#i'm not sure when was the last time i actually wrote a drabble

[swanimagines]

Can I request the title drabble “Goddess of Love” + Morpheus/Dream of the Endless? Please? Thank you!

A/N: "Aphrodite" is just a name humans made up to call you by because they don't know your real name. I do not use it extensively, I mention it once or twice, but Morpheus does not call you by that. You can also either imagine having adopted that name (unless your name is actually Aphrodite) or you can imagine reader as an OC instead of yourself. I no longer use any name placeholders for reader (like Y/N) in my fics so it's easy to imagine it however you like!

Also I mention Cupid, because The Sandman canon seems to imply all deities from different cultures are one big web and they all exist, even if it's the "same" god. I wrote this before watching S2 and I have not (and will not) read the comics, but I wrote it so that different gods are extensions of each other, I'm sorry if it's explained in the comics (I didn't find any info about it) or S2.

GODDESS OF LOVE

You still remembered the first temple that was built in your name in Kythira. People called you Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Prayers directed for Aphrodite came to you, and you quickly grew accustomed to serving your people. It was your duty now, and you intended to take care of it to the best of your ability.

It wasn’t long before you started meeting other deities and immortals of your realm. They weren’t peaceful gatherings, they were usually full of drama, very few of you actually enjoying each other’s company. Most of you just… tolerated each other. There were exceptions, of course, but it still didn’t erase the fact that the dozen others weren’t pleasant to be around.

But over the few centuries, you formed at least a few friendships among the immortals. And another thing also happened, you, the goddess of love, fell in love with the king of dreams.

It was expected, really. Everyone had seen how you and him hit it off right from your first meeting. And since then, you started spending time at Morpheus’s palace off duty.

Even when you were both completely smitten with each other, it didn’t mean you didn’t have difficulties in getting to know each other on deeper level — you were the goddess of love and knew love in a deeper level no other being would ever feel it, while Morpheus had a tense relationship with love. He had had his heart broken so many times over just a few millennia, and it was hard to convince him that you were just as deeply in love with him that he was with you.

And fortunately you eventually worked it out, and that was when your love story actually began.

Your love was something spectacular from the very start, you just got each other despite from being from so many different worlds. Or technically, he was familiar with an aspect of love, daydreams were also his speciality after all, and he had seen humans dreaming of their crushes, hoping that one day they would marry them. Until now, Morpheus wasn’t really sure how to manage those, seeing them as reminders of his own broken love life, but now he knew exactly how those people felt.

And now, when you sat in the Dreaming’s library next to your love, your head against his shoulder, letting him run his fingers over your wrist, you glanced up at him.

“Do you know what mortals ask the most from me?” you whispered in the quiet and he shifted slightly, wordlessly prompting you to continue. “They want to find the one they’re meant to be with. Many have lost hope to find love and I’m their last chance. But I’m not like Cupid, I can’t make people fall in love with each other like he can, and I’m afraid they feel like even I don’t care enough to fill their wishes.”

Morpheus sighed, his fingers moving up to rub your scalp. “Even Cupid can’t force two people together. He has to find the perfect match before shooting his arrow or otherwise they will end up feeling unhappy without knowing why.”

You nodded. “I know I should find their perfect match and then guide them to meet each other, but people are so desperate and don’t always act on what I tell them to do. I feel like it’s because they don’t believe in me as strongly anymore, they won’t receive the thoughts or desires I send them.”

He hummed. “Mortals believe in us, deep in their hearts. But we have turned into history and children’s stories, we are no longer worshipped or prayed to. We all have had to learn how to adapt into this, how to serve our people without hearing their prayers directly.”

You took in a deep breath and let out a huff. “Things are so complicated with mortals. Just blink of an eye it started and ended, a few thousand years of believing in us.”

Morpheus’s hand wandered down your back. “Yes. But you will find a way, my love.”

You smiled, letting your hand into his messy hair. “I know. Thank you, Dream.”

Requests are open! FANDOM LIST | PROMPT LIST(S) | RULES (READ!!!)

[chappellroansdreamgirl]

ellie with a mean gf!

(prjoecting like a mf rn...)

a/n - i have been very unmotivated to write full-fleshed stuff so i'm deciding to write drabbles/headcannons for now. also THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ATTENTION ON CH.1 OF GOOD LUCK, BABE! it makes my heart smile that you guys love it so much... also😭😭...: @sweetcici11 srry that i lied and said ur fic would be out a few nights ago. i'm really trying to finish it but i don't want to rush it and it be shitty. i really want it to be enjoyable and as good as it can be. but i PROMISE you it WILL be posted... sooner or later! i also have a few more drafts to finish too, so, i hope you guys like them when they come out!!!!!

content warnings - fluff, i'm a bitch and i want to feel loved and think that someone can put up with my cuntiness😝😝 , over-usage of commas probably, i think they're low-key kind of toxic?!?!?!?! , guys i promise i'm not this bad i've just been pretty insufferable these last few days and need an outlet 😭😭 .

i wrote way more than i thought i was going to...

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- you both hated each other at first. ...well actually, you hated her, and she was like, "😞😞" and then got used to it after a while and started being mean back 2 u!!

- dina introduced ellie to you when you both were hanging out with her. "you guys are going to love each other🥰!" ... you didn't 🤗 !

- ellie said hi to you and all you did was look her up and down, stare at her for a few seconds and then turn your head.

- everytime ellie would (attempt to) strike up a conversation you would give an overtly enthusiastic response or just stare at her like she had two heads or just blatantly ignore her. dina is over there like, '😟😟 . can we not have one good day...' when dina would leave for short periods of time and ellie was sure that you didn't like her, she would just talk about anything to get your blood boiling, our girl lllloooovvveessss to push buttons, we know this to be true.

- it got worse yet more tolerable after that. whenever she'd see you at gatherings or parties, you'd do your damnest to stay away from/avoid her. and she'd do her damnest to get you as upset with her as possible. it always ended with not-so-playful not-so-friendly banter!

- you were talking with jesse about something on the couch, and ellie came over and DELIBERATELY, DELIBERATELY... interrupted you 🤗 ! :

you shoot daggers at her face with your eyes, your jaw set hard and your eyes narrowed.

ellie tried to feign innocence, raising a brow at you after she looked over to see your facial expressions long after she felt them.. "what are you looking at me like that for🤨🤨?" , "i was fucking talking, you're being rude." , "if i have to get used to you being a bitch, you got to do the same." , you just huffed at her response and crossed your arms before walking off a few minutes after, realizing that the conversation you were having with jesse earlier was indeed over. ellie smirked to herself, victory was her's!

- she started calling you the nickname brat out of the blue... it blindsided tf out of you. here's the origin story!:

you look at ellie with a disgusted look on your face as she exhales smoke. her glazed over eyes meet yours before she offers the joint to you, out of genuine kindness. "want a hit?" she asked, forgetting how much of a bitch you were for, like, 0.2 seconds. you glare at her for a moment longer before plastering a sarcastic smile on your face, snatching the joint from her fingertips and dropping it onto the floor. you kept her eyes on yours as you stomped and smushed it into the ground.

now she remembered.

she stood up instantaneously, she was pissed. "what the fuck?!" she shouted, earning a few looks from some friends across the room. they strained their necks for a little bit before they saw you, it made sense now, and then turned back to the conversation.

you close your eyes for a slight second as a satisfied smile graced the corners of your lips. "you know i don't smoke, ellie." you responded with in a condescendingly sweet voice.

she didn't even argue with you. "you're such a fuckin' brat." she muttered under her breath before walking away. you had to try your very best to ignore the heartbeat in your pussy. (🤗!)

- she didn't get to see how much effect that title had on you that night, but she noticed afterwards.

- one time you didn't say anything to ellie during a hangout, distracted by someone you disliked more than her. ellie kind of missed it☹️☹️ .

you were brought out of your thoughts when you felt her cold hand touch your shoulder. when you noticed it was her who was doing it, you pulled back with a furrow of her brows. ellie smiled. there she was.

"you haven't said one mean thing to me since i've gotten here. are you dying?"

you scoffed as you pointed in the direction your anger was radiating from. it was a girl ellie saw here and there in jackson, sometimes she was paired with her during patrols, she wasn't crazy about her but she paid no mind to her existence.

"what?- what does this have to do with me-"

"what it has to do with you, is that you should feel honored that i can tolerate you... can't fuckin' stand that bitch."

ellie scoffed before speaking up once more, "oh, c'mon you're being dramatic. don't be a brat."

your eyes went wide for a second and as you turned away, she could see the cheek that was facing her turn an embarrassing shade of red. she found your weakness.

- when you guys started dating, no one, and i mean NO ONE, believed it. (i don't feel like writing how u two got together maybe if y'all like this enough i'll make a full-fleshed oneshot abt it😭.)

- joel saw you guys together... like, not arguing, and HER head on YOUR shoulder... he thought he got laced with acid for a quick second there... jesse felt like he missed a couple chapters and felt very sad that he hadn't caught onto it quicker... and dina was so proud of herself, "told you, you guys would love each other 😁." she's so smug, I LOVE HER!

- she constantly has to reprimand you like you're a child when you guys are around someone you obviously don't like for whatever reason. once whoever left the room, ellie'll pinch your shoulder or your thigh, whatever skin is on display at the moment, not too hard, just to get you to wince a bit. you'll make a face at her afterwards. "ow, what the fuck was that for ellie?" , "we can talk shit when we get home, don't make a scene🙄." you stress her out sometimes...

- just bcs you guys are together DOES NOT mean your attitude has gone away.

whenever ellie and you have gotten in an argument, you're always being extra sarcastic and EXTRA BITCHY just to get on her nerves.

"baby, have you seen my gun?" she asks you, breaking the silence voluntarily as she's two minutes from being late to patrol.

you don't look up to her, you keep on looking at the pages of an old magazine. "idk ellie, did you check to see if it was shoved up your ass."

she just stands there for a second like this 🧍‍♀️ , before sighing and walking somewhere else to find it. "i'll fuckin' deal with you later." she mutters under her breath, obviously annoyed. you smirk to yourself as you flip another page.

- she does love, however, that you've gotten gentler with her since the relationship blossomed between you two. very few people (dina and ellie... sometimes jesse.) can get you to stop, and ellie is proud of herself that she could add beast-tamer to the top of her list of many skills and talents.

- sometimes she has to calm you down, sometimes all it takes is a stare in your direction. ... well, it's oftentimes a glare... you're your own woman/person and a relationship will not restrict you from showing off your talents!!!!!

- ellie has to constantly keep you from getting into arguments that could harm you physically. although your craft of bitchery is amazing, you can't fight to save your life.

she'll be pulling you back like an angry barking dog on a leash.

"i could've fucking took h-" , "you overestimate yourself a lot, baby."

[shadesoflsk]

    HIS MINI WORLD

ft: Leon Kennedy x Fem Reader summary: Leon experiencing fatherhood. From the day his little miracle's heart started beating to her first steps. warnings: Mentions of pregnancy, self doubts but overall this is just fluff and nothing more! wc: 1.4k author's note: Hello! This is me once again bringing dad Leon content. The last time I wrote him was for Christmas hehe. I don't really know what I did here since this like a combination between headcanons and mini drabbles but hey, it's something. Anyway, take care!

   masterlist

Leon who ever since you announced you were expecting he switched to dad mode. All of his friends needed to know that he was now a father to be. Claire? The first one to know. Chris? He needed to know that he may as well be the godfather of his little blessing. 

Leon who was next to you at every ultrasound appointment. He couldn't even make out where this little bean was but he already called them the most perfect thing. Because, after all, it's the perfect combination of both of you.

Leon who is the first one to buy parenting books. He often told you not so common facts as he read in the middle of the night. Do you know that babies are born with the ability to swim? He made sure to tell you even if you were fast asleep.

“Darling…” Leon gently shook you, his voice was hushed yet it was enough to stir you from your sleep and say goodbye to your precious dreams. “Mhm…? What is it?” Being woken up in the middle of the night wasn’t something you were looking for. Especially since you already grew used to Leon’s schedule. However, you tried not to show any signs of grumpiness.  “Do you know that our baby can recognize music? So… if we put some headphones on your stomach they might know what we usually listen to!” His voice was barely a whisper but it wasn’t enough to hide his excitement.  “Go to sleep Leon…”

Leon who has all the money in the world to buy the most expensive and glamorous crib, yet he wanted to experience how it was to build it. So, he made it from scratch. Of course, with Chris’ help. Even though both of them ended up with splinters in their fingers.

Leon who would rarely argue with you. But when the time comes when you disagree about something and go to bed a bit mad at each other, he would place a hand on your belly as he whispered: I'm mad at you, not at them. Eventually, both of you would forgive each other, even if the argument was just a silly disagreement.

Arguing with Leon was obviously something doomed to happen in your marriage. As much as you wanted it to be peaceful and problem-less, your personalities sometimes crashed. It never led to an actual fight. But Leon was… stubborn, even if he knew you were right, he'd never admit it. So, as you lay on your side hoping that sleep comes faster, you feel a strong and calloused hand over your belly.  “I'm not angry at them so this is only fair.” Leon said, rubbing and caressing the skin that was starting to stretch as it gave the baby more space to grow. After a couple of seconds of silence, Leon started to feel guilty for not giving you attention. You were carrying his baby, he couldn’t act this immature. “Sorry…” Leon sheepishly apologized for his previous banter. An argument should never make them go to bed angry at each other. “I'm sorry too.” You finally responded as drowsiness started filling your mind and body.

Leon who responded “I just want them to be healthy,” when someone asked him about his baby. But he was a bit too happy when you announced to him that he was going to be a girl dad. In his mind, he wanted to have two beautiful princesses next to him. And now, heaven is allowing him to achieve his dreams and leave behind his sorrowful previous life.

Leon who may as well go bankrupt since he buys everything he sees at the shop. Tiny pink dresses and teddy bears are his favorite things to buy. His little princess deserves the world, she’s already his whole world.

Leon who would speak to your bump, his words full of promises and wishes for his baby. And even when you were asleep, he would go on for minutes, expecting his little miracle to hear him.

“You will be so loved… Everyone is waiting for you.” He said one night, a hand caressing the side of your belly. “I have already bought so many toys you will be playing with. Daddy loves you so much.”

Leon who has to go on missions, he can’t just quit. But, he keeps a photo of your ultrasound in his wallet, next to yours. A totem of his love, a physical item that reminds him he needs to return home. 

“Shit…” He hissed as the nurse helped him sit down on one of the chairs. He had recently just come back from a mission which took a toll on him. It wasn’t especially hard since he had help from his new team, yet he believed his age was starting to show in his body. “Mr. Kennedy, your belongings…” The nurse spoke to him for the first time as she picked up Leon’s jacket which had fallen as he sat down. Leon thanked her before he started searching for something in one of its pockets. For a while, he paid no mind to the nurse ministrations. The alcohol swab stung just a bit as she cleaned an injury on his side. Eventually, he found what he was looking for. He pulled out his wallet and there they were, the photos he always carries with him. A proud smile showed on his face as he was reminded that he had succeeded in another mission which meant Heaven granted him one more day to live. He was alive and ready to continue living..

Leon who would practically faint when you told him the baby was coming, that the time has come. He had previously made scenarios about this situation, thinking that he was prepared but dear God… he wasn’t. 

Dad Leon who sobbed when he heard his baby’s cries for the first time. However, this time, those sounds didn’t come from someone who was suffering as he is used to hearing in his line of job. Those cries were the living proof that he was once again, given a second chance in life.

The first one was when you agreed to marry him. He held himself from grabbing his daughter out of the nurse’s arms. It’s not that he didn’t trust the medical team, but he has waited almost 9 months to see, to hold his miracle.  And even though a part of him fears that his hands are too stained from his job, from his past, and from the near future, he knows that his and your hands will be the ones guiding your baby.

Dad Leon who doesn't know what to do once you were discharged from the hospital. He couldn't spend one second away from the both of you, always checking if you needed something.

Dad Leon who speaks with his daughter as if she was already a grown-up. Her babbles and his words fill the living room as they both engage in a serious conversation.

“Bwaaah” “Yeah, I get it. But you have to understand my point too. If we increase the price of milk people are going to buy even less. “Bwah…” “No need to get so political, miss. I’m simply offering some feedback about the supply and demand of this product.”

Dad Leon who wears matching outfits with you and his daughter. Is the little one wearing pink today? Guess everyone else will too. 

Dad Leon who tries so hard to teach his baby how to say dada. Da-da Da-da, that word is starting to haunt his dreams. However, life works in funny ways since his little one decided that her first world would be “No.”

Dad Leon who is terrified when his daughter starts walking. Those wobbly steps make him have a heart attack each second. 

Dad Leon who hates it when his kid falls and cries. He would literally just look the other way for a second and boom, his daughter fell to the ground. Between the sobs of his little one, he could hear how she says she got a boo-boo. God, he hates gravity. 

Dad Leon who sometimes cries from happiness. Watching his baby girl grow fills his heart with so much joy and pride. The world was a messed up place but whilst he lives, he’ll make sure that no danger ever comes across you two. 

[fbfh]

wait ☝️ imagine this ☝️ leo valdez twin dad... i feel like he could match the energy of two hyper kids.

Actually SOBBING over this because you are SO RIGHT. In my little floating timeline canon of dad!leo so far we have Sophia your oldest (or Phia for short), then Donnie, then Lila. I think the last drabble I wrote about dad Leo was where you actually did find out you’re preggers with twins so this is SO on brand. 

However!! Let’s say you have your twins first. 

You and Leo might not even be married at this point, but your babies are SO excited to be with their mommy and daddy that they are not waiting any longer to show up lol. So when you find out you’re pregnant, you’re both OVER THE FUCKING MOON. Leo can’t get over how cute you look like this (Leo thirsting over his pregnant wife anon I see you and I'm coming for your ask too bitch <3) but what he really can’t get over is how cute your bump is. You’re both a little surprised at fast you start showing, and more surprised by how big your bump is getting. You look nearly a month ahead of how far along you are, but Leo just thinks it’s so fucking adorable and gorgeous that he’s totally obsessed. 

And when you find out it’s TWINS????? Yes. You know how some parents freak out or panic when they find out they’re having multiples? Not Leo. Nope. Leo spots it a second before the doctor does, then looks to him for confirmation. You’re totally shocked, not in a bad way, it’s just… a surprise. Even if multiples run in your family and you had a hunch this might happen, it’s just so wild to hear it out loud, to have it confirmed, to see the two little pixelated blobs that are going to turn into your babies. Your babies. Leo starts shaking a little then excuses himself for a moment. He returns a couple minutes later smelling like that fireproofing spray you drown all your flammables with has been activated, and you chuckle. Your suspicions are confirmed once you leave and he’s walking you back to your car with even more care and attention than usual, and you see the scorch marks all over the brick and concrete of the parking garage. Thank GOD it’s fireproof. You get a little misty eyed that Leo is SO STOAKED that you’re having not one but two babies right off the bat that he actually had to find a non flammable space to process that information. 

I could go on a lot about your first pregnancy being the twins, but that’s gonna have to turn into its own ask so lmk if you want more first time twin dad Leo during your pregnancy content. 

Also Esperanza is OVER-MOTHERFUCKING-JOYED. You get her t shirts that say stuff like coming soon: Abuela times two! And this grandma got a two for one deal on the CUTEST grandbabies in the world! And all this other cute cheesy shit you find on amazon or temu or whatever. ANYWAY. 

Once your babies are born, a healthy, happy little boy and girl pair aptly named Red and Iris (sidebar Red Valdez and Iris Valdez are SUCH PRETTY BADASS NAMES YOUR KIDS ARE GONNA KICK SO MUCH ASS. Leo might see if he can literally legally make their middle names Danger and Trouble. Maybe it happens maybe it doesn’t. Up to you on that one.) Moving on. 

You and Leo are a dynamic fuckin duo with these babies. You’re so in sync. You’re literally so in sync you could throw cheese puffs in each others mouths from across the room with a 100% success rate. Leo is not only delighted to go above and beyond to help you raise your sweet, creative, curious, adorable, brilliant babies, but he really does surprise you every day at just how good he is with them. Once they reach the cruising and toddling and walking stage, it takes two days before you start to get overwhelmed. But guess what? Leo’s I love my wife senses are tingling, and if he wasn’t working from home already he sure as shooting is now!! He will also delegate and streamline everything in his work and engineering so things are running butter smooth and he has a fuck ton more time to be with you and the babies. 

Leo really feels like he was born for this. He matches their energy perfectly, he sees himself in both your kids. And all the traits he was told were bad or too much or annoying, like his hyperactivity and constant jokes and humor are actually PERFECT for a setting like this. He can juggle two toddlers like it’s nothing, he always has them giggling and laughing, and when the occasional tantrum or meltdown does happen he has them smiling and giggling again within minutes. They’re both literally joined at his hip, always climbing all over him and babbling in a cute toddler version of spanglish and asking a million questions, and for the first time in his life he doesn’t feel anxious or understimulated. He feels… perfect. He finally gets it, all those people who say life made sense when their kids were born. He knows his technical grand divine purpose was to act as a catalyst to prevent the end of the world, but all that stuff from when you were teenagers feels so far away now. He doesn’t need gods or prophecies to tell him what’s so overwhelmingly, abundantly clear. 

Loving you, and loving Red and Iris and being there for all three of you is his reason for existing. They’re the greatest thing he’s ever created, his magnum opus. And he truly could not be more fulfilled.

(also: this is an average evening in your household. 1:12)

[catcze]

OKAY BUT how about matching jewellery with Wriothesley?? You could both wear a necklace or a choker to match his vibe or maybe earrings? (The fact he's wearing some is sending me 😩 His style is really good tbh, def would let him choose my clothes) And if they're embedded with each other's initials? Even better, let the world know you belong to him, the same way he belongs to you (was inspired by your other collar drabble don't mind me 🥺👌)

AAAAA that is SO cute wtf ?!?! And so true, his style is honestly immaculate !! I got inspiredddd and wrote this (even tho it's a little more 'secret relationship for now, but wearing little tokens of each other until we make it public' kind of thing tee hee)

warning for vv slight leaks (Wriothesley's birthdate) and a slightly ooc Wrio !!

Reblogs are greatly appreciated !!

"Your grace?"

"Yes, Sigewinne?" Wriothesley hums, not looking up from his morning paper. He holds a teacup in his other hand, the scent of freshly brewed English Breakfast filling the room.

Sigewinne is staring hard at him, head tilted as she examines the change in the Duke's wardrobe. "I can't seem to place my finger on it but your new necklace looks rather—"

Wriothesley promptly chokes on his drink, loud coughing breaking the quiet of his office as he thumps his chest, sputtering and frantically moving his paper out of the range of fire of his choking.

"—familiar."

Sigewinne hands him a handkerchief, which he takes with a wheezed word of thanks. She's squinting at him in suspicion, antennae twitching as she watches the duke squirm.

"I'm afraid I don't follow," Wriothesley coughs one last time into the handkerchief, clearing his throat in an attempt to get rid of the roughness in his voice. It doesn't work. "Perhaps you're mistaken, Sigewinne. Are you certain that you haven't just seen someone around the fortress using something similar? Or maybe you saw it in fashion on the surface."

Sigewinne is sure she hasn't. She just hums in thought, placing her hands on her hips as she continues to evaluate the necklace, while Wriothesley pointedly does not meet her gaze.

It's a simple thing, really. A silver circle on a thin silver chain, and from this distance Sigewinne can barely make out what looks like two letters and a date carved on it. It's this simplicity, actually, that makes it stand out amidst the Duke's otherwise chunky and bold accessories.

Sigewinne keeps staring, trying to remember just where oh where had she seen something like that before, and why does it nag her so much that she can't recall. Wriothesley doesn't offer up any information, however, having chosen to pour himself another cup of tea and resuming reading his paper.

Eventually, the nurse relents and turns to head down the staircase to leave his office with a word of farewell thrown over her shoulder, still bothered by the mystery that she just can't solve, but knowing what the Duke is like when he clams up.

"Oh! Hi, Sigewinne!" You greet, almost running into her as she descends, while you yourself are on your way up. You reach out a hand to steady her lest she roll down the rest of the way. "Leaving already? Everything alright?"

"Everything is fine," she says kindly, patting your arm in thanks as she looks up to your face. "Some patients to check on, but otherwise nothing particularly noteworthy. His Grace just refuses to answer any of my questions, however..."

But then her eyes catch on something shiny on your neck. Something shiny, and looking awfully like the object of her interest just a few short minutes ago. She glances at it, and as close as she is, she can make out what is carved on the pendant around your neck: A simple W and the date November 23 written underneath it.

She pauses mid-sentence, turning to glance over her shoulder.

Wriothesley is still reading his paper, but from here even she can see how he's trying to subtly glance over it in your direction. His fingers clench the sheets in anticipation and how his boot has started to tap on the floor despite his show of nonchalance. She looks at the pot of tea he had put out earlier, notices just how much tea there still seems to be in it, and the extra teacup that she had asked about earlier when she had first come in.

Just in case a guest stops by, he had told her, and nothing after that. Suddenly, she has a pretty good guess of what is written on his grace's necklace.

"Nevermind," she corrects, trying not to smile too widely. "But I certainly have to be going. Enjoy your... meeting with his grace. I'll see you later!"

You blink at her abrupt departure. "Oh? Okay. Uh... Bye, Sigewinne. See you soon!"

She nods, hurriedly excusing herself in an attempt to give you two some privacy, finally letting her happy little grin show once she was no longer in sight. She shuts the doors behind her and takes a moment, then practically skips her way back to the infirmary, her steps light and joyful.

I'm glad. They deserve to be happy together.

[gwynniethenymph]

Well... it's been months since I last posted here or anywhere, but I was going through my drabbles and found this. I'm not really sure how I was planning to continue this, but it's actually good and... quite interesting. My mind was kind of working when I wrote this. So I'll leave it here because... yes.

Basically and apparently, drunk Gwyn and Lucien!

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The taste of the whiskey felt odd, burning against her throat as Gwyn gulped down three shots in a row. Not a good idea, she knew, but Cassian had dared her and Gwyn never, ever backed away when dared.

A weakness, Azriel had pointed in training once, how she got riled up so easily. She peered at his smirk from the other side of the table now, fuming at the victorious expression he wore. Smug bastard.

The little bar Rhysand had chosen for the night was filled with tipsy females and males alike—either drunk on alcohol or on the light-headed, carefree atmosphere that seemed to permeate places like this. Simply being in a bar made people lighter, freer, dumber. Gwyn felt dumber. Ready to throw it all to the havens and see if the Mother would throw back something useful.

And she really couldn't say she cared. Gwyn was mad. Mad at the Mother, the Cauldron, the Priestesses... at herself. But, mainly, at him. The only reason she came tonight was Nesta and her dramatics. Please, she'd sighed, rolling her head against Gwyn's shoulder, save me from my forced-chosen family and this god-damned dinner.

Now, sitting at a table with more people she could count on her fingers, Emerie by her left side and a handsome, rough-looking male with a russet eye and flaming hair at her right, Gwyn had basically a privileged view of her mate — oh, sorry, her dense and clueless motherfucker of a mate — and the shy glances he kept throwing at the pretty, doe-eyed brunette in front of him.

Great.

Gwyn called in another shot, gulping on it quickly. No challenges needed.

---

Mate. Mate. Mate.

It pounded against his brain, all the time since he'd met her.

Mine. Mine. Mine.

It was all his heart sang, demanded, begged. Lucien wished he could give in to those needs just for the sake of shutting his head up, but it was not what Elain wanted, and he would never go against her wishes.

And her newest wish, apparently, was the oh-so-looming fucking Shadowsinger. Fucking amazing.

Did they still sell that black hair dye in Summer? Perhaps he could give it a shot. Spend a few hours in the sun to get that golden complexion. Anything to be what she desired. The wings might pose a problem, but—

His heart did a twist when he caught a glimpse of Elain's smile. She hadn't smiled since he got to the bar, and now... now, of course she had smiled at Azriel. Fucking hell.

Sighing, he turned away from them, deciding to analyze the female at his left, be it for the perks of making another person uncomfortable. It brought him happiness. She seemed to be trying to drown herself in whiskey since she got here, ordering round after round of shots without a pause. He snickered at her crunched nose, so alike... so alike his mother's crunched nose that a familiar warmth rose in his chest.

Huh.

She glared at his muffled laugh from beneath dark-copper lashes, frowning. Cauldron spare him. She was basically a younger version of his mother.

"What is it? Do I have something in my face?" She asked, sounding genuinely worried, and her voice had just the right cadence in the I's to match the dear Lady of Autumn.

Lucien sighed.

"Mind if I join you, lady?"

---

There had been one ongoing bet among the members of the self-proclaimed House of the Wind Gang for three weeks now. Their rendezvous started when Gwyn mentioned—among the stupidest of secrets only a truth-or-dare game night between three females under forty and two males past five hundred could reveal—that she'd never been drunk.

"Sure, I've drunk alcohol before," she’d snickered. "But only for religious purposes. Never felt the need to drink more, anyway."

It took five seconds after she left the House for her quarters in the library and four hurried glances exchanged between the remaining members for the bets to be placed. What is drunk Gwyn like?

Cassian was sure she was a happy drunk. How could she not be? She was basically his little sister by now, and he was a happy drunk. It ran in the family.

Nesta and Emerie had taken longer to ponder, finally deciding she must be a sad drunk. They knew how much she carried within herself, and what does alcohol do if not dredge up everything you keep buried?

Azriel had stayed quiet, brooding in silence as usual. When pushed, he bet she must be an angry drunk. No further explanation. Stupid, if you asked Nesta.

What none of them had predicted, however, was that drunk Gwyn would turn out to be the equivalent of a crazed, carefree female whose best friend was either Lucien Vanserra or the empty bottle of liquor she had drawn a face on with lipstick and now hugged.

Lucien was slightly less intoxicated than the priestess, Nesta assumed, but it didn’t stop him from stumbling over his own feet as he attempted to guide Gwyn back to their table. This, after she’d launched into a relentless rant about Pegasus sightings in the Day Court and then proceeded to corner a poor male she swore looked "exactly like Helion".

Nesta could only cackle at the sheer terror etched on the male’s face as Gwyn interrogated him with unwavering enthusiasm.

The rest of the table had paid little attention to the redheads until they stumbled back, Gwyn nearly toppling over her seat and Lucien drowning another shot as he sat down. Emerie, who had been engrossed in her conversation with Mor until now, turned to Gwyn with a raised brow, watching as the younger Valkyrie burst into laughter at absolutely nothing.

Nesta, however, shifted her gaze to the Seer and the Shadowsinger at the other end of the table. Both seemed incapable of tearing their eyes away from the chaotic pair. She smirked, a slow, knowing grin spreading across her face. This was going to be fun.

[yayakoishii]

Hello, I’ve loved seeing all of your One Piece content recently! Could I request a Sanji and a fellow straw hat reader who recently got married? I saw something recently about how once Sanji gets married, there would come a moment where someone would call ‘Vinsmoke’ and both would turn their heads and it would just cause Sanji to get emotional because he finally shares a last name with someone who doesn’t see him as worthless. Someone who instead looks at him like he single-handedly placed every star in the sky. If you don’t end up writing this that’s alright, I at least wanted to share this little scenario.

Vinsmoke | Sanji x Reader

Fandom: One Piece

Pairing: Vinsmoke Sanji x Reader

Word Count: 600

Genre: Fluff, minor angst?

A/n: *laughs in still haven't read past Ch. 526* Hey there requester <3 Firstly, I'm happy to hear you enjoy my writing! Thank you so much for this absolutely lovely request. You actually requested it when they were closed but I found it too cute and wanted to write it– even though I haven't reached that part in the manga yet. But, I wrote based on the things I learnt from fanfics (and whatever I got spoiled about, lol) so this might be inaccurate? I would have loved to expand but I need to know the entire backstory properly before I could do that TT Still, I had a fun time writing this cute drabble! Hope you enjoy it ♡

also available on ao3!

Sanji woke up to the most beautiful sight in his entire life– you lying next to him, curled up against his chest from where he could see your hair spilling over the pillow and your relaxed face. This was the sight he was going to wake up every day to, from now on, and the thought of it made him feel like the most blessed man on Earth.

You shifted a little, burrowing closer into him, as if you two were already sticking to each other. He could feel your skin on his own, reminders of the night before but all he could feel at the moment was overwhelming love. He couldn't hold back when he saw your hand with a ring come up to lie above his heart. The choked off sound he let out woke you up, and you looked up at him with sleepy puffy eyes.

"Sanji…?" You mumbled, humming in contentment when he wrapped you up in his arms. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, my love," he said quietly, gathering you into his arms, his own wedding band grazing your back as he did so. You shivered at the sudden cold touch but looked at him with dopey eyes full of so much love that he felt blinded. "Just thinking of how lucky I am."

The two of you eventually rolled out of the hotel bed and got ready to leave for your trip. You were on your honeymoon, a week long trip to a famous vacation island that had a lot of fun activities. Sanji had gotten ready first and gone down to the lobby to discuss something with the staff. You hurried up and joined him there after you had made sure that all the marks he left on you were hidden well under your clothes. You were not embarrassed by them – but you were also a private person who preferred to keep certain things to yourself. The love Sanji made to you was something no one else has to see or know. It was something just for you to experience.

You checked out at the reception since you had the room key and were about to make your way to Sanji when the hotel staff behind you suddenly called out, "Vinsmoke-san?"

"Yes?" You turned around automatically, feeling a little giddy. You had been preparing for this ever since Sanji proposed to you. To be called by his name, to be called his…

You didn't notice Sanji's reaction because of your own thoughts. The blonde had turned to answer the call only to be left dumbfounded when he realised the staff had called for you. You, who were now Vinsmoke (Y/n), had replied back with so much ease, like you had been answering to it your whole life.

And it was like someone had pulled his heart out of his chest and clenched it– it was both painful and pleasing to him that you were a Vinsmoke now. The first one to always be by his side, the first one to protect him even though he was clearly no longer the weak boy he once was. The first one to look at him like he hung the stars in the sky, the first one to love and accept him for who he was– you were now his first, real family. The family he had chosen and started. The family who loved him.

"Sanji?" Your concerned voice jolted him out of his thoughts and he blinked, feeling his eyes wet suddenly. His face was cradled gently in your soft hands as you looked up at him, silently asking him why he was about to cry. "What got you like this?"

Sanji swallowed the heavy lump he could feel in his throat, like his emotions had turned into a ball and were trying to come up his throat. He blinked away the last vestiges of his tears, instead wrapping you up in his arms again.

"You being mine now," he whispered, knocking his forehead gently against yours. His clear blue eyes looked straight into yours as he added, "In heart, mind, name and life."

°•❀•°

[sunshinereddie]

so lots of people seemed to enjoy my firefighter eddie/paramedic richie au which is super fun for me, because it's also a fav of mine hehe...... and i just couldn't help but write a little something something about it.

this is not going to turn into a full fic, i see yall asking and i hear ya, however unfortunately i do not have the time or energy to start a whole new actual fic (sorry....), but i just couldn't stop thinking about these losers so i had to write a little thing for them<3 if anyone enjoys this maybe i'll use this au as writing practice/warmup and just make little ficlets about it lol.

anyways, firefighter eddie/paramedic richie drabble under the cut! (also it's been a long time since i last wrote reddie, and really have done any writing in general, so pls excuse & forgive me if my writing is a little rusty T^T)

Not to brag or anything, but Richie was a superhero.

Well, at least... that's what he told the kid in the ambulance.

The kid couldn't have been older than seven, crying so hard that his Spiderman pyjamas were wet with tears and snot from using his shirt to wipe his face. He was screaming so loud that Richie couldn't get a word in sideways, and even when he did speak, he doubted the kid could hear him.

Not that Richie could blame him, of course. After all, the kid had been woken up to his bedroom in flames, the sound of screaming in his house, and a stranger climbing in through his window to pull him out. Not to mention... he was still the only one who had gotten out so far. Hell, if Richie was in his shoes, he'd be screaming as well.

But Richie wasn't in his shoes. Richie was a paramedic, he was here to save lives- he had to be the strong one, and he was going to do everything in his power to help this kid. And judging by the Spiderman pyjamas the kid was wearing and the Batman plushie he'd been holding tightly onto when he was rescued, Richie had a pretty good idea of something that might help.

"Hey, kid, no need to cry!" he said, putting on a brave, confident voice. "I'm... Super Richie, and I'm here to save you!"

Just as Richie had hoped, his words caught the kid's attention just enough to stop the screaming, enough for him to look up at Richie through watery eyes. "You... are you a su-superhero?"

Richie nodded, placing his fists on his hips and puffing his chest out. "You bet I am! And guess what?" He turned slightly, stretching his arm out to gesture at the rest of the paramedics and the firefighters rushing around the scene. "They're all superheroes too!"

The kid sniffed, bringing a hand up to wipe his nose. "Really?"

Richie nodded. "Yup! We're all here to help you and your family, okay? But right now, I'm going to need you to help me as well, do you think you can do that?"

The kid was silent for a moment, thinking, before he sat up a little straighter, and Richie couldn't help but think that he was trying to mimic the superhero stance that Richie had taken. The kid nodded, and Richie smiled wider. "Awesome," he said. "Now, I'm going to ask you to take some big deep breaths for me, okay? Slow breath in, slow breath out- that's it! Okay, you keep doing that, and I'm just going to take a look at you and make sure that none of that nasty fire got to you, alright?"

With the kid having calmed down significantly, Richie got to work. He checked for burns or any other wounds, and thankfully found none. The kid had been extremely lucky to have gotten rescued quite early on, but Richie still thoroughly made sure that he hadn't suffered any injuries. As he was checking the kid's breathing, listening for any signs of difficulty due to smoke inhalation, the kid spoke up for the first time since he'd stopped crying.

"Are my mommy and daddy okay?"

Richie's heart sunk. The firefighter who had pulled the kid out had brought him to the ambulance furthest away from the fire- so he wouldn't be able to see his house going up in flames... or anybody getting pulled out. It had been a while since emergency services had arrived on the scene, and Richie didn't want to make any assumptions... but he'd been to his fair share of fires to know that there was a time limit to getting people out.

He was lost for words, not knowing how to respond to the kid without lying, without breaking his heart... but thankfully, he didn't have to. Because right then, a loud cry cut through the night, and Richie turned to see a man and a woman running and full speed towards them. Both of them were disheveled, their faces and clothes dark with ash and grime, the man's shirt practically burned off, but they were alive. They were being followed by Mike, one of Richie's fellow paramedics, who was politely urging them not to run, to please return to the ambulance, but neither the man nor woman seemed to be listening- they had their sights set on the kid in the ambulance, and they didn't slow until they had pushed past Richie and were holding their little boy in their arms.

Richie had basically been finished with his checkup, so he took a step back and allowed the family reunion. When Mike caught up to them, Richie gave him a look that said Give them a minute, and Mike nodded, standing by Richie has he caught his breath.

Richie was watching the woman check her son all over for any injuries, as if he wasn't currently sitting in an ambulance with a paramedic right there, when he heard footsteps approaching, and then the sound of someone clearing their throat. Then, there came a polite "Excuse me", and Richie's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voice.

Everyone- the family, Richie, and Mike- turned around at the voice, to see one of the firefighters approaching them. He must have been on the crew that had gone into the house for the rescue, for his uniform was darkened from the fire, and he still wore the protective mask and helmet that covered his face. Richie was confused for a moment as to why he was here when, you know, there was a fire to be put out... until he held his arms out, and cradled in them was a small, ash-covered kitten- trembling, but meowing fiercely.

The little boy gasped and jumped out of the ambulance, running over to the firefighter and taking the cat from him. "You saved Mittens!" he exclaimed, as the cat immediately became more comfortable in his owner's arms, curling up and nuzzling its face against the boy's. The kid looked up at the firefighter, his eyes once again filled with tears, but this time, with a big smile on his face. "Thank you, superhero!"

The firefighter reached out and gave the kid a gentle clap on the shoulder, then stepped out of the way as Mike began to guide the family back to the other ambulance- leaving Richie and the firefighter standing there together.

Richie barely had the chance to open his mouth before the firefighter was ripping his helmet off and turning on Richie, sending him a glare so cold it could have single-handedly put out the fire.

"Not. A. Word," Eddie Kaspbrak snapped.

Richie raised an eyebrow, bringing his hand up to place it on his chest. "What ever do you mean?" he asked innocently.

"Don't play dumb, Tozier," Eddie replied.

"I'm not! I was just going to congratulate you on another life saved- I mean, just think about it- how many cats is that you've rescued throughout your career now? Ten? And this one you saved from an actual fire, not just from a tree or a rooftop! My, my, the city should give you an award for this."

Eddie glared at him, and Richie's grin grew larger. "I also pulled that kid from the house," he said, matter-of-factly.

"Isn't that your whole job, Mr. Fireman?"

"I swear, one day I'm going to-"

"Kaspbrak!" The booming voice came so quickly, so loudly, that it made both Richie and Eddie flinch, turning simultaneously to see the Fire Captain walking past a few feet behind them. "I sent you over here to get checked out, not to chat!" he barked. "Get to it!"

Eddie nodded as the Fire Captain walked past, all while mumbling something under his breath that Richie couldn't quite catch, but was sure wasn't anything nice. He crossed his arms over his chest, tilting his head in question as he looked back at Eddie. "What was that about?" he asked.

Eddie refused to meet his eyes as he let out an irritated sigh. "Captain noticed that my... my air tank was broken when I came out of the fire," he said, his voice softer, though still distinctly annoyed. "Broken latch, or something- it wasn't secured. There's a good chance I was breathing in smoke the entire time I was in there."

At no point did Eddie ask for Richie's help, but Richie knew that Eddie would rather run back into a burning building than ask Richie for help, so Richie didn't wait. His smile remained on his face, though most of the smugness was replaced with the care he showed to all his patients, as he removed his plastic gloves to switch them out for a clean pair.

"Come on," he said, nodding towards the open ambulance doors. "Take a seat. Go on, Eds, doctor's orders."

"Don't call me that. And you're not a doctor."

"Ouch- spitting fire there, Eds. Not very heroic of you."

"Bite me."

[wings-of-ink]

Mini progress report, some ramblings and Patreon planning

Hello all! I just wanted to drop a note and check in. I haven't been around as much lately as I've had some busy things in my personal life going on (all good things, btw), and they've made me a bit sleepy. I have some asks baking in my inbox, but I will attend to them when I've got the energy saved up.

For now, I am still working on chapter 5 and she is a biggie. I do not know when the update will go through. I had hoped for October, but realistically it will probably be November. I'm giving myself some wiggle room since the season for me is shifting, and I often experience fatigue and some strong-sads when autumn/winter set in. I won't know for sure until it hits if I will be a sleepy mess or not, lol. Sometimes it doesn't hit until December.

Assuming I remain in good humor, I will be doing a lot of writing and testing in the coming days. Around this time last year is when I was finally writing the first chapter of GC. It really helped me get through the winter months, so I hope that this year will be much the same.

In fact, I found when I made the document for the outline and rough draft for the start of our story:

Between here and the very beginning of February 2024, I wrote the prologue and chapters 1 and 2 and then published them. This coming February, we should celebrate our 1 year anniversary, right?

Chapter 5 is coming along well. I've had a couple scenes that I want to go back over and refine since I either forgot something or they just didn't turn out the way I wanted. I have also written out an event that happens in chapter 7 which I am very (unreasonably) excited about. I could not help myself, it was burning a hole in my brain. It will, of course, develop a lot more after I have 5 & 6 actually done, but I can't wait until you get there.

Here is where Chapter 5 stands now:

This looks massive, but keep in mind there are two paths at the beginning of this chapter and each have unique events/consequences. Some of the text is shared here and there between them, and then they meet. This also includes code and such. I am at the mid-point of the chapter currently where there is a bit of downtime and the MC can get up to...a few things.

Such as this tease for a Duri-moment:

Just what are you two up to???

As for Patreon, if anyone is curious, I am still planning. The feedback I got from the poll along with messages and such have helped a lot. I am not sure when I will have things running since I am prioritizing the actual chapter writing while I've been busy with other things. Since my weekly schedule is going to be back to normal now, I can think about it more.

I have determined to take Patreon nice and slow. It will focus on just a few tiers to start (centered on only God-Cursed for the time being). From there, we'll grow things at a sustainable pace. Most were interested in extras (POVs & drabbles), so I will focus on those, early access, and spiciness. I had debated about starting this next year as opposed to, say, November or December. I may just shoot for whenever I have chapter 5 done. I feel like that's a good round place we can branch off from, and it will open up more flexibility in any bonus content I write.

I think that's all of what's been on my mind lately, and I've prattled too long as it is. I hope you are all safe and well!

Take care! ^_^

~ Lunan 🐦‍⬛

[so-long-soldier-writes]

drabble #10 - aphrodisiac

kai parker x reader

summary: you can only listen to damon ramble on for so long before you lose focus. unfortunately, this time, your zoning out manages to cause maximum embarrassment when the rest of the group follows your line of sight.

tags: pomegranates, references to greek mythology, teasing, flirting, embarrassment

word count: 936

a/n: i wrote this a little bit ago, and even though pomegranate season is over now (😭), i'm gonna post it bc i've been lagging recently!

“Elena, you’ll be here, with me, on the lookout in case he comes this way. Bonnie, you’ll be here, with Matt. Caroline, with Stefan. Kai, I only trust you with Y/N, and certainly not by yourself, and you two will be here.” With each delegation, Damon looks to the person for a nod of confirmation. Everyone’s given him one so far… except you. “Y/N? Are you listening?” 

Caroline lets out a giggle, knowing exactly where your attention has landed, and it’s definitely not on Damon’s plan. 

Damon looks over to the blonde, then to Elena, who also lets out a chuckle. “Y/N?” Stefan stifles a laugh. “Y/N…” He rolls his eyes. “Kai, can you stop plucking that pomegranate for one moment?!”

“How am I bothering you? You said I could eat it-”

“Just stop for a second!”

Startled, the boy puts down his fruit. He holds his hands above the napkin, not letting any juice drip onto the Salvatore’s thousand dollar rug. “Happy?”

“Shh! Y/N!”

You’re in a daze. Entranced. You can hear Damon talking, but none of his words register. Something much more interesting’s caught your eye: Kai. Specifically, Kai and his pomegranate that he’s been working on for the last five minutes. 

The juice looks like blood on his hands, dripping down his delicate fingers, staining his skin. He plucks out each seed individually, gently and skillfully, as he loosens them from the pith. He takes his earnings between his pink lips; you can see his jaw working against the crunch hidden inside.

You understand, now, why pomegranates are considered aphrodisiacs; how Hades captured his lover, luring her towards him by way of the fruit. 

You’re not sure when watching becomes staring, but at some point, it does. You’re not sure how long you’re staring before you attract quite the audience. 

Kai, of course, is too focused on his fruit to realize. That is, until Damon asks him to stop so that he can get your attention. Kai looks around the room, wondering why all eyes are on him, but then he notices they're all actually gazing on you. They’re watching you watch him. He’s confused, at first, then a little self-conscious, but then finds himself enthralled at the idea that you, of all people, are so focused on him. 

“Y/N!” Damon shouts and claps at the same time. 

You startle, jumping out of your trance and looking down at the carpet. You’re not sure when Kai stopped eating, but you quickly realize he had caught you staring at some point, and now you’re overwhelmed with embarrassment. “Sorry,” you say to no one in particular. Kai, mostly, maybe.

Sorry, I was completely daydreaming. Sorry, I was captivated by your fingers. Sorry, I was wondering what they’d feel like on my skin. On my…

“Y/N! Focus!”

“Shit! I’m sorry!”

“Damn, girl, you doing okay?” Caroline asks, amused. 

“Yeah… didn’t sleep a lot last night.”

“Oh that’s too bad.” She totally didn’t fall for that lie. You curse yourself in your head. “Did you hear Damon’s plan?”

“No.”

Kai’s gone back to his pomegranate. You force yourself to look away from him. 

“Y/N, you’ll be stationed with Kai,” he then mutters, “your little pomegranate buddy,” then, louder again, “because you’re the only one I trust with him, and I don’t trust him to be alone.”

“Okay.”

“Good.”

You stare at the floor for the rest of his speech, trying desperately to not look back up at Kai’s pretty pink lips. 

~~~

By the end of the “meeting”, everyone’s places are announced and Damon’s satisfied with his decision making. You’ll all go after Lily tomorrow, and hopefully, if all goes well, she’ll be in the dungeons by the following morning. 

Sometime after he’s dismissed you, you search for Kai, feeling an intense need to apologize. Luckily, he’s over by the sink. When you reach him, he’s rubbing his hands and arms clean. The juice turns the soap, then the water pink, and his skin goes back to its usual shade.

“Hey,” you approach, somewhat out of the blue. 

He smiles at the sound of your voice. “Hi.”

“Sooo… we’re partners for Damon’s little plan.”

“Yep. If you ask me, it’s totally not gonna work.”

“His plans tend to be a hit or a miss.”

“Mhm? And which will this one be?” He jokes lightly.

You tap a finger to your chin. “Definitely a miss.” He chuckles, then nods at you for a paper towel, which you provide. “Hey, Kai? I’m, uh, I’m sorry for staring at you earlier. I was completely lost in another world.”

“No biggie. You don’t need to apologize.”

“Okay. But I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable or anything…”

“You? Make me uncomfortable? Not possible. It’s not everyday you manage to get a pretty girl’s attention. Especially not when you’re eating the messiest thing in the world.”

The compliment - flirt? - speeds your heart up fast. It makes you admit the stupidest thing possible in the next couple of words. “Ah, well messy or not, you made it look hot.” Your eyes widen immediately. “I mean, like, you were- the fruit- I- um- shit.”

He chuckles. “Don’t sweat it, I’m gonna take that as a compliment.”

“Okay,” you reply, voice small.

Kai stares at you for a moment, expression unreadable. Then, “well… see you tomorrow, Y/N. I gotta go find Damon and thank him for something.”

“Damon?” You ask, surprised.

“Yeah… thank him for pairing me with the cutest girl in the gang.” He winks as he passes, and you just about die on the spot. 

[aimmyarrowshigh]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love (feel free to ignore if you've already done this or don't feel like it!)

Ooh, fun! Thank you so much for sending to me!

Not in any particular order:

029. Mirror (Stucky) -- This was going to be a drabble for last year's MLMay, but I ended up in a writing flow that is honestly pretty rare for me to find, and I love the result. I had so many feelings writing this version of seventeen-year-old Bucky and this Sarah. I'm such a Steve Girl that I don't often have Stucky-adjacent ideas that aren't specifically Steve-centric, so it's odd that this fic has my heart so much, but I'm just happy it exists.

2. Lent From Tomorrow (today was too small for us) (Stucky and various badass MCU ladies) -- Listen. I know it's been over a year since the last update, but I AM actively working on it lately, it's going well, and I've always been really determined to finish this fic because it is, genuinely, the best thing I've ever written. I love writing it, and I love these versions of the characters. It's kind of the fic I look at and go, "Well, when I finish this, I will either retire entirely from writing because this is the best I can do, or I'll finally have the confidence to go back to trying non-fanfic things." (I'm hoping it's the second???)

3. Five Times Captain America Fucked A USO Girl & One Time Steve Rogers Got Fucked (Steve/OFCs, Steve/Hedy Lamarr, Steve/Bucky endgame) -- This is easily my favorite (and best) smut that I've ever written. Which makes sense, since it's the most recent PWP I've written, too, I think. But I had so much fun creating the USO Girl OCs and writing Hedy Lamarr (and!!!! No one's picked up on it, because why would anyone, but the male stars who talk to Steve at the Hollywood Canteen were all queer! Cary Grant/Randolph Scott my beloveds!!! Vincent Price the bisexual goth prince of my heart!!!). I just really love how this turned out.

4. Could Use A Guy Like Me (Stranger Things Steve Harrington/Joyce Byers) -- This turned out pretty much exactly how I wanted it to turn out, which honestly NEVER happens. (Partially because I keep signing up for exchanges and having deadlines that I panic about and never get to actually write the whole story as I want to write it, because I am the world's slowest writer. But this was purely written for fun for myself and for @idontgettechnology, and I took my time to actually write it the way it was in my head.) Also, it's weird how all of my favorite fics are about guys named Steve, right?? Like it's weird that it's not even all the SAME Steve??

5. I have a couple of fics that I'm debating between for #5, but I think I'm going to go with District Four (The Girl in the Water), which is a Hunger Games fic. It's not my most popular THG fic, which is Ruefic FAR AND AWAY because it's the most popular of all my fics by many thousands of kudos, but I think this was the first fic in my current fandom-life that I was really, truly proud of, and maybe the first fic in general that wasn't a drabble that I was really, genuinely proud of. I wrote it 15 years ago, so I'm sure that it isn't actually as good as it is in my heart-memory, but I've reread it semi-recently and felt like it mostly held up. I have such fond feelings for my Cinna/Finnick series, and this is my favorite of the five, although the District 12 installment is a very close second if only because kindergarten Peeta is so darn cute and was a delight to write. It's funny, actually, looking at this fic in the context of the rest of this list, which is so Stucky-heavy... the Cinna/Finnick dynamic that I headcanoned for this AU was very stuckyesque, tbh, in terms of being Inseparable On Schoolyard (But Separated By Battlefield) and It Doesn't Matter That You Came Back Wrong It Matters That You Came Back and "okay, he picked a woman over me, that doesn't matter, he is still Mine and I'm going to devote the rest of my life to protecting him anyway." I, uh, think I have some pet fave tropes?

I am going to tag @idontgettechnology, @fille-lioncelle, @hollie47, @skylarkblue, and @formerlypuzzle!

[setsailslash]

fic writer ask game

tagged by @cetaceans-pls :D it took me a while because i actually had to think about some of these, i'm not a very reflective writer lmao

how many works on ao3?

610 (lord almighty wHAT)

total ao3 wordcount?

1,175,164 (lORD ALRIGHTY WHAT)

Top 5 fics by kudos?

the momentum is startling (my first ever gen batfam fic set in the dceu, first time trying my hand at writing any robins at all)

something borrowed (cockwarming sladejay heheh)

bumps on the road less traveled (roy and dick double teaming jason in the back of a car, also literally the one and only time i ever wrote roy lol)

a promise from a lifetime ago (my first collab with farf 🥺)

liar, liar, short pants on fire (titans dickjay mouth stuff lmfao)

What fandoms do you write for?

Purely DCU for the last 6? 7? years now. Before that lots of pacific rim and white collar. but i do dabble in snippets/drabbles that range from movies and tv shows, or manga and anime.

Do you respond to comments?

yes, always! it does take me some time to get to each one, but god knows i'll eventually get to every single one! :D

Angstiest Ending?

i don't really write angst for angst's sake but 🤔🤔🤔 maybe it matters not (brujay suburban AU) but that is more of a melancholic ending AND it has a happy follow up (and a happy ending if i ever get to writing it). Or, Playing House in Our Loving Home where jason traps himself in a dubcon relationship with the rest of the batfam because of self sacrificial reasons?

Fic with the happiest ending?

hmmmmm not quite sure if this is the right pick but i sure do love BYOB as my ultimate happy ending brujay where they decide what to do with each other's bodies when they die in that weird way they get about each other.

Do you get hate?

nothing since that one time, it was an anon msg saying im disgusting where i just wrote a mobjay filth drabble in response to because how can you make me take anon hate seriously ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Do you write smut?

absolutely. it's my very favourite thing to write about.

Do you write crossovers?

on rare occasions. when the tide comes in is my niche dcu meets pacific rim crossover where wonder woman meets mako mori and i still think it's super clever of me even if nobody really cares for it 😂

Ever had a fic stolen?

i don't think so?? i hope not at least.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

yes and it's so cool every time 🥺 off the top of my head, i've had my fics translated to chinese, russian, and spanish. also, have translated a few chinese fics into english myself because they were just sooo good (see them here!!)

Have you ever cowritten a fic?

yes! i've cowritten Deathbringers’ Guide to Retirement (brujay assassins AU) + Midnight Cravings (sladejay uh, chicken AU) with @salmonellagogo :D also did Best Laid Plans (sladejay cop AU) with @fleet-of-red, and a few chain fics with peeps in the brujay discord server like A Guy Like You Should Wear A Warning and our CYOA Illusion of Choice! all of which were some of the funnest writing experience i've ever done.

All-time favorite ship?

just reached a whooping 100!!!!! works for brujay so i think that kinda speaks for itself given that blows all the other pairings i've ever written out of the water in terms of both quantity and longevity of my interest. my first brujay was written in 2018, and well, it's now 2025 🙀🙀🙀

WIPs you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

i have a dickjay incest AU where they are in a relationship and finds out they are actually blood related, i've been working on this since uh, forever...... and it's still in such a mish-mash state that i doubt it will ever be done. big sad on this one because i LOVE the idea and what little parts of it that i've started on.

Writing Strengths?

i've been told i got a very distinctive writing style that is kinda really recognizable. have also been told that my description of food stands out. both of which makes me go :)))) :))) :)))))))

Writing Weaknesses?

terrible with coming up with plot or describing fighting sequence type action, also kinda mediocre with dialogue unless inspiration REALLY hits?? and uh, don't really have the patience to do world building or slow burns either..... this feels like a lot of weakness lmfaao I'm not actually that good at writing, i just really like doing it hahahahaa

Thoughts on mixed language dialogue?

from someone who has gotten really shitty at their mother tongue, I'd say have fun, go for it, as long as you come from a place full of willingness to learn and not like willful ignorance or malice then do it!!! i've seen AO3 script that lets you insert translation directly into fic which is also suuuuper cool so i think there's a lot of room to figure out a happy medium.

First fandom you wrote for?

this one made me think but i think it could possibly be beyblade??? but i don't even think any of it still exists. which thank god, baby kuro was not good but by god did they try 😂

Favorite fic you've ever written?

this is SUCH a hard question, but given i have the brain of a goldfish, i recently wrote Sympathy for the Devil for the brujay server exchange, it is a brujay noir AU and i worked reallllly hard on crafting the plot and the world building so this one has gotta be my latest favourite imo.

tagging allllll of my writer peeps: @wajjs @stevieraebarnes @corvuscryptoleucus @meaninglessblah-writes @cadkitten @chekov-in-a-dress @luthienluinwe and anyone else who writes and sees this! i want to see your responses, i want to get in your writerly brains!! let meeee in!!!

[diamonddaze01]

⋆｡°✩ n o t e : thank you to everyone who tagged me in this ( @sungbeam , @petrichor-han , @haologram)! took me forever to finally get around to it, but excited to share my wrapped for this year!

⋆｡°✩ on poetry and homecomings - yoon jeonghan

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : my first ever fic! based on a quote by the fantastic palestinian poet mahmoud darwish. something about the words, "If I ever see a flaw of yours, I'd say my eyes are the flawed ones" made something in my heart twinge in the most beautiful way. a purely self indulgent fic i wrote after an exhausting work week, and suddenly, here we are, 3 months later.

⋆｡°✩ plan b-day - hong jisoo

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : my last fic of 2024! a lil drabble for the loveliest boy. no real notes on this, other than i am sure that murphy's law somehow targets me 50000x more than the average human being. again, purely self-indulgent, but also a wonderful way to close out the year.

⋆｡°✩ baby, darling, light of my entire life - choi seungcheol

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : the idea for this came to me after a crazy night out. though i myself have not gotten to this level of drunk yet, i definitely would scream about how pretty choi seungcheol is any day, any time. i was actually shocked when this blew up - it wasn't my favorite piece i'd written at the time, and i woke up one morning and it had skyrocketed from maybe 100 notes to upwards of 600 in one night. weirdly, i think this was maybe the third thing i had ever posted to this blog and it made me so happy that people actually enjoyed my writing. bdlomel, ily <3

⋆｡°✩ full throttle part i | full throttle part ii - yoon jeonghan

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : oh, full throttle, what to say about you (i am combining both parts into one fic - the only reason there are two parts is bc tumblr is a bitch about formatting). there are few things that exhausted me, exhilerated me, enraged me, and made me feel as proud as i do looking at this finished fic. three weeks of non-stop writing every day after work, jotting down notes in the cleanroom and during lunch breaks, and storyboarding when i should have been sleeping culminated in most possibly the pièce de résistance of my year. i had so many people who cheered me on as i wrote this fic, battled through witty banter (that i myself could never say irl) and fiery headlines, but none cheered as loudly as @haologram and @ylangelegy. alta and kae were genuinely the wind beneath my wings as i wrote this, and reading their comments in the doc was what kept me going. in the end, i'm genuinely so happy with how full throttle turned out, and seeing the reactions i'm getting from it make me feel so fulfilled.

⋆｡°✩ the somerset affair - lee seokmin

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : my first forray into longer fic writing (and i'm still battling my way through it, but we don't talk about that). if anyone knows me, they know how much of a Bridgerton fan i am - i quote anthony's speech on the daily, and penelope/eloise are some of my fav romcom heroines ever written (until they both get married, but again, we don't talk about that). i felt like writing this fic was my way to pay homage to this fictional world i adore so much. i have a love/hate relationship with the actual tone of the series - its so hard to maintain the regency tone and also write in a way that's true to my own voice, but at the end of the day it's a challenge i relish. i'm so excited to finish this series this coming year!

⋆｡°✩ 40 fics posted - check them all out in my masterlist!

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : to be fair, a lot of these are drabbles i did for my 101 drabble prompt game, but fuck it we ball. maybe i'm just insane.

⋆｡°✩ ~133,470 words written

⋆｡°✩ n o t e s : again, i think i might be a bit insane. did a sacrifice sleep to write? yes. did i storyboard at work? also yes. but then again, it's been an interesting year to say the least, and writing was a really good way to blow off steam after a stressful day at work.

⋆｡°✩ some of my fav fics i read this year - please read the warnings on each fic and do not interact with smut if you're a minor! this is in no particular order:

⋆｡°✩ unforgiven [boo seungkwan] - @haologram ⋆｡°✩ catch you when i can [smau] [chwe hansol] - @xinganhao ⋆｡°✩ the first snow [hong jisoo] - @junkissed ⋆｡°✩ what are the vibes? [choi seungcheol] - @daechwitatamic ⋆｡°✩ red card [kim mingyu] - @highvern ⋆｡°✩ an ode to hands and voice [boo seungkwan] - @ddeonghwa-s ⋆｡°✩ take my word for it [yoon jeonghan] - @ylangelegy ⋆｡°✩ prey [choi seungcheol] - @pochaccoups ⋆｡°✩ sit down [kim mingyu] - @gyuswhore ⋆｡°✩ ave, general [lee jihoon] - @amourcheol

these are just a few of my fav fics i've read, but if you want to see all my recommendations - i suggest checking out @diamond-reads !

⋆｡°✩ goals for 2025

⋆｡°✩ on diamonddaze01: i have a lot of collabs coming up in 2025! i hope that i can meet all those deadlines and write things i'm proud of. i've also learned that writing longer fics like full throttle or somerset affair make me feel more fulfilled as a writer, so expect a lot more of them as i further explore my writing style and characterization. i also want to go back to some of my older wips that i abandoned and reopen them, see where i can go with a fresh mindset. ⋆｡°✩ personal goals: i have a lot, but to name a few: read more, laugh more, love more. i also want to focus on establishing a better work/life balance - i know already that the coming months are going to suck at work, but i no longer want to drag the weight of corporate life home with me. work is work, and that's where it will stay. i want to prioritize my mental and physical well-being over all else, and that starts with reprioritizing things like work, my social life, and writing.

⋆｡°✩ final thoughts

⋆｡°✩ i started writing on tumblr because i was stressed from work and felt like i didn't have a community, especially at a new job and a new city. what started as some stress relief turned into a community of its own. i'm eternally grateful that i was able to meet some wonderful people this year that i truly feel a sense of belonging with. to everyone in the networks i'm in, to anyone that reads my work, to all the lovely people i've met: thank you, and i love you.

⋆｡°✩ if you've made it this far, thanks for reading, and thank you for all your support. i love you all endlessly. it's time to sign off for 2024.

with love as vast as the stars themselves, tara <3

⋆｡°✩ tagging (but no pressure): @tusswrites, @chanranghaeys, @bitchlessdino, @ddeonghwa-s , @c-oupsie, @lovetaroandtaemin, and anyone else who would like to do this!

[naffeclipse]

Hi, hi! I'm sure you are totally unaware of me going through your blog just now XD

But! I saw a bit of Humpback Y/N and I can't stop thinking about the small drabble you wrote way back! (Can't find it unfortunately, or don't know the specific tag to look for it hkfdg) But it was the one about how their relationship would advance and by the end of it y/n gets stuck on top of some thick ice. And it's so incredibly dangerous for someone the size of y/n for that to happen to of course! And I remember they were trapped up there for a good while, which weakened them considerably, even if they don't quite get to the actual size of a humpback whale. And I seem to recall that when Eclipse finds them they hear him teasing them for their situation (or perceive it that way at least), but they have no energy so they don't answer him at all.

And aaa I just can't stop thinking about that specific moment, because from Eclipse's perspective that must have rang every single alarm bell. This mer, who has been antagonizing him since they met, able to keep up with him in both snark and their little competition, who has grown on him so much and become a constant, physically capable of manhandling him and pettily blocking him from getting to his prey easily, who is large and majestic and physically imposing, and has always given him a challenge, they are now still and worryingly quite, still moving but having none of their usual spark, their energy, and suddenly he might realize that they've been there much longer that he perhaps thought, that time is ticking and they are weakening by the second. And then he breaks the ice and catches them, just as they are passing out!

And aaa I can't help but be curious of what happens next! Because god, if they're passed out he'd have to make sure they can remain breathing, but also try and check them to make sure they haven't been too damaged by having to support their own weight for so long, that they will be able to swim on their own when they wake. And if they need healing before they can move well again, likely he'd have to help them get food, at least until they can get back to their pod.

Would he try to stubbornly take care of them himself? Or when they seem well enough take them to their pod who can more easily take care of them the rest of the way, which might be for the best since they are so big? Aaaaa lots of questions! But I live for that hurt comfort haha XD

Anyways yes, just wanted to ramble a little about this two, because that last scene sure gave me a lot of feels gfkjhkhjds

I love each and every notif, babe <3

Ah, yes! It flips in Eclipse's head from playfully 'maybe they might need help' to 'oh no' the second they don't respond as they should, as they have during their time battling back and forth! He's immediately on it. When they do sink into his arms through the broken ice, he pulls them quickly to the open ocean and cradles their head on his chest, floating to let them breathe and rest. Y/N is okay, but they are exhausted and need a moment or two to regain their strength before swimming on their own again.

Eclipse doesn't want anyone to take Y/N from him when he needs to make sure they're okay, so he cares for them by himself, without alerting their pod. It would be wiser to let sirens their size attempt to keep them afloat while they rest but Eclipse is nothing if not determined (and a little frightened by finding his lovely, strong siren in such a weakened state).

Ahh, I'm glad you enjoy these two! <3

[rodolfoparras]

Alec I'm so severely unwell over that drabble you wrote, I'm like super emotional about it please-

I wanted to make Nik into catty asshole who is trying to push your buttons and make you jealous maliciously but like...the idea of him just teasing both you and John is better almost.

Like sure part of him is jealous and he can't help but to be little petty but for the most part he is just pushing your buttons for the sake of riling you up. Even better if he sees that you and John are in love with each other but neither you or John see it. And he's little hurt sure, he doesn't exactly see why John would pick some punk ass rookie over him but as long as John is happy...

And he knows John most likely won't make the first move because John is probably all types of upset because he fell for someone he took under his wing to keep safe and take care of so Nik does everything he can to make you jealous (he totally plays into your hot-headed nature) so you'll finally confess.

At some point absolutely everyone is aware it and is just waiting for something to happen because holy fuck can Captain and rookie just fuck already? Why do they keep dreamily staring into each other's eyes while we're trying to have mission briefing?

For extra angst, imagine you finally finally deciding to confess, probably after drinking and getting all hyped up and you come to John's office and you're about to know but... John is there with Nikolai and maybe they're fucking, maybe they're just having sweet moment, maybe it's just misunderstanding on your part. Whatever it is, it doesn't mean anything but to you it does because it just reaffirms that John isn't yours.

I imagine it's not until everyone gets hammered or near death situation that confession finally happens tbh.

-🔮

Okay hear me out

Nikolai wasn’t stupid. He was aware that Price likes you, not because he had told him so, because the Russian is sure that the other man would rather die than answer honestly to that question

But he could see the way price acted around you, the way he talked to you, the way he behaved nothing like when Nik and him were together.

Price and Nik had met in their early teens, Price thought Nik was his first and last love Nik, simple put, didn’t feel the same.

Sure he loved Price, dont get it wrong, but there was so much to the world than being bound to one person for the rest of your life.

So they decided to break up, only ever hooked up for the sake of old times or the surge of adrenaline that came after a mission.

Price was so hung up over Nik, the Russian never though he’d get over him but one day the rookie became all he talked about, most of their hm-meetings got called off because he needed to be with rookie for the night.

Nikolai was sure Price would fess up any time soon but Price didn’t, instead he played stupid every time he got asked about it.

So he tried another approach, targeting you by making you jealous in hopes of that being enough to make you fess up but instead it pushed you further away.

Nik almost pulled his hair out, flying a plane was much easier than getting two people together so he gave up, let universe handle it instead.

In the meantime 141 was up your ass about it, telling you that it’s so clear that the captain reciprocates your feelings.

For one second you had allowed yourself to believe it. With one too many drinks in your system you had stumbled over to Price’s office in an attempt to confess your feelings.

However what you saw had shattered your heart.

Stupid, stupid so stupid you think to yourself tears trickling down your cheeks as you sprint to you room, far away from Price’s office.

Of course Price didn’t return your feelings he was busy getting fucked by the man he was actually in love with.

Yet you had allowed yourself to be persuaded, had let 141 convince you that Price reciprocated your feelings.

However what you don’t see is Price’s attempt to run after you only for Nik to stop him.

“What is he going to think? Fuck!” Price says kicking the trash can laying around in his office, still half naked.

“John cal-“ Nik tries to say but gets interrupted by the older man.

“Don’t Nikolai just please leave, please? I would like to be alone for a moment”

Nik wants to argue but instead he lets out a sigh and picks up his clothes off of the floor, quickly dressing himself before walking out through the door.

“You should tell him you know?” Nik says with a smile on his face. Price doesn’t even get to spit out an impromptus lie about how he doesn’t like you in that way before Nik is walking away.

The opportunity to talk doesn’t come around. His days are filled with missions and his nights are filled with paper work that just seem to be piling up and when the two of you have some sort of interaction Price doesn’t even know what to say because it’s not like the two of you are anything in the first place.

He did nothing wrong by fucking Nik he was just lonely and tired of pining for the man who doesn’t even seem to noice him. But then that very same man walked in at the wrong moment and everything came crashing down on him.

Stupid stupid so stupid, Price thinks to himself as he sulks in silence.

Weeks have passed after that incident, the two of you are distant as ever.Price thinks that maybe it’s meant to be this way, you weren’t even anything in the first place.

But just as the thought pops up in his head there’s blood - your blood splashing across his face and you’re falling to the ground while he rushes towards your bleeding body

You’re muttering i love you’s while he’s carrying you to the emergency room and Price is repeatedly saying that he won’t say it back not yet because this isn’t a goodbye and if you’re going to confess your love for him you have to ask him out on dinner first, you have to be alive and well when you do it, goddammit!

Spitball w/ me?

[orangezinnia]

ACGAS 2020 fic

wrote a little 1k introspection/angst drabble for Tristan! (ft. a worried Siegfried). it's supposed to be part of a larger fanfic, but i'm not sure if i'll get around to that, so i thought in the meantime i'd post it on its own :>

"Tristan," Siegfried's voice floats after him, and he nearly trips over his own feet trying to stop, ending up gripping onto the jut of kitchen-hallway wall. "Are you alright?"

And- it's different this time. He knows: If he says yes, Siegfriend won't ask again after this. He just won't. Those are the rules.

He might've, even just a year ago. Could have pulled rank with "I'm your brother, it's my job." Even "I'd have hoped you could stop acting like a petulant youth for just long enough to-!" But not anymore.

It's not polite, not coerced out of him by social convention. And it stopped being "casual" about two surreptitious interrogations ago. Tristan doesn't have to say yes.

Except for the part where he does, except for the part where he rips up his bed to look sufficiently lived-in for Mrs. Hall's suspicions, except for where it's that long-craved stretch of the year when the blue sky lasts all day and it's not even warm at night, then. Besides that.

Tristan could never stand walking past the infirmary. This is to say- within hearing range. At least 5 other people in his crew said the exact same thing, and at least 3 others would nod and hum whenever they did, but he, uniquely, hates himself for this.

One of his superiors- just the once, those one-times that the other party has certainly forgotten but you will never be able to shake off- noticed him speeding up as he needed to pass the tent, and their gazes met horribly, and the look he gave Tristan burned him hot with ever-shame. Very purposeful, personalized, it seemed, crafted just for him. A narrowing of the eyes, a small shake of the head.

Like a dog that's opened his mouth to bark again, reminding him sharply of his training. I know that you know how you should be better.

Not that they ever really saw action. This, at least, is the one thing he never lied to Siegfried about. But it WAS the desert, and it WAS animals, and things happen. Kicks, most often. Bites were the worst. Bites have a furative way of thwarting every preventative measure thrown in their path to become infected anyway.

It was just- the moaning. In a room of two dozen other beds, people are trampling over themselves to never be "that one". Theatrical, unnecessary, practically a melody. Which means the only ones to actually slip through are the real ones.

Sometimes quiet and thready, in time with every breath. Others, silent like death and just as pale, hours of this until a sudden howl. That loud spasming cry where he can't be sure if he only imagined the window panes trembling.

There was always at least one who was just: constant. That's the only way to describe it. Just constant.

And he never knew what to say. He never knew what the hell to say.

He'd smile while talking, a beautiful trait that he trained into himself because it had the great effect of making life seem to breeze past him- and something would turn in their eyes, a light goes off, and he knew. That was it. Could feel himself getting scratched off whatever list of people they had in their head.

He'd often plan his visits for just before shower time, for that reason. When he stepped out shaking and could tell himself it was just from the cold.

The sound of it. Someone should do a study on it someday, Tristan thinks: what the hearing of someone else's cries and screams does to the brain, to the neurons. Why his chest felt like the punched up cage of a badly startled animal, and the skin along his arms stirred itself into chills.

It still wouldn't excuse him, is the problem with that. He's a solider. More to it, he's a fully grown man. He should've been able to handle it. Should have even slowed as he rounded the infirmary, and soaked it in, and even always meant to do that in penance but never did. Because how selfish to say: you're suffering, and it's really rather intrusive to me, who isn't.

Siegfried was a solider. Older than him by shy of two decades. Siegfried would- be cowed, likely, yes, Tristan's not completely lost it. But he's not like Tristan. He wouldn't be content with standing there stupidly as he gets scratched off "the list". Siegfried can bear it.

But he can't help the feeling that rises- I know what it's like, I can't do that to Siegfried. He's not going to know what to do, and we're both going to shuffle in place feeling bad, and lost, and I'm going to hate him for it regardless how much I don't want to.

Yes or no, idiot. And quickly. Tristan presses his forehead to the cool paint of the wall, not exactly helping whatever case of "fineness" he's built.

It's so much easier to say yes when he knows someone won't believe him, will come back looking. When "Okay, then," means "Later, then" or "Good to hear," sounds like "You're kidding me", and silence is "I'm surprised you even tried that."

The dance of yes, yes, yes, until one is cornered and collapsed and can't is an ancient and sacred tradition- one that should be respected and obeyed and followed as closely as possible.

The thing is. Tristan has never successfully treated a rabbit on his own. Has never-once-not handed it off to Siegfreid, crowing, "there's nothing wrong with it, Sieg, I just can't see it, can't you?" and has never-not-once been right.

The plight of prey animals. It's more lucrative to hide that they're sick, to keep going and going and going, until you find them in a corner drooling and gone still and the vet informs you it's been too long.

The thing is: Tristan doesn't know what will happen if he keeps going.

"No," Tristan hushes out, "And I haven't been." Then, "It's fine, though. All good," and he pushes off the wall to rocket away up the staircase.