.

“I’m really not,” Lucy insisted, her hands resting on Ona’s hips. “I mean it. You’re stunning. I think about you like that sometimes, and I can’t help but want to see it again.”

Ona peeked up at her through her lashes, her lips quirking. “Weirdo.”

Lucy huffed. “How am I weird?”

“You have a thing for pregnant ladies,” Ona teased, pulling a face.

“No,” Lucy shook her head quickly, “I have a thing for you.” She smiled lopsidedly. “It’s kind of a problem.”

“Why is it a problem? You’ve been saying this for the last eight years,” Ona laughed, reaching up to trace Lucy’s jaw with her thumb. “..but you make a convincing case, you know.”

“I try,” Lucy teased lightly, her expression earnest. “no.. I’m serious, the more I think about it, the more I want this, Ona. I really do. But only if you do too. We’re in such a good place right now. The boys are happy, we’ve got our routines down, and the business is doing well… I just feel like it’s the perfect moment.”

Ona’s eyes searched Lucy’s face, her resolve softening. “You really think it’s a good idea?”

“I do,” Lucy said with quiet certainty.

Ona smiled and leaned in to press a tender kiss to Lucy’s lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Lucy whispered, pulling Ona closer.

After a moment of silence, Ona spoke again. “But the room is the boys’ playroom. How would we explain—”

“Your home office,” Lucy smirked. “We can use that one.”

Ona frowned. “No. First of all, my office is on the ground floor, and I need that space.”

“We’ll make that the playroom and turn the playroom into the bedroom,” Lucy joked.

“Maybe we’ll make your gym the playroom,” Ona teased.

Lucy scrunched her nose. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Ona shrugged. “It’s the least essential room we have.”

“The boys barely play in the playroom anyway,” Lucy countered.

Ona and Lucy exchanged a look, realizing the same thing at the same time.

“How do you think they’ll react?” Ona asked.

“When do we even tell them?” Lucy wondered aloud.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, do we consult them? Tell them we’re thinking about it and see if they’re happy with a family expansion? Or do we keep it a secret until it’s almost here? I think the latter cus they can be very impatient… and there’s a big chance they’d tell people…”

Ona chuckled. “You keep saying ‘it.’”

“Well, we don’t know what it’s going to be. And ‘they’ sounds so plural.”

“What if it doesn’t… work out?” Ona asked carefully, her voice hesitant.

Lucy took Ona’s hands. “Are you worried there’ll be troubles?”

Ona shrugged. “It’s been a few years… maybe.”

Lucy smiled, nudging her wife. “Remember what the doctor said?’’ she put on her impression of the doctor ‘’‘Congratulations you two! It’s rare to see success on the very first attempt’,’’ she laughed, ‘’how did he say it again?.. ‘physiologically speaking.. it’s a beautiful uterus.’”

Ona smiled faintly, though she couldn’t laugh—knowing how painful the subject was for Lucy.

“It’s okay, babe, you can laugh,” Lucy reassured her. “Just because mine is a mess doesn’t mean I’m not happy that yours is perfect.”

“Luce…” Ona whispered.

Lucy pulled back to meet her gaze, tilting her head, ‘’it’s okay, really.’’

Ona cupped her face and looked into her eyes intensely.

‘’It’ll go well,’’ she put her hands over Ona’s, ‘’I think we can do this.’’

Ona nodded, ‘’I think so too.’’ She said softly, leaning in to kiss her.

Lucy’s hands travelled to cup the back of Ona’s head, pulling her closer, before heading south, kneading Ona’s hips below her bathrobe, dragging her hips against her own.

‘’I actually cant wait’’ Lucy breathed between kisses, wrapping her arms around Ona grabbing her ass.

Ona hummed in to the kiss, ‘’wait for what?’’ she asked, her fingers threading through Lucy’s hair in the back of her neck.

Lucy broke the kiss as she pulled back, ‘’for you to start showing.’’

Ona rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Let’s make an appointment first before you start with this.”

“Mhm, we will do it tomorrow,” Lucy said.

Ona bit her lip as she took in Lucy’s pupils, which seemed impossibly dilated. Lucy was brimming with an excitement Ona didn’t completely understand. She didn’t understand the fascination, though she knew—because she had told her many times—that her wife adored how she looked when she was pregnant.

“But you’re always beautiful,” Lucy added, as if she could read Ona’s thoughts.

Ona smiled and leaned in to give Lucy a quick peck. “What’s our agenda like for tomorrow?”

Lucy considered this, her brows furrowing slightly. “Hmm… I have work, you have work. You’ll drop the boys off at school, and I’ll pick them up. I think that’s it.”

Ona nodded. “Want to have lunch together? Do you have time for that?”

Lucy shrugged. “I think so. I’d have to check.”

Ona grabbed the phone lying beside them on the couch. As she unlocked it, the first thing to pop up was a collection of photos—her pregnancy photoshoot from years ago. While not fully nude, the images were intimate, showing her in barely-there attire.

She raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lucy, who didn’t even attempt to look sheepish.

Instead, Lucy grinned back at her, unapologetically.

Shaking her head with a blush and a small eyeroll, Ona navigated to Lucy’s calendar. Spotting a gap around two in the afternoon, she added an appointment ‘Lunch with Ona’.

“It’s a date,” Lucy said, her smile widening. “We haven’t done that in a while—having lunch together during work.”

“Mhm true,” Ona agreed, nodding. “Can’t wait.”

Lucy leaned in for another kiss, her voice soft and thoughtful. “You know, I’ve been thinking… what do you think about taking a longer maternity leave this time? Not working right up until you physically can’t anymore, but taking a proper few months off instead?”

Ona shook her head with an amused smile. “Is this secretly another one of your plans to get me to work less?”

“Eh,” Lucy laughed, shrugging. “You’re the one who brought it up, not me.”

“Hmmm,” Ona hummed, her tone mock-disapproving. “We’ll see when it’s time…”

---

Who says yes to happiness and time skip to 🤰 for the next chapter? 🙃

Personal Records Masterlist

[howtodrawyourdragon]

Does Berk think Hiccup is frivolous in Httyd 1? Maybe a little bit aloof?

Stoick tells him to stop joking around in the opening scene of the movie, after the dagons have left. "This isn't a joke, Hiccup!" He tells him. And he tells him that after his rant about how he has things to worry about, like making sure the village doesn't starve in the coming winter, Hiccup answers to with a sassy "the village could do with a little less feeding, don't you think?" Which really only manages to make Stoick even more mad.

After their first lesson in dragon training, Gobber asks the class "where did Hiccup go wrong?" and Astrid's response is "he's never where he should be." I think she means it literally. Why is Hiccup, of all people, in dragon training? Ruffnut and Tuffnut make sense. Snotlout makes sense. Even Fishlegs makes sense. (especially since Fishlegs has already shown effort by memorizing the Book of Dragons, effort Astrid clearly approves of given her shock at the twins and Snotlout disregarding Gobber's order to read the book.)

But Hiccup? Hiccup McSassyPants? Who gets told that his village could starve in the winter and answers with "well maybe they should eat less"? Who steps outside during a raid and actually causes more damage than the dragons pretending he's capturing a Night Fury? What is he doing in dragon training? That class literally ended with Hiccup almost losing his life to a Gronckle.

This is further backed up when after she has to protect both herself and Hiccup from a Deadly Nadder, which happened because Hiccup wasn't paying attention the whole time, getting them both in trouble. (Which is because he's fixating on figuring out a certain Night Fury, but they don't know that. To them, it just looks like he's annoying Gobber with meaningless questions. Why are you asking about the Night Fury? The one dragon who's single instruction is "hide and pray it doesn't find you"?) She explicitly asks him "Is this some kind of a joke to you?"

Followed up by "Our parent's war is about to become ours. Figure out which side you're on."

Once again someone questions Hiccup about how serious he takes things. But it's more than that, she's trying to give him a wake up call! Wake up, Hiccup, our parents are actually fighting a genuine war here and someday it'll be your turn! Stop making everything a joke before you get yourself or someone else killed!

Astrid actually isn't as much against Hiccup at this point as people often believe. There are actually a few points in which she eithers feels sorry for him or tries to help him in her own Astrid-y way. (And if the deleted scene hadn't been deleted, there would've been an almost friendly conversation had between the two before dragon training even starts)

Let's also not forget Hiccup's and Stoick's talk before dragon training even starts. When Stoick shows some actual vulnerability by laying his son's life in his son's and Gobber's hands when he decides to give in and let Hiccup go to dragon training while he's off on a voyage.

Hiccup tells his father "I don't wanna fight dragons!" in a tone that is rather pleading. To which is father chuckles and says to him "come on, yes you do!"

Remember in the opening, Hiccup practically makes the claim that he lives and breathes to kill dragon, it's "who he is." And now he suddenly claims he doesn't want to fight dragons at all? Can't fight them?

Stoick keeps his tone light, telling his son that he will fight dragons, don't you worry about that, Hiccup. With Hiccup doubling down that he's very extra-sure that he can't fight dragons, which makes Stoick double down in return, his levity disappearing.

"Can you not hear me?" Hiccup asks, desperate to be heard.

"This is serious, son!" Says Stoick. Which makes this three times that Hiccup is explicitly told to take something serious. (And you can just see the disbelieve or realization in Hiccup's eyes as he's once again not being listened to.)

(Followed by Stoick telling him to act like everyone else and to stop being Hiccup, which gets him, you guessed it, a sarcastic remark from Hiccup.)

We know that Hiccup changed his mind about participating in dragon training because he found out he couldn't kill Toothless. (or rather, he can't kill the scared and the defenseless, as the Red Death would later show) But Stoick doesn't know that. Berk actually seems to know very little about Hiccup and that's why they think that he's joking around at all times.

I'm willing to bet that the "disasters" he causes "every time he steps outside" aren't much of a help either. (and I wonder how many of these are actually Hiccup's fault or if Hiccup happened to be involved, so the blame is just automatically put on him.)

And this isn't a post to bash Hiccup. I love him to death, I love his sass as much as any other fan. And I am very much of the opinion that Hiccup's sass is a defense mechanism.

His feelings get hurt, so he tries to hurt someone else's back. Like when he probably feels guilty about his father worrying about the village getting through the winter, so he makes that comment about how the village could eat less to offset that guilt. (Which again, only makes Stoick angrier.) And I think the proof is in the rest of the franchise.

Hiccup sasses the most when he's 15-16, a.k.a from Httyd 1 to DoB. But by the time we see him again in RttE (chronologically) he sasses a little less and in a friendlier and more playful context, but he has also matured to deal with his negative feelings differently. RttE is, chronologically, when Stoick actually begins to consider if his son is ready to be chief. He can see how much Hiccup has matured, especially when there's such physicaly distance between them. It's the equivalent of not seeing someone over summer break or watching someone go traveling and see how much they've changed when you reunite with them.

(also, he can knock Snotlout unconscious with a single punch, I bet that helps as well.)

But it is the way Hiccup chooses to defend himself, giving sassy comments (think "Thanks, I was trying!" to Snotlout's comment about the mess he made) to either painful comments about him or actual serious statements like the ones Stoick makes that still gets him in the feels that make him seem so shallow and unserious in the eyes of Berk.

Then there is his apparent history of crying wolf. When he actually does manage to shoot down a Night Fury, his father doesn't believe him and Hiccup explicitly says "this isn't like the last few times, I mean I really actually hit it! It went down!"

When you combine all of this, you get a teenager who doesn't appear to take anybody serious, including the lives of himself and others. Terrible traits to have as a person, let alone when you're the chief's son.

Somehow, a narrative of frivolity and aloofness was build around Hiccup that he just could not escape no matter how much he tried to crawl out of it. At some point, Berk put him in a box, marked it "jokester" and Hiccup's efforts to get out of that box only grew and grew. When his efforts failed, whenever he sassed back, Berk just pushed him even deeper into that box. Not looking further into what Hiccup actually needed or was trying to say.

Do I think Berk was right? Not at all, because this is all surface-level, things Hiccup legitimately says and does to protect himself and nobody realizes this.

Toothless doesn't speak a single word to him during the Forbidden Friendship scene, yet he can get across exactly what he expects from Hiccup (mainly "keep your distance, I don't trust you enough") without being mean about it. He doesn't snap, he doesn't bare his teeth. He just gives him faces that Hiccup understands. Only growling or hissing when Hiccup passes a boundary Toothless very clearly isn't comfortable with. (or, let's say, when his feelings are hurt, like when Hiccup steps on toothless' first drawing.)

And it's because he's not mean about it that he actually makes more progress with Hiccup in half a day than Berk does his entire 15 years.

And that's sad. That's what this post is about. About how sad it is that Berk takes Hiccup at a very shallow level and decides that must be his entire self as a person.

[thevixenwitch]

Metaphysical Shop Red Flags:

Little bit of a disclaimer on this one: This post is made from my personal experience. If you have a small business, this post is not about you, but hey if some of these things stand out to you, maybe it's worth analyzing your business model.

I am someone that's been active in irl and online pagan and witch spaces for over a decade now, and am compiling this from my own experiences, as well as those of my partners. I'm also a tad anti-capitalist, so an alternative title for this post could be "How to Spot if You're Actually that Metaphysical Shop's Cash Cow".

Now, let's get started.

Unknown or unethically sourced White Sage is a really noticeable starting place. Once I was at a market and saw cute smoke cleansing bundles with dried flowers and cinnamon sticks and quartz points, very pretty, very flashy! But when I asked where the Sage was sourced, the lady manning the booth said they were from Amazon. Some sellers value visual appeal to make a sale over anything else.

Overt appropriation via bulk, drop shipped items like “smudging” tools, dream catchers, etc. This list of items can vary dramatically based on who owns the shop, what practices exist in your area, so it’s good to educate yourself on how to spot appropriation. This does NOT mean ethically sourced options that benefit marginalized communities, that’s what we want to insist our local shops have for us to buy!

On that note, a lack of local creators and/or sourcing in general. Not every store has a goal of being a community hub, but beyond that they are still very visible aspects of the community. It strikes me as very odd that I can more reliably buy locally sourced herbs from a random gift shop than I can from a metaphysical store no matter which state I’m in.

Crystals with no information about where they were sourced. There is a growing issue with the intense demand for crystals that has caused an increase in unethical sources, so knowing where your purchases come from is important. Compare prices at metaphysical shops to those at your local rock shop, especially if you are lucky enough to have one run by gemologist, geologist, or rockhound. I have talked about this already elsewhere, so I won’t bog down this post too much with it. The short of it is, transparency is a green flag.

This one may be controversial, but dramatic markups in general. Don’t be afraid to compare prices to other places, particularly other local options if they are available. A few dollars variance is normal, but a huge markup should be obvious. Things like location can have a huge impact on price, which is good to keep in mind. The availability and price of something can vary wildly based on that factor alone, but that’s why I recommend checking against other options within your area. Do remember that comparing to Amazon prices isn’t fair to small businesses, and “cheap” is not the goal here.

If the contents of the store are all drop-shipped, or bulk stock that can definitely be something to keep an eye out for. If the place is full of items you can actually look up on Amazon, that may be worth paying attention to.

Prevalence of well-known problematic authors. If they have Silver Ravenwolf on a central display, that’s always something that tells me a shop prioritizes making a sale over providing quality products. If there’s an overwhelming presence of Lewellyn published books with minimal alternatives, that shows a lack of care for diversity or quality control.

AI items. Let’s be so for real here. Walking into a shop and seeing an obviously AI generated altar cloth with gibberish symbols all over it is a bad thing. I’ll talk more on the rising presence of AI that’s very negatively influencing the quality of information available in the pagan community at a later time.

Bulk resin and 3D printed items. We’ve all seen them, the vendor at a fair with an army of dozens of jointed dragons, or ten resin-cast, glitter-filled Gaia statues that light up! All so sparkly, colorful, and eye-catching. I’d implore anyone to learn more about how much plastic waste is involved in bulk production of low-quality products like this.

What my wife likes to call “Apple Store vibes”. Call me traditional, but when a store is all sleek white lines and tidy, understocked shelves, I know I’m in for some of the highest prices for incense I’ve ever seen. These stores are meant to bring in people with money burning a hole in their pocket, and that’s often reflected in the visually appealing kitsch that never actually seems to serve a purpose.

This can be a red flag SOMETIMES but not always: A lack of diversity in the paths represented. Sometimes a shop is just a reflection of the owner’s personal practice, or the focuses of the local community. Other times, there can be a reflected air of superiority of one path over others. This is entirely dependent on the individual store.

A big one I’d like to end on; they only host paid classes and services with no way for under-served members of the community to attend or participate. This is made even worse if the events are all over $20. Especially if this store is the only option in your area for these things! Instead of providing a service, they could be focused on cornering the market.

A quick Green Flag for some positivity, the presence of the owners or staff’s personal practice! I love being able to ask for insight from the source, I love being able to buy someone’s personal oil blends, I love learning more about things I may not have thought about because I’m not walking that path myself. Staff that want to chat and help can be so nice and really add to a welcoming environment.

Supporting small businesses is so important, and they can really be cornerstones of our community, but we need to be able to see the difference between someone passionate about providing resources and space to a community, and others that are looking to make a quick buck off of people starving for that. We as consumers need to hold our communities to some kind of standard, and I for one find that my standard is a certain level of authenticity. Not everyone selling metaphysical tools and supplies is trying to scam someone, but there are bad actors everywhere. Educate yourself, keep your eyes open, and don’t be afraid to ask yourself what someone’s motivations are.

[livelovelaughgeto]

“It hurts to be something. It's worse to be nothing with you.”________________________________________________

It’s been 16 long days. Two weeks and two extra painfully long days since you clicked on ‘Kei’s’ contact. He’ll always be Kei to you, never Tsukishima. But somehow you’re back at base one, where you started; he should be Tsukishima to you now. No endearments that come with eye rolls or the constant changes of silly names you left for his contact name. No, it’s just Tsukishima now. It feels bitter on your tongue, like everything you two had was now reduced to a burnt wick in a candle, dry and overused. But you broke your promise.

It’s not your fault, you tell yourself; if it wasn’t for the stupid walk you took out of desperation, a need to breathe in something other than the intoxication of Kei’s lingering scent in your apartment. He was everywhere, in every nook, cranny, and corner of space in your home. Now your home, no more ‘ours.’

He loves, yes. And you are at the center, while everything else that he’s ever loved gravitates but could never touch you or hold a light to the space you fill in his carefully built life. But don’t humor yourself. You aren’t spared from his nature. But if you pay close attention, his eyes glint when he speaks to you; no malice can ever be traced, not when he talks to you. He never intends to be hurtful; he’ll poke and prod but never dig his fingers into someone he holds so delicately and dearly. Kei is not soft. But he’s not a monster.

So what are you doing? Entranced and frozen in place as you stare dumbly at the boy across the street from you. A dimly lit post light shining above his pretty blonde hair as he lets a snicker with a group of friends.

It’s not Kei. You’re not that stupidly deprived that you're having delusions like a man starved of water in drastic weather. But he looks like Kei; he’s a painful reminder, and it breaks something, something inside of you. A crack tearing apart your hefty wall of restraint and discipline.

This is wrong; you should be pulling your greedy hands away from the call button, but here you are saying goodbye to your pride and tough facade. It’s ringing, and it’s goddamn loud. But not louder than your dumb heart pounding against your ribs. But why are you surprised? That’s what Kei’s always done to you.

There’s a pause; it’s deafening and gut-wrenching. You want to turn back, hang up, and delete his contact in your phone forever; maybe even run away and change your name and appearance.

But you flinch.

He’s calling your name. But no one will get it. Kei’s calling your name. That's special, something worth breaking your promise.

“What?” You retort back, but you’re quick to wince, to take it back. You’re the one who called.

Fuck.

He rolls his eyes; you don’t need to see it; you just know. He sighs, dragging a hand down his face.

“I thought the devil needed space?” He muttered through the phone, It’s an insult, but it isn’t delivered like it’s supposed to be.

Your quiet, eyes darting away like he’s right in front of you.

“Can we—

Silence, you're waiting for what?

“Kei, don’t be petty.” You spoke, bringing your knees to your chest with a shaky exhale.

“Don’t know what you’re on about. I can’t finish the sentence for you.” He shoots back, with a raised brow, waiting ever so patiently.

“Do you even want to see me?” You whispered, anxious hands clawing at your sides as you shifted uncomfortably on your worn-out sofa.

“You ask that as if you’re not important to me. Yes. Now finish your sentence.” He scoffs, shaking his head in disapproval as he slumps in bed.

“Tsukishima, can we meet up and talk… please?” You mutter out, breaths are held, nothing but the sound of rain softly pattering outside and the occasional hum of traffic.

“I’m at your house in ten.” He answers quickly and swiftly, like he already had the answer at the tip of his tongue, ready to roll off and spring to life. A quiet silence is all that’s left, connecting the two of you as you both remain on the line. “And hey, it’s always Kei to you.” 

[awardenandacrow]

FANFIC SNIPPET 22

NOTE: Chronologically Follows Snippet #18

[Bellara and Lucanis inadvertently learn Rook’s favorite breakfast food]

CW/TW: mention of food insecurity, poverty, and slavery; brief strong language

——————————————————————————

Hunger pains drew Naimeryn from sleep perhaps sooner than she would have liked. She grumbled and rubbed her eyes, remembering suddenly that with all the excitement of settling Lucanis in, she’d never eaten anything that could be considered dinner. She sighed. Up and at ‘em, then.

She shed the night wrap and left it laying on the couch, shrugging into an old tunic and a pair of worn trousers. She grabbed her hair bands and headed out the door, braiding as she went. She’d been wearing her hair the same way for so long she could usually get it right without a mirror, but also, if they were uneven or crooked, she doubted anyone would be paying enough attention to her to notice.

The library and courtyard were both silent and empty, and she wondered if she were the only one up. As she reached the door to the kitchen, she hesitated. It was probably a good bet the assassin who had just spent a year in a Venatori prison was a light sleeper. She’d have to be quiet. Thankful the Fade didn’t find squeaky hinges aesthetic, Naimeryn opened the door just enough to slip inside.

It had been unnecessary. Lucanis stood by the fireplace, a cup of Harding’s tea in hand. He glanced over his shoulder as she entered. Caught off guard, she gave him a nervous little wave — and then felt immensely stupid, and quickly put her hand back down. Why was interacting with him so *hard?!*

“Good morning,” he acknowledged her, turning fully away from the fire.

“Morning,” she returned, opting to just head to the kitchen rather than make a further fool of herself by trying to actually *talk* to him. She rummaged around for the pan and a carton of eggs, waving her hand to start the fire in the oven. She’d just started cracking the eggs into the pan when the kitchen door opened again, and Bellara wandered in with a yawn and a big stretch.

“Oh! Good morning, Lucanis! Did you sleep well? I know your bed’s in the pantry, but was it better than — oh I shouldn’t ask that, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Lucanis assured her. He sounded exhausted, and Naimeryn couldn’t help but notice he hadn’t answered her question. He.. *had* slept, hadn’t he?

Well, he *had* told her he tried not to sleep much. But… he had to get *some* sleep.

“Morning, Rook!”

“Morning, Bel,” she said quickly. She should focus on her task, not how well Lucanis did or didn’t sleep. “Do either of you want eggs? I think there’s enough for everyone, but we’ll have to remember to grab more.”

“Are you hard boiling them again?” Bellara wanted to know.

“Too hungry,” Naimeryn shook her head, flipping the first two eggs in the pan. “Didn’t remember to eat dinner. Frying these. Could make scrambled — while I eat these.”

Bellara giggled. “Scrambled, please. Rook makes decent eggs,” she told Lucanis.

“Don’t ask me to make anything else though,” Naimeryn laughed, dumping her eggs onto a plate and starting on Bellara’s scramble. Milk, salt, pepper. “We’ll need more milk soon, Bel.”

“Every morning she’s in here making eggs,” Bellara continued as though she hadn’t spoken. “They must be your favorite, huh, Rook?”

Naimeryn shoved a mouthful of egg into her face and started whisking Bellara’s. She swallowed quickly and shook her head.

“I actually hate them,” she laughed at herself. She poured Bellara’s breakfast into th pan to cook. “But they’re really the only thing I know how to make. My whole childhood, eggs and bread were really the only thing we could consistently count on having to eat, because they were cheap. In Denerim, no one noticed or seemed to care if you stole some from the coop. And the magister had so many chickens, that was basically all they ever fed us.

“Old habits die hard, I guess,” she concluded, depositing Bellara’s plate in front of her. As she did, she caught the expressions on both of their faces. Surprise, concern, confusion… maybe even some pity?

“Oversharing,” she said uncomfortably. “My bad. Uh, Lucanis, eggs?”

“After that speech?” He asked, shaking his head.

“Sorry,” Naimeryn mumbled, returning to the pan and cracking three more into it. She dropped her eyes to her plate as she scarfed down what was left of the first two.

“What *do* you like for breakfast, Rook?” Bellara wanted to know, the scrape of her fork letting Naimeryn know *she* at least had not lost her appetite. Bless her for trying to salvage the morning. Naimeryn finished what was in her mouth before answering.

“I’ve only had them once, but… I really like *pancakes*,” she admitted with a sigh, flipping her next batch of eggs. “I tried teaching myself to make them, but I always seem to make the batter too thick, or too thin, or I burn them, or they stick and I can’t flip them. I dunno. It’s easier to just make eggs.”

“I make a mean pancake,” Bellara grinned.

“Really?” Naimeryn looked up at her. “Could you teach me?”

“Sure, of course!” Bellara nodded, finishing her eggs. “Next time we go shopping, I’ll make sure we get what we need.”

“That would be really great,” Naimeryn smiled, dumping her remaining eggs onto her plate and dousing the oven fire. Suddenly they seemed even less appealing than they had before. She crossed to the table and sat next to Bellara.

“Rook!” The other elf cried suddenly, reaching out and shoving her braid out of the way. “Your neck!”

Naimeryn grimaced. “Fucker grabbed me pretty hard. He leave bruises?”

“Neve didn’t mention he grabbed your *neck*,” Bellara frowned, inspecting the damage intently. “How dare he?”

“I’m all right, Bel,” Naimeryn smiled. “I was just distracting him so Lucanis here could finish the job.”

She nodded to their new companion. She felt bad deflecting Bellara’s attention to him, but also she didn’t like being fussed over. Varric needed her to be the one in charge. She needed to do better.

“Erm, yes,” Lucanis looked uncomfortable, making her guilt double down. “A most effective distraction.”

…

SHE. HATES. EGGS?

Lucanis did his best to ignore Spite.

SHE’S EATING. A LOT OF EGGS.

“Yes,” Lucanis mumbled into his cup as Bellara fretted over Rook’s neck and Rook proceeded to wolf down her least favorite food like she hadn’t eaten in a week. Was forgetting to eat a common occurrence?

WHY? Spite hovered over Rook and pointed at her empty plate. WHY EAT IF NO LIKE?

*The same reason I’m drinking this damned tea,* Lucanis grimaced.

Rook glanced up at him and said, “…so Lucanis here could finish the job.”

Mierda. He hadn’t been listening to them.

"Erm, yes,” he said quickly. Bellara had been upset about the bruises Calivan left — was Rook trying to pass that off as an intentional distraction again? “A most effective distraction.”

Rook dropped her gaze to her plate, noticed it was empty, and… pouted? She must still be hungry. He’d done a quick inventory of the kitchen and pantry while the others slept. How the four of them had been surviving on such bare minimum supplies, or why, he couldn’t fathom. He mulled it over for a moment, then excused himself to the pantry.

There was no reason Rook should go hungry. There were potatoes, and various spices labeled in flowing script, and he’d seen an onion, and a small amount of oil. Not much, but something.

Bellara was yammering away to Rook when he returned with the ingredients in hand. Spite followed him, staring intently at the food, but was mercifully silent in his apparent curiosity.

“Whatcha got there?” Rook quipped, craning her neck as he passed them.

“Not much,” he said truthfully. “And generally you would eat it *with* your eggs, but after should not be a problem, I don’t think. Do you like potatoes? Onions?”

“Sure…?” She sounded… unconvincing.

“Lucanis, do you cook?” Bellara asked excitedly.

“I do,” he nodded, then indicated the oven to Rook as a question. She smirked at him, standing slightly to blow a small fireball off her fingertips, over the chairs, and into the chamber. Mierda. He turned quickly to begin his task.

“It has, of course, been some time,” he continued, beginning to peel the potatoes.

“Do you need help?” Both women asked in unison, then dissolved into giggles. Lucanis wasn’t sure if it was endearing… or annoying. It had been so long since he’d simply… existed in the same place as other people.

“I don’t,” he said. Hesitated. “But if one of you wanted to dice the onion? I would not object.”

He actually hated the idea. But… he’d be working with these people. He should know if they knew their way around a knife. And he should probably *attempt* to be… friendly, at least.

Two chairs scraped the floor, then Bellara spoke.

“Oh, um. Rook, why don’t… *I* do it? You did the mission yesterday, and I’m sure you’re tired..”

Rook chuckled. “It’s okay Bel. I already admitted all I can cook is eggs. You can say you don’t want me preparing your food.”

“No, no, it’s not that. I mean you just made me those eggs. And they were great!”

“But you don’t want to risk me leaving behind a fingertip?”

“Rook —“

“It’s okay Bellara. I’m teasing. Go show that onion who’s boss.”

Before long, Lucanis had the potatoes sizzling. The door opened twice more, ushering in both Neve and Lace in turn. Both commented on the amazing smell, then expressed surprise that it was Lucanis cooking. He was glad Bellara had reminded him they should make enough for them, as well, even if Lace seemed somewhat… apprehensive. A healthy dose of suspicion in that one.

He decided their constant chatter amongst themselves was odd, but not as disruptive as he’d feared. When the hash was finished, he scooped a serving onto five plates. Bellara helped him pass them out. He sat across from Rook, waiting to take a bite until she had.

She was talking to Neve about going to Minrathos that day. She finished her sentence, then stabbed a few cubes of potato without really looking at her plate, and popped them into her mouth.

Rook made a surprised noise, and her eyes got wide. For a split second, he was nervous, but then they closed. She began to chew with an audible “mmmm!”

Neve started to laugh. “All right there, Rook?”

Rook’s blush started across her cheekbones and rapidly spread to her nose and up to the tips of her ears. Her eyes flew back open and she swallowed quickly. Lucanis began to eat, disappointed her enjoyment had been interrupted, though he wasn’t really sure *why*. It was of course always nice when someone liked something you’d made. It had been a long while since he’d experienced it.

“I’m so sorry,” Rook said, dropping her eyes to her plate and beginning to push the potatoes around with her fork. “This is just… really good.”

“What did they feed you at Weisshaupt, anyway?” Lace asked. Lucanis beginning to eat seemed to have been reassuring enough to her that he hadn’t poisoned them all, as she cautiously took a bite.

Weisshaupt… a Grey Warden then. He wouldn’t have guessed if he’d had a hundred guesses. He’d never met a Warden so… animated.

I TOLD YOU. SHE SMELLS LIKE. BLIGHT.

Well, that was true. Now he knew why Spite had said that.

“Mead and bread, mostly,” Naimeryn chuckled. “And potatoes sometimes, but never like this.”

She indicated her plate with her fork and finally took another bite.

“No meat?” Bellara wanted to know.

“Oh sure, for special occasions,” she shrugged. “I’m sure the higher ranking Wardens eat whatever they want, whenever they want, but there’s a lot of us in Weisshaupt at any one time, and feeding what’s essentially a standing army with a collectively ravenous appetite isn’t cheap.”

“You know Rook,” Neve said thoughtfully, “if you’re not careful, I’m going to start feeling sorry for you.”

“What? Why?” She asked earnestly, but Neve only chuckled.

“When we’re in Dock Town later, remind me. I’ll treat you to my favorite fried fish.”

Rook perked up. “Really? I’ve always wanted to try fish!”

The kitchen lapsed into awkward silence. Rook’s face went red again, and she quickly looked back to her plate again.

“Sorry… I mean, you don’t have to do that. I can get myself lunch.”

Long after the others had gone, and Lucanis washed the dishes from the meal, the exchange continued to play over and over again in his head. Rook was an open book. Not exactly a wise trait for the leader of a team out to hunt down actual gods to have. He remembered Spite’s taunt from the night before.

*HOW SWEET.* the demon had said.

She… *was.* And if it were an act, she was the best damn actress he’d ever met.

The dishes done, Lucanis hunted down a scrap of paper, and a pen. It was a modest kitchen, but he didn’t need it to be gourmet to make sure these women *survived.*

He shook his head. It was incomprehensible to him how they’d done so until now.

And with that thought, he began to make a list.

[eternitariant]

Sketchy

cw//tw//~ knives, blood, bruising, biting, vvv subtle lowkey hints towards sub/dom dynamic, one brutal physical assault (he's very protective... what can i say)

You were walking to your next class when someone’s shoulder slammed into you and sent you flying back into the lockers-

“Ow, Jesus.” You muttered, moving your shoulder back and forth to ensure that you still could,

“Stay out of my way.” Debbie Marlston, your most common tormenter glared at you and you rolled your eyes before continuing towards the classroom.

You sat towards the back of the room and used the time to focus more on a personal project than pay attention to the teacher’s lesson, it wasn’t anything that you didn’t already know anyway. As you sketched out the next frame of your project, someone cleared their throat beside you to get your attention,

“What?” you snipped, not even bothering to look up at them because you knew who it was,

“See, that sparkling attitude is exactly why you have no friends…”

“Well what are you then huh? A charity worker?” you quipped and your best friend laughed,

“This is really coming along. I’ve never seen you so focused… or inspired.” She held one of your loose pages and inspected it, “Shits getting kinda dark though, don’t you think?”

She was holding a drawing of a scene where your protagonist was covered in her own blood after letting someone carve a confession into her skin- it was graphic but that was kind of the point,

“Not even close. Not yet.” You smiled and she laughed,

“Whatever, just don’t cut me up into tiny pieces when you finally lose it.”

After school, you made your way home by taking your usual route along the creek and you were silently plotting out the next chapters of your story when you were interrupted,

“Your arm.” He growled and you turned your head,

“Patrick, it’s nothing.”

“It’s not fucking nothing, tell me who.” He demanded, grabbing your waist to still your frame. His dark eyes were boring into your soul and you knew that you if didn’t tell him, he’d just take it out on everyone.

“Debbie.”

“Good Girl.” He praised and you swallowed before walking again, “Ah, hold on. You haven’t shown me the next part.”

You nodded and handed him your sketchbook. He flipped through it, his smirk growing into a full blown proud smile by the end,

“I like this part.” He announced lowly and you subtly smiled,

“Figured you might, you sick freak.”

“Which part do you want to recreate tonight then, princess?” he asked, slinging his arm around your shoulders,

“It’s nothing we haven’t done before… maybe you should come up with something inspiring, Trickster.” You teased and he raised an eyebrow,

“Challenge accepted.”

Patrick was trailing kisses all over your bare skin when he reached the bruise that he hadn’t made,

“No one ever gets to mark you but me, you understand?” it wasn’t really a question so much as a command and you just nodded slowly to express your compliance, “Good girl. Roll over.” He said, lifting your hips and helping you do as he had said. He pulled his pocket knife from his jeans and lightly skimmed the tip of the blade along your spine before he used his free hand to grip into your waist and where his thumb had left an impression, he made a cut. You hissed but you certainly didn’t dislike the feeling.

“Just mapping you out baby.” He whispered, kissing the opposite side before doing the same thing so that you would have symmetrical scars.

His breath fanned your neck before he sunk his teeth into your uninjured shoulder, breaking the skin and very lightly sucking as he released his bite,

“Ready for me yet, angel?” he asked and you only answered him with pleas, begging him to give you what you needed. He chuckled lowly at how desperate you’d become and how pliable you were for him. That was probably his favourite thing about you

“Dude! Did you hear?” your best friend bombarded you the second you set foot inside the school,

“Hear what?”

“Y/N, Debbie Marlston was attacked last night.” She blurted and you just stared at her blankly,

“How?”

“Her neighbour is Hilary’s cousin and he said that she was like in her backyard or whatever, having a smoke and then this guy came out of nowhere and cut her fingers off with those like giant hedge scissor things, isn’t that so insane?” she was shocked and kinda grossed out but she definitely wasn’t upset and neither were you…

“Do they know who did it?”

“Fucking clueless. Whoever it was, they did us all a favour if you ask me.”

Patrick naturally followed you home, as always and so as you were walking you asked

“Hedging shears… who’d you steal those from?”

He laughed, “That’s what you’re worried about?”

“Not worried, just curious. They better not have come from my house, Hockstetter.” You warned,

“You don’t even have any hedges idiot.” He drawled before he cupped your face with a firm grip and his expression shifted drastically as his eyes narrowed at you, “Now, what did I say?”

“Not to worry about it.” You whispered meekly,

“There’s my girl.” He smiled, “What else do you say?”

“Thank you.” Your voice was still hushed but he nodded at you,

“That’s fucking right.”

[ladypiscesmoon]

Year ahead Timothée Chalamet (this reading was done on 1/3/2025) Personal year card: no 12 the hanged man

Overall feeling of 2024:

Follow your shining star

summer dreams

Last year his thinking was influenced a lot by others. He wasn't relying on his own intuition. Because after the Beyoncé concert, it was obvious he had made a mistake. He didn't know which way to go. He has to follow his heart. He should follow what it tells him. Even when others try to steer him away from that path. Heart over ego. I almost think he wanted to tick off all the boxes of being a young, famous actor. But it came with a huge price, he lost a big piece of himself.

overall feeling of 2025:

Starlight

angel of the secret glade

australian agate

calcite

Timmy has to cast away all the upsetting things from the previous year. In a way he has a new chance to do better this year. He has to reinvent himself in a way that brings him pleasure. He shouldn't endure what others want to make him do. He should say to himself: "I intend to live my life fully". Move on and live his life on his OWN terms.

He holds back too often to see how others feel about his ideas and thoughts. The universe asks him to look outwards not only inwards. He doesn't notice the spark that lies within him, he worries too much about others. He has to be brave in his thoughts and allow his actions to follow.

This year he's given the courage to tackle what seems at present to be a complex and somewhat insurmountable problem. He's got to stand his ground, yet keep his calm and not allow anyone to bully him psychologically or emotionally.

All concerned will soon realize the truth that he already knows for quite some time: this particular person in his life is not the person they present themselves to be.

With the calcite present, his energy levels are on the increase. he will soon find a new sense of vitality and enthusiasm for life. There's hope he will communicate better and people will pay attention and they will want to be part of his life.

What does he have to release from 2024?

Green witches: communication/productivity

he has to be clearer in his communication, let go of waiting until somebody tells him what to do. Let go of his fears, listen to his gut. He's got to talk to people he cares about, be frank and direct to them. The same goes for his team. People don't know what he really wants but if he wants to change things he has to speak up for himself.

His work /private life was out of balance last year. Being productive and do what he loves is a good thing, until he uses it as a coping mechanism to not address his own problems. He's compassionate and intuitive, but he didn't listen to what his gut tried to tell him.

The year 2025 as a whole:

Modern Lenormand deck:

the anchor/the cross/the moon, the tree/the stork/the moon, the mountain/the coffin/the rider

stuck in a area of life unable to move forward

a consistent person in his life giving him stability

a stable person

being the baby in the family

last chance: waiting for change

enduring his emotions

relying on spirituality

persevering even though something is extremely painful

something being cut off/long term problems

warning signs

blocking someone from being able to message

stopping a visitor

end of a problem

end to a suffering

sustained disconnection

staying after a disconnection

surgery for arthritis

chronic illness/slow illness arrives

an ending that's fated

risking being in a lot of pain

deciding to make a sacrifice

being more patient

metamorphosis

returning a dreamer

relocating of a celebrity

This year seems to be about sacrifice and patience. He's got to look at things differently and follow his own path. In an earlier reading I pulled something about his style and he's really playing with it at the moment. He wants a more 'adult-like' look, but not a boring or stuffed one.

He should take it easier this year, maybe a short break and think hard. But he can't have his cake and eat it too, so he has to sacrifice some things in order to feel happier again. Also there seems to come some illness coming his way, but it could be him feeling unwell(unbalanced and anxious and lonely) at the moment or it could be someone he loves being ill, or will be this year.

He could also be moving this year

Overall (LOVE)

don't give up on love

surprise: someone making a move towards him

hesitation; still being on the fence/overcoming a situation

many options

unconventional love

string along

welcoming love

open your heart

getting together, perfect

he seems to get genuine love this year, and I'm glad he will. The universe gives him the tools, he has to do something about it. He has to take a leap of faith. With heart on a key the universe is nudging him to finally take a chance in love, he shouldn't ignore the signs He has to make the effort. This person is from a past life. I think he will make an effort with all his personal relationships this year. He also had to think more through how his decisions will affect his loved ones.

Overall (CAREER/MONEY)

the high priestess reversed (blocked intuition, clouded insight, doubt, secrets, cognitive dissonance, disconnect, superficially, confusion, hidden motives)

7 of pentacles (long term investments, sustained patience, perseverance, hard work, success&waiting, harvest, results, profits, planning)

In the beginning of this year he will be lost and stuck. When he begins to have his healing and his inner journey, he will find enthusiasm and ambition again, but in a less manic way than before. He will be happier in his work too.

Overall (HEALTH)

2 of swords reversed

4 of pentacles

 At the moment his health is not the best. The 2 of swords reversed indicate that his natural defenses or his immune system are down. He's slowly admitting to himself he feels unwell. He has a lot of anxiety, mental distress and fear.

The 4 of pentacles can indicate a tendency to cling to old habits, patterns, or emotional baggage that may be negatively impacting his health. he may have been resisting necessary changes or holding onto stress and anxiety, last year and if he doesn't take better care of himself it could manifest as physical ailments or mental-emotional imbalances.

Month for month:

For this part of the reading I used the following decks; the Angel numbers oracle cards, the cosmic insights and the lucid dreams beginners tarot

January-April

(I took a picture but the last card of the angel cards has to be 555 in stead of 0303 (sorry for the mistake))

January:

333: social skills (hope, optimism liberation, success, prosperity, excitement, enthusiasm)

cycles (fate, karma, something ending, something beginning)

king of swords (mental clarity, truth, head over heart, reason)

Death (symbolic death and rebirth, big changes, time to move on, transformation, endings, letting go, release, starting anew)

It seems that Timmy feels a bit more clear about what he has to do. This is a new year and he feels like he has a new chance to do things differently. Something is ending for him and something else is beginning. It is time to let some things of the past go

February:

0808: swift action (wealth, empathy, promises, commitment, affection, inner strength, auspicious outcomes)

intimacy: sexual chemistry, reminiscing

the sun (pure positivity, ultimate happiness, joy, success)

10 of cups (happiness, divine love, blissful relationship, harmony, alignment, family, love&support)

February will be a good month for Timmy. He feels a lot happier and feels more supported by family/friends. His finances are improving. Someone is giving him a lot of love and that gives him strength to make some decisions. He will act swiftly to make his life better.

March:

222: Alignment (connections, family ties, romantic relationships, friendships, balance, life choices, compromise, commitment, trust)

baecation

three of pentacles

knight of wands

Choosing to do what makes him happy, trying to find himself again. Traveling or going on a vacation. feeling a lot more energetic.

April:

555: change, encouragement, support, obstacle, battle, calling, restructuring, creative work)

the devil reversed (recovery, leaving abusive, toxic situations, detachment, freedom, facing shadows, independence, reclaiming power, release)

patience (just a few more months, good things come to those who wait)

2 of cups (unified love, partnership, mutual attraction, romantic love, connection, mutual respect, joining forces, close bonds, unity)

Change is giving a bit of anxiety, but he will have a lot of support. Moving forward with a (romantic) relationship

May-August

May:

1212: persistence (shift, enthusiasm, gratitude, contentment, new experiences

take immediate action

lovely partnership/epic romance

commitment (things are getting serious)

8 of pentacles (dedication, hard work, talent, high standards. commitment, expertise)

6 of swords (transitions, leaving behind, moving on to calmer waters, distance, accepting lessons)

this month seems about getting the insight and moving on from painful lessons from last year. working on a new project, or a sequel.

June

777: good luck (contentment, prosperity, abundance, spiritual awakening, divine intervention)

being unsure of something.

not knowing how to get a message across to the public

sexuality (someone is still figuring themselves out)

ace of cups (new relationship, compassion, creativity, new emotions, emotional awakening, deeper feelings, proposal, spirituality, intimacy)

queen of cups (compassion, warmth, caring, intuition, healer, supportive, in the flow, empathy)

I think I can summarize this month: growth, in all aspects of his life.

July:

0909: new beginnings (great chance, opportunity, courage, accomplishment, endings, conclusions, big love)

spy (someone got their eye on you. you are doing your research)

the lovers reversed (self-love, imbalance, disharmony, break up, arguments, discord, bad choices, conflict, detachment, indecision)

9 of cups reversed (unhappiness, lack of fulfillment, greed, laziness, negative indulgence, ungrateful, disappointment, arrogance, underachieving)

You know what, last year was a disappointing year for Timmy. He was too arrogant, thinking that he could do almost anything and all his fans would love him. But a lot didn't and were very vocal about it. They critiqued his look, his choices, even his films. The pr went pear-shaped. The money he was welcome, because he does like this life style and the privileges of the rich. But, he's also a person who values his privacy and being so famous comes with a price. Everybody spies on him, he didn't know who to trust anymore. He really had to fall that deep into that trap in order to remember that he actually has other things he values even more in life. That it's lonely without love and friends and family. That he may not like it too much after all.

August:

1144: high vibes (divine intervention, prosperity, big ventures, fated events, faith, purpose, higher calling)

date night (get ready to be wined and dined)

6 of cups (stuck in the past, naivety, unrealistic, inability to let go or forgive, clinging)

5 of swords (conflict, disagreements, competitiveness, unfair defeat, winning at all costs, stress, hostility, aggression, bullying, intimidation)

This month he seems to get stuck in the past, rethinking about someone from his earlier love life, missing someone from the past, having rows with someone , maybe a romantic fling coming to an end, or thinking about a relationship that has come to an end

September-December

September:

2020: compassion (mercy, diplomacy, potential, service, recovery, adaptability, renewal)

his assumptions on something are correct

encouragement to stay true to himself

being of service to others

having an enormous potential

caution (find out more information, don't overwork yourself)

3 of wands reversed (delays, lack of planning and progress, setback, obstacles, frustration, unexpected delays)

king of cups (devoted, emotionally mature& balanced, intuitive, compassionate, supportive, empath)

It feels like a project is delayed, or a project he's doing at that moment will have delays. It feels like a delicate situation, could be something like a scandal, but it doesn't feel like it will be Timmy. It feels like someone else, but he has to be supportive and empathetic about it and trying to be diplomatic. Maybe it's a co-star or a friend that is going through hard times.

October:

0303: taking chances (success, knowledge, friendship, impatience, freedom, optimism)

seize the chances that are presented to you

do something out of the ordinary

welcome creative impulses in your work and personal life

have faith in your own abilities

challenges (make a decision, work on inner healing)

king of wands reversed (impulsiveness, ruthless, forceful, tyrant, domineering, weak leader, vicious powerless)

the hanged man reversed (delays, resistance, indecisions, standstill, apathy, selfishness, victim mentality, disinterest, stagnation, avoiding sacrifice)

There seems to be a set back, but Timmy should continue to work on his inner healing and there will be plenty of opportunities and chances to seize.

November:

9999: lessons learned (culmination, results, benefits, reflection, completion)

maintain optimism and drive forward to your goals

maintain your momentum, the powers of Heaven have your back

rewarded

guardian (a lost loved one watches over you)

the moon reversed (release of fear, secrets revealed, truth exposed, dreams, repressed emotions, clarity, understanding)

the star (hope, renewal, miracles, rejuvenation, faith, North Star, purpose, spirituality, inspiration, positivity, healing, inner clarity)

December:

1551: hold your vision (manifestation, abundance, money, dreams, vision and prosperity)

focus on the good and maintain your concentration the outcomes of your desire

yes (luck is on your side)

knight of swords (ambitious, fast-thinking, successful driven, assertive, direct, impatient, intellectual, daring, focused, perfectionism)

ace of pentacles reversed (lack of progress, immature, underachiever, missed opportunity, poor prospects, foolish, lazy procrastinator, missed chances)

Looking good for the last two months of the year IF Timmy continues on the path he was during 2025. He will have the luck on his side and a lot of things he wants to achieve will come to fruition. If he doubts himself again, there will be a set back and the luck will come to a still stand.

This concludes Timmy's year ahead. It looks promising, if he listens to his inner voice.

As ever: this reading is alleged and for entertainment purposes only.

Ask me anything if you want to know more about this reading or if something is unclear.

[sunnysidesevenup]

Moonlight Song: Chapter 1

“Hurry, henchman! I’m hungry!”

Yuichi sighs, readjusting his grip on his bag. Grim is tugging at his clothes, impatient as always, and honestly he just wants to skip dinner and go take a nap. Not that his silly dorm companion would ever allow something as heinous as skipping a meal. Maybe he can convince Grim to go by himself…?

Unlikely.

“I’m coming, just hold on a minute.” He says, Grim rushing ahead of him. He attempts to hurry after his dorm mate, but instead collides near instantly with someone coming around the corner. Both Yuichi and whoever he slammed into hit the floor, and Grim immediately appears near them.

“Hey! Watch where you’re—MWAH?! IT’S THE POMEFIORE LEECH TWIN!” Grim instantly cuts his scolding off the minute he sees the guy on the floor glaring at the two of them, and ducks behind Yuichi.

“Don’t compare me to the Leeches, we look nothing alike.” Arlo immediately scolds. “And we’re not related at all, this is why you’re failing your tests, isn’t it?”

“Wha… how does he know that…”

Yuichi deigns not to reveal to Grim that it’s probably just a reasonable guess.

Instead, he decides to defuse the oncoming fight, considering the Pomefiore second year has seemed to recover from his fall but is now looking more and more annoyed. He brushes off his clothes, standing back up. “Sorry for knocking you over, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” He says.

Arlo looks him over, and then nods, seeming to find him genuine. “Sure. I wasn’t paying attention, either. Keep your… cat under control, though.”

“I’m not a cat!” Grim immediately yells, indignant.

“What are you, then? I see a cat.”

“Get your eyes checked!”

“Oh?” The mer tilts his head, tone lowering threateningly. “Do you think something is truly wrong with my vision? I’m not in the mood, so spit it out if you do.” His tone makes it very, very apparent that Grim should stop talking, so Yuichi, once again, is on damage control.

He scoops the cat back up into his arms, “He really doesn’t—sorry again.”

Arlo’s glare doesn’t fade. Instead, he just crosses his arms, staring at them with a piercing look and not saying anything.

“Uh…. We’ll get going, then?” Yuu says, attempting to leave before anything else happens.

“Do either of you sing?” The mer asks suddenly.

“What?! Why’re ya asking something like that, all of a sudden?” Grim questions, receiving another tilt of the head from the mer.

“I suppose it doesn’t matter… You’re not doing anything right now, are you? Great.” The shorter guy then darts forward, grabbing Yuichi by the arm and pulling him along down the hallway.

“No, no! Henchman, fight back! I want dinner!” Grim protests, struggling in his arms. A glare from the mer quickly stops the squirming, but not the complaining.

It’s not like Yuichi could pull away even if he wanted to. The guy is much stronger than he looks, and honestly kind of scary. He’d much rather just get whatever he wants over with and then return to his dorm.

Hopefully there’s food, wherever they’re going. He can’t put up with Grim’s whining for that long.

Arlo pulls them along all the way to the courtyard, and then over to a bench where, to Yuichi’s surprise, the Pomefiore housewarden is sitting. He’s scrolling on his phone, but looks up as they approach, raising an eyebrow.

“I found more people.” Arlo says, and the expression on Vil’s face sours.

“Grim and Yuu are not good candidates for a singing competition, Arlo. Go find someone else.” He tells his lowerclassman flatly.

“For a what?” Yuichi asks with mild panic. He’s ignored.

Arlo crosses his arms, tapping his foot impatiently. “I don’t need people to be good at it, I just need them to be distracting.”

“Then why did you ask me, exactly?”

“You’d get upset if I didn’t invite you!“

“Wait, wait, hold on!” Yuichi interrupts, finally getting a word in between the two boy’s arguing, although he regrets it a bit when two duel glares turn onto him. “What’s going on? Singing competition?”

Vil turns back to his dorm member. “You need to stop dragging people around with no explanation.”

Arlo shrugs. “It’s fine. They’re not busy.”

“Did you ask?”

He doesn’t respond, instead turning to Yuichi. “There’s a festival going on in my hometown, and I got signed up for a competition. I don’t want to participate, so I’m taking other people along with me. You’ll help out, right?” The question is less a question and more of a threat, from the low way he says it.

“…Can’t you just, uh, drop out?”

Arlo gets a pinched, complicated expression on his face. “I could, but then my siblings would call me a coward. Do I look like a coward to you?”

“…er, no?” Yuichi answers hesitantly.

“Exactly. But now I need more people… three or four, maybe…” He muses to himself, and then grimaces. “I don’t want to ask anyone else.”

“I, myself, would like to find good singers.” Vil tells him, offering no room for argument. “You might be content with this, but I’m not. You shouldn’t have told me about it if you weren’t intending to do your best. Frankly, I’m considering teaching you a lesson.”

“Who says I won’t do my best? I’m not worried about myself, but how other people perform isn’t my business.”

“As your housewarden, I don’t appreciate your attitude.”

“I’d love for you to attempt to teach me manners, then—“

“OKAY! Okay. Let’s just…” Yuichi raises a palm to his head, sighing. Why, why, is he always the one playing mediator? He’s not good at that! How did this happen to him?! “So, from what I’m hearing, we need a few more people, and they should at least be decent singers, and should have time to leave campus last minute…?”

Vil nods. “Correct.”

“How are we going to get anyone like that?” He asks, already committed to helping. Not like he would be able to get out of this now, anyways.

“Why, I think I can help with that!” A deep voice says from behind them.

[juullllssss]

Knightorder 141 x f!reader

Part 1 Part 2

Thank you, for telling me about the original! If you have not read it i really recommend it, it was the inspiration for this. :) btw. if someone could tell me how i can link the first part into the post? that would be really kind.

The Inspiration

The Sound of the Lance on the wood railing brings you back to reality. You shot a glance to your sister, her seeming just as shocked as you.

You stand wringing your hands nervously, looking over the railing you see one of the handsome knights meeting your gaze. His helmet is open, showing his adorable smug grin when you come into view. Without a word be brings the lance closer to you, a plea in his blue eyes that makes it clear what he wants. The flutter in your chest and stomach takes you back, never would you have thought you could feel so much with just one glance. Taking your embroidered handkerchief you carefully tie it around the lower part of his lance.

"It is an honor my lady, will bring me luck today, ey?" With another grin and a amused light in his eyes he brings his horse back to the rest of his unit. The light blue of your handkerchief blending nearly perfect into the color of his lance. It seems like they were already waiting for him, eyes eager for him to get back. But it could also be a trick of your mind.

The rest of the tournament goes by in a blur, not even the chattering of your sister reaching you. The only thing in your eye are the handsome Knight and the rest of his unit. They all prove to be excellent rider, not even getting one scratch will their opponents end up on the dirt ground, some more wounded then other. In the last round it is the turn of the masked knight again. His helmet being as black as the rest of his armour. You should be concerned but you can bring yourself to fear him or find him intimidating. Nobody is surprised when his opponent ends up on the ground, his lance brocken of and probably with a nasty headwound. His victory is declared and you notice how he seems to be searching your gaze. When you look in his direction you can see his piercing stare, dark eyes seemingly trying to get some kind of message across. When the King announces the winner is it one of the knights of the unit. He is a little older then the others, with a beard that seem well taken care of and a smile that makes the ladies around you sigh in adornment.

Your sister nudges you hard in the shoulder, "look i think he is looking over here!" and really his baby blue eyes are crossing your own, his charming smile directed at you as he lifts a hand in greeting. You blink in confusion, luckily your manners dictated that you respond quickly with a nod and smile of your own. At this point you are utterly confused, their intentions escaping you. Why would they pay so much attention to you? Shifting in your seat again you simply let yourself be delusional for a moment. Allowing yourself to think that they try to get your attention, want your amazement at their skills, want to impress you. Do they know you? Do they know what people say about you and your luck in finding a partner?

As you and your family are leaving the festival you can't help but look back a couple of times. Hoping you would see them again. You were able to get their names from the other women around you. You could not really believe that you would meet them again, thinking in your mind that this was just a one time encounter, in which they were simply Gentlemen to a lonely women, with a reputation for being undesirable. But you could not lie to yourself fully, knowing you would probably dream about them, about the 141 Knightorder...