#if i was a lantern my powers would form out of lines. to show my artistic ways.

[therevengeoffrankenstein]

designing is so easy it comes together in my head like drawing.

[writingficsanddaydreams]

His Eyes

Mihawk x gn!reader

Summary: you may dislike eye contact, but that doesn’t make his eyes any less mesmerizing

Content: some fluff, a little romance. They’re on a mission. Reader is autistic.

A/N: this is a shorter piece, just a snippet of an idea really, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So now I’m making you all think about it too! Like all my stories, Mihawk is based on a mix of his live action personality, and the little bit I know from watching some of the anime and reading the manga quite literally years ago.

—————————————

Dracule Mihawk. A great warlord of sea. A man so powerful that his very presence makes others stop and step back wherever he goes, who can freeze a person in place with just his intense, piercing gaze.

You love his gaze.

You love the color of his eyes, the way that lantern light plays across the striking yellow, bringing out those hints of gold. You love the shape of them, the way his eyebrows furrow, that little line that forms above his nose when he’s so focused. You love how he can seem to command a room with his gaze alone.

His eyes are mesmerizing.

“How is it you can stare at me, yet request I avoid the same?”

His words send a shiver through you, one that strengthens as he turns that gaze briefly your way. His arm is is draped carefully across the back of the tavern booth, his fingers just brushing your shoulder.

You shrug and smile—just a little smile, the one you practiced because you know it secretly makes him pleased, even if smiling doesn’t come naturally to you.

“It’s not like I command you,” you tease, even as you draw your knees closer to your chest to better balance your sketchbook and lean slightly into him. You like sitting like this, both because it lets you naturally look away when he does decide to stare at you, and because you love the feeling of his nearness as you lean slightly into his side.

“Hmm.” He turns his gaze away. You quickly peak up at him and are pleased to see the slightest twitch to his own lips, a hint of his own smile.

He’ll never show it, not here in this tavern where every other person subtly watches him. But it’s there, and you’ve enjoyed drawing it out of him since you started working together as temporary partners. Especially since you started to be something more…

You turn back to your own work, drawing your fountain pen across the thick sketchbook paper.

A line here. A small adjustment there. You let yourself fall into the art, even as you listen to the conversations murmuring around you.

The din of voices can be overwhelming at times, painful even when so many noises echo together, but useful. You’ve learned ways to manage it, found tools to let you block out the sound when it’s too much and learned how to sort through the sounds when you do have the energy for it.  Now you sit and listen, letting your art pull you slightly away from it all, even as snippets of conversation come and go.

“…can’t believe that seller cheated me! I…”

“…Mihawk here…?”

“…will drink you under the table…”

“…think Garp sent him? Does he know we…”

You still your pen, glancing only slightly up from the page. That conversation was from not too far away. The targets.

“You noticed them too,” comments Mihawk, in that eternally bored, yet oh so confident tone.

“What now?” you ask, turning your gaze back to your sketchbook. “Capture them here or flush them out?”

If you were working alone, you would probably wait for them to leave on their own, then follow them and complete the mission once away from all the noise and bustle of the tavern. But it’s fun to work Mihawk’s way as well, to see just what it is that makes him so simultaneously feared and respected. You find it fascinating how he toys with his targets at times, as if a job is simply a game to him. 

“It has been quiet lately. A chase might be entertaining.”

You grin, even as you carefully try to capture a slight shimmer of light in your sketch. 

This is the part you find so fascinating.

The way he can inspire or horrify people with just a glance. The way he moves so carefully and intentionally through his work, even as he sometimes treats it as a way to relieve the boredom of being truly the best. The way he knows how good he is, knows his power and wears it like a cloak.

You know the moment he turns his gaze from a casual analysis of the room to a hunter spotting its prey. 

It’s in the slight gasps as that muted conversation staggers to a halt. The sharp sense of fear that drifts through the tavern. The way Mihawk’s intense gaze cuts straight through the crowded tables and towards the targets, even as everyone else breathes in relief that it’s not aimed at them.

You’ve done this just enough times now to know that soon your targets will try to leave, try to flee.

Then it will be time to act.

For now though, you enjoy leaning into your warlord, carefully drawing your pen across a sketchbook page as you capture the dangerous beauty of his vivid eyes.

[bunnakit]

(please bear with me this is the most convoluted question known to man, but whenever you post for asks I can't help but want to scratch my weird lore theory itch, sorry not sorry)

So, like, the chomer's got fancy magic powers, right? And there were those photoshoots back during Treasure where each member had some kind of prop, right? And we've seen a couple kind of appear in other mv's like the telescope showing up in Answer, or Mingi's lines all coming through the radio in Fireworks when he was the one who had the ham radio as a prop. And, arguably, the candelabra Seonghwa has in the photoset and then the lantern he has in Wonderland. (I personally like to think that there are a couple other magic pirate artifacts already in play and its just that whatever they do hasn't been relevant to mention in the diary lore or the point of the timeline we're currently at yet).

I was just kind of idly thinking about how Hongjoong had a wand in that photoset, which hasn't specifically shown up anywhere again in that exact same form, (and quite frankly how in the heck they would ever work a wand into an mv)

and then I was like 'a wand is basically just a long stick, how would you adapt-... wait a minute'

a cane is also basically just a long stick. That he has in Guerrilla and Don't Stop, (and I know Don't Stop is not part of main canon and its own thing, but I love how they just spin slightly different AU flavours of their own lore as it suits them, and the cane in Don't Stop is.... kind of significant in the mv soooooo)

This was my crazily-roundabout way of asking if you had any thoughts/theories etc about Hongjoong and wands/sticks/canes, normal, magical, or otherwise and the lore

AAH LORE ANON YESS thank you for gracing my inbox its always a treat

so i kind of have weird theories on this? my friend [@pop-off-nabokov] and i were doing some Cromer Silvia conspiracy board theories one night and we realized something really interesting about trends in ATEEZ MVs and their themes in general.

so the captains symbol looks A LOT like like The Wheel tarot, a card that essentially breaks down the alchemical symbols of life (with EIGHT in the outer ring)

and then you have their entire last album theme The World

the wands could either be a reference to a 'of wands' tarot or the wand-like objects shown here in The World

and one of the big themes i noticed throughout Halazia is Hongjoong and Seonghwa play off each other in a theme of 'as above, so below' - Seonghwa is bathed in light and on the surface and we meet Hongjoong as Wooyoung gestures down and the camera pans downwards where Hongjoong, dressed in dark colors, seems to be a figurehead of a different gathering.

as for the lantern in Wonderland, well, i've got something for that too

The Hermit also depicts a lantern!

we also have...

Judgement

and...

The Fool - okay this one is a bit of a stretch but the pose is pretty spot on and the meaning of The Fool feels very lore!San (and really, all of the boys entering their journey in the Z World)

so i don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that ATEEZ features a lot of nods to tarot and perhaps some of the artifacts may be related to them in some way. now if they're magic like the Cromer or not? who is to say. i certainly would love to find out the looking glass allows you to see through the dimensions or something similar, or that the staff/wand has the same abilities as the breakers or who knows.

and if we want to be extra ridiculous about it, well, i hope this is at least good for a laugh

please always come to my inbox with any thoughts or questions. i hope my answers are always at least a little fun to think about.

[blueikeproductions]

A leak for upcoming EarthSpark toys has trickled out, and the two that stick out that are new, (the others being stuff we knew like a Deluxe Hashtag), involve Cosmos and Megatron.

Cosmos I’m cool with, he’s an old fav, and honestly it’s an upgrade over his CV self.

Big Boy Cosmos Supremacy. Not hapless, female co-star that got attacked by aliens as a running gag in Alien Hunt and should’ve been the actual antagonist, getting revenge on Meteorfire, instead of what we got.

The Megatron toy sticks out as it’s referred to as a “Cyber Glow” Megatron.

This hasn’t been used so far in the toys, and implies a possible gimmick or something from the show that either went unused or is something we’ve yet to see.

The Cyber Glow idea reminds me of this.

A “Hero’s Light” style power up TFA Optimus assumes in the Japanese OP, which is used in the spin off The Cool manga, explaining the power coming from The Allspark.

So basically that but Megatron.

My guess is the in-story reason is the Maltos bestow Megatron the power of the Cyber Sleeves, glowing a green color similar to this.

I’ve had a thought in the past that the only way you could get Galvatron from ES Megatron is he’s evolved by the Emberstone/Cybersleeves, resulting in a Quintesson like form similar to what TFP Megatron became when Megatron was possessed by Unicron.

Of course it could just be a version of the Green Lantern like armor Terratronus wears but with translucent green plastic on Megatron’s chest, cannon, and legs so…

I don’t expect a Quintus-Galvatron though, nor am I expecting that much of Cyber Glow at all, as EarthSpark hasn’t been very good at advertising its own toy line.

None of these appear in the show, with the Ride & Combine concept sorta being present, but utilized in manner not expressed in the toys at all.

It does sorta beg the question why there aren’t Terran, Bee or Optimus Cyber Glow figures. You’d think bare minimum the Terrans would have this power up, or Bee by association, but I guess not.

Because of the show’s insistence on trying to prove how much Megatron is a good boi now, and this series does at least do a better job of it than Cyberverse did, but it still feels… off. That power ups usually reserved for Optimus now go to Megatron.

Not that that’s unheard of…

But I’m not sure, Megatron being blessed by Quintus Prime has that same vibe as Cyberverse insisting Megatron can use the Matrix, and while ES Megs is a bit more justified it still feels wrong.

Still Megatron getting this Glow does support the idea the Terrans aren’t popular enough to get their own consistent power ups, and if the show does continue long enough to use this, is it indeed only Megatron or would Optimus get it too, similar to this?

Though ideally we really should get an Omega Prime type form for Prime and Megs to merge into.

It’s too late for that now, but Prime & Meg’s dynamic was similar to Prime and Magnus’ in RiD01 that you could’ve had them merge to fight off Super Mandroid and the Quints.

We have the Megatron Arm Optimus in Skybound, so we would’ve been half way there in ES.

[romancomicsblog]

Who should play Black Beetle in a Blue Beetle Sequel?

In anticipation of my most anticipated movie of the year, I have been watching/reading as much Blue Beetle content as I can directly blast into my eyeballs.

My personal favorite of the bunch is the second season of Young Justice. While he starts off as a secondary character, Blue Beetle quickly becomes to protagonist of the season, and even gets his own rival in the form of alien villain Black Beetle.

Black Beetle is one of my favorite villains in the show. He simultaneously represents how powerful Jaime could be and how dangerous he could be if he goes rogue.

I do think if we get more Blue Beetle content in the future, Black Beetle will be a main physical antagonist in the same way Conrad Carapax is in this next film.

I thought it would be fun to give my fancast for the character.

To be clear, I am not casting Black Beetle of the comics, who is a time traveling swinder, I am casting Black Beetle of Young Justice, who is a reach enforcer.

So apologies Black Beetle comic stans.

Essential Characteristics?

Black Beetle is a force. Being able to take on whole teams, including Kryptonians, Atlanteans, Amazonians and Martians. He is smart on the battlefield and understands how to use his scarab better than anyone.

We need someone who feels cocky and dangerous. He cherishes the thought of a battle but often doesn't find a real one.

Black Beetle is also devoted to the conquering of other planets for the Reach. We want someone who can seem loyal to his people, even if what he is doing is insane and hurting others. Think Zod in Man of Steel.

Other Stipulations?

Our Blue Beetle Xolo is about 6 ft tall. We want an actor larger than him.

While a tank like Dave Batista is ideal, I think we can settle for big instead of massive.

Our Black Beetle should feel older and wiser than Jaime, but in their prime as a warrior. Maybe mid 30s to mid 40s.

Black Beetle is voiced by a person of color, and while normally I don't think it matters for aliens, for this I would like to keep it.

Blue Beetle is a mainly hispanic cast, and I think keeping the cast mostly people of color is pretty special.

As always, I don't like casting people known for other big superhero roles. So my boy Batista is out.

3. Jay Ellis

Known for his roles in Insecure and Top Gun Maverick, it's amazing to me Jay Ellis has not had a major role in a superhero movie.

In Insecure as Lawrence, he showed emotional and comedic range, going toe to toe with big names like Issa Rae.

Ellis is also insanely built. He has the physicality needed I think to play such a role. Just look up Top Gun Maverick honestly.

While I think he can physically embody the role well and play an antagonistic villain, but with this much charisma, it may come off too heroic. I wonder if he is better suited for a Lantern down the line.

2. Regé Jean-Page

I was very torn between my second and first choice. Originally, this was my guy.

Regé Jean Page is a fantastic actor.

Known for roles in Bridgerton and Dungeons and Dragons, Page is known for playing Brawlers with a bit of a dark side. While these tend to be heroic, I think as a villain those skills can be well utilized.

While he is not the force Black Beetle usually is, Page could play a Black Beetle so knowledgable, it's terrifying still to come up against him.

Much like Ellis, I worry Page may be better suited for a heroic or antiheroic role. He was on the short list for Seg-El in the show Krypton, which tells me he gives more Superman than General Zod.

1. O'Shea Jackson Jr.

I've been following Jackson's career ever since he played his father, and I gotta say, the guy's incredible.

Known for roles in Cocaine Bear, Straight Outta Compton, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ingrid Goes West, the man has charisma and acting chops to spare.

What I love him for particularly in this role is his intimidating nature in Straight Outta Compton. He is swinging bats, fighting with his fellow rappers, and even using his words to put down terrible reporters disrespecting him.

To me that's Black Beetle, the baddest guy in the room and he knows it.

Jackson also has a swagger about him that doesn't come off as, let's just say douchey, compared to the others on this list. While the other two would be great for love interests or heroes, Jackson has that right energy for the strongest guy in the room.

While he is 5'11, I think Jackson has enough pure acting chops to play an incredible villain. One that could really put the fear in Jaime Reyes.

I'd be extremely happy to see him don the suit, and have an incredible beetle vs beetle battle.

Thank you for reading! If you'd like to support me, you can follow me on my socials here!

[scorchedhearth]

omg if u are still interested in doing the director’s commentary ask game would LOVE 2 hear your commentary on ‘the other side of the coin’ and/or ‘insurmountable’ they’re some of my faves <3 <3

ahh, thank u!!! im glad u like those pieces <33 will do the other side of the coin!!

ask for my director's commentary of a fic

this is one of if not my favorite fic i wrote in 2022! I wrote it for the whumptober challenge with the prompt blood covered hand, kyle wasn’t on my mind at first for this one and i dont remember how i got the idea, just that i knew i wanted to use a repetitive motif here with the mention of the days blending together. the fic starts and ends with ‘the days are blending together’ to really insist on the idea that kyle is trapped in the current situation, that every day are the same to him, and in the structure of the piece the ending and beginning are the same, like a loop.

there’s a balance with this fic being less factual than others i’ve written but using sparse poetic language and more flowery forms to show kyle’s state of mind, that he’s running thin and the text itself cannot come up with beautiful ways of describing the war happening around him. i did this a lot, like the descriptions being cut by an action to show the fight around him taking his focus, or many small, short and factual sentences to once again prove kyle’s exhausted state. in general im a big fan of when medium makes u feel how the characters feel with tricks like that so i was pumped to do that here

another thing was trying to explore is kyle’s mindset in the omega men, i find it’s not a book that’s talked about often in fandom circles so i really wanted to sink my teeth in it and write out my thoughts about it, how kyle is struggling with trying to do the right thing, the heroic thing, while being used to fight a bloody and violent war, how he knows he’s being used but he can’t abandon them either, and how this conflict is slowly but surely eating at him.

i just had to put hands in there, u know me, but it was my favorite part to write! how the blood and gore around him isn’t human in the slightest (green, thick, sweet) but shock him just the same, how it’s not the first time it happens and won’t be the last, how it’s so antithetical to being a green lantern to have one’s hand covered in blood, and especially how kyle can’t ignore it. he wants to be able to do that, to go around helping and fighting but the weight of the violence is taking a toll on him and keeps him down, another thing he’s struggling with. that’s why there’s the line about radu’s calloused hand from good and honest work, in implicit contrast to his gloves and blood-covered ones

the fact that he doesn’t say a word, even when spoken to, is another indicator of his current state, the person who loves to connect with others, to speak and share and communicate, unable to utter a single word. and kalista was great to write, i have my doubts with how kind wrote her in the book and his inspiration, but nonetheless she’s an interesting character, and it’s hard for kyle to be able to understand the months spent together as used to manipulate him when he fell in love hard and fast (kyle’s attitude with love and being a hero and how they’re often the same thing so interesting too!), so it’s important that he can’t dismiss her and her words even when she says things he viscerally doesn’t agree with (‘you did good’ when he’s drenched in blood)

that’s why the last part is important, there’s this sort of moment of clarity, where kyle drops the bloody suit but can still feel the blood on his apparently clean hands, and he knows for a fact he doesn’t want to do this, he knows he’s being used and manipulated, he knows he’s going against many of his beliefs, and that they’re still forcing his hand now, but all of this is swiped away when he realizes that tomorrow will be exactly the same, and the exhaustion and endless loop of fight and death he’s stuck in wipe away any of his more powerful thoughts to leave behind tired resignation

also! the title comes from (i believe) the second issue of the omega men, when kyle talks to kalista about how he got the ring and he explains the other side of the coin, that he's a hero but lost so much and has so much doubt, i found it cheeky to show the other side of the reality of a fight like this, that for kalista's eagerness and ruthless pursuit, there are kyle's struggles and doubts

[plague-of-insomnia]

I want to clarify that it’s not Sebastian kicking the lantern in this scene that bothers me so much, nor is it that the anime made changes from the manga.

I was a film studies minor and seriously considered going into screenwriting at one point in my career. I’ve taken adaptation classes and done adaptation writing. I know that diff mediums have different strengths and weaknesses and that whenever you convert from one to another, changes inevitably need to be made.

Why I am upset is because by removing that line, in my opinion, they’ve taken out a fundamental element of who Ciel is and why their dynamic works, why Sebastian respects him even when he’s having him do all his grudge work.

I will write a bigger meta post on this topic focusing on Sebastian, a being who thrives on praise especially from his perfectionism, but that will have to come later when I have the spoons to put it together.

For now, Yana and the show runners have talked a bit about the change on twitter, though the focus is on the kick and no mention is made to the dialog cut. (I am hoping that MAYBE a version of it will sneak in next episode when Ciel asks Seb to look for the missing people with his powers.)

As for why they made the change and added the kick, it’s more or less as I expected: it was because of expansion needs and because it looks cool (and it does!):

The translation is not mine, but the automated one. I don’t think any of you want me to translate rn i couldn’t even get my basic math right for my meds earlier lol:

Essentially, they realized:

Ciel couldn’t realistically throw the lantern on his own (which I get)

the tempo was off without it (they needed a few extra frames or there would have been dead air, which I suspected and also get— essentially a form of expansion)

and lastly because it looks cool (not mentioned here but in a separate tweet of Yana’s).

So again, I completely understand why they had Seb kick the lantern, but removing that assertion of autonomy to me is devastating because it’s so impotent. It stuck out to me like a neon light when I read over it on Friday, and that’s partly why i immediately noticed when it wasn’t there.

noooo why did they change the fire scene???

In the manga, Sebastian teases Ciel, thinking he’ll need to rely on his powers to get Derrick to come out of the house, but Ciel insists he doesn’t need him.

He throws the lamp himself into the house, which impresses Sebastian.

HOWEVER, in the anime, they cut that exchange and Sebastian jumps up to help kick the lamp into the house.

I know this is a seemingly minor detail to change but it’s so significant to their relationship that I am very disappointed they changed it so much.

From the moment they met, Ciel was different from all of Sebastian’s previous contractors. For one, he didn’t want to just have Sebastian kill the people behind the manor attack, but is determined to find them himself.

In the Circus arc, despite being in the midst of a PTSD episode, Ciel shoots Kelvin himself.

Over and over we are shown how Ciel takes pride in doing things himself—ofc he relies on Sebastian, but the demon respects that Ciel doesn’t use him indiscriminately and lazily.

I also personally always saw this as some foreshadowing for the cricket tournament, but I guess that’s lost too. Because we know Ciel isn’t athletic, so I always felt it was significant that he was able to make that throw on his own. It felt symbolic.

I guess either everyone doubted Ciel’s ability to execute that move on his own, or they just thought Seb looks cool when he’s high in the air ninja style….

[fastestfanalive]

McFarlane Toys Flashpoint Progress Report!

With Batman (Thomas Wayne) Unmasked, I’m one step closer to having a complete McFarlane Flashpoint Line Up. Flashpoint of course, being DC Comics’ one and only Flash-centric company-wide crossover made these figures easy exceptions to add to my Flash-dominated collection. 

Pictured: Top: Grifter (part of the United Kingdom’s Resistance against the Amazons) Bottom Left to Right: Emperor Aquaman (A more ruthless version of Aquaman), Batman (Thomas Wayne who survived in this timeline while Bruce died), Batman Unmasked (featuring the infamous Amazonian sword that he stabs Eobard Thawne with), and Project Superman (an alternate version of Kal that was found by the Government instead of John and Martha Kent. They locked him up for decades without sunlight, his source of power. Hence his emaciated and pale appearance). 

Emperor Aquaman and Project Superman also include the arms and torso of the Flashpoint Universe’s greatest hero, Cyborg! From the looks of him, this figure looks to be massive and will easily eclipse the DC Direct Version of Cyborg in size. 

As announced earlier this month, we will get our very first McFarlane Toys classic pre-Flashpoint Barry Allen as a part of this Target/McFarlane Toy Store Exclusive wave later on in the year and from the silhouette on the back of the box it looks like Queen Diana/Wonder Woman won’t be far behind!

I’m hoping this isn’t the end of McFarlane’s foray into the Flashpoint Universe, as we have a lot more characters they could squeeze out of it. The Joker, while typically not my favorite character, had an extremely interesting backstory and dynamic with Batman so I would love to see that version show up in Figure form. Pre-Flashpoint Eobard, Captain Thunder, Element Woman, Green Lantern (Abin Sur), Citizen Cold (which could double as a classic Cold), Pirate Deathstroke, The Outsider (with Gold Label Alfred); so many fantastic characters and possibilities. Maybe even a box set with some of the lesser known characters.

Thanks for reading, 

Flash Johnson

[violettduchess]

Keith, Iris

A/N: Part of my 500 Follower Celebration🎉

fluff, angst

tw: blood imagery

Keith x f!Reader

Word Count: 1372

The day drags through though storms keep out the sun; / And thus the heart will break, yet brokenly live on; –Lord Byron, Waterloo

*

You’ve always found beauty in the night sky, watching the way the stars appear like diamonds scattered across a blanket of soft, black velvet. But it was only when you met Keith that you began to unlock its secrets. Planets emerged from behind glowing points of light, stars connected with each other to form shapes. The sky was full of stories and he was the cipher to understanding it all.

“You’re quiet, my love.” His voice is silken, his breath warm against the side of your neck. A smile, soft as the night clouds drifting above, crosses your lips and you roll within the circle of his arms to face him. 

“I’m going to miss you.” Your words are simple, but heavy with the sadness of Keith’s impending departure.

In the pale light of his darkened bedroom, his eyes still glow like golden lanterns, beacons of love and warmth that guide you back home whenever you feel lost. Now those eyes are also dimmed with regret. He reaches up, brushing back loose strands of your hair, his hand lingering on the curve of your cheek.

“I’ll send a message every day.” He sighs, eyes downcast. “But God, I’ll miss you too.” A cloud of anger drifts over his face and you reach up hurriedly.

“No, no. As hard as it may be, we both know it is necessary for you to be there for the peace brokerings.” It is your turn to stroke his skin, soothingly. “Don’t be mad. Not when I love to see you smile.”

The tension in his body relaxes as he pulls you closer to him, safe and warm within the comfort of his bed. You breathe out, closing your eyes. Your Keith has been with you for weeks now. The sweet, gentle man you fell in love with. The one who stole your heart with astronomy and fairy tales and walks through the woods. That other side of him, the wraith of shadow and violence that would take control and torment your heart, has seemingly disappeared, not showing himself since that fateful night before your wedding.

A shudder passes through you with memories of that night. Of words that were said, ultimatums hurled like daggers, pain so hot and acidic, it felt like you would go up in flames and burn the palace to cinders. Your sweet Keith falling to his knees, scream-shattered, shaking and broken but ultimately victorious. He had defeated his darkness, he said, tears streaming down his face as he clung to your gown, face pressed into your skirts. It had nearly cost him his soul but he had won. You had gathered him into your arms like a broken marionette and held him to you, whispers of love and comfort wrapping themselves around the grisly wounds in his heart, holding those pieces of him that survived together. The first step to the nightmare ending.

He sighs now, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “ ‘The day drags through though storms keep out the sun’.” 

You tilt your head up in surprise. He is quoting your favorite poet, a man renowned for his romantic words and salacious behavior. You had mentioned once, ages ago while on a walk through meadows of wildflowers, that this was a line from your favorite couplet of poetry. At the time he had merely nodded. You had no idea he would still remember something as small as that. Your heart warms with a surge of love and affection. 

Your palms run over the smooth, bare skin of his back as you move closer, pressing your body against his.

“We have time before it is daylight, my prince. Let’s make some more memories to keep us company in all those lonely nights that lay ahead.” 

The way he smiles burns itself into your mind, a slow, satisfied curve of lip, like a man with a craving who has just been given that which he hungers for. He rolls until he is above you, his large, powerful hands sliding down to capture your wrists. He raises them until they are above your head, one hand enough to hold them together, pinning you down.

“Your wish is my command,” he murmurs as he lowers his mouth to yours once again, shrinking your world down to nothing but the indomitable power of his touch on your body.

*

Dawn always comes, whether it is awaited fervently or resisted with a passion. Horses and men are ready. The royal carriage stands with its beautiful white horses in the lavender light of early morning. You gaze at them from the large window of the salon, arms wrapped around yourself as you watch the final pieces of luggage being loaded onto carts. The ache at having to say goodbye throbs with every beat of your heart.

The door to the salon opens and you hear the click of boots on polished wood. You close your eyes. Part of you wishes he had not come here. That your last vision of him was what you saw before falling asleep last night: hair tousled, lips kiss-bruised, shoulders decorated by your fingernails with red stripes of ardor and devotion.

But you don’t want to waste a drop of precious time with him. You turn, launching yourself into his arms, burying your face into the coarse fabric of his uniform. His arms tighten around you.

So tight.

“There, there.” 

Those words. They are whispered slowly, almost a drawl, dripping with something, drops of liquid nitrogen that freeze the blood in your veins, that stop your heart from beating. His arms tighten even more, your ribs crying out at the pressure.

“You…..” The word is a hiss, the air he is pressing from you escaping your deadened lips in a rasp. No….your heart screams….No….

“What’s the matter, wife?” He steps back, his white gloved hands sliding down your arms to grip your wrists in a twisted echo of last night, except now they feel like manacles. “Don’t you want to say one last goodbye to your husband? Or was last night more than enough for you?”

You recoil, but his hold on you is iron.

“You….were gone. He…beat you.” The words burn, leaving your tongue blackened and ashen. “Why have you come back?” There is a tremor in your voice, harbinger of the scream you wish you could release, the fury that this side of him wasn’t banished for good.

“Come back?” He yanks you toward him, lowers his head. His breath is a viperous hiss in your ear. “My love, I never left.”

Horror is a monsoon, washing over you, filling your lungs until they feel like they might explode. Your skin is cold, ashen, corpse-like. You burn and you freeze and one more touch will shatter you like a cracked glass figurine. 

“No…..” The word struggles past a throat choked with revulsion. “We….He….he defeated you. You….he said you….were gone….” Words pour out of you, blood flowing from a gaping wound. 

Keith delivers you a knife-edged smile. “One of us is.” A white glove reaches up, flicking away the tears on your cheek. “Do not cry. I’ll be home soon and we will be reunited. Husband and wife. Together forever.”

And then with the turn of an immaculate white boot, he is gone.

You sink to the wooden floor, hand pressed tightly against your mouth. Flashes of your life over the last few weeks whirl through your mind, images fractured as if seen through a kaleidoscope. Your wedding. Your honeymoon. The blissful days leading up to this moment. His eyes, those soft mirrors of gold, now broken and jagged. His smile cruel. Your memories as false as his heart has been this entire time.

Unbidden, the second line of your favorite verse comes spinning wildly into your consciousness: ‘And thus the heart will break, yet brokenly live on’. 

As you sit on the floor, your whole world shredded and laying like tattered ribbons all around you, there is no sense of living on. There is only the endless darkness of a starless sky, that heavy, smothering black velvet waiting to engulf you, mind, body, and soul.

▪

Tagging: @scorchieart @aquagirl1978 @atelieredux @alixennial @alexxavicry @rhodolitesroseforclavis @somekidnamedkai @ikemen-prince-writers-posts @bellerose-arcana @thewitchofbooks @ikehoe @redheadkittys @themysticalbeing @queen-dahlia @moonstruck-writing @dear-mrs-otome @queengiuliettafirstlady

[voidgonemissing]

can i request sleepy bois x reader during a powercut where the reader is afraid of the dark? love your writing sm!!!

we'll protect you

➵ c!sbi & reader

➵ cw: fear of darkness, swearing

of course anon! ty for the request I've been wanting to write something but i had no clue as to what until today! so, I'll post this plus another request today and then I'll have some of my other stuff scheduled for the next few days.

---

as the storm outside raged on, y/n stay wrapped within their their blanket. the power outage was completely unexpected meaning that they had nothing ready for the storm.

to make matters worse, y/n's phone was dead and they had no idea as to where a flashlight could be and that was if there even was a flashlight.

oh how y/n wished they could tell one of the many boys that was in the house, they refused to. not wanting to have bothered them with their problem. however, y/n remember mentioning it techno once but they highly doubted that he even remembered y/n mentioning what most would see as a childish fear. therefore, y/n stayed under their blanket, only hoping that the power would soon come on.

regardless of y/n thinking technoblade didn't remember. it was the only thing on his mind as he scowered the house for candles, flashlights, lighters, really anything that could bring light. "philza, where are the candles?" The piglin shouted, hearing a series of what seemed to be multiple people's, footsteps.

"is lil ol' technobalde afraid of the dark?" wilbur snickered when he saw the pink haired male practically ruin the organization of things trying to find candles.

"fuck off wilbur, phil!" techno yelled even louder, causing y/n who still lay upstairs to jump slightly.

philza, surprisingly, didn't own many light producing things, the only thing he could think of was the spare lantern he had, so he immediately went to go grab it from its storage area to light it. "got one right here, mate!"

techno shot up from his crouched position, practically running towards philza as he took the lantern from his hands.

"what has you in such a hurry?" tommy asked as he noticed just how quickly techno was moving.

"y/n." was the only answer the boy got as techno ran to y/n's room.

"y/n?" tommy questioned as philza's face morphed to one of concern and quickly followed after techno. both wilbur and tommy looked at eachother before they followed after them.

y/n, who was still hiding under their blanket, flinched when they felt a hand on their shoulder.

"y/n, you can come out now." technoblade spoke softly, trying get y/n into a calm state. "i have a lantern."

y/n's eyes quickly shot open, pulling the blanket out from over their head as they soon noticed the light. quickly scooting closer closer the light, y/n sat huddled against techno when the other three walked in.

"y/n are you ok?!" philza asked the second y/n had come into his line of sight, moving over to inspect them over.

y/n nodded as they avoided any and all eye contact, too embarrassed to face them.

"y/n.. are- are you afraid of thunderstorms?" wilbur asked, y/n shaking their head as they stayed as close to the light as possible.

"the dark," techno corrected as he tries his best to keep y/n close and make them feel protected in some form.

everyone was silent, philza deciding that it would be better to show physical comfort over verbal as he sat on the other side of y/n. the other two boys decided to sit on the floor in front of y/n as tommy started talking, making conversation on a topic that he knew would get y/n's mind off of the darkness that surrounded them.

it worked, y/n had fallen asleep.

[padme-parker]

Mizpah // the darkling x f!reader // ch 7

summary: You and Aleksander come to a disagreement discussing who should be able to wear Morozova’s collar. Zoya is put in her place. Alina has a talk with Baghra. 

warnings: swearing (I think??), violence, baghra being an old hag.

A/N: frfrfrfrfr sorry this took so long lmao, it was very unmotivated to finish. not proofread, I was halfway asleep when writing this so sorry for any mistakes. Listen to a great song while ur reading lol!

YOU thought back to what the letter in your pocket said, something had changed within Aleksander. Before he was the Darkling, he was your Aleksander. That naive, loving boy was now gone. Replaced by the rough shell of a man. He sought out the power to protect his people, power that you could wield.

“Aleksander,” His name left your lips in a hushed whisper, “..what if I want the stag for myself?”

“No, I won’t allow it. We have Alina for that.” His dark gaze bore into yours. His eyebrows scrunched together, suggesting the conflict within him. He wanted for you to have the stag, more than anything. But he wouldn’t let it happen if that meant losing you, he realized that now, centuries too late.

“I won’t allow you to put the life of my friend at risk.” You shook your head, Alina deserved to live a happy life with Mal. Far away from the war and the Little Palace. Somewhere far away from your Aleksander.

“So then you agree, it’s a risk. I’m not going to let you take it. Not when I just got you back.” He said, reminding you of the many times he’d lost you to the stag.

“Things are different now. We have better weapons. More Grisha willing to fight than ever. We even have two sun summoners.”

“The Fjerdans have a weapon that fired multiple bullets at once.” The haunting images of Mikhael and Dubrov being shot down entered your mind. They had been your friends too, even if you weren’t as close to them as Mal was. “And the Shu, they’ve always had far more advanced technology than us. Like I said, no one can know about you being a sun summoner.”

“But..” You longed to feel that giddy warmth you felt when you summoned, a glow that you could feel radiating from you. It was the same glow Alina had on her face whenever she summoned. The glow Zoya had when she used the wind to push you into that stone wall. You hovered one hand atop the other, waiting for something to happen. A simple spark, then nothing. A frustrated sigh left your lips.

“It won’t come that easily, my love. That’s why Alina and I must banish the fold together. Only then can we truly be together.”

“You said-” A memory comes flashing, candles and lanterns flickering. The two of you laid naked in a bed, a thin sheet covering you. His hand resting on your hip, his thumb rubbing soothing circles. He whispered something into your ear, moving his hand from your hip to glide over your collarbones. You shiver at the memory. “You said that you and I were going to change the world. So what’s changed?”

“I thought that there would ever be only you and I. That there would be no others like us. But I was wrong, we have Alina now-”

“You have me! I didn’t know it until now, but you’ve always had me.” You raised your voice, startling him. “Do you tell the same thing to all the sun summoners you meet? Or was it just me and Alina, oh wait..” You scoffed out. This was ridiculous, you came here for the truth. Not to argue with an ancient man.

“It’s not like that, I thought I had lost you forever. I mourned you for centuries, even the day I met Alina. I mourned you until you finally returned to me.” He takes your face into his hands once more. You’d become increasingly aware of just how naked he was, you eyes darting down to the towel that was holding on for dear life. “I can’t spend the rest of my life mourning you again, knowing that you may never return.”

“Fine.” You weren’t giving up, not yet. But you didn’t want to spend another second with him when he was just a slip away from flashing you. You make your way to the door, but before you could even touch the knob, you're in his arms once more.

“Where do you think you're going?” His voice was deep, raspy. His hold on your wrist was gentle as he stared at you, waiting for you to answer.

“To sleep.” You said, as if the answer was obvious. “In my room.”

Aleksander exhales, heavily sighing. “You could stay here..” Even after centuries, you were still the one person who could make his heart flutter. The only one who could make him nervous. He didn’t show it visibly. But from the smirk on your face, he could tell that you knew the effect you had on him. “..with me.”

You observed his room, hexagonal in shape. All the furniture was black, keeping to his theme. Quite possibly the most horribly decorated room you’ve ever been in.

“Do you really live like this?” His room lacked the life and warmth you seeked. There were bookshelves that ranged from floor to ceiling. Images of a forest etched onto the walls. He may have lived here, but it was clear it wasn’t his home.

“Here? Yes. But I wouldn’t call this living.” He surveyed his own room, looking at everything from his bookshelves to his domed ceiling above his bed. “Just merely surviving. The Little Palace isn’t my home.”

“And what is?” You’d already expected what his answer would be.

“You.” He hears you scoff at his statement as he lets a smile paint his features. “Our home, just north of Kribirsk.”

“We have a home together?” You tried to imagine what it would be like, a comfy little cabin in the woods. The General you knew wasn’t one for modesty, he rode around in a black carriage for Saints sake. But maybe for you, he would have settled down for a simple life.

“Well, would you call a run down castle a home?” If you closed your eyes hard enough, you could visualize it. A stone castle overgrown with vines, some of the structures had tumbled to the floor. You could hear the rushing water in the background, most likely a river. Fields of lavender surrounded the castle. The lavender and honey bar of soap came to mind, he remembered what you smelt like. A smile came to your lips. “What, do you think that's funny?”

“No, it’s just..lavender and honey. You remembered.” You teased, using your hand to cover your mouth to subside the laughter that was bubbling in your throat.

“Besides your belongings, it was the only thing that kept you fresh in my memory.” He walks closer to you, something akin to cinnamon, rain, and honey wafting towards you. Such a similar scent, but so different.

“Well,” You said, removing the gold kefta revealing the black slip on you had worn underneath, “If we’re going to sleep in the same bed, can you please put on some pants.” You set the kefta on a chair, feeling his gaze on you. His eyes taking in your form as you kept your back to him. The next thing you heard was the shuffling of his feet, then his towel dropping to the ground. Your eyes widened as you resisted the urge to whip your head around.

“You can look.” He said, but you knew he hadn’t even put on his trousers. “It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before.”

“I know that, but I haven’t yet in this lifetime.” You let out a nervous laugh as you toyed with the lace detailing of your slip on.

“We can change that now if you’d like.” This time, you whip your head around. You're thankful to see that he’s got his trousers on now, along with a shirt. The corners of his lips quirk up as he takes in your reaction, “I’m just kidding.” He said, followed by a whisper, “maybe..”

“No, no. You and I are just going to sleep together. I mean sleep in the bed together. As you know, like friends, but not friends-” You stop yourself before you could go on. “Aht, you know what I mean.”

“Are you nervous?” He questioned, his eyes looking at how you fidgeted with your clothes. “You always find something to fidget with when you’re nervous.” The statement made you drop the lace of the slip on, clasping your hands together behind your back.

“I’m fine.” liar. But who wouldn’t be nervous? This was the infamous Darkling, and you were going to sleep next to him. You reassured yourself that you weren’t like the others. How many of his flings did he invite to stay the night when he was finished with them? Probably none. Besides, you weren’t a fling, not even close to it.

“You know you can trust me, right? I won’t do anything you're not comfortable with.” You let out a hum as you made your way towards his bed. He copied your actions, lifting up the covers and getting in them. He patted the spot next to him, waiting for you to move. You go to take off your night slippers and place them at the foot of the bed, noticing that he had also placed his boots near the foot of the bed.

“So, that’s where I get the habit from.” You said as you got into the covers, sitting awkwardly next to him. “I assume I get my many habits from you then. Just not sure which ones.”

“There’s a long list of them,” The fidgeting of your hands and feet make him laugh, “That one, surely doesn’t come from me.” Before you know it, you’re encapsulated by his arms. You let out an oomph at the sudden movement.

“Comfortable now?”

“Very.” You replied as you snaked your arm across his waist, your head resting on his chest. Listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was your first time being in his arms, but it felt so natural to you. A memory from Caryeva surfaced, golden eyes that stared back at you as you melted in his embrace. You shook the memory from your mind, not wanting to think about him when you had Aleksander next to you. “Do you think we could visit the castle?” You whispered, playing with the fabric of his tunic.

“Anything you want.” One of his hands goes to your hair, gently playing with it. The other stroking the soft skin of your shoulder. It was a routine that came naturally to the both of you, as if the missing puzzle pieces had fallen into place. “That’s actually where I went for the week. I knew that sooner or later, you would remember me. I wanted our home to be just the way you remembered it when you arrived.”

“That’s very nice of you…” Sleep was finally catching up to you as the truth weighed heavy on your mind. Aleksander continued to play with your hair even when you saw the steady rise and fall of your chest, signalling you were asleep. Careful not to wake you, he kisses the back of your head with a smile. You were finally in his arms once more.

-

THE feeling of someone breathing behind you had pulled you out of your sleep. It wasn’t a situation that you found yourself in often. But the warmth he had been radiating had almost lulled you back to sleep, almost. The arm that was loosely thrown around your waist had pulled you closer until he could rest his chin on your shoulder.

“Good morning, my darling.” His deep, raspy morning voice had stirred something in your stomach, a fire igniting in your core. “How did you sleep?” You removed his hand from your waist as you turned to face him.

“Fine, now that you’re beside me.” You had to admit, it was weird sleeping in the same bed so soon after finding out the truth. But you didn’t want to take any moment with him for granted. “I had another memory come to me while I was asleep.” He urges for you to continue, “I think we were at the castle. The sun was setting, giving the room the most beautiful haze. There was no music playing, but we were dancing in each other's arms.”

You see him smile as you describe the memory to him. He abruptly gets out of the bed, only to offer his hand to you. You wearily place your hand into his, a giggle leaving your lips as he tugs you out of bed and into his embrace.

“There’s no music!” You said as he twirled you around.

“It didn’t stop us last time.” He swiftly replied before pulling you back into his arms, settling for a slow sway. You could feel the fabric of his trouser brush against your legs at his every movement. Laying your head on his chest, a feeling of ease overtook you. You closed your eyes as you got lost in his hold.

It was a feeling so foreign to you. All your life you had always been on edge, even as a child at Keramzin. You could never let your guard down. But with Aleksander there was a side to you that you never knew. One that allowed you to relax and finally be happy. It was a side that neither of your closest friends had seen, ever. When survival was always your priority, you were never given the chance to be at ease.

“Open your eyes.” Once more the room had been engulfed by your light. You looked at your hands as they were glowing, a shocked laugh leaving you.

“Are you doing this?”

He shook his head before replying, “No. This is all you.” You noticed the lack of his shadows in the room, signifying he had no part in what was happening.

“I thought you said it wouldn’t be easy for me to conjure light.” You closed your hands and watched as the light faded, the only indication that you had summoned was the glow on your face.

“I guess being at ease helped you. From here it should get easier by the day to call forth the light.” He explained, a prideful look on his face.

“Does that mean I can have the stag now?”

He lets out a sigh, “No, like I said. I won’t risk your life for the stag again.” His resolve remained strong, never once showing a change of heart.

“But I’m getting stronger, within months I’ll be able to summon at my fullest potential!” You insisted, keen on having the stag on you instead of Alina.

“The key word here is months, we don’t have that time anymore. I’ve already spent months training and mentoring Alina. The people are getting restless, they want to see the shadow fold gone. Immediately.” He responded.

You opened your mouth to reply, only to get cut off by the frantic knocking at the door.

“What is it?” Aleksander growled out, irritated by the interruption.

“Sir! It’s the girl! She seems to be missing. We’ve searched everywhere for her, General.” Fedyor’s panicked voice rang out. “I’m so sorry, I’ve failed you, General Kirigan.” You roll your eyes as you go to open the door. Probably not the smartest idea since you were just in your nightgown.

“I’m right here Fedyor, no need to worry.” He takes in the disheveled state of your hair. Not yet combed since you’d just woken up.

“Oh sorry, did I interrupt?” He sends you a suggestive wink, which he prays that the General didn’t see.

“No. In fact, I was just leaving.” You looked back to Aleksander, a bewildered look on his face. “Have a nice day, General! I’ll see you later for dinner, like we discussed.” You hoped he caught onto your excuse.

“So, you and the General..” Fedyor began, his shoulder bumping into yours in a teasing manner.

“We were just merely discussing plans.” You lied, which wasn’t very much far from the truth.

He gives you a once over, “in your sleep attire?”

“It was an urgent matter.” You replied, stilling as you remembered you had left your kefta in his room. You’d just have to fetch it later.

“I’m sure it was.” He snickered. Soon the two of you parted ways, you to your room as he went to combat training. You decided to get changed for the day. You put on your usual military outfit, along with your weapons strapped to you. It’s not like you needed them when you could summon the sun from the tips of your fingers at any given moment.

No one can know. His voice rang clear in your mind, reminding you to limit the use of your summoning. You flopped onto your bed with a sigh. You were in the Little Palace and still managed to find nothing to do. You remembered the books you had so carelessly tossed when you encountered the Apparat.

Reaching for one of the books, you began to read it. You didn’t know how much time had passed when you decided to put down the book. It had been intriguing, but the strain on your eyes was becoming too much. The sun was still shining bright, you decided that you could explore the grounds on your own.

You threw on your jacket, doubling checking to make sure you had your weapons on you. The cold winter wind nipped at your skin as you clutched your jacket closer to you, trying to maintain your body heat. You resisted the urge to join the Grisha as you walked past the combat training area. The thought of fresh air had been appealing, hoping that it would help clear your mind. But it did little to ease it. There were so many questions that you didn’t know if Aleksander could answer. Have you always been a sun summoner? Why wouldn’t Aleksander let you take Morozova’s collar for yourself? How long had it been since he last saw you?

Soon, you found yourself in front of a fountain, a bench a few paces away from it. The old pictures on the stone made you laugh, how wrong their story was. You knew Aleksander, or as they called him, the Black Heretic, had regretted creating the fold. He did so out of anguish, the loss of you becoming too much. Ever since then, the two of you had collectively worked together to destroy the fold. But it seemed like the Saints had other plans for you each time.

“Something funny, otkazat’sya?” Zoya’s voice boomed out from behind. You spun around, finding that Zoya had been accompanied by the oprichniki Grisha as well.

“Shouldn’t you be minding your business, Zoya?” You must admit, it was a lame comeback. But it was the first thing that came to mind.

“I’ll mind my business when you finally leave the palace.” She and the oprichniki took two steps towards you as you took a step back. “Why are you even here? What could the General possibly want from you?” She taunted.

“Well, there’s a long list. Would you like to know?” You didn’t wait for her to reply before continuing, “For starters, I’m not easy. Not like you.” Zoya raises her fist, nearly summoning before the oprichniki stops her. “The General actually enjoys my company, can you believe it! I don’t need to seduce him to keep his attention.” She breaks loose from the oprichniki’s hold and lunges towards you. Before she can even reach you, she has a pistol drawn to her head, your pistol.

“Take another step and you’ll see for yourself if the Saints are actually true.” You threatened. Zoya could have easily summoned air to misdirect the bullet, no one would see. “You know, after being reprimanded, I would have thought that you’d learn your place. But perhaps you haven’t, so let me remind you.” You put your pistol away as you approached her. She lets out a yelp as you grabbed a handful of her hair, forcing her to her knees as her eyes flew up to yours. Your other hand had a harsh grip around her jaw. “I maybe be otkazat’sya, but you’ll find that my aim is accurate. I make no mistakes, Zoya. Remember that the next time you try to cross me.” You released her as she fell to the ground, tears in her eyes. You didn’t know if they were from embarrassment or fear, it’s not like you cared either way.

“Well, well, well, just what exactly do we have here?” Aleksander’s form came abruptly from the forest, as if he had been watching his whole time and he just now decided to make his appearance.

“Nothing. They were just leaving. Isn’t that right Zoya?” You stared at her as the oprichniki helped her up, the two of them scurrying away, leaving you alone with Aleksander. “Pathetic, aren’t they? How long were you watching?”

“I saw them following you and decided to follow them. I knew you could handle yourself, but I wanted to watch the show.” He entwined your arms together as the two of you took the long way back to his room, a path where no one would be able to interrupt or spot you.

“Did you enjoy it?” You questioned, stroking the soft fabric of his kefta.

“Seeing you put Zoya rightfully in her place? Yes. Although I do wish it was you who was on your knees.” He suggested, making a gasp leave your lips. “Anyways, it was time to fetch you for lunch. I know you didn’t have breakfast, and you wouldn’t be able to last until dinner.”

“Why thanks for the concern, my knight in shining armor.” You looked at his outfit again, choosing to reword your statement. “Correction, my darkling in a black kefta.” Now that you were thinking about it, you’d never seen him in anything else but black. Sure there were some memories here and there of him in a different colored top, but he left those colors behind when he’d lost you.

“So, what’re we having for lunch today?” You asked, the two of you continued walking towards his room. There were no interruptions, no others. Just Aleksander and y/n, the way it had always been. The way it’ll always be, until eternity.

-

MEANWHILE in the sweltering heat of Baghra’s hut, Alina struggled to get a grip on her sun summoning.

“What’s wrong with you, child?” Baghra chided, the thought of hitting Alina with her stick had crossed her mind one too many times today. She was about ready to throw her into the fire pit.

“I’ve noticed something.” She began, “Ever since my friend arrived at the Little Palace, it’s like there’s a side of Ale..” Alina let his name die on the tip of her tongue, it felt strange to be saying his given name. “..there’s a side of the Darkling I never knew existed. She’s brought out something in him. Something I haven’t been able to do in the months I’ve been here.”

She felt something comparable to hatred flow through her veins. But she could never bring herself to hate you. Not when you were practically her sister. No- she hated the way she’d so easily given into the Darkling, and how easily he’d thrown her away. She hated herself for giving up on Mal.

“You must tell me child, what is her name?” Alina had never heard such urgency from the old hag before.

“Y/n, her name is y/n y/l/n.” Her eyes widen in shock as she sees the smallest smile come to Baghra’s face. “Do you need a healer or something? Why are you smiling?”

Baghra left Alina in silence as her mind whirled with the possibilities. But there was one echo that was louder than the rest of them: Hope.

-

Mizpah tags: @all-art-is-quite-useless @devilxangel @musicconversedance @parabatai-winchester@runawayolives​ @tartiflvtte @rbg1933 @thatguppienamedbae@batgal96​ @thebarisinhell99 @5hundreddaysofsummer​ @kaqua​ @queenseneschal @benbarnes-supremacy @princessofpersia96 @takethee @dontjinx-it @freakytillthemoon @amortentiaaaa@marvel-ousnesss @coolninjavoid @areomalfoy​ @pansysgirlfriend @universalirwin @leavejuliaalone @xx-winwin-wednesday-xx​ @honeyofthegods @lunamyangel @d-list-goddess​ @comphersjost @telepathdestiel @the-celestial-kitsune @thestoryofmylife9 @s-corpionem @pancakeisreading @sanna2020​ @secretsandtinyshadows @savannah-elliott @maliasblue @tea-effect @disneyandharrypotter @futuristicpinklemur @tanyaherondale​ @the-puff-is-strong-with-this-one @hxgreeves @yourboiialucard​ @thereeallink @ladyblablabla @wolfieellsworld​ @p3nny4urth0ught5​ @louweasleymalfoy @the-natureofme@itsloveroflife @oddlittleminx @within-thehollowcrown​ @itsfangirlmendes @heyyimlaynna @jgtfvhsg @gloriousmoneyrascalbiscuit @auggie2000​ @itsnotquimey @jtownraindancer @sonnensplitter @sarcastic-and-cool @poulterfilms @spookybooisa @stickyknightflowerbailiff​ @hollandsweetie @yungkvte @evyiione @2023-padfoot @kawaiimarshmallow @nikki-sixx-is-daddy @sanktawylan @blackbirddaredevil23​ @athenamikaelson​ @mellifluous-cosmos​ @mylittlecrazyworldofinterest​ @iiclarixa​ @lcandothisallday​ @agent-jbarnes​ @cleverzonkwombatsludge​ @tiiffanym​ @spnstuff-mrvl​

Mizpah taglist closed for now </333

S.a.B. forever tags: @deceivedeer​

[zeeboomblebee]

Ok, my turn to do a Crystalized Review

...instead of working on my essay that’s due tonight. It’s fine though, screaming about the new episodes is way more important dsklgfhjsk.

General spoilers for Ninjago Crystalized episodes 1-12 under the cut.

First of all, wow! I had heard we were getting a teaser or a trailer today, but honestly fully expected to get another 1 minute teaser or something. I did not expect to wake up to nearly half of the much anticipated season slapping me in the face from LEGO’s official YouTube channel.

It was a surprise, but certainly a welcome one. I think the only thing I could wish for is for them to space out the releases of the episode just a bit more (maybe 2 new eps a day or something), because I have absolutely zero self control, and have already sacrificed several hours of productivity to binging a lego show on a Friday morning/afternoon instead of writing an essay, doing homework, and going to a Pride event asklsdhg.

I want to go over the overall impressions first though. One of the things I absolutely love is emotional delivery of these new episodes so far. I just mentioned it in a recent post, but the humor has just been spot on. All the little jokes and one-liners have had me cracking up. But it’s not even just the humor that has landed really well, it’s been all the range of emotions. When the audience is meant to feel sad about a certain scene, they do. When the audience is meant to feel a foreboding foreshadowy feeling, they do. Same with excitement, and everything else. I can’t speak for everyone of course, but I think the general quality is absolutely sky high, even compared to a lot of the other Ninjago seasons! The writers are doing it right!

The plot itself has been super interesting too. Episode 1 starts us off, saying it’s been exactly one year since Nya merged with the sea, which man, brought so many feels. The team has definitely struggled to cope though. I love how Cole’s kinda stepped back up to be the leader, in Lloyd’s place since he’s really grieving, poor kid. He really is the rock of the team. Zane shutting off his emotions really hurt augh. Guess all those “over-analyzing” posts were really onto something haha. Kai training kids to automatically attack a new foe and pulling up a fricken Kalmaar cardboard cutout had me in stitches. And Jay just slightly going insane, living in the Lighthouse and talking to tap water was both a little funny and very tragic. Everyone is pretty in character; nice writing, writers.

I was really hoping to get an episode about Nya and her time merged with the sea, and was delighted to see that be the case only 2 episodes in. I must admit, I’m a bit surprised she regained her memories and attempted to reconnect with her family so soon in the season, but it definitely serves as a major plot driver farther down the line, so it makes sense for it to happen when it does. I was SO excited to see the return of that gorgeous water dragon. And omg, Nya meeting Nyad was such an incredible scene. Nyad attempting to help Nya find herself again despite being fully lost to the sea herself, just aughhh feels. And Nya seeing her own memorial lanterns and that serving as the trigger for her to regain her memories of her family and of herself ohh my godddd. Beautiful, emotional, perfect. She came back exactly one year after merging; that just aaaaahhhhhh.

I’m frankly flabbergasted that I hadn’t even considered the possibility of using Aspheera’s elemental draining powers to return Nya back to her human form, especially after seeing the ninja break her out of prison in the trailers, but its frankly ingenious. Also ahh, Skylor’s back!!! :D Great way for her to join in on the party.

Pixal, describing how long it would take for anyone else to build everything and then building all of those vehicles and mechs virtually overnight is such a fricken power move. Such an absolute queen!!

Omg and the neon ninja just being themselves and trying their best is very hilarious. I love how the ninja are just slowly becoming more and more annoyed with them. Wonder if they’ll ever unmask. I’m sure they well at some point, but personally think they’re all new characters that we haven’t seen before.

The way the ninja sacrificed and risked so much to bring Nya back just brought so many emotions I wasn’t prepared for. And how Lloyd said breaking the law and getting arrested was worth it to bring their sister back im cryingggg. It was a very satisfying way to bring Nya back, drive the plot forward, and bring a lot of emotions to the table. 

The whole set of episodes about the ninja escaping Kryptarium were also very good! I really liked having that Zane-centric episode (episode 10: The Benefit of Grief), and him learning to embrace all of his emotions, even the bad ones. Sally was an absolute joy, and I hope to see her again at some point, hopefully as a very successful pop star in Ninjago City!!

Also Fugi-Dove totally has a crush on Jay and no one can convince me otherwise. His heartfelt sacrifice to allow the ninja to escape was so good omg. I was definitely not expecting that!

The Crystal King is certainly appearing to be quite the formidable villain. Plus that reveal at the end of episode 12... oh daaang. I didn’t even notice the foreshadowing, but now that I’m aware of it, it was so obvious. I loved it!!! Fantastic reveal/plot twist, even if a lot of us were already aware of Harumi’s return. Can’t wait to learn more about what happened to her since we saw her last.

Anyway, this was just a summary of my first impressions and an outlet for all the feelings I was experiencing as I watched the episodes. All in all, despite holding several surprises, I think this was a fantastic start to the season. It’s been very strong in terms of writing, action, plot, and animation, at least in my opinion. I’m really looking forward to getting the next set of episodes soon!!

[aqua-bam]

@green-lanterns-c0ck making a separate post for accessibility reasons and clarity

1) Did Atlantis exist on Earth 2? I know Aquaman does, but he seems to have a different backstory there. Arion shouldn't exist over there, right? But does Atlantis exist? Do they have mermaids.

I think Atlantis exists on all Earths. There's definitely an E2 Atlantis after Flashpoint because that's where Queen Marella is from. As for before that, I'm assuming so. My lovely followers and mutuals may have more details. As for if Arion exists, I have no idea. I guess it depends. And technically the mermaid aspect is magic so there's no reason E2 shouldn't have mermaids

2) Arion is pre-sunk Atlantis? Did I get that right? I know he time travels and is immortal and a fucking weirdo, but he's from pre-sunk Atlantis? Were they human there? How did Atlantis start existing. Is that a thing we know?

Yes Arion is pre-sunk Atlantis but do to comic bullshit may show up in a sucken Atlantis from time to time. And Atlanteans were orginally humans. As for how it started exiting its a combo of aliens and gods and magic and depends on which retcon you happen to be reading. Overall it's not important. What is important is, not all Atlantean cities where once of the Surface.

3) What's with the greek mythology too. Like does Arion predate the dc greek pantheon? Does modern Atlantis worship Poseidon or are they just named after him? Does Superman's Ex Lori's city still have his trident after the crisis. Is Aquaman related to Poseidon? Is Arion related to Poseidon???

Poseidons was an ancient Greek city not horribly far away from Wonder Women's island, thus the Greek mythology. Arion can't predate that pantheon as it actually exists and the gods regularly fuck with Arthur for reasons. Each city has its own primary religion(s) with Poseidons having 4 main religions. So some of them do worship Poseidons and his son Triton. I'm pretty sure Arthur and thus Poseidons has the trident and is why Koryak (Arthur's eldest son) got banished. As for Arthur's relation to anyone the answer is mostly likely probably. His dad was and is slut and it runs in the family.

4) How does the Monarchy work? Is Aquaman in charge of all of Atlantis or just Poseidonis? If he has a son, is that son going to be king after him even though there are elections? Was Arion a king. Is Power Girl showing up like King Arthur of Avalons granddaughter in modern Britain. How would Atlantis react if she and Arthur had a child out of wedlock?

Every city has its own form of government with most being monarchical in some sense. Personally Hy-Brasil whole "kill the king and become the king but only if you marry the widowed queen" thing has always amused me. As for Poseidons monarchy that's a post in and of itself but typically it's supposed to passed through the bloodline (but I think there may have been an issue with Koryak ascending to the throne since he was a bastard, but also Vulko told him he was next in line so like. Whatever). I don't think it's passed by gender though so like if Andy, Eldoris, or Mareena were the eldest they'd become Queen. But the monarchy bs is changing constantly and confusingly. Arion was royalty at least (@blackmantagirl you may know?) I think. I don't think Atlantis particularly cared about Karen tbh. That wouldn't be incest but the family tree wouldn't have very many branches, but they reacted to Koryak mostly okay. Then again half the time they hate Arthur anyway so it may be an ordeal.

5) Can Aquaman do magic? I know Mera can and is from a different dimension, and I know YJ!Kaldur can, but can all Atlanteans do that? Can they do more than just water magic? I know they have telepathy and fish control, but could they summon a demon?

@garthofshayeris will be the first to tell you how Atlantean magic confuses me, but here's what I know off the top of my head. Arthur can't do magic despite his dad being a slut wizard, nor can his siblings Orm and Debbie. But Orm can use magical artifacts. Mera's hard water powers aren't necessarily magic but more a genetic thing from Xebel, Jackson (Kaldur's half-brother/ Kaldur's main E counterpart) has similar powers but also electricity. Young Justice has it's own magic system made up entirely for E16. The ability to speak to sealife is also less magic and more just a thing Arthur, Debbie, and Garth can do. Garth could summon a demon if he wanted, of that I have no doubts. Actually Garth is one of the most powerful magic users in the DC Universe and can do much cooler shit than control water (which is also p cool imo)

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

COSMIC - S1:E3; Chapter Three, Holly, Jolly - [Pt. 2]

A Will Byers x Male!Reader Series

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘠/𝘯, 𝘔𝘪𝘬𝘦, 𝘋𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘈 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳.

WARNINGS: Mentions of [lots of] blood, use of the 'f' word literally ONCE, uhh, I think that's it?

|| 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕 ||

El sits on the floor of Mike's basement, back to the couch. Candy wrappers and crumbs were scattered around a finished puzzle of a beautiful green forest. The strange plastic ship, floating in the air in front of her. It suddenly drops to the ground as her attention is brought to the Supercomm on the couch. She picks up the device and clicks it on, bored with the static that comes from the other end, she soon abandons the device and stands up.

She walks up the steps, eager to explore the house more. When she reaches the top of the steps, she cautiously peeks around the corner. When she decides no one is home and the coast is clear, she continues to explore the house.

With the house to herself, she had more time to linger, and appreciate and explore. It was fascinating to her, and yet it made her sad. Could she have had a life like this? She didn't know what to think when she admired every object, every picture on the wall. There was one in particular that caught her eye.

It was a small photograph, but you could tell it was important. It was another picture of Mike and his friends. Only, they were younger. They were playing and splashing around in the water, a lake it looked like, surrounded by beautiful green trees. Each of them had an arm wrapped around each other forming a line, and their pants were rolled up to their knees.

The young boy on the very left had messy black hair, who El immediately recognized as Mike. He was smiling brightly at her from the picture. A young Lucas to his right, who wore a rather proud grin. Dustin was looking at the two, more specifically Lucas; he had been laughing when the photo was taken.

Will, she believed his name was, had one scrawny arm draped loosely around Dustin, however, he had his full attention on a very cheery looking Y/n who stood proudly showing off a very small frog to the camera. He had daisies on his head, tangled in his hair, and a gleaming smile showed off a missing tooth. He was holding the frog so delicately.

But it wasn't Y/n, or even Mike that caught her eye. It was the way Will was looking at Y/n. His eyes held a certain fondness and appreciation, his smile warm and genuine. El tilted her head ever so slightly, thinking. Something deep inside her was gnawing at her, a feeling that was foreign to her. Shaking her head, she moved on to the rest of the living room.

She went back to the funny chair Mike had shown her and took a seat. She reached over and pulled on the lever, sending her back and forth as it kicked her feet out. She looked around curiously as the chair rocked her back and forth.

El noticed the weird device on the table beside her and picked it up. It was a strange curved thing attached by a curly wire. It had many buttons, every one of them had a number on them. It let out a strange noise, barely audible from the top. She brought it up to her ear to listen to the endless monotone hum. Not knowing what else to do she mimicked the tone, just for fun before putting it back.

She stood up from the chair and sat herself down on her knees in front of the TV. Curious, she ran her fingers down the side until she felt the button and pressed it. A brief crackle of static rang out and as soon as it came on it was replaced with the voice of an older man, the screen lit up in front of her.

"...was occupying a large part of Lebanon. Today, Syria has become a home for-"

Click.

El pressed another button.

The moving picture on the screen changed, where many bright flashes of color dance across the screen. A fake man with yellow hair held a sword as he exclaimed.

"I have the power!"

Click.

"...gift that will last forever. From the Harmony Treasures' collection-"

Click.

A beautiful melody came from the TV set and El's eyes widened in surprise.

Click.

"On the beach and in the sun"

El froze. She recognized the rolling tin can that appeared on the TV. Her breathing began to quicken as she fought the memories back.

- 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 -

The all too familiar humming and beeping of the machines echoed off of the cold, isolating walls. Eleven sat at the same table, with the same camera facing the same window with the same adults who watch her and study her. Nothing was new, and she feared nothing ever would be. All she wants is to go this over with. Wanting to get the damn wires off of her head.

Yet, she sat still, compliant, unmoving. Never taking her eyes off of Papa as she watched him hand the clipboard to one of the men and give her a nod of his head. She turned her head and attention to the small Coke drink. Her eyes bore into the empty can and she concentrated.

Her head shook ever so slightly as she focused, straining. It was difficult, but she was able to do it. The can caved into itself with a loud 'crack' and it wasn't until the monitors stopped did she realize how loud they had been. She looked back to Papa, looking for his approval.

He stood unmoving, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. She felt her nose run damp, a warm liquid oozed from her nose. She blinked, confused and slowly brought her hand up to her upper lip, realizing she was bleeding. She looked to Papa, expectantly. He only smiled a cold empty grin.

- 𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 -

"Coke is it! Coke is it!"

El quickly pushed the first button, shutting the TV off. Breathing heavily, she stood up and made her way to the basement.

|| 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕 ||

My back was beginning to hurt from hunching over for so long, but nevertheless, I continued looking. Lucas needs ammo for his wrist rocket, so naturally, the four of us were currently scouring the schoolyard for rocks.

"How about this one?" Mike asks, walking up to Dustin.

Dustin examines the rock Mike handed to him.

"Too big for the sling." He shrugs, tossing the rock to the grass. "So, do you think Eleven was born with her powers, like the X-Men, or do you think she acquired them, like... like Green Lantern?"

"She's not a superhero. She's a weirdo." Lucas says as he searches for that.

"You don't know that," I mumble, Lucas, however, doesn't hear me.

"Why does that matter? The X-Men are weirdos." Mike adds.

Lucas turns to Mike, agitated. "If you love her so much, why don't you marry her?"

I roll my eyes, and straighten up, stretching out my back.

"What are you talking about?" Mike sighs.

"Mike, seriously?"

"What?"

"You look at her all, like... 'Hi, El! El! El! El! I love you so much!'" Lucas teases, grabbing Mike in for a hug before getting down on one knee. "'Would you marry me?' I'm telling you, man, you're just as bad as Will!" He stood back up when he said the last-

'Wait...What?'

"What?" I asked, completely thrown off.

The boys freeze, Lucas especially. Lucas excluded, the boys all look at me with awkward smiles on their faces. Dustin chuckles and gives a still frozen Lucas a few pats on the arm.

"Good job, man. Real smooth."

"Guys, what is going on?" I asked exasperated, crossing my arms.

"Shit," Lucas whispers, closing his eyes.

"Lucas..."

Mike wears a triumphant grin on his face and looks expectantly at Lucas.

"Yeah, Lucas. Tell him."

Lucas sighs, and stiffly turns around, his change of attitude dramatic. He looks around once or twice before growing stern with me.

"You, and Will?" He suggests.

"What about us? What does that have to do with- Oh come on... You can't be serious. He does not like me."

"Literally everyone knows he is totally in love with you." He scoffs.

I scoff in return. "Love? Don't you think you're being a little dramatic? Not to mention, ridiculous?"

"Am I wrong?" He turns to the boys, who hesitantly shrug.

He turns back to me, a look screaming 'There you have it.'

"That doesn't prove anything! We're best friends! So what if we're close?"

He laughs. "Yeah, just as close as Nancy and Steve! And you're no better. You just haven't realized it yet."

"W-What? W-what ar- No!" My words are caught in my throat and I felt my cheeks begin to burn.

'No, I don't!'

It takes moments for me to recover. "Okay, let's say you're right. Let's say he does love me. How can you know for sure, huh? It's not like he told you!"

"Uhh, yeah! Might as well have. He didn't deny it!"

My heart stops, and I feel butterflies erupt in my stomach.

'Will? And me?'

"Look what we have here!"

'Oh, God. Not now.'

I roll my eyes and before I can stop myself I speak. "What do you want, Troll?"

My eyes widen at my sudden boldness but I remain confident. I stare down the two boys who have been bullying us for as long as we've attended this school.

"You better watch your mouth, freak-"

"Back off!" Dustin yells, cutting him off.

Troy looks over to Dustin, looking prepared to throw more insults at my brother but something changes his mind and he cools off. A smug smile tugs at his lips.

"Or what?" Troy spits.

Dustin falls silent, and Troy continues.

"Yeah, that's what I thought. What are you losers doing back here anyway?"

"Probably looking for their missing friend." Troy's goon laughs.

Anger begins to take over and my blood starts to boil.

"That's not funny. It's serious. He's in danger." Dustin immediately cuts in.

"I hate to break it to you, Toothless, but he's not in danger. He's dead. That's what my dad says."

'Where's that damn rock?'

"He said he was probably killed by some other queer."

I feel a lurch in my chest, and I can practically feel my vision going red.

"Come on. Just ignore them." Mike soothes, not only to me but to Dustin and Lucas as well.

He's right. I need to get out of here. I storm off, ready to shove him in the shoulder as I pass but suddenly I feel something catch my foot and I fall to the ground. A sudden wave of searing pain explodes on my chin when I hit the ground.

Dazed and confused, I push myself up enough to see a large, rather bloody rock just inches from my face.

I groan, rolling over on my back, I hear laughing and frantic footsteps.

"Y/n!" Dustin and Mike run over to me, Lucas storms up to Troy.

Dustin and Mike each grab an arm and help me sit up. I hesitantly bring a hand up to my chin and I hiss in pain. I look at my fingers and they are absolutely covered in blood.

'Holy crap.'

I groan and look to Lucas worried. He stands firm and tall, right up in Troy's face.

"Leave us. The fuck. Alone." He says through clenched teeth.

My eyes triple in size, surprised by Lucas's actions.

Troy and his friend laugh and walk away. Repeating Lucas in a mocking voice.

"You okay Y/n?" He reaches out his hand.

I gladly take it. However, I get a little lightheaded as I stand. "Shit, that's a lot of blood."

I look down and I see splots of blood already sprinkling my shirt.

'Great. This will be easy to explain to mom.'

"You still have that first aid kit?"

I close my eyes, sighing.

"Crap. No. I left it at Mike's." I sigh.

"We better get you to the nurse's office then."

"No, I-I'm fine." I sigh, wincing at the pain.

"Are you sure? You're bleeding, like a lot." Mike says.

"Yeah, I'm good. As long as I stop the bleeding, I'll be fine.. My body has always been able to heal quicker than most, anyways."

"He's right. I've seen it."

I offer a small smile. "Well, I at least better go get a tissue or something. I'll be right back." I say.

The boys nod, and I head off to the bathroom. My mind wanders back to what Lucas was telling me earlier, and the weird feeling in my stomach returns...

[aspiringauthorintraining]

Sands of Eon (1/2)

(A/N): Buckle your seatbelts, cause this is a long one! Read with sad music to really get in the mood. Cause I wrote this with sad music playing in the background lol.

“Do you have a wish, Xiao? I’ll write it on your lantern.”

“No need. I don’t have a lantern nor do I have the desire to make one.” He quickly shut down your offer, no sound of amusement or humor found in his tone. But unfortunately for him, you were used to his constant rejection and came prepared this time.

Grabbing another lantern from under the table, you pushed it towards him with a smile.

“Well, lucky for you, I already made you one.” you laughed, seeing his surprised reaction at the lantern in his hands. “No need to thank me.” you added.

“I don’t-”

You interrupted him before he could say no. “I already made it, and I don’t need two wishes. And like I said, I’ll even write it for you if you want.” Seeing his hesitation, you offered him a deal. “I’ll tell you mine, if you tell me yours.”

Xiao, knowing you weren’t going to give up until he relented, nodded reluctantly.

You clapped your hands happily at his defeat.

“My wish is to become someone who can protect the great and mighty Xiao!” you exclaimed, showing him your lantern.

    To become someone who can protect the great and mighty Xiao.

                                                                                 - (Y/N)

The adeptus gave you a puzzled look after confirming for himself that you had indeed written the same wish verbatim, onto your lantern.

“Well, you protect Liyue, right? But who protects you?” you asked the yaksha. And you predicted that he would say something along the lines of “not needing the protection of a mere human” or what not, so you chimed in again. “Of course, I’m not as powerful as you are. So my protection will mostly be in the form of Almond Tofus and my company. And I'll always be here for you, whenever you need me.”

“I have no need of you, nor your company.”

You tried not to smile at the fact he didn’t mention not needing Almond Tofus.

“I’m lonely. You’re lonely. So we can be lonely together, then.” Shrugging, you changed the subject before he could retort back. “So, what’s your wish then?”

At the conversation returning back to the topic of his wish, he let out another sigh.

“Hand me the brush, I’ll write it.”

As he silently wrote down his own wish on his lantern, you wondered whether he insisted on writing it himself because he was embarrassed to say his wish out loud. Or was it because he didn’t like your handwriting? You figured it would most likely be the latter. But upon noticing the slight blush dusted onto his cheeks, you couldn't help but second-guess yourself.

And after a short moment later, he handed the writing utensil and lantern back to you.

“You sure you don’t want to come with me to release the lanterns?” you asked him, hopeful that maybe this year would be the year to finally convince the recluse man of joining the festivities. “We can release it on the mountain, instead of in the city if you would feel more comfortable?”

“I would feel more comfortable staying here.” he replied firmly. His tone didn’t give away any leeway of changing his mind, so you decided that the lanterns would have to do this year. But hey, at least he participated.

After gathering your things, you made your way down the steps of the inn, and into the direction of the road leading back to the city. You waved a goodbye up to Xiao, who just watched your retreating figure. It was only when you stopped walking to frantically wave at him, that he gave a half-hearted wave back. He probably breathed a sigh of relief at your absence, once you left his view. But still, the half-hearted action brought a smile to your lips, and it remained with you the rest of the way home.

Once the Lantern Rite festival ended, the Xiao lanterns disappeared as quickly as they had appeared.

You had been tempted to keep Xiao's lantern after the festival, knowing it was the first, but you hoped not the last, lantern Xiao had written a wish on. But the lanterns were meant to be released, not kept. And it wasn't hard to keep the wishes written on yours and Xiao's lanterns to your memory.

In the following days after the Lantern Rite festival, you spent your time contemplating how to go about making your lantern wish become a reality. But as you wracked your brain, continuously pondering over the problem, you were left with one resounding question.

What really could you do for Xiao?

You didn’t have much to offer the yaksha. You were neither rich nor someone with immense power that could rival his. Your company, which you weren’t even sure whether he enjoyed or not, was the only thing you had going for you. Well, that and making him Almond Tofus.

So then, nothing, it seemed.

You sure talked big for someone who had nothing to back it up with.

That was until one day, when you came across a certain object in a treasure chest in your adventures.

“It’d be best if you destroy that, and forget you ever saw it, (Y/N).” the archon responded to your question.

“Why? Isn’t it just another hourglass artifact?”

You figured asking Zhongli about the item would be your best bet. With how old he truly was, the Geo Archon had an immense knowledge of everything, and if anyone knew what the artifact was, it would have to be him.

“That’s one of the artifacts that was lost during the Archon War. It’s far more powerful than any used these days.” The funeral parlor owner took another sip of his tea, before continuing. “It’s infused with the raw power of a god, so it has special abilities.”

“Like?”

The man should've known that you weren’t going to follow his advice from the start. He let out a defeated sigh, before elaborating further. “There were rumors that the god who created that specific artifact had received the Sands of Eon from Time itself.”

“Time is a person- I mean a living being?!”

“Again, just rumors.” he noted. “And supposedly, by infusing the artifact with his own power, it could bend the laws of time.”

Your eyes grew wide at the new information. “So you’re saying this artifact could, in theory, turn back time.”

“In theory, yes.”

How could such a powerful artifact have washed up shore and land into your hands?

You decided to ask him one last question, already getting a slight headache at the information just revealed.

“What happened to the god?”

“It was said that the first and only time he used the piece was after watching his people massacred during the Archon War. He used it to save his people; warning them of the future events beforehand, buying them enough time to flee. Consequently, the price he paid for saving all his people was was at the cost of his own life.”

He left you with some parting final words as you left the funeral parlor, to sort out your thoughts.

“There's always a price for changing the past, (Y/N).”

Your first thought had been to give the artifact to Xiao, allowing him to go back in time to when he made a contract with the evil god, Kubira, who used him as a bloodhound. But remembering the fate of the original owner of the artifact prevented you from doing so.

It was then you were reminded of your lantern wish.

To become someone who can protect the great and mighty Xiao.

This was the answer to your wish.

You could use it yourself, and stop Xiao from forming the contract with whatever means necessary. You made a promise to protect him and by doing this you would be able to. There would be no pain or suffering for him to endure if you were successful. And once you realized that this was the the only way to truly protect your friend, you knew there was no turning back.

You gave yourself a month to prepare. Reading up on everything there was to the Archon War to prevent a change into the outcome, with your sudden appearance in the past. It was also meant a month of pestering Zhongli; asking about anything that wasn't recorded or lost in Liyue's history. You researched everything you could about the evil god, Kubira, as well, in order to prevent the infamous past contract that sealed Xiao's fate.

And it was, perhaps, the first time you were ever thankful to have grown up alone. No close ties with anyone, no family to miss once you left. Sure you had friends, but they could continue to live on without you.

The only one person you realized that you would truly miss and regret leaving behind, was the same person you were going back into the past for. You wondered if he would be okay once you left. You were the only one who pushed through his constant rejection and intimidating demeanor to truly get to know him and to be able to call him a friend.

But if you were successful in changing the past, would he even be able remember you?

The night before your departure, you visited Xiao at the Wangshu Inn, with a bowl of his favorite dish.

The adeptus who didn’t know a word about your plan, paused at the forlorn look you had as you watched him eat his food. It was already strange to him that you were just watching him, instead of asking him how his day was or telling him who you had met on your way over like always. And the forced way you nonchalantly brushed off your watering eyes as seasonal allergies confused him even more. Something was off about the way you were acting. And the question you proceeded to ask him was the icing on the cake.

“Hey, Xiao. If I went missing for some time, would you miss me?”

If you had asked this in the first year you met him, he would’ve probably responded with a relieved no. But currently, he remained silent at your question.

Had your efforts to befriend him pay off? Did you actually manage to squeeze into his heart, and make yourself a little home?

“…I would miss your Almond Tofus.” he replied after a long minute, paired with a straight face.

Well, it was better than a no.

During the early stages of your "friendship" with Xiao, the words, "get lost" were thrown in your direction every time you had come to visit. So to you, his current answer was certainly an improvement.

“Is it really that hard to say, “Yes, (Y/N). I would miss you so much. Don’t ever leave me” ?” you drawled, trying not to laugh when he briefly choked on his food at your choice of words.

Gulping down his water, he cleared his throat loudly. “Ehem. F-fine, I guess I would notice your absence.”

Sure, it wasn’t the confession you were hoping for, but you would take it.

You gave him a small smile, turning your attention to the view from the top floor balcony.

Taking in a deep breath, you gathered up the courage to speak your next words.

“Hey, Xiao.”

You looked at him with another smile, this one not quite reaching your eyes. You took a silent moment to memorize his face, down to every detail. When you reached his eyes, you tried to keep yourself from getting lost in the amber pools. But with one look at them, you failed miserably, falling straight into their depths. And with your undivided attention given to his eyes, you failed to notice the slight reddening of his cheeks.

“Thank you for protecting Liyue. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being my first love. And most of all, thank you for always being there for me.”

You stood up quietly, holding onto the same bittersweet smile on your face as you neared him. And before he was given the chance to register your words, you quickly left a soft kiss on his cheek; disappearing down the stairs without another glance back.

Regaining his conscious a moment later, he was about to chase after you, knowing you couldn’t have gone far. But a folded letter on the table in front of him distracted him momentarily, giving you enough time to escape.

Xiao,

I thought long and hard about what I could do for you after saying those big words about protecting you. And I think this is the best way to do that. 

I know you won’t remember any of this once I come back, if I come back. You probably won’t even remember me. But that’s okay. I’ll be fine, being the only one who remembers, if it means you’ll have a better future. So don’t let my efforts go to waste! Eat something other than Almond Tofu and snow. Make and surround yourself with friends. I hope I showed you that humans can be worthwhile friends too. And don’t ever think that you deserve solitude, because you deserve so much more than that. 

Thank you again for everything. I never felt alone when i was with you. I’m still not even sure if you consider us friends, but your friendship meant the world to me. So I’m going to have to insist that we are friends.

I don’t have any regrets leaving. I lived and I loved thanks to you. So now it’s your turn. 

I hope you can live your new life without any regrets or burdens weighing you down.

Love Always,

(Y/N).

Part 2 here!

(A/N): i made it into a two part, because it was taking too much scrolling to read everything lol. Also why is Xiao’s story so sad? I did some research before writing and like I’m crying dude.

Like, comment, subscribe, ring the bell for notifications for more videos. jk lol, this isn’t youtube. Just play some Genshin.

[ashdoesfandomarchieved]

of all i am made of (perhaps you are too)

ao3

Hugo does not believe in soulmates.

To be fair, he doesn’t much believe in anything but the feeling of coin in his pocket and the clever bite of his dagger. What use has he for god and destiny when he carves his own path of lies through time, with a sharp tongue and a cocky smile.

Why should Hugo believe the universe would gift him a soulmate when it already has made it perfectly clear that nothing is free?

Besides soulmates are rarities of the past--legends and folktales on the lips of elders and religious fanatics; the former clinging to superstition from the od era, the latter feeding false promises and hope to the instupid masses.

Soulmates are for hopeless romantics and tiny children. Not for Hugo.

“That does not surprise me,” Nuru says, the beginnings of a smile forming on her face.

She’s lying down in the golden field where they’ve set camp for the night. The contrast of the bright yellow against her dark skin is stunning-particularly in the moonlight, with her dark hair fanning out about her head.

Hugo, who is sitting upright a few paces away and playing with his daggers, frowns.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asks, unsure if he should be feeling defensive or not.

Nuru folds her arms beneath her head, propping herself up enough to make eye contact with him. “Even if you had a soulmate, you wouldn’t know what to do with them,” she scoffs.

He snorts. “ You believe in soulmates?”

“Is that so surprising?”

“Yes, actually. I thought you were the rational one in this party.”

Nuru gives him an expression that indicates how stupid she thinks he is. “I might be the only person who can keep their head in a crisis, but that doesn’t mean I can’t believe in a higher power, Hugo.”

She rolls over, so that she’s laying on her stomach, facing him. “Burning stars fall in my homeland every year. There are stories of a sun princess who’s tears heal the dead. Varian somehow hasn’t strangled you yet. I think you’d better start believing in a god.”

“Or soulmates apparently,” Hugo mutters.

“Or soulmates,” Nuru says. “Would it really be that far-fetched?”

“Do I believe there’s someone out there who shares my dreams? Or has my name written above their heart? Hard pass, Princess.”

“Alright then, how about sharing the same soul?” Nuru asks, folding her hands together and resting her chin on them. “You’re telling me that doesn’t sound at least a little romantic?”

“I don’t have a soul.”

“Now that,” she says, a grin stretching across her face, “that I can believe.”

___

“I think Anya’s my soulmate,” Yong says dreamily, staring at Varian’s redheaded cousin like she hung the fucking moon.

Hugo, despite secretly adoring the round child, rolls his eyes. Hard. “Do you even know what that means?”

“It means we share the same time threads,” Yong replies distractedly.

Varian and Anya are nerding out over something-something Hugo would find interesting or fun to mock them over, but right now, for some reason, he’s more interested in Yong’s adorable-if not misguided-crush on Varian’s little cousin.

“Time threads,” Hugo laughs, cracking his knuckles. Yong winces at the noise, momentarily taking his eyes off the two babbling alchemists. “Alright, color me curious. What are time threads?”

Yong frowns. “You’ve never heard of time threads? Every child in Koto learns about them.”

Ah, must be some religious poppycock only spread in the fire kingdom.

“Well, I’m not a child living in Koto, am I?” Hugo replies lightly. “Spill, little pyro.” He pokes the kid in the shoulder repeatedly until he gets swatted.

“Her lady, Odiyesi, spins a thread for each person,” Yong recites in a sing-song voice. “This thread contains the beginning, the middle, and the end of our lives. If she so chooses, two threads will be intertwined-maybe even beyond the Snip, if she wills it.”

“The Snip?”

“Oh yeah, that’s when you die,” Yong says, side eyeing Hugo.

Hugo ruffles Yong’s hair. “And you think Anya is your thread partner. That’s so cute .”

Yong ducks out from under his hand, scowling. “Why did you ask if you don’t even believe it?” he mumbles, face pink.

“You know what I think?” Hugo asks, pretending like he doesn’t hear Yong. “I think you should go right up to here and tell her all that. Give her a heads up about your eternally bound souls.”

“Your soul is eternally bound to the underworld,” Yong shoots back, with a surprising amount of fire.

Hugo bursts into laughter. “That,” he says, “is the first thing you’ve said all day that makes sense.”

___

“What do you think about soulmates?” Hugo asks mildly. He has a glass of wine in one hand, but he’s barely tasted it. Instead, he stands, staring out the stained glass window and into the courtyard.

Donella, sitting behind her desk, looks up from Varian’s Ulla’s journal-recently procured by Hugo.

The amount of deception and sneaking around he’d gone through to actually get it out of Varian’s line of sight had been painstakingly difficult. And it had been even harder coming up with an excuse to Nuru why he needed to spend the night somewhere other than their current lodgings.

He doesn’t really remember the lie. Just the trust in the Princess’s face when she’d briefly patted him on the shoulder, telling him to be back by sunrise.

Donella closes the journal with a snap, leaning back in her chair. “What a curious question. And from you, no less.”

When Hugo turns around, she’s smiling that sharp smile-the one that makes his stomach plummet with discomfort. Something in him churns at that dangerous expression now, unsure of what he’s suddenly gotten himself into.

He gives a casual shrug, raising his glass to his lips. “Just making idle conversation, I suppose.” The wine tastes terrible. Still, he takes another sip before setting it down on an end table.

“Hmm.” His mentor eyes him skeptically. “What do I think about soulmates?” she muses, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “I suppose the proper answer would be that I hate them.”

He frowns. “So you don’t believe in them?”

“You can’t hate something you don’t believe in, Hugo. Of course I believe in soulmates.” Donella must see the surprise in his expression because she laughs after a brief pause. “I would be hard pressed not to believe in them after seeing it with my own two eyes.”

Hugo blinks, startled. “You met someone with a soulmate?” he asks, disbelieving.

“You could say that.”

“How do-how did you know they were-”

She opens the stolen journal again, long scared fingers deftly flipping back to her reading place. “Because I could feel when she was in pain. Now shut up, Waif, I still have three quarters of this tedious reading to get through and only five more hours to do it.”

___

Even though Eugene has decided to make the conscious effort not to kill Hugo, the guy still shows mild animosity. And by mild, Hugo-of course-means that he drags him around, making him do tedious tasks and scowls whenever he gets close to Varian.

Whatever. It’s not as if Hugo’s going to complain, considering that it’s mostly his fault there was a demon monster briefly unleashed onto Corona that destroyed most of her capital city. As long as Varian isn’t blaming himself, Hugo calls it a win.

So he lets the Prince Consort drag him around the city and put his alchemy to work.

“You don’t have to stay,” Hugo says, at one point, when it becomes apparent that even though Eugene has no idea how alchemy works , he was still going to hover. “I’m not going to cut and run.”

The man had snorted. “Yeah, I already figured that one out for myself,” he’d muttered and then proceeded to not explain what that meant.

So here Hugo is, with an ever present shadow, hovering like he’s a fucking five year old. Hugo honestly doesn’t see what Varian sees in the guy-or Queen Rapunzel for that matter. She looks at the ex-thief like he hung the moon and all the damn stars in the sky.

“It’s because they’re soulmates,” Eugene’s buddy-Lance, Hugo thinks-had said when he caught him staring.

Hugo had scoffed.

Now, bored and overheated after a long day’s work, Hugo watches Eugene frown over some blueprints in the Queen’s study. Hugo’s not exactly sure why he has to be present for this particular part of the renovation project, but he’s too tired to protest.

“Are you and the queen soulmates?” he hears himself asking.

Eugene lifts his head, eyes alight with surprise. He glances back down at the blueprints once, before leaving the table to join Hugo by the open doors leading to the balcony.

“Weird question, coming from you,” he snorts, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms. “But yes. We are.”

Hugo doesn’t know what to make of that. “How do you know?”

The older man hesitates, something like understanding dawning on the man’s face. A small smile crosses lips. “Have you ever met someone that no matter how many times you tried to walk away, you couldn’t?”

Hugo swallows.

“That’s how I know. Now,” he claps Hugo on the shoulder. “If you’ll stop messing around, I need your opinion on whether Yong’s demolition idea or Varian’s solvent solution is going to work best for the lower district’s avalanche problem.”

___

At the end of all things-or perhaps the beginning-Hugo finds Varian on a rooftop.

It’s not hard to find him, as when Varian is brooding, he likes to perch. It’s a habit that the alchemist has either picked up from spending most of his time in a castle with high roofs or perhaps it’s born of chasing his dumb racoon into precarious positions.

Either way, Hugo learns early into his friendship with the darkhaired boy, that when he’s being introspective, he likes to pick a high roof and perch like a fucking woodland creature.

So when Varian goes missing in the middle of Corona’s lantern festival, it takes precious few minutes to find him.

“You are so predictable,” Hugo says, dropping down next to him. Heights don’t usually bother him, but the castle is impressively tall.

The other alchemist doesn’t really seem to mind, however. He lets his legs dangle over the edge, occasionally swinging in the air.

“Or maybe I wanted you to find me,” Varian replies easily. His head--tilted up, toward the stars that are mirrored in the constellations of freckles on his face-is wearing a peaceful expression.

Something in Hugo’s chest clenches tightly at the sight of it. There was a time, not too long ago, where he was convinced he’d never see Varian happy again.

But now, Varian turns his face toward Hugo and offers him a smile. “Or maybe I’m just predictable to you.”

The tightness in Hugo’s chest dissipates. What is left aches for something he can’t have.

“Or that,” Hugo says, instead of doing something stupid like trying to hold Varian’s hand or kiss the stupid expression off his face.

Varian turns back to the stars.

“You know, they say shooting stars fall in the direction of your soulmate.”

Hugo rolls his eyes. “Not you too,” he groans, eliciting laughter from his friend. “I thought out of everyone, you would be on my side here.”

“Aw, don’t believe in soulmates?” Varian teases, grinning boyishly. “Sun and moon, I should have expected that.”

“Yeah?” Hugo raises his eyebrows. “How so?”

“You’re so cynical. And not in the way Cass is-she’s like realistically -cynical. You’re just oh poor me I could never have a soulmate because my soul is made of garbage -”

Hugo clamps a hand over Varian’s mouth, shrieking when he tries to lick him. “I- stop -I don’t have to listen to this slander -”

“-and if you ever did find your soulmate you would be insufferable about it,” Varian goes on, catching Hugo’s wrist when he tries to silence him again. “You would spend the entire time trying to prove to yourself and everyone else that there was no possible way they could be your soulmate and when you couldn’t you would-”

He stops. Blinks at Hugo with realization dawning across his face.

Hugo’s wonders if Varian can feel his pulse racing where the smaller boy’s fingers wrap around his wrist.

“Yeah? What would I do?”

Varian’s lips purse. “I don’t know what you would do. I’d hope you would be smart about it.”

He lets go of Hugo.

Hugo immediately misses his warmth.

“And what would be the smart thing.”

“Well,” Varian draws out the word thoughtfully. He scoots close enough to Hugo that if the taller boy wanted he could wrap and arm around his shoulder. “Well, an excellent start would be telling them.”

“And how would you tell them? If it were you,” Hugo adds quickly, when Varian shoots him a questioning look.

Varian leans back on his hands, head tipped back, exposing his throat to the sky. “I would tell them my heart started beating at the same time as theirs when we touched. That there’s a silver dagger inked on my shoulder that burns when they’re angry and sings when they’re sad-”

“Varian.” Hugo’s heart clenches so hard he briefly wonders if he’s having a heart attack.

“-I would tell them that I dreamed in color the first night we lay side by side in the forest,” Varian goes on, ignoring him. “I would tell them that when we touch I see every color-even the ones that don’t belong here.”

“Varian.”

Hugo’s hand finds his soulmate's.

Varian turns his head to the side slightly, finally meeting Hugo’s eye. With his free hand, he cups the side of Hugo’s neck, tentatively.

“I would tell him that our souls are made of the same thing.” He smiles gently. “It’s just science, Hugo.”

Hugo laughs, pressing his forehead into Varian’s. “How is that the most romantic thing you’ve said yet?”

“Because you’re a closet nerd,” Varian says, right before he leans in.

Underneath a starlit sky, Hugo kisses the boy made of the same stuff as him.

___