#in spring and summer it’ll be a joy

[otomehoneyybearr]

5th Anniversary - Kagari Amagase

Ch1 | Ch2 | Ch3 | Ch4 | Epilogue

Something was placed over my head, and as I squirmed to brush it off,

I finally poked my face out of the darkness, where I saw the wildcat pawing desperately after the corner of a fluttering cloth in the cold wind.

Emma: “A... stole?”

Kagari: “You’re so frail, Princess.”

(He must’ve been busy preparing for the dance… and yet he still took the time to bring this for me.)

The white stole he’d draped over my head blocked out the chill of the wind.

The smile that slipped out unknowingly was the warmest one I’d had all day.

Emma: “Thank you very much. It’s so warm.”

Kagari: “I see.”

(His expression didn’t change… but it seems like he’s a little pleased.)

Kagari: “How long do you plan on staying here?”

Emma: “Until the new year… I think. What about you, Prince Kagari?”

Kagari: “I’ll stay until I get bored.”

Emma: “Then I hope we can welcome the new year together.”

Wildcat: “Meow.”

Emma: “Yes, with you too.”

(Welcoming the new year with the two of them… it feels almost too luxurious.)

Emma: “There’s still a little time before the new year, so… shall we share our resolutions?”

Kagari: “My resolutions are boring.”

Emma: “I’d still like to hear them.”

Kagari: “…Territorial expansion.”

Kagari: “Victory in war.”

(Ah…)

(Right. Of course. That goes without saying.)

Even in casual conversations, Prince Kagari bears the weight of countless lives.

In moments like this, I’m reminded that we live in completely different worlds.

(I’m sure next year will bring many days like that autumn night.)

(I’m in no place to say anything… but at the very least, as a friend, I want to pray for his safety.)

Kagari: “…”

Kagari: “You really are more suited to being the bride than the groom.”

Emma: “Huh?”

Lifting my downcast gaze, I saw Prince Kagari gently lift the edge of my stole.

His unwavering emerald green eyes pierced right through me, and my heart nearly stopped.

Kagari: “Right now, you’re dressed like a bride, aren’t you?”

Emma: “Because I’m wearing a white stole…?”

Kagari: “Yeah. Grooms don’t wear that.”

Kagari: “Since we’re here, how about we practice your wedding ceremony?”

Emma: “I am not doing that!”

(…Maybe he was just trying to lighten the mood after things got somber.)

I let out a small laugh, and at that moment, the low sound of bells rang out.

Beneath the cherry blossom tree, cheers for the new year rose up—

—and the bittersweet feelings from just moments before melted into the cold, dim sky.

…

(…Finally…)

(The day has finally come.)

I’d been waiting for spring—the season when the cherry blossoms become their most vivid.

Wildcat: “Meow?”

Emma: “Go on, now. This will be the tenth time I say goodbye to you."

Wildcat: "...Meow."

(You still won’t leave, huh.)

The wildcat I brought back last summer with Prince Kagari’s help had made a full recovery.

Its wounds were healed, its once-unkempt fur now smooth and healthy—and all that remained was to return it to the mountains.

But no matter how many times we said goodbye, the wildcat kept coming back.

My tears were already on the verge of spilling.

(I don’t want to say goodbye.)

(But I can’t stay in Kogyoku forever. I have to let it go back to the mountains.)

Kagari: “Princess, if you make that face, it’ll never leave you.”

Prince Kagari, standing beside me, pointed it out. I bit my lip hard.

(He’s right—I haven’t been able to smile at all.)

(This little one is kind… Maybe it keeps coming back because it’s worried about me.)

Wildcat: “Meow…”

Emma: “Yeah, I’m sorry.”

I bowed my head, then forced the corners of my lips upward as I lifted it again.

Emma: “You always came to meet me after work, didn’t you? Thank you so much.”

Emma: “Every season I spent with you was filled with joy.”

Emma: “But… you have a home to return to, right?”

Emma: “So please, stay healthy. And if you ever get lonely, you’re always welcome to come visit.”

Emma: “Bye-bye, Wildcat.”

Wildcat: “…”

The dependable, adorable wildcat rubbed against my legs again and again.

I resisted the urge to reach out and pet it and simply watched.

As if understanding my resolve, the wildcat finally backed away,

 And after glancing back several times, disappeared into the mountains.

(…I’m glad I was able to send it off safely.)

(I’m glad… but…)

The moment it disappeared from sight, my smile crumbled, and tears clouded my vision.

Kagari:  “…Are you crying?”

Emma: “I’m sorry… I couldn’t hold it in…”

(I promised I wouldn’t cry… and yet…)

Before I could wipe my tears myself, Prince Kagari reached out—

 Roughly rubbing my face roughly with his sleeve.

Emma: “Ah… Thank you… but…”

Emma: “…That really hurts.”

(He’s… not being gentle at all!)

Kagari: “That’s all it takes? You’re fragile.”

His hand withdrew, leaving only the sting behind.

But it was a clumsy, gentle kind of pain.

(Now that I think about it, Prince Kagari’s been watching over me all this time.)

Emma: “Prince Kagari… please let me properly thank you for putting up with me all this time.”

Kagari: “How exactly?”

Emma: “How about all the dorayaki you want—my treat?”

Kagari: “No good. That’s not enough.”

Emma: “Ugh… you’re right. That’s too ordinary a reward for spending nearly a year with me."

Emma: “Then maybe… maybe…”

Emma: “Do you have something in mind, Prince Kagari?”

Kagari: “There is one thing.”

(He does!)

Emma: “Please tell me!”

(He’s helped me so much—I’ll grant his request unless it’s really outrageous.)

Prince Kagari stared at me… and stared… and continued staring.

I got self-conscious, and my eyes began darting around nervously.

Emma: “…What is it?”

Kagari: “You’ll return to the land of roses someday, right?”

Kagari: “When that time comes, I want to see you cry again.”

Emma: “…Cry?”

Kagari: “Because I liked the way you looked when you were crying.”

(I’ve never been asked to cry as a thank-you before.)

As I sat there dumbfounded, Prince Kagari’s fingers gently traced my cheek, following the trail of my tears.

Kagari: “Besides, tears are supposed to represent the weight of time spent together.”

Kagari: "So I want to see, with my own eyes, the weight of the time you spent here with me in Kogyoku, Princess."

(So that’s what he meant when he said he wanted to see me cry.)

Still expressionless, Prince Kagari’s emerald eyes slowly moved closer.

Closer and closer—until his breath was almost touching me, and I instinctively jumped back.

Emma: “You’re way too close!”

Kagari: “You won’t even let your benefactor see your tears?”

Emma: “You said you wanted to see my tears when I leave, right? So—not now!”

Kagari: “Stingy.”

Emma: “Then I’ll gladly be stingy.”

(…The more memories like this we make, the harder it will be to say goodbye.)

(My time with Prince Kagari has been filled with joy, surprise… even fear and heartache…)

(And I know—someday all these feelings will turn into tears.)

(That’s why—)

Emma: “When that time comes… I want to be smiling, even if I’m crying.”

Emma: “So that the goodbye doesn’t hurt quite so much.”

Kagari: “You’d cry and smile at the same time? That’s impressive.”

Emma: “…I suppose it is.”

(But just imagining that day… makes me feel like crying already.)

(I’m not sure I’ll be able to smile like I did today.)

Prev | Next

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[kotegiris]

[2024 Birthday Card Story - Haures] At the Closest Place

this is for a request i had to translate a haures card story! thanks again to a friend of mine for sharing this with me!

Chapters 1 & 2

Chapter 1

As the season changed from spring to summer… May arrived, and Haures and Fennesz’s birthday drew near.

I already decided what to give all the butlers as a birthday present this year.

A ring for the pinky finger… A “pinky ring.”

Wearing a ring on the pinky finger symbolizes “preventing happiness from escaping.”

With that in mind, I quickly decided to choose a gemstone ring for the two of them.

But while I was choosing… I was unsure what gem would suit them.

Since it’s for their birthday… I wanted to pick a gem that was perfect for them.

While I kept thinking about it, there was a knock on the door.

Knock, knock…

> Come in.

Haures: Excuse us, Aruji-sama.

Fennesz: Sorry to disturb your rest.

> What is it?

Fennesz: Actually… It’s a bit awkward to be saying this ourselves, but…

Fennesz: Uhm… It’s almost our birthday, isn’t it?

> Y-Yeah, it is.

Haures: …We were very happy that you celebrated our birthday with us last year…

Haures: Fennesz and I had a pleasant time.

Haures: However, after thinking about it…

Haures: Celebrating both our birthdays on the same day… Isn’t it a bit hectic for you, Aruji-sama?

Fennesz: Yes. I’m very grateful that you’re celebrating it with us, but… We’d like you to be able to spend time with us without having to rush.

Haures: So Fennesz and I discussed it and… We came up with a suggestion.

Haures: If you’re going to celebrate our birthdays… Maybe it’d be better to celebrate it on different days…

Fennesz: It feels a bit shameless to suggest how to celebrate our own birthdays, but…

Even though they seemed somewhat embarrassed, they told me their suggestion… I’m sure it’s because they’re worried about me.

I wanted to respect their opinions to not let their kindness go to waste.

> Alright, let’s do that.

Haures: Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Fennesz: Thank you.

Fennesz: Well then, uhm… We’ll be excusing ourselves now.

Fennesz: Sorry to disturb you. Please enjoy your rest.

> Yeah, thanks.

After the two had left… The thought of their smiles on their birthday naturally came to mind.

While imagining how happy they’ll be… I was also able to happily pick the gemstones.

One day in May… I wrote a letter to Haures.

“Tomorrow, wear your birthday outfit… Let’s spend the day together, just the two of us.”

When he reads this letter… I’m sure he’ll understand that it’s for his birthday.

Then, the following morning after I delivered the letter…

Haures came to my room wearing his birthday outfit.

Haures: Excuse me, Aruji-sama.

Haures: Thank you for the thoughtful letter. Just as it said… I came here wearing my birthday outfit.

> It looks really good on you, Haures.

Haures: Fufu… Thank you. It’s thanks to Flure.

Haures: He made wonderful birthday outfits for us this year too.

Haures: Now then, Aruji-sama. I’ve read the letter you gave me, but…

Haures: It’ll only be two of us today… Is that correct…?

I explained to Haures.

I told him that this whole day is for him… We'll go out somewhere together and enjoy his birthday to the fullest…

And finally, we’ll have dinner together.

I told him that since it’s his birthday, I want him to enjoy himself without holding back.

Haures: I see…

Haures: Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Haures: To be able to spend the whole day with my beloved lord… There’s no greater joy than this.

Haures: Technically speaking… As a butler, perhaps I should refrain from…

> Today’s special!

Haures: Fufu… I see. So this is a special birthday privilege from you.

Haures: Then… I’ll allow myself to indulge in this special privilege to my heart’s content.

> So, where do you want to go?

Haures: Let’s see. …Actually, I’ve had something in mind for a while…

Haures: If I can freely spend time with you… I have something that I want to do.

> What is it?

Haures: Yes, actually… If you’re alright with it…

Haures: I’d like to… exercise and work out with you…

> Exercise?

Haures: Yes. I’ve always thought about it while training with the other butlers, but…

Haures: If we work out together… I think it’ll naturally deepen our bond.

Haures: Not the usual stretches, but… By doing something more rigorous…

Haures: I want to share that feeling with you…

Haures: Of course, if this is too strenuous for you… Then, please don’t push yourself.

> U-Uhm…

Haures: I do have another idea in mind… If you’d like, would you like to hear what it is?

Haures told me that he had another idea, but… I’m sure that he actually wants to do the first one.

I want to do everything that he wants since it’s his birthday.

> Let’s do the first idea.

Haures: Huh…? Is that alright with you?

> I want to exercise with you too.

Haures: Fufu… Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Haures: Now then, I’ve just changed my outfit, but… Since I don’t want to dirty the outfit Flure made for me…

Haures: I’ll be changing into clothes that are easier to move around in.

> I’ll also get changed.

Haures: Understood. As soon as I’m done, I’ll come get you.

After Haures and I both changed into workout clothes…

We went to the garden and prepared to begin our workout.

Haures: Now then, Aruji-sama. Before we begin exercising, first let’s start with stretching.

Haures: It’s important to warm up our bodies and increase our flexibility to prevent injuries. 

Haures: First, please copy what I do. 1, 2, 3, 4…

> 1, 2, 3, 4…

Haures: Next is the other side. 1, 2, 3, 4…

Haures: Nicely done. Next, please stand back to back with me.

Haures: I’ll slowly lift your body… Please relax.

Haures: Here I go. 1, 2, 3, 4…

> 1-1, 2, 3, 4…

Haures and I diligently stretched our bodies.

It felt nice stretching together, and I felt my body slowly warming up.

Haures: It seems like our bodies are warmed up now. I think it’s about time to start exercising. 

Haures: First, we’ll go through the forest to the lake. The weather now is cool and refreshing.

> I’ll walk! > I’ll run!

Haures: Fufu… The goal is for you to work up a good sweat, so please go at your own pace.

Haures: I’ll be next to you, supporting you. Let’s do our best, Aruji-sama.

> Got it.

Following Haures’s kind words, I began going at my own pace.

Even if it’s just a little, I wanted to show Haures my good side… So, my pace naturally became faster than usual.

-A little later-

Haures: A wonderful pace, Aruji-sama! We’ve already arrived at the lake.

Haures: Let’s take a short break around here. Aruji-sama, please take a seat on this mat.

> T-Thanks…

I was a bit out of breath since I went at a faster pace than usual, but…

Haures prepared a mat for me to sit down on. The breeze passing through the lake was very pleasant.

> It feels so nice…

Haures: Fufu… I’m glad. It was worth taking you here.

Haures: I also pass by the lake often on my runs… The breeze here feels very nice.

Haures: It feels like nature is encouraging me… It makes me think that I have to work even harder.

Haures: But… The one I really want cheering me on is…

Haures: Uhm… Aruji-sama. Can I ask you for a favor?

> What is it?

Haures: Uhm. …Actually, the reason why I took you here today is because…

Haures: In a place with no one else around, I… Want you to cheer me on.

> Cheer…?

Haures: Yes. Usually when I train, especially when I’m doing weight training alone…

Haures: And I’ve hit my limit, and I feel like giving up… Your face always comes to mind.

Haures: If it’s for you, this is nothing… If it’s for you, I can push myself more…

Haures: Whenever I have those thoughts… I think about how much strength I’d get if you were there actually cheering me on…

Haures: I can’t get the thought out of my head.

Haures: Aruji-sama… If it’s alright with you, I’ll start doing weight training, so…

Haures: Could I ask you to stay by me… And cheer me on…?

I don’t know how much of an effect my cheering will have, but…

If this is what Haures wants, then… I’ll do what he asks. 

> Leave it to me, Haures.

Haures: Fufu… thank you.

Haures: In that case… I’ll start training.

Chapter 2

Haures: Haa… Haa…

Haures: Guh… I’m… at my limit…

> You can do it, Haures!

Haures: ……！ Aruji-sama……

Haures: Uohh!!! Not yet…!!

Even though he already did an incredible amount of one-arm pushups… He kept doing more with me cheering him on.

I didn’t want Haures to overdo it, but… Seeing him do his best naturally made my cheers surge forward.

> Haures, you’re doing great!

Haures: Hah, hah, hah… This is nothing…

Haures: I can still… keep going…

-A little later-

Haures: Fuu…… Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Haures: Thanks to you… I’ve broken my record by quite a bit.

Haures: Just as I thought. When someone dear to me is cheering me on… I become stronger than usual.

Seeing Haures so content made cheering for him worth it.

And I… Also wanted Haures to cheer me on.

> Would you cheer for me next?

Haures: Huh…? You mean…?

> I’ll try doing weight training too.

Haures: You will…?

Haures: You must still be tired from the exercise earlier, but… You still want to do more…

Haures: How wonderful. Seeing you so eager… It’s very lovely!

> Thanks.

Haures: I understand. Then let’s get started with something that’ll be suitable for you on this mat.

Haures: …I’ll also give it my all to cheer for you. Let’s do our best together, Aruji-sama.

After that, Haures taught me the correct form, so I don’t hurt myself…

The empty lake was filled with the sound of my voice that I wrung out from my abdomen and Haures’s firm and kind cheers.

-A little later-

Haures: Aruji-sama… Thank you for going along with my selfishness today.

Haures: To think that we’d exercised until the evening… Are you tired?

> Nah, I worked up a good sweat.

Haures: Fufu… I’m glad then.

Haures: Of course, I’m happy to cheer you on, but…

Haures: I’m happier when you cheer me on…

Haures: Maybe.. I’m more suited for a life of being supported by those dear to me.

> I feel like I also tried harder today.

Haures: Fufu. Hearing that makes me very happy.

Haures: Now then… We’ve worked up quite a sweat…

Haures: Let’s take a bath when we return to the mansion. I’ll be your bathing assistant for today.

> You will?

Haures: Yes. I’ve already asked Fennesz in advance.

Haures: I’ll also give you a massage to relax your muscles, so you don’t feel sore tomorrow.

> T-Thanks.

Preparing the bath and a massage… He’s very thorough.

I felt bad since it’s Haures’s birthday. When I honestly told him how I felt… Haures gently smiled at me and then answered me.

Haures: Fufu… It’s the opposite, Aruji-sama. It’s because it’s my birthday that I want to do things for you that I normally can’t.

Haures: Being able to serve you… Makes me happier than anything else.

After returning to the mansion…

Just as Haures suggested, I had a relaxing bath to wash away the sweat…

After getting out of the bath… Haures gently massaged my flushed body.

He humbly said, “I can’t do it as well as Fennesz,” but…

Because my body was tired after working out together… I actually felt a sense of relaxation that I never felt before.

-A little later-

Haures: Aruji-sama. About tonight’s dinner…

Haures: I’m sure you’re already tired, so… Why don’t we have dinner at the mansion?

> At the mansion?

Haures: Yes. Actually, I’ve already asked Lono… The ingredients for tonight’s dinner have already been prepared.

Haures: Everything will be prepared by me… is something I can’t let happen, but… I intend on at least handling the prep work.

> Then let me help too.

Haures: …Fufu I thought you’d say that.

Haures: If it was the usual me… I’d tell you to rest since you’re already tired, but…

Haures: … Like how we exercised together… I’d be happy if just for today, we could cook and have dinner together.

Haures: If the two of us prepare it together… I’m sure it’ll be delicious…

> Yeah, let’s do it together.

Haures: Yes…! Then, to the kitchen.

With that, Haures and I headed towards the kitchen and began to prepare the birthday dinner.

At first, we planned on just doing the prep work and then having Lono cook, but… We started to enjoy it more and more as we cooked, even as we made mistakes…

In the end, we did all the cooking… It took some time to finish, but the two of us enjoyed our dinner.

Haures: Fuu… Thank you for the meal, Aruji-sama.

Haures: Cooking was hard, but… I’m glad we finished eating everything.

Haures: Thanks to your seasoning, even the deformed vegetables that I cut were delicious.

> It’s thanks to both of our hard work.

Haures: Fufu… Yes, you’re right. When I’m with you, I can always do my best no matter what it is.

Haures: Aruji-sama… Thank you for granting my wishes today.

Haures: Even though it’s my birthday… There is no greater happiness than spending such a joyful day with you.

Haures: No doubt I will cherish the memories of today. From now on, every time I do something, I will remember you by my side, cheering me on.

Haures: And each time I do, I will work even harder than before.

Haures: Thanks to today’s memories… I feel closer to you than ever before…

Haures was thanking me, but… I'm actually the one who wants to thank him.

Not just for always being considerate of me, but… For always giving me a happy and fulfilling time.

For this reason, I prepared a present to express my gratitude to him.

> Haures, could you hold out your left hand?

Haures: My left hand…? Alright.

Haures: Here you go, Aruji-sama. Is this alright?

…The way he obediently and quickly held out his hand was just like him.

Looking at his dignified manner, I felt like he’d accept anything. Encouraged by him…

I held out the small box in front of him… And opening the lid, I showed him the ring inside.

> This is for you.

Haures: Huh…? Aruji-sama, this is…

Haures: It’s… a ring? You’re giving it to me…?

> I’ll put it on for you.

I gently took his left hand that he held out and slowly slid the ring onto his pinky finger.

Then… I told him the meaning of the pinky ring that I gifted to him.

I chose this as a birthday present because… I wish for Haures’s everlasting happiness.

A green agate is embedded in the ring. It has the meaning of good health and longevity…

I chose that gemstone because I wish for his mind and body to be stable and harmonious. I explained everything to Haures.

Haures: So this ring has that kind of meaning…

Haures: You’ve thought about me that much…

> Happy birthday, Haures.

Haures: …Thank you, Aruji-sama.

Haures: Today was already an irreplaceable memory, but…

Haures: Thanks to you… I’ve gained another treasure.

Haures: The ring you gave me and your kind feelings… I’ll cherish them for the rest of my life.

Haures: Fufu… At any rate, the amount of wonderful memories are piling up one after another…

Haures: Every year I gain more happy memories… In the past, I could have never imagined living this kind of life…

Haures: But right now… Like this, you’re by my side…

Haures: I can’t imagine having any other life. In the future… I want you to always stay by my side…

Haures: Not as a butler, but… I wish for this from my heart as a man.

Haures: That’s why… Aruji-sama. At your side…

Haures: At the place closest to you… Please let me continue to support you.

> …Of course, Haures.

Just like how Haures supports me… I also want to support him at the place closest to him.

That feeling must have gotten through to Haures. With a relieved smile, he nodded his head in reply.

Then, with affectionate eyes, he gazed at the ring on his pinky finger.

In the distant future… The day may come when we can sit side by side and look back on today.

While imagining a future like that for the two of us… I also kept gazing at his pinky finger.

END

[ejcarpe]

twin flames [ch. 1] // ao3

A lot had changed in the summer before fifth year. 

Draco had grown like a weed, for one. His limbs stretched outside the bounds of his wardrobe, which he’d then replaced entirely. He’d given up pasting his hair down to his head after Blaise Zabini had commented that it made him resemble a hard boiled egg, and his white-blond locks now fell freely over his forehead. Unlike his newfound height, which had quickly become a point of pride, Draco’s skin had been mangled by the scourge of adolescence. He’d thrown a fit of epic proportions over it before his mother swooped in to fix the issue, leaving him religiously dedicated to his regiment of skin potions – a fact not a single soul at Hogwarts could ever find out, of course.

The dynamic in the Manor had changed too. Lucius Malfoy had always been a rather busy man, but Draco had hardly seen his father at all that summer and was still feeling rather bitter that the man had missed his birthday. Sure, he’d organized a portkey for Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle to attend a Portugal vs Germany Quidditch Match and reserved them box seats as well as a suite stay in Portugal’s most luxurious wizarding hotel and bought him the yet-to-be-released Nimbus 2002 – which was faster than a Firebolt, dammit! – and about a dozen other presents on top of that, but would it have killed him to at least include a card?

Draco, of course, had some notion of what his father was so busy with, but he hadn’t dared mention it by name. Even Crabbe and Goyle, who were usually about as subtle as a rock to the face, had been careful and quiet about their fathers’ business, offering only the occasional sly smirk or wink when the topic of the Dark Lord was hinted at. 

But there was a bubbling excitement beneath everything that summer. Draco spent the early half of July in Paris with his mother and was surprised to find upon his return that Pureblood society had become a coiled spring, ready to bounce back to a golden age Draco had only ever heard about. Draco definitely liked the sound of it. Power and glory and the return of Pureblood aristocracy. 

But there were also things he felt a bit strange about. His father had been dreadfully overworked between his responsibilities at the ministry and his responsibilities in….other matters, and though Draco would never admit it, he found himself looking sideways at his father’s graying hair and rapidly wrinkling face. He’d just always assumed the rise to absolute glory would look a bit more glorious. Nonetheless, Draco did his part, smirking and sneering alongside his fellow Slytherins as they gallivanted through the summer’s events and soirees, bragging endlessly about his father and his fortune and his future. 

There was one such reception in mid-August. The afternoon had given way to a honey-gold haze, pooling across the sun-warmed Wiltshire lawn, manicured and sprawling. Draco was draped across a chaise lounge as he and the other soon-to-be fifth year Slytherins sipped on champagne they’d nicked from a house elf’s silver tray. All day, he and Pansy had been taking great joy waving their brand new prefect badges in their friends’ faces.

“Who do you think made Prefect for the other Houses?” Daphne Greengrass asked Pansy, her eyes squinting against the sun and lips stained strawberry pink.  

���Hmm,” Pansy said, “For Ravenclaw, Patil. With Boot or maybe Goldstein.”

“Abbott for Hufflepuff,” Blaise said confidently, “with, who do you think, Finch-Fletchley?”

“The Mudblood?” Draco opened one eye to ask, shaking his head. “No, it’ll be Macmillan.”

“And we all know for the dreaded lion’s den, it’ll be Granger and Potter,” Pansy sneered. They all performed the obligatory gagging ritual at the mere mention of the Gryffindors.

“Potter would be a horrible prefect,” Daphne said. “He’s always getting in trouble.”

“That hardly matters,” Draco tutted. “Not for Saint Potter. The wanker could blow up the castle, and they’d throw him a parade.”

The others laughed, but Daphne pushed on, seriously, “It’s true though, isn’t it? I mean, he’s gone barmy, and he probably killed Cedric Diggory.”

“How do you figure that?” Pansy asked with an intrigued glint in her eye. 

“Well, he’s peddling that ridiculous story about the Dark Lord returning,” Daphne explained. Draco exchanged subtle glances with Theodore Nott, who had been sitting quietly the whole afternoon, before returning his gaze back to Daphne. Crabbe and Goyle thankfully had the good sense to keep quiet. “The Prophet has only said Diggory’s death was an accident, but never what kind of accident. It makes sense if Potter snapped and killed him. Dumbledore’s probably protecting him.”

“Come off it! Potter couldn’t have killed Diggory. Not with the way he was crying over his body,” Blaise laughed, turning to Crabbe with a mischievous smirk. “It was quite sweet how emotional he got, wasn’t it? Sentimental. They must have been lovers.”

Crabbe snorted, collapsing into a guffawing Goyle. Zabini leaned back on his elbows with a devilish smile. Draco let his head fall back, staring up at the sky, where the heat had bleached it bone white. He was getting bored.

That night, Draco had a strange dream.

He was back at the Yule Ball, and it was progressing as it had in his memory. He, Crabbe and Goyle were planning to plant laxative potion in some Hufflepuffs’ punch, but Pansy kept nagging at him to ask her to dance. Eventually, the doors to the Great Hall opened, and the Triwizard Champions and their dates proceeded into the room for their formal dance. In reality, Draco had spent the whole time pointing and laughing at Potter’s awkward waltzing, but now, in the dream, he looked over to see Potter, not with Patil as he should have been, but with Diggory. 

Potter looked ridiculous, bending his neck back to look up into Diggory’s eyes. Their hands gripped each other’s dress robes tightly, and every other dancer vanished into mist. As Draco watched the pair of them twirling under the snowflakes, his stomach clenched uncomfortably, but he couldn’t look away. Suddenly, something slithered up his leg and tied him in place. 

Lightning struck overhead, and when Draco looked up, the enchanted ceiling of the great hall was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the night sky rumbled threateningly, lightning dancing between the dark clouds, packs of dementors roaming in droves. The castle walls turned to dust before the wind whisked them away. Draco watched the rain fall from the sky but couldn’t feel it touch his skin. It passed right through his suddenly translucent hand. A ghost’s hand. 

Potter’s scream pierced the night exactly as it had when Draco heard it from the stands on the last night of the Triwizard Tournament. Still in his dress robes, Potter struggled to hold up the dead weight of Diggory’s body, which stared, pale and unforgiving, at Draco. Potter fell to his knees, cradling Diggory’s head gently in his lap. Rain and tears fell down his dirt-streaked face Draco watched, an ache in his throat as if he’d been screaming, but he was silent.

“Draco.” His father’s voice called from behind him, but when Draco turned, he saw not his father but something else. More man than creature but not quite human. His face shifted impossibly from demonic to beautiful and back again. Draco had no idea what the Dark Lord looked like, but he knew this was him. He smiled, and it was all fangs.

Draco woke with a stuttering heart. He laid his hand on his chest; willed the traitorous thing to calm itself, feeling it slow beneath his fingertips; and he thought about Potter.

That was the other thing that changed that summer. 

Without cause or reason, Draco sometimes found himself thinking vaguely about Potter. Of course, he’d thought about Potter before, in the sense of how much he hated him or how to hurt him or get under his skin. But now he just…thought about him. Just small things. His eyelashes, the way he’d looked in his dress robes. Naturally, Draco spoke of this to absolutely no one.

By morning, the ponderings had been set on fire and the ashes swept away. He sat at the dining table with his mother, and together, they quietly picked at a breakfast far too big for two people. His father’s place at the head of the table remained empty. 

Afterward, Draco spent the remainder of the morning in the library. Not the grand one, which took up most of the east wing, but his father’s – the blackwood shelves filled with his intriguing books and off-limits artefacts. Draco wasn’t technically allowed in it, but Mother spent all day in her gardens, Father wasn’t around to know anyway, and the house-elves had long ago realized that tattling on Draco would not go well for them. 

That morning, though, Draco paused on his way to the library when he saw Theodore Nott sitting politely in the corridor, a book open in his lap. 

“Theo?” Draco approached the other boy like he would a wild deer. “What are you doing here?”

Theo didn’t look up. “My father’s meeting with your father.”

Eyebrows pulled together, Draco let his gaze wander down the corridor, toward his father’s study. “Father is home?”

“It seems,” Theo replied, turning a page.

Draco narrowed his eyes and kicked lightly at Theo’s shoe until the other boy lifted his gaze. “Why didn’t you come find me?”

“Didn’t think to,” Theo replied, lifting his book to reveal the cover of their fifth year Charms textbook. “Reading.”

“Swotty Nott-y,” Draco teased with a roll of his eyes. “You are aware school hasn’t started yet?”

When Theo just shrugged, Draco sighed, lowering himself to sit beside him. The silence stretched on, and with Theo unwilling to provide a proper distraction, Draco’s mind circled his father’s study. “Our fathers. What are they discussing?”

“Not sure,” Theo said with a wry smirk. “I’m out here in the hallway, you see.” 

Draco rolled his eyes again. “You’re not funny.”

Theo grinned then cleared his throat. “I expect they’re discussing plans for the creatures.”

“Creatures?” Draco asked. 

“Werewolves, vampires, and the like.”

Draco wrinkled his nose. “Why?”

“They’re on our side,” Theo answered, “or most are, I think. Father only told me that Dumbledore’s trying to sway the giants back over. They even sent the half-breed gameskeeper as some sort of ambassador. Good news for you – he won’t be at Hogwarts this term.” 

“Really?” Draco brightened. “Well, good. That overgrown waste of hair has always had it out for me.”

Theo shot him a look. 

“What?” Draco argued, “It was his beast that attacked me. All I did was suggest students be protected from dangerous animals. Quite reasonably, might I add. Would the world truly stop spinning if that oaf followed a curriculum?”

Theo made a noncommittal noise. “Well, he’s likely to be eaten for Giant Supper by Christmas. Father says most of the giants support the Dark Lord.”

Draco leaned in to mutter, “Your father told you that?”

Theo nodded, and Draco couldn’t help looking down and away from him. His father hardly told him anything at all since the Dark Lord’s return. How was he expected to be a part of the revolution when he was kept so utterly in the dark about it?

Abruptly, Draco stood. “Come on.”

Theo watched him with a brow raised. 

Draco tilted his head toward his father’s study. “I’d like to know what they’re talking about.”

“You want to…what?” Theo asked, “Spy on our fathers?”

Draco shrugged lightly. “Just a simple eavesdrop.”

Theo shook his head incredulously.

“Come on, Nott,” Draco urged. “Aren’t you curious?”

“Course,” Theo said, “but I’m patient.”

“You mean boring?” 

“That too, I suppose.” Theo said. When he got to his feet anyway, Draco couldn’t help but grin. Peer pressure was a beautiful thing.

Together, the pair of them crept down the hall, careful to keep their footsteps quiet, and Draco pressed his ear to the door. The conversation inside was low and muffled, but stray words slipped through. They hadn’t cast a silencing charm – Draco smirked at Theo, who leaned in beside him, curious despite himself. Draco only heard a few things, scattered and meaningless: Black. Ministry. Capture. Trelawney. 

Draco pulled his brows together, mouthing to Theo, “The divination professor?”

Theo shrugged, looking just as bewildered as Draco felt. What would Father want with that old bat? He pushed closer, trying to somehow angle himself to hear better.

Instead, the door swung suddenly open, and both he and Theo collapsed onto the dark, veined marble, a group of Death Eaters hovering above them. There were five men in total – Mr. Nott, red-faced and frowning at his son, two of father’s ministry connections, an unfamiliar, roguish man with too many teeth, and of course, Lucius Malfoy, who looked like he might set fire to his son with only a blink. His face hardly changed as he said, “Out.”

Draco and Theo both scrambled to their feet, Theo disappearing like he’d been Vanished. Draco opened his mouth, but before an apology formed, his father barked, “Now!”

Theo and Draco stood silently in the corridor, unwilling to speak of the punishments they both knew awaited them. Mr. Nott appeared soon after to usher Theo through the Floo. The other boy shot Draco a final, sympathetic glance before the green flames whisked him away. Draco lingered by his father’s study, clenching and unclenching his fists nervously. 

One by one, the other voices disappeared, and when the rough growl of his father’s final guest finally disappeared, Draco didn’t even have time to flinch before his father sent a stinging hex to his cheek. 

“Ouch!” Draco complained, rubbing at his face, but his father dragged him unsympathetically into the study.

The fire lit Lucius’s pale complexion a warning red as he narrowed his eyes at his son. “You make a pathetic spy.”

“Father, I wasn’t–”

Lucius interrupted, “You will never pull a ridiculous stunt like that again.”

“I only wanted to know what was going on,” Draco complained. “So I can help. I want to help, but you won’t let me.”

“What do you presume you could help with, Draco?” His father replied, his voice cold. “You’re a child.”

“Theo’s father tells him things!” Draco argued. “I can keep secrets. I have done. I’m not like Vince or Greg. I’m smart.”

“You’re right. You’re not like them. They follow their fathers’ orders!” Lucius snapped. He ran a hand over his face, the motion draining his fury like water down a sink, leaving only annoyed exhaustion behind. When he raised his head, his pale eyes were deadly serious. “You run your mouth incessantly. You have an inflated sense of your own importance, and you lack all sense of restraint. Among the men I confer with, if you put your foot in your mouth at the wrong moment, you may end up choking on it.”

Lucius reached for a glass decanter, pouring the amber drink into a glass for himself. Draco watched, an enraptured audience, as his father lifted the glass to his lips, the firelight turning it to liquid sunlight. Lucius exhaled softly, and when he spoke again, it was pensive. “Did you see my new…acquaintance? Mr. Greyback?” 

Draco swallowed. “The one with the teeth?”

“That’s the one.” Lucius nodded, turning to the fire. “You are never to be alone with him. Understand?”

“Yes, father,” Draco answered, not wanting to know the reason. 

When Lucius dismissed him with a flippant hand, Draco rushed to his bedroom and spent the rest of the day behind his locked door. He found himself uniquely relieved when his father, once again, was not at breakfast the following morning. 

September 1st crept up quietly then pounced.

As they climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express, Pansy clung to Draco’s side, holding his hand in her constricting, manicured grasp. She’d gotten clingier over the summer, but Draco really didn’t have the energy to care much. It was easier to let her cling and purr and fuss with his tie than to deal with the drama that would follow if he put a stop to it. He didn’t mind too much. She laughed too loudly in his ear and her perfume gave him a headache, but he supposed they looked good together. Appropriate.

After they’d completed their prefect duties, Pansy went off to find Daphne and Blaise. Draco found Crabbe and Goyle right where he expected to – at the candy trolley. They planned to meet Nott after, but on the way back, Draco heard Potter’s voice, growly and frustrated, coming from a nearby compartment. Draco lit up again at the reminder that Potter hadn’t been made a prefect after all. Amazing, Draco thought. Time to ruin the prat’s day. 

A group of rowdy second-years blocking the corridor withered beneath the shine of Draco’s prefect badge, and he, Crabbe, and Goyle quickly pounced on Potter’s compartment. 

At the sight of Potter glaring at him, irritated and unsurprised, Draco felt something in him lurch. A missed step on a staircase. 

“What?” Potter barked at him impatiently. His voice was deeper, his skin tanner, and hair longer. Fuse shorter. 

Draco’s mouth curled into a smirk before he could stop it. “Manners, Potter, or I'll have to give you a detention.”

On either of his sides, Crabbe and Goyle laughed, and annoyance flickered across Potter’s face. It felt good, familiar.

“You see, I, unlike you, have been made a prefect,” Draco continued, “which means that I, unlike you, have the power to hand out punishments.”

“Yeah,” Potter replied, “but you, unlike me, are a git, so get out and leave us alone.”

The other Gryffindor nonentities laughed like they’d heard something particularly clever, and the little blonde thing in the corner behaved like she’d been hit with a nasty tickling charm. Draco wrinkled his nose at them. “Tell me, how does it feel being second-best to Weasley, Potter?”

“Shut up, Malfoy,” Granger interrupted. Draco spared her a glance before his eyes settled back on Potter, who was glowering back with pure loathing. Like he might curse Draco with  nothing but his look. Draco felt it like a hand around his throat. His smirk widened.

“I seem to have touched a nerve,” he drawled. “Well, just watch yourself, Potter, because I’ll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line.”

Granger yelled at them to leave again, pushing forward to slam the door on them. Draco allowed himself a final look before he turned away, the heat draining from his cheeks the further down the train he went.

Three weeks into the term, Draco was sitting in the library, concocting elaborate schemes to fake his own death. His prefect duties had already gone dull. There was a lot of patrolling the halls and line leading younger students, and the novelty of doling out punishments had worn off after McGonagall told him off for “abusing his authority.” Apparently levitating a third year’s bag into the lake wasn’t a fit punishment for tardiness. Additionally, classes were a headache and a half. The professors had all conspired to torture the fifth years, it seemed, with a ludicrous amount of work and persistent reminders that if they didn’t take their O.W.L.s seriously, their lives would be essentially ruined forever. His mother’s letters only reinforced the sentiment. Still, somewhere between the foot he’d written on moonstones and the third chapter he’d read on the goblin wars, Draco found himself face-down on the table, dreaming about fleeing the country. Perhaps to Portugal. The beaches were nice. 

The only joy Draco truly gleaned in those first weeks was from Quidditch practice or, more aptly, from crashing the Gryffindor Quidditch practice. Weasley flew with all the grace of an airbound octopus, and he only got redder and clumsier the more Draco and his cohorts laughed. It had to be the best entertainment in all of Scotland. The opportunity to watch Potter also couldn’t be discounted. The git somehow got even faster on a broom after last year’s break from the sport, and his moves in the air were anything but clumsy. He was hypnotizing – and infuriating. Draco had gotten rusty, having only flown casually in the last year, but now, his concerns narrowed in on a foreseeable tragedy: Potter beating him to the snitch yet again. With an envious fire burning in his stomach, Draco heckled throughout the practice, but unlike Weasley, Potter hardly seemed to hear his taunts at all. The tosser. 

Not even the common room offered relief. Pansy’s clinging was a nightly ordeal. He could be playing chess with Blaise, studying with Theo, or threatening first years with Crabbe and Goyle – and always, there she was. Clinging. Always touching him with cold hands and laughing just a little too loudly at his jokes. The other boys smirked and made their implications. He should be pleased; Pansy was a pretty girl, objectively. Her nose was a bit upturned, but she had big brown eyes, plump lips, and… other assets, if Blaise’s comments were to be believed. Draco should ask her to Hogsmeade; he should want to, but it felt like a chore.

He needed a distraction – or a target. Care of Magical Creatures with the Gryffindors was an excellent archery range. Theo had been right about Hagrid’s departure, thank Merlin, so the class had become much more bearable. Especially because it was such a prime opportunity to piss off Potter. Draco’s Granger impression had become a genuine artform. Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle were in stitches when he gave himself buck-teeth, and he had all three members of the Golden Trio turning red in record time. 

When Professor Grubbly-Plank instructed one person from each group to grab a bowtruckle, Draco sprang up to follow Potter to the pile. He leaned across him, stealing the bigger bowtruckle right from under Potter’s hand. For a second, he imagined it was a snitch. 

Draco lingered, pausing beside Potter where it suddenly struck him how close their faces were. He felt the insane urge to lean closer. Instead, he reached for the closest cruel thing to justify the closeness. His intel on Hagrid’s whereabouts. “Maybe your stupid great oaf’s got himself badly injured.”

Potter’s brow furrowed, his jaw clenched. “Maybe you will if you don’t shut up.” 

“Maybe…” Draco leaned closer, his body moving without his permission. He dropped his voice to a whisper. “He’s been messing with stuff that’s too big for him, if you get my drift.”

Potter’s ears turned pink, and he looked close to punching Draco in the face. But he didn’t move. And Draco–

Draco felt a strange fluttering in his chest. 

Why was he whispering in Harry Potter’s ear? 

Why was Potter letting him? 

Still, witnessing that slow-burn fury up close was a beautiful thing, especially knowing he was the one who put it there. Draco smirked, the slow, smarmy one he knew drove Potter mad, before pulling away. 

Later that night, Draco dreamt he was on his broom, flying through a mighty thunderstorm, but when the wind whipped past his ears, it was warm. When he woke, he couldn’t decide if it had been a nightmare. He was still pondering at breakfast when Artemis, his orange-eyed eagle owl, swooped down to deliver the post – a letter and package of sweets from his mother, which Draco immediately handed off to Crabbe and Goyle. He tore open the letter instead. 

My darling Draco,

I trust that the beginning of your term has gone well and that you are focused on your studies. I ran into Dolores Umbridge at a Ministry event this past weekend, and she had many complimentary words for you, which I was very pleased to hear. Do continue to stay in her good graces. She will be a very useful connection to us in the coming months. 

 In regards to your last letter, I have nothing to report regarding your father, but he does wish to remind you to always exercise caution, in both your life and your letters. At this time, your priority is your education. We expect nine O.W.L.s from you, so you do not have time to be fretting over your father’s business.

Finally, I am very pleased to hear that you and Pansy have been getting closer. As such, I have invited the Parkinsons to join us for Yule this year. It will be lovely for our families to spend the holiday together. Remember, you must always be a gentleman.

All my love,

Your mother

Draco read the letter twice – once quickly, then again slowly, hunting for anything to grab onto – before folding it with clean corners and sliding it into his pocket. He looked down at his breakfast, suddenly without an appetite.

 He felt, at once, like a ghost possessing the body of Draco Malfoy. He could just as easily be swapped out with some other ghost boy, and his mother wouldn’t know the difference – so long as he continued merrily down the path toward pureblood marriage and schmoozed with enough annoying toads in pink lipstick. 

He couldn’t even pinpoint what exactly upset him about the letter; there was nothing really, and maybe that was the issue. A tangible sense of lack. It lodged in the back of his head and festered all day long, so by the time he was back in the common room that evening, he was twitchy and agitated. Blaise managed to beat him at chess. The introduction he wrote for his Charms essay looked like something Goyle could have written. He balled up the parchment and dropped his head back against the leather couch. When Pansy came over to talk, he pretended to be asleep.

“I’m calling it,” Blaise announced later, rising from the chessboard he and Theo had been tied to for the last two hours. He stretched with a yawn.

Theo stood too. “Coming, Draco?”

Draco hummed, turning just his eyes. “In a bit.”

Theo looked like he might say something but then thought better of it. With an uncertain nod, he followed Blaise to the boys dormitories.

Too warm by the fire, Draco moved from the leather couches he and his friends usually crowded around and settled, instead, into his favorite green armchair. The corner was tucked behind a bookshelf and lit only by a single candle – tall, carved wax in a silver holder, enchanted to burn ice-cold. It produced no smoke yet managed to make the air around it smell of mint. Draco curled up in the armchair and picked up his quill again. But when he placed it upon the parchment, he found himself writing, not an essay about counterjinxes, but something else entirely.

His quill bled, words spilling, unbidden – straight from his skull to the page without first passing through his sense of self-preservation. His cursive growing loopier, messier. When he finished, he inhaled sharply, like he’d just landed his broom. He read what he’d written – once, twice. A letter to no one in particular; a purging of all his sharp, stained thoughts. 

It was cathartic. And embarrassing. 

Draco held the corner of the parchment to the candle and watched as the evidence burned, smokeless. Not a single ash left behind. 

[dancingtotuyo]

Ivy (Joel Miller X Reader One shot)

Preface: @morning-star-joy made this mood board for me (on main) from a fun pintrest game and I just had to write something (Not sure I got the Cowboy- August & Getaway Car theme or not lol). I wrote this very quickly, not proofread lol.

Summary: Joel helps you escape

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Illusions to abuse (physical & sexual) & grooming, over all references to trauma and cannon typical violence & themes.

words: 1558

Author Master List

Songs I listened to while writing

-

The first time Joel Miller comes across your farm, he has to talk your husband out of shooting him on sight. You know about the Jackson settlement about 10 miles south of you. You’ve begged him to move you there within the safe confines of the towering walls. You’ve seen the lights on one of the more extended hunting expeditions. Elliot refuses to leave you at the cabin alone for more than a couple of hours. You’ve tried to run before. You weren’t able to move for days after he caught you. He’d been on horseback, catching you quickly. 

Joel trades his rifle and ammo for his life, eyes never leaving yours. Can he read the sadness in them? The horrors this world has inflicted on you over and over? 

You wear a dress. It’s tattered around the hem. Not something very practical. You look more like a captive than a wife. Joel thinks you must be in your late 40’s, but you’re actually 39. Elliot looks to be about 20 years your senior. Joel tells himself he’ll get you out because it’s the right thing to do. He ignores the tug of desire he feels when he looks into your eyes. 

He invites the two of you to Jackson. 

Elliot refuses. He doesn’t trust the Jackson settlement. 

Joel warns of a colony of infected trickling in. He watches the fear flash in your eyes, survival instincts kicking in as you look at your husband. 

Elliot says he can handle them. 

Joel speaks of electricity, heat in the winter, fans in the summer, and running water. A hot shower sounds delicious. You were 19 when the world ended. You can’t remember the last time you felt the hot water trail down your back. 

Only after Elliot chases Joel off does he realize you never uttered a word. 

The second time Joel comes bearing fresh vegetables and more ammo. Your mouth waters at the sight of red tomatoes. He ignores Elliot’s threats and hands the produce straight to you with a glowing smile. 

You thank him. You take a bite from one of the tomatoes like it’s an apple. It’s warm in your mouth. The acidic tang is like a summer’s night on your taste buds. The insides dribble down your chin, making you laugh. 

It takes Joel’s breath away. There’s a childlike joy to it, a spring bubbling up from the depths of the mountain in the springtime. He catches a flash of life return to your eyes if only for a moment. He knows it’s been a long time since any semblance of happiness graced your features. 

Joel fights the urge to wipe the juice from your chin. 

“You’ll stay for dinner.” It’s an order, not a request, and the first words he’s heard you utter.

Elliot protests, but you cut him off. “He’s staying for dinner.”

You know you’ll probably pay for it later, but you don’t care. You haven’t seen another face in years. It’ll be worth the conversation at the very least. 

Elliot is out hunting a week later. You’re hanging the laundry on the line when Joel emerges from the woods. He’s on foot this time, different from his previous visits on horseback. It must’ve taken him hours to get here on foot. 

“Howdy,” He smiles. 

You raise an eyebrow. “My husband isn’t here.”

“Didn’t come to see him.”

You stop. He rests a hand on his hip looking across the small clearing that houses the barn and small farmhouse. “You’re too exposed out here.”

“Joel-.”

“I like the way you say my name.”

Your heart stops. Your palms sweat. You’re not blind. You’ve seen the way he looks at you, smiles at you. You remember the soft brush of his hand on your back in the kitchen during his last visit. You remember it too often for a single moment in time with a man you hardly know. 

You square your shoulders. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Neither should you.” 

He cups your cheek. You flinch away out of habit. Anger flares in his eyes. You’re used to seeing it in Elliots, but somehow you know that for once, it’s not directed at you. 

Somehow you know what he’s going to say before he says it. “I’m going to kill him.”

“You can’t.” The words leave your mouth before he’s finished. 

He looks surprised. “He hurts you. Tell me I’m wrong.”

You can’t. You both know that, but how do you explain to Joel that he can’t kill your abuser- your captor- your one last connection to life before Cordyceps?

“You’re not wrong.” You swallow the lump forming in your throat. “But you can’t kill him.”

Joel knows better than to ask, but if he did, you would tell him. You would tell him that Elliot had been around your entire life. He’s your father’s best friend from college. He saved you on outbreak night. He wasn’t always like this. You loved him once, or at least you thought you did. You wonder how much of it was manipulation now. He was nice and kind in the beginning. He didn’t touch you until well after your 22nd birthday. The two of you settled on this farm years ago with a horse, a few cows, and a couple of chickens. Elliot loved the seclusion. He wanted a family. The longer you went without one, the meaner he got, but you think regardless, he’d have turned into the person he is now. You could see the signs in hindsight. 

One day, you would tell Joel about it all, but not today. 

“I’m taking you to Jackson. This place isn’t safe. He isn’t safe.”

You want to go. You wanted to go long before his demand. “Not on foot. He’ll catch up. He’s got the horse.”

When Joel grabs your hand, you hold onto it tighter. He pulls you down the soft slope of the hill to the old barn. His hand is rough and calloused, but you can’t help but feel like it’s the softest thing you’ve ever felt. The breeze plays in your long hair. Joel’s free hand glides along the warped barn until he finds a deep notch. 

“Check here every night after dark. I’ll leave a note for you when I come for you with directions on where to meet me.”

He cups both of your cheeks. “Every night, you understand?”

You nod.

For a minute you think he might kiss you. You’ve thought about that too as you lay in bed awake and listless for hours on end.

He drops his hands. “Show me where.”

You quickly find the notch. It’s deeper than you thought. Your fingers brush up against a piece of paper. You furrow your brow looking up at Joel as you fish it out between two fingers. 

“Good girl.” He smiles. 

It’s only four words, but it’s all you need. Every night. I promise.

“I promise.” He repeats to you. You don’t doubt him for a minute. 

You wish you could let him kill Elliot. It would make things easier. You could go with him now and not worry about anything else. Would he kiss you now? Or wait until you’re safely within the confines of the Jackson walls.

“Every night.” You tell him. 

He kisses your forehead before he leaves. It gets you through the next two weeks. 

You make sure Elliot is asleep just as you have every night since Joel’s last visit, but something feels different tonight. You can feel it in your bones. You take a small bag with you, lantern lighting your way to the back of the barn. An owl hoots in the woods, and the crickets sing with the dying heat of summer. The nip of autumn is already in the air. 

You ease your hand into the notch. You panic when you don’t feel the note immediately. You got it wrong. You’ll have to live through this another night- and then you feel it. Your heart leaps. You can hardly comprehend the note. It takes you three times through before you finally do. You know exactly where he is.

You abandon all caution and run for it. You can be there in under 10 minutes. Your hair flies behind you. The underbrush of the woods crunches under your boots. You catch your dress on a couple of brambles, one scratches your cheek, but you don’t feel it. You don’t feel anything but freedom surging through you. 

You catch sight of Joel in the small clearing. The full moon illuminates his figure. You recognize it, already committing to your memory. Joel spins around, rifle ready until realizes it’s you running toward him. He barely sets it down before you’re in his arms. 

You’re strong around you. They feel like safety and promise. He chuckles. “Glad you made it, Sweetheart.”

You laugh. You can’t help it. It’s not funny, and you should be more cautious, but you simply do not care. You’re free. You’re so close to a hot shower and fresh tomatoes and you’re in Joel Miller’s strong arms. 

Before he can say anything more, you press your lips to his. They’re warm, slightly chapped, and eager against yours. You never want to stop, but Joel eventually pulls back, panting. He tucks your hair behind your ear. 

“Let’s go home, Sweetheart.”

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle Series

The Game of Kings 

Chapter 10

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement) 

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Marabelle Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing – Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor 

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F! OC Melanie Smithson 

Most characters belong to Pixelberry Studios 

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language & innuendo. 

Not Beta’d - Please excuse all errors. 

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement 

Words: 2483 

The Game of Kings – Chapter 10 

Chapter Summary – Liam and Sophie practice for the charity polo match. Leo is on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean where he meets a woman. Speaking with his father, Leo abdicates the throne. Liam sends Sophie a Valentine’s Day gift. 

Music Inspiration: Everything Has Changed, Taylor Swift (feat Ed Sheeren) 

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events. 

A/N3: My submission for Choices Flashfics @choicesflashfics, Week #72, prompt 2 - “I wasn’t the one to walk away. You were....” 

A/N4: My submission for Choices Holidays Valentine’s Day Prompts 2024 - Be my valentine/I love you @choicesprompts, @choicesholidays

.......All I know since yesterday 

Is that everything changed....... 

The Cordonian Royal Polo Club 

After adjusting the strap on Marabelle's harness, Sophie accepted the polo mallet from an attendant. She was in her element today; any time spent riding her horse was a joy but spending time with Liam, on top of that ...this was a dream come true. 

When Liam invited her to join his polo team, she was over the moon. To be personally invited to join him was extremely flattering. Her heartbeat raced and butterflies danced inside anytime and every time she thought of him. 

‘Remembering that beautiful Sunday afternoon while working on a paper for class on the terrace of the Beaumont estate, Sophie looked up, pleasantly surprised to see Liam and Maxwell come into view.  

“Good afternoon, Sophie.” Liam smiled warmly as he walked up to her table. “Hard at work as always, I see.” 

“Oh, hello, Liam. Maxwell.” Sophie stood, moving her laptop to the side. 

Liam bent down to kiss her cheek and waited for her to sit back down before he took a seat himself at the glass patio table. 

“Yes, just trying to get this paper finished before the deadline.” 

Maxwell, grinning mischievously, “Ah, the diligent scholar. Little blossom, take a break for a moment. Liam has something he would like to ask you.” 

“Oh?” Sophie smiled, curiously looking at Liam. 

Clearing his throat, a hint of nervousness in his demeanor, “well, I know your love and passion for horses. And as you know, there is a fundraising event planned for flooding relief in Portavira on Valentine’s Day. 

Sophie nods sadly, “Yes, I have heard of that tragedy; It is heartbreaking.” 

Taking a breath, Liam continued. “Indeed...I was wondering if you would consider joining my polo team. Your skills would be invaluable, and I can assure you, we would make quite the formidable duo on the field.” 

Clearly taken aback, but flattered, “Oh, Liam, I ... I don’t know what to say.” 

“Say yes, Soph! It’ll be a fantastic experience, and I can personally vouch for Liam’s team being a lot of fun. ‘Ya know, cuz I am on it.” Maxwell chuckled. 

Sophie smiled, touched by their enthusiasm, “well, how can I refuse such a charming invitation? I'd be honored to join your team, Liam.” 

Liam, grinning widely, “wonderful! I knew I could count on you, Sophie. This event is going to be legendary, mark my words. Thank you, love.”’ 

Practicing today for the Portavira Charity Polo match, Sophie, along with Liam, Drake, Melanie and Maxwell were in the field taking turns with knock-ins. 

She looked over to the sideline and spotted Liam watching her intently. He gave her a small wave and she waved back with a smile.  

"Let's go, girl," Sophie urged her horse. 

Marabelle broke into a gallop, Sophie leaning forward and keeping pace. 

Liam watched as Sophie rode toward the goal, her posture perfect, her movements smooth and confident. 

Sophie raised her mallet and struck the ball, sending it sailing through the air. 

"Nice shot," Liam called out. 

“Yes!” Sophie cried out as she turned back down the field to where Liam was standing. 

"You're a natural out there!"

"Thanks," Sophie replied, blushing. Liam offered his hand as she dismounted Marabelle. "I love riding.” 

"So, are you looking forward to the match tomorrow?" 

"I am," Sophie said. "I'm a little nervous, too. It's my first time playing in front of a crowd." 

"You'll be great," Liam assured her. "And we'll be a great team." 

“Will the entire team meet today?” 

“Yes, you will meet Rashad and Tariq this afternoon.” 

“Are we interrupting?” Drake asked hesitantly as he and Melanie walked over. 

"Hey guys ... of course not," Liam answered. 

"How's practice going?" Melanie asked. 

"Great," Liam and Sophie replied in unison, both grinning, sharing coy smiles. 

"Looks like you've got a winning team, Liam." Melanie grinned, noticing Sophie move closer to his side.

"Thanks," Liam replied, a wide grin on his face. 

“I think so, too,” Liam winked at Sophie, who smiled softly in return. 

“We only have 7 players though. Leo flew out of Cordonia last night.” Drake shot Liam a concerned look, making a mental note of asking Liam about his brother’s absence after practice. 

"We're gonna have so much fun," Drake grinned. 

"You're playing, too?" Sophie asked, surprised. 

"Of course. You didn't think Liam would let me miss the opportunity to beat him, did you?" 

"We'll see about that," Liam smirked. 

"Oh, it's on," Drake replied, a competitive glint in his eyes. 

"Don't worry, we'll kick their asses," Melanie said to Sophie. 

"Yes, we will," Sophie agreed, laughing. 

As Drake and Melanie left to finish their rounds, Liam and Sophie continued practicing. Their easy banter and playfulness made it clear to anyone watching that there was a definite attraction between them.

... And the way Liam looked at her when their eyes met, his gaze filled with admiration and affection...it made Sophie's heart race. 

She could only imagine how good it would feel to be in his arms again, his lips on hers. 

The thought made her blush, and she tried to push it aside, focusing on the game. But the feeling remained, simmering beneath the surface as they walked their horses to the stable. 

"You're incredible," Liam murmured as they left the field. 

"Thank you," Sophie replied, grinning. "You weren't so bad yourself." 

"High praise coming from you," he teased. 

"I mean it," Sophie said, her tone serious. Liam reached over and took her hand in his as the stable hands led the horses to their stalls. 

With a gentle smile, “high praise indeed, Sophie. And I assure you, I mean it. Your talent with Marabelle is unmatched.” 

Their hands remained clasped as they walked to the clubhouse. 

Azamara Cruise Ship, off the Italian coast, Mediterranean Sea 

As the luxury ship cruised through the Mediterranean Sea, the sun was setting in a vibrant display of reds and oranges. 

Leo stood on the deck, admiring the view, lost in thought. 

"Beautiful, isn't it?"  

He turned to see a young woman standing beside him, her blond hair blowing in the breeze. 

"It is," he agreed, turning his attention back to the sunset. 

"I'm Katie, by the way." 

"Leo." 

"Nice to meet you," Katie said, offering her hand. 

"Likewise," Leo replied, shaking her hand. 

"So, Leo, what brings you out here? On a pleasure cruise?" 

"Just needed to get away for a bit." 

"Yeah, me too," Katie replied. 

"It's been a tough week," Leo confided. 

"Really, how so?" Katie asked. 

"I had to make a decision that changed the course of my life." 

"That's heavy," Katie replied. "Do you want to talk about it?" 

"Not really," Leo admitted. "I'd rather just try to forget about it for a while." 

"Fair enough," Katie replied. "So, tell me, Leo, what do you do for fun?" 

Leo laughed. "Honestly? Not much." 

"Seriously?" Katie challenged.

"Yeah. I have a pretty serious job, and I'm usually focused on that.” 

"Well, that's no good," Katie replied. "You need to have some fun, too.” 

"What do you do for fun, Katie?" 

"Everything!" she exclaimed. "I love exploring new places, trying new things, meeting new people." 

"Sounds exciting.” Leo chuckled, turning his body towards her. 

"It is," she went on. "And it's made me a lot more open-minded and adventurous.” 

"Adventurous, huh?" Leo asked, intrigued by her temerity. 

"Yeah," Katie said, grinning. 

"Well, I could use a little adventure in my life." 

"Then come with me," she said, holding out her hand. 

Leo hesitated for a moment, then took her hand. 

Katie led him down to the pool area, where several people were lounging and enjoying the warm evening air. 

"Come on," she said, tugging him along. 

"Where are we going?" 

"To the hot tub," she replied. 

Leo followed her to the hot tub and watched as she slipped out of her cover-up, revealing a white bikini underneath. 

She stepped into the hot tub and turned to look at him. 

"Well, are you coming?" Her eyebrow raised.

Leo could not resist her invitation. He quickly removed his clothes down to his boxers and joined her in the hot tub. 

"Ahhh, this is nice," he sighed, sinking into the warm water. 

"Isn't it?" Katie agreed, her body glistening in the soft light. 

"So, what do you do for fun, Leo?" 

"I'm a crown prince," Leo said. "So, my life is pretty much dedicated to duty." 

"That doesn't sound very fun," Katie said, frowning. 

"It's not," Leo admitted, noting her non-chalance of his mention of his title. 

"Well, I'm sure we can find something fun for you to do," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

"I'm sure we can," he agreed, his heart beginning to race. 

"How long are you on the cruise for?" Katie asked. 

"The rest of the week," Leo replied. 

"Perfect," Katie said. "We have plenty of time to get into some trouble." 

"Trouble, huh?" 

"Don't worry," she said, laughing. "I won't get you in too much trouble. 

"I'm counting on it," Leo replied, his gaze locked on hers. 

"You are a flirt, Leo." 

"I can't help it," he said, his voice low. This woman was everything that Madeleine wasn't.

"You're very flirtable." 

Katie laughed. "I'm sure that's not a word, but I'll take the compliment." 

"Good," he said, smiling. 

"So, what's your story, Katie?" 

"My story?" 

"Yeah. What brings you out here? On a pleasure cruise?" 

"Same thing as you," Katie replied. 

"An escape..."

Beaumont Estate, Ramsford, Cordonia 

Sophie woke to the sound of knocking on her door. Groggily, she pulled herself out of bed and stumbled across the room. She opened the door to see Daniel standing there, a huge grin on his face and a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses in his hands. 

"Good morning, Squirrel," he chirped. 

"Morning, Dan. What are you doing here so early?" 

"I wanted to bring these to you before you left for the polo match." 

"Wow, they're beautiful," Sophie said, accepting the bouquet. "Thank you." 

"They're not from me, silly. They're from your prince..." 

"Oh," Sophie blushed. 

"Here's the note," Daniel said, handing her a small envelope. 

"Be my Valentine," Sophie read, her heart racing. 

"Aww, that's so sweet," Daniel smiled. "He's really smitten with you." 

"I guess so," Sophie replied, still a bit stunned. 

"So, are you excited about the game today?" 

"Yeah, I am," Sophie said. "I just hope I don't mess up." 

"You'll be fine," Daniel assured her. "I have complete faith in you." 

"Thanks, Dan," Sophie said, giving him a hug. 

"You're welcome, Squirrel." 

Sophie spent the rest of the morning getting ready for the polo match, her heart fluttering every time she lookrd at her roses. She couldn't believe he had sent her such a romantic gift, and she was eager to see him... to thank him personally.

Cordonian Royal Palace 

The morning of the charity polo match, King Constantine was getting dressed when his attendant informed him of an incoming international call.  

“Sir, your son, Leo, is on line one."

Constantine was surprised and concerned, and at once picked up the phone. 

"Son, what's wrong? Where are you?" 

"Father, I had to get away. I had to think." 

"What's there to think about, Leo? Your duty is clear. Your kingdom needs you." 

"But I don't want this," Leo said, his voice thick with emotion. "I never wanted this." 

"Son, I know it's not easy, but we all have to do things we don't want to. It's part of being royalty." 

"... that's the burden we bear." 

"I can't do it," Leo said. "I won't."

"You must," Constantine said, his tone firm. 

"No, I won't. I would rather give up my title than marry Madeleine."

"I'm sorry, son, but you don't have a choice."

"Then I'll abdicate," Leo said, his voice shaking. 

"Leo, where are you now? Are you somewhere safe?" 

"I'm on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean." 

"You are, what?! You are the Crown Prince. You need to return home right away." 

"I won't," Leo replied somberly.

"Leo, listen to me. Your place is here, in Cordonia. You just can’t walk away."

“I have. Liam will be a better King," Leo insisted. 

"Leo! You ...."

“Father," Leo interrupted.

"When have you ever put me or Liam first?” 

“I wasn’t the one to walk away. You were....”, Constantine admonished.

Leo remained quiet, steadfast in his decision.

"Leo, please," Constantine replied, his voice pleading. 

"Goodbye, Father," Leo said, and then he hung up the phone. 

Constantine stood there, stunned. 

.......All I know since yesterday 

Is that everything changed....... 

Thanks for reading

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Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesprompts @choicesholidays

[msshadowqueen]

My favorite Elain Archeron moments:

She had come alive here, and her joy was infectious. There wasn’t a servant or gardener who didn’t smile at her, and even the brusque head cook found excuses to bring her plates of cookies and tarts at various points in the day. I marveled at it, actually—that those years of poverty hadn’t stripped away that light from Elain. Perhaps buried it a bit, but she was generous, loving, and kind—a woman I found myself proud to know, to call sister.

“Nesta,” Elain said again, twisting her hands. “If … if we do not help Feyre, there won’t be a wedding. Even LordNolan’s battlements and all his men, couldn’t save me from … from them.” Nesta didn’t so much as flinch. Elain pushed, “We keep it secret—we send the servants away. With the spring approaching, they’ll be glad to go home. And if Feyre needs to be in and out for meetings, she’ll send word ahead, and we’ll clear them out. Make up excuses to send them on holidays. Father won’t be back until the summer, anyway. No one will know.” She put a hand on Nesta’s knee, the purple of my sister’s gown nearly swallowing up the ivory hand. “Feyre gave and gave—for years. Let us now help her. Help … others.”

Elain peered up at Cassian, blinking twice. “He snapped your wings, broke your bones.” I tried to shut out the sound of Cassian’s scream—the memory of the spraying blood. Nesta stared at her plate. Elain, at least, was out of her room, but … “It’ll take more than that to kill me,” Cassian said with a smirk that didn’t meet his eyes. Elain only said to Cassian, “No, it will not.”

“His name is Lucien.”

The girl screamed, but Elain moved. As Azriel battled to keep them airborne, keep his grip on them, my sister sent a fierce kick into the beast’s face. Its eye. Another. Another. It bellowed, and Elain slammed her bare, muddy foot into its face again. The blow struck home.

Elain stepped out of a shadow behind him, and rammed Truth-Teller to the hilt through the back of the king’s neck as she snarled in his ear, “Don’t you touch my sister.”

“It’s their tradition, though,” Elain countered, her face still flushed with the cold. “One that they fought and died to protect in the war. Perhaps that’s the better way to think of it, rather than feeling guilty. To remember that this day means something to them. All of them, regardless of who has more, who has less, and in celebrating the traditions, even through the presents, we honor those who fought for its very existence, for the peace this city now has.”

“There’s no going back to being human, girl,” Amren said, perhaps a tad gently. “Amren,” I warned. Elain’s face reddened further, her back straightening. But she didn’t bolt. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I’d never heard Elain’s voice so cold.

“Why?” Elain demanded. “Shall I tend to my little garden forever?” When Nesta flinched, Elain said, “You can’t have it both ways. You cannot resent my decision to lead a small, quiet life while also refusing to let me do anything greater.”

[emsuemsu]

Tag game

Thank you for the tag @mycupofrum 💕💕 it's always a beautiful day to talk about oneself and also as the curious girlie I am to read about other people!!!

Fave colour: black baby

Last song: according to my spotify history my last played song was on Thursday and it was Stars Are Blind by Paris Hilton. That is the only song I listened to that day. It is a banger

Last film: we went to see First Omen a few weeks ago with my friend, absolutely shooketh from it, it was only us and a couple in the last row and they shushed us at one point. Never in my life have I felt more like a teenager in my LIFE. It was mortifying. I’m so embarrassed. We weren’t that loud though, just scared of the movie??? It was a good movie, enjoyed it, next Tuesday we’re going to see Immaculate, this spring is giving antichrist apparently

Currently reading: I have a few fics I’m in the middle of reading (one of them is A Violet Kind of Spin by @cassiaratheslytherpuff which I’m DYING to get back to!!!! jfc it’s so good!!!!! I feel so bad for taking such a long break from it but not a day goes by that I don’t think about it 🥹) and one book (Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski) but my reading vibes have been off for a good few months now!! I’ve read some shorter fics and listened to some podfics but reading in general feels super hard right now. I can’t wait for my summer vacation, maybe I’ll have some peace of mind and will be able to slam some words down. My tbr list is diabolical.

Currently watching: I’m going to be boring and say that I’m still on my Grey’s Anatomy grind. I’m on season 9 episode 10, 10 seasons to go. I’ve been watching s20 as it’s airing right now but it’s just not… it. This show should be taken off life support already 💔

Currently craving: a cigarette, uv index of 7, the beach and a crispy coke zero 😩

Coffee or tea: coffee, I never drink tea

Three ships: Drarry, first and foremost 🙂‍↕️ drarry has caused my brain to rot for almost two decades now and god knows when it’ll stop. I’ve been on and off the fandom, mostly off, but drarry is just a part of my goddamn DNA at this point it’s ridiculous. Next idk man. I have to say it’s a duel between prongsfoot and jegulus, your honor I love them both. Jegulus is a new acquaintance and like I don’t even know if it makes any sense at all (like where did this ship came from???) but jfc I am sat, I am folded I am silenced. But prongsfoot is the love of my life out of these two, I know for a fact that one of the first fics I ever read at the ripe age of 10 or 11-ish was Sirius/James and ever since that they’ve been in my heart, in my soul and in my mind non-stop. Prongsfoot is such a niche ship and I can’t believe it’s not more popular!!! Like they’re soulmates honestly. Funny enough I haven’t read that much of prongsfoot fics, always up for recs 👀👀 I know that was three ships already but I have to mention Kingsley/Charlie and it’s all because of @squintclover and their recent little microfics that just SLAP so hard I’m bruised black. I’m beyond obsessed.

First ship: I mean it was drarry. The one and only.

Currently working on: getting my goddamn ass off the couch and start to clean and do laundry 🥹 I have a few school deadlines as well but that does not spark joy so whatever

Thank you for coming to my ted talk once again!!! I’m tagging @valoale @cassiaratheslytherpuff @lemonlimelea @soliblomst @kk1smet @lucifergraced no pressure spill the tea if feeling like it!! 😌

[pokemonbiologyirlthetabletop]

Sunkern & Sunflora

Sunkern (#191)

Helianthasvivas microhelianthas

General Information: Sunkern is one of the weakest Pokémon of all. They conserve their energy during the heat of the day, storing sunlight and consuming morning dew, but in the mornings they may take to the skies and float on the winds, often for dispersement. This causes Sunkerns to “randomly” fall from the sky, to the great startlement of people everywhere.

Sunkern average at 1 feet tall (0.3 M) and weigh about 4 pounds (1.8 kg). 

Habitat: Sunkerns enjoy sunny, open fields, with regular access to drinking water. However, they still required trees and bushes in order to escape from predators and to take shelter from excessive heat. Weirdly, they are most active and most prolific not during the heat of the summer, but during the cooler weeks of the summer.

Sunkerns are a common sight in urban environments, and are regularly spotted in small groups around cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike.

Life Cycles: Sunkerns are born from fingernail-sized eggs, one of several hundred per egg clutch. In a clutch, few Sunkerns will make it evolution let alone reproduction, but if they can access a Sun Stone their odds reproductive go up tremendously. Technically, Sunkern are capable of reproduction, but this ends up occurring mostly in captivity where the environmental pressures of nature are non-existent. In the wild, it is the Sunflora that do 99% of the reproduction on account of them being bigger and stronger and not dedicating all of their resources toward evolution and immediate survival. Sunkerns only reproduce when ecological stresses demand that they do so, but these clutches are smaller, fewer, and they take a toll on the Sunkern’s survival chances. A Sunkern is most suited for cool summers but are capable of tolerating a wide range of summer heat extremities. Significantly more Sunkerns are likely to evolve and reproduce during cooler summers than hotter ones, and the following year their populations spike tremendously.

Sunkerns are a favorite food of many Pokémon. If it eats seeds, it eats Sunkerns.

Behavior: Sunkerns are social Pokémon who live in colonies that range in size from a few to hundreds. They sometimes to the winds together to find more suitable places to live.

Diet: Sunlight. If their sunlight absorption is insufficient, perhaps some mashed potatoes may suffice?

Conservation: Least Concern

Relationship with Humans: Sunkerns are cute little guys that have flocked to human settlements in recent years. In ages past and in some parts of the world, Sunkerns are also readily consumed by people, but this is significantly less so in urban areas these days, and the Sunkern & Sunflora communities have spread the word that cities are an acceptable place to grow up. A typical city-dwelling human thinks of a Sunkern as a cute, harmless critter that brings joy and companionship. They’re just little guys!

Some municipalities give out Sunkerns as starter Pokémon!

Classification: The genus name of Sunkern is Helianthusvivas, a combination of “helianthus” (sunflower) and “vivas” (living), giving it the name “living sunflower.”

Sunflora (#192)

Helianthasvivas macroamicabilas

General Information: Sunflora the Sunflower Pokémon and the evolved form of Sunkern. This Pokémon loves to soak up sunlight during the day, which allows its head to grow bigger—but if it takes in too much sunlight, its head will get too big and it’ll immobilize it!

Sunfloras average at about 2’7 feet tall (0.8 M) and weigh about 18.7 pounds (8.5 kg).

Habitat: Sunfloras love sunny spots and lots of water. They are often seen in meadows, parks, and home gardens.

Sunfloras are far more common in human environments than in the wild.

Life Cycles: Sunfloras are able to reproduce as soon as they reach level 15. To find a mate, they will dance for each other until they meet another Sunflora (or five) with the right vibes. Come Spring time, the female Sunflowers will gather energy for making as many eggs as possible (literally hundreds per mother) and store them in hollows underground or beneath trees, where they will wait two weeks before emerging. This is the only clutch that will be laid, and all clutches are born within the same three-week period in an area. The mass birthing of Sunkerns causes predators to be overwhelmed by their numbers, a “they can’t eat us all!” strategy to survival.

Sunfloras are eaten by anything that eats flowers and leaves, which is a lot of things. At least a Sunflora has the benefit of heightened stats and the ability to run away from danger, which is more than Sunkerns can say for themselves.

Sunfloras can live about 15 years in captivity—like a cat or dog.

Behavior: Sunfloras are friendly sorts who want to be friends with whoever doesn’t want to eat them! They are especially fond of kind humans and their Pokémon. They're just happy little guys!

Diet: Sunlight. Sweet sweet, delicious sunlight.

Conservation: Least Concern

Relationship with Humans: Sunfloras are common, “everyday,” “run-of-the-mill” Pokémon—a truly excellent companion to just about any household, ubiquitous to human environments, and quite popular amongst gardeners. No one is going to be surprised by seeing a Sunflower except in the driest or coldest or places. They are also popular as the subject of textile patterns, and the titular Turtwig in Tuesdays With Turtwig has as friendly neighbors a family of Sunfloras and their many Sunkern children who must attend school.

Classification: The species epithet for Sunflora, macroamicabilas, roughly means “large friend”, in total making its full scientific name, Helianthusvivas macroamicabilas, which means, “large living sunflower friend.”

Evolution: Sunflora evolves from Sunkern from exposure to a Sun Stone or similar object.

~~~~~~~~

Hey guess what, if you like my stuff, this is my website where you can find other Pokémon I've written on and more information about the game that I’m slowly making! Check it out! I write books sometimes too.

[etherealsworldvision]

General Message

Before I begin the reading I’d like to take a moment to talk about: Restore the Delta. They’re a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the health of San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and Delta Communities. Click here if you’d like to donate.

🚨 P.S.A 🚨 I DO NOT GIVE PERSONAL READINGS

Credits: Photography by Jack W. Dykinga; Layout by Triso Gamboa

Note: The reason I used Triso’s layout is a trial run to see the type of engagement this will get. For sure I will (and would love to) create my own template.

[ Messages: ‘I feel no shame, I’m in love, sweet love don’t you ever go away it’ll always be this way.’ - Sweet Love by Anita Bake; ‘Fear is found in bravery. Without it then we will always remain sheltered — take that step.’; ‘If soulmates do exist they are not found, they are made. People meet, they get a good feeling, and they work on building a relationship.’; Picture a wave. In the ocean. You can see it, measure it, its height, the way the sunlight refracts when it passes through. And it's there. And you can see it, you know what it is. It's a wave. And then it crashes in the shore and it's gone. But the water is still there. The wave was just a different way for the water to be, for a little while. You know it's one conception of death for Buddhists: the wave returns to the ocean, where it came from and where it's supposed to be.’; May you Pursue what lights you up; May it be effortless; May you know you are worthy of a gift; May you extend your reach.]

[ Additional Messages: Yellow of the Sun - Nao; 444; 1010; completion; pirate ships; crews; cruise; The Good Place.]

Cards: The World; 10 of Cups; Justice; 10 of Pentacles. King of Diamonds; 4 of Spades; Ace of Diamonds; Ace of Clubs. Joy; Ease; Receive; Stretch.

Wow you guys are coming into a new energy! I feel that this may be coming in by late spring to late summer, meaning June — September. Some of you may be my Leo’s because that season is popping up OR you may have a good time during Leo season. You may find stability within your finances and emotions or will be coming into it.

I’m getting that during the time you’re reading this you have been struggling for the past few months. Like you’re just stuck in a rut. You know that one song ‘nothings new’ by Rio Romeo — they kept singing nothing’s new…yeah. You might have even closed yourself off or couldn’t find the time to connect with people because of the situation.

Now I’m not saying “this is the end yiipieee!” It’s more of hey you’re gonna set sail again because the weather conditions are right. Because when you’re a sailor you know when you can set sail and when you have to navigate through the storms while clenching the wheel as tight as you can.

I’m also getting the radio host from the song ‘Hopscotch’by Tinashe. ‘Alright, we got another beautiful day here in sunny Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at our seven day forecast — we’re seeing lots of sunshine all week long — temperatures in the mid to upper 70s’. Yeah I typed that out cause it’s fun and it adds to the fun lol. I’ll even add it here lol.

Anyway before spring ends, you may get into a new hobby or fandom that just makes your world sparkle. For some reason that is the key indicator that you’ll get a break. Because of this new hobby/entertainment you’ll feel emotionally reconnected which makes you want to be motivated to explore yourself and everything around you.

As you start to explore and expand things start to escalate. It might become overwhelming so of course you need something to balance it out and that is where material/finances come in. It really could be finance or something that’s physical coming in fruition. Honestly for some of you — you may have been working on a looong project and you finally see the results.

The important thing to know is that this experience will find you instead of you looking for it. Like it really feels that this is going to randomly pop up (on your feed for some of you). Okay this is all I’m getting for you, I wish you all well :)!

[literallyjustanerd]

At Sunset In Summer - III

Omega is ready to join The Rebellion. Hunter is not.

Next Previous First

Chapter Three - Spring

The ship isn’t pretty. It’s no Marauder, that’s for sure. These new-era models, they’re all power and utility. Boxy and inelegant, with no thought spared for design. Omega, though? She couldn’t be more thrilled with it. It had taken her almost a full cycle, saving every credit earned from the jobs she’d picked up around the island. The day she’d brought it home, she’d been out past zero hour, poring over the dash and combing endlessly through the manual. Even now, a week later, it’s all she can talk about.

They all know what the ship is for. Nobody has said it aloud.

“Hera says she’s going to call me later tonight and show me how to rewire the thrusters so they won’t burn out with sudden gear shifts,” Omega says. She stands between Wrecker and Crosshair, one foot on the dock and one on their boat, helping unload the haul.

“Wonder if it’ll survive a Tech turn,” Wrecker jokes. Omega grins brightly.

“It had better.”

“With the state of your flying, you’ll need to rewire more than the thrusters,” Crosshair snarks, earning him a playful shove that widens the smirk on his face. 

The season has begun again, and the feeling of new life has reached everyone on the island, carried in on warmer currents and blossoming with the trees. Hunter had been on his way down to help his brothers, Batcher at his heels, when the view from the hill had caught him off guard and stopped him in his tracks. The brilliant green of the waters, gleaming like crystal under a reborn sun. The way people smiled at nothing in particular except the warmth in the air. The surge of joy when he reminded himself that he gets to call this place home. And so, just because he could, he had sat down to look over it all, breathe it all in and let it warm him from within. 

And if his heightened senses just happened to catch the conversation below, well…

“I really don’t know how you can fly that thing at all,” Wrecker grouses. “That new interface takes up too much space. What’s wrong with how they used to make ‘em?”

“The new target-lock systems are way more accurate than the old models,” Omega insists. “I’ll show you later.” Crosshair scoffs, hauling a crate against his hip and dropping it onto the pier. 

“Sounds like a good way to get lazy.”

Talk of The Rebellion is growing harder to avoid, even in a system as remote as Pabu. Stak, Mox and Deke had left three weeks ago to join up. The young clones, like their brothers before them, had aged beyond their years in a way Omega never had to endure. Young men, now, taller and stronger than they knew what to do with, their beards patchy and their eyes sharp. Looking for all the world like shinies about to ship out from Kamino on their first tour, albeit without the new armour to earn them the nickname. Hardly the children they’d been when Hunter and Wrecker had found them. Hunter had been braced for the argument he expected to follow, sure that this would be the last straw, the breaking point. The tension between them had grown steadily as the months passed. Beneath a deceptive layer of calm, stubborn roots had fermented underground, incubating over the winter, and Hunter had been terrified for the day they would finally breach the soil and see the light. 

But Omega had said nothing. No pointed comments, no probing questions. She had only watched, tight-lipped and stone-faced, as the boys’ ship slipped away into hyperspace. Somehow, her silence had hurt more.

“You know we’d miss you, kid.”

The words snap Hunter back into focus. The tone is jovial, upbeat, but Hunter knows his brothers’ tells: Wrecker’s grin is stretched just a little too wide across his leathery, sun-worn face, and he scratches awkwardly through his beard as he speaks. 

“You think I wouldn’t call you guys every night?” Omega counters. “You’d get sick of me.”

“But if you’re gone, who’s gonna make late-night flatcake runs with me?” 

Omega laughs, slinging a coil of rope over her shoulder and tossing her hair out of her face. She’s kept it long, lately. The first time she’d emerged from her room with Hunter’s old, red headband tying it back, Hunter had almost cried.

“I’m sure you can convince Cross to go with you.”

“Not a chance,” comes the glib reply. “And you do know it won’t exactly be a vacation. There won’t be any ‘calling every night.’ If there’s calling at all.” There’s something lingering behind the cynicism in Crosshair’s voice, something quiet and sombre. Something he’d never admit to, not without burying it beneath six layers of sarcasm, at least. Hunter zeroes in on it, one hand absently scratching between Batcher’s shoulder blades. Wrecker and Omega fall silent as Crosshair plucks the toothpick from between his teeth, flicking it unceremoniously into the water. 

“We’ve all heard the holos,” he continues. “You won’t exactly be fighting for the winning side.”

The smile drops from Omega’s face, replaced not by fear or frustration, but steely determination. Hunter can’t help but wonder why Crosshair’s disapproval doesn’t anger Omega like his own.  

“I know,” she says, her words sincere instead of indignant. “I know.” Wrecker lumbers past her off the boat, hitting the dock with a force that turns people’s heads. Omega takes the hand he offers and steps down from the gangway. 

“But you guys know I have to go. Don’t you?”

She falls into step between the two of them, leaning into Wrecker’s embrace as he slings an arm around her shoulder.

“Course we do, kid. You’ll do more good out there than you ever would here. Right, Cross?” Crosshair’s arms are folded, the crease in his brow deeper than usual. He’s produced a new toothpick from somewhere, somehow.

“Still think it’s stupid to join a losing team,” he says, stumbling when Wrecker leans over to punch his shoulder. He scowls, then softens. “But… I guess it’s our fault for teaching you to care so much.”

It’s as close to an admission of pride as Hunter suspects is possible from him. Though he’d never considered himself as repressed or icy as Crosshair, the layers of obscurity sound achingly similar to how Hunter has found himself speaking to Omega lately. Skirting around the truth like he’s afraid of feeling it, let alone speaking it aloud. He suddenly feels a new understanding for his brother.

Batcher yaps at his side, and when Hunter tears his unfocused gaze from the horizon, he finds the trio approaching from below.

“Nice of you to help,” Wrecker calls out, dropping to one knee as Batcher bounds up to him. Hunter huffs out a laugh.

“Looked like the three of you had it covered.” He rises, dusting off his clothes, and leads the way back up to the house. 

Late that night, Omega is still buried neck-deep in the ship’s innards, working by the light of a weary pit droid. As much as the days have brightened, the nights are still cold. The warmth has vanished with the sun, and Omega’s cheeks and fingers have turned red with the chill. Still, Hunter stands frozen in place by the door, coat and gloves in hand, for what feels like an eternity.

“Afraid you’re going to kriff it up again?”

It’s Crosshair’s voice, though it takes Hunter a shameful moment to realise that it’s coming from a few feet behind him and not from within his own mind.

“I’m not taking emotional advice from you,” he says, with no real venom behind the words.

“Fine,” his brother shrugs. “But I’m not the one she’s scared to talk about it with.”

Hunter’s grip tightens around the coat. He smothers the building growl in the back of his throat. Crosshair’s words propel him forwards, forcing his hand on the door and spurring his feet across the gravel before he has a moment to think about it.

There’s engine oil on Omega’s face and streaks of grease in her hair when she appears from within the ship’s bulky hull, eyeing Hunter warily as he approaches.

“It’s freezing. Thought you might want these,” he offers. To his relief, instead of ignoring or dismissing him, she detangles herself from the nest of wiring and wipes her hands off with a rag.

“Thanks.” There’s only a slight bent of suspicion in her voice as she slips on the coat and takes the gloves. Hunter folds his arms across his chest and turns to the blocky, graceless ship.

“How’s it all coming?”

“Nav’s still miscalibrated, and the hyperdrive isn’t as stable as I’d like,” she says with a sigh, one hand on her hip as appraises her work. “Good thing I like a challenge.”

“She got a name yet?”

Omega casts him a glance from the corner of her eye.

“I’ve got a couple in mind.”

She doesn’t move back to the ship, not yet. Hunter knows now is his chance, as their small talk settles into silence. Omega is giving him space to do what he should have done months ago. And moments ago, he had known exactly what he wanted to say. But under her watchful eye, the words have vanished, shying away from the light.

So Hunter stoops to the toolbox by the ship, pulling out a rusted hydrospanner. While he waits for the words to return, he decides to try action instead. 

“Let’s get to work on that hyperdrive.”

They fall into an easy rhythm, passing tools and parts back and forth in perfect sync. Hunter had almost forgotten how well Tech had taught Omega her way around the inside of a ship. And as they work, he feels it: the simple, free comfort between them, an ease that he has not felt in months. He can breathe again. The roots that took hold months ago finally breach the surface, no longer held back by the winter frost. And when they sprout, Hunter is left with a revelation that feels both earth-shaking and obvious. His anger, his grief, have never been at Omega. Not her decision, nor her refusal to bend to his tantrums. His anger is with himself, every time he raises his voice instead of offering his hand. Every time he fails to hear what Omega is really saying, or to say to her what he really means. Every time he shutters himself away when she gets close to breaking down the walls, the ones formed from the debris of a thousand battles, washed through his veins and collected like sediment around his heart. 

They work until the cold worms its way under Hunter’s overshirt, until the hyperdrive is tuned-up to a standard even Tech would approve of.

“Looks good.” Hunter raps his knuckles on the durasteel casing as he stands, much slower than Omega. “Should run reliably, anyway.”

“Thank you,” Omega says, and he can tell she means it.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Hunter replies. With a furtive glance at the girl beside him, he lets a faint, sad smile ghost cross his face. “Gonna take a lot more work before she’ll weather a dogfight.”

The flutter of Omega’s heart brings Hunter as much comfort and joy as the brightest spring morning. 

They stand together, side by side, and Omega’s eyes remain on the ship when she speaks again.

“The Liberator.”

“Hm?”

“That’s her name,” she says. “The Havoc Liberator.”

[armyhome]

The Magical You

→ pair: Lee Soohyuk x reader (female);

→ genre: magical love.

→ word count: 1.3K;

→ warnings: if it was hard to write this being single, imagine reading it;

→ requested by: @yoshixasahi I hope you like. 

The magic of capturing a moment that will never happen the same way again always blew me away, mom Eloise never got this "It'll just the same next year, it's the same way every year around this time" she tells me about the cherry blossom at the beginning of spring, although my photos prove that she was wrong, but I'll not start an argumentation, not this time. I also don't understand her books about periods of time we weren't even alive, but I understand her passion so I respect that.

My passion takes me to travel trying to capture magical moments all over the globe. Different from mom Eloise, mom Penelope was always worried about me settling down "You should open a studio, find someone to share your goals with, grow roots" I smile at her and recite an old poem she used to read me when I was a kid "What is the joy on committee when I have the whole world to meet" She rolls her eyes and mom Eloise put her arm around mom Penelope's shoulders, we were in front a restaurant, that was a magical moment. 

"I told you, that bad poetry would make our daughter crazy" I picked the camera up in my hands.

"You both stay still…." I was trying to caliber the camera's ISO, perfectly. "Again bae? We're tired of taking photos…." So I freeze them for the eternity of a picture, complaining about me when I put the camera down I saw him, looking at me, right into my eyes, and the magical moment I can't capture happens.

"Just a moment moms" I don't know what I'm doing, but I walk in his direction, and stop just a feel steps from him "Hi, do you mind if I take some pictures of you?" He blinks slowly, he had brown eyes with the same tone of wet earth after a summer rain, a long nose, and I try not to overthink about his lips.

"Sorry. I'm Korean. I. Don't. Speak. Your. Language" He says slowly.  Shit! But I could use the cellphone translator, quickly I type my question, I play the translator voice, praying that it doesn't sound weird and show my camera when the robotic voice stops, he smiles and agrees with a nod.

I step back pointing my camera at him, that's when I knew everything about him could be magical. After taking some photos, I type into the translator once again "Thank you for letting me photograph you" he makes a bow, and I hold onto the thought of him as one of my mom Eloise's princes in her favorites novels. I can't say goodbye yet so I make an excuse  "Can you teach me I bit of Korean?" I type really fast, and when the translator says it he looks confused "So we… I mean, I was planning to go on a trip to West Asia, knowing a little bit of Korean could be helpful… So can you? Just a few words…" So he holds the cellphone. 

"My name is Lee Soo-hyuk," He says, and right there is another magical moment that I couldn't capture with my camera, but would be sealed in my heart, he types on the translator "When do you intend to go? I'm coming back next week, maybe I can be your guide?"

Organizing my bags I ask myself if he feels the same way I felt looking at him when he looks at me, like love at first sight, this sounds crazy, but the energy of that moment wasn't meeting him, I was finding him, after a long search, the wait was over. 

"You never believed in love at first sight" Mom Eloise sighed, "Now look at you, going far away because of this magical guy…."

"He seems to be a cool guy bae" Mom Penelope interceded for me.

"Soohyuk is the nephew of the woman that is the owner of the restaurant in the corner mom, which implies he is not a complete stranger. It will be just a few weeks and I will be back…" I kiss both of their chicks "Or not!" Running before they could answer "See you soon moms, love you two to the moon"

"We love you too sweetie" They scream back. 

Soohyuk was waiting in the car, smiling, waving his hand… Oh lord, Shakespeare be wrong for once, and don't let this violent passion in my heart have a sad ending.

"Hi" I said in korean and Soohyuk's smile became bigger. "Did you eat?" Soohyuk taught me this was the korean way to ask if the other person was okay. 

"I was too nervous…" I say in my language "Should we eat at the airport?" His accent was so cute that I couldn't hold myself and give a kiss on his cheek. 

"Yes" I keep speaking in korean "I did my homework… and translated one of my favorite songs…"

"Sing" He say looking at the road. I pick the paper on my pocket, clean my throat and start sing Falling Fast by Avril Lavigne with my broken korean but without giving up when I finish I look at Soohyuk, his face is red. Oh shit, am I scaring him by being too intense? Before I could say anything he looked at me briefly and said "Whatever our souls are made of, hers and mine are the same." He recited Emily Bronte in my language, right here in this second I knew there's no turning back.

"Mister Lee Soohyuk, you're gonna have to take responsibility for your actions…" I keep using my broken korean. I better learn it fast.

"I can say the same thing about you…"

10 years later

"Soohyuk my son, you should convince her to hire someone to photograph your wedding" Mom Eloise said "When on Earth has someone seen a BRIDE taking photos on her own wedding?" Soohyuk laughs.

"I said the same thing ommoni, but according to my fiance she just couldn't find someone that took pictures of me in the right way" He poses again and I set up the camera timer, we were all together wearing hanboks.

"My daughter in law has an amazing eye for photos. I'm sure she was the best choice after all" My mother in law protects me, I walk in their direction to assume my place in the family photo.

"Thank you ommoni" I say, mom Penelope is holding my hand.

"You look so beautiful today, my angel" She whisper to me "We love you so much"

"I love you too moms" They hold my hand, while my other hand is wrapped around the love of my life's arm. That magical moment is captured.

"We gonna receptionate the other guests" My mother in law say "Now take couple pictures, enough so we can have one each"

"Yes, ommoni" I answer, the moment they leave the room Soohyuk holds my hand.

"Before we take another picture I have a wedding gift fot you…" Soohyuk gives me a box "I know photography is magic to you, but for me you're the most magical creature there is" When I opened the box, I saw pictures of me, the first day we met, during the conversation with my mom's, our first class when he was teaching me korean, at the airport the day we came to Korea, on our first apartment, my first photograph exposition in Korea, our engagement dinner, the tears on my eyes start to run down my face. Dammit, my make up "The magical you is what makes everything else magical, my dear. When we first met ten years ago, I felt I wasn't meeting you…"

"But finding you…" I conclude, Soohyuk's eyes were full of tears like mine "I know, I felt the same way" He holds me in his arms.

"I love you" He says in my language and my heart melts. 

"Saranghaeyo"   

[the-al-chemist]

To all my followers, old and new,

(Yes, even the pornbots, too)

I hope 2023 brings good things to you.

May this be the year you see your dreams come true.

Al’s Plans for 2023

A few months ago I made a super ambitious plan involving my finishing 3 long-form stories and getting them published by the end of the year. I soon realised that putting that sort of pressure on myself was not a good thing, and would soon suck the joy out of writing for me.

Therefore, my three main New Year’s Resolutions are as follows:

I resolve to enjoy writing, to remember that it is a hobby and not a job, that it is good good to step away sometimes, and that I only have to live up to my own expectations and no one else’s.

I resolve to keep my head high and stay true to my principles, regardless of what others may do, to curate and create experiences and environments that are healthy and happy, and to make the world a slightly better and warmer place to exist in whatever tiny ways I as an individual can do so.

I resolve to do my best, to be kind to others, and to myself.

I will be on semi-hiatus in May-June as I’m planning on going travelling. Until then, I’ll be trying to take the pressure off my work. I’m binning the schedules and slackening the tight leash I have kept myself on over the past couple of years. Still, I know I have things that I would love to work on, if I can, and these are as follows:

The Beginning of a Symphony - Arc 3 is coming in January, and I’m hoping to write the fourth and final Arc over the next 6 months or so. Symphony will wrap this year.

This Shadowed Land - I would love to write this in 2023. If I can, I will. The only issue is that it is a long and demanding story, both emotionally and technically, so I will need to be in the right headspace to write it. Basically, I need a break and some lighter and fluffier stories first!

Currently Untitled Short Story Collection - At the moment, Artemis and I are working on a story about her time working for Ludo Bagman. In the last few days, I’ve written 1.5 chapters, and how many more there will be, I’m not sure. Usually I like to make a plan before I let Artemis tell me to go f**k myself and do her own thing, but this time I’m just letting her have free reign. Whether or not I’ll live to regret this decision remains to be seen.

The Lights That Never Go Out - I’ll work on a chapter here and there. It’s an episodic story and non-linear in plot, so I can pick and choose chapters as I see fit. I expect that either this or TSL will be out by the end of the year, but not both of them!

The Hinny Wedding WIP - It’s been meticulously redrafted and beta-read, and is basically finished and ready to go (other than not having a title) but I’m sitting on it like an angry and protective dragon. It contains a lot of references to plot points from stories that I haven’t published yet. Other stories need to go first or it’ll be spoilers galore, so I’ll continue to horde it until I’m ready.

Assorted Shorts - Taking away my schedule means I can write odd bits and bobs when I want. Saff has a one-shot for January, Zadie has one for the summer, and as always, Artemis has several. At some point during the year you’ll be getting to see her discovering the third form her Boggart takes, learning about the miracle of Hanukkah, and becoming a Godmother. She also has yet another plot twist up her sleeve that she decided to spring on me a few months ago and will be revealed in due course…

Harry Potter: 12 Months of Magic - some of the above shorts are intended to be included as part of this year-long event for the HP fandom, which I’m really really excited for!

Other than that, though… Who knows?

[itsbeaconhillsbaby]

(cruel) summer || tom holland x reader

a/n: well...this took me a lot longer than I expected. I can only apologise for how long this has taken, especially since the absolutely wonderful @glahmouur​ requested it so many months ago. I hope you’re still excited to read, and that I’ve done it justice for you. clinging onto the last of these summer vibes before my favourite time of year - and hopefully plenty more writing to come over the next couple of weeks! I’ve missed you all so very much. enjoy x  word count: 3735 (oops) warning: swearing, gross paparazzi, little bit of angst summary: it’s the summer of your dreams with your favourite people, something was always going to try and ruin it

The trip had been booked for months.

Tom, Harrison, Harry, Tuwaine and yourself. Mexico. 

Two whole weeks. 

No interruptions. No work. Just pure bliss. 

And, it was shaping up to be the most perfect break.

The first couple of days since you had landed included a lot of amazing food, sightseeing around the quaint picturesque villages and cultural landmarks, tackling hiking trails and joining in on the sports activities set up for you and the boys on the crystal white beaches. 

Your favourite part however, was the amount of quality time you got to spend with Tom. Both of you were considered workaholics, and you loved your jobs, but it meant that for the majority of the year you were in separate locations working on your own individual projects.

You both deserved, and needed, this break.

The timing couldn’t have been better, as across the two weeks you would be celebrating your 23rd birthday. Birthdays weren’t always something you and Tom could share together in person, but you would always make it work with FaceTime calls and the promise of a do-over when you were together again. 

“Hey!” 

You tore yourself away from the soft paperback that was resting warmly against your thighs.

“Hm?”

You look up at your boyfriend, strong arms hauling himself up against the hot paved edging of the pool. He shook his wet curls out of his hair, droplets springing from the tips. Tanned, freckled shoulders peeked out from beneath the water. The sun, strong and intense, commandeered the bright blue skies. A far cry from the cold, rainy weather you’d left back home in the UK. You were unwilling to make your way back to your hotel room in the sticky heat for your forgotten sunglasses, and were instead using your hand as a shield from the glaring rays. 

“The water looks good on you,” you flirt, smiling across at him from your position on the reclined sun-bed. 

He grins back at you, cheekily. 

“It’ll look better on you. Aren’t you coming in?” 

You pointed to the book nestled between your legs, “I’m reading, plus the water is freezing.” You teased him, training your eyes back onto the page. You heard brief splashing alongside the laughter of the boys as they continued to play their water basketball game. 

A shadow blocks out your sun, dripping water onto the hot concrete. 

“Yeah, no. Sorry, but that’s just not going to cut it birthday girl.” 

Before you had a chance to take in his words, Tom had scooped you up from your position on the sun-bed. The light droplets from his wet, messy hair chilling your tanned skin. 

“Tom! No! Put me down! What are you doing?” You laughed, lightly kicking your legs, “Wait, at least let me put my book down first.” 

You felt the grumbled laugh against your body, as you gently tossed your book onto the lounger. 

“Okay, go ahead.” 

He pressed a sloppy, wet kiss on your mouth - your hand knotted in the back of his wet, tangled hair as you pushed for more.

“Love you.” He said, before dropping you into the pool with a splash. 

“You suck, Holland!” You shouted back to him, once you’d come back up for air, shaking water out of your ears and trying to scoop your tangled web of hair out of your eyes as he laughed, eyes twinkling. ****

You continued to watch from your perch on the side-lines, legs tracing patterns in the water whilst the sun beat down across your back and shoulder blades. The boys continued to mess around in the water. Your book had been long since abandoned on your sun lounger, pages now curling with the heat. You couldn’t contain your laughter when Tuwaine jumped on Tom’s back, Harry on Harrison’s so the two teams could race from one end of the pool to the other, legs peddling in what seemed like slow motion under the water; raucous fits of laughter emanating from both parties as your cheered on your boyfriend.

You couldn’t help but be automatically drawn to Tom, his smile so wide and eyes creased with laughter as Tuwaine casually slung his arms over his shoulders. His hair was completely dishevelled from the water’s attempts to flatten it entirely. You could see a smattering of freckles breaking out across his nose, complete with a small shock of pink on his cheeks as he was officially branded by the sun. 

“Hey, pretty girl – forgive me yet?” Tom whined, swimming up to the edge to meet you. He gently pulled your legs further into the water, sliding himself between them, wrapping his arms around your waist as your legs wrapped themselves around his. 

You laughed, pushing against his broad shoulders.

“Not sure yet. I’m thinking about it.” 

He gave a toothy grin before peppering a small cluster of kisses against your lips, “You look so good.” He mumbled quietly against your mouth.

You rolled your eyes at him, before returning the kisses.

“Oi, get a room you two!” You laugh as Tom covers the front of you, ultimately taking the hit of water from Harry.

He gives you a light squeeze round the waist, and a soft kiss on the cheek whispering a quick, “Hop on.”  

Wrapping your arms across his warm shoulders, you eased yourself fully into the water, feeling the immediate chill up your sides before wrapping your legs around Tom’s waist. Leaning forward against his back, he held onto the backs of your thighs – propelling you both through the water.

As you arrive next to the boys, you lightly floated away from Tom and were pulled into a one-armed hug by Tuwaine. As Harry held up a fist for you to bump against, you flicked your wrist just under the surface of the water – splashing him as payback.

Tom tread water with the cheesiest grin on his face as all the boys’ eyes immediately trained on you.

“Come on then, what’s this ‘mermaids’ game you were talking about – and how do we play?” ****

The air con hummed lowly, wispy curtains gently blowing in the cool breeze from the open balcony doors. The ocean twinkled in the late afternoon sunshine. You were sprawled out on the large king-sized bed wrapped in one of the hotel’s fluffiest white towels, legs dancing in the air behind you. Lounging on your front, wet curls drying in the cool air you could hear the faint sound of spraying water from the en-suite shower. It soothed you as you continued to follow the written words on the pages of your, now slightly wrinkled and rough to the touch, paperback.

Your phone vibrated from the opposite side of the room, plugged in and charging atop the rustic, vintage vanity table where your new camera, battery pack and Tom’s wallet had all been left.

The camera had been a special gift from Tom which he’d surprised you with on your birthday, celebrated only the other evening. He’d been so giddy the morning of. The carefully, yet haphazardly, wrapped parcel had protruded just slightly from under the bed in the hotel room you shared, where he’d attempted to hide it. You pretended you hadn’t noticed. Puppy dog eyes shone as he eventually handed it across to you, surprising you in bed as the sun was going down, casting golden specks across your bodies, as he whispered a soft ‘happy birthday’ against your lips. Beaming at you once he saw your sheer shock and joy at his thoughtful gift, he had kept the first photo you’d taken in his wallet from that evening. Just the two of you - both sleepy shadows, full from all the sweet lemon sponge cake that has been especially ordered up to your room - cuddled together, legs entangled as you fell into each other’s embrace.

You’d all taken a boat to one of the smaller islands for a special celebratory dinner the next evening; where Harry had surprised you with the battery pack, his smart quick-thinking leaving Tom with a pink blush upon his cheeks. You thanked him with a smile, the rest of the crew spoiling you rotten with drinks and food. As the boys parted ways, you and Tom had waited around for the sunset, high off the sparkling, sweet tasting wine you’d both consumed all evening – bewitched by each other’s titillating company. A small wrap was knotted around your waist, as you had all stayed in your beachwear, black bikini top on show as a server snapped a picture of you both with your new camera per Tom’s polite request. The sun burned low behind you both, it’s vibrant orange glow glistening across the water towards the cove. 

Posting the photo in your wine induced haze, you captioned it with a simple 23 and a golden heart before tagging Tom in the blurry, sepia quality polaroid.

You knew the vibrating would be your phone going into overload. A common occurrence that happened anytime you posted a photo with your boyfriend, the hordes of fans coming in full throttle to interact in some way.

Leaving it to buzz in the background, you turned your attention to the bathroom door opening. Tom stepping out as he shook his wet hair, towelling it dry as it stuck up in multiple directions haphazardly.

“Come here.”

You sat yourself up, legs crossed beneath you as he walked over to you – that soft smile high on his lips.

He sat on the end of the bed as you brushed through his temperamental curls, “Please leave it curly,” you murmur, pressing your lips to his tanned shoulder blades, running your hands through the brown locks.

“We’ll match.” He said, turning to you as your hands fell back into your lap.

“Would it be too much?” You asked, as he gently tucked a rogue drying curl behind your own ear.

“Oh definitely. But I love it.”

With that, he pushed forward. Noses brushed as you both relaxed into each other’s embrace, mouths eagerly seeking out each other, the sweet smells of lotion and ocean spray engulfing you both.

****

“Right, it’s my round! Get your orders in!” 

The whole group hollered at Tom, who pressed a firm kiss onto your forehead as you tilted it upwards towards him, his two hands cradling either side of your head. Your eyes closed involuntary at the warmth before you turned to watch him leave the table and join the small crowd up at the bar. Dressed in a tropical patterned shirt, unbuttoned and billowing just slightly due to the aircon, you took a minute to admire him from afar. He worked hard to look the way he did, muscles contracting and relaxing again with each breath. 

You pulled the thin material of your summery dress down further, eager to cover up some of the bare skin you had on show after seeing Tom’s. You paled in comparison to the web-slinging actor, and sometimes if you focussed on it too much you couldn’t understand why such a gorgeous man would be interested in you. 

“Hello. Anyone in there?”

A hand waved in front of your eyeline. Shaking your head, you returned your attention back to the table where the boys were trying to mask their laughter. 

“She can’t take her eyes off him for two minutes. Outrageous.” 

“What? I’m on holiday, leave me alone!”  

Tuwaine smirked slightly, as Harrison patted your arm reassuringly.

“Why did we agree to have a couple on this trip again?” Harry complained cheekily, grinning his cheesy grin at you. You reached an arm across the table and pushed a hand against his forehead, playfully shoving him back.

“Shut up, you love me.”

As Tom came back with the tray; a colourful array of cocktails, shots and ciders, the group continued to laugh and joke around, cheers-ing to your recent birthday and to the remainder of their holiday under the heat of the Mexican sun. 

**** “Uh oh, incoming Tom.”

Everyone was rosy cheeked as they tumbled out of the restaurant, laughing and giggling as the sun cast its low golden glow over the glistening blue waters. Waves gently caressed the edge of the shore as you revelled in the drunken clinginess of your boyfriend, and the support and love of your friends. 

You walked with Tom - the pair of you in your own little bubble, as he tucked you into his side, his arm slung casually across your shoulders as you wrapped yours around his waist. You could hear the thumps of his beating heart beneath the now buttoned up fabric of his shirt.

As the words spilled from Harry’s mouth, catching you all off guard mid conversation, Tom whipped his head round; immediately sobering up as his arm tightened around your shoulders. You peeked over his.

Behind a cluster of people, the striking black camera was obvious as the paparazzi pushed forwards, eager to catch a glimpse of the web-slinger himself.

You felt a brush of cold air sweep over your body, the hairs on your arms rising like tiny pinpricks as little goose bumps littered your skin. You straightened up, unwrapping yourself from Tom’s side.

“You okay?” He murmured into your ear, eyes hardening as he focussed on the path ahead of him whilst navigating the drunken, bustling crowds.

You nod.

“How did they even find us?”

You could sense Tom’s frustration and anger at the situation, resting a comforting hand on his arm. You knew what this meant, if the paparazzi had caught wind of where you all were, it wouldn’t be long before they figured out where it was you were staying and you couldn’t imagine that they’d leave Tom alone for the rest of his trip.

“I posted a photo the other night. Someone could’ve recognised the restaurant.”

It was during your worried ramble that the shouting started, camera-wielding men desperate to get a photo of Tom.

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault, okay? Let’s just head back.”

Your heart was racing as you were led through the dimly lit cobbled streets of the small village, losing Tom’s hand you were flanked by Tuwaine and Harrison – Harry hurrying up ahead with Tom. The camera shutters were getting louder and louder, the constant clicking ricocheting off the stone walls surrounding you as you attempted to block out the shouting and the grabbing hands of the people around you. The once happy, bustling streets now felt claustrophobic.

It was so easy to forget who Tom was in regards to his public image and celebrity status when you were together. Forcing you to recall that he wasn’t just your boyfriend, he was suddenly an A-list celebrity, ‘Spider-Man’ himself. Back home you could easily be together in public without too much attention – only having to accommodate for the occasional fan photo or dinner interruption. Premiere’s and special events weren’t so bad because the press was supposed to be there, and whilst extremely intimidating, you understood it was part of the job.

You noticed Tom and Harry slip down a small alleyway to the right, a blink and you’ll miss it move – as you and the boys continued up the cobbled paths to the main street. It was a distraction technique discussed every time the five of you went out together and had to deal with any irritating situation.

“They said they’re getting a car, and they’ll meet us back at the hotel.”

As Harrison organised your transport, you reached the main road – twinkling lights from the city and the roaring of cars sweeping past you. The paparazzi slowed behind you, their shouts less desperate now that it was obvious Tom was no longer with the group. Their frustration was obvious as they all grouped together, scanning through the photos that they had managed to sneakily take.

Then there was a stupid comment.

As the paps brushed past you all, one leaned in far closer than you had anticipated, stabbing a pointed finger straight into your chest and leaning in close.

“Think you’re so special. Girl like you. So many other beautiful girls out there.”

Whilst the language was slightly broken, you pieced enough together before Tuwaine stepped in front of you both.

“What the hell man! Fuck off, you’re just a bully, why don’t you just leave her alone, yeah? Pick on someone your own size!”

You grabbed at Tuwaine’s arm, shaking your head in silent surrender.

“Just leave it. It’s okay. It’s not worth it.”

“I just hate them so much. Never let anyone have a bit of privacy. Constantly looking to bring people down, and start fights - assholes!” He shouted down the road at the small cluster of men as they continued on their way, “Are you okay?”

You nodded, “I’m fine. They’re just mad they didn’t get their picture. Let’s just get out of here. Should probably make sure that they don’t follow us back to the hotel.”

Harrison came jogging over, hand beckoning to follow him to a sleek black car parked just around the corner.

“Car’s here,” He paused for a minute. Noticing your smaller stature and Tuwaine’s puffed out chest and frown, he tilted his head, “We all okay?”

“Yeah, we’re good. Let’s go.”

Smiling a small, grateful smile you gave Harrison’s arm a comforting squeeze before sliding onto the black leather seats.

***** “Can’t even give us a couple weeks off. I love this job. But I would pack it all in if it meant that paparazzi just fucking left us alone.”

“Tom. Think we should call it a night.”

Harrison nodded over at you. Whilst your body was curled into Tom’s frame, your eyes unfocussed, having found a spot on the wall to gaze into as the boys all had a drink in the private hotel lounge.

You didn’t want to admit that the photographer’s words had any impact. And you really didn’t want to bring down the light-hearted, fun energy that your vacation had been full of. You were usually so good at brushing off any unwarranted comments, which were usually inevitable seeing as your boyfriend had such a large fanbase. There was no way everyone was going to like you, and you could cope with that. It wasn’t like you hadn’t been doing so for ages now. But whether it was the alcohol you’d already consumed, or something else – you just couldn’t stop thinking about what the man had spat at you.

Tom’s body shifts beneath you, holding out a hand for you to take as you both rise from the luxurious chaise. Shaking your head out of your daze, you smile softly as you grasp his hand and haul yourself up.

“We’ll see you guys tomorrow okay. Thanks for tonight boys, and sorry for ruining it.”

“Tom, you didn’t-” Tom waved them off with a shrug, before sliding his arms across your shoulder and entwining your fingers at the other side.

“Night guys.” It came out as more of a whisper, as you processed to walk with Tom up to your floor, your head nestling gently into his collarbone.

****

The hotel room was suffocating.

You lay on your side, facing the firmly locked balcony doors. The room was cold. The air conditioning incessant with its obnoxious whirring. There was a rustle. The thin cotton sheets slide across your body as Tom hops in next to you.

“I’m sorry.”

His soft words caused your entire tension-filled body to exhale.

“Tom.”

You turned to face him. His eyes were closed, tiny creases etched into the space between his eyebrows. Tom didn’t like being vulnerable, you knew he was staving off his true feelings – the striking anger that was coursing through his body. Gently smoothing the creases out with your fingers, he leaned ever so slightly into your touch.

“Don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault.”

You pressed a soft kiss on his brow bone before settling in next to him, bodies warm to the touch.

“I love you. You know that, right? Whatever they’re all saying, it’s rubbish.”

The lump in your throat that you had been impressively swallowing down all evening came back to the surface, the pressure building.

“How did you know?”

He shrugged.

“I saw some of the comments.”

The pictures had been released pretty quickly. By the time you had all arrived back to the hotel they were already circulating across the internet, which people took as the perfect opportunity to hurl insults at your social media pages.

He shifts his head to the left to look at you, eyes softening.

“Hey. You can let it out. It’s just me. C’mon.”

You curl further into him, as his lips caress your forehead.

“People suck.” You mumble into his chest as he wraps himself around you, lightly trailing his fingers up and down your arm, the skin bursting with tiny goose bumps. You revelled in the soothing comfort.

“Sometimes I just forget. I forget that there are thousands – maybe even tens of thousands - of people out there who just don’t like me,” Tom squeezes you that little bit tighter, “And it’s okay. I don’t mind, really. I just wish they didn’t have to be so vocal about it – about how I look, how I act, how I dress. About whether I’m good enough.”

“You are good enough. You’re more than good enough. You’re amazing.”

Your lips pull up into a small smile as you look into those concerned brown eyes.

“You’re biased.”

He let out a small huff, chest vibrating beneath you, “Am not.” He sighed, those fluffy brows saying a thousand words, “I’m supposed to make all that crap better, not make you feel worse because of some so-called fans on the internet, and those stupid idiot paps; I’m so sorry.”

“Maybe if you just…weren’t so damn attractive. That would help.”

You both laughed.

“Oh, really?”

You nodded, as he pulled you in, peppering more soft kisses along your temple until he made his way down to your mouth.

“You’re ridiculous. And beautiful.”

Another kiss.

“And smart.”

Another kiss.

“And kind.”

Another kiss. “And I am so in love with absolutely everything about you. You’re enough. You’re everything.”

You felt your eyes glossing over. Scrunching your nose to avoid an onslaught of overdue tears, you felt Tom move beneath the covers – his arms wrapping around your torso, his curly messy hair resting on your stomach.

“I love you too.”

[un-beel-lievable]

Brothers:🔥 or ❄️?

All about temperature. Favorite seasons? What they like to sleep in? Who in the house is a furnace and which boys are popsicles? From the events it does seem like the Devildom has different seasons, just no sun? Idk I feel like it’s mostly hot but for a few weeks out of the year it’ll get cooler. So in this headcanon it snows sue me

Lucifer:

Lucifer is sort of in the middle on the body heat scale

He can sometimes feel on the warm side, mostly due to the fact that he wears gloves, a vest, and a goddamn fur cape all day

However, on rare occasions where he isn’t layered in clothing his skin is actually cool to the touch.

Especially his bare chest, which is good for hot nights cuddling in bed

Lucifer is the type wear a silk pajama set that’s smooth and cooling on his skin but then have a giant heavy comforter

You cuddle to keep HIM warm at night

Is nice to get a head rub or shoulder rub from since his hands are on the cooler side

Although the Devildom doesn’t really get to experience the joys of having regular full seasons much like here in Florida, he enjoys the Devildom’s equivalent of Autumn

Cool days and cold nights

He enjoys having the fireplace going in his office or in his room not only for aesthetics but just for a little extra coziness

Mammon:

This boy runs HOT

Nice warm skin

During the day his clothes don’t bother him so much. His jacket is suspiciously lightweight (I’m convinced he buys fake designer clothes when he’s strapped for cash)

But his RAD uniform is heavy so he always has the sleeves rolled up and the shirt untucked with the collar open

At night he likes to sleep in as little clothing as possible. He doesn’t need long pants and sleeves sticking to him all night

If he’s alone, he’ll definitely be naked but if you’re bunking with him a t shirt and boxers should suffice

He is nice to cuddle with

He is a summer boy!

He loves the sun and sand and loves to go to Diavolo’s private beach

He hates being cooped up in the drafty House Of Lamentation

Plus he gets to see you in a swimsuit so

Levi:

Reptile boy

Cold blooded

Skin like ice

Save him

Hold him

His hands are always cold from typing and gaming (idk why maybe I have bad circulation but anytime I use my hands extensively they always get so cold they hurt...am I dying?)

Levi doesn’t mind it being super cold in his room

He sleeps in a bathtub- I can’t imagine that’s particularly warm

He just wears a t shirt and sweats to bed

Levi doesn’t often think about how cold or warm he is. It’s not something he notices until someone points it out

“Levi your room is FREEZING!”

“...oh, huh...I guess”

Levi doesn’t leave his room and hates pretty much all weather. But he doesn’t mind a good snow day every once in a while. Playing and making snowdevils

Satan:

Runs slightly warm?

Very comfortable average temperature

The guy that doesn’t mind wearing a jacket in the summer

He considers his comfort more than what the weather is like

His favorite type of weather is when it’s warm during the day but cooler later on

He likes to go for a stroll in the park on a cool, clear night

His room can be a little stuffy sometimes due to all the insulation from all the gotdam books

He sleeps with a light blanket

But wears pajama sets

If it’s laundry day you’ll see him in a hoodie and jeans and at night a loose long sleeve shirt and pajama pants

He likes how warm your human body is and loves to cuddle you

Asmo:

He tends to run on the cooler side

Doesn’t mind the heat or the cold

He has cute outfits for ALL climates!

Cool spring nights are good for trips the hot springs

Winter is good for saunas (plus they’re both great for sweating out toxins and circulation to keep your skin glowing!)

His room is always a maintained temperature of 71 degrees farenheit and keeps a humidifier on bc skin care

He too enjoys wearing cute pajama sets to bed

Lavish silk sheets that are cool to the touch

Definitely isn’t opposed to sleeping au natural, of course

Will use the excuse that he’s cold to get cuddles from you

He ain’t slick

Beel:

Fire

The boy is a walking furnace

He doesn’t necessarily get hot however

Like Levi he doesn’t spend a lot of time thinking about temperature

He’s usually too preoccupied with food

Speaking of food!

He loves when it gets cold out and he gets to eat soups and stews

And in summer he loves his frozen treats

A solidly spring weather type of guy

Likes when it’s warm but with a light cool breeze

Sleeps in just boxers and isn’t shy about it. Sweatpants when the cold creeps into the house

Sleeping with him is great...for five minutes. He’s the guy you go to bed cuddling but halfway throught the night you wake up sweating and you’re like I love you but you need to get off me

However, if Belphie decides to sleep in his own bed and not some random corner of the house or the attic it’s not so bad since Belph feezes their shared room out much to the benefit of anyone seeking cuddles with Beelie

Belphie:

Runs warm but not as warm as Mammon or Beel

Notorious for his love of loose long sleeve shirts and pajama pants

Has an impressive collection of different types of blankets for all types of weather

Big fleece ones

Thin knit ones

Weighted ones

Electric ones

Loves to turn the temperature in his room down to freezing and cuddle up with his blankets

Especially since it makes cuddling with you more comfortable

Like Levi, doesn’t leave the house much but he likes cold, rainy days, they help him sleep

[stonylovessteve]

SLS 2022 Creator Reveals

We’ve reached the end of the exchange and that means it’s time to reveal the creators of all our works.

Thank you for putting so much love and effort into Stony Loves Steve 2022, you really made it a great experience. We hope everyone loved it as much as we did!

Giftees, be sure to leave a comment and kudos on your gift if you haven’t already. All our creators worked hard to make this event a success, so show them some love.

You can now post your work publicly outside of the exchange. Tag it as #stonylovessteve2022 on tumblr and we’ll reblog you. @ us @stonylovessteve on twitter and we’ll retweet you.

Below the cut is the final list of all the works produced for the exchange and the creators.

 A Night Out by Neverever for sepulchralcrease (Ultimates, 3,245 Words)

Tony and Steve’s date goes wrong and then Tony finds out that Steve wants something unexpected out of their relationship.

Unraveling by Wikketkrikket for grandmacore (MCU, 6,765 Words)

Steve has an art block. Toni has an idea: knitting. Because maybe Steve isn’t the most Alpha-y Alpha everyone thinks he is after all.

my past has tasted bitter for years now by xWinterDreamsx for Becci_chan (MCU, 8,809 Words)

The Avengers have to go to Berlin in Germany for a political meeting. There is an issue with the jet, so they are forced to fly back on a normal plane. It’s the 1st time they’re back at the Berlin airport since the Civil War battle and bad memories make a reappearance. Steve is not handling them well.

smokin’ hot by wingheads for starksnack (MCU AU, Art)

steve is a professional firefighter and he takes his job seriously. he swears he is and he does. but sometimes, a little flirtation doesn’t hurt anyone (except the fire chief).

hey there demons, it’s me… ya boi by starksnack for BladeoftheNebula (AU, 15k Words)

this week on buzzfeed unsolved tony and steve investigate four haunted locations, and maybe find more than just ghosts.

gift-wrapped joy by ArabellaAM for Wikketkrikket (MCU, 2.5k Words)

He’s sitting at his desk in his office, looking distractively at the necklace and thinking about what to give Tony this year, when he hears a soft knock on the door.

“Yes?” He asks, lifting his gaze.

Slowly, the door opens and Peter, their five-year-old son, sticks his head inside, looking hesitant. That catches Steve’s attention automatically. “Hey, Pete,” he says, drawing a small smile as he pushes back the chair and pats his lap.

Or, Steve doesn’t need to come up with a gift for Tony; this year, without realizing it, Peter has decided to give both of them a gift.

Leap of Faith by grandmacore for Perlmutt (MCU, 1.9k Words)

Everyone knows Steve Rogers doesn’t date. But when he meets Tony Stark and his son he may need to reconsider.

Love Bites (Renewable Collar) by RoseRose for meidui (MCU, 1.1k Words)

Tony is possessive, and likes to leave hickeys. Steve enjoys every moment of it.

and when it came down, i was looking in your eyes by Thahire for VenomousSoliloquy (MCU, 8k Words)

“You’re not going to like it.” Tony paused, pursing his lips. “In fact, I think you will be very very mad at me for it. But I want you to know that this something Bruce and I have thought about at length and there is significant evidence that it’ll help you—”

“Tony, I need you to come to the point,” Steve cut in, nerves too frayed to make sense of what Tony was trying to tell him in bits and pieces.

“Okay,” Tony said, nodding jerkily. “You know what, I’ll just—”

And then he stepped closer and sat down right next to Steve. Steve opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. Tony was so close, his shoulder pressed right up against Steve’s. Steve found himself leaning into the touch without wanting to—

He gasped, rearing back, when he realized what exactly Tony was offering.

or: Steve temporarily gets turned into a vampire. It’s somewhat manageable until Tony gets too close.

wildfires in the spring by meidui for ishipallthings (MCU, 10k Words)

Steve is pulled out of the ice on a summer morning in 2010.

Love All Of Me by Nixie_DeAngel for UisceOneLove (AU, 1.8k Words)

And…and that right there was what was really holding him back from being honest, from telling his boyfriend that he was asexual and had absolutely no interest whatsoever in sex or sexual acts of any kind beyond a little heavy kissing.

Indecent Proposal (Or So He Thinks) by UisceOneLove for wingheads (616, 1.9k Words)

Proposing to Tony is something Steve’s considered for a while. He just didn’t plan on doing it like this.

Our Future History by ralsbecket for ArabellaAM (MCU, 1.5k words)

Tony glances up to the black chalkboard menu hanging above them, squinting at the neon chalk that’s lit up with a blacklight. With a furrowed brow, he questions, “What the hell is a ‘blonde Americano’?”

“You’re lookin’ at him,” a voice chimes in. The man behind the counter throws Tony a lopsided grin, brushing his fingers through a head of silver strands. “Or, well, I used to be.”

and time can do so much by robertdownwyjjr for ralsbecket (MCU, 9.2k words)

Steve Rogers has a complicated relationship with time. He’s the man out of time, the man who’s lost everything to time.

But then he becomes friends with Tony Stark, whose love language is quality time. And that’s exactly what Steve needs to find a place in this century.

A silent storm wrecks my being, you are beloved by captainstars for jellybeanforest (AU, 2.1k words)

Five thousand doubloons.” He makes his bid. Steve’s body jerks in surprise and his eyes widen when they land on Tony across the hall. He struggles against his bonds but is pulled back by the collar. Tony is going to kill every single person who laid a finger on him, and he is going to relish in it.

A Pristine White Shirt for Steven G. Rogers by sepulchralcrease for Nixie_DeAngel (Noir, 7.5k words)

Aka how I imagine Steve could join the Noir Universe.

Told through a series of time skips Steve and Tony’s relationship progress. Their relationship progresses with Steve’s ever nicer shirts and Tony’s seemingly near perfect ability to stain them. Some time after Project Insight Steve gets assigned to escort Tony on his next adventure. The problem is that Tony isn’t supposed to know that the Army is involved or the fact that Steve is actually Captain America. When the truth comes out it nearly ends what could have been.

Good Boy by VenomousSoliloquy for xWinterDreamsx (MCU, 1.7k words)

It’s not the waiting really.

No.

It’s the anticipation

your tender touch by Perlmutt for Neverever (MCU, 7.2k words)

Steve has a secret. Ashamed, he hides it from the world and himself.

But then, after the battle against the Chitauri, Tony comes crashing into his life, wonderful and amazing and /experienced/ Tony, and Steve falls for him so hard that he can’t put it into words. But what will happen when Tony finds out about /it/?

Tipsy Truth by Becci-chan for Thahire (MCU, 3.1k words)

Steve froze. Oh no. He was not ready to face Tony yet. He swallowed, then turned around with a smile. 

“Do you want an omelette as well?” he asked, aiming for casual, because yes, everything was fine and he hadn’t practically offered himself to Tony last night. Nope, didn’t happen.

Everyone I Have Ever Slept With by jellybeanforest for RoseRose (Ults, 3k words)

Intimacy takes on many forms, not all of them sexual. 

Nocturnal outings by BladeoftheNebula for captainstars (MCU, 4k words)

Steve wakes up in the future and finds himself plagued by an old habit

missing what’s right in front of you by starksnack for robertdowneyjjr (MCU, 2k words)

Tony has been working up the courage to ask Steve out, when he gets an invitation to drinks from Captain America.

[husbandohunter]

Stardew Impact [Genshin+Stardew Valley/xReader]

Part 1/3 Kaeya, Diluc

Synopsis: “A mysterious phenomenon brought you and your s/o to an unfamiliar world: Pelican Town! Without the power of Visions, the two of you begin to learn the life of what it takes to be...a farmer?”

(DOMESTIC FARM LIFE YIP YIP)

Coming soon...

Albedo and Childe

Zhongli and Xiao

(A/N): So the brainrot was real in this one. I planned to add Albedo for a Mondstadt edition but kinda went overboard so I gotta split this one into parts too. Wordcount_almost 2k spspspsp

______________________________________________________

Diluc

• Already has the whole year planned in his head. Literally if Diluc were to play this game, he'd have a booming farm within year ONE. Calm and collected through and through, though the new environment raises alot of questions, as long as you were still with him, Diluc ain't complaining

• The town welcomes you two with open arms. It was all thanks to the attire. Diluc wore his usual dark coat adorned with regal gold while you had a dress made of Liyue's finest silk, one that he bought for you. Needless to stay both of you reeked the aura of rich aristocrats (Mayor Lewis is pleased that greedy bastard)

• Once the farm was permitted to your owndership, Diluc began to think of ways to turn it into a vineyard. He was a businessman afterall. Although the staff back at the Dawn Winery were the ones who tended the field, Diluc still knew a few things about planting due to his childhood days Master Crepus would bring him out to their yard and demonstrated the process of gardening. He still remembers those days clearly, doing the very same this moment with you.

• Occasionally works at the Saloon bar. It was the perfect opportunity. As you took care of the farm side, Diluc continues to look for more ways to increase the income while gathering information from the folks around town. Gus LOVES to have him over, like he's just so efficient and reliable! They soon become good friends saying if Diluc were ever to own a wine stock, he would gladly buy from him.

• This is why Diluc would stay a little later due to just chatting with the people from the bar. One time you walked into the Saloon only to the front desk with Emily alone. Turns out the others were in the other room, too busy playing a game of pool. You decided to leave him be since it was rare to have Diluc so relaxed in leisure activities. Thus in the end, you spent your time chatting with Emily until a whole hour has passed before your lover notices and apologizes for losing track of time.

• Everything felt like a dream because it was his dream. To live a life undisturbed from chaos, his duties and the dangers that lurk in Teyvat, Diluc grew fond of the domesticity. There was nothing he loved more than to spend his hours by your side, day after day, returning home to your freshly handmade meals.

• Spring: Already up and early planting the parnersnips (I'm very soft for gardener Diluc you see). What do you expect from a workaholic? Even during his leisure time you would often find him near some plant as he does consider this hobby quite therapeutic. But when it rains, Diluc would be standing beside you with an arm around your shoulder, smiling contently as you lean into his touch. He gazes through the dripping window and silently admires the current progress you both made on the farm.

• Between the two annual spring festivities, I would say the flower dance. Diluc is a private man and would prefer to take things where no eyes were on sight. But with a little bit of nudging from Gus (your wingman), he gives in and leads you to the center stage. Elegant. Graceful. The way you two moved together became the talk of the event. Though, Diluc was already used to people staring by now, all he needed to do was to ignore them and keep his focus on you.

• Summer: No blankets in bed. Nope, its bloody hot in Pelican Town. He tends to stay indoors or anywhere with shade, in other words, his work hours in the Saloon increased.

• Diluc always has a nice cold drink prepared for you if by any chance you were to pay a visit after a whole day of labour. It's a habit he's made subconciously as if it would be a natural occurance for you to enter the door. His colleagues would ask him who did he make that drink for? Honestly so cute i cri

• Moments like these remind him of Mondstadt, where he quietly wipes the glasses while listening to you talk. Your voice is soothing. Sun rays peek from the side casting onto the umber tables, reflecting a rich golden light as the radio plays a soft song in the background. It's so peaceful, the town was small hence not many people visited the bar, Diluc came to appreciate this warm privacy (plus no Venti and Kaeya which is a huge pog realization).

• Autumn: Harvest time baby. The kegs are full and the sheds are full of kegs. This season was huge stonks and the house ended up getting an upgrade. Diluc is the type of man who wants to make sure that his spouse wouldn't have to work another day of her life. I reckon this is why he's so ambitious because he wants you to have the best and you deserve the best. (Husband material. Slap a ring on him ladies).

When there was no more work left to do, time would be spend peacefully exploring the woods. While you skipped a few steps ahead as the leaves crunched beneath your feets, Diluc follows slowly from behind. He sees your back but his eyes stares somewhere far beyond whats in front of him: His future. 

It was such a stark contrast to the one he envisioned before. One filled with uncertaintly, blocked by darkness with no silver lining in sight, endlessly wandering as he drags the claymore against the ground. There was never a day in which the Darknight hero wouldn't think of Mondstadt. Leaving the city in the incompetent hands of Ordo Favonious while Abyss Mages continue to lurk fuels him to find a way to return as soon as possible and yet...

"Higher big sis!" Jas tightens her hold on the ropes as you pushed the swing with all your might. She laughs, like a child, it was full of innocence and joy. Later Vincent came in and nugdes you, asking when his turn will come.

"You wanna go too? Alright alright don't worry," waiting for Jas to come down, you lift the boy up so that he was seated safely on the chair, "3..2..1 go!"

He wonders if he could just be a little selfish for once.

• Winter: Best man to have in this season. Every morning Diluc would find himself restricted in movements due to a pair of arms around his waist and legs entangled with yours. Turns out you've been doing it subconciously because he's just so warm (Diluc keeps it lowkey and pretends to sleep longer cuz of it)

~~xx~~

Kaeya

• Haha looks like the portal is gone, guess we'll be stuck forever :)). No kidding Kaeya would be so down to stay here for the rest of his life and the best part is to spend it with you. He doesn't show a shred of concern regarding Teyvat, not like he's easily shaken by events that are abnormal, but you can see that Kaeya is truly and genuinely happy. (You're stunned).

• Oho we also have this marvelous landscape just for the two of us? And a cozy little cabin to go along with it as well? This should be fun~ 

• Of course Kaeya would also know a few things about planting, just the basics since he did grow up with Diluc. When they were kids, Crepus would give each of them their own pots so they can grow their own plants. It eventually became a competitive thing where whoever's plant grows the fastest gets to eat the other person's dessert for a year (no one wins. They end up sabotaging each other which Diluc started first, thinking it'll be funny as a joke).

• You are, and will be going on dates with him. In fact, the amount of dates you two went on increased since then. The townspeople would call you two "lovebirds" since he's practically by your side 24/7. 

• I mean he doesn't have the responsibilities as a Cavalry Captain anymore so what else is there to do?

• Would attend all annual events no matter what season. 

• Evelyn constantly gushes how much of a wonderful pair you and Kaeya make and often is the one who provides Kaeya a fresh bouqet of flowers for him to use as a gift. George on the otherhand just rolled his eyes mumbling something along the lines of "youngsters these days" and "crazy hormones."

• Befriends Pam. Love for beer plus somewhat cynical attitude? They get along real swell! She starts sending some recipes into the mailbox of course saying if yall ever need a hand, let her know.

• Spring: I can see Kaeya be switching back and forth between caring for the farm or taking quests posted on Pierre's bulletin board. He likes to keep things interesting, learning the ways of the new world while also getting to know the people around town.

• Would NOT return Mayor Lewis' shorts in which he found in Marnie's room. It's such high quality blackmail material. Kaeya is currently plotting what is the best way to use it to his advantage.

• He didn't tell you of course.

• Summer: There are no blankets because he is your blanket. Since your cabin was small so was the bed. That's why he has to hold you so that no one falls off when rolling over. Either he hugs you with your nose close to his neck, or your back against his chest while spooning you or holding hands if sleeping on your sides became too much. Yall need a serious house upgrade.

• For some reason Kaeya becomes more energetic in the summer. He lets you rest in the shade while handling the farm work for the time being. If you guys got a pet it would be a cat. Hes the first one to refill their bowl every morning outside.

Another day passes as summer comes to an end, the town’s Mayor invited you and your lover to see the annual Dance Of the Moonlight Jellies. Kaeya being the opportunist was delighted to come along. Locking the door of your house, you follow him down the path and made your way to the beach.

Everyone from town was already gathered by the docks when the sun had disappeared down the horizon. You stood by his side in a space far from the others, watching  the candle boats set off to ride the waves, lighting up a small ray of light for creatures to find. 

“Wow,” your tone almost above a whisper, “If only our friends back home could see this too.”

“Perhaps,” he says. Kaeya slips his fingers into yours and you shot him a curious glance, “But let us enjoy this moment shall we? Just the two of us.”

And there they were. A sea of luminescence radiating colours of brilliant blue with hints of green like a city of laterns floating in a world below. Their image reflects in the star of Kaeya's eyes as he wonders, where would they go? Where would the light lead them? They were so free with nothing to worry, so serene just like the sea and unknowningly, he squeezes your hand. It was a sense for confirmation. One to remind him that this moment was indeed a reality he wishes to keep.

Autumn: Finally a house upgrade and a kitchen!! Because it was harvest season, you guys end up making a set of delicious meals with all the recipes the townspeople gave you. Kaeya can cook since he lived by himself back in Mondstadt. Most of the stuff he learned to make were food that can be accompanied by alcohol though...

• Ahah remember Mayor Lewis' lucky shorts? He found a use for them. It was displayed on the stands during the Stardew Valley Fair (Oh my how did this get here? Must be the wind). Ends up buying a Rarecrow for the farm when Lewis bribes him not to tell this to anyone.

Winter: This was mostly an indoor season for the both of you. With the existence of television, nights would be spent until morning while watching movies at the couch. A blanket drapes around your shoulders as extends to his.  Oh and don't forget the hot chocolate!