#i won’t tag the named shipped couple here but

[waitmyturtles]

@twig-tea, you summed it up beautifully for me: the TELLING, and not the SHOWING, of the “love” between TopMew, which many of us are questioning as unbelievable by way of chemistry.

Earlier last week, after the GMMTV2024 upfronts, a bunch of us were talking about GMM’s adaptation of Kieta Hatsukoi/My Love Mix-Up, and what the difference in communication will be between the two countries and how they’ll handle Ida’s inquisitive demi identity and Aoki’s zaniness vis à vis Gem and Fourth. @shannankle (you will be cited by me a LOT for saying this, apologies in advance!) brought up how Japan has a unique way, culturally and artistically, to differentiate between implicit and explicit communication. KH, as with innumerable other doramas, specializes in implicit communication that viewers who are either Japanese, or familiar with Japanese dorama art, can understand by way of silently reading the lines of non-verbal communication between characters.

@fromthedepthsandbeyond brought up in a reblog other GMMTV pairs who could have been considered for these roles (sorry, Depths, you were talking specifically about SandRay, but I’m extrapolating to discuss TopMew here), and I’m thinking about what I’ve learned about acting through @airenyah and her incredible posts about how successful actors LEAD, not just with verbal communication, but with clear and implicit communication of looks, body language, pacing, timing, etc. To Twig’s point — the telling, not the showing — we haven’t been SHOWN the love (or, I’d argue, even the attraction) between Top and Mew. What Mew originally got, way back when, was an explanation from Cheum that Top was top-tier. I don’t think I still exactly know why Mew cares about getting a top-tier guy.

And I like that we’re puzzling on whether or not it’s a writing thing or acting/chemistry thing (I see you, @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle, in the reblogs).

Because (and I know this is making the FB girls hurt — please remember that I TW’ed my original post) I honestly think what’s happening with TopMew is a both and. I don’t think the script has explained why I should care about these characters who are caught in a vicious cycle that Top himself identified, and whether or not the actors themselves have carried through, with implicit communication, the reasons THEY THINK, through their ACTING, why Top and Mew keep coming back together. Force and Book need to be convinced about this, too.

And that’s why I bring up TopMew and ForceBook together — because ForceBook are our ciphers for understanding and communicating why TopMew are compelling for us to care about and watch. And I’d question if they’ve done that from an implicit and leading perspective.

THE MORNING AFTER: ONLY FRIENDS, EPISODE 11 -- 1 OUTTA 3 AIN'T BAD

Preamble! I had a HELL of a day yesterday, woof. So if this comes out garbled, y'all will know why. I'll try to keep this short, but... I'm likely lying to myself, let's see.

TW: FORCEBOOK -- I'm going to say a few words about ForceBook below, so if words about ForceBook are not your thing, please move along!

I'm gonna start this post with thoughts on the three main pairs, and then get some last little thoughts out at the end.

a) I have a feeling that I don't need to write THAT much, because the lovelies @lurkingshan (here), @neuroticbookworm (here), and @chicademartinica (here) all covered the top points of this episode nicely: this episode was a BostonNick WIN. On Nick, dear Chica nailed it so hard that I will have to link AND screenshot her m'fucker:

And Boston, BOSTON, MY MAN! MY MAN! MY MAN!

(Nick says the first line below, with Boston saying the second:)

Fuckin' a. There are two reasons why I STANNED BostonNick in this episode.

1) First of all, as you see above, Nick still had to be a tiny bit of a shit. Nick was in Atom's shoes once. Nick remembers the feeling of having feelings for someone who didn't have feelings back for him. So Nick took a little passive aggressive dig at Boston by calling Boston's sex and predilections "terrible."

And Boston shot back at Atom -- and maybe indirectly at Nick -- with his perspective on sex: "[h]ow can you love me after sleeping together just once?"

I've written before (and forgive the foggy mom brain, but I believe @emotionallychargedtowel has also written on this), that the hormonal experience of sex can impact people in incredibly different ways. Some people, like Boston, feel no connection with the person he's slept with after sex; other people, like Nick and Atom, catch feelings. All of it is normal.

What happened in the dialogues that we were privy to earlier in the series vis à vis Nick and Atom was that WE, the audience, heard THEIR perspectives, and the narratives allowed US to contemplate sympathizing for them -- by playing off of a general assumption that an audience would JUDGE people like Boston for having casual sex. Boston's positions on sex (heh) pissed off people like Nick and Atom! So Boston got fuckin' wiretapped and smeared by these dudes.

However: BOSTON REMAINED CONSISTENT, CONSTANT, AND ACCOUNTABLE to his position, AT ALL TIMES, that he wasn't someone who caught feelings after casual sex. I am sure for many sectors of the Only Friends audience, that this may not have been easy to parse, especially considering the very early and popular judgements levied against Boston. (For the record, I never took Boston as a predator, and I established my thoughts early in the series run on this as rhetoric about Boston's "badness" around sex was flying around. I'm a Khai girlie. Boys, girls, and non-binary friends can be playas, too, and deserve to enjoy their sex lives without judgement.)

What I UTTERLY admire about the pace of this series vis à vis BostonNick is that it took its TIME in establishing Boston's AGENCY to be able to LEVY his position on sex SO STRONGLY and CLEARLY, with Nick's support. While much of the series allowed the popular and condemning rhetoric to swirl around Boston, this scene put a fuckin' NAIL in that coffin. I believe this scene said: you can't only listen to one side, the crying, sobbing side of a person who wants another person after a one-night stand. You HAVE to listen to both sides. The hormonal aspect of wanting to be close to your sex partner is valid, but also -- if the other side is talking, you MUST listen to what the other side is SAYING.

Boston was always clear about his position -- and Nick and Atom HAD to take responsibility for their unreasonable demands from Boston after their one-night stands with him; unreasonable, because Boston CLEARLY stated to the both of them that he wasn't a relationship guy, and would not be forced into it. And both of them ignored those statements, and all hell broke loose, TWICE.

2) HOWEVER! Boston realized, after spending more time with Nick than with any other sex partner, and after he lost his friends, that he HAD caught feelings for his fave, his Nick! Remember last week, when I got all mewdy that MONOGAMY might be the dramatic device that the show would use to "redeem" Boston? BLECH.

DAMN, did this episode SPIN THAT AROUND for me. GOD, I LOOOOOOOOOOVED THAT CONVO WITH NICK AND BOSTON ABOUT FIGURING OUT THEIR STATUS!!!!!

Paraphrasing! "I want to spend the next few months loving on you," or whatever Boston says?! FUCK, YES! Nick, all OVER this, setting boundaries, allowing himself TIME and SPACE to figure out what's best for him, with both Dan and Boston! SHIT, MARK PAKIN SHOWED UP! Omg, BostonNick for the win.

My head's spinning, because that was seriously one of the BEST conversations I've seen written in a drama about the consideration of a relationship and a status check. That impressed me as much as Pharm asking Dean for a break in UWMA -- and then Pharm straight up LIVING HIS LIFE, BBQ pork grills and all, without Dean for a few months.

And. Boston was cool with Nick's boundaries and thoughtfulness. Boston knows what he wants, but he's not gonna push Nick into anything. Boston knows time is ticking, but will wait for Nick's answer.

It was so cool to see. My heart was full.

So that pairing, the NeoMark/BostonNick pairing -- SOLID.

b) Moving on! Thanks to @lurkingshan, I got clarity on what the fuq was happening with Sand and Boeing. At first, I thought Boeing was a little SHIT for showing up to Sand and stirring unnecessary drama in his ex's life after getting rejected by Mew. (Mond, though. 🤤)

But, as Shan pointed out to me in my insane day yesterday: Sand has a problem saying no to dudes. (Homey, RELATE.) So like, then they all go back to Ray's place, and Ray KNOWS that Sand has trouble setting boundaries and saying no, because that's what Sand's mom said to Ray, but also, that's the way Sand's been engaging with Ray himself, and Ray will DEF know what will be up if Sand gets closer to Boeing again, and Ray's like, uh, come into my pool so we can nip this in the bud?, but no, we know what Jojo's thinking, so.

I mean, have sex already, you three, chop chop. I see the FirstKhao gworls on my dash not happy about not having a complete episode of SandRay peace, which I get, but also, this continues to reiterate my bleh on Sand, which like -- get a backbone, Sand. You have a literal boyfriend now, and you're still not saying no to dudes? What if Mild strolled in for a foursome? (NO, DON'T TURN THAT DOWN, SAND, DON'T.) But I'm just saying -- maybe listen to a person in your life, like your mom, to set some boundaries, like your roommate. I'm throwing my hands up in the air on this one, but at least we may get our threesome, and, Mond.

c) Okay, last pair! TopMew. For a hot second, I was impressed with Top.

I liked this, ::waves index finger in a circle::, this worked.

But I have decided. I'm done with ForceBook. I just -- please remember the TW, FB girls. I'll get back to TopMew in a second as characters, but this was my first ForceBook show, and it might be my last. Watching them is as exciting to me as breaking down Amazon boxes.

We have seen Mew waffle this whole dang series. (WELCOME BACK, THE ONLY FRIENDS VENGEFUL WAFFLE! HEART YOU, @starryalpacasstuff!)

And there was more Mew waffling, more talking to moms, and Top is just like, I'm gonna peace out, DEUCES, and then, OF COURSE, HE COMES BACK INTO THE KITCHEN, LIKE HE NEVER LEFT THE HOUSE AFTER SAYING HE WOULD (I cackled), and then they're together in bed. And now they'll move in together.

This was a BIT of a storyline ride. But -- and I HAVE TO ADMIT, part of this is my tiredness talking -- I'm just kinda bored of ForceBook at this point. Do I actually get the sense that Top is *excited* about Mew moving in? Do I get the sense that Top and Mew *love* each other? I.... don't! Is it the chemistry between ForceBook? I.... I think so? I think so!

And, so... Mew will try to convince Ray to accept Top in the next episode? I dunno. (Episode 12 previews, we've learned to distrust them.) As much as I want to try to sit here to analyze TopMew at this point, I kinda just wanna throw my hands up in the air and be like, I'll leave these characters to fiction. And I think it's because I was unfortunately spoiled by the FANTASTIC chemistry emanating out of Neo, Papang, Mark, First, and Mond in this episode (MARK! MONNND. PAPANGGGG.).

I have to admit it, and I'm sorry to admit it. ForceBook do nothing for me, acting-wise and chemistry-wise, and I am done struggling with analyzing TopMew. I'll let 'em be.

d) Last thoughts! Bye, Cheum. We haven't had enough of Nonnie in this series, and I wanna see Nonnie as April dump Cheum's ass and break shit in episode 12, the way Nonnie's real-life brother goes and breaks shit on social media. Way to hold no one, including yourself, truthfully accountable, Cheum.

(What in the. I would love a Soonvijarn episode on Jojo's thoughts on Cheum one day.)

Anyway, bye, B.

THAT'S ALMOST IT! Ephemerality? I hope Boston makes a whole bunch of righteous new homies in NYC. This whole series has made me sick and tired of proximate friends, lol. We'd better see Mond suck face with Khao and First. Andddd, bleep, bloop, that's all I got!

HOME BASE NEXT WEEK, FAM!

[EPHEMERALITY SQUAD, second-to-last weekend meta for ya! @slayerkitty (SK... I am so tired, lol), @ranchthoughts, @chickenstrangers, @twig-tea, @neuroticbookworm, @lurkingshan, @distant-screaming, @clara-maybe-ontheroad, @thatgirl4815]

[cupcakeslushie]

I heard another commenter say you asked opinion on the Kendra and Donnie au so I felt like I should ask. I do not care if you add rape into it since you are youre own person and are able to do whatever. I just wanted to know if its still considered Kendratello? I mean obviously Donnie is a victim here so I personally think we shouldn’t call it a ship. But that is just my thoughts, plus maybe “Kendratello” didnt stand for a ship. Thank you!

I mean…it’s still Kendratello though? Even if it is one sided and horrible, they are still intangled in a relationship together. An abusive relationship is still a relationship. And a ship name isn’t only limited being used when two characters are a happy, healthy, and loving couple. It’s simply an identifier for the viewer to know who the partnership is including, good or bad.

I’m really not trying to come off as rude, but I think sometimes you guys need to understand that “ships” can be fucked up and horrible and interesting for the audience to see and enjoy, while still not being glorified as healthy. But it’s still gonna be categorized as a ship, because “ship” is merely short for a relationship that is not platonic. Not just, “I want these two to ride off into the sunset together and live happily ever after for all eternity”

It’s okay to like Kendratello when the two hate each other, and can’t decide if they wanna kill off the other or make out, and it’s okay to like Kendratello when they’re teaming up to be geniuses together. Hell I like both! And if I wanted to, tomorrow I could draw a pic of the two in a cute, fluffy Cafe AU (I’m sure it’d be confusing and a lot of people would be lost)…Regardless, it’s all Kendratello though, because it’s pertaining to Kendra and Donatello having some kind of non-platonic relationship.

Again, not trying to be rude. I just feel like some of the asks I’ve gotten are people overthinking this and making it deeper than it needs to be. If this kind of relationship isn’t your bag, I don’t blame you. Just block the “kendratello au” tag, and skip this one. You won’t hurt my feelings.

[verai-marcel]

Your Hearth Is My Home (BG3 Fanfic, Astarion x Female Reader, Part 1 of 27)

Summary: Not every adventurer wields a weapon. You, a hearth witch living near the banks of River Chionthar, are witness to a craft falling from the sky, and wondering if anyone needed assistance, ran down to find survivors. That was your first mistake. Going along with the survivors on their crazy adventure? That was your second mistake. Will you survive your next mistake of letting a hungry vampire bite you?

Author’s Notes: Full disclosure: at this point, I’ve only played through act 2 without romancing Astarion. So why the fuck am I writing some wholesome Astarion x F!Reader? Because I’m dumb and got spoiled on Youtube, and now I can’t stop thinking about the poor guy. Also this is heavily influenced by a couple of wholesome manga (“Life in Another World as a Housekeeping Mage” and “The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World”), but I won’t be writing an isekai. You (reader) are from Faerun like everyone else. I’m just here to have some wholesome feels and hurt/comfort. Let’s go go go.

Tags: wholesome, cozy camp time, Astarion x F!Reader, slow burn, good alignment, BG3 Spoilers

Chapter Word Count: 1,843

Ao3 Link here, Darling.

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

Act I, Chapter 1 - The Beginning

You are a hearth witch, living on the banks of the River Chionthar, making potions and herbal remedies for the small villages nearby. For the past three years, you’d been happier than you’d ever been in your life. You loved helping people, but you made sure not to reveal your real name, nor why you always wore long sleeves and gloves, even in the middle of summer.

But the nearby villages had been emptying as of late. News of the goblin camp that recently appeared nearby had first scared off the traveling merchants, and then the locals. You realized that you too should leave, otherwise you’d either have no more customers or goblins on your doorstep. You only had a dagger and a few spells that did little in ways of actual damage, so defending yourself against a horde of enemies was out of the question. So you began to pack up, figuring out what you could bring with you, and what needed to be repurchased once you reached your new home, wherever that might be. 

On a warm sunny day, you decided that this would be your last day here. Your pack was filled, your cottage cleaned out. Tomorrow morning, you would take off to the east, following the river to the next closest town. For now, you decided to grab a few more ingredients for the road, and so, you were out by the river bank, gathering fresh herbs and mushrooms. 

A booming sound followed a strong gust of wind that whipped around you, twigs and grass flying everywhere. Then you saw a ship crash nearby, the land and water being torn asunder, debris flung in all directions. After the chaos died down a bit, you went to go check for survivors. You couldn’t, in good conscience, walk away if someone might need help.

That was a poor decision on your part.

The first survivor you found was a young, dark-haired woman, passed out on the shore. She seemed standoffish, but after helping her up and giving her a drink from your waterskin, you convinced her that the best thing to do was to get out of the area and rest at your cottage while she regained her bearings. 

A little while later, the two of you came upon the strange sight of a single arm, sticking out of a glowing purple rune. You and the young woman, Shadowheart, pulled the poor man out. He introduced himself as Gale, and also joined your party.

As the three of you continued back to your cottage, you came across another stranger. Skin as pale as marble and hair to match. Had some scars on his neck. Perhaps he got them on the ship? He seemed harmless enough. Another escapee of the craft that fell from the sky.

That is, until he tricked you into looking for something in the bushes.

If only he hadn’t touched your exposed neck with his bare hand. Then you wouldn’t have felt the fear, underlined by a desperation you knew all too well. 

The leash is cut.

It made you empathize. And that was one rule that had been burned into your mind at a young age. 

Do not empathize with the enemy.

Fortunately, Gale and Shadowheart talked him down from stabbing you. The man even apologized to you, though it seemed more for show than for sincerity. 

Astarion was his name. He introduced himself with aplomb and decorum, and your hackles raised at the sight. A noble.

After a bit more conversation, they agreed that their shared affliction was enough of a reason to travel together and find a cure.

Swallowing down your general prejudice against nobles, you ignored him and made small talk with the others as you led them back to your cottage. 

***

Your cottage had only one room, enough space for your bed, some storage for herbs and tools, and a work table for your alchemy. Most of your things were packed, but you pulled out enough to take care of your guests. 

The yard to the side of the building was set up as a small campground for travelers to rest. You had figured out a couple years ago that for a small fee, traveling merchants would gladly rest on your land where it was safe, while you made them fresh, nourishing meals and cast spells on their bedrolls to make them feel warm and comfortable. You even managed to get a small tub built in the back to provide a warm bath for an extra fee.

It had been a lucrative idea, one that made you enough money to be quite comfortable out here in the sticks.

You may only know a few cantrips, but you had manipulated them beyond what most people did. Your mending cantrip could fix whole swaths of cloth, your prestidigitation cantrip could keep bedrolls warm all night, or baths hot for hours. It was why you had several repeat customers, traveling merchants who would alter their routes to come to your place to rest. 

You told them of the surrounding area and cooked a meal for them, a simple stew with seasonal vegetables and herbs.

The noble said he wasn’t hungry. You supposed your poor peasant food wasn’t to his taste.

He can suit himself.

While the others were eating, you set up the campground. While you were quietly casting the comfort cantrip on each bedroll, you sensed someone watching you.

“Yes?” you asked, biting the inside of your mouth to keep from being snippy.

Astarion stepped closer to you. He remained standing, looking down on your kneeling form. “What an interesting way to use prestidigitation.”

You shrugged. You had nothing to say to a noble. You finished your spell and started to shuffle over to the next bedroll, but he remained standing in your way.

“Do you mind?”

���Not at all, darling.” He didn’t budge.

You let out a short huff and crawled around him. One bedroll left. Ignoring the man, you began the cantrip.

By the time you finished, you looked up to see all three of them watching you.

“What?” you asked, a little disturbed by the attention.

“I hadn’t thought to use that cantrip like this before,” Gale said as he knelt down to touch the bedroll. “How long does it last?”

“All night,” you responded, feeling a little proud of yourself.

Shadowheart was already crawling into the bedroll. “This feels amazing.” She buried herself into the cloth. “It feels like I’m sleeping on a warm cloud.”

Gale shrugged and followed suit. “Gods, you’re right.” He sat up and looked at you. “I don’t know how you manipulated that spell, but it’s absolutely brilliant.”

You felt a zing of joy. Your little custom cantrip impressed a wizard!

The noble watched you for a few more moments before he too, crawled into a bedroll. His eyes widened slightly. “Oh. My, this is rather comfortable.”

You jutted out your chin, but refrained from being too catty about it. Instead, you switched to being polite. 

“Sweet dreams,” you said to everyone, and went about cleaning up around camp. By the time you were done, the three of them were fast asleep.

***

The motley crew thanked you and took off in the morning to explore the area, seemingly never to return.

You looked around at your unpacked things, and decided that it wouldn’t hurt to start off tomorrow morning instead.

Your plans were sidetracked once more, however, when the group returned that evening with a fourth member, grouchy and prickly as a threatened porcupine. After a couple of bowls of your herbal soup, she became a little bit less prickly. Lae'zel was her name, and she punctuated her Common speech with her Githyanki tongue. You found it a bit endearing, the way one finds a stray animal that always hisses at you endearing. 

You cast a warming spell on their bed rolls once more, burned incense to keep the insects away, and made sure they were all comfortable in your little camp area outside of your cottage before going to bed.

The next morning, you got up early to make breakfast for them before they left to explore the ruins that they had found the day before. As you checked your rabbit traps, you noticed one of them was tripped, but the rabbit within was a mere husk, as if it had been dehydrated. 

Curious. 

You reset your trap and returned to camp.

“What’s that?” Shadowheart asked when she saw the husk of a corpse in your hand.

“A dried up rabbit.”

“That doesn’t sound appetizing,” Lae’zel remarked. 

You shrugged. “I can at least sell the pelt later. Sorry, you’ll have to make do with another vegetable stew tonight.” You furrowed your eyebrows. “That is, if you’re coming back here.”

The four adventurers looked at each other.

“I think we’ve taken advantage of your hospitality long enough,” Gale said. We’ll start heading west from here.”

*** 

The group had finally left, and you had finished packing. You had been delayed by their arrival, but no longer. They truly seemed gone now, with the sun setting and no sign of their return. Tomorrow for sure. Tomorrow, early in the morning, you would set off—

You heard your name being called. Off in the distance, you could see Gale, waving sheepishly at you, followed by the others. 

You sighed. Biting back your annoyance, you smiled and waved back. A customer was a customer. At least this group was entertaining, and quite generous with their gold. And this time, they brought you back some boar meat.

There was one new face, a man with a stone eye. He introduced himself as the Blade of the Frontiers, Wyll. He seemed nice, charismatic even. Someone who had the manners of a noble but the heart of a commoner.

They set up camp once more in your yard, and you unpacked just enough of your supplies to make them a meal. 

"You look like you're ready to go on a journey," Gale commented as you all sat around the campfire, eating a boar roast with herbed potatoes.

"I'm moving. Many people have moved away because of the increase in goblins in the area, and a lot of my business has dried up. And having goblins this close doesn't make me feel all too safe."

“Any plans on where?”

You shrugged. “Not really. I was just going to travel until I found a place to settle.”

"Well, why don't you come with us?" 

Everyone looked at Gale in shock, but then they all looked at you. 

"You do make camp much more comfortable," Shadowheart finally said. 

“And one of us would be standing guard at camp as well, so you would be safe,” Wyll added.

You saw no reason to decline. You liked most of them, save for one snotty noble. A constant flow of income would be nice, for once. You negotiated a decent wage and agreed to head out with them at first light.

That, dear hearth witch, was your second poor decision.

--------

Chapter End Notes:

Yeah, I basically made up a “hearth witch” class as a combo of druid, wizard, and cleric, but hey, welcome to Dungeons & Dragons, where homebrew classes happen all the time. Hope you enjoyed the fic! I'm actively working on the next chapter!

Update 4/4/24: All chapters are here!

Act I - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12

Act II - Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | 

Act III - Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 (18+) | Part 28 (END)

[cheesysoup-arlo]

Cady’s Cousin (pt.2)

(pt. 1)/(pt. 3)/(pt. 4)

A/N: sorry this is mostly like “texting” also the relationship/couples I have in here are (karen and gretchen), (cady and regina), later I’ll add (janis and reader) and maybe (aaron and kevin g) idk maybe lol I won’t be tagging the ships since they’re not the main ship I hope y’all liked this lol

(Sunday 8:30pm)

*Cady created a group chat*

Cads 🦁: hey guys I made this group chat so (Y/N) can get to know you guys, you guys can get to know them, and just for fun 👍

???(1): aw Cady that’s so sweet, this is Aaron by the way lol

(Y/N): can everyone send their name please 🙏

???(2): karen 💕

???(3): Beyoncé

???(4): that’s Damian ^, this is janis 👾

Damian🌟: janis you’re no fun this is homophobia

Janis👾: yeah I hate the gays 🙄

karen💕: ??? u hat me 😞

Janis👾: no not you karen just Damian

karen💕: o okie 😽

???(5): the hottest bitch you’ll meet

(Y/N): hi Regina

Cads🦁: Y/N!!!

(Y/N): cads chill I know she’s off limits

Regina👛: aw baby you’re so cute when you’re jealous

Janis👾: barf 🤮

(Y/N): 😭😭😭

(Y/N): wait where’s Gretchen?

karen💕: sleping 😴

Damian🌟: Important question! Y/n are you one of them queers?

(Y/N): I would be offended if you thought I wasn’t

*damian has named group chat “fruit loops”*

Janis👾: I-

(Y/N): oh that’s-

Damian🌟: OK STOP BEING HOMOPHOBIC TO THE GAY BLACK MAN IM A MINORITY HERE

Regina👛: how’s everyone feeling about school tomorrow? I’m kind of excited mostly because the school cheese fries just hit different yk?

Cads🦁: I’m excited too but for classes I picked an extra math class this year

(Y/N): ha nerd 🤓

(Y/N): I’m nervous lol but at least I have you guys

Janis👾: I’m not excited I hate school it keeps me from doing more important things

(Y/N): like what?

Janis👾: sleeping

Damian🌟: I’m excited I decided that I’m gonna take the new senior only theater class which is a little out of my comfort zone but I’ll manage

Aaron🧍‍♂️: I was supposed to be graduated last year so I’m not excited at all

(Y/N): YOU GOT HELD BACK?!?! WHAT?!?!

Aaron🧍‍♂️: yeah I failed English and history so I couldn’t graduate

Cads🦁: it’s ok Aaron now you get to be with us for another year 😊

(Sunday 11:50pm) fruit loops

(Y/N): guys I can’t sleep

Janis👾: same I’ve been lying very still and it’s not working

Damian🌟: janis did you take the melatonin I gave you?

Janis👾: yeah but it’s not working 😔

Damian🌟: welp that’s a you problem then

(Monday 2:30am) fruit loops

(Y/N): do you think I can fit 40 mini marshmallows in my mouth?

Janis👾: oh absolutely

(Y/N): omg ur still awake too?

Janis👾: yeah lol

(Y/N): I just put 35 mini marshmallows in my mouth idk if I can fit more

Janis👾: if you fit all 40 I’ll give you 5 bucks

(Y/N): challenge accepted

(Monday 2:37am) fruit loops

(Y/N): I fit all 40 and almost choked lmao

Janis👾: lmao nice your $5 will be given at school

(Y/N): yippieeee

(Y/N): dude I literally can’t sleep

Janis👾: wanna call? That’s what me and Damian used to do before he got a good sleep schedule lmao

(Y/N): um sure me and my friend back home used to do that too

*incoming call from Janis👾*

“Hi” you whispered suddenly feeling a little more tired with her company even if it was only over the phone “hey” janis said with a small yawn “nice shirt” you say seeing her Lego movie shirt “oh um thanks” she says with a laugh “so what’s up?” “Let’s take turns asking each other questions until we fall asleep” you say with a little yawn “hmm ok favorite color?” She asks you “ooo definitely (your favorite color), how about you?” “Hmm either green or purple” “ooo good choice, hmm hobbies?” “I sing and write a little but I guess art even though I don’t consider it a hobby it’s more of a lifestyle” “art? Can I see some?” “Yeah sure I’ll show you some stuff tomorrow” you both yawn “shit it’s 3 am” janis sighs “fuck” you chuckle sleepy “um I’m getting tired” janis says with a tired laugh “me too” you say starting to close your eyes “good night (y/n)” “good night Janis” you say with a yawn falling asleep as she hangs up

Monday 5:30am

“Pst…(y/n)? You gotta wake up” your cousin said lightly shaking you “ugh five more minutes” you mumbled “no come on up you gotta get ready” she insisted, you got up against your body begging to go back to sleep “good morning sleepy head” Cady said with an enthusiastic smile “cads what time is it?” “5:33” “doesn’t school start at like 8:30?” “No it starts at 8 and I wanted to make sure you had enough time to get ready and have breakfast, breakfast is very important” “uh huh…mm thanks cads” you say with a yawn deciding to get up and look through your clothes “meet me in my room when you’re done getting dressed, ok?” Cady said “um ok?” You said grabbing your favorite jeans and shirt then going to look for your jacket as your cousin left

(Monday 5:40 am) fruit loops

Gretchen🌷: good morning everyone soooo so sorry for not texting yesterday I went to bed early

Regina👛: it’s ok Gretch don’t worry about it

Regina👛: also damn I think Janis and (y/n) our new insomniac duo

(Y/N): unfortunately yes I’m so fucking tired also good morning Gretchen

Aaron🧍‍♂️: why are you guys up so early it’s not even six yet? I literally woke up because of all the buzzing

(Y/N): cads woke me up :(

Regina👛: my skincare and makeup routine take like and hour

Gretchen🌷: I like mornings ☀️

You finished getting ready and headed over to Cady’s room like she asked you to. “What’s up cads?” “Eee (y/n) ok so first of all how are you feeling about your first day” “a little nervous and tired I only got like 2 and a half hours of sleep” “oh goodness (y/n) why didn’t you sleep sooner?”cady says concerned “Because I wasn’t tired?” You half joked. Cady hands you a paper. “That’s a map of the school the way Janis sees it she gave it to me on my first day I feel like it could be helpful for you” “oh um wow thanks cads” you say giving her a half hug. Your aunt knocks on Cady’s open door “hey girls good morning” “good morning mom” Cady says enthusiastically, you yawn “morning” you say with a small smile “I’ve got to head to work but I’m assuming you girls have a ride?” “Yeah Aaron’s gonna pick us up I think?” Cady answers “alright I love you two, be on your best behavior and call me or text me if you need me” your aunt says as she leaves “bye” you and Cady say at the same time. You head to the kitchen and pour yourself a bowl of cereal

(Monday 6:40am) fruit loops

Regina👛: my mom is doing a coffee run what does everyone want?

Damian🌟: iced coffee, oat milk, vanilla

Gretchen🌷: just the usual for me and Karen

Janis👾: iced coffee, oat milk, lavender

(Y/N): um (your coffee order) please

Cads🦁: can you just get me a tea?

Regina👛: yeah of course I’ll get your favorite

Aaron🧍‍♂️: regular coffee, cream and sugar please

Regina👛: ok also who’s picking up who today? I can get Karen and Gretchen as usual

Aaron🧍‍♂️: my mom said I don’t have car privileges this week so I can’t give anyone a ride

Damian🌟: I can get janis for sure but if anyone else needs a ride I can get them too

Cads🦁: can you give (Y/N) and I a ride please we’re ready whenever you are 👍

Damian🌟: yeah I’ll be over in 10 then we’ll go get Janis because I know she’s not ready yet

Janis👾: I would be offended but it’s true

Regina👛: alright meet at our usual spot?

Aaron🧍‍♂️: 👍

Damian🌟: sounds good see y’all soon

[sir-adamus]

People will call anyone speaking about how tractors will call characters abusive and toxic when that is factually untrue. But rw/by is the only show I’ve seen where “fans” created their own community and group and tag dedicated only to shit on the show.

People who dislike elements in one piece don’t call themselves Half Pieces to shit on the show. Hardcore Naruto fans who hate Sakura or the Boruto spinoff or Sasuke or any long boring arcs of the show aren’t CALLING THEMSELVES a different name.

The “toxically positive” fans did not come up with RW/DE. They didn’t push them to make a whole subsection of fandom. I honestly don’t know how anyone can call themselves “a rw/de” but still claim to like the show. You don’t need to join a hate bandwagon in order to criticize the show. You’re allowed to block the Too Toxic Bee Shippers if they come onto your posts uninvited. People being upset that yet another person called Yang abusive when that is factually untrue did not bully that reactor. RW/DE talk shit about crwby all the fucking time. For ten years. But THATS not considered bullying??

If a reactor feels so negatively about one of the main characters, calls her abusive, then yeah people who like Yang and the bees won’t want to watch anymore. That’s like playing Luigi’s Mansion with someone who hates Luigi. I’m not going to engage with someone who thinks so lowly about a character I enjoy.

It too two years for volume nine to reach us. Rooster Teeth is dead. We have no new rwby news. Yet rw/de is still alive and well finding things to hate.

And here’s an honest thing. People are assholes. I don’t doubt there are bees fans who do go out of their way to join posts and server out of their lane. Because people do that. People who “like stuff the proper way” can still act shitty in fandom spaces. I think saying ALL fans of any ship or media act the same way is disingenuous. If someone is bullying that is not a ship problem that is a person problem.

Also. Blake and Yang are together in canon. Yes you can ship canon couples that just means you enjoy them. But saying Bee shippers ruin things like. It’s canon. It’s in the show. I mean I guess they think bees ruined the whole show so that logic tracks but. If a couple I hated became canon and it bothered me that much I would just drop the show

I still have trauma from show I can’t even name. You know where I talk about it? Not online every day years after it ended

However. Being able to block more ppl is good. It’s like weeding the garden

yeah

[countrymusiclover]

24 - When Dragons Flew to War

Part 25

The Lion Knight and Dragon Princess

Tags- just send an ask to be added @cdragons @kmc1989 @starkleila @noirrose21-blog @lover-of-books-and-tea

Amethyst leaped down from the rocky ledge with me riding on her back. My silver hair tied back in a simple braid with me wearing a tunic and trousers rather than dealing with a ridiculous gown. Flying above the vast sea water I had never felt more free being up here. She released a cry diving down to the fleet of ships we had at our command. “I think this is one of the few times I’ve seen you this happy.”

“For once in my life I am truly free. Free from King's Landing, free from fake identities, free from Cersei and anyone else who wishes me dead. If I’m being honest I’ve never felt so alive.”

Jaime caught my body in his arms once I had slid down her lowered wing. “I’m happy to see you like this.”

“Where are the twins?” Glancing around the moving ship I didn’t see them running around like they normally had been the first couple of weeks since we had left Dragonstone. Nothing but the vast and open see ahead of us.

Amethyst leaped up off her back legs and shot up to the clear skies with me and Jaime not being able to resist not watching her fly. “I put them down for a nap. I can’t keep an eye on you and them at the same time.”

“You know I can take care of myself. Besides, she won’t hurt me while I'm on her back.”

He moved his left hand down resting against my growing stomach. “I’m not worried about you so much but our future little heir.”

“Stop you’re worrying, my lion. Although I would suggest choosing a different word then calling the baby future little heir. The men that sailed with us are loyal to my sister. We don’t want her thinking we are the enemy.”

Jaime tucked some hair behind my ear that had fallen from my braid. “I think you’ve made it very clear that you have no intention of taking the Iron Throne.”

“I don't see the need in conquering the Seven Kingdoms when there's so much land that hasn't been explored outside of Westeros.”

My husband squeezed me by the waist. “Hmm then it appears you need a different name than Princess of the Seven kingdoms.”

“What would you suggest?” Draping my arms over his shoulders he wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Princess Vaella Lannister, First of her name, Lady of Casterly Rock, and adventurer of the Summer Sea and Sothoryos.”

Kissing him shortly, footsteps approached us. “I love it.”

“My lord, my lady. The children were playing with this earlier. I assumed you would want it back with you.” A guard held up a knife and I noticed the writing engraved on it, quickly taking it from his hand.

“Thank you.”

Jaime raised a brow. “I already gave you a knife as a precaution. Why do you need another one?”

“This isn't an ordinary knife. It belongs to Aegon the Conqueror. He engraved his dream on it. Rhaegar secretly slipped it into my protection before he left to fight. It's strictly only known by the heirs of the Iron Throne.” Sliding the blade back inside my right boot I buttoned the hise hold bag strapped to my boot.

Jaime smirked down at me, holding the side of my face. “Your brother may have thought you would be heir one day, you never know.” I smiled thinking Rhaegar may have always seen me as a Queen.

Rhaegar had been buried away in the library inside the Red Keep. He had always been a bookworm from the day he learned how to read. So I knew where to find him on rainy days where no one was likely to disturb him. Pushing the double doors open hearing them creak loudly seeing him sitting down at the first table. “Brother, what book do you have your head buried in this time around?”

“Aegon the Conqueror.” He waved me over with his freehand pulling me up my own wooden chair. “Come, come, this is what father always told me about before his episodes began.”

Lifting my head up from the book pages I asked him not ever being told the story. “What does it say about Aegon the Conqueror?”

“Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. Tis to begin with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant North. Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds. And whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living. When the great winter comes, all of Westeros must stand against it.” Eyeing my brother I was curious about the knife he had drawn from inside his belt on his trousers. “Before Aegon's death the last of the Valyrian pyromancers hid his song in the steel.”

He handed me the knife where I muttered the written word under my breath. “From my blood comes the Prince that was promised. And his will be the Song of Ice and Fire.”

“Vae, I shouldn’t be doing this since this has been passed down from heir to heir. But I’m giving it to you in case something happens to me since you are the oldest in line after me.” Rhaegar placed his hand over mine still holding the knife.

Shaking my head, I attempted to push the blade back into his hands. “Rhae, I can’t accept it then. It’s only between the heirs of the realm.”

“I want someone else to help me figure out the prophecy. You know father’s condition nowadays ....please Vae.” He begged me with those purple dragon eyes we shared.

Placing the dagger in his hands I put my hands on top of his vowing to my elder brother. “I vow to help you figure out this knife prophecy.”

“You might just be the very first Queen of the Seven Kingdoms one day.” Rhaegar sent me a proud smile back, I wouldn’t become obsessed with it like he was. But at least back then we were a team on a mission.

In the many weeks that had passed we were getting closer to the land of Sothoryos. The uncharted land across the Summer Sea. Strolling across the ship now wearing a simple red dress that wasn’t too tight around my waist I leaned over the side of the boat watching the different fish swim in the waters below. “There you are, my dragon. What's troubling you. You're trembling.” Jaime’s familiar hand touched my lower back

Glancing at him I met his gaze. “I got to thinking about something my brother and I read in Targaryen history. The notes of when dragons flew to war.”

“Meaning what exactly?”

Closing my eyes I sucked in a breath wrapping my freehand around my ring necklace. “When they flew to war everything burned.”

“You shouldn’t be the one worrying about dragons going to war. There's only four left in the world after all. We only need to worry about making it to that shoreline.” Jaime points his index finger out in front of us, where we could see some sight of land off in the distance.

Laying my head against his chest I closed my eyes briefly letting my worries fade until I swore I could hear a faint screeching sound above our heads. “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what, Vaella?” He asked me.

Taking a step forward I tucked my hair behind my ear trying to get a better listen. It for sure wasn’t Amethyst because she was laying asleep in the back of the boat deck. “That noise. It sounded like a - a whistle.” The second the word left my mouth, something dove down and hit the top part of our ship where the whole boat rocked and everything fell in different directions onto the deck.

“Vaella!” Jaime shouted at me before he fell onto his back and I banged my head against the side of the boat railing. He scrambled to his feet, genre helping me up by my forearm. “Are you okay. Are you hurt? Fetch the Maester!”

Lowering my hand from my forehead I pushed through the small headache that was coming on. “I'm alright.” Gently pushing him away I ran to the tip front of the boat, leaning up on my toes hearing the same noise another time.

“What was that?” He asked me looking around the empty waters.

Squinting my eyes the skies were empty for a short period before something dove down and flew barely above the water. A long tail swung down and large swings flapping where it was clear what type of creature it was before me. “It's another dragon….hell it's a island of dragons.” Jaime stood behind me seeing multiple dragons flying around the land with small buildings coming into view.

[ssmygiftexchange]

❄ Welcome to the 2024 Sasamiya & Hirakagi Winter Exchange! ❄

This is a secret santa gift exchange event to celebrate the world and characters of Sasaki and Miyano and Hirano and Kagiura by Harusono Shou. Fic writers and fanartists of all skill levels are welcome!

Please take a look at the schedule below, and Keep Reading for the full info and guidelines!

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄

「 Schedule 」

Sep 1 - 15: Sign-ups Sep 20: Assignments sent Oct 1: First Check-in Nov 1: Second Check-in Dec 1: Third Check-in/Last day to drop Dec 24 - 31: Gift reveal

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄

「 About 」

What is a gift-exchange? It’s an event in which participants are given an assignment to create fanart or fanfiction for someone based on their requested prompts. Since it’s a secret-santa style event, participants must keep their gift and recipient a secret until the posting period.

How do I sign-up? You can sign-up through our Sign-up Form between September 1 - 15.

How are matches made? In the sign-up form, you will be asked to provide the details of what you’re interesting in receiving and creating, including your likes and dislikes, so that we may match you with someone with similar preferences.

※We will do our best to match people as closely as possible, but please keep in mind matches may not be perfect. You may treat this event as a chance to experiment and step a bit out of your comfort zone to make someone happy!

What are check-ins for? There will be 3 check-in forms during the creation period to ensure everyone is responsive and your gift creation is on track. You will not be asked to share WIPs during check-ins, but failing to respond may result in getting dropped from the event if we don’t hear from you.

How do I reveal my gift? By posting it here on tumblr! For fics, you can share a link to AO3 or wherever you post fics, or publish it directly on a tumblr post. Make sure to mention the @ of your recipient in your post, as well as the event account (@ssmygiftexchange). You must only reveal your gift during the posting period, and not earlier.

For writers posting on AO3: you may use the tag ‘Sasamiya & Hirakagi Winter Exchange 2024’. Recipients are also encouraged to check their AO3 settings to make sure they allow gift fics.

What if I can’t complete my gift? If you think you won’t be able to complete your gift for any reason, please let the mod know as soon as possible so that they can assign a pinch-hitter in time and ensure everyone receives a gift.

What if I need an extension? If you need more time to complete your gift, please contact the mod before the posting period begins to get an extension. You may also request an extension during check-ins.

Why ‘Hirakagi’ instead of ‘Kagihira’? It’s in reference to the series name rather than the couple, since it’s a general event based on the series as a whole!

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂

「 Gift Requirements 」

Fanfics must be at least 1000 words and completed.

Artworks must be finished and rendered (polished beyond sketch quality). If traditional, please provide a high quality scan or photo.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂

「 General Guidelines 」

Do not reveal yourself to your recipient before the posting period starts. Additionally, please refrain from sharing WIPs or discussing details about your gift publicly.

Your gift should adhere to at least one of your recipient’s requested prompts, and must not include anything explicitly listed as DNWs (Do Not Wants).

Do not reach out to your recipient during the creation period. If you have questions or need to clarify anything about your assignment, please ask the mod to contact them on your behalf.

This event is not restricted to the two main couples. All characters and ships (romantic or otherwise) are encouraged as long as they exist in the SasaMiya/HiraKagi universe (no OCs/crossovers/etc).

Prompts are not required to be winter or holiday themed. All kinds of prompts are welcome.

NSFW content is permitted as long as both you and your recipient are at least 18 years of age and it is explicitly offered and requested in your sign-up forms. All mature works must be tagged appropriately and include Content Labels. When posting art, you must adhere to Tumblr's Guidelines.

Gifted works may ultimately be enjoyed by anyone, so anything that bashes, degrades or demonizes any of the characters in the series is NOT allowed in this event.

All gifts must be new, original works created solely by the author/artist. Using AI to generate art or writing is strictly prohibited and will get you removed from the exchange.

Be kind and respectful of your fellow participants, and have fun!

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If you have any questions, send us an ask!

[m-jelly]

Tea for two - Chapter 5

Pairing: Post-war Levi x Fem!Reader

Tags and warnings: Canon world, post-war, injured Levi, scarred Levi, romance, falling in love, fluff, angst, emotional pain, emotional Levi, foreplay, handjob.

In this chapter: You meet the remaining scouts and the two kids Levi took under his wing for a bit. You have a picnic together and enjoy some time together. You and Levi have a moment in his bedroom. You shower him in love and touch him as he touches your chest. You finish the day with some time in the sea.

AO3 Link

Part 6

The sea breeze drifted through your hair and dress as you waited patiently for the ship to dock. Gabi, Flaco and the remaining scouts Levi had cared for were arriving together to spend time, catch up and have a few things to eat and drink. Nerves were firing through you because this was the closest you got to Levi introducing you to his family. First impressions were important and you were going to do your best to get them to like you.

“LEVIIII!”

Levi waved to Gabi hanging off the railing and Falco trying to pull her back. “Tch, damn kids.”

You smiled a little. “She’s energetic.”

“She is.” He let out a long sigh. “She’s not bad.”

You gulped hard. “I hope they like me.”

“They will.”

You shifted on your feet. “So, it’s Gabi, Falco, Connie, Jean, Mikasa, Armin, Annie and Reiner?”

He rubbed your back. “You got it.”

“Annie and Armin are a couple.”

“Yes.”

You gulped again. “And Annie was the female titan.”

“Yes.”

You gazed at Levi. “Are you going to be okay?”

He released a long sigh. “I won’t stop a man in love.”

“You’re a good man, but she put you through so much pain.” You kissed his cheek. “You shouldn’t punish yourself.”

He looked at you. “I can do it because I have you here.”

You bumped against him. “you’re cute.”

“I love you.”

You kissed him. “Love you too.” You looked down at Bo wearing his best collar. “They like dogs, right?”

Levi chuckled. “They’ll love Bo.”

“Hope so.”

Gabi ran off the boat and towards Levi. “Levi!” She hugged him tightly. “You’re out of your chair!”

Levi smiled. “Yeah. Tch, you’re loud.”

“Sorry.” She giggled. “It’s good to see you.”

Falco jogged over and panted. “Sorry, Levi.”

Levi smiled. “I don’t mind. Was the journey okay?”

“It was good. We’re trying to build up a friendship with Armin and the others. One day at a time.”

“Well, at least you’re trying.”

Reiner walked over and clenched up a little at seeing the man who stabbed him through the neck long ago. “Captain.”

Levi nodded. “Reiner.” He pulled his gaze away and smiled at the others. “Welcome, Armin, Mikasa, Connie, Jean and…Annie…” He gazed at Armin and could still see the sparkle of hope in his eyes. “Glad you could make it. You here to stay for a while?”

Armin nodded. “We miss Paradis and it is rough going backwards and forwards a lot for political reasons.”

“You’re doing great. I am proud of you.”

“Thank you.” Armin blushed a little. “I just want to help.”

Jean gazed at you with a little blush on his cheeks. “Hi.”

You smiled brightly. “Hello!”

Levi noticed and pulled you over to him. “This wonderful lady that Jean has noticed is very important to me.” He softly said your name. “She’s my everything.”

Connie laughed. “Our Captain has a girlfriend!”

Mikasa’s eyes widened. “Huh, interesting.”

You smiled and bowed to them. “Lovely to meet you all.”

“How did you meet?”

You looked at Levi. “Levi hired me to work at his shop and over the months together we fell for each other.”

Gabi gasped. “That’s romantic.”

You petted Bo’s head. “This is Bo. He’s a friendly smart dog.”

Levi cleared his throat. “He helps me out. He guides me often.”

Jean reached over and petted Bo. “He’s cute.”

Levi introduced everyone to you. “Shall we get going? My girlfriend has made a wonderful lunch for us all.” He winked at you. “Lead the way.”

You grinned. “Okay!”

Levi walked over to the group. "Listen here, you little shits, this is my last order ever. You treat that goddess of a woman there with fucking respect or I'll rip your spines out. She's my world. Got it?"

Armin smiled. “We understand.”

Falco welled up a little. “We’re happy for you.”

Levi blushed a little. “Thanks. Let’s get moving. I don’t want to keep my love waiting.” He limped a little fast to catch up with you.

Mikasa hummed. “I never would have thought the grumpy Captain would have a girlfriend.”

Annie glanced over. “He might be holding her hostage.”

Armin laughed nervously. “Annie, they’re in love.”

Jean put his hands in his pockets. “I think it’s great. Means there is hope for us all.”

Reiner’s eyes widened. “Maybe I should talk to Historia.”

Connie groaned. “Give up on her. She has a lover and a kid.”

Levi slipped inside his home and watched you hurry around. “Darling, do you need help?”

You smiled at him as you moved around. “I’m okay.”

“Darling.”

You walked over to him and kissed him. “It’s all okay. You should lead your friends to the garden. I have lots of blankets all setup and a chair for you.”

He let out a long sigh. “Thank you. I’ll go herd the group.”

You hummed a laugh. “Wonderful. I’ll be out in a bit.”

Levi held your hips and kissed you. “I love you.”

“Love you always.”

He released you and limped outside and unlocked the side gate. “Tch, oi! You lot! Over here.” He stepped to the side and sighed as they all came in. “Take your shoes off before you lie down on the blankets. Also, be polite and eat everything that is given to you.”

You walked out with a tray and a smile. “I have lemonade and I made too much food. I’ll bring everything out. I hope you’re hungry.”

Armin walked over to you and took the tray. “We’re starving. Thank you.”

You released the tray and smiled. “Thank you. I’ll get the rest.”

Connie jumped to his feet. “I’ll help.”

Jean got up as well. “I’ll help, you might end up hurting yourself.”

You hummed a laugh. “I don’t mind the help.” You turned and walked to the door. “I have three more trays of things to bring out.”

Connie ran over. “Coming!”

Jean strolled over. “Happy to help.”

You hummed a laugh as you set up the trays. “Connie, could you take the ones with savoury things on and Jean could you take this one with baked breads? I’ll take in the sweets.”

“Did you make all this?”

You nodded. “Yes.”

“It looks incredible.” He smiled at you. “You’re very talented.”

You giggled. “Thank you so much.”

Jean flinched when he heard a growl. He turned around to see Levi. “Captain.”

Levi gave him a deadpan look. “Chatting up my girlfriend, huh?”

“I-I was just complimenting her.”

You smiled. “Boys? Could you take all of that out? I need to talk to Levi.”

Levi nibbled his lip. “Darling.”

You put your tray down and walked up to Levi. “Grumpy.” You cupped his face. “I love you.”

He whined. “I know you do and I love you as well.” He sighed. “It’s just, he’s young and handsome.”

“He’s much younger than me, too young. Plus, I didn’t even notice his looks.”

“Okay…”

You hugged Levi tightly. “You’re so cute sometimes.” You pulled back and smiled. “Let’s go spend time with your friends, or should I call them your adopted kids.”

Levi chuckled. “Sounds about right.”

You picked up the tray. “Let’s go.”

He limped with you and walked out into the nice sun and enjoyed how lively it was outside. He smiled softly as you seemed to get on well with everyone. His heart raced as you took a mother-like role with them all. He knew that he was going to have the perfect life with you.

Levi held the shorts in his hands as he whined a little. He was happy to do the swimming therapy and he didn’t care that the scouts were still around and they were going to join in the beach date, he was just worried about you seeing how bad the scars were on his leg. He hung his head a little in shame. He wanted you so badly to keep loving him, but he didn’t think this scar made him loveable.

“Levi?”

Levi looked up at you and admired your swim costume, the one-piece looked incredible on your figure. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” You walked closer to him. “Are you worried about something?”

“My leg doesn’t look the best.”

You knelt in front of him and placed your hands on his thighs. “I love you, Levi. You’re perfect to me.”

He smiled at you. “I love you.”

You leaned up and kissed him. “Let me help you change.”

“O-Okay.”

You shuffled on your knees and stopped between his legs. You slowly unbuttoned his shirt. “I worry about my body too. I know I shouldn’t compare, but it is hard.”

He smiled. “I like that I don’t feel alone. I like that we share the same feelings and emotions.”

You hummed a laugh. “I’m happy we have each other as well.”

He watched you closely. “I have marks on me from the old gear we used.”

“I have marks on me as well. Stretch marks mainly.”

“Beautiful stripes.”

You blushed. “Thank you.” You opened his shirt and gasped at seeing his muscles and a very light dusting of black chest hair on his pecs and a tempting treasure trail. “Fuck…” You reached over and lightly touched his chest. “So warm and soft.”

Levi whined a little and said your name. “You feel nice.”

You looked up at him. “You’re so handsome.”

He gasped and shivered when your fingers trailed down his abs. He moaned your name. “I love you.”

You leaned up and kissed him as you ran both your hands over his body. “I love you too.” You kissed along his jawline to his neck. “I love you so much.”

Levi moaned as you bit and sucked on his neck. He shivered as he felt a sensation inside him that he’d never felt before with anyone except you, pure arousal. Levi hadn’t really thought about sex before, but his head was flooded with thoughts of making love to you. He wanted to hear you pant and moan his name. He wanted to fill you and explore you. He wanted to get to know every single inch of you.

Levi grabbed your upper arms. “Ah, w-wait.”

“Something wrong?”

He shifted a little. “I uh…”

You noticed him glance down before looking away. “Do you have an erection?”

He nodded shyly. “I do.”

“That’s okay. That happens when you like someone.” You reached for his belt and played with it. “I have a suggestion, but only if you’re comfortable.”

“S-Sure.”

“I’ll touch you so you get used to intimacy and you can touch a part of me.”

He gulped hard. “I’d love that.”

You got up and walked to the door. You locked it and approached Levi. “Can you sit against the headboard?”

Levi shifted on the bed and sat up against the headboard as you asked. He purred as you crawled closer to him and straddled him. He shivered as you sat on his thighs. “You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“So, getting used to touch and intimacy, right?”

You nodded and reached up. “I’ll introduce you to my breasts and I’ll touch your umm dick.” You undid his belt. “That okay?”

He nodded. “Y-Yes. Ah, what if I don’t look good…”

“You’ll look amazing.” You pulled his zip down and pushed your hand into his boxers. “Ah.” You pulled Levi’s erection out and marvelled at how it looked. He was just above average length but his thickness was impressive. You tilted your head as you studied his blood-filled tip and then the veins that wrapped around his shaft and pulsed with each beat of his heart. “Pretty.”

Levi blushed. “Wh-what?”

You looked up at him. “You have a pretty cock.”

“Mm…thank you.” He blushed harder. He grunted when you moved your hand on him a little. “You f-feel nice.”

You released Levi. “Oh, for you.” You reached up to the top of your swim costume. You pulled it down and shifted your breasts out. You looked up to see Levi’s eyes were wide as he gazed at them. “You can touch them.”

He reached up with shaky hands. “I umm…”

You took his hands and placed them on your breasts. “Gentle with your touch. Massage a bit.”

Levi gripped your breasts and admired how parts were spilling between his fingers. “So soft, warm, squishy and plump.” He moved his thumb over your nipples making you shiver. “These sensitive?”

You moaned a little. “Yes.”

Levi smiled at you. “I’m glad I can make you feel good.”

You wrapped your hand around Levi’s cock and started moving your hand up and down on him. You panted and moaned as he massaged your breasts. You leaned closer and kissed Levi softly at first as your feelings were soft and delicate, but passion started to burn. Your teeth tugged on his bottom lip making Levi growl. You smiled a little at him before opening your mouth and accepting his tongue into your mouth.

Levi was in heaven as you touched his cock. He had touched himself before, but it was so rare that he did. Whenever he got a hard-on he would just touch himself to get it over with and relieve himself. He gripped your breasts a bit tighter as he moaned in delight. He couldn’t believe how incredible it felt to be touched by you. Your hand was so warm and your scent was wrapping him up tightly and made him feel so loved.

Levi was so madly and deeply in love with you. He bucked a little against your hand as he squeezed your breasts. He pulled from your lips as he panted and moaned your name. He tapped his forehead against yours and moaned your name again. He tilted his head and kissed your neck. He ragged his lips up and down your neck and felt so much pleasure in being with you. He dragged his tongue up your neck as he let his instincts take over. He opened his mouth and bit your neck a little to make sure there would be a mark to prove you were his. He sucked your neck right after biting.

You moaned in pleasure at Levi sucking on your neck. You couldn’t believe how delicate Levi was being. His bites were dominating but controlled. He was showing you all the passion and love he had for you in just a small and intimate moment. He moaned a little as precum leaked from his tip. He was going to say something about it being dirty but you kept moving your hand and rubbing your thumb over his tip.

Levi pulled back from your neck and leaned his head back as he panted and moaned in pleasure. “F-Fuck.”

“This feel good?”

He nodded and whimpered. “I love it.” He grunted at your touch. “I think I’m going to cum.”

“Cum for me.”

He huffed and mewled. “I don’t w-want to get you m-messy.”

“It’s okay, I’ll clean it.” You kissed him over and over. “Cum for me. Enjoy yourself.”

He grunted and thrust into your hand. “I love you.”

You smiled at him. “Love you too.”

He massaged and gripped your breasts. “You’re so wonderful and perfect.” He shivered in delight. “Shit.” He threw his head back as his chest rose and fell heavily. “A-ah.” He looked at you with hooded eyes and moaned your name. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Levi.”

Levi moaned as he came at your sweet words. “Ngh, ah, ha, ha, mmm.” He bucked against your hand as his cum covered his pecs and abs. “Fuck.”

You pulled back and admired Levi with a light frosting on his body. “You look incredible.”

“Th-thank you.”

You kissed him and purred in delight. “I’ll clean you up, wait here.”

“Y-Yes.”

You climbed off the bed and hurried to the bathroom. You cleaned your hands and tucked your breasts away. You grabbed a wet cloth and hurried back to Levi. “Let’s get you cleaned up, handsome.”

Levi smiled as he watched you. “Thank you.”

You hummed a laugh. “You’re so handsome and cute.”

“Thank you.”

You nuzzled your nose against his. “How do you feel?”

He blushed a little. “I feel great. I’ve never…that was a first for me. I mean, I have touched myself in the past but I didn’t think of anyone.” He watched you tuck him away. “I really liked it. Loved it. However, you didn’t feel good.”

“I did. You touched me so nicely.”

He reached over and touched your boob. “I’m glad, but still.”

You wrapped your arms around Levi’s neck and kissed him. “How about next time I show you how to touch me?”

He smiled and nodded. “I want that. I want to be good in bed. I know we’ll lead up to sex, but I need to get to know your body.”

“I’ll help you get to know every inch of me.”

He growled a little. “I’m looking forward to it.”

You picked up his shorts. “Ready to change?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

You helped him take his shirt off and paused a moment. “Do you want me to help with your trousers?”

“Please. My leg aches a bit.”

You pulled his belt off and undid his trousers. You helped Levi out of his trousers and then his boxers. You stood up and gazed at Levi standing naked before you. Your heart raced in your chest as you admired his handsome body. “You look incredible.”

He smiled a little. “Even my leg?”

You looked at the large scars on his left leg. “Yes.” You knelt in front of him and covered his leg in kisses. “You’re wonderful.”

Levi blushed when you looked up at him. He looked away and groaned. “Tch, looking at me like that and kissing my leg…”

You giggled and shifted his legs and pulled his shorts up. “They okay?”

He looked back at you and nodded. “Comfy.”

You kissed him and smiled. “Good.”

He wrapped his arms around you and held you close. “I adore you.”

You hugged him back. “Me too. You’re my everything.”

Levi cupped your face and kissed you. “I feel relaxed because of your touch. Thank you.” He kissed you again and sighed through his nose. He tugged on your bottom lip with his teeth and moaned in delight. “I want to be with you always.”

“I promise we will be.”

He held you. “I don’t want to go out there to swim. I just want to hold you here.”

You hummed a laugh. “I want that too, but you have to get your exercise in for your leg.”

He pouted. “Yeah…”

You held his hand and pulled him along. “Come on.” You led him to the door and unlocked it. “Plus, those lovely kids are waiting for you.”

He blushed a little. “You’re right.”

You hummed a laugh. “We can do it.”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Do you need your cane?”

He shook his head. “I need you, that’s all.”

“So cute.” You pulled him against you and walked with him down the hall of his sweet cottage and outside. You followed the path and saw the scouts playing with Bo on the beach. “What a lovely thing to see.”

Levi chuckled. “Yeah, it’s wonderful.” He gulped hard. “We’ll get this when we have kids, right?”

“Right.” You kissed Levi’s cheek. “I look forward to those days.”

He gripped you a little and stopped in his tracks. “I umm…I don’t know about this.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I…I’m okay with you seeing me…but…these lot.”

You stood between the scouts and Levi. “We can be away from them.”

He hummed and hugged you. “I guess.”

“Are you worried that they’ll pity you?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I hate it when people pity me.”

You sighed. “I can’t say how they will act, react or feel. All I can say is, I think you are wonderful and these kids have known you for a long time. All of those kids have their own scars. They care about you, about us. It’ll be okay.”

Levi nodded. “You’re right. It’ll be okay.”

You winked at him and then pulled him down to the beach. You got into the water a bit before turning around and facing Levi. You held his hands and walked backwards. “Bit at a time.”

He whined a bit as he walked into the water. “Bit at a time.”

You kissed his hands. “We’ll have a bath together after this.”

He gazed at you. “Together? You’ll be sharing the bath with me?”

“If you want me to.”

He smiled softly. “I want that.”

You kissed his hands. “Wonderful. It’ll be nice.”

He gasped as the water hit his upper thighs. “Mm.”

“Do you want to stop for a moment?”

He shook his head. “N-No, I’ve got this.”

“You’re doing great.” You smiled softly. “Just perfect. I’m proud of you.”

He smiled at you. “Thank you.” He walked closer to you and pressed his body against yours. “You’re warm.”

You hummed a laugh. “Thank you.” You pulled him further into the water and started swimming backwards. “How does it feel?”

“Nice. This water is different from normal water. The salt in it helps me float a little.”

“Is it easier on your joints?”

“Yes.” He smiled at you. “Thank you.”

You lowered yourself down in the water. “Can you swim?”

“Yes.” He shifted in the water and chuckled. “It’s a lot easier. We should do this more often.”

You giggled. “Yes.”

Levi swam after you but you kept swimming away. “Get back here.”

You laughed. “You just have to catch me.”

He growled. “I will get you.”

You swam a distance away and waited for him. “If you swim to me, I’ll give you a kiss and a cuddle.”

Levi swam fast towards you and dove into your arms. “Easy.”

You hugged him tightly. “Perfect.”

He crashed his lips against yours and sighed. “I’ll always catch you. You’ll never leave me.”

You giggled. “I never will leave you. You’re all mine.”

“I love that.” He sighed. “I love you.”

[anjael]

TLHOD SECRET SANTA 2024 - SIGNUPS OPEN

Yes, it’s that time again!

As always, even if you aren’t participating, I’d be very grateful if you could signal boost by re-blogging!  I’ll also be cross-posting to my Twitter *here* so RTs much appreciated if you’re on there ~

What’s a Secret Santa?

For those who have never done a Secret Santa before, the way it works is you submit a gift request, which goes into a pool which is then randomised. The randomised requests are then handed out to the participants.

So basically, its Mystery Gift! Everyone draws/writes a gift for someone. You won’t know who it’s for, and you won’t know who is doing yours! Then at the exchange, the completed gifts are handed out anonymously to whomever they belong, via email.

Sounds good, where do I sign?

Send your email applications right here!   -> tlhodsecretsanta@gmail.com

What do I write in my  application email?

1. Your name / tumblr tag / most used social media - a link to your blog would also be helpful so I know who you are and can contact you if emails are not working or something. A link to examples of your work (art tag, etc) is also appreciated!

2. Preferred gift rating.  NSFW requests are totally okay as long as they are not offensive/racist/sexist but if you’d like something NSFW, please also provide a SFW alternative request as not everyone is comfortable producing such content. If you don’t mind receiving NSFW but would prefer not to submit it, please tell me and vice versa.

3. Your actual request!  If you prefer shipping/non shipping, please include this in your signup email. Please try to word your request so that it can be filled by either an artist or writer, if possible, as your gift-giver is randomly assigned!

Examples of requests  (just for reference, there’s no required format):

- something with your fave pairing / a particular scene

- an AU you’d like to see (please provide some details)

Your requests don’t have to have any particular theme, request whatever you like!

4. Whether you would be able to pinch-hit (fill an extra gift if needed).

5. Whether you would like to remain anonymous to your gift recipient and/or on the master-post of entries (which will be posted up on Tumblr a few days after gift exchange)

———-   DEADLINES   ————–

Applications Close:  29th October 2024, 00:00 GMT

Prompts Sent Out to Participants: by 1st November 2024, 00:00 GMT

Gift submission: 20th December 2024, 22:00 GMT

(Please submit your completed gifts to tlhodsecretsanta@gmail.com)

Gift Exchange: 22nd - 24th December 2024 (TBC)

———-      RULES/GUIDELINES     —————–

- Don’t be a butt. (generally the best rule to live by)

- Complete the gift using your MAD SKILLS, be it drawing or writing fanfic! If you have other cool magic abilities like animating, you’re welcome to use those too!

- Please submit completed works only. Your gift should be fully coloured if it’s art (unless you are specifically doing a monochrome / inked piece), and properly formatted, spell-checked and at least 1,000 words if it’s a written piece.

- For written pieces, google doc links/word documents are fine for the email exchange, but if you want me to include your fic in the tumblr master-post please bear in mind you need to post it somewhere link-able such as AO3.

- if you are submitting NSFW art, AO3 hosts art too and can be a good alternative to tumblr/twitter restrictions.

- Please don’t post any completed gifts on your blog before the gift exchange date!

- if the deadline is approaching and you know you won’t be able to submit your piece in time, please tell me as soon as possible so I can arrange for someone else to fill your assigned prompt.

- if you’d like to remain anonymous, please tell me (there will be master-posts of all the submissions a couple of days after exchange)

- I’ll be tracking the tumblr tag ‘tlhod secret santa 2024’.

There’s also a Discord group - please let us know if you’d like an invite!

[duckymcdoorknob]

@mystwrites I TOLD YOU ID MAKE THE FIC TEEHEE!!

INSPIRED BY THIS BEAUTIFUL FREAKING PIECE RIGHT HERE!!!

RARARA MULTIPLE TK SCENES BC YES

Voices Carry

Warning! This is a tickle fic!

Ships: None! Char: Kurama and Hiei with a couple teaspoons of Lee!Yusuke

Warnings: This do have tickles below the cut ngl

Prompt: When the boys get into deep conversation one night, Kurama wants nothing more than for Hiei to shut up before he spills some secrets. Kurama would soon eat his words…

Tags: @giggly-squiggily TEEHEE SURPRISE! THIS IS MY “PAYBACK” FOR THAT LEE HIEI FIC >:))

It was a rare occurrence when the four were together and they actually got to enjoy one another’s company. It seemed that whenever they were in the same room, there was something that was threatening their peace that would happen the next day.

Hiei was sitting on the bed, resting his chin on his arm as he watched the rain fall outside of Yusuke’s bedroom window. Kurama lay with his head in the fire demon’s lap, engrossed in a book. Yusuke was trying to mask his excitement—though failing miserably—as he showed Kuwabara his Lego creations, and the orange-haired boy was carefully holding every set to ensure he wouldn’t break it.

Rain was harshly falling outside, so the other three were not going anywhere for quite some time.

“And this is one that Keiko got for me last year. I still keep asking to pay her back for it, but her stubborn ass won’t let me give her a single yen,” Yusuke explained, holding up a large replica of the Death Star.

The pompadoured male’s eyes lit up as he took in the awesome wonder of the huge project. “How long did that one take, Urameshi?!”

“Oh man, let me try to remember…” the green-haired boy murmured, “a good few months at least.”

“So cool…” Kuwabara breathed.

“You wanna hold it?”

“Can I?!”

“Sure,” Yusuke chimed, carefully placing the orb into his friend’s hands. “Just know that if you drop it, you won’t be walking away unscathed. Got it?”

Kazuma paled. “M-Mhm!”

As the taller male observed the craft, Hiei sighed in contentment. He never thought that he would enjoy the company of the two ruffians; moreover, he didn’t expect to find solace in watching rain fall.

“Say, Hiei,” Yusuke’s curious voice sounded from the other end of the room. “Did’ya ever have a raindrop race? Like you watched two drops trickle down at the same time and raced them?”

The black-haired demon narrowed his eyes in confusion before turning to the curious boy. “That sounds unbearably boring.”

“It’s like watching paint dry,” Kurama quipped, his deft fingers coming up to turn the page.

“Hey!” The spirit detective whined. “Oh like you’re any better. You’re reading Dickens!”

The red-haired male’s eyes flickered away from the copy of Great Expectations to an angry Yusuke. “And how did you know who the author was? My finger was covering his name,” he replied curtly.

Yusuke’s face burned in embarrassment. “W-Well-“

Having safely placed the Death Star on the shelf above him, Kuwabara cooed at his friend. “Ooooo! Urameshi likes reaaaadinnngg!!” he chirped, accentuating his teasing words with repeated pokes to the boy’s sides.

Yusuke squirmed and sputtered as he curled in on himself, falling backwards against the spirit sword user’s torso. “C-Cut that ohohohout!”

Kuwabara trapped Yusuke in his arms, caging him in. The little pokes had turned into rapid vibrations, and soon Kuwabara’s fingers were wiggling into the boy’s sides. “K-Kuwahahahabahaharahaha!”

The orange-haired male flashed him a Cheshire grin, cooing little teases in his ear as he snaked his finger’s under Yusuke’s shirt to spider his fingers along his tummy. The two demons’ attention was grabbed by an adorable squeal of agony.

“Nahaha-nahahahahaohoho! Quhihihihit ihihihit! Stahahahappihihihit!” Yusuke whined as his hips arched off the floor.

“Kuwabara,” Kurama warned. “If he’s asking you to stop, you must be mindful of his requests.”

“Ihihihim okahahahay. Ihihihits juhuhust a- hahahabihihit-HYEAHAHA!” The green-haired boy all but screeched as he felt Kuwabara’s fingers trail down to prod at his hips. “WAITWAITWAIT! OKAHAHAHAY! OKAHAHAHAY! THAHAHATS- THAHAHATS ENOHOHOUGH! KUHUHUWAHAHABAHAHARAHAHA!”

The pompadoured male promptly stopped and smiled, patting Yusuke’s tummy a few times before helping him sit up. “Sorry, Urameshi, couldn’t help it.”

Yusuke panted a bit, his dopey smile still plastered on his face. “Yeah, yeah,” he breathed, “Better watch your back… sleep with an eye open.”

Hiei breathed out a chuckle, a small guffaw leaving him. “Now don’t let Genkai know about this weakness of yours,” he quipped, “You’d never make it through another training.”

The spirit gun user flushed upon thinking of said scenario. By the name of the Spirit World… Genkai would be merciless.

“This gets me thinking… do demons have weaknesses too?” Kuwabara asked, poking Yusuke once more and eliciting a jolt.

“Of course we do. You’ve seen Kurama and I get gravely injured multiple times.” The fire demon replied, a small bout of confusion evident on his features.

“No, no, he’s got a good point,” the green-haired boy interrupted. “He means like- do you have human weaknesses? Like can you see a puppy in danger and stop everything to save it? Do you feel sad at sad movies? Or do you get grossed out when you see a bug?” There was a small moment of hesitation from Yusuke. “Are you ticklish?”

“Well…” Kurama chimed, sitting upright on his ankles, “I do get feelings from my human form. I experience the full spectrum of emotion. I would save that puppy, and sometimes sad movies get me a bit emotional. I don’t very much mind insects, but I’m not a fan of them. I experience laughter and joy as well,” he answered, dodging that last question.

“Oh laughter he does experience indeed,” Hiei interrupted, looking to the boys with an evil smile, “It’s quite easy to incite that experience.”

“Watch your tongue, Hiei,” the redhead growled, “You’re letting too much information go.”

“Oh really? You think I’m revealing too much to our delinquents?” the black haired-demon asked with menace.

“I do. And I think you’re about to let something slip; something with which I would very much not like these hooligans to know.” He rocked forward on his knees, “walking” closer to the fire demon, their faces almost touching, “Lock. Your. Lips,” he demanded.

“Fine,” a Cheshire grin toyed at his lips. “After all, it’s like you’ve always said, Kurama…”

The two delinquents watched Hiei effortlessly push Kurama over, sitting on his waist and holding his wrists above his head with one hand.

“Actions speak louder than words…”

“M-Must we resort to s-s-such childish antics?” there was a new emotion in the fox demon’s voice that neither human had heard before: apprehension. Hiei wiggled his fingers above certain spots, never actually touching down. “These two d-dohohont need to sehehehee what you’re-mmh!- talking abohohohout.”

Kurama sounded like he was fighting off giggling, but his voice was still low and demanding. The usual bass was still present, but the sweet chuckles slipping out gave it a more charming sound.

Hiei remained silent, his fingers finally touching down to wiggle against Kurama’s underarms.

“Agh- Hihihihiehehei-plehehehehease - pffhehehehe- plehehehehease behehe cihihihivil.”

Absolute silence was the fire demon’s reply, causing Kurama’s face to flush a bit in embarassment, his laughter being the only sound in the room.

“S-Say an-ngh-ahahanythihihihing y-you heheheathehen!” the red-haired demon all but begged.

The two human boys watched with fervor, stars in their eyes glistened as they took in the beautiful reality in front of them.

Kurama is ticklish. Kurama is ticklish. Kurama is ticklish.

Kurama is ticklish!

With a bout of urgency, Kuwabara jumped to his feet, rescuing the copy of Great Expectations and dropped a bookmark in it. He sat back down next to Yusuke, holding the book securely.

“Hihihihieheheihihi!” the fox demon whined. “Plehehehehease!”

“Please what? You told me to be quiet, and I’m obeying your command,” the black-haired demon replied. “Don’t blame me; tickling you was too easy of an opportunity to pass up.”

The redhead turned his head to the side, hoping to hide his face. The pink tint on his cheeks was prevalent, further signifying his pure embarrassment. As Hiei moved his hand down to Kurama’s tummy and sides, the fox demon got a bit of a breather. He wasn’t the most ticklish there, but it still got some giggles out of him.

“Oh dear, what a pity that you aren’t ticklish here. It would’ve been quite amusing to see you curl up around my hand,” Hiei teased, letting his fingers rake up and down the other’s middle.

“Jesus…” the green-haired boy murmured in a high-octaved voice. “Being tickled by Hiei is a death sentence.” he felt dizzy even looking at it…

“I heard that, Yusuke,” Hiei reported. “Don’t think you’re off the hook.”

Poor Yusuke’s eyes widened. What did he do?!

The fire demon grew bored, opting to move his hand down and pinch at the fox demon’s hips. Kurama’s eyes bugged out as his breath hitched a bit. He fell into deep belly laughter as Hiei released his arms and dug in with both hands.

“H-Hihihiehehehei yohohOHOHOU bahHAHAHAstahahard!”

No reply once more. What a cruel, cruel man!

Kurama threw his head back against Yusuke’s pillow and squealed, beautiful laughter pouring from his lips. “HihihiehEHEHEhei!”

“What’s wrong?” An innocent inquiry. “Ticklish?” A menacing rhetorical.

“M-Mohohove- HYEAHAHAHA! MohohOHOhove spohOHOHots!”

“Hmph, your human form is such a weakling,” he murmured, causing Kurama’s blush to deepen, “as you wish.”

The fire demon’s hand found their way to the fox demon’s thighs, taking refuge and squeezing there. Kurama shot upwards and tried to push at the hands assaulting his hyper-ticklish thighs. The poor redhead could only fall backwards and squirm, hoping to escape.

“NONONONO! NOHOHOHO! NOHOHOHOT THEHEHEHERE!”

“Oh? Not… here? But I could have sworn that you had said to move spots. It’s not nice to make requests you don’t want fulfilled.”

“Man, Hiei is ruthless,” Kuwabara reported over Kurama’s frantic giggling, placing the book safely on the floor next to him.

“Hmph. Serves Kurama right for always tickling me,” Yusuke pouted through pursed lips.

“YUHUHUHUSUHUHUKEHEHE! KUHUHUWABAHAHAHRAHAHA! HEHEHEHELP MEHEHE!” Kurama all but begged.

The two boys smiled as they stood to their feet and spectated from a higher angle. This side of Kurama was one that only they would be lucky enough to see. His sweater had ridden up a bit, revealing the soft skin of his torso, flushed pink from the previous contact of ticklish fingers. His face was pinker than his shirt, and little tears of mirth dotted the corners of his eyes.

“Aw man, Kurama, you look adorable!” Yusuke chirped. “Of course I’ll help you out.” the spirit gun user chimed as he softly swiped his fingers across the fox demon’s neck.

Well, that did it.

Kurama exploded into cute laughter. Not knowing which person to arch away from, he simply let his head hit the pillow as he boomed with laughter. His chuckles were breathy and desperate, with little hiccups and stutters adorning them.

“YOHOHOHOU TWOHOHOHO AHAHAHRE AWFUHUHUHUL! IHIHIHI- *Hic* IHIHIHI CAHAHAHANT-“

“Guys-“ Kuwabara attempted.

“Awww, poor Kurama,” Yusuke teased in a baby voice, eyes closed in glee.

“Hey, guys!-“

“QUIHIHIHIHIT IHIHIHIT! *snort* IHIHIHITS TOHOHOHOO MUHUHUHUCH!”

“Perhaps you should have thought about that before you spoke to me with such poison on your tongue,” Hiei replied, focusing on squeezing with dexterity.

“CMOHOHOHOHON!! ST-STOHOHOHOP ALREHEHEHEADY!”

“HIEI! URAMESHI!”

The two males stopped their assault immediately, looking at an angry orange-haired boy. Their attention had been dwindled from Kurama for a few seconds..

“You have to give him a break. He’s tired! Can’t you tell he’s had enough?”

When the three looked back upon Kurama, the two humans felt a chill run down their spines. In place of his previously fiery-red hair, long, white strands adorned his head. Large, fuzzy ears twitched before he sat upward, pushing his two assailants off of him.

Before he could register it, Yoko pounced, and their positions were switched. Yusuke was now pinned under the demon effortlessly, squirming in anticipation.

“Now, now, Yusuke,” his smooth voice had murmured. “It seems you know what’s in store for you…”

The boy swallowed. Kuwabara backed up, grabbing a starstruck Hiei and pulling him off of the bed.

“Now, tell me,” Yoko demanded. “What is the difference between myself and my pathetically sensitive human form?”

The spirit gun user squirmed a bit in anticipation. “Y-You have claws?”

A rumbling laugh escaped the white-haired demon. “Astute observation, Yusuke, but that was not the answer I was seeking.”

Yusuke’s body squirmed and squirmed, trying to free himself as Yoko’s hand descended and rested atop of his tummy.

“Shuichi experiences human emotions, and I do not,” Yoko whispered calmly. “And among those emotions…”

Yusuke all but screamed when he felt the demon’s claws begin their ticklish assault on his sides. It was 100x worse than Shuichi’s more gentle approach. His bottom instantly arched up from the bed as helpless laughter poured from his lips.

“Is mercy…”

—————♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎✞♡︎—————

[hushed-chorus]

Hi folks! And thank you for the tags @youarenevertooold, @shrekgogurt @theearlgreymage @artsyunderstudy @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @nightimedreamersworld, @wellbelesbian, and everyone who tagged me during my fandom hibernation.

It’s been a while! Lots of real life stuff going on, but it should be calmer now. Despite being busy, I've been plotting and scheming for my next long fic, a Watford canon divergence. Emphasis on *long*. I’ve filled one and a half A5 notebooks capturing and organising my ideas. I don't know why I do this to myself. It's a compulsion.

Originally I’d planned to do NaNoWriMo for both FAIAP (it’s not been abandoned, folks!) and the new Watford fic. Then I fell sick on Halloween and only started feeling better a couple of days ago. I may go for it anyway, but start (let’s say) 13th Nov and extend NaNo to 13th Dec. I reckon it’ll help kickstart the writing engine. 

Today I posted the last two chapters of Blood, Salt and Hummingbirds. Here’s a little peek.

“I know that ship,” I say. “It’s the Alban! Baz, it’s a British ship!” Baz blinks uncertainly. “A British ship?” “Yeah!” I laugh. “Baz, this is perfect! She left Portsmouth just before the Magpie! Searching for Terra Australis, she was! I’d tried to join the crew, but she had a full complement of men.” Concern pulls on Baz’s lips. Desperation lurches in my chest and I grab his arm. “Baz, she’s not been to England in all that time. They won’t have heard anything about you. Besides, we’ll give them a fake name. And we don’t have to go back to England. We could go to the Americas, or Africa, or even France!” “We?” Baz looks bewildered. “Yeah! You speak French, right?” He swallows. “Yes.” “And your grandmother was Egyptian. Maybe we could go there!”

Baz lowers his head. I shake his arm. “Baz! You aren’t staying here alone. I won’t leave you. I can’t. I’ll keep you safe, I promise.”

Hello tags below the cut!

@facewithoutheart @captain-aralias @raenestee @aroace-genderfluid-sheep @cutestkilla @ivelovedhimthroughworse @larkral @stitchyqueer @ileadacharmedlife @confused-bi-queer @aristocratic-otter @whogaveyoupermission @fatalfangirl @thewholelemon @onepintobean @martsonmars @blackberrysummerblog @orange-peony @palimpsessed @valeffelees @j-nipper-95 @rimeswithpurple @imagineacoolusername @iamamythologicalcreature @supercutedinosaurs @alexalexinii @bookish-bogwitch @cosmicalart @bazzybelle

[anewkindofme]

Welcome to anewkindofme’s tumblr!

Hi there! My name is Taylor and I’m in my late 20s. I’m a lesbian with diagnosed ADHD and bipolar disorder. I also struggle with sensory overload. I have dabbled as an online caregiver in the past but have sort of retired for mental health reasons. I still make content for fandoms as it does help my mental health nonetheless. I’ve been writing agere content for a little over 15 years now!

I write sfw agere fics, make moodboards, write headcanons, etc. I only write platonic agere dynamics. One of my favorite tropes is found family!

Currently, I’m mostly writing Grey’s Anatomy & TVDU fics, but I would be interested in writing for other verses (from media I watch). Even if I can’t get the muse to write a certain fic, I’m always down to write headcanons or make moodboards! Requests are open so feel free to hit up my inbox!

I do not write romantic pairings practicing sfw agere, even if it’s strictly non-sexual. I do include romantic pairings in my fics but only for married caregivers. Even then, I keep their interactions to mainly kissing or flirting and it won’t take up the entire fic. I will never write about incest!

My fics do include a variety of discipline, including spanking but I don’t include it as much anymore and it’s usually just a few swats with the hand. But mostly it includes grounding, timeouts, etc. If that bothers you, my fics probably aren’t for you. I also have a couple of verses with non-sexual breastfeeding and diapers. I am a compulsive tagger on both Tumblr and AO3, so just check those out!

I’ll only write for the fandoms listed here. I also stick to the headcanon I have for how a character is classified. For example, I know some people see Dean as a Little, but I only view him as a caregiver. I would struggle to write him otherwise! But always feel free to ask me whatever!

Do not sexualize my fics or interact with me if you are anti-agere, racist, homophobic, ableist or transphobic. Several of my fics include POC and queer characters, as well as characters with disabilities.

I also want to mention that I don’t do character x reader fics, they’re just not in my wheelhouse!

Fandoms I make content for:

The Vampire Diaries Universe, including The Originals & Legacies

One Tree Hill

Supernatural

Grey’s Anatomy, including Private Practice (I haven’t seen enough of Station 19 to make content)

Teen Wolf

Once Upon A Time. At this time, I have not seen OUATIW, so I cannot make content for characters that were strictly on there. I could for those that also appeared on the main show, such as Will Scarlet.

Twilight

Pretty Little Liars. I have not watched any of the spin-offs, so I only make content for the main series!

9-1-1 & 9-1-1: Lone Star

Criminal Minds

My ask box! I keep anonymous asks on. Requests for fics, moodboards and headcanons are always open!

My current master list! Please checkout the tags before reading. Please remember: No content is worth your mental health! Take care of yourself, friends.

My current list of characters I headcanon as Littles and Caregivers! If you don’t see one on here, feel free to ask me how I sort them! I will also include ships on here for caregivers, as well as my NOTPs.

[stackthedeck]

i need someone who understands to commiserate with me.

WHY are people marking spider-man - all media types when they mean "twinky tiny teeny baby tom holland and papá stark and ooh sometimes big hulking predatory gay teen fucker deadpool (i think thats his name ive never read a comic but i know he hears voices oooOohooH)" thats NOT ALL MEDIA TYPES THATS THE FUCKING TOM HOLLAND MOVIES

they can like that! i dont CARE. what i care about is intentionally obfuscating your fic premise, thereby making ME read it 😭😭😭

i know spideytorch is your fav flame but at least many torch knowers know about smth besides the movies 😔😔

(have a good day, i needed to bitch and i was like. he is the only one who will truly understand 💛)

Anon I feel you I bitch about this every day lmao the exclude mcu button on ao3 is my best friend! Like listen mcu fans can do whatever they want but like fandom etiquette dictates that if I don’t like I shouldn’t read so it’s common courtesy for them to say exactly what the fic is so I can know that I’m the type of fan who doesn’t like it so I won’t read it. Like I’ve been 5k words into pretty alright Spider-Man fic and then I’m hit with the “mr.stark” and I’m like god where’s my Spider-Man that doesn’t respect billionaires it’s crushing every time. And like hey mcu fans, y’all are the majority here if people want Tom Holland Spider-Man they’re searching that fandom tag so use it so more of your intended audience can read your fic!

I’ll be honest with you anon the reason I’m so into spidey torch is because 1 it’s a semi popular ship and 2 spidey torch fans tend to be obsessed with the comics sometimes for both the boys but they’re a super fan of at least one. The fantastic four have had nothing but shitty adaptations so their comic fandom is bigger than their movie fandoms it’s wonderful. I don’t really ship Johnny with Peter beyond like oh they probably were a friends with benefits situation or a Johnny is way more hopelessly in love situation. Nah the real goat of Johnny Storm ships is Johnny and Wyatt Wingfoot that is a power couple that can stand the test of time. But unfortunately it’s a very small tag and there’s quite a few writers who don’t know how to be normal about Native Americans. But my diehard spidey ship is parksborn and that tag is such a mixed bag! Sometimes it’s like the perfect replication of the comic dynamic, sometimes it’s the Raimi movies (functionally two different characters but also fun), something to do with the cartoons (not my thing because they’re kids doing high school drama), whatever the fuck Andrew Garfield had going with that dying Victorian orphan, or Harry is the evil ex but like evil the same way Norman was like fuck off!

Anyway spidey torch is the only spidey dude slash ship that has like consistently good fics but all the other ships you’ve gotta sift through a lot of bull shit but it’d be so much easier to find what I want if people would just tag their shit correctly!

Anyway thank you for bitching with me anon. Reminder: fuck the mcu until Sabra is removed from captain America 4, pirate your movies and comics and don’t buy shit from them. Pirate spectacular Spider-Man comics and every single Wyatt Wingfoot appearance

[colesabi]

20 Questions for Fic Authors

Thank you @silvercap for the tag!! :))

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

8

2. What is your AO3 wordcount?

49,895

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Resident Evil exclusively but do have a couple for Pokemon.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

I don’t have a whole bunch and most of mine are relatively new (posted within the last year)

I. When Time Runs Out with 155

II. Fragment with 70

III. I’d Remember You Fondly If You Hadn’t Betrayed Me with 34

IV. The After with 25

V. Under The Skin with 25

5. Do you respond to comments?

Absolutely! I love and cherish each comment I receive.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Haha umm okay probably, ‘I Will Haunt You Forever’ - MC straight up is sacrificed so… I’d put Fragment here if I had posted it with the alternate ending…. 👀

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I’m an angst queen so happiness is a relative term lol but I guess ‘When Time Runs Out’

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I hope I don’t ever. Haven’t gotten any yet.

9. Do you write smut? If so, which kind?

Yep. Not a whole heck of a lot. I try to keep it plot relevant except for my prompt based one-shots, those just are self indulgent. lol.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest crossover you’ve ever written?

Nope.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

God I hope not…

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope.

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

So my very first is Serennedy but Chreon has overtaken that. I also enjoy Metaltango and Nivennedy. ClaireJill is awesome too. I’ll also scope out OT3’s in the form of Nivennedyfield and whatever the ship name is for Leon/Luis/Ada.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I don’t have too many WIPs because it stresses me out to be working on so many things at once but probably the Leon one-shot I have where he wakes up in a morgue. I keep thinking I’ll get back to it and will write a little every now and then but then lose interest.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I've gotten the most compliments/comments that my characterizations are good. I think my dialogue is pretty passable. Lol.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Probably just going for it and not fully fleshing the plot out. Sometimes I’ll find myself re-reading something after I’ve posted and think I should have done more there.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I’m mildly familiar with Spanish and can pass with French but I am too chicken to even attempt it in writing which is why I won’t write Luis… even though I would love to do a Serennedy fic. Also, his is more Castilian so that’s different than the Spanish I’m used too.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Very very first, probably Yu-Gi-Oh but I have no idea where those are on the internet. That was SO long ago.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

Fragment, no question. I put my heart and soul and a piece of me in that one.

Tagging- anyone else who wants to participate!

[lukeevangelista]

are you sure? - tyson jost

the trade made me sad and i never wrote anything sooo here we are

He’s been on another team since I wrote this——>>>>>> this takes place when he was traded to minny bc I’ve had this since he was traded to minny.

I’m gonna do another with him being claimed by BUF eventually.

now i know they boys were on the road when he was traded but this is fiction.

i don’t think there’s any warnings other than sadness.

i did tag colorado since he was an av AND there are other avs players included in this.

———————————————————————————

“are you sure you want to go with me?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around your body.

you just had gotten the news that he was going to be traded. you just didn’t know where he was going yet.

tyson had warned you that they were trying to move him, mainly because he didn’t want you finding out in social media before he could say something.

you had seen the rumors already.

and he knew it.

a couple of months ago, you had asked him and he didn’t know anything at the time. and then it all died down. but the last couple of days, it had started swirling again.

with you having social media comes the consequences of dating a profession athlete and you knew this was good possibility it could happen. tyson had warned you early in your relationship that he could be shipped off so fast without any reason.

“tyson,” you said, running your hands across his chest to his shoulders, “anywhere you are is where i want to be too.”

“good, because they’re calling.” he sighed as he looked towards the table, seeing his phone light up with joe sakic’s name. you stepped out of his arms, allowing him to answer the phone, his face falling shorty after he answered.

“yeah, i understand.” he whispered, a tear slipping out of his eyes, “thanks for everything.”

your hand flew to your mouth as you watched him hang up the phone, his hands going straight to his hair as he tugged.

“minnesota.” he said as he went to wrap his arms around you, “i’m leaving tonight.” he said, burying his face in your hair, “i don’t want to go.” he whispered, his arms tightening.

“i know you don’t, but imagine all the new people you’re going to meet. you’re going to do great up there.” you whispered back, tears starting to run down your face.

“why are you crying?” he sniffled.

“because you are.” you replied, as you wiped another tear away off of his face.

tyson let out a laugh, “i don’t want to go without you.”

“you won’t have to.” you stated, “let me take care of loose ends here and i’ll be up there by the end of the week.” you said, placing a kiss to his lips, “but for now, lets spend some time together and i��ll help you get packed up.” you offered, him nodding as he guided you to the couch,

“i’m going to miss everything here.” he murmured out, “especially the boys..” he continued, “and our house.. oh god.. our house.” he groaned, “we literally just bought this!!”

“babe, its okay. great get away home.” you joked as you nudged him in the ribs, trying to make a joke, “stop overthinking it. you’re going to do great up there and you’re going to love it all.”

fortunately for you, you were actually born and raised in st. paul, so really, this trade kinda made you excited to get to return to your home.

“dad has already texted and said you can stay with them until you find a place.” you stated, tyson nodding as you could see the sense of relief of not having to find a place to live on such short notice.

“thank god. because rooming with your dad is so what i want,” he joked, “but no, seriously thank him. he made this a little easier.”

“already did babe.”

—————

it had been a couple of hours since the trade was told to tyson before you heard pounding on your front door.

“holy shit, shut up!” you shouted as you walked towards the door. you swung it open, ready to chew out who had woken you up. luckily, tyson slept through it.

“where is he?” gabe asked as he shoved past you, a couple other following him.

“gee, hello to you too gabe. i’m doing great! thanks for asking.” you grumbled as you shut the front door, locking it.

“quit talking to yourself like a crazy person and answer his question.” erik replied causing you to throw him the bird.

“he’s asleep. he’s taking it hard.” you said as you leaned across the counter, “hang out here for a bit, he should wake up in a little bit.” you turned away, grabbing some waters out of the fridge, passing them out to the tall men in your kitchen.

“are you going with him?” jt asked, a frown lacing his lips.

you nodded as you took a sip of your water, “he warned me minutes before the call was complete.” you sighed, “he asked if i wanted to go or what i wanted to do. he wanted to make it work between us either way. I’ve got some stuff to take care of here, but then im going up with him. he’s not making this transition alone. not on my watch.”

“god i’m so lucky to have you.” you could hear tyson mumble behind you as his bare feet patted against the hard wood floor, his arms going around your waist as he looked over your shoulder, “i’m assuming you guys heard?”

“yep.” gabe responded, the other guys nodding along, “i’m not happy josty.”

“me either landy, me either.”

“when do you leave?” cale asked.

“tonight.” he sighed.

“tonight?! that’s barely enough time to do anything!” nathan spoke up.

“doing what i’m told.” tyson shrugged as he took a sip of your water, “speaking of which, need to get to packing, so if you’ll excuse me..” he muttered.

it didn’t take tyson long to pack what he needed and by the time he walked out, the rest of the team was already in your living room and standing around the kitchen.

“what’s this?” he laughed as he looked around, you meeting him at the bottom of the stairs, wrapping your arms around his waist.

“you really thought we weren’t going to send you off without proper goodbye, did you?” you asked as he looked down at you.

“god, i love you so much.” he whispered as he pressed his lips to your forehead.

[nowis-scales]

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

General Warnings: Implied/Referenced Sex

Fandoms: Fire Emblem Fates

Relationships: Ryoma/Felicia

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Japanese Culture, Married Couple, Anxiety Disorder, Flirting, Self-Esteem Issues, Marriage Proposal, Post-Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation, I will steer this ship myself if I have to, I would prefer the help but I am unafraid to do it on my own if I must

Chapter Word Count: 4,982 words

Story Summary:

Even with a wedding ring on her finger and a Hoshidan royal heirloom in her hair, Felicia still worries that she isn't good enough for Ryoma.

[Read it on AO3.]

Ryoma’s cherished family heirloom winks at Felicia mockingly.

No matter how she seems to tilt her head, it always manages to catch the sun and reflect, forming a mass of tiny spots on the wall that moves just as she does. It’s like it just can’t help trying to remind her that it’s there, like the weight of it isn’t tugging on her ponytail… like the weight of it isn’t hanging on her mind.

It’s there because Ryoma loves her. He’s told her time and time again that it’s true, even though it sounds unbelievable. Yet even so, looking at herself in the mirror, the sun tiara feels unnatural. She is not meant to be here. The Hoshidan king has made a grievous mistake, just like his father did before him, and there will be a new wife in a few years.

If Ryoma’s own feelings won’t do it, then she wagers the clamouring of the people will.

It is no secret to her that many of the Hoshidan people dislike her. Rumours have been floating around about the Nohrian temptress who lured the king into her bed since before they returned from That Place. Valla. She tries not to let it get to her, because she knows that they are just being small-minded, and that people can change. Ryoma himself is proof enough of that. It’s just that… Well, she’s never really had the luxury of being liked.

She’s annoying. She knows that she’s annoying. There are only so many times people can take her ripping their favourite dress or breaking their fine china or crying over every little insult. She understands. Every time the others have said something sharp or cruel about her, she’s understood. Maybe not liked it, maybe still reacted like she usually would in the moment (calling them a name and then bursting into tears), but she got the point. She could sympathize with people’s frustrations because they are largely her own. It is not difficult for her to understand why people don’t want her around.

For whatever reason, Ryoma just doesn’t seem to get that. Either he doesn’t get it or he just doesn’t care. He can see how hard she’s trying – that’s what he says. He can see how hard she’s trying, so if she makes all of these stupid mistakes and can’t stand on her own feet, he doesn’t mind because she’s doing her best. Her best is all he can ask of her.

It makes him upset, as well, that other people say rude things about her. He presents as very calm, but when people call her a nuisance and an idiot and even a floozy, his temper rages. He could spend an hour just pacing the floor, muttering about the audacity of whomever decided they would talk about her today. More than once she’s had to talk him out of brutally dismissing one of the castle servants for gossiping rudely about her. Every time it happens, he always affirms how much he loves and respects her, and that her detractors are missing her worth out of their own blindness… and it melts her heart. Few people affirm to her so regularly why they bother to keep her around, so to have Ryoma do it so kindly is a dream.

But eventually you have to wake up from dreams, and she knows one day that Ryoma is going to wake up and realize that he chose nothing more than a graceless, doltish girl who will someday sour his mood every time they cross paths.

Felicia closes her eyes, feeling tears start to wet her lashes. She shouldn’t cry now. The banquet is in no more than an hour, and she needs to finish getting ready. Even if she feels like she’s wearing clothes far too big for her, she needs to at least act like she can carry herself with the grace of a queen. Even if she is not the woman Ryoma thinks her to be, she can at least try. Perhaps it will help her prolong the dream she is living in. As her eyes flutter open again and she begins to run her fingers through her hair, she heaves a deep sigh, praying that she’ll be able to get through tonight. There won’t be too many people, but she doesn’t want to disappoint Ryoma.

Ryoma…

She can hear his footsteps coming down the hall. Quickly, she swipes at her eyes. He doesn’t need to know that she’s upset. It will only make him worry, and she doesn’t want to worry him when he has so many other things that are worth caring much more about. They have a banquet to handle. This insecurity business is a problem for their inevitable divorce. Instead, she just continues to stare into the mirror, willing that weak woman she sees to become someone stronger.

“How are you faring in here, Felicia?”

Her husband’s voice is warm and comforting to her ears as he pokes his head through the door, especially with how pleased he sounds. Felicia has never been all that comfortable with big parties, being raised in a tower, but Ryoma always seems to like them. If nothing else, she thinks he just likes to eat fancy feast foods, but she certainly can’t blame him for that. Even she likes to get delicacies off his plate when he realizes she’s never tried them.

“I’m…” She doesn’t tear her eyes off her reflection, as if somehow that hope of hers will change her any minute. “Fine, I think. Just… deciding what to wear.”

With a soft chuckle, Ryoma slips into the room, sliding the door shut behind him. “It certainly must be a challenge. You look beautiful in everything,” he says, his voice smooth like porcelain, “I bet you would even look beautiful in nothing.”

Felicia’s face burns like the Hoshidan sun. It’s not like Ryoma to be so openly flirtatious. Part of her wants to play along, to say that it shouldn’t be a bet because he knows, but the feeling of his hands moving to rest on her waist and his voice next to her ear make her melt. She’s never been good at taking compliments, but ones like these just make her stomach explode with butterflies. She’s married to this man, she’s shared the dragon’s bliss with him; yet somehow, he can turn her into a puddle of giggles without even trying. That’s the hard part about all this: that even if he has this effect on her, someday, his opinion will change. He won’t whisper these things in her ear anymore. He might even be disgusted that he ever dared to say them.

“Oh, s-stop it,” Felicia manages to stammer out, pulling the end of her ponytail in front of her face to camouflage her embarrassment, “You know I can’t wear that out in front of the courtiers.”

Ryoma laughs once again, nuzzling her head. “Of course. That’s an outfit you save only for me,” he sighs, “Jokes aside, my love, is this what you’ve chosen?”

It takes all her power not to wince as the butterflies in her belly start to wither and die at the words. Looking at herself in the mirror, she can actually see her face fall.

She had been certain that this one would be perfect… It is something Oboro had made for her as a gift. The kimono is a cerulean blue, decorated to look like a bit like a garden pond where vibrant, blooming lotus flowers and cheerful lily pads are swimming within. She has paired it with a soft pink obi sash, and accented with a soft green obijime to match. By all means, it is a beautiful outfit – and perfectly in line with what she should be wearing. Unless, of course, she had forgotten that she was supposed to wear the twelve-layer ensemble…? Oh, Ryoma never cared much about fashion. If he has something to say now, then she knows it most certainly cannot be good.

“Is it bad? Did I make the wrong choice? B-Because if it looks bad, I totally s-still have time to change!”

Ryoma gives her a quizzical look through the mirror, tilting his head slightly, as if not understanding at all. “I did not mean to imply that I dislike your choice. I merely wanted to know if you’d come to a conclusion.” He pauses. “I did just say I like the way you look in everything. You’ve always had a keener sense of fashion than I.”

She bites her lip, smoothing out the kimono’s “skirt”. “O-Oh… Sorry. I just… wanted to look good. I know a lot of people are looking at us.”

Ryoma shrugs. “True, but they are… self-important people. They are more likely to worry about their decorum over your kimono.”

She wants to believe this is true, but almost as soon as he’s done talking, a bewildered expression crosses his face and makes it seem not so. She tries to follow his gaze, tracing his line of sight to her waist, and the obi that she has tied. Oh, what has she done now?!

“Did I tie my kimono wrong again?” she asks meekly, trying to remember whether the rule was left over right or right over left. She’s not sure which, but one of them implies that she’s a corpse.

“Um,” Ryoma pauses, biting his lip. His hands hover above the obi for a minute, a frown etching into his brows. “You have it somewhat right, but… May I?”

His hands graze the bow she’s tied at the front. Without another word, she nods, trusting him to do what he needs to do. His hands don’t tend to wander without permission… even when she’s okay with them doing so. With gentle touches, he unties her bow and repositions it, reaching to tie it around the back this time. All the while, she watches his face in the mirror, her stomach twisting as she watches that uncomfortable expression melt away. She really puts him through a lot, doesn’t she? She should be able to remember something this simple. It’s an important part of his culture.

“Why does it have to be around the back?”

Ryoma swallows, and she notices the faintest hint of a blush rise in his cheeks. “Tying the kimono in the front is usually done by… the ladies of the Red-Light District,” he confesses, trying to keep his voice even, “It’s still work, of course, but it’s…”

“Not what I do at all,” she whines, “Oh, no, no, no, no…”

Feeling her anxiety, he leans into her, pressing his comfort against her body. At any other time, it would be nice to feel his body up against hers. He’s usually so much more reserved than she is. Right now, though, she just can’t appreciate it. “It’s alright, I fixed it. No harm done. Just remember for next time.”

“You know I won’t…”

She feels the loss of his hands as they glide off her waist. Already she misses their warmth.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. Joining another culture is not simple. These things will happen,” he says, matter-of-factly, like she isn’t making these mistakes every day. Nonetheless, he plants a soft kiss to the back of her head, awkwardly maneuvering around her tiara. It would most certainly hurt to get poked with that. Felicia may or may not have learned that one the hard way. “However, with that done, I must ask if you are almost ready? The courtiers shan’t be ready for another hour, but Miss Ayame wanted to go over some etiquette with you, were you willing.”

Etiquette, right. Of course, it is etiquette. Just another piece of proof that she is not built for this job, neither as queen nor as wife. Merely hearing that makes her throat feel like someone has stuffed it with cotton, and her gaze retreats to floor. She doesn’t like looking at those traitorous feet of hers much, but she prefers it to looking into her own eyes right about now. She can feel the tears pushing at them, and if she sees that, she knows for certain they’re going to fall.

That’s another thing Ryoma will get sick of: she cries over everything. Jakob used to like to say that she could be an actress like that, crying on command. All she had to do was think a little too hard.

She’s not helping herself by thinking like this, but she makes herself so nervous sometimes that it’s all she can do.

“Felicia, are you alright?”

Felicia lifts her head, turning to look over her shoulder at her husband. When she meets his gaze, she’s surprised at how concerned he looks, his brows knitting together as he looks at her. She knows it’s not disappointment in her as much as it is worry for her, but still… he can’t help but feel unsettled looking at him like that. She pushes a weak smile, hoping it will salvage something.

“O-Of course, dear. Why do you ask?”

Ryoma blinks, incredulous. For a moment she cannot recall what that facial expression could possibly be about, but the pinkish quality to his face clues her in. She must not have realized it, but she’s been lowering the temperature of the room. Considering the increasing pinkness of his cheeks and nose, it’s starting to be by quite a bit.

That explains all the unusual blushing and flirting.

“Oh. That.”

“Yes,” Ryoma says, with greater emphasis on the next part, “That.”

Suddenly, Felicia’s self-consciousness has become external. Damn ice powers. They always give her away. Heat rises in her cheeks and the tips of her ears, and she finds herself turning away from her husband and mirror to pace the room. Before long her hand is at her mouth, longing to gnaw at her newly manicured fingernails. She has to pull herself away.

“I thought it seemed cold in here,” Ryoma begins, ready to do his usual comforting tricks, she imagines. “Nerves are understandable. Being royalty is not simple. I just thought… you were worried about the banquet, but not so worried that it was causing distress.”

Felicia stops and closes her eyes. Those tears from before continue to threaten her, but she would hate to cry now. She needs to be brave. Besides, her osue would be so upset with her if she ruined the make-up they spent half an hour on. It would be just another way she lacked the grace of a queen, the queen that Ryoma deserved to have ruling at his side.

“I see now that I was mistaken.” He pauses. “I will ask you again, Felicia. Are you alright?”

Her mouth opens, then closes, then opens again. She can’t figure out how to get the words out. All of these thoughts and feelings have been brewing inside her for so long, but the way they’re bubbling up, it just makes it so nothing coherent seems to be able to come to fruition. Everything just pops before it can leave her mouth. She could not be more frustrated. Here Ryoma is, ready and willing to listen to her every word, but it won’t come out. Nothing will come out. Why? Because she doesn’t want it to? Because she both does and doesn’t want to be comforted, to be held and told she’s being silly?

“I…”

Willing herself to be brave, she turns her head back to look at him once more. What she finds, instead of the stern disappointment she was picturing – why was she picturing that again after it was so obviously not there last time – is Ryoma, with his arms folded across his chest and that same crease in his brow, now deepening. When she stares into his eyes, the pools of burnt umber show only sadness and worry. It’s the same look he used to give her when she’d come stumbling back into their quarters during the Silent War, equipped with a new nasty gash or bruise from her day’s work. It is worry. It is love.

Why does it have to be love?

It is this thought that brings the first leak forth. Though she tries to stop it, her bottom lip quivers like dew on red-stained autumn leaves. Then one rebellious tear streams from her eye. Then another, from the next. Then another. Then another. Back and forth, like a pattern, until it becomes abundantly clear that she is not going to be beating her desire for tears. With no fight left in her, Felicia can do nothing but start to sob.

“I… I’m so-so-sorry…” she whimpers, reaching up to swipe at her eyes. This will surely ruin her eye make-up, but she can scarcely find it within herself to care. “I’m so-so-so-so-sorry… No, n-no, no…”

If she thought Ryoma looked upset before, he looks horrified now. Borderline uncomfortable, really. She can’t blame him for that. Not only has he always been a little… challenged in the emotional expressions department, but she has basically just exploded at him. She can already feel the winds beginning to whip up in the room, and before long she’s sure that someone will come wandering in and demand to know why it’s so cold. And when that happens, she’ll just be a chore for him again, something to make excuses for so nobody looks bad in front of the kingdom.

“Felicia, please, just calm down.” Ryoma makes his way towards her. For a moment, she wonders if he maybe he’s going to try to hold her, but the feeling of his hands wrapping around her wrists stops her. Gingerly, he pulls them away from her face, exposing her red, teary eyes. “Whatever is going on, it is something we can fix together. Just… dry your tears. Let yourself breathe.”

“B-But I’m ruining everything,” she sniffles, biting at her bottom lip to try and keep it from trembling.

His hands slide from her wrists to her hands, interweaving his fingers with hers. She’s always known it, but it’s still surprising how much bigger his hands are than hers. He’s always been taller, more imposing than she; but this way, she can really see how dainty she must seem in comparison. She’s nothing more than a tiny creature in need of his protection in this state.

“Felicia, I see nothing ruined.” His tone is so matter-of-fact it nearly snaps her out of her stupor completely. It’s still soft, knowing well enough that he should always handle her with care when she cries, but… blunt, in its own way. Honest. Distinctly Ryoma. “I meant what I said. I’d like for you to tell me what’s wrong. I want to help, genuinely.”

Felicia sniffles once more and tries to blink away the tears. For a moment, she tries to speak again, but the shaky, sobbing breaths are still overtaking her. Ryoma reminds her once more that she must catch her breath, put herself into a calmer place, and then they can talk. She takes his advice as best she can. Slowly, but surely, she draws in those breaths. The first several are nothing more than a couple of shivering shakes, but as Ryoma breathes with her, she seems to be able to come back to herself.

“There,” Ryoma sighs, squeezing her hands, “Now. Are you ready to talk to me?”

She nods cautiously. “I… I think I am,” she mumbles. Somehow, she almost feels embarrassed staring up at his face now. She gave up a long time ago on being embarrassed by her own blubbering, but the fact that she just shattered when he asked a simple question…

Ryoma returns her nod, holding his own tongue in favour of letting her lead the way. Silently, Felicia prays that she can express herself the right way. It is hard to tell someone who loves you that you worry they won’t some day. It is even harder when you realize that you don’t necessarily have any evidence for any of that. Nasty words can do a number on a person’s sense of self. Felicia hopes Ryoma recognizes that.

“Ryoma, I… Are you sure you love me?”

Gods, that didn’t come out right at all. Ryoma’s chin tilts downward, a frown gracing his features. As his eyebrows raise in questioning, Felicia finds herself cringing and rushing to correct her words.

“N-No, I didn’t mean it like that, I know you love me – gods, you are so good at showing it, I just…” she shakes her head. “I want to know if you’re sure about me.”

“If I’m… sure about you?” He quirks a brow. “I don’t follow.”

“Well, it’s just… I think you’re really amazing. You’re, you’re brave, and strong, and clever… Patient and kind, too. You work so hard for your kingdom and your people, and somehow always make time for me and your family, too. There’s so much about you that I admire, and I guess I just don’t understand what someone like you sees in someone like me.”

Ryoma’s frown deepens. It’s not the first time he’s heard this from her, not by a long-shot. She can already hear his voice in her head, calm, even, and a little sad, telling her that she’s not going herself anywhere near enough credit.

“I don’t see our relationship as unequal at all. There are a well of things about you that I greatly admire, and it pains me that you think so little of yourself. What of your caring nature, or your bravery in the face of that which terrifies you? What about your love for your friends and family, or the open-mindedness I can only hope I can someday match? You must give yourself more credit. I did not marry you out of pity. When I told you I loved you, I meant it sincerely.”

Remembering his words sends a small spark of warmth through her. She’s grateful for his patience, even if she fears it will run out.

“Lately, I’ve been trying to practice telling myself that I don’t care, you know? Everyone e-else, they… they have their own opinions about us. They don’t have to like me, especially when they barely actually know me. B-but, even with that, I guess I just keep getting afraid that some day you’re…”

Her voice catches, and Ryoma squeezes her hands once again, silently willing her not to cry. He once confessed to her that he hates watching her cry. Your smile is so much more striking.

“I’m a-a-afraid that you’re going to see me the way everyone else does. As an annoyance.”

“Felicia, I married you because I…” A new heat lights up his face. Saying I love you is on the list of things that is not very Hoshidan, she has learned. They like to express their love through actions more than words, and tend to get incredibly flustered when asked to say so verbally. Ryoma tries to match her style for her sake, she knows. This is why she doesn’t mind him dodging. “I didn’t think of you that way. You’re… accident-prone, there is no denying that, but that is only one piece of what makes you who you are. It would be like if you were to decide you disliked me one day because I’m stern and serious. Does it bother you that I’m that way?”

She shakes her head no, shyly. She figures she might be able to get where this is going, but a more childish part of her wants to cling to her panic. Feeling inferior is secure, comfortable. It’s easier to think lowly of herself.

“I knew you were clumsy when I started courting you. I knew that my people might not receive you warmly. I admired you too greatly to care then, and if I were to start caring now, I would be a poor excuse for a husband.”

“I’m not so w-worried about now, though,” she mumbles, heaving a heavy sigh, “I’m worried about all of the moments now that are going to add up to later.”

For a moment, Ryoma almost looks frustrated. He searches her face, clearly trying to figure out how to conjure the words, when suddenly his eyes suddenly catch the sun tiara in her hair. Then, just as before, his expression softens.

“Do you recall what I told you, when I asked you to marry me?”

Does she recall? Pah. Like she could ever forget. It was the happiest day of her life up until the day they actually got married. She had run around camp squealing with glee, showing off her ring to anyone who asked, and to several people that didn’t. She recited the speech over and over again so all of their siblings and all their friends could get a hint of the romance. It had been hard not to swoon.

“Your earnestness is so endearing. I’ve never met a cuter woman. All my life, I thought I would never understand the depths of emotion that brought my father to the woman he so dearly loved, but… I remember the first time I saw you. The moment I saw you by the harbour, I knew that one day, you would mean something to me.” Here, he had stopped and chuckled. She had laughed through her joyful tears alongside him. “I suppose at the time, I believed you would be a thorn in my side, yet somehow at the back of my mind, it was a feeling of familiarity. I didn’t love you then, but I knew someday I would.”

She had sniffled and wiped at her tears, feeling his hand caress her face. The proposal was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for her. She remembered leaning into his hand. She would have been content to stay there with him, forever, had his other hand not come to place something in her lap. A flicker of golden light made her glance down, catching her first glimpse of the sun tiara. Its beauty caught her off-guard. Shiny, artfully sculpted, and heavier than expected. It was gorgeous.

“The sun tiara is the most important gift a Hoshidan king can give to any one person.” He paused here, perhaps for dramatic effect. “It is a symbol of commitment, trust, and belief in another person…”

Her eyes flicked between his face and the tiara in disbelief, heart beating ten miles a minute. Ryoma, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be able to stop smiling. “W-W-What are you saying?”

“You’re not… giving this to me, a-a-are you?”

“Felicia, would you do me the honour of becoming my bride?”

That was the question that had broken the dam.

“Oh my gods,” she had wailed, finally letting her tears fall. She flung her arms around him with reckless abandon, pulling him in close. “Oh my gods, yes! Of course!”

This moment still fresh in her mind, as if it was yesterday, she repeats his words. As each word falls from her lips, a smile begins to sneak across Ryoma’s face. As if he, too, can feel this memory, his hand cups her face just as it did before. Felicia can’t help but lean in, nuzzling it close. His hands are rough, calloused from years of intense training and swordsmanship, but comforting nonetheless. The fact that she accepts his support only seems to make him smile more.

“If I did not know that I loved you with the certainty of all my heart, then I would not have given you the most precious thing I could give – my life.”

Tears spring to her eyes once more, but for an entirely different reason. She tries her best not to let them fall. Maybe this will salvage some of her make-up.

“When I think of all of the millions of moments we are going to spend together, I don’t think of you as creating negative outcomes in each and every one. I think of you as making things, positive or negative, even better.” His thumb rubs comfortingly along her cheek. “I think of the nights we’ll spend together soothing a colicky baby, or the big dinners we’ll have with both of our families. I think of all of your meals that I’ll get to taste, and the day that you finally make your first delicious meal. I think of getting to lay down our weapons and forging peace together, overcoming what others say about a union between a Hoshidan man and Nohrian woman. To make a marriage last, you have to have a well of patience with one another – to grow into better people together. You are no more a work in progress than I am. Never believe that you are too much for me. You are just enough. You are everything I wanted.”

The tears finally manage to pour over her once more, make-up be damned. This time, at least, she can find it within herself to accompany them with a smile. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” she whispers.

Ryoma chuckles softly. “I ask myself the same thing about you twice a day.”

His gaze, so full of love, falls down to her lips. The thought of kissing him again makes her giggle like a teenage girl, but the feelings he’s given her remind her of a more mature part in their relationship. He has her whole heart, and loves her as a whole woman… and she feels the same for him. Exchanging no more words, Felicia pushes herself onto her tip-toes to try and match his height, feeling nothing but warmth and comfort as Ryoma leans in.

It is the most perfect thing in the world, when she feels his lips pressed against hers. They were meant for this. They were meant for each other. Cliché? Maybe. That didn’t matter to Felicia.

She always did like happily ever afters.