#im so glad my old brush didn’t get messed up during the time i stopped working on it

[kingbeeleth]

a while back i started working on recreating a certain pokemon card art by hitoshi ariga so there could be a higher quality version of it and i just finished it today. it’s not perfect but i think i did a pretty good job

original under cut

there are some weird effects and artifacts from the way i upscaled it, but it doesn’t particularly matter since it isn’t really reflected in the recreation

[wincore]

sweet tooth | dong sicheng

pairing: vampire!sicheng x reader

words: 2.8k

summary: out of all the inconveniences a vampire boyfriend could pose, there’s about two tonight: a) him losing it at the next person who compliments his fangs, or b) you losing it at sicheng’s 100% blood alcohol content

genre: vampire!au, boyfriend!au, college!au, (tooth-rotting) fluff, comfort, humour

warning(s): mentions of blood, alcohol consumption, college halloween parties

song rec(s): candy - baekhyun // wish you were sober - conan gray

a/n: let’s pretend it’s halloween pls <3 also im sorry it’s so short and more drabble-ish but i wanted to write something gentle and comforting so!!! yeah ^^ also there is no plot. eep.

It’s two in the morning.

Or rather, it feels like two in the morning. 

A frat party is a horrible substitute for an actual Halloween party. The alcohol content is through the roof and the number of pairs making out is enough to make you feel queasy. You never knew horror themes had the innate ability to make people so flagrantly horny—you’re half glad you’re not, god forbid, single. Most of your friends were too busy, however, to organize the close-knit party you usually have each year—so here you are, with an invitation from a friend of a friend (of a friend). Your boyfriend might be the only one feeling more out of place than you are.

You glance at Sicheng from the pool table, the cup frozen against his lips while his eyes scan the room from corner to corner. You don’t do crowds and neither does he; though he does have the unwitting ability to charm any crowd he’s in. You’re not quite sure if he’s still unaware of that.

You watch as a girl you can easily recognize from your campus approach him, all smiles and giggles. She says something and you scoff, almost completely certain about what it is she said.

Sicheng might be unaware of it—but you are, and painfully so.

She looks at him starry-eyed and the scent of rum wafting around her. A part of her jacket is off her shoulder, a faint blush covering her cheeks that you can spot even under the dim lights. She’s definitely flirting—you know that because rumours go around faster than assignments in this university. Choi Joohee has a very public, very open crush on your boyfriend.

It’s not like it bothers you. Not at all.

Just a little bit.

Jealousy has never been your thing and you’re half certain what you’re feeling isn’t even jealousy—just a taste of alcohol and the proximity of a Halloween house party.

Speaking of which, the only thing harrowing about this place is the amount of alcohol everyone seems to be consuming—including your boyfriend. Ten dragged Yukhei home a while ago and a part of you is still not confident enough to handle a boyfriend with very pointy fangs and midnight cravings for blood (or juice, as Ten disgustingly phrases it). 

Sicheng nods along to something Joohee asks, an eyebrow raised quizzically on her and you assume he’s been zoning out the whole time. The urge to laugh surfaces and you swallow it whole. He’s so cute, even in this state. The lights dance across his face; candy blue, rich purple, saccharine red. The colours don’t help him stand any straighter, or slur his words any less.

You think it’s time to help your boyfriend out. However, the moment you walk through the swarms over to them, Joohee’s face sours. Of course, as the only competition (is it a competition if you’ve already won?) to the object of her affections, you don’t rank too high in her books. It made you a little upset at first, but you got used to it. (“She’ll get over it,” Sicheng had reassured several times. “Don’t worry.”)

People grow, and with that thought, you let it be.

“I’ll talk to you later,” Joohee tells Sicheng and walks away, like he’s supposed to follow her.

You roll your eyes and turn to Sicheng, who’s had a very delayed response to Joohee’s departure. His head is tilted to the side, eyes half-lidded and you’re almost afraid he’s going to drop to the floor right there and then. This is bad. The thing about vampires is that they absolutely should not, under any circumstance, have alcohol. Calling your boyfriend a lightweight is beyond an understatement.

“Sicheng,” you call softly. 

He turns to you, taking a moment to process, before pulling his lips into a wide smile. His fangs poke out even when he presses his lips back together, a contemplatory look over him.

“I thought you left me here.” He forces a sardonic smile.

Drunk off his ass and Sicheng still manages to be annoyingly sarcastic.

You open your mouth and close it again. It’s not like you can chide him without letting your fondness show. The Adonis features that grace his face don’t help. Flushed all the way to the neck, a drunk Dong Sicheng is very rare. The last time this happened must have been at least two years ago (and though you weren’t there then, the way Ten and Kun freeze up at the slightest mention, you decided to not ask).

“Why did you drink?” you ask, huffing. “You can’t even smell alcohol.”

There’s a short pause.

“Because you were ignoring me,” he replies, leaning in.

Heat washes into your cheeks. You forgot how unrestrained he gets with alcohol in his system.

Sicheng seems to have enough consciousness left in him to feel somewhat embarrassed, standing up straight and fiddling with his thumbs. You slip your hand into his without delay and pull, trying your best to navigate through the crowd. Is an ordinary Halloween party too much to ask for? Just when you can finally spot the front door, Sicheng stops abruptly, making you stumble backwards into his chest. He smells like the old deodorant he’s been using for a year underneath the smell of beer and… is that blood?

“Where are we going?” he asks sharply.

“Home, Sicheng,” you whine. “You can stay in my bed.”

He stays rooted in place stubbornly, and you wonder what it is now. This is the time you have to wonder if you’re dating a (potentially) immortal creature or a recently birthed baby.

“We should enjoy more. You’ve hardly smiled the past few weeks,” he mutters.

Your heartbeat spikes for a moment, when he brushes the hair from your face. All this time and he hasn’t changed the words he offers to you in private, the care on his lips and fingertips. A room full of people who aren’t listening is the best place to talk.

The first time you saw Sicheng was in the middle of the night, in the dark hallway of your shared apartment building, blood staining his jaw from a bag he’d acquired from med student Wong Kunhang. (You’re very sure that’s illegal.)

Needless to say, you’d fainted immediately after. When you came to, you were met with a man with pretty eyes and fangs poking out his mouth and in a bed that wasn’t yours. There was no blood this time but you screamed anyway, cut off by the man’s hand over your mouth.

“Calm down,” he said, voice surprisingly deep. “It’s not like I’m going to kill you.”

“You were planning to kill me?” you asked, panicking.

“I just said I wouldn’t,” he replied quietly, eyes wide and almost as stressed as you are.

Sicheng heaves a sigh, massaging his forehead. You shake yourself off the memories, tugging at his shirt so you can sit somewhere at least. The alcohol must have numbed his ears too. The low R&B tunes make no sense on Halloween night; even less when they’re played a few bars above the acceptable volume. If you’re not out of here soon, you might lose your hearing altogether.

The couch is slightly less stinky than you would have expected. (You grimace as you think to the last time you were at a frat party and in particular, the vomit.) Beside you, Sicheng mumbles about something you’re not quite sure of, a quiet rant with one-track emotions. It makes you giggle and for a moment, you forget the predicament of being stuck with a drunk vampire boyfriend who has just finished teething.

“Hey, guys.”

You look up to see Jihoon, the very friend of a friend (of a friend) who had invited you to this mess. It’s not like you harbour ill feelings towards him; but the guy has approximately zero ability to read the room. It’s mostly funny.

Sicheng makes a vague gesture that you assume means ‘hello’, sitting up straight so he doesn't look noticeably tipsy. You make light conversation with Jihoon, Sicheng’s arm around your waist tightening reflexively. You don’t plan on party-hopping, no matter how much Jihoon urges the two of you—seriously, does he not see the look on Sicheng’s face? He looks more zombie than vampire.

“You know, you don’t actually have to wear costumes for this, right? We didn’t set a theme,” Jihoon remarks, tilting his head to face your boyfriend. “The fangs are really cool, though. Holy shit. Dude, they look so real.”

Sicheng’s lips twitch but he forces them into a smile, trying to move as far away from Jihoon as possible. The fangs are usually not out and about in the open, slightly retracted during the day. The night, however, keeps him on edge. Sicheng hates the spotlight that only ever shows up for the wrong reasons, and he’d much rather graduate without having to deal with horny vampire-lovers. (It’s not that sexy; and you know from experience.) 

The way Sicheng looks makes you wonder how many people have pointed out the fangs tonight. You purse your lips to keep yourself from laughing.

“Thanks,” he responds, voice his usual deep baritone. 

Jihoon leaves after being unable to draw any more conversation out of Sicheng, some peace gracing you despite everything.

If you ever write a book on how to deal with vampire boyfriends, the first rule would be to never kiss him at night. The fangs are not as withdrawn then and they hurt. (The second is, of course, to never let them get a whiff of alcohol.)

When Sicheng first kissed you, it was midnight and you were at the convenience store to buy a few lunchboxes and instant coffee mix. You’d yelped when his fang had pricked your lower lip, alarming the worker and around fifteen minutes of (dishonest) explanation later, the two of you had left without buying what you came for.

After fretting for a while, Sicheng had kissed you once more with careful consideration—till the damn fangs got in the way again. It was sweet for a moment—like candy—though, the metallic taste of blood had invaded it afterwards. No matter how awkward or painful it was, your elation outweighed the rest. 

Kisses weren’t the only thing interrupted by fangs.

The turtlenecks and scarves certainly raised an eyebrow in your circle of friends. There was concern at first, then teasing and then a whole lot of inside jokes which made you want to smack each and every one of them. (“They’re hickeys, I swear, not vampire bites,” you had informed Ten. “Ew. I did not need to know that.” “Shut up.”)

Even so, Sicheng is warm—always has been, and not on the skin.  

You feel pressure on your shoulder, his hair tickling your neck and you adjust yourself so it’s more comfortable. 

“Tired?” you ask.

“Not at all.”

You shake your head at his lie. Gently pushing his head away, you get up from your seat and pull him up with all of your strength. Linking your arm through his, you smile at him when he raises an eyebrow. It’s time to get home, you’ve decided and these are times when one vote is enough. 

When you reach the front door, stumbling out with your suddenly talkative boyfriend, the autumn breeze hits you. Under the moonlight, the rosy hue over his cheeks is clearer and even more so when he smiles.

“It’s like our first date,” he says. 

You smile back at him.

“You were so embarrassing,” he adds.

Your smile drops and you smack his arm, eliciting a soft complaint from him.

Your first date was the only normal thing in this relationship—a date at the amusement park on Halloween, a bunch of kids mistaking your now boyfriend for Count Dracula and caramel popcorn smeared over your fingers. 

Sicheng sighs, lowering his head to rest his forehead against your shoulder. The two of you stay like that for a moment or two, the party music finally fading and Sicheng’s warmth seeping into you. You fix the lapels of his jacket absentmindedly, fingers tracing over the material. His hands rest lightly against your back yet still secure. 

A kitten lick at your neck jolts you back to reality. You gently push him by the shoulders, finding his fangs bared already. He stays unmoving for a few seconds before closing his mouth and going back to leaning against you, breath falling in waves against your neck.

“I’m not your juicebox, Sicheng,” you snap, frown deepening.

“But you have so much blood,” he mumbles, his forehead hot against your shoulder.

“Sicheng.”

He sobers up a little, pulling back with a stream of pouting apologies. You bite your lip to keep yourself from smiling. Despite everything, your boyfriend is such a child sometimes. There’s a short pause.

“But wait, don’t go biting someone else’s neck,” you quickly add, flustered.

Sicheng suppresses a smile.  

“So I can have a little—”

“No.”

Sicheng pouts but agrees enough to follow you, the two of you moving soundlessly over the sidewalk. Being alone with him has always been easing; you don’t need a crowd for comfort. 

With fingers interlaced, you walk alone with him as the orange street lights cast shadows on the buildings lined up. A few more blocks and you’ll reach your apartment, get to push Sicheng into bed and pray he doesn’t throw up at your front door—and yet still, you walk as slow as you can as if the autumn wind will be gone as quick as it arrived.

The number of people shrink the further you get from the party, and you heave a sigh of relief, glad to be away from, what you and your friends call, the rich neighbourhood. The familiar path to your apartment, no matter the pricing, has much better air to breathe in. It’s past midnight and yet, you can see the city lights in the distance, the ones that never sleep—for the living or the dead.

Something runs into your legs and you jump onto Sicheng, who in turn flinches away with a strangled yelp. 

You look down to see a giant golden retriever in a white blanket which you assume is meant to be a ghost outfit. It wags its tail, sniffing around your boyfriend’s legs, making him giggle as he crouches down to pet the creature.

“I’m so sorry!” 

You look up to find a young girl holding a pumpkin almost as large as her head, an apologetic look over her head. Some part of you is happy to see a costume, considering you were robbed of yours. (Sometimes you dream of matching costumes but again, the damn fangs.)

“Piri loves people, I’m so sorry if he bothered—oh hey dude, cool fangs.”

Sicheng offers the fakest smile ever, accompanied with a thumbs up gesture. You sigh, apologizing to the girl before parting ways. 

“That’s the eighth time tonight,” Sicheng says, scowling almost. “I counted.”

You laugh, squeezing his hand. Calm, relaxed Dong Sicheng tends to lose it at repetitive comments with only three sips of beer.

When you reach the apartment building, clouds cover the moon and you draw your jacket closer to yourself. You think for a moment about the inevitability of time and whether you’re even allowed to fall in love this way. You push the thoughts aside almost inevitably. When the time comes, you will have a decision to make—and after everything, it is love which turns people. 

For now, you can enjoy this Halloween night with your (literally) one-of-a-kind boyfriend.

You fumble around with the keys, Sicheng looking at you with sleepy eyes as he leans against the wall. He must be worn out from the alcohol by now.

“Hey,” he calls, the words more muffled than usual. 

You raise an eyebrow, tugging him inside all the while maintaining your balance.

“You know my favourite blood type?” he continues.

You shake your head. “If you’re thinking of feeding, I’ll get some blood bags from Kunhang.”

Sicheng pouts. “You ruined the line.”

“Huh?”

“Yours. Yours is my favourite blood type.”

Despite the terrible execution of his so-called pick-up line, you find yourself shaking with laughter. You’re not sure if it’s the late night or the October air—the two of you share the silliest of laughter at the doorway to your apartment.

Within the moment itself, Sicheng leans in to kiss you and your hands move to run through his hair out of habit. The taste of beer and the prick of his fangs makes you pull away. You look at each other for a moment before you give in anyway and kiss him against the doorframe.

October ends with memories—your first date, Sicheng’s cooking disaster, and now this. It’s blissful for the few moments the two of you let it be. That is, until Sicheng opens his mouth.

“Oh, by the way, can you apologize to Ten for me? I think I bit him thinking it was you.”

“Sicheng, what the fuck?”

October ends with proximity, sweet as candy and warm as toast—stumbling into bed with all that and more.

[ushiwakaout]

Valentine’s Day with the Haikyuu Boys

Various x Female Reader || Different Lover Tropes (sfw)

Iwaizumi Hajime (Friends to Lover Trope)

Y’all have been friends for as long as him and oikawa have been friends- but just a little more distant

You’re the person he goes to when he has girl problems or problems in general

So when he isn’t feeling particularly well about himself he goes to you.

He lays his head on your chest, your shoulder, your lap (usually 99% always your plush thighs)

He makes you play with his hair and his hands when he’s feeling sad because you care for him like no one else has (well, his mother but you know what I mean.)

But tell me why y’all haven’t dated. No one fucking knows. Not even oikawa.

So a few days before V-day you ask Iwa if he was a valentines and he says No and questions why you asked him.

You tell him not to worry and plan out everything

HE’S SO SO EMBARRASSED WHEN YOU BRING HIM A SINGLE WHITE ROSE A HOMEMADE CHOCOLATES

He’s like? “W-why? Why’d you do that?”

and you obviously have the tsundure qualities he has so your like “B-because i like you stupid!!! Now are you taking the damn gift or not? I know Oikawa would-”

He’s like- NO NO. Stop right there. “Give me that! SHITYKAWA WOULDNT APPRECIATE THIS THE WAY I WOULD!” Iwa is barking at this point

You: “FINE! THEN! TAKE IT- NOT LIKE I CARE!”

whole school it just watching you guys romantically bark at eachother

Iwa: “FINE! THIS MEANS WE’RE DATING, RIGHT?”

You: “YES.”

Iwa: “GOOD.”

You: “GREAT.”

it’s so awkward the whole day. like grossly awkward. but the tension dies down when you sit next to him during lunch and slowly caress the back of his hand the way you did when you weren’t dating

he’s glad you opened up to him because it would have taken him much longer to admit that he liked you

Time Skip Iwaizum Hajime 

Buys you a bouquet of 23 white roses the day before valentine’s day to give you the twenty-fourth on valentine’s day. He does this every year now.

You guys invite friends over because as (almost) 30 years old you think it’s a little cheesy, Hajime acts like its Valentines Day every day. So when Matsukawa and Hanamaki come over, they get really drunk and they appreciate you guys for not being lovey dovey around them and they start sobbing and laughing bc they’re single.

This becomes a tradition but ofc, sometime iwa calls ahead of time to tell them not to come over for... certain reasons.

He’s probably the cheesiest man on earth because he does not romance well- neither do you but he tries his best.

Would probably ask you to marry him on valentines day if you hadn’t told him before hand “If you even think about proposing on valentines day- I will rip out your organs... Ugh- thats so cheesy, everyone gets engaged on valentines day... Do it like the morning after new years or sum...”

*iwa secretly putting a red velvet box back in his underwear drawer* 

*laughing nerveously* “Hahaha, right- fucking stupid...”

You look at him blankly “Don’t tell me you where about to propose?”

Iwa: “NO! NOT AT ALL.”

You: “What are you hiding in your underwear drawer then, Hajime?”

Iwa: “NOTHING WOMAN, STOP BEING NOSY.”

Osamu Miya (Platonic)

You look so pretty when you come into the gym and everyones like “looking good y/n.” and it’s normal bc your their manager- ofc they’d hype you up.

But the closer they get, they notice your crying.

Osamu isn’t in the gym, he’s getting water in the back and he sees that Aran is holding you in his arms and he just knows something is wrong and everyone is trying to hold him back because he knowns exactly what happened. He’s calling Atsumu over and he’s ready.

Everyone is chasing them down and Osamu already has his guy pinned to the floor (lets just say he has baseball practice)

You’re rushing to get Osamu off but get gets a few swings in before you completely pull him off.

Samu: “You’re too good for this Idiot anyway.” he looks at Kita, “I’m ditching practice and I’m taking her out, I’m not taking no as an answer.”

It was the first time anyone has stood up to Kita and he just nods.

Samu: “Let me wash up, alright? I’ll take you somewhere nice.”

He kisses your forehead and runs your thumb on your cheek, “Stop crying, makes you look ugly.”

As much you wanted to frown, you bursted out a laugh before shoving him away, “Not as ugly as Atsumu.”

Time Skip Osamu Miya (Boss/Employee Trope)

Osamu calls you really early in the morning to ask you to work on valentines day. For some reason, he hates this day more than anything. He doesn’t like how girls (of all ages) bring him stuff and he ALWAYS has to reject them but now since your working you’re the the ones who kicks them out.

He loves watching you run them away with a sweet smile and when you turn around you have the most annoyed look on your face, it’s really cute.

Samu: “Thank you princess.”

You: “Yeah, shut up and get to cookin’ boss.”

He just smirks and tilts his little onigiri hat and starts on orders again

Once the shift is over and the restaurant is closed, cleaned and organized, you’re waiting for him at one of the tables you didn’t pick up yet and he brings you out a really cute meal.

You: “What’s this for?”

Samu: “A thank you, for- *clears throat* not leaving my side... and I-uh don’t want you to do so, any time soon.”

You’re looking at him blankly. He forgot how blunt he had to be with you.

Samu: “I- God, I’m trying to ask you to be my girlfriend.”

You: “OH! Oh my god.... Really? Are you sure?”

Samu: “Y/n, I- You’re lucky I love you....”

You: “L-Love me?”

He looks at you like a deer caught in the headlights... “Uh-I uh... crap- I didn’t mean-”

You: “Shut up and kiss you Idiot.”

Samu: “Okay- yeah good idea.”

Matsukawa Issei (Best Friends Older Sister || First Love Trope) @sloppykyuu

You’re only two years older than him but ever since he became friends with Hanamaki (around the age of 7) he came over once and you bumped into him and he blushed to the point he looked like a cherry tomato

Maki thought it was gross that he suddenly started liking his older step sister

You and Hanamaki get along really well now (You’re 18, making Maki and Matsun are 16), so whenever Matsukawa is around you jokingly called him “Nii-san.” When Hanamaki wasn’t there and he spit out his drink. 

You laughed so hard and just ruffled his hair a little and left him alone for the rest of the day

Ofc you teased him a lot but the second you turned 18, they cooled down a lot. 

So when he gives you a bouquet of Sakurasou (Primula Sieboldii, which signify desire and long lasting love. 

Matsukawa: “ Please accept the flowers- I know you’ve been keeping your distance because of your age and you don’t have to accept my feelings for you but please accept these flowers.”

The sweetest boy you’ll ever meet ngl, “Thank you Matsun...” you gave him a kiss on the cheek and ruffled his hair. “As me again when you’re older, yeah? I’ll always be willing to give you a chance.”

Timeskip Matsukawa Issei

When he turns 18, you weren’t single. He was so miserable watching you be happy but when you come home a little sad looking, Hanamaki and him are pretty confused when you tell them that YOU broke up with your boyfriend

Maki: “Everything was going alright with you guys- what happened?”

You: “I uh- I lost feelings... Nothing against him or anything, I just... just happen to like someone else now.”

You don’t look at Matsukawa so he’s like- ugh.... another guy? he’s heartbroken just a little.

3 years later when both of you got drunk when Maki was out for a valentines day date- Matsun was like, “Admit it already, you’ll never find a guy who dedicates to you the way I have.”

You’re a blushing mess since your drunk and you just pin him to the floor, a little teary eyed, “Maybe your right... Maybe I should give you your chance. You’re still so in love with me? After all this time?”

He brushes a strand of hair away from your face and smiles, “Of course I have... You I would have lasted being friends with Maki if it weren’t for you?”

Maki: “I HEARD THAT!”

Both of you laugh but you lay your body on him as he wrapped his arms around you, kissing your forehead as your step brother grimaced at the sight. “Took both of you long enough, disgusting...”

 Ushijima Wakatoshi (Reunion Romance Trope)

You’ve known Ushijima the longest out of everyone, even Tendo. And every year you ask him to be your valentines and he agrees bc your friends.

From the start it was always a friendly thing but at some point, your feelings for him changed during high school.

You don’t tell him, you never dared because you know his dedication towards volleyball would always go before his feelings.

One day you’re down the hall from his class and you notice that he’s talking to a girl- or more the girl is talking to him, so you hide in the corner. She was offering him a box of chocolates but he politely denies by saying “There’s only one girl who’s allowed to be my valentines, but please don’t take this personally, she mean’s everything to me.”

D-did you just here that right? Your leaning against the wall and sliding your back all the way to the floor, blushing like a mad woman.

So when Ushijima walks down the hall and sees a small figure to his side, he’s really worried as to why you are on the floor looking hot. “Y/n? Are you alright? Do you have a fever?” 

THIS MAN DOES NOT PUT HIS HAND ON YOUR FOREHEAD BUT HE PUTS HIS OWN AGAINST YOURS 

You’re trying so heard not to breathe onto his face but then he looks into your eyes when hes doing this and you shove his gift onto his chest. “PLEASE GET OUT OF MY FACE AND J-JUST TAKE THEM, IM FINE...” His warm fingers graze your for a second when he takes the chocolates and you just can’t do it anymore “I N-NEED TO GO NOW, BYE TOSHI- WAKATOSHI.”

Doesn’t question you, like ever.

During graduation you tell everyone that you are leaving over seas and Toshi honestly looks like a kicked puppy- his best friends, they’re all leaving. 

You’re crying into his arms when he’s dropping you off at the airport.

Timeskip Ushijima Wakatoshi

7 years. It’s been 7 years since wakatoshi has see your pretty face. 

You send a valentines post card and somehow it always gets there a day before, the day after or sometimes- even on valentines day.

You forced him to give you his address when he moves every time bc you send him a basket of goods. Usually a fruit arrangements bc you know he has a sweet tooth for fruits covered in chocolate- even tho he doesn’t really understand them

But this year nothing has arrived yet, until you text him to open the door since something was dropped off.

He’s a little confused as to why you noticed him but he opened the door, and there you where- standing right in front of him with luggage and his yearly valentines gift. 

“You’re looking at me like you’ve seen a ghost?”

He doesn’t say anything but pull you into a hug.

“...I missed you too big guy.”

After several, long virtual calls- he finally got to see you in person.

He pulls you back and looks a little upset.

You: “What? What’d I do?”

Toshi: “I might have sent flowers to your home.”

You low key wanna start crying, “What kind of flowers?”

WHYD YOU ASK THAT, HE LOOKS ALL FLUSTERED NOW, PLZ TELL HIM THAT YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW

Toshi: “Um.... anarrangementoftwentyfourwhiterosesbecauseiwantedtotellyouhowifeltbutididntknowhowtodoitanyotherwayandididntwanttodoitthroughacomputerscreen.”

You: “I hope you know, I understood every single word you just said.”

You give him a soft smile and lean down to pick something up that was covered by your bags. A bouquet of 24 white roses.

You: “I think... I feel the same way.”

He has never wanted to kiss someone so bad.

Toshi:“May I kiss you?”

You: “Do you really have to ask?”

Sakusa Kiyoomi  (Enemies To Lovers || Secret Admirer Trope)

You probably get 20 confessions on valentines day every year, every time it’s the same handwriting and sometimes it’s new.

But one day, a specific letter get’s into your desk instead of your locker, a black envelope with a white pearly wax stamp with silver lettering on the back “From your secret admirer :]”

The smiley face is a little distorted and you smile at it, but it turns into a scowl when Sakusa naps it from your fingertips. Luckily it was lunch and not may people where in this class. “Secret admirer? Who’d like your dumbass.”

You pull the note out of his hands and sit back down, “Maybe a bigger dumbass, now leave alone asshole.”

He rolls his eyes and sits on his desk, that just happens to be at your back left.

He noticed the smile you had on your lips when you sat back down and looked at the letter. He could tell that your mood had changed when you leaned back and read the letter with awe. He obviously couldn’t tell you in was him.

If he did, you’d probably think it was a joke. But it was nothing like that, he never meant to create an awful relationship between you to but he had made a nasty joke about you and you happen to overhear and have disliked him every since.

He’s kept the bully act ever since and now doesn’t know how to go back.

You looked giddy all day after reading the love letter he left for you, he didn’t know how to feel.

He never stopped sending the letters.

Around the third year, they began to stop and so did Sakusas bullying- but only because you didn’t have any classes together. So when one day you’re walking towards your locker, really late because you had to clean up the classroom. You see him slide a letter in your locker. 

You don’t confront him right then and there but you decide to let him walk a way just a little before you quickly get to your locker and open the letter.

You scan over the letter and you see that famous distorted smiley face and all the feelings they had written down. You where furious.

“Hey Sakusa!” You somehow where able to catch up to him and pushed his back as he walked away. “Is this funny to you?! Is messing with people’s feelings fucking funny to you?”

When he turned around he didn’t expect to see you crying, so he just stood like a deer caught in the headlights. 

“Answer me! Why’d you do this? Three years, three fucking years I thought this was someone who actually had feelings for me, someone I thought I could fall in love with myself but I guess this was just some joke right? Some prank? Who wrote these? You know what- It doesn’t even matter. Fuck you and your fucking letter.” You shoved the letter at his chest and push him in the process.

 He freezes a little but he’s running to catch up with you, “Y/n! Y/n stop walking away. L-Let me explain. Y/N!” He’s able to snatch your wrist and pull you towards him.

The tears are still running down your cheeks and his heart is shattering. “It wasn’t a joke. It- it was never a joke, never a dare. I promise, every word in those letters, are what I truly feel.”

You: “Bull- How do I even know that you wrote them in the first place, you can just be the messenger.”

Oomi: “If you put every letter together, it spells my name.”

You roll your eyes at him. 

Oomi: “Don’t believe me?

You: “Of course I don’t.”

“Fine, umm.....”

Both of you didn’t really notice how his hand was still wrapped around your wrist. “Every time I just happen to catch a glance at you when you aren’t looking, it seems like peace on earth... There is no other sight i’d rather see then to see you smile at me, at me only. I want you to look at me the way you look at them but I know in my heart that it will take years for you to look at me that way.”

You pull your wrist away from his hand and wipe your face clean from the tear that have dried down.

“The day you heard me make fun of you... I don’t have any excuses for it. I did it and I regret it and- and I’m so sorry.”

You shake your head and begin to laugh... “I don’t even want to believe you.”

“I know, I just please let me make it up to you.”

Timeskip Sakusa Kiyoomi

You: “Oomi, I thought you hated valentines day.”

Oomi: “I do, but you deserve flowers because I was an asshole for so long.”

You: “... that was like 8 years ago...”

Oomi “Your point?

He hands you over the flowers and gives you a soft kiss. “You deserve so much more, and every day I will give you more, understand?”

You begin to giggle mid kiss, “Yes sir.”

Oomi: “Do you still have those letters?”

You: “Of course, I read them every time your gone.”

A/N: THIS TOOK ALL DAY- I WORK TOMORROW BUT I MIGHT WRITE SOMETHING UP BC IVE BEEN OBSESSED W NANAMI LATELY 

[hopelikethemoon]

First Day Back (Javier x Reader) {MTMF}

Title: First Day Back Rating: PG Length: 2000 Warnings: None Notes: You can find everything about Maybe Today, Maybe Forever here. Set after Josie’s birth. Sorry for the delay in updating, you can read about it here.  Summary: Reader’s maternity leave comes to an end. 

@grapemama​​​​​ @seawhisperer​​​​​ @huliabitch​​​​​ @beccaplaying​​​​​ @thewallpapergoesorido​​​​ @twomoonstwosuns​​​​​ @gooddaykate​​​​​ @livasaurasrex​​​​​ @ham4arrow​​​​​ @plexflexico​​​​ @readsalot73​​​​​ @hdlynn​​​​​ @lokiaddicted​​​​​ @randomness501​​​​​ @fioccodineveautunnale​​​​​  @roxypeanut​​​​​ @snivellusim​​​​​ @lukesrighthand​​​​​ @historynerd04 @mrsparknuts​​​​​@ ​​​​​@awesomefandomsunited​​​​​​​​​​ @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead​​​​ @exrebelshocktrooper​​ @synystersilenceinblacknwhite​​​​​ @ah-callie​​​​​ @swhiskeys​​​​​ @exrebelshocktrooper​​​​​ @u-wakatoshii​ @space-floozy​​​​ @cable-kenobi @cool-ultra-nerd​​​ @himbopoes​​​​​ @findhimfives​​​​​ @pedrosdoll​​​​​ @frietiemeloen​​​​ @arrowswithwifi​​​​​  @cinewhore​@random066​​​​​ @uncomicalhumour​​​​​ @heather-lynn​​​​ @domino-oh-damn​​​ @cyarikaaa​​​​​ @ahopelessromanticwritersworld​​​​​ @im-still-a-pieceofgarbage @ksgeekgirl​​​​ @yabby-girl​​​​ @xqueenofthecraziesx​​​​ @punkass-potato​​​​ @coredrive​​​​ @pascalesque​​​​ @theduchessofkirkcaldy​​​​ @queenquazar​​​​​ @sabinemorans​​​​​ @buckstaposition​​​​​ @holkaskrosnou​​​​​ @yespolkadotkitty​​​​​@seeking-a-great–perhaps @kochamcie​​​​​ @jaime1110​​​​​ @katlikeme​

Going back to work after weeks of maternity leave was an adjustment. Leaving Josie across the hall with the kind older woman who had been your neighbor since moving to Colombia was easier than expected. At least it was, right up until the moment you sat down at your desk and realized it would be eight hours until you saw her again. 

Javier didn’t make it any easier. You had gotten too comfortable with him lately — which was easy to do, considering he frequently spent the night at your apartment and you had gotten used to waking up in his arms. But it also meant you were off your game. 

Your hopes that he would be on assignment when you started back in the office were quickly dashed when plans fell through and Javier was stuck at his desk across from you. 

Before Josie was born, you had gotten good at masking your emotions and framing your interactions with work-appropriate distance. Now you felt like every look set off a neon sign above your heads announcing what you were hiding. 

Javier was shit at hiding his soft smiles and lingering looks. The kind that made your cheeks warm and your heart flutter. 

“Welcome back.” Chris said flatly as he strolled into the office and threw his briefcase down on his desk. 

“You’re late.” Javier stated as he fed a new piece of paper into the typewriter. 

“Flat tire.” 

“Pissed anyone off lately?” You quipped, shuffling through a stack of files on your desk. 

“Oh, fuck off.” Chris sneered and muttered. “As if this day couldn’t get any worse.”

You snorted, “Happy to be of service.” Ever since Chris had been assigned to the office, you had butted heads with him. Before Josie, in those three awkward months before you told Javier about your pregnancy, things had been okay. 

It was clear Chris hated you, simply because you were a woman who had the job he wanted, but the depths of his hatred became more apparent when the news broke about your pregnancy and your job — as far as you knew — wasn’t up for grabs.

“Peña, how was your weekend?” 

Javier pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek as he looked up from typing. “Yeah.” He shrugged a shoulder. “How was yours?”

“Took my lady friend on a little trip.” Chris boasted as he sank down in his chair, stretching his arms out before tucking his hands behind his head. “You get any action, man?”

You focused on the form you were filling out to get your firearm certification approved again. 

“You know how it is,” Javier said vaguely as he shook a packet of cigarettes and tapped it against his palm. “I’ve been working a new informant.”

You knew it was a lie, but it didn’t change the fact that it didn’t sit well with you. Javier had been with you and Josie all weekend. The most action he’d gotten was when you both fell asleep on the sofa at noon because your daughter had decided to stay up the night before. 

There was no new informant, but your brain still came at you with — “What if there was?” 

“You’re a lucky bastard, Peña.” Chris drummed his fingers against the top of his desk, “I don’t seem to have the way with women that you do.”

“I wonder why.” You muttered as you signed your name on the bottom of the form and tucked it back into the folder as you stood up. “Anyone got any other forms that need to be processed? I’m taking this down to Betty.”

“I didn’t know you came back to be our assistant. Maybe this day isn’t fucked after all.” Chris smirked at you as he shuffled through his mess of a desk and tossed a file on top. “There.” 

You offered him a tight-lipped smile as you snatched it up, before turning towards a Javier. “Got anything?”

He clicked his tongue against his teeth as he tucked a cigarette behind his ear. “I’ve got shit to take her before a meeting with the director. I’ll walk with you and catch you up on what you’ve missed.”

“Alright.” You tilted your head to the side as you met his gaze, keeping your expression as impassive as possible. “Hopefully I haven’t missed too much.”

“Same old, same old.” Javier pursed his lips as he got his files together and stood. “It’s nice to have you back in the office. Chris is shit company.”

“You know you love me, Peña.” Chris chided, already focused on whatever work he had piled up on his desk. 

“It’s good to be back.” You said casually, holding the folder against your chest as you walked along beside him. “You didn’t have to come with me.” 

Javier’s fingers curled around your elbow, making you stop now that you were out of earshot, “You know that there’s no informant. Right?” 

You blinked at him, pulling your arm out of his grasp. “Unless she’s hiding under my bed, I didn’t think there was anyone else.” You looked back down the hallway towards where the desks were, before looking back at him. “It’s fine, Javi.”

“Keeping this charade up—“

“Not now.” You scolded him, before starting back in the direction of Betty’s office. He was quick to catch up with you, falling into step beside you. “I just meant that I’ve had to keep up appearances here. You know?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s an adjustment.”

You nodded your head in agreement. “The last year has been an adjustment. But we’re doing what we can.” You held out your hand, “I’ll take the files to Betty for you.” 

Javier smirked at you, “Didn't need to take anything to her.” He told you as he sat the empty folder in your hand and used it as an excuse to brush his fingers over the back of your hand. “But I do have a meeting with the director,” He glanced at his watch. “In ten minutes.”

“See you later?” You questioned with a hopeful smile. 

“Wouldn’t miss it.” A faint smile crossed his lips, before he continued down the hall and around the corner towards the director’s office. 

 ——

 You hadn’t anticipated just how relieved you were to have Josie back in your arms after work. Luciana regaled you with details about the day — nap times, feedings, how curious Josie was about her nephew that she also watched. You had missed all of that and there was no way to get that time back. 

It helped put into perspective how Javier felt. He’d missed out on so much — during your pregnancy, during the birth, in the days and weeks that followed. You missed part of a day and you felt guilty over it. 

But you knew better than to expect that he’d ever talk about it. He tiptoed around the more difficult topics and you didn’t hold that against him. Your entire relationship was difficult and you didn’t see a path forward that made it easier.

Javier was stuck in a weird sort of limbo where he lived two very different lives. 

You cradled Josie against your chest as you peered through the peephole, before pulling open the door to let Javier in.

“There’s my girls,” He said warmly as he smiled at you, before looking towards Josie. “How did she do?”

“Luciana told me she was a dream to watch.” You offered, kissing the top of her head as she cooed softly. “I think we missed her more than she missed us.”

Javier’s hands went to his hips as he nodded his head, “Good.” He scrapped his teeth over his bottom lip as his gaze darted back to meet your eyes. “How are you?”

“Tired.” You shrugged, before walking towards the sofa. “But I’m so glad that I’m back at work. I missed it.”

“It was nice to look across the office and see you sitting there,” Javier drawled out as he pulled off his leather jacket, draping it over the back of the sofa before he sat down beside you. 

“My firearms certification got approved.” You told him as you readjusted Josie in your arms so she could see Javier better. “I’ve got the course on Friday. I’m hoping that it means I have a chance to get back in the field… with you.” 

Javier’s lips drew upwards at the corners, “Yeah?”

“It’s one step in the right direction, at least.” You shrugged. “You wanna hold her?” He nodded and you shifted so you could settle her into his arms. “I think she missed you more than me.”

Javier chuckled, “I don’t know about that, baby.”

You grinned at him, “Look at the way she’s looking at you.” You pointed out, watching as Josie looked up at him with a wide-eyed and marveling gaze. “And I seem to remember the way she was always kicking when you were around.” 

He brushed his knuckles against her cheek gently, “Think we might have a daddy’s girl on our hands?”

“I know we do.” You slid your hand under his arm, curling your fingers around his arm at the elbow as you leaned against him and rested your head on his shoulder. “Are you staying tonight?”

“Do you want me to?”

You squeezed his arm three short times, “Yes.” 

Javier turned his head and pressed a kiss to your forehead. “I won’t be here tomorrow night. I’ve got a lead to work outside of the city. I could swing by, but it would be late.”

“Javier?”

“Hmm?”

You played with the soft hair that curled around his ear, “I trust you.”

“I don’t want to fuck this up, baby.” Javier admitted. “This shit isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.” He exhaled heavily as he stared down at Josie as she curled her fingers around his thumb and tried to suck on it. 

“I know.” You pressed your lips against the curve of his shoulder and let them linger there as you sighed. “But work comes first.”

Javier’s brows drew together, his lips moving like he meant to say something more than a simple, “Yeah.” 

You trailed your fingers back towards the nape of his neck, ruffling the hair there as you watched his face. “I don’t mind if you show up late.”

“I don’t want to wake you up.”

“I’m getting pretty good at surviving on limited sleep.” You whispered, nodding your head towards Josie as she was slowly batting her eyes up at both of you. “I should feed her and get her down for the night.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat as he hesitated for just a fraction of a second before nodding. “I’ll go grab my bag out of the car.”

“Alright,” You said softly as you ran your hand down his arm and squeezed. “We’ll be waiting for you.” You promised as you took Josie from him. 

Javier rested his hand on your leg, giving it three squeezes before he hauled himself off the sofa. “We’re good, right?”

“Javi,” You shook your head incredulously. “Why wouldn’t we be?”

He shrugged, dragging his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know. I’m gonna go grab my bags.” 

You chewed on your bottom lip as you watched him walk away, your heart aching just a little at how uncertain he still was in your relationship. You couldn’t blame him — you felt the same way most of the time, you just tried to ignore it. 

Going back to work would be an adjustment. Figuring out how to navigate the duality of your relationship — professional and private — would be a challenge. But it was worth it. 

[azucanela]

i love your writing so much!!!♥️ if possible, could we get a part three to your zuko fic, home?

HOME PT.3 TEASER | IS WHERE THE AVATAR IS  [ZUKO X READER]

PART 1 | PART 2 |

Iroh was missing. It didn’t take a genius to figure it out, the old man, no matter how questionable he was at times, was punctual. Y/N had yet to see him late to anything and she sincerely doubted he was going to start now, especially since Zuko had reminded him, rather rudely, that they had to leave soon if they were to catch the Avatar. Following Zuko through the forest, Y/N quickly realized that Zuko was not a genius.

Of course, if Zuko was a genius, Y/N wouldn’t be around. Her whole purpose since she’d been in the Fire Nation was to serve as his right hand, to be the things he couldn’t. If Zuko couldn’t do something, then she would, they complimented each other well. When he’s incapable of fighting, she beats enemies with ease. Where he lacked a strategic mind, she could develop revolutionary strategies, similar to the ones Zhao had referred to during their last encounter.

The man had clearly gotten under Zuko’s skin, and it seemed something about him was still bugging Zuko. Y/N had noticed his... odd behavior. He’d seemed far more withdrawn than normal, their late night talks had been far less frequent than normal, then again they were no longer in the privacy of the ship. There was a weird atmosphere between them, and it was mostly Zuko’s fault, though Y/N probably should’ve confronted him when she first noticed. She was beginning to miss their conversations, and the more relaxed Zuko that only she saw. Now, it seemed that each time they interacted he was becoming far more awkward than normal.

Sighing as she trailed behind him, and calmly walking throw the brush of leaves in stark opposition to Zuko’s rather aggressive walk, Y/N simply sighed. “Zuko, perhaps you would get there faster if you didn’t spend all your time fighting the trees.” She gives him a sarcastic smile, eyes narrowing at him as he turns back to look at her, as though he’d finally been reminded she was nearby.

Zuko frowns, coming to an abrupt stop, “come here.” They were nearby the ‘hot spring’ Iroh had discovered, or more accurately, made. In the event that Y/N was wrong, a ‘rare’ event in her words, Zuko needed to take precautions, he would not allow Y/N to see his Uncle like that.

“Why?” Y/N asked incredulously, moving to enter the area, but Zuko yanks her back by the wrist.

She turns to look at him, just to have her eyes covered by his hand, “just in case.” Zuko explains, taking her hand in his free one and guiding her to the hot spring. He’s suddenly glad that he has a hand over her eyes, because if Y/N could see him, she definitely would’ve started teasing him by now, especially since he can feel his cheeks burning as he pulls her along.

“I think you just wanted and excuse to hold my hand.” Y/N teases, grinning. Zuko had always been like this, protective, even when they were children and as far as he knew, she was anything but his equal. Y/N had always found it funny, seeing as she could easily handle herself in a fight, not that this fact ever stopped him.

Though she can’t seen Zuko, Y/N has a feeling he’s blushing as he grumbles out, “shut up.” He’s pushing through the final bushes, and when he freezes Y/N knows her theory was right. Zuko’s hand releases hers and Y/N dislikes the way she feels disappointed when it does, his other hand falling from her eyes to reveal the once prosperous hot spring was now sullied by raised earth.

Iroh is missing. And Y/N can’t help but feel worried as she stares at the scene, if the apparent Earthbenders caught him by surprise it’s no wonder he didn’t escape. Iroh, no matter how docile he may act, was a force to be reckoned with. Now it didn’t take a genius to figure out that it was Earthbenders, which probably explains why Zuko points it out so quickly.

Or maybe he just doesn’t need Y/N anymore. The thought brings about an odd feeling, one that Y/N can’t describe. She’d been by his side for as long as she could remember, and the thought had never crossed her mind that one day she might not be by his side, one day he might not need her. The possibility was bringing about several emotions, and now she was missing the one person she’d go to for counsel.

Counsel she definitely needed at the moment, seeing as she’d intertwined their destinies, as Zuko put it, permanently.

Her list of problems was growing by the minute, and Y/N finds herself wishing that it was her list of excuses instead, seeing as she was going to need several excuses if he found out anytime soon. Iroh was missing, taken by Earth Kingdom soldiers, likely to be executed in the very city he’d once tried to overthrow. And Y/N had yet to even get any idea of how to handle Airbending, much less tell Zuko about it. Not that she could if she wanted to, seeing as he’d been avoiding any prolonged conversations with her.

And yet Y/N find herself grabbing Zuko’s hand, bringing his attention back to her and away from the thought of his missing Uncle, the man who had practically raised him. Though Zuko didn’t act like it, he cared for Iroh, and Y/N could see it in the way his body stiffened as he cursed his Uncle for his foolishness. “Everything is fine.”

This was a mess. Nothing was fine. Everything was pretty chaotic, actually. 

A/N: give me like a week and it’ll be out akjshdkjahsdjk ugh, im so excited to write about that one fortune teller lady, anyways guys take a guess as to what Y/N did hehe

TAGLISTS[lmk if you want to be added or removed via ask box or reply]

ATLA:  @bubblebars @jada-cleo @Art-flirt @the-deli-meat @wemissyou3000 @ajediherowitchrunner @1-800-schmacked @the-firebender-girl @bucky-blogs @shawkneecaps

ZUKO: @lammello @outerxorbit @Lil-lex1 @boxofteenageideas @izzieserra @eridanuswave @bigbuckyenergy @celamoon @savemesteeb @shephard17895 @ijustwannabecanadian @duh-dobrik @anime-simp

HOME: @toobsessedsstuff @x-a-delama-x @haylaansmi @a-hopeless-fan @danicalifxrnia @lolaywrites @pretty-marlene @swagdaddycam @zukosvice @youngoperatorflapgoop @onesmokinbabe @astralsaf @creation-magician @fangirlingbookworm1 @thenoblenomad

[irontinystar]

im aware that i just sent one in but your writing is so cute and amazing to read so hope you don't mind - what about a duo? 31 and 39?

I’m so grateful you like my writing enough to ask me another prompt, it’s literally so heartwarming to hear!!

Thank you so much, I hope you like this as well!!

prompts 31 and 39 from this list

Near, far, wherever you are

Stevetony, established relationship, fluff, emotional hurt/comfort, 2k words

For their anniversary that night, Tony has prepared the best of dates. He’s gonna cook all afternoon, so that when Steve is gonna come home that evening after a tiring day, he’s going to find a delicious dinner.

Then, after they’ve eaten, they’re gonna watch a movie Steve has never seen and that Tony still can’t wrap his head around the fact he hasn’t.

So Tony comes home early after a series of SI meetings. He has spent the whole conference thinking about what he’s gonna prepare for his husband, not really paying attention to the discussion. He drops the jacket as soon as he gets to the door, unknots his tie and rolls up his sleeves.

“FRIDAY, darling, put on some music” he asks loudly, and his AI complies right away, playing smooth jazz in the background.

Tony smiles by himself, before approaching the kitchen and putting on an apron with the writing ’kiss the cook’ in a fancy font on the front. He meddles around with pots and ladles, trying to follow an old recipe he has found out Steve loves. It’s a little difficult, and he’s not that good of a cook himself. Usually, he just gives up and orders take away, but tonight he has decided he’s going to do his best to make it.

Plus, he’s enjoying his time, so that’s really not a problem. He swings around the kitchen singing out loud along Frank Sinatra, pretending to hold a mic instead of a wooden spoon, but he suddenly curses under his breath when he realises the flame under the pot is maybe a little too high for the pasta he’s cooking.

He grunts but manages to fix the thing before it can become a mess.

“FRI, maybe you should tone the music down a little” he calls, frowning. It’s better if he focuses on the recipe instead of his singing skills.

He’s fixing the last details when he hears the door clicking open and loud steps coming in. He smiles again; even though they’re married for five years, it’s always exciting to see his husband after a long day.

Tony steps out of the kitchen to welcome Steve, and he grins even more when he sees him all ruffled from his rough day.

“Hi husband” Tony greets with a smirk.

Steve turns up his head to fix his eyes on Tony. He beams. “Back at you” he teases, before getting closer.

Tony smiles again, can’t help smiling, and when Steve wraps his arms around him, he leans into his broad chest almost melting. “You should go wash your hands” he warns. “Dinner’s ready.”

He loops his arms around Steve’s neck and mindlessly plays with his hair.

Steve frowns. “First I want a kiss” he complains, and Tony rolls his eyes.

“Na-ha” he denies with a resolute expression. “It’s gonna cool down.”

“But I’m legitimately obligated to kiss you” Steve claps back, even more resolute than Tony, and his eyes fall on his apron.

Tony follows his eyes and looks at the piece of clothing too, chuckling lightly. “You’re a shrewd man, Rogers” he jokes. “One only” he then states, leaning into Steve and leaving a light peck on his mouth, so quickly that Steve can’t even reply to it, before dodging away from his embrace.

“Hey!” Steve calls, but Tony is already heading to the dining room. “That wasn’t a kiss!” he moans, followed by Tony’s laughter.

“First, dinner. Then, kisses” he orders, and Steve rolls his eyes with a fond smile.

They eat chatting about this and that, joking and laughing like they always do, and Tony finds himself grinning again, at the thought that it’s always been the same between he and Steve, every moment seems like their first date, like their going out before they even were a thing, every time they’re at ease and just so in love it doesn’t look like a single day has passed.

“What are you smiling for?” Steve asks stuffing his mouth with food, a wondering expression on his face, and Tony giggles a little embarrassed.

He shrugs, feeling his neck blushing. They’re married, for god’s sake, he shouldn’t blush at that.

“Because I love you” he lets out earnestly, and Steve smiles too, his face softening right away.

“I love you too, baby” he assures with an adoring voice, reaching out with his hand to take Tony’s one resting on the table. He strokes his fingers before entangling them with his own. “Forever, right?” he asks brushing at the gold ring around Tony’s finger.

Tony smiles and cocks his head. “Forever” he grants in reply.

Once they’ve finished eating, Tony pushes Steve to the living room, too excited for the rest of the evening.

“I’m not gonna watch The empire strikes back again, I’m telling you” Steve states, letting Tony lead him to the couch. “I mean, I love you to pieces, but not to the point of watching that movie another time.”

Tony laughs heartily. “No, honey, I promise it’s not Star Wars.” He props up a dvd case to show it to him.

Steve frowns. “Titanic?” he asks dubiously.

“Titanic!” Tony repeats but with a loud voice. “You still haven’t seen it and it’s unacceptable” he scoffs.

Steve rolls his eyes. “There are a lot of things I still haven’t seen” he points out taking a seat on the couch. He raises one arm so that Tony can crawl next to him, before putting his hand on his opposite shoulder.

Tony looks up at him. “I know, and we’re going to fix it” he assures nodding.

Steve leaves a kiss on the tip of his nose, making Tony scrunch it. “Alright, I’m in your hands” he concedes.

Smirking, Tony giggles. “You sure are.”

He puts on the dvd and the movie starts playing. Tony shifts a little on the couch, so to rest his head on Steve’s chest more comfortably, before beginning to comment out loud some scenes here and there. It is something that their other teammates had always hated during movie night. Tony still remembers the glares Clint would direct at him when he complained about the inaccuracies in the movies, but Steve once told him he loved to hear his opinions, so Tony never stopped doing it.

And now that it’s just the two of them, he comments loudly without holding back his thoughts.

Steve hums along him, asking some questions when he doesn’t really get what’s going on, and Tony is more than glad to explain it to him. It gives him such a bust of pride to be of Steve’s help.

“You might want to try this sometime” he teases when the scene of Jack drawing a naked Rose comes on. He turns up his head just in time to see Steve blushing all over.

“Shut up” he scoffs embarrassed, and Tony grins.

For the rest of the movie he can see Steve is really entertained. His eyes never leave the screen, and his lips are slightly parted in the way he always does when he’s focused on what he’s watching. Tony steals glances of him and feels his chest growing bigger with fondness.

He almost startles when he hears a couple of muffled gulps over his head. He frowns in confusion and looks up to see Steve tearing up. Slow tears are running down his cheeks, while he tries to avoid it by sniffling.

Tony’s immediate concern softens: on the screen Rose, laying on the relict of a door in the middle of the ocean, is trying to wake up a frozen Jack. That scene would always make him cry too when he was younger, but he has to admit he’s seen the movie like a dozen times, so now his chest just tightens without him tearing up.

Apparently, Steve really has a soft heart, what will all this young desperate lovers have to part because one of the two has frozen to death.

Tony suddenly stills in mild panic.

Shit. He has forgotten.

He has totally forgotten about Steve’s past. Oh god, how could he have been so dumb? Of course Steve is crying his heart out- he literally lost Peggy in an accident just as soon as they had professed their love for each other, and good god, he literally fell into the ocean and froze to death.

“Steve-“ he tries, brushing his fingers on Steve’s hand around his waist.

Steve sniffs. “Don’t worry about me” he bubbles with thick voice, but Tony has already stopped the movie.

“Hey” he calls again, looking up at him with concern. “Don’t cry” he whispers. He reaches up with his hand and settles it on Steve’s jaw, and the man leans into it.

“I’m sorry” Tony murmurs. “I really am.”

Steve shakes his head firmly. “Don’t worry” he repeats, but when he threatens to cry again, Tony shifts their positions, making Steve lay down with his head in his lap.

“Shh” he hums cradling his head. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I’m so sorry. We can change movie.” He damns himself. This had to be a perfect night and here he goes ruining it because he’s inconsiderate and can’t even remember such an important thing as Steve’s past.

He trails his fingers through Steve’s hair, and the man sniffs another time.

“It’s really not a problem” he reassures, but he curls up on Tony’s lap, nosing into his stomach.

“I should have known this could trigger you” Tony murmurs, and it’s not even a justification, but mostly a reproach against himself, how terrible of an husband he actually is.

Steve looks at him from under his wet eyelashes. He frowns. “What?” he asks in confusion.

Tony’s jaw twitches, as he keeps on stroking his thumb on Steve’s scalp. “Yeah, making you relive the freezing thing- I should have thought about it” he makes his eyes wander around, not really able to look at Steve, seeing on his face the evidence of his disappointment, but Steve frowns even more.

“Tony, no” he calls. “That’s not- I didn’t cry because of that” he states, and Tony gets even more confused at the blush on his cheeks.

“Even though it actually seems a more appropriate reason” Steve bubbles turning down his eyes.

“Then what is it?” Tony asks with concern, his fingers lifting Steve’s chin to make him look at him.

The other man smiles sheepishly, his eyes still veiled with tears. “I just-“ he trails. “I can’t lose you, Tony” he admits.

His hand comes up too, covering Tony’s still resting on his face. Steve brushes his ring like he did during dinner. “I love you so dearly” he confesses. “Whenever we part for a meeting, or we have a mission- I’m always afraid I’m gonna come back home without you- it scares me so much, the thought of losing you.”

His fingers keep on mindlessly caressing the metal band on Tony’s hand, his smile faltering on his forlorn face.

“Hey” Tony calls again softly, raising his chin another time. “You won’t lose me” he states.

Steve smiles, but it’s a sad smile. “You know you cannot promise that” he claps back. “You may not leave me willingly, but with the lives we live-“

“Then I can promise you that I’ll do my best not to make it happen” Tony blurts out boldly. Deep in his heart, he knows Steve is right, he cannot promise that, but that doesn’t mean he’s not going to try it anyway.

Steve smiles once again, and this time it’s a little more hopeful. “Okay” he whispers. He grabs Tony’s hand and brings it in front of his lips, before leaving a kiss on the ring. “I promise that too” he affirms with a steadier voice.

Tony lets himself linger in the moment, until he feels like he could cry too, so he clears his throat.

“Well, then we can finish to watch the movie, what do you think?” he asks.

Steve gets more comfortable in his position, but keeps his head in Tony’s lap anyway.

“Alright” he concedes, and Tony reaches for the remote. “But once it ends, you have to let me try the naked-drawing scene.”

Tony chuckles loudly, and even though Steve has turned to face the tv, he can spot a grin on his face.

“Whatever you want” he says fondly.

[baalzebufo]

afterparty

wrote this little thing last night and I figured maybe other people would be interested in reading it too? so im swallowing my nerves and posting it. heres a little 1.8k words self-indulgent gravity falls fic

wherein gideon gleeful and stanford pines have a brief talk during the twins birthday party. catharsis abound

---

Gideon wasn’t used to being ignored. He had gotten used to being the center of attention both on and off the stage, and for both good and bad reasons. Yet now he stood sweating in his suit at the edge of the Mystery Shack’s property line with a cup full of punch in one hand and a crowd mingling twenty feet away, and not a single person spared a glance in his direction. For once, he wasn’t the one they were out here to see.

The Pines 13th birthday celebration felt bittersweet. The property was still half-wrecked after the ‘events’ of the previous week, and to Gideon those days hung over the party like a dark cloud of summer rain. Nobody else seemed to care- ‘Never mind all that!’ and all. But he just couldn’t shake how surreal it felt that nobody was pointing it out. Then again, he had always been smarter than most folks in Gravity Falls. Maybe that was his curse. He wiped one hand across the back of his forehead- the heat was getting to him. It made the situation just that little bit more unbearable than it already was. Sighing to himself, Gideon unbuttoned his suit and slipped it off his shoulders, folding it over his arm. Normally he wouldn’t be caught dead with a piece of his outfit out of place, but… nobody was looking, anyway. For once in his life he had more pressing thoughts than his looks, though he still took a moment to pat the side of his hair to make sure it was holding in place. Resigned, he slumped down and sat in the roots of a nearby tree, rolling up the sleeves of his black dress shirt.

Why in God’s name was he even here? He cast his gaze out towards the crowd at the other end of the property. Townsfolk were mingling and celebrating, using it as an excuse to gossip and talk amongst themselves. Even his parents were out there. He saw Bud leaning against a keg of something and gesticulating wildly at Mayor Tyler, with his mother shadowing close behind him. He saw Dipper leaning against the side of the building, attempting to talk to Wendy. Mabel… he had to force himself not to stare. She was bouncing excitedly with two other girls- he couldn’t remember their names. She pulled them into a hug and she just looked so... happy, it kind of hurt him a little bit. He bit the inside of his cheek and pointedly looked elsewhere to ignore the nagging feeling in his gut. Stanford- No, Stanley Pines was there, of course. Talking to his handyman and whispering about something. And as for the other one… he wasn’t there. At least, not until Gideon broke out of his little trance and realised he was off in the side of his vision, walking right towards him.

A sudden fear shot through him, and Gideon rose his hand instinctively around his neck- before remembering his lucky bolo tie wasn’t there anymore. He quickly played off the motion as straightening the ordinary tie he had replaced it with, casting his eyes to the floor in mock disinterest as the shadow of the man fell over him. He cleared his throat, and Gideon was forced by polite societal conventions to acknowledge him. He looked up into the face of Stanford Pines- the author. If you had told him a year ago he’d be standing in front of the author of the mysterious journal he had kept hidden away under his bed, he probably wouldn’t have believed you- especially if you told him he was Stan Pines brother. He looked like a very tired mirror of the old man, slightly more put-together yet with a more detached look behind his glasses. Like he had seen too much. Gideon was good at noticing things like that.

‘Ah- Gideon, correct?’ He finally broke the silence with a lopsided half-smile, trying to be polite. His voice sent a shiver down Gideon’s spine- it brought up dark memories. No, no- remain composed. He took a sip of the punch as casually as he was able, making a noise of mild affirmation. Stanford seemed a little bit uncertain, as if he were expecting Gideon to say more. He tapped his fingers against his dusty coat before kneeling down on the floor next to the child. ‘I don’t think we ever got a chance to be formally introduced. I’ve heard a lot about you.’ Gideon internally cringed. Great. No doubt Stan and his family had already regaled him with all of his worst attempts on their lives and livelihoods, so there was no longer a chance he’d be able to get through this conversation painlessly.

Gideon took a deep breath before locking eyes with the man in front of him. ‘I’m sure they’ve told you more than enough. Y’here to lecture me?’ Stanford seemed to almost recoil a little bit. He probably wasn’t expecting the kid to stare him down like that, and now it was his turn to nervously avoid eye contact. He raised his hands apologetically.

‘No, no- I just figured, well… I should check up on you. It doesn’t look like anyone else has yet.’ 

Huh? Gideon’s icy gaze softened a little. ‘What?’ He said a little quieter, with a little less venom in his tone.

‘Well, you know- you were in the palace. You were in the zodiac. You.. had history with Bill, too.’ He half-whispered that last line, as if he were afraid to say it too loud. ‘I haven’t had a chance to talk to you. I just wanted to see if you needed any… help?’ He added that last part uncertainly, noticing as Gideon’s eye twitched a little.

‘Help?’ He mumbled, before growing angry suddenly. ‘Don’t treat me like a child. I don’t need help.’ He felt his free hand balling into a fist before he stopped himself, choosing instead to dig his nails into the grass. ‘And I don’t need your pity, neither.’ He spat- but the anger wasn’t directed at Stanford so much as it was himself. His lip quivered, and he cast his eyes down. ‘Besides, I deserved what I got.’ Suddenly, he felt a pair of hands grab his shoulders and turn him- Stanford levelled with Gideon, and took a deep breath. 

‘That isn’t true. Nobody deserved what Bill had in store for them, or for this world.’ He spoke quietly, quickly, and with a stern undertone to his words. ‘You're not the only one who made mistakes. I’m the one who caused this whole mess to begin with. But that doesn’t matter as much as what you do now. You know what else I heard about you? That you stood up to Bill when you realised you were wrong. There are grown men who wouldn’t do a thing like that.’ His grip tightened a little. ‘We need to learn to live with our mistakes and be better people for them. I’m trying to do it- and I know, i’m not the best at it, either. But I just wanted you to know that you can do that too.’ He paused, almost as if he were trying to quell the rising emotion in his voice which his cloudy eyes were quickly giving away. ‘You aren’t alone, Gideon.’

Gideon scanned the old man's face. He could see it in his eyes, in his tight-lipped forced smile, in the creases in his face and in the scar running down his cheek that he meant what he said. Gideon blinked, trying not to make it obvious that his eyes were glistening with barely suppressed tears. He tried to find the words, but for once he couldn’t. He felt Stanford’s hands release his shoulders. Then, he did something he had never done before. He fell forward into the dusty red sweater that Stanford wore, wrapped his little arms around his chest, and he hugged him. He pressed his face against his front and felt the scratchy fabric against his eyelids and the way his hands balled up into fists against the yarn and he didn’t even mind when he felt his hair knocked slightly out of place. He felt the tears welling up as he buried himself into the sweater, and he didn’t try to hide them. A strong, six-fingered hand patted him on the back gently but awkwardly, and it made him let out a quiet sob. For once, Gideon was glad nobody was looking at him. For once, he was glad they were ignored.

After what felt like an eternity, the shaking child released him, and Stanford didn’t know what to say. Neither of them had expected that- not even Gideon, who was wiping his face with the back of his hand, concerned once again with appearances even now. He swallowed hard before speaking. ‘Oh- h-heavens. That was- hah!’ He laughed, fake-smiling, voice still shaking a little. ‘Heavens to Betsy, I must look ridiculous.’ He mumbled, stroking his hair down and back in place. Stanford frowned a little, concerned with how quickly he tried to brush it all off. Still, he let the boy preen, and once he seemed satisfied his hair was settled back in place sufficiently, he took a deep breath. Then he paused, awkwardly. ‘Thank you.’ He said finally.

Stanford sighed. ‘It’s okay.’ He sounded exhausted but relieved, as if a weight was lifted off his chest. He held out one hand, and watched as Gideon seemingly instinctively put his hand inside it. He gripped gently- before smiling at the boy. ‘You’re a brave young man, Gideon, despite everything. If you ever need someone to talk to…’ He pressed a small piece of paper into the child's hand. ‘.. You can always talk to me.’ Gideon nodded, quickly withdrawing his hands and slipping the paper into the pocket of his suit which lay abandoned on the floor nearby. He picked it up and slipped it back over his shoulders, brushing the dust off. Stanford knelt patiently next to him as he continued to compose himself, finally standing up. Stanford followed suit, his knee making an audible cracking sound as he straightened up. He winced, leaning against the tree, before looking back down at the waiting child.

‘Thank you, again.’ Gideon said, seemingly having gained control of himself again, as he folded his hands behind his back. ‘I, ah… appreciate you talkin’ to me.’ He glanced across the property. He had been in his own little world this whole time, he had practically forgotten there was a party going on just across the lot. ‘An’ I appreciate your discretion, keepin’ this little.. incident, to ourselves.’ He added, looking up at Stanford pointedly. ‘You better not tell anybody else ‘bout this, if you know what’s good for you.’  It had a much gentler tone to it than his usual threats. Stanford just smiled.

‘Of course. This one’s just between you and me.’ He winked. ‘Now come on. You don’t want to miss the rest of the party.’

[diamondcamefromhell]

Pit Stop

fem!reader x jaskier [friend thing, not romance]

A/N: HIIIIII so i drank a bit today and this creation came to be, tried to edit all the mistakes, but there may still be some. i just wrote it from my heart, not really focusing on it being great to read, allowing it flow through me so it may be an aboslute mess and i might delete it when i wake up, but enjoy it while its here [even if it may stay forver]

Warnings: none!

Summary: [written in third person again] Y/N is a orphan who grew up in Kaer Morhen, and her basically-big-brother Geralt comes to visit with Jaskier and the two of them have a heart to heart

Word count: 2.592

as always, any feedback is appreciated, but on this one, pls keep in mind that i didnt write it entirely sober and its late and im sad lmao, but criticism is good and needed for every writer, so feel free to leave it even on this [or anonymously on my ask page] 

all the love <3

She lifted her sword just in time to block Geralt, parrying back with her other hand, hitting him with her other blade. The witcher grunted, pushing her with his swords, making her stumble back, a smile still on her face. She turned the weapons in her hands, both in a attack position now, as Geralt also smiled, gripping his sword tighter.

Y/N was able to duel-wield as well as you could possibly do it, it never occurred to her that she could fight with only one sword. In her mind, it truly seemed like a waste of opportunities, and she didn’t plan on contributing to it. While still young, she could stand her ground against Geralt, which was impressive on itself.

And Jaskier knew it. In his head, his friend witcher was the strongest-baddest-unbeatable Geralt, but now, in Kaer Morhen, his buddy was struggling holding back against this girls attacks.

“Well done.” Witcher spoke, lowering his sword. He hated to admit it, but he was running out of breath, and Y/N seemed to radiate endless energy. The girl laughed, straightening up.

“Thanks, Gee.” Geralt grunted at the nickname, smile still painting across his face.

The girl took a deep breath, looking up at the mountains that surrounded her home. She was an orphan, left in the woods. One of the witchers found her, and tried to get someone to take the baby in, but times were tough and Y/N was just an extra mouth to feed. She was taken here, to Kaer Morhen, at first it was planned to be short-term.

But she grew up with the boys, eventually picking her name herself. She never underwent the procedure to fully become a witcher, but she was a better fighter than some. She earned her nickname, the great Shewolf, who was as vicious and as strong as one. Someone who would die for her family.

Jaskier has heard about her from Geralt and some other witchers they’ve met on the road, but the bard knew the girl rarely left her home. Being abandoned by her parents, she took all the boys under her wing, providing some love and care to them during their strict training regimen.

Now, as wind played with her hair, Jaskier had to stop himself from breaking into a song. She was beautiful, in this mountain view, she truly looked like a she-wolf – majestic, wild and free. The girl felt the stare, glancing at the bard, offering him a smile.

“Jaskier and I,” Geralt spoke, getting her attention back on himself, “got you a gift.”

“Did you?” Her eyebrows rose as she glanced between the men.

“Something very special.” Witcher said. He never would admit it, but Y/N has grown to be like a little sister to him – he wanted to give her the world.

But all he could offer now, was two new swords. Light weight enough to make her duel-wielding possible and even faster than it was now. It was long, and sharp. The special thing about it was that one side of the blade was silver, the other steel. It was also enchanted with runes, so it would catch enemies on fire, at random.

They were beautiful, black handles and with a tree design on the blade itself. But for Y/N, that didn’t matter. It was the gesture itself; she knew how expensive weapons are. And not even that, finding a good blacksmith was nearly impossible these days. The trouble they must’ve gone through almost brought a tear to her eye.

She dropped her old swords, taking the new ones. They felt perfect in her hands.

“I am at a loss for words.” Geralt smirked.

“A thank you will do.” She fixed her gaze on the witcher, trying to swallow down the tears.

“Thank you. Truly.” She turned her eyes to the bard, who rose to his feet, coming closer to Y/N. “Jaskier, thank you too.”

“I didn’t do that much.” He muttered.

“You have never been to Kaer Morhen, have you?” Jaskier shook his head, and an idea came to the womans head. “Let me show you around. As a thank you. If not for a sword, then for keeping my big old Gee company.”

“Don’t you want to test your new swords?” Geralt asked before Jaskier could agree to the offer. Y/N shoulders dropped as she gazed into the horizon.

“We’ll have time for it tomorrow.” She finally decided, glancing at the witcher. “You seem tired. Are you getting old, Geralt?”

“Tired of you, little one.” He smirked, putting his sword in his scabbard. “But okay. I need to catch up with Master-“

“With Vesemir about Cirilla, yeah.” Y/N interrupted, remembering that they weren’t here to visit her – not exactly. Of course, it added to the trip, but their main goal was to talk to Vesemir about Cirilla and how she’s okay. Nothing in particular that Y/N found interesting, but she knew how important it was to Geralt. “Go and surprise that old bastard. He will be happy to hear the news.”

Bard watched his friend grin and turn around, going into the massive castle. The pair stood there in silence at first, and Jaskier began to worry that his lady friend would feel uncomfortable with just the two of them; but she was gazing at the sky. The mountains loomed over them, guarding this place, keeping it safe. It provided an impressive view, too.

“It’s beautiful.” Bard broke the silence, as the girl smiled.

“There is something so peaceful about this view.” A sad shadow loomed over her face. “But once all of the witcher disappear… this place will be abandoned. Hidden in these hills, deep in the woods.”

“But the Witchers won’t disappear.” Jaskier argued, although he knew that the population of withcers was dropping, as no new boys have been trained in years. He didn’t know why, and he was too afraid to ask. Bard was smarted than that, and knew not to open old wounds.

“Everything disappears, Jaskier.” Y/N glanced at her old swords on the ground, as they reflected the light. “But I am glad you find this place beautiful.”

“Precisely.” He muttered, as his head was working overtime trying to come up with something to comfort the girls troubled heart.

“Maybe you’ll write poems about it. That way, we will live on forever.” Girl spoke, turning around, waving the bard to follow her.

Which he did, with no hesitation. The sun was shining on them, but the weather wasn’t really that warm. Jaskier wrapped his arms around himself, watching Y/N in front, with her armour, that seemed to be too light to protect from the hold breeze that was picking up. But the girl didn’t mind, stepping to the training grounds.

They were now surrounded by dummies, most of which haven’t been touched in months. Her heart felt heavy, but she hoped one day soon new boys would come and train here. She would pray, but she didn’t believe in any gods.

“Training grounds, not used in… awhile.” She cleared her throat, sheathing her swords behind her back. She crossed her arms over, looking back at the bard, who was examining the dummies.

“These look new.” He pointed out and Y/N laughed.

“They got destroyed all the time. We would make new ones pretty much everyday, so they are new, yet to be destroyed.” She explained something in her heart lifting. It was as if there was new boy to train; even if the man in front of her was too old for this.

Though older, his eyes reminder her of that of a kid. So much joy shined in them, she almost allowed herself be fooled that he had lived an easy life. Traveling with a witcher was nothing easy at all, especially Geralt. While Y/N got to know his more affectionate side, sometimes he would hurt even her. he never meant to, but his comments would be daggers at heart.

And this man, was a bard, she also remembered, her eyes grazing the lute hanging by his side. Not a fighter, not trained. He could probably barely hold a weapon or protect himself, and with the contracts and helping citizens, she was sure this man has seen more than he lets on.

Maybe more than her.

But there were no shadows in his blue eyes, as he brushed his hair back, smiling at the girl, who was in deep thought, staring right at him. Her eyes pierced Jaskier, as he wondered what was going on in her head.

“A coin for your thoughts?” Jaskier decided to try and pry, figure out what world she was lost in.

“You have travelled with Gee for awhile now, but you don’t seem to be troubled by it.” Bard shrugs, his shoulders relaxing; he didn’t even realize that he has gotten nervous.

“He protects me.” Her gaze drifts ahead, as she sits down by the dummy. A shadow of sadness looms over her again, and Jaskier sits down too, their legs now touching.

“I wish someone would protect me.” Jaskier furrows his brows, staring at his hands.

“But you can protect yourself.” He speaks, as Y/N sighs. That was not what she meant, but the bard carried on. “You literally can hold you ground against Geralt. The Geralt.”

“That’s not the point, Jaskier.” She rests her head on the dummy behind her, staring at the mountains. Sometimes she feels like they are about to fall on her, swallowing her whole. “I still want to be protected. Someone to take care of me, too.”

“What about Vesemir?” She knows he is genuinely trying to help, but the mountains still double up in size as she feels small. She would feel like this when she was a child, isolated and alone. A sigh escapes her lips again, resting between them like a ravine.

“I meant more of a friend.” She finally clarified, after the silence began to grow uncomfortable. Jaskier stared at the ground between them, as if that ravine was actually there.

“I can be your friend.” She nodded. She already felt like they were friends.

“You and Geralt both are my friends. But…” Jaskier watched as her face changed, becoming more and more puzzled. He wanted to help her find the right words, express what she means exactly. Maybe that would lessen the pain in her eyes.

“I get it, I think.” He decided to try and put some clarity into her clear thought volcano. “We, and I bet some other friends, we come and go. But most of the time, you’re alone. And I bet you feel trapped, surrounded by these mountains and woods. No escape, as even the horizon isn’t clear.”

“Exactly!” She shouted, involuntary. “Everyone tells me I’m a shewolf, I can protect myself and thrive alone, and that’s correct. But I still want to have a pack.”

“Why don’t you join us then?” Jaskier offers and the girl closes her eyes. She wants to go, but what if someone comes here, some small boy, scared and alone. Ripped from their mothers crying hands. She has to be there for them, if it were to happen.

“I’m needed her.” Jaskier sighs, a sour taste growing in his mouth. He didn’t like the thoughts that filled his head, the words that were urging to escape.

“Ghosts don’t need to be cared for, Y/N.” His tone was soft, as if he was talking to a child. He even dared to reach out and place his hand on hers, which she didn’t shake off. “If anything, they need to be let go off. Laid to rest.”

“But if someone new comes-“ Jaskier squeezed her hand, making the girl stop mid-sentence. Their eyes met.

“If someone comes, Vesemir will find us. You can’t find a pack if you stay in this cage.” His words made sense, and she knew it.

But she didn’t want to listen. Her eyes gazed away from the boy, back to the mountains, who began casting shadows on the pair. Wolves howled in the woods and the breeze picked up again. She didn’t feel cold, but Jaskier shivered a little.

“I should show you inside.” She tried to avert the conversation, but the bard wasn’t having it. She rose to her feet, but he remained on the ground.

“The view from the top of the mountains must be amazing.” He said, gazing there. He did wonder if you could even reach it; these trained professionals probably could, but he, a simple bard, would probably slip and fall to his death. He shivered at the thought of that.

“You see endless fields and forests. But it is nice.” Y/N agreed, crossing her arms.

“So you see the opportunities the world has to offer.” He eventually decided, standing up. “Then this isn’t a trap – is a pit stop, before you go to see all that the sun touches.”

“Sure, poet.” She grinned, but his words settled in her heart. “Let’s get inside.”

So the tour continued, as they drifted from painful topics to more easy ones. Jasier showcased some songs, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and Y/N shared some fun stories from a better time.

But evening came, and something went wrong. Geralt ushered them to leave. The sun had set, and the only light was a few torches surrounding the group. Withcer didn’t seem worried, just in a hurry. Jaskier had his lute over his shoulder, saddened to be leaving so soon.

Y/N was painfully looking at her friends, wondering when she will see them again.

“We will visit soon. Ciri just needs me, I know it.” Geralt grunted, petting Roach. He was eager to get on the road.

“It’s okay. I’m glad I got to see you again, Gee.” Y/N forced a smile, but it didn’t fool the boys. They exchanged worried looks.

After hugs exchanged, she watched them leave – Geralt on Roach, Jaskier on a horse he borrowed from Vesemir. Y/N looked up once more, mountains blocking her view, but the bards words crept in, waking something inside her.

She whistled her horse, urging it to a gallop to catch up with her friend. Surprise painted their faces when they saw her, and both men stopped in their tracks.

“You said you’d visit soon.” She explained, slowing her horse to a canter, going ahead of them. “I can leave Kaer Morhen for a little bit. And these gifted swords need testing too.”

“You’re coming with us?” Jaskier couldn’t hide the joy in his voice, but he didn’t care. In the dark he and Geralt could barely tell that the girl rolled her eyes.

“Let’s go, boys!” She rushed to a gallop again.

They caught up to her in a heartbeat. They raced through the mountains, until they reached one of the peaks.

The fields in front of them offered endless possibilities. In this moonlight, shewolf took a deep breathe, and she knew, that for the first time in ages, she was breathing freedom. One last glance at her home, the castle glistening in the light grey light of the night was inviting.

But she knew she would always find a home here.

She could always come and rest, until she was ready to venture again. Now, she needed to go and find her pack.

y/N didn’t know, that Jaskier and Geralt both thought they just added a new member to their pack. They accepted her, racing in the night, to the rest of their pack, towards Ciri and Yen. Rushing into the unknown, leaving the pit stop behind.

[for-ests]

The Most Beautiful Sunset- Tom Holland x Reader

Word count: 2,632 / warnings: nein

Hope you enjoy, random fluffy idea that popped into my head, I might write a second part if anyone likes it :-) (also tumblr is messing up the spacing im sorry)

✭♡✭♡✭♡✭

Y/N shuddered as she dipped her bare feet into the small lapping waves.

The ocean was chilly, yet she cherished the feeling. It had been so long since she had visited this place, one that was filled with nostalgia and bittersweet memories.

She tilted her nose up, inhaling the salty breeze as it ricocheted across the water. It gave off the a familiar peaceful scent that she loved so dearly. There was no reason for her to remain so worried.

It was calm for a moment. She could feel the ocean current pulling at her toes, the sand drawn away with it. The natural white noise was one she wished to hear every day when she opened her windows.

The wind whistled in her ears and seagulls chirped overhead, surveying the chance for a perfect dive. Y/N smiled, appreciating the seclusion of the east coast beach.

“Isn’t it beautiful baby?” The girl glanced down to the dog at the other end of the leash that was held tightly in her grip. The golden retriever’s tail started to wag at her soothing tone. The human and animal stood side by side, staring out to the horizon that stretched beyond view. The brief moment of tranquility was cherished by Y/N, because she knew it would not last long.

Because as soon as she stumbled an inch due to the sharp pebbles underneath her, Elly, her dog, tugged at the leash.

The dog whined loudly, dipping her nose in the water. Y/N could tell she wanted to swim badly. It had been months since they last came to their favorite spot. Against her own will of course.

Y/N’s mood shifted as soon as she thought about her parents. Her jaw clenched at the memories. So much had happened in the short amount of time that she had been at college, the girl could barely wrap her head around it. The past couple days had been a huge transition, information she had never expected to hear relayed back to her before she could settle back in for the summer break. Y/N’s parents were getting divorced because her mother had cheated on her father. And she didn’t know how to process it.

Truthfully, it made her feel sick. Everything had been normal just weeks ago. She wished it could have been like it was before. Where she could come home and see her parents together, happy and glad to see her. It hurt more than she could have ever thought. And she couldn't imagine how it hurt her father. Y/N knew he loved her mother with all his heart.

What a surprise to come back to this… a half empty house, with only a father to greet her. The house she had grown up in all throughout grade school was now up for sale. Her mother nowhere in sight.

Y/N did not want anything to change. The girl had grown up with both her parents... together. And now being a freshman in college, the transition would be awkward and lonely. She wished it happened when she was younger, when she was oblivious and unaware of the betrayal that surrounded her. Now, her family was broken. Side were taken even when it wasn't needed. And throughout it all, she remained the sole neutral party.

Y/N laughed. She didn't need two Christmases. She didn't need double the presents. She didn't need another dad, or more brothers and sisters...She needed her family. Whole again. Like it had always been.

The girl frowned, bending down to unhook the leash from Elly's collar. She came here to take her mind off the painful memories. Yet, it was all she could seem to think about. She cherished the solid two minutes of peace that met her with the beautiful sunset, one that never failed to take her breath away.

As soon as the collar dropped into the sand, Elly darted away, leaping into the waves and barking loudly. She yipped and yapped, seeming as if she wanted Y/N to join her.

The girl laughed, pulling a toy from her bag and tossing it as far as she could. Thank God Elly liked fetch, it calmed her down enough before bedtime. Especially when she had to fight against the waves.

"Who's a good girl? Y/N cooed, a grin spreading across her face as the wet dog ran back towards her, eager for another toss. The golden retriever dropped the toy back at her feet, tail soaked but still wagging.

But just as Y/N leaned down to grab it, Elly started to shake all the water off her. "No Elly!" The girl groaned, raising her hands up in defense even though she knew it was useless. She was already drenched, water droplets instantly soaking into her shirt.

Y/N sighed, feeling somewhat refreshed from the spray. It woke her up slightly. "You're an idiot." She said, wiping the water off her hands. Her dog jumped in reply, bending back down to nudge the toy. “Fine, it’s because I love you.” She scratched under Elly's chin.

Elly barked, begging for more playtime. Y/N shrugged in response. Knowing there was probably no one else on the secluded beach. Only a few people knew about it; mostly locals and neighbors. Plus it was nearing the end of summer, and many people wouldn't think about swimming in the ocean this time of year. Maine's water was rarely warm. But for a spunky golden retriever, it was the closest thing to heaven.

A hard gust of wind swirled around Y/N, causing her hair to blow across her face. "Ack.." She rolled her eyes, using one hand to brush the hair out of her mouth, and the other to scoop up Elly's toy and throw it back again. This time though, the girl was off balance. She accidentally threw the toy way too far to her right, just hitting the shore by a few feet.

The dog darted across the beach, kicking up sand in her path. Elly snatched the toy in her mouth, pausing before looking at her owner.

Elly’s head perked up, turning her head in the opposite direction. Y/N could tell by her stance that there was something nearby that only she could hear.

"Come here!" The girl called, trying to distract her rambunctious dog. She was only 2 years old and still new to the whole 'training' thing.

A bark echoed in the distance.

Y/N's heart dropped. "Elly..." She pleaded, knowing if the dog ran, there was a high chance it would take forever to get her back. The girl inched slowly to her, holding the leash out, ready to hook her as soon as she was close enough.

The. suddenly, a dog appeared across the coast, darting down so fast she had to blink a few times to realize it was closing in on them. A grey pitbull?

Elly bolted, ears perking up as the other dog yipped louder. Just Y/N’s luck. "Shit! Elly no!" The girl ran after her dog, sand kicking up behind the both of them.

"Tessa!" Y/N heard a voice float through the wind, almost making her stop in her tracks. As she jogged to catch up to the dogs, she peered across the beach and saw a man running as hard as he could.

She almost burst out laughing as she reached the animals, who were already sniffing each other's butts and becoming friends.

"Bad girl!" Y/N quipped, prying herself between the two dogs to attach Elly back on her leash. Right after her success, she was tackled with kisses from the pitbull apparently named Tessa.

"Oh hello!" She giggled, bending down on her knees from the dog's weight. Tessa licked her face so many times that Y/N lost count. The dog continued to jump wildly, threatening to tip the girl over each time she received another kiss to her face. "Stop stop stop!" The girl belly laughed, loving every second of the dog's affection.

Elly on the other hand, sat there and barked, leaning in every once in awhile to add licks of her own. Eventually, Y/N heard the stranger's feet hitting the ground as he caught up to his pet.

"Help..." Y/N managed to choke out during laughs, moving her head to the side, avoiding a lick on the lips from the pitbull.

"Tessa, darling!" He chuckled, grabbing his girl by the collar and pulling her off Y/N. "That's so rude of you!" His foreign accent was thick.

"I'm so very sorry." He apologized. "She's incredibly rambunctious."

"I-it's not a problem..." She spoke quickly, brushing the sand off her bottom and shoulders. "Your dog is so nice..." Y/N looked up at the stranger... her sentence trailing off as she met his deep brown eyes.

"I... um..." She stuttered, at loss for words. It was her first chance to get a good look at him and—damn. She could hardly breathe. He was undeniably handsome.

"Hi..." Y/N winced as soon as the greeting left her lips. She was making a fool of herself. The stranger looked around her age. He had somewhat curly brown hair, brown eyes, chiseled features, and very toned arms. She could see the outline of his muscles from underneath his shirt. The thought made her cheeks turn red.

The man was staring at her too, in just as much surprise it seemed. But fortunately for Y/N, he was able to recover from his shock.

He held out his hand. "I'm Tom, it's nice to meet you-?"

"Y/N." She blushed, grasping his hand firmly. He was so polite, and for some reason, he seemed familiar.

After a lingering stare, Tom bent down and slipped Tessa's collar back on. "She's a wild one." He laughed. "Always outsmarting me."

"She's a great kisser." Y/N teased, patting the top of her head. "Is Tessa her name?"

He nodded, not seeming to care that Y/N was so close to him. "How did you know?"

"I heard you yelling it from across the beach." She chuckled. "She's quick."

"Indeed." He smiled.

His smile literally made Y/N melt on the spot. It seemed so genuine, so kind. Who the hell was this guy? Her heart was racing by just one look.

Y/N managed to gather her pride after a moment of silence. "Speaking of which, I haven't seen you around before. Where're you from?"

He raised his eyebrow. "Is it because of my accent?"

"Indeed." She mimicked him, feeling more at ease by his nonchalant gestures. "I like it."

"I'm from Kingston." Tom clarified, standing back up straight. "I'm here visiting my grandmother. Mum wanted me to take a vacation." He simpered, gaze focusing on the ocean. He squinted as he stared into the horizon. "Maine reminds me a lot of home, just more rocky."

"What's London like?" Y/N asked.

"Completely different." A light gust of breeze blew his hair to the side. He reached up and ran a hand through it.

Noticing her stare, he turned with a smile. "But what about you? Are you a native?"

"To Maine?" Y/N tilted her head as Tom‘s eyes crinkled.

He nodded.

"Born and raised." She sighed. She really loved her home, but her heart longed to see the world.

And right now, she needed to get away more than ever.

"Why don't you seem happy about that?"

"I am." She smiled sadly. Tom could tell something was wrong, but decided it wasn't in his place to ask about it. They had just met after all.

"Do you come here often then?" He gestured to the secluded beach.

"Yeah. Not many people know about it, I'm surprised to find a tourist here. It’s never happened before."

"I'm glad I did." He chewed on the inside of his lip before turning to look at Y/N. "Or I wouldn't have met you."

She blushed a deep shade of red. "I don't know how you deal with strangers in London, but you can't stay stuff like that so casually!" The girl said with a flustered tone, gaze flickering to her feet. She felt like she was going to burst.

He started laughing with his hand on his stomach. She almost fainted right there on the spot. His laugh was so gentle and amusing. "I'm sorry darling. I didn't mean to embarrass you." His confidence was obvious.

"I-its okay." She exhaled, the way darling rolled off his tongue sounded like a sweet melody.

There was only a brief moment of silence, but it was comfortable. It felt right in so many ways, like she could get used to it forever.

Snapping back to reality, Y/N stumbled to the side as Elly pulled against her leash. Tessa also jumped up from the sand and started to bark.

The two laughed together. They could only keep their dogs calm for so long.

"Well." Tom’s alluring voice cut through the tension. "I can't keep the little lass in one place for too long."

Y/N smiled, knowing it was probably the last time she would see the handsome man. He scratched the back of his neck nervously, locking eyes with her once again. "Would you care to give me your number? I would love to see you again."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, of course!" The girl dug into her pocket and pulled out her smartphone. Tom gave her his phone and the two exchanged numbers.

Y/N handed his phone back to him, skin flaring with heat as their fingers brushed together.

She glanced at the contact he had added. "No way!" She giggled. "Holland? Your grandmother is Mary?"

"You know her?" Tom grinned.

"Yeah." Y/N reflected back on all the conversations she had with the older woman. They were neighbors, well, kind of. She lived a few blocks over, which wasn't far in the small town. "I met her on this very beach. No wonder she told you to come down."

"She did mention it was a certain pretty girl's favorite spot."

"No way." Y/N rolled her eyes. She felt her face flaring up again. Everything he said made her heart race, even if it wasn’t intended to.

Tom flashed the same heart-warming smile, seeming to be realizing the same thing.

"Well, Grandma is too old to show me around for more than an hour. Even though I adore her, I would love for a beautiful girl to show me around instead. We both would."

"It would be my pleasure." Y/N said, eyes sparkling in admiration. There was no way someone could be this smooth, handsome, and nice at the same time. He was literally sweeping her off her feet.

"I'll text you then." He held his gaze a little longer than appropriate, but she didn't mind.

"I hope to see you soon, Y/N." He bowed jokingly, turning on his heels and submitting to the constant tugging from his dog.

The girl watched them jog along the coast until they disappeared.

Elly whined, holding the toy in her mouth. She dropped it back at Y/N's feet.

"It's time to go home baby." She sighed, picking up the toy and shoving it into her purse.

Y/N walked away from the shore with a smile on her face.

The pink sky was comforting, yet it still didn't settle her nerves. Her head was spinning from the thought of him.

But a least, it was a distraction. The best one she could have ever hoped for.

[xuhoon]

how you met: Wonwoo

fluffy fluff fluff!!!! i churned this one out and im really happy where it ended up. today was a whole wonu day i’ll tell you that! i got wonu on a svt bf quiz, a pic of him and joshua for elite was released, his teaser photo was released!! oops i dated this ;) 

fluff, ranch hand farmer boy wonu, 1846 words~ enjoy! i know i do ;)

You lived on the outskirts of a relatively bustling college city, right next to a big ranch. There was no need to move out of your home with campus only a short drive into the city. You traveled into the city to be with your friends as well, and there was always something to do on Friday nights. Live music was a staple of your night’s out, whether it be in an old barn or an inviting bar.

Even in little restaurants, there would be an aspiring singer trying to make it, in hopes a bigshot company would sign them.

Your friend’s and you always went to new places on Friday nights. You liked to try new things, experience new crowds, hear new music.

It was in this new restaurant where you heard him. The lights were dim, there was talking over him, but you could clearly hear the talent that this boy possessed. His voice was smooth and low, strong and clear. It felt like something out of a movie, where you’d stay after his set ended and confess your love for his voice. But, you were out with friends, and they were already embarrassing you about this “mystery guy.”

“Wow, his voice is really good!” “Yeah, someone over here’s already fallen for him!”

“Shut it, guys, I’m just enjoying one of my favorite songs sung by this mystery man you keep mentioning. Let’s just order dinner, okay?” It was all in good fun, but they knew you’d never forget him.

He finished up his Josh Turner set and left the stage with a standing ovation.

The next day, you realized your friends were right. You couldn’t get that voice out of your head. The country sound swirled your head as you started your daily routine.

“Hey buttercup, could you drive to the ranch today? I have to bring your father his lunch. I swear, he forgets his own lunch just to see me during the day! What a cheeseball. But I’m glad you’re home so you can go see that cute boy I keep telling you about.”

“Okay mom, I’ll go see the cute boy and get our order.”

The good part of living next to a ranch, even with your father’s wealthy profession, is you get to have fresh produce almost daily. It was usually done by your mother when you had school, but today was an off day. You grabbed the keys to the truck and headed up the dirt road to your neighbor’s massive ranch.

Mom told you to park next to their barn because “Wonwoo would be tending to the horses.”

You slowly walked towards the towering barn, hoping you didn’t look too fancy. It’s not that you liked to be blinged out, but you wore more fashionable choices than the rural parts of your town. At least your cowgirl boots didn’t have sparkles.

“Hi, I’m here for the Y/l/n’s order?” Your voice was a little shaky, nervous to meet this “Wonwoo” guy.

“Oh, hey, you must be their daughter, it’s nice to finally meet you. I was hopin’ you’d travel up here sooner.”

“College classes and all…”

“No, I get it. So, what’s your name?”

“I’m Y/n, and you’re Wonwoo, right?”

“Yes’m, you’re a pretty one, aren’t you?”

“W-what?”

“Yeah, you’re prettier than I thought you’d be. Though, I’ve only met your mom. She talks about you all the time.”

“Of course, she does… I’m not surprised.”

“Well, I feel like I’ve known you since we were kids, even if that ain’t the truth.”

You didn’t know why you felt heat rushing to your cheeks. He looked really cute in his denim overalls and round wire glasses. He finished up tending to the horses, giving them little kisses before grabbing his flannel and basket of brushes. If he looked good in his plain white tee, his green flannel was another level of good lookin’ country boy charm.

Your mom was right: he’s a cutie, that one.

“Alrighty, why don’t you walk with me up to the house for your basket? I’ll carry it back down for you.” He was adamant on being gentlemanly, which made you blush harder. He talked about the ranch and his animals, his love for tending to the horses and bringing them fresh veggies from the farm. You loved the sound of his voice, and it made you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He was right, it’s like you’d known each other for years. It was so easy to talk to him, he listened intently. And, it was so easy to listen to him! The way his sweet voice filled your head was so comforting.

It felt like hours going by, as you sat at the table talking about this and that, him and you, anything that came across your minds.

“Y/n, I’m gonna throw in some fresh bomdong for you and your family. It’s a sweet cabbage for a sweet girl.”

You burst out laughing at the cheesy remark, “Wow, you really are a farm boy, down to your leafy pickup lines.”

“Anything to make you smile, princess.” He hummed on your way back to the truck, basket in tow. There was a familiarity to his humming that you couldn’t quite place.

“Wonwoo, have you ever thought of singing?”

“Did you see my guitar inside?”

“You play guitar?!”

“I’ll have to play it for you sometime,” He smiled softly, “but it’ll have to be another time, I have a gig tonight.”

“So, you do sing!”

“That’s right, princess.”

“Can I come see you perform?”

“Sure thing, I’d love to have some good company. Make sure to bring those cowboy boots with jewels on ‘em, kay?”

“Anything for you, my country boy.”

Wonwoo was the one to blush this time. He fixed his glasses and moved his hands down his arms. Your mom was so right, of course you’d fall for the boy next door.

“I’ll bring my dad!”

Wonwoo’s smile fell, feeling like he may have messed up his chances. He looked into your eyes, and you could see the confusion on his face.

“You’ll want to meet him, trust me.”

He put the basket on the seat beside you and shut the door. He walked around back to your door and leaned on the open window sill.

“When can I see you again?”

“Stay after the show, I want you to meet my dad.”

“Isn’t this moving too fast? Shouldn’t I take you to dinner like five times before meetin’ your dad?”

“You’re so cute. Naïve, and so, so cute.”

“Can I get a kiss for the road?”

“You aren’t the one driving!” But you kissed him on the cheek anyways.

Your dad wouldn’t be home until five, so you waited patiently until his keys turned. You felt like a little teenage girl asking for favors, but the only difference was that you’re twenty and not thirteen.

He turns the key and says the usual, “I’m home, my loving family!” bit, to find you waiting at the kitchen table. You were tapping your fingers impatiently and smiling from ear to ear. It was the first thing he noticed, so he slowly put down his bag and sauntered over to the table.

“What?”

“Can we go out to dinner tonight?”

“Have you talked to your mother?”

“She can come!”

“Why wouldn’t she come?”

“I don’t know but we have to go!”

“Okay, okay, where are we going?”

“You know that new dive that opened up a month ago? The one with live music?”

“Are you… plotting something?”

“You need to hear him sing!”

“Y/n… you can’t expect me to sign this person just because you’re telling me to.”

“But I’ve never asked you before. He has real talent.”

“Wait okay, I need to piece this together. You met a guy? And he can sing… so he’s already stolen your heart? What did he sing that made you fall?”

“Your Man by Josh Turner.”

“Ha, I was expecting Luke Bryan.”

“Dad!”

“Okay, okay, we’ll go see this lover boy perform. Have you even talked to him?”

“HE’S A JEON!”

“Oh, so you finally met our neighbor’s son? I haven’t yet, but I’m glad he’s nice.”

“DAD WE HAVE TO GO SEE HIM!”

“Okay! Okay! We’ll go. Are you ready, dear?”

“I’m already at the doorway!”

“Let’s go, buttercup.”

You hopped in the truck bursting with excitement. This trip would be different, instead of you and your friend’s swooning over the mystery singer, you’d get to see Wonwoo perform. You were getting more nervous as the destination approached.

The table that your dad chose wasn’t too close to the stage, but you were hoping he didn’t notice you there. Wonwoo seemed more than eager to have you attend.

He started his set with Lay Low, hearing the sweet guitar mix with his low vocals made you sigh into your palms. This warranted a look from your father.

Just listening to him sing was enough to make your heart race a mile a minute… until it clicked. His voice, you heard it before. It was the same voice that you heard last night with your friends, but at a different venue.

After the set, you went snaking backstage to meet him. He had cleaned up nicely, opting for crisp blue jeans, a nice olive-green Henley shirt, and his all-too-familiar round wire glasses.

“Y/n! I’m so glad you came!” Wonwoo pulled you into a hug immediately, allowing you to melt into the softness of his arms.

You said into his chest, “You’re so amazing, I didn’t think it was you!”

He lifted your chin, “What?”

“I didn’t think it was your voice. When I heard you last night, I thought it was too good to be true, you left the stage so quickly and I-I-I… thought I wouldn’t ever see you again!”

“Can I kiss you?”

“Huh?”

“You’re stuttering, I need a way to get you to stop,” He bent down and brushed his soft lips against yours as you felt yourself drift away.

“Buttercup?”

“Oh, cool that’s my dad,” you said as you pulled away.

“Hey, wait, Y/n, your dad is the CEO of Showtime Entertainment?”

“Yes! That’s why I wanted you to meet him!”

“It may have been a better meeting if you weren’t kissing my daughter, but I’ll let that slide for now. You have real talent kid, I wish I knew you had talent sooner, you know, being our neighbor and all. Would you want to come down the studio? Do you write your own songs?”

“Yes sir, I’ve been writing since I was little.”

“Then you’re one step ahead of the game.”

“Y/n,” Wonwoo turned his head back to you, who was still in his arms, “Did you just make my dreams come true?”

“I sure hope I did!”

“Can I kiss you again?”

“Only if I’m part of that dream.”

“You know, I could write a killer song about you,” He pulled you off of him, spun you around, and pulled you back in with a kiss.

[resbang-bookclub]

AMA Transcript: Simple Melody

For our final AMA of Resbang 2017, @alliope, @bbbutterfingers & @daciafu stopped in to answer questions about their Resbang, Simple Melody! Here’s some of what went down:

Q: My first question for Allie is what inspired you to do this AU?

Allie: Well I've generally had the idea for an Over the Garden Wall AU for a while, not necessarily for SE, but as the first check-ins deadline was approaching I ended up rewatching bits of Over the Garden Wall and it just kinda clicked? Mainly I think it came from Crona's betrayal and Beatrice's betrayal and everything fell into place from there. I thought the eerie atmospheres would work well together! So I ended up scrapping my previous idea and wrote 3k plus a summary like three days before the first check-ins, rip.

Q: For butter/dacia, what went into how you decided which scene(s) to art?

butterfingers: HM well there was some chitchat when we started about what kind of work we wanted to do and I said that I loved the Boom comics covers, and then I shouted WHAT IF I MADE  COMIC BOOK COVERS! and I think Dacia went WHAT IF I DID BACKGROUNDS and I guess we just approached it as if we were doing something comic-y haha!

Allie: You two were the power duo.

daciafu: I've always been in love with the style of the backgrounds of OTGW since that's where all those cozy and spooky feelings of fall and the Unknown really shine and I'm honestly HORRIBLE at designing backgrounds so I wanted to take the challenge and push myself to get better! Mimicking other people's styles really helps me break down how they make their choices and teaches me how to make things look Decent so I was super hyped to pick up the OTGW style! And then when Butters and I were trying to figure out What Do and she said she wanted to tackle covers, I decided to do background-heavy scenes. 😊

Q: What is generally your guys’ process (writing for Allie and arting for butters and dacia)?

Allie: Well, I wrote in little scenes, like I would get an idea for a scene and just go for it, the fic wasn't at all coherent until maybe a few days before posting. This actually posed a problem since linking scenes took longer than I thought it would. Because I had most of my scenes written, I thought I had more finished than I really did. By the end of Resbang, I had 56k written but only 20k remotely post-able. I'm a super obsessive planner though, so my whole fic was outlined in detail early on, which was nice cause I knew what I was doing lol

butterfingers: I loved going through Allie's notes, I was always excited to see how they'd connect the dots! My art process is as follows: scribble something, put it aside, look at it a lot throughout the day with the thought that maybe I can surprise myself into seeing something new, find something I hate, fix it, rinse and repeat. For this project I actually... have a friend who works with Boom Comics and she was able to hook me up with a nice little gallery of illustrations for the OTGW comic so I got to go through and put together my mood board for it 😊

daciafu: I read over the gloriousness that was Allie's draft and immediately picked out some neat scenes or wanted to reimagine the classic OTWG ones. I spent a lot of time studying first! Looking at the art books, and poring over the show’s scenes and kind of getting a feel for the color palettes, textures and compositions. Then I watched a tutorial on Youtube where someone just deadass uploaded their painting process on a piece of official art that made it into the show. So that was EXTREMELY helpful to watch the way they painted back-to-front and kind of blended the planes without like, losing depth?? The internet is so, so wonderful. And then I got to work! Started with a soft brush for lineart so it wouldn't be too prevalent, moved onto base colors, then shading, and then really trying to establish textures and make the atmosphere Just Right(tm).

butterfingers: Genius!! Oh damn that sounds like such great advice vis à vis backgrounds. /takes notes

Q: You sound like the dream art partner Allie, I weep for my artists and my last minute HERE IS 10K I JUST TYPED UP BC IM A MESS.

Allie: Ahh geez, these two were the dream partners honestly, like I'm so glad they could gather stuff from my notes, cause I've always got everything together in my head, but then it gets out there and it's a mess, these two deserve all the love.

butterfingers: There was one thing I regret that I didn't have the chance to draw and it was like a throwaway line somewhere in your notes about Maka presenting Soul with a praying mantis and him freaking out. I resonated with that so hard hahaha.

Q: What was the hardest scene for you to write?

Allie: The hardest scene to write that's actually posted was anything with Justin really, I don't get his character and it was tough to write him. There were a few scenes that were hard to write because I rushed them, but I wouldn't say they were genuinely difficult scenes, I just gotta rewrite 'em! But overall the ending scene I'm still struggling to write and there's a dream scene that occurs which has been difficult to write just for making it dream-like enough?

Q: And what was the hardest to art? :o

butterfingers: I had a hard time with Maka's expressions. I had many scribbles designing a Ragnarok lantern, too, but it was very fun!!

Allie: Your design for the Ragnarok lantern was so good, I still cry over it.

butterfingers: Ahaha thank you! He was very Calcifer inspired ;)

daciafu: I struggled quite a bit with the first one I painted, just because it was all so new to me. I had to base color 3 different times because the soft lineart bothered me if something extended too far, or there was white background peeking through. And then reimagining the texture in the leaves and the ground to try to separate the planes there but also wanting them to be cohesive was a bit of a headache. If I had to go back and do that one over again I think I'd be more prepared to deal with the foliage lmao.

butterfingers: Your textures were very excellent, that was a quality I struggled with as well!

daciafu: The first one I painted was the Golden Light scene where Maka and Soul are leaving the woods and entering the fields.

butterfingers: Trees r hard.

Allie: They all came out so incredible though, I'm in awe of how you were able to create those leaves.

daciafu: Omg ;;;;; At the same time trees are so organic and flowy and the chances of getting them wrong are pretty slim considering they can get janked as hell lol they're super fun to just zone out to. "I’ll just put a happy little leaf here, ooh and how’s about another one right next to it. They can be happy friends. Oh look, the squad showed up!!" Channeling my inner Bob Ross... but yeah you can just do whatever with them and they somehow come together.

Q: Daciafu how do u.....background, like you did so well and all I hear from art friends is various levels of pterodactyl screeching when the word background is mentioned.

daciafu: I heavily based the Leafing the Forest scene and the church scene after stills from the show so I don't get composition points there, but I built the pumpkin fields just based off of the environment’s design elements. I really wanted to push the depth of that scene but also give it that same never-ending quality to it, and I'm super happy with the results. Another note is that I omitted the characters entirely while building the backgrounds. Since I'm usually a pretty character-heavy artist, I wanted to tackle it like I was preparing the scene for an animator later. And then once they were done, I added in our sweet kids. Doing it that way first really helped to cement the characters in the space rather than my usual "character is done, how can I put them in an interesting physical space?" struggle lmao.

Q: Did you guys feel like your writing/arting changed at all or that you learned anything/picked up new skills/honed old ones etc. etc. during Resbang?

Allie: Gosh yeah, it changed a lot. In hindsight a bad idea, but this was the first fic I'd ever written with intention of posting and the longest piece I'd ever written. Before this I had written very little and my longest piece was maybe 10k. Throughout Resbang I've learned most of everything from the ground up, it's taught me a lot about my limits, how I work and writing in general. I've definitely improved a lot from the experience!

butterfingers: Let me tell you all about the airbrush tool that I discovered during Resbang. Amazing. Incredible.

daciafu: I learned how to paint backgrounds!!! Which is something I've always wanted to get better at. And I got super comfortable in Clip Studio (I'd just gotten it) as well as using texture brushes, so overall it was a very helpful and wonderful experience as a Resbang participant and as an arteest.

Q: Oh that reminds me butters, what program do you use?

butterfingers: Paint Tool SAI for the most part, and then Photoshop for color correction, borders, and, like, finesse things! :)

Q: Did you guys listen to any music that inspired you or helped you create?

Allie: Ah, yeah! I had a playlist actually! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTCaFkFU6rkD1edJwCZmHvJiUwlSUeGZ

If you want I can explain some bits of it? I use music a lot when writing aha. I like to associate certain songs with characters and character relationships, so most of the songs are connected to a particular part of the story. The Monroe Transfer, Wayfaring Stranger, and Mountains were all more general atmosphere stuff. Blame was very much related to Maka, which may not be apparent now, but yeah. Ragnarok I actually connected a lot with Willow Tree March. Soul was probably closest with A Lady. Crona had a lot of songs, but Neptune was most specific to them, as was probably Ghost Towns. Some character relationships I associated with certain songs, Crona-Ragnarok and Soul-Maka were both pretty connected to Always Gold, especially that dang last line "there were holes in you, the kind that I could not mend" oh man. Crona-Maka was definitely We Could Be Friends, Bloom, and Spell. Meet Me in The Woods I thought was a pretty good group song! Those are just some general bits of my thinking with the music aha.

daciafu: Definitely checked out Allie's dope playlist. For most of my working time, tho, I was either listening to TAZ: Commitment or MBMBaM oddly enough lol. I will forever think of Justin's uproarious laughter whenever I look at them lmao.

Q: Were any of the relationships difficult to characterize?

Allie: Mmm this may sound weird but early Maka-Crona was weird for me, cause they were kinda at that point where they want to (or at least Maka wants to) like each other, but they don’t like or trust each other at all and it's a weird spot for them. I'm used to writing them as at least interested by one another, if not enemies or already fond of one another, so this felt like a very odd place to start with them.

Q: Do you guys have future plans for writing/drawing? Aside from polishing and posting the rest of the fic!

Allie: I have,,, too many plans,, I need less plans,, someone please take them away from me, I can't be trusted with them,,,, I do want to do a sequel for this when I get it finished, playing on the detail about crows memory lasting five years so. Beyond that I have a SoMa fic to finish for the prompt challenge!! I'm working on a gift for Crescentcrona, which is a fantasy Kirona fic called Eat The Rich. I have polyam week fics that I'm cleaning up, I think my favorite so far is a Azusa/Naigus/Sid/Mifune one for Through The Seasons. And God I have so many CroMa fics I want to write, I gotta fill the AO3 tag. I think the biggest one right now is a wings-related soulmates au that I've been working on on the side since October I think?

daciafu: Yo there's one scene that I'm like sUPER hyped to do if Allie does the sequel because I already know exactly how I wanna draw it but I wasn't able to fit that in near the end, and it didn't end up in the first part. But there are a couple of other scenes Allie and I workshopped that would be super fun to do and I would love to draw them. Other than that, my drawing plans are pretty much working on commissions as they come in. Surprisingly my queue has been maxed out and I just got a full time job so of course now I'm like.... hm.... I'll get 'em done eventually!!

----

That’s the end of the AMAs for the 2017 season! Thanks again for reading along with us, and see you next year! :)

[trickstarbrave]

wedding day

hey-- im back!! sorry i missed so many days so far. life just started getting in the way. however im back and i might try to still catch up on a few days since i have ideas for them still. 

for now though its july 28th: family day! this is a companion piece to my previous fanart because i really wants to do this day but i had a hard time thinking of something good to write

its also on ao3 if thats easier to read!

   Crow already couldn’t believe the day had rolled around already. It seemed so distant, even just yesterday. It did make sense, given a lot would be happened today but…

   It wasn’t like Crow didn’t want to go through with it. Nothing like that-- he wanted to get married. It just didn’t seem… Real was all.

   He washed his face in the sink, drying it off on a hand towel, and then got started brushing his teeth. The markers on his face were a daily reminder of all that he had done. They couldn’t ever really be removed, unlike normal tattoos, but that was the plan with security. He heard they were researching a way to remove them but that would be just as painful as getting them on, if not more so.

   Crow sighed. With a face like his, he didn’t think he’d really make it far outside of Satellite. Becoming a security officer? Becoming a pro duelist? Getting married? None of that was a life he could have predicted after he got the first marker on his forehead at the age of 14.

   As he started getting dressed in a t-shirt and jeans (he planned to change at Martha’s house) he set off. It felt nice to be in Neo Domino again-- even if he was a pro duelist now, he would always miss home. A lot had changed since the bridge was built, a lot of older buildings torn down because they were unsafe to live in, a lot of filling in huge gaps of the island, not to mention reworking security on the old momentum plant. Kids apparently kept trying to jump the fence and sneak in and the thought of a reckless kid getting hurt in there nearly made Crow’s heart stop.

   Martha opened the door for him, and all the kids rushed out. They decided to spend the nights with her leading up to the wedding, as she had a lot more room. Besides, they always missed Martha, and Crow wasn’t about to keep them from her.

   “Right on time Mr. Groom!” Martha teased, while the kids jumped around Crow.

   “You’re really still gonna marry Brave?” Ginga asked, tugging on his shirt.

“Why are you wearing a t-shirt!” Hikari laughed. “Do you really plan to get married in that while we have to be dressed up?” She teased.

“Calm down!” Crow laughed heartily. He was glad the kids were taking this well. “I’m going to get changed obviously! I’m just going to get ready here before we head to the bridge!”

“Can we climb up on the bridge?” Daichi asked, and Crow tugged on his cheek.

“Absolutely not! You know it’s dangerous up there and I’ve never let you play on it.” Daichi still grinned wide. Honestly, the older they got the more of a handful they were. But Crow wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Come on now kids, don’t get your clothes all dirty! And hurry up and start getting ready Crow!” Martha called from the doorway. The kids all ran inside.

   “Are you sure you don’t need help with things Martha?” Crow asked as he also walked in. The kitchen smelled like home cooked food and Crow’s stomach growled a bit. As much as he enjoyed Brave’s cooking, there was a special place in his heart for his foster mother’s meals.

“Help? Crow it’s your wedding!” Martha laughed happily. “I can expect the first son of mine to actually get married to help me cook for his own wedding!”

“Come on, I’d feel awful--”

   “Nonsense, now go get changed! Jack and Yusei can help when they come.

Crow did head upstairs and in the bathroom was his suit, hanging up behind the door. He ran his fingers down the fabric gently. It wasn’t an expensive suit by any means, he didn’t want anything too special. But now that he thought about it, it was going to be special, wasn’t it?

He put it on carefully, making sure nothing was wrong with it. If a button was missing he’d rather realize it now and have time to fix it rather than realize it in pictures days after the wedding. He also looked at his ring finger. His wedding ring would be on there soon wouldn’t it? He heard Brave and the kids picked out the wedding bands and left it as a ‘surprise’, but he had faith they would pick something decent. At least, the kids would.

After that, he worked on his hair. Martha told him to put it back, either tie it or wear it down. However, after working his messy hair down he didn’t feel quite like himself. He groaned looking in the mirror, brushing a few stray hairs out of his face. He would ask for Martha’s help, but she was still busy cooking.

“How are you holding up in there?” Yusei asked after a quick knock. “Not getting cold feet are you?” He teased affectionately. Crow sighed again and opened the door.

“No that’s not it, I just--” He pointed at his hair. “I don’t know what to do about this.”

“Wear it how you usually do. Why should you have to change it?”

“Martha said it’s best to have it down since it’s a formal event--”

“Yeah, and it's your wedding.” Yusei interrupted. Crow had to admit Yusei had a point. “Besides--” Yusei held up a headband in his hand. “I brought you a new one to wear for the wedding. This one should match your suit a lot better.”

“Wow, you sure thought ahead didn’t you.”

“I figured you would just try and walk out there in your usual one, so I wanted to make sure you matched at least.” Crow rolled his eyes.

“Do you seriously think I would go out there in a teal headband and a black suit?” Crow questioned, as he got to work brushing his hair back up. As it dried a bit, it started to fluff up on it’s own. Crow then slipped the headband on, and he already felt more like himself.

“Knowing your fiance’s taste in fashion?” Crow snorted at his comment. Honestly with how mismatched Brave’s outfits were… He might like that. Already Crow was dreading what kind of outfit Brave would show up to the ceremony in. He loved the guy, but he was worried about just how bad it could get. Oh well, it was his wedding too right? If Brave wanted to look like a hot mess in front of their family, he had every right to.

… ‘Their’ family huh? That had a nice ring to it.

“All better huh?”

“Yup. Glad you showed up or I’m not entirely sure what I would have done with it.”

“The best man has to keep everything in order, doesn’t he?” Crow smiled as they bounded down the stairs.

“Yeah, knew I could count on you Yusei.”

“Hmph. You’re finally done.” Jack was down at the bottom of the stairs. Apparently, he wanted to wear a white suit to the wedding, as he usually did. However, Martha scolded him over it and made him buy something else. ‘Only the bride can wear white’ she explained, but Jack rolled his eyes. Instead, he settled on a grey suit with violet and silver accents. It looked nice enough, if not extremely tacky. Brave was gonna love it.

“Yeah yeah, sorry I have to actually look nice for my own wedding.” he bumped into Jack playfully, and Jack shoved him lightly back.

“Don’t try too hard and get your hopes up, after all, you’ll never be more handsome than me.”

“Oh shut it Jack.” Yusei laughed, pulling the two away from their mock fight.

“Don’t ruin your suits before the wedding guys.” Jack huffed and walked away to check on Martha, but the two knew it was just an act. Jack was the one who teared up on the phone when Crow told him he was actually getting married, even if he’d never admit it.

“Alright boys, food’s done so let’s go see how the decorations are coming.” Martha finished fixing her hair in the mirror before heading out the door. The bus took them and all the kids across satellite to the Daedalus Bridge.

Crow was surprised they were actually able to get in. After the whole Bifrost thing and the Arc Cradle, security put fencing around the whole thing. The bridge was dangerous, kids could climb up there and fall off if people weren’t careful, and the waves weren’t very forgiving… But since Crow helped save the city and knew several people in security, he got permission to get married there.

It was weird to see how much the area changed. It was cleared out for the most part. Not many people lived in the B.A.D area to begin with, but with construction and traffic, they were all gone. All that was left were some new smaller shops and storage buildings. His old house the kids used to stay in was long gone, now torn down and covered over with a layer of concrete.

“Reminiscing?” Yusei questioned, seeing where Crow was looking. Crow nodded. “It’s hard to believe so many years ago you lived here, huh?” Yusei didn’t know the place as well as Crow, but it was still somewhere he stayed during the signer war. It was messy and crudely build together, as most places in Satellite were, but it was certainly a home. Probably the kids’ first home they ever knew.

“Yeah… It looks completely different now.” It was better though, safer. Before he was anxious to leave the kids alone, despite having to provide for them. Now there wasn’t violent crime running rampant and his kids were far away from that kind of danger.

“Crow!!” The kids called, and Crow turned to look at them. The kids were around the big container of flowers Aki had brought. Crow rushed over to look all the flowers over along with the kids.

“Woah-!!” When Aki said she would bring flowers, he didn’t think she meant this many.

“What are you so surprised about?” Aki crossed her arms, smiling. “It takes a lot of flowers for a wedding to look nice.” The flowers were in an array of warm colors, mostly red and orange, but there were some yellow, white, pink, and black flowers too.

“Where exactly are you going to put all these?” Crow dared to ask.

“Well, on the fencing, the wedding arch, the chairs, and the rest will be at Martha’s house for the reception.” Crow’s eyes widened.

“What about Brave’s bouquet?” Kokoro asked. Was Brave going to have a bouquet?

“I already made that. He has it right now in some water.” Aki reassured her, before unpacking the flower girl basket. “And here are your flowers.” Kokoro looked overjoyed. He underestimated how much she was looking forward to being the flower girl. “Please help us out with putting up the decorations first though, okay?” Kokoro nodded and put her basket on a table, before helping Aki with flowers and wire. It honestly would have been less of a hassle and a neater job if they hired someone to put the flowers up for them, but where was the personal touch in that? They could just hire someone to clean it up instead.

“So…” Crow started, while also helping Aki and the kids decorate. “...How did Brave’s outfit look?”

“I’m not telling~” Aki laughed, and Crow sighed.

“Can you just tell me if he looked presentable or not?”

“He looks fine Crow! Have a little more faith in him.” Crow was a bit relieved at that. “I know he’s a fashion train wreck most of the time but he knows how to pull things together when they count.”

“Yeah but it’s also his wedding too.” Crow tied an orange and red daisy to a large bow, before adding it to the fence. “If he wanted to wear a tie dye sundress he could.” Aki and the kids seemed to find that thought funny.

“I don’t think he would though.” Aki smiled gently now. “He seems pretty excited for the wedding actually.”

“I’m certainly excited since all of you are keeping so many secrets from me about it.” They all laughed again, and Crow noticed Brave’s kids coming in with Dragan to help set things up. The older kids helped set up chairs and the wedding arc with Dragan, Jack, and Yusei. The younger ones came running over to help tie up flowers and chat with his kids. He was glad they all seemed to get along for the most part.

“Well, we have to keep secrets. That way the day will be very special.” Crow rolled his eyes but smiled regardless. “Besides, it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.”

“Oh, ‘bride’ now huh?” Hikari elbowed him in the stomach for his comment.

“He can be a bride if he wants!” She seemed pretty annoyed with his behavior.

“Easy now, I’m just joking! You know I don’t care so long as I’m marrying him.” Her cheeks puffed out and she fixed her ponytail before going back to decorating. Crow gave her a pat on the head and she didn’t seem to mind anymore.

Decorating ended up taking more time than he thought. Even with all the hands they had working, it took a while. Martha and Jack also took trips back at the house to put the delivered wedding cake in the freezer. Several people also dropped off gifts there to be unwrapped once the ceremony was over. Carly came as well with her camera in tow. He would make sure to pay her for the photos she took, even if she said she’d do it for free.

Finally, afternoon rolled around, and a car rolled up. Harald went to go pick Brave up in a car, as to not ruin his wedding outfit. However, they were just about to start the ceremony so he couldn’t leave the car yet. Kokoro and Ginga ran back to the car though to greet Brave, as well as get the rings for the ceremony from him.

Crow tapped his foot. He was ready to see Brave. While he did enjoy talking with everyone, catching up with Aki, and having some fun with his kids, he wanted to also start enjoying the day with Brave there too.

Finally, it was time for the ceremony to start. Kuzuyama had even made it in time, Zora and her son Leo followed behind, and an old coworker with a license was going to marry them. Crow stood under the arc and bit his lip a bit. Music started up and he heard the car door open and shut. He wasn’t really able to keep staring straight ahead the whole time, and he turned around to get a good look at his ‘bride’ to be.

Brave looked fine. More than fine actually--he looked great. He was in a white suit, tailored nicely with a black vest under it and an orange tie to compliment Crow’s red one. His now long hair was falling over his shoulders and back, and he was wearing one of his gaudy tiara’s complete with a veil.

His smile was gentle and happy the whole while and throughout the whole ceremony. Crow himself had a giant grin the whole ceremony himself, unable to pull his eyes off Brave. Honestly, the reveal was worth it, Brave looked stunning. He looked gorgeous but most importantly was able to do so while looking like himself. Crow was glad he decided to wear the headband, so he could do the same.

When the rings were brought up, Crow marveled at them a bit. They were gold in the shape of feathers, with various set stones. They matched fairly well and weren’t too big that they would get in the way of everyday life. Brave’s seem to be set with orange and red stones, while Crow’s only had one small black stone. It was still perfect, just what he would have wanted.

During the vows, Brave was tearing up a bit and laughing in joy. It almost moved Crow to tears himself but for the sake of the ceremony he held back. How was he going to say ‘I do’ fast enough if they had to take a break for both of them crying? In the seats, he already heard several people crying.

As it finally came time for the kiss, Crow couldn’t help but be a little be over the top. Besides, Brave kept a lot of surprises for him, why can’t he surprise Brave? He stepped forward, bracing his leg before he swiftly dipped Brave down. Brave gasped a bit in surprise and made sure the tiara wasn’t falling off, before throwing his arm over Crow’s shoulders and smiling fondly up at him. Crow’s characteristic grin was so wide it felt like his face might break. Finally, with an equally swift kiss, he sealed their vows.

As everyone cheered in joy, Crow was just happy Brave was officially a part of the family.