#ive never been great at using it but it always makes me chuckle

[imunbreakabledude]

pokemon has a lot of funny items but one of the funniest has gotta be weakness policy. "Oh, I see you hit me with a super-effective move. well, this piece of paper says now i'm permitted to rip out your asshole. shoulda read the fine print before you used giga drain."

[sweetbans29]

Teach Me: The Art of Practice (iv) - PB

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Reader

Previous Part & Next Part

Summary: You and Paige have been best friends for the last 6 years. You trust her completely. And it is because of that trust that you ask her a rather forward question. AKA - You ask Paige to teach you.

Warnings: mature, angsty

Word Count: 2.9k

Sweetbans Masterlist & Teach Me Masterlist

AN: A little filler - more lessons to come soon.

Paige was all you could think about. And if you were to ask her, you were all Paige could think about. Yet neither of you said a single word about it.

After your last lesson, Paige had to excuse herself before continuing on with life.

"Alright ma, imma need you to stop right there before I do something you aren't ready for," Paige says as she pulls you up towards her. Your face now hovering over hers. Given your current state and hearing Paige moan your name - you weren't ready to end.

You just stare down at Paige. Before you know it, you are leaning in and connecting your lips with hers.

She is shocked at first, but seeing as to how turned on she is, kisses you back and immediately establishes dominance.

You moan into her mouth and she moves your legs to straddle her. She slowly sits up, not breaking the kiss. Your hands make their way to tug on Paige's hair causing her to struggle to maintain dominance. Using the opportunity, you begin to fight for dominance as you ever so slightly begin to grind down on the girl's hips.

Paige is fed up with how good you are at turning her on and decides to really take manners into her own hands. She removes her lips from yours and begins to work them down your neck, spending extra time on the spot she found right under your ear.

"Paige," you breathe out, now grinding harder on her trying to relieve any of the building pressure in your core. "Babe, don't stop."

Paige's senses are overloaded with you - removing any and all sense she has remaining. She takes one of her hands and lowers your bra straps, kissing down your shoulder and to your chest.

It is on the next throaty groan that reminds her this is all for a lesson and you aren't hers for the taking. Not yet at least.

Paige begins to slow down with the kisses and leans her head on your shoulder - steadying her breathing.

"Why'd you stop?" You ask before you are able to stop yourself. You feel her chuckle underneath you.

"Such a good student, babe but can't overwhelm you or you'll forget everything," Paige says, knowing full-well it is complete BS.

You don't push it and nod. The two of you stay in the same position for a minute. Paige then puts her hands on your hips, giving them a little squeeze before plopping you on the bed beside her.

She gets up and starts to make her way from your room.

"Where are you going B?" You ask and Paige's mind makes a connection.

She realizes that you only use her first name (which you would never do since coining the nickname 'B') when she had you really riled up. You would say her name and that became thrilling to her. She would try and elicit it every chance she gets moving forward.

"I need to go take care of myself babe," she says giving you a smirk. "You did such a great job turning me on that now I have to go finish it."

You blush immediately and watch the girl walk out of your room.

Now the two of you are sitting on the couch of your apartment with half of the team. They invited themselves over and decided that a movie night was in order. They had no knowledge of the compromising position Paige had you in nearly an hour before their arrival.

The girls decided on the fast and furious movies, which always meant you were watching at least two of them. Nika put on the 4th one which no one complained about and now you are all sprawled out in your living room snacking and watching.

You are posted up between Azzi and Nika - leaning on Azzi's shoulder. You made sure to not sit right next to Paige, not trusting yourself.

Paige on the other hand was in one of the recliners. Every minute or so, she found herself glancing over at you. Not that you noticed, but Azzi did.

Paige's eyes would shift to you and then she would adjust in the recliner. Azzi got sick of it and tried to pull Paige's gaze to her. When she finally makes eye contact with Azzi, Azzi gives P the 'stop staring' eyes. Paige just shrugs and crosses her arms. She wants you in the recliner with her.

The first movie wraps up and you can feel yourself getting sleepy. Everyone gets up to grab more snacks and use the restroom. You go and grab a sweatshirt - finding the closest one to you in your room which just so happened to be Paige's. You throw it over your head and let it swallow you up.

When you make your way back, you see Nika has shifted over to where you were sitting and Evina took Nika's spot. You stand for a second before looking over at Paige in the recliner with both arms open, inviting you into her. You inhale and make your way over to your best friend.

You crawl on top of her and curl up with your head on her chest. Paige's arms wrap around you and you make some final adjustments to get comfortable. None of this phasing the girls on the couch one bit.

It is halfway through the movie and you feel yourself nodding off. Paige can tell you are fighting sleep and kisses the top of your head.

"Go to sleep love, it's okay." She says in your ear as she rubs your back. You stop fighting it and allow the much-needed sleep come over you.

The movie finishes and the girls begin cleaning up. Paige never minded hosting knowing all the girls always clean up after themselves. When Paige didn't make a move to help - it caught everyone's eye.

"Bro, you are whipped," Evina says looking down at Paige rubbing your sleeping back.

"I am not - she's my best friend," Paige says making sure she is not talking too loud. She doesn't want to wake you.

"You are wrapped around her finger, there is no trying to hide it," Azzi says with a smile, knowing the full extent of Paige's love for you.

Paige knows she could fight this but also knows that they are right, right as she is about to respond, you begin to stir.

Paige continues to rub circles on your back as your eyes flutter open.

"Is the movie over?" You ask, voice groggy and eyes half closed.

"It is," Paige says in the softest voice. "The girls are about to head out, do you want to say bye?" She says looking up.

You look and see all the girls looking at you in Paige's arms. You can't help but blush and hide your face in Paige's chest causing all the girls to let out 'awws' and coos. You put your hand up and wave at them as they say their goodbyes.

Once they all leave, you prop yourself up on Paige. One hand on the recliner, the other on her stomach to stabilize yourself. You yawn and fall right back into your best friend's arms. Paige lets out a breathy laugh.

"You gonna move so we can go to bed?" She says expecting you to get up and not go right back to where you were.

"Too comfy," you say and nuzzle your face into her with a hum.

Paige can't help but fall more in love with you in these moments.

Her hand comes up to brush some of the hair out of your face and you look up and let out a content sigh.

You hadn't told Paige yet but you ended up not going on the second date with the girl from your class. She was nice but you learned she wasn't what you wanted. You couldn't have what you wanted. And you didn't want the lessons to stop so you opted to keep quiet. Something was better than nothing right?

You are looking into Paige's eyes and can't help but think what this would be like if you admitted your feelings to the girl. Would she reciprocate them? Would she tell you she has loved you as long as you loved her? Or would she run? Say you are nothing but a friend and cause the biggest heartbreak of your life?

Paige is looking down at you, hand still playing with your hair. She could get used to this. Up to this point, she has never wanted to be in a relationship with anyone. She was completely content hooking up with girls when she needed a fix and then coming back to your friendship. But the more she thought about it and the closer she got to you - it had her questioning settling down and making you hers.

Her thumb comes up to rub your cheek and your heartbeat picks up.

Your mind begins to stir.

Your hand comes up to grasp hers, removing it from your face. As you do so you adjust yourself, no longer curling up on her but laying with your stomach on hers. You place the hand that you were holding on your waist, bringing yours back up to cup her neck moving it enough to allow the access you want.

Your lips meet her neck in a gentle kiss, instantly having her craving more. You kiss up her neck to the base of her earlobe, kissing it before bringing it between your lips giving it a little suck.

Paige lets out the most beautiful moan as you feel her fingers tighten their grip around your waist.

"What...what are you doing ma?" She asks, barely able to get the words out before another moan escapes her mouth as you continue to work on her neck.

"You know," you say in between kisses. Hand coming down to the hem of her shirt lifting it just enough to run your fingertips over her torso. "Your moans are like music to my ears."

You begin to kiss your way up to her lips. Right before you reach her lips you pause. Not looking in her eyes, only at her lips.

"How am I doing, 'ma'?" You ask in a borderline teasing tone and use the pet name that would fall from her lips.

It was her turn to bite her lip. You shake your head no.

"If I can't do it, neither can you." You say bringing her lip out from her bite. "And for the record, I just wanted to practice."

You sit up and make your way out of the chair and towards your room.

"You coming to bed, B?" You say innocently like you just didn't turn her on faster than any other girl she has been with.

Paige gets up without a word and follows you into your bedroom.

In the next few days, you and Paige are back to normal. Hanging out with the team, practicing, bugging one another. It was nice. It was normal.

It is game day and the team is in the gym getting ready. You are at your desk reviewing some last-minute plays when Geno comes in and tells you to get out there with the team.

You head to the floor and watch the girls warm up. The game begins and the team is playing extremely well. They are up in the 4th when Paige is hit in the face by a girl from the other team. She falls to the ground holding her face.

You freeze - panic setting in. She stands up and slowly makes her way to the bench, knowing they won't let her play with blood on her face.

Geno is arguing with the ref as you do the same. You hear your name called but ignore it until Azzi comes up and grabs your arm.

"Paige keeps pushing the medic away - will you?" Azzi says as her head nods in the direction of Paige swatting the medic's hand away from her face. You roll your eyes and make your way over.

"B, get your ass over here." You say as you dawn a glove and grab a tissue.

"She flat out hit me in the face and they are calling it a common foul! That is absolute trash!" She says but still makes her way to you.

You put the tissue on her nose and she hits your hand away.

You give her a look, knowing the look will do more than any words could. She stops moving and stands there. You put the tissue up to her nose and hold it there, looking past her at Geno and the refs. When you turn your attention back to the girl in front of you, you see her eyes are closed. She looks peaceful at this moment like she isn't in the middle of a game and didn't just get hit in the face.

Your hand removes the tissue from her nose and you grab her chin, examining her face. Her eyes remain closed only opening when you reach around and tap her ass.

"You're good to go B," you say sending her on her way, only she doesn't move.

"B, go," you say and gesture towards the court.

Paige hesitates before doing her little jump and steps toward the court but not before her hand finds your waist, giving it the all-too-familiar squeeze. Your breath hitches and you shoot her a look.

The team goes on to win the game. Everyone is super excited and decides to go out to a bar to celebrate. You only go because the team insists and you can't say no to the girls.

While the team is out, you decide to have a dry night. The last thing you want is to be trying to corral a group of tipsy girls.

You are sipping a sprite when you hear loud giggling come from your right.

Paige is whispering in a girl's ear causing her to giggle. You try not to pay it any attention but you see the girl's hand come up to Paige's chest and play with her hair.

It makes you sick. Yet, you can't take your eyes off of them. You take another sip of your drink as you watch Paige's hands come up to the girl's waist - a feeling you have grown to crave.

Paige says something in the girl's ear that causes her to nod rapidly and allow Paige to take her hand, leading her away from the bar.

Your stomach drops and you feel your eyes become wet.

'This is so stupid' you think to yourself as you watch them go towards the bathrooms.

You drop some money at the bar, grab your jacket - not wanting to be anywhere near this place, and let one of the girls know you are heading home. Before you reach the door, you feel the first tear fall. Your hand comes up to wipe it away before anyone can see and you make your way home.

To your lack of knowledge, your tears didn't go unseen. Azzi was watching you the whole time Paige was talking to the girl at the bar. Azzi knew the second you heard the giggle that Paige drew from the girl, it would hit your ears. Azzi saw how your demeanor changed when you saw Paige and how you left just as they were heading to the bathroom. Azzi was the only person to see your tears fall as you walked out. She is also the only person in the world who knows that Paige is completely and utterly in love with you.

Paige eventually emerges and finds Azzi. The first thing she does is ask where you are.

"She left..." Azzi says.

"Why? Where did she go?" Paige asks.

Azzi gives Paige a look and Paige knows that you saw her take a girl back. Paige puts the water in her hand and begins to make her way out of the bar.

"Paige!" Azzi yells and catches up to her.

"Let me go, I am going home," Paige says wanting to find you.

Azzi lets out a sigh, not sure what Paige is going to do.

"Maybe you should just give her some space," Azzi says, not wanting to completely out the state that you left in.

"Space?" Paige laughs. "You know better than anyone that I don't want space, especially when it comes to her."

Azzi loves Paige but also knows how big of an idiot Paige can be.

"I am going home and I am spending the rest of the night with my girl," Paige says, completely forgetting she just had her tongue and hands on someone who was most definitely not you.

Just as Paige is about to walk out, Azzi puts her hand up to stop Paige. Right as Paige is about to protest and give some sort of speech she is confused when she sees Azzi's hand come to her shirt.

Paige stands there, as Azzi fixes the mismatched buttons on Paige's shirt then lets the girl go.

Azzi watches her friend go. She sighs and takes a long sip of her drink. She didn't fix the shirt for Paige. She fixed it for you, she couldn't bear the thought of more tears falling over some dumb decision by Paige.

AN: The plot thickens...are you hooked yet? Let me know what you think. And as always, thank you for your love and support 💙

[ghxstyfae]

Innocence ☆ Colby Brock Request

Warnings: smut, mdni, 18+, blahblahblah, brothers best friend trope, drugged (viagra), colbys a perv, manipulation, corruption kink, daddy kink, virgin/very innocent reader, no use of "y/n", petnames (baby, babygirl, sweetheart, princess)

-> Link to Request <-

Taglist: @leftcollectiongardener @xxsecretscenekidxx @poison-me-daddy75 @lemonnightmare @jinlingsonlyaunt @itzdarling

It was just a mini prank war. Colby grew actual grass in Sams bedroom carpet while he was away with Kat, and Sam just slipped him viagra half way through their overnight haunted hotel trip.

It was just you, Sam, and Colby. The Bethins Hotel was infamous for its incredibly haunted third floor, specifically the room 307, which naturally Sam and Colby had booked.

They had also booked room 204, planning on doing rock-paper-scissors to figure out which of the boys were going to have to sleep in the haunted room.

You had always had a little crush on Colby. He was your older brothers best friend and you had grown up around him. You would never say anything about your crush, you were sure ut wouldnt be reciprocated. You were oblivious to all the flirty remarks he had made about you, or all the times he would stare at you across the room.

It felt wrong to him, he should see you as a little sister, the same way he sees Sam as an older brother, but he just couldnt. You were too pure, too sweet, too pretty. He wanted to have you all to himself, but he would always rationalize that Sam would never approve.

Colby always knew about your crush, it obvious to him. You were always shy and blushing in his presence, eyes darting to find him when he walked into a room, he saw it all.

The investigation started smoothly. They were getting direct communication from a spirit, and everything was turning out great. They had investigated a few hotspots plus room 307 before Colby started feeling the effects.

They were deciding to take a little break, order food, and hang out in 204 until they were ready to go to the banquet hall. Colby had popped a boner when you came out of the shower, wearing short shorts and a huge black and pink xplr zipup, with nothing but a tiny sportbra underneath.

He had tried to take care of himself in the bathroom like a gentleman but of course it wouldnt go away, every stroke just turning him on more, and when you knocked on the door to make sure he was okay after hearing his quiet pants and groans, he knew he was fucked.

He had realized the headache medication Sam gave him earlier wasnt headache medication and cursed him out before devising a plan. If Sam was comfortable upping the prank war to the point of drugging him, surely he'd considered the consequences would be Colby fucking his beautiful little sister.

"Aw im good Baby, thanks" the petname slipped out unintentionally as he opened the door, and he chuckled when you squirmed a little. "Was just taking care of a little 'somethin" he kept his tone suggestive and smirked as you stumbled over an unnecessary apology and scurried back over to the couch you had been sitting on.

"Maybe next time you should help me out babygirl" he spoke smoothly as he sat too close for a friend to you on the couch.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Come on babe, you know exactly what i mean your a very smart girl. You had to have realized that ive liked you too princess."

Dumbfounded, you just gape at him for a second with furrowed brows. "What about Sam."

"Dont worry about him, this is just us sweetheart." Everything he said was smooth and convincing, the constant petnames making you blush more by the second.

As you were about to respond, trying to come out with some response, the door handled raddled signaling Sam was back. Colby got up to greet him and help bring the food out, staring at you every chance he got. You were sitting quietly with your eyes pinned to the floor when Sam brought you your food and sat on the single chair diagonal to you.

"You okay?" Colby asked in a false questioning tone as he brought his food to sit beside you. You jumped a tad, startled out of your thoughts.

"Mhm. Just thinking..."

By the end of the investigation, Sam was forced to sleep in the haunted room while you and Colby got the safety of 204. You and Colby.

The thought left a bit of an imprint on your mind. He seemed so sure earlier, giving you small glances past the camera, comforting you from the back when you felt your hair get pulled. Was he going to make a move tonight? You felt a mixture of anxiousness and excitness coil up in your stomach.

Later that night, you were laying on your designated bed. Sam just left for his room and Colby had been a complete gentlemen, he was in the bathroom now and it was late, part of you was thinking what happener earlier to be imaginary. Had your delusions made it all up merely hours ago?

You quickly realized you hadnt when colby came out in just his sweatpants, slightly damp hair, and sat right beside you on bed. You were curled to the side watching tiktok and he spooned behind you.

"You've liked me for a little bit huh baby?"

You didnt know how to respond, putting your phone down in the night table and turning to face him, only realizing your mistake after you noticed how he was looking at you.

You nodded nervously, mumbling out a shaky "mhm" that made Colby chuckle.

"You know, ive liked you too" he got closer, his face more easily seen through the dim lighting. He ducked his face closer to your neck to whisper in your ear. "Wouldve never said anything in Sam didnt basically give me permission" he was stretching the truth on that one. Sam definitely did not give him explicit permission, but Colby would deal with the consequences of that later.

"What? He did that?" Colby smirked, she sounded so hopeful and desperate.

"Of course babygirl, told him how much i liked you, wanted to take care of you, he gave me his blessing. We're good baby."

Sure it was a little manipulative to fib, but Colby knew you needed that little push. You were so sweet and naive, you grew up always craving approval from those around you, you wouldnt want to dissapoint your brother. If Sam had said it was okay, however, then that wasnt an issue, right?

"You like me?" Your voice was timid, he only responded by kissing your neck and slipping the strap of your tank top down.

Instinct took over your bodies, you leaned into his touch and helped him take of your top. He was already shirtless, and now inching his lips down the valley of your breats to leave soft kisses on any unmarked piece of skin. The kisses became rougher in some spots, leaving what was sure to turn into dark hickies by tommorow morning.

"You want me to fuck you Baby? Want me to ruin you for everyone else?" His hands were all over your body, you could barely speak beyond mumbled pleas.

He took off your pajama shorts and took in your body. You were perfect and he was pissed he hadn't indulged his crush earlier. He brought a calloused hand down to brush just above your clit.

"So fuckin pretty Princess. Gonna treat you the way you need hm?" He slipped his index finger inside easily, your wetness running down his palm.

He added a finger and pumped them inside, keeping his pace slow until a big knot built up in your stomach. Colby whispered sweet, encouraging words into your ears until you let yourself go.

Lifting his finger to his lips he sucked off your cum, moaning as if he had just eaten a delicious meal. Colby left kisses on your tummy and trailed up your breasts again until he could kiss your lips again.

"Gonna let me fuck you pretty girl?" You nodded deliriously, muttering out 'yes please daddy' barely audible for him to hear. He lined himself up and smirked when your hands found his to hold them before he could push himself in. You were just too perfect.

He pushed in slowly, his cock stretching you out and stinging just enough to make you whimper. Colby caught your lips with his as he fully tucked himself away in your cunt. Your brain was going fuzzy from the fullness alone.

After a bit of making out an.d holding hands tightly, Colby could feel you grinding against him. He started moving, pushing himself to the hilt with every slow thrust. Your whines were just encouraging him to keep going slow and steady.

"Colby please." You begged, your words broken up and squeaky.

"You getting impatient baby? Calm down sweetheart, we're going all night"

☆bonus☆

The end of the night Colby and you decided to order food and take another shower together and watch a movie and chat until you fell asleep

Colby is a bit more truthful and tells you about the viagra prank and you get pissed at your brother

The next morning sam came in your room

Saw him naked and you in just his teeshirt and flipped out

Almost killed Colby that second, but was quickly convinced to calm down by the way you were staring daggers at him

"Absolutely not Sam. You think its okay to drug your friends…"

Im so sorry yall i wanted this to be so much better but its just not

[rangerbarbz]

Music and the Muse

Disclaimer: hey yall! This is a story I’ve had on my mind while ive been on my trip, and I just had to write it out. It’s a bit different than my usual one shots, but I just thought this was so cute. Please enjoy!

Summary: Ford goes to Greasy’s Diner one night for some dinner and meets a gorgeous singer

Ford Pines was exceptionally hungry after a long day of researching the oddities that seemed to be in abundance in the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. However, with no culinary skills whatsoever and no canned goods to be seen in his house, he decided to head to Greasy’s Diner for some late-night breakfast food. What he didn’t know is that every Friday night, a beautiful woman had been serenading the patrons of this cozy restaurant.

He walked in and found a seat at the bar where he ordered a cup of coffee and a plate of eggs with toast. He was so focused on eating that he didn’t notice the woman that appeared at the front of the diner. You were holding an acoustic guitar and had placed a microphone stand in front of you.

“Hello Greasy’s Diner! How are we doing tonight?” you asked the audience with a smile on your face. The few people that were there grunted in response. “Great! So glad to hear that,” you responded, enthusiasm unwavering. “So tonight, I’m going to start off with ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ by the lovely Ms. Loretta Lynn. If you know it, sing along!” You began to strum on your guitar, finally gaining Ford’s attention.

He looked up from scarfing down his food to see a vision. You wore bell-bottoms and a flowing blouse and had the voice of an angel. While the rest of the diner seemed to not be paying attention, Ford couldn’t help but be enchanted. He always struggled with just looking women in the eyes, but he couldn’t take his off you. The way you swayed back and forth, the way your hands moved along the strings of the guitar, and the way he could tell you were smiling while you sang without even having to look at you had him beyond smitten. He sat his elbow up on the bar and used his hand to prop his head up. He knew he had the goofiest smile on his face looking at you and hearing your melodic singing.

Your eyes were raking the room hoping to see at least one person who was interested in your singing. You locked eyes with a gentleman in a sweater vest and button-up. He looked out of place among the other patrons of the diner. He looked scholarly; he definitely wasn’t from around here. He had fluffy, brown hair and glasses, and the way he was gazing at you made you have butterflies. You continued singing but sent a wink his way. The man’s head perked up from his hand and rubbed behind his neck.

You made Ford Pines, certified genius, flustered; you just didn’t know it yet. Ford knew he had to talk to you, but he was so intimidated. You were confident, which was something he wasn’t. Eventually, time had passed, several more songs had been sung, and it was closing time for Greasy’s. The last person that was there besides you and Ford had walked out the door. It was now just you and him.

“Have a goodnight, sir!” you called after the man. You had started putting your guitar back in your case. Ford knew that if he didn’t make a move now, he might never have another chance. He got up and began to approach you. Your back was to him, and you were humming a country song he couldn’t remember the name of.

Ford cleared his throat to get your attention. Your body tensed as you let out a yelp. When you turned to face him with your hand on your chest, you chuckled. “Bout gave me a heart attack!” you exclaimed.

His face was red as he stammered out an apology. “I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.” He had a nice deep voice and kind eyes. You reached out and squeezed his arm to reassure him. He looked down at your hand as if he couldn’t believe you had touched him. You let your hand drop to your side so as not to make him uncomfortable. Little did you know, he was thinking about your hands all over him.

“No worries,” you replied with a grin. “So, what can I help you with, stranger?”

“Ah, well…” Ford trailed off. He didn’t think he would get this far. “I just really enjoyed your singing, and I wanted to let you know.”

You gave him a wide smile. “That’s so sweet! That means a lot to me. I’ve been doing this on the side every Friday to make some extra money. I’ve never seen you before, though. Are you new to town?”

Ford wasn’t necessarily new to town, but he also didn’t want to tell you that he was holed up in his house with his studies all the time. He never went out in public unless he absolutely had to. “Yes, I am. I, uh, am here studying…wildlife.”

“That’s so neat! I love nature. What kind of wildlife are you studying?” You were genuinely interested in what he had to say about Gravity Falls. He wasn’t used to people wanting to hear what he had to say.

“It’s a little hard to explain. Do you know what anomalies are?” Ford was trying to contain how excited he was by fiddling with the loose thread at the end of his sleeve.

“I do, but I wouldn’t mind hearing you explain it to me,” you answered, picking up your guitar case. “Let’s get out of here before we get beaten with the broom, though. My truck is out front. We can sit on my tailgate if you’d like,” you suggested.

Ford was grinning like an idiot. “Sure. I would love that.”

“Great. Also, I really like your hair. I noticed it earlier; it looks good on you!” you complimented him. You meant every word of it, too. You tried not to let your nerves show, but you thought he was the cutest thing you had ever seen.

Ford’s face had turned crimson. “Oh gosh, well thank you. You’re too kind.” He felt like he was floating. First a girl wanted to see his research, and NOW she likes his hair. This felt unreal. As you two walked towards the exit, Ford opened the door for you.

“Why thank you, kind sir,” you said in a fake posh accent. “What a gentleman.”

Ford laughed. “Of course, madam.” He followed you out to your truck. It was a hunk of junk, but it got you to and from, and that’s all that mattered to you. You pulled the lever on your tailgate door and pulled it down. You climbed onto the truck and placed your guitar on the flatbed. You found a seat on the cool metal of the tailgate and let your legs dangle. You patted beside you beckoning for Ford to sit down.  

He hopped onto the tailgate and pulled a small notebook out of his pocket. “So, this isn’t my official research because I don’t have my journal with me, but this is a little sketchbook I have.” He opened it up to reveal detailed illustrations of creatures you had never seen before.

You gasped in amazement. “Did you draw these?” you asked wondrously.

“I did. Do you, uh, like them?” You were the first person he had shown his drawings to.

“Like them? I love them! You found these in Gravity Falls?” Ford’s eyes lit up and he pushed his glasses up onto his nose. He began to tell of his adventures and all he had learned since he had been here. You were entranced by his stories and his passion for oddities, and you believed every bit of it. You have seen some strange things since moving here, but not like he had. You could have listened to him till your hair turned gray. It was like he was a shaken-up soda can exploding carbonation everywhere. You continued to listen intently to him until you noticed his hands.

“Wait,” you interrupted him. “I apologize if this sounds rude, but do you have an extra finger?” Ford looked down bashfully at his hands.

“Yes, unfortunately. Been made fun of it my whole life,” he responded sadly.

“Oh, no,” you murmured. “I think it’s beautiful.” You began to trace your fingers along his hands. They were big and he had calloused fingers. It looked like his extra digit fit right in.

“T-thank you. No one has ever told me that,” he said softly.

“Well, it’s true.” You looked into his eyes, and it seemed that tears were on the brink of falling. You wanted to change the subject.

“Hey, you know how you thought that Gravity Falls was kind of a magnet for weirdness? I think you’re right. Can I show you my birthmark? It’s on my back.”

Ford’s head tilted slightly to the side. “Are you sure? You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“I want to. I promise.”

Ford nodded his head. You shifted so your back was facing him and lifted your shirt exposing the discolored lightning bolt like marks that covered your skin. They were all over your body, and it was something you had always been insecure about.

“Oh my,” he mumbled. “May I touch them?”

You blushed. “Yeah sure.” His fingertips began grazing your back gently, following each line on your body. You felt so at ease showing him. You felt no judgement at all. You heard him whisper “extraordinary” under his breath which made you smile to yourself.

“Are these lines everywhere?" he asked, scribbling in his notebook.

“They are all over my torso, chest, and parts of my arms.” What you said next, you said without thought, and you yourself couldn’t belief you had the guts to suggest this. “Would you like to draw me?”

You heard the scratching of his pencil stop, and you turned your neck to look at him. His mouth was slightly agape, and his eyes were wide.

“I uh…uh…” he stuttered.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“No- I mean, I would be honored to. I have never seen a skin condition such as yours. I just don’t want to cross any boundaries.”

You smiled. “Trust me, I don’t mind.” You pulled your shirt over your head leaving you in just your bra and blue jeans. The lightning bolt like marks spread over your body like vines. Ford exhaled sharply as he looked at you. He had never even touched a girl, let alone seen her topless. His heart rate began to pick up.

“You’re…magnificent,” Ford breathed. The way the moonlight shined on your skin and your hair flowed around your head made you look like a goddess.

Your face grew even more red. “Thank you.” There was a pause as his eyes drank you in. “Is this an okay pose?”

Ford nodded eagerly. “Yes, perfect.” He began to get to work sketching your body. He wanted to get every curve, every line, and every spot that covered you. In his head, you were the epitome of beauty. You felt utterly worshipped by this man you had just met. It was an indescribable feeling. You didn’t feel like an object; you felt like art.

“Could you turn over, please? I would like to get your back as well.”

You grinned and obliged. You rolled over and laid your head on your arms as he started his sketching again. After a couple of minutes, he was finally done. You had dozed off and he was tapping your shoulder to wake you up.

“I’m finished. Would you like to see?” he whispered. His low voice sent a shiver down your spine. You sat up, and Ford adverted his eyes to not look at your cleavage. You thought this was adorable considering you were literally shirtless, but he still wanted to remain respectful.

You looked at the drawings, and you were speechless. These drawings had made you see yourself in a way that you never had before. You looked gorgeous.

“I’m sorry if you don’t like them I-‘’ You cut him off by planting your lips on his. You don’t know what took over you, but you knew you didn’t want this to end. His lips were soft and unsure. Your hands were on either side of his face as his hands settled on the clothed part of your hips. He sighed into your mouth contently before you broke the embrace.

“Was that okay?” you asked in a ragged breath. “I’m sorry if that wasn’t okay, I don’t-“ This time he interrupted you with a kiss. He was more sure of himself now with one hand on your exposed waist and the other snaking it’s way into your hair.

“It was more than okay.”

You giggled at him. “So… I guess now is a good time to ask for your name.”

“I would say so,” he laughed his hand reaching out to you. “My name is Ford Pines.”

You shook his hand. “And I am Y/N Y/L/N. Nice to meet you.”

[urperfectcinnamonroll07]

Hi, are your requests open? If not, ignore this please, but I would really, really like a chishiya x reader fluff where readers love language is "nah I'll do it for you" but not like grand gestures, just random things. Kinda like the peeling an orange thing, or going downstairs to get a snack or running a bath after a hard day. But like, it goes both ways, reader doing stuff for chishiya and vice versa. Also, could it be post borderlands where they remember everything? Feel free to change anything or don't do it at all, I wouldn't mind. Also, I haven't ever actually requested with my real username, so I don't know if it would notify me if you post with this, but can you @ me? Bye and I really enjoy your writing!!!

I'll Do It!

requested?: yes pairing(s): shuntarō chishiya x gn!reader genre: fluff, angst if you squint warning(s): mentions of nightmares, fluff, mentions of sleeping pills, mentions of very poor mental health, chishiya being sweet towards reader (shock horror gasp), mentions of trouble sleeping, mentions of eating disorder summary: 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘺𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘺𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 word count: 1k a/n: ofc you can! my requests are practically always open and i do try my hardest to get through them, so sorry if this is late lol. also, think this is so cute and you have a great idea. just to add, can somone request something for bang chan please lmao, i wanna write for him but all my ideas are literally gone lmao. make sure to eat and drink something, love yas, mwah! (P.s so sorry this took a while, ive been busy recently lol) -Cilla tags: @ultimate-duck-king-lucifer

you and chishiya did absolutely everything for eachother. you both remembered the borderlands, which was a downside for the both of you, but you did both get over it. when chishiya went back to work, a lot changed.

it was almost as though he was never around, and he either worked so late that you were already asleep, or he would just crash when he got home. but of course, on the rare occasions he was working from home, you would bring him snacks and keep him company while he did so.

you had am office in your house that you had both decorated with comfy sofas, so you would sit and scroll through your phone while he worked, occasionally getting up to get a snack or a drink and bringing something back for him. you would also stand behind him sometimes and ask what he was doing, resulting in you being confused with the big fancy doctor words your boyfriend used in order to explain, so you ended up just sitting back down and pretending to understand (which he knew you wouldn't, and just chuckled anyways).

of course, you worked aswell, which also resulted in chishiya doing things for you. your work was mainly based at home, but you would have to go out and about to the office and do stuff sometimes. if it was a particularly stressful day, chishiya would run you a bath for after you finished work, and if you were working in the seperate office you had in your home, he would peep his head around the door and ask if you needed anything. if chishiya knew that you hadn't eaten anything yet, and you had said no to him asking if you needed anything, he would go get you a snack nontheless.

even though you both led very busy lives with your work, you also made time to cuddle in bed on a night, which took chishiya a while to get used to, but it was definately worth it.

there also lead to a problem with sleeping. sometimes one of you would have a nightmare and unintentionally wake the other, resulting in the other holding the other in their arms while the other calmed down and went back to sleep. more times than others, chishiya wouldn't wake you up when he had a nightmare, because he was a silent sleeper. but you, however, did wake him up since you were a quiet sleeper, but a one that moved around quite a lot. so you thrashed around quite a lot, with the occasional mutter of "no" or sometimes even you screamed.

the first time this did happen, however, chishiya thought there was an intruder, so he ultimately went into panic mode aswell, jumping awake and turning the light on, before realising it was just a nightmare you were having. he managed to wake you up as softly as he could, holding you in his arms as he whispered to you that everything would just about be alright. you believed him, well, almost.

the time he woke you up, he was just flinching and twitching in his sleep, and you woke him up. chishiya being chishiya, though, pretended nothing was wrong, but didn't say no to you holding him until he wemt back to sleep.

you almost believed that everything would be alright, because when your mental health started to slowly get worse, so did the nightmares. chishiya did notice you slowly started to eat less, and also sleep less, but he thought you would manage to get yourself back up on your feet. only when you started to get a lot worse, did he start to intervene.

it started off slow, just small snacks, before it turned into small meals, then bigger meals, then you were eating properly again. but that didn't change your sleeping. even though your eating patterns were improving, your nightmares were still getting worse.

almost every night you woke up screaming and crying, but even the nights you didn't, you would still be up throughout the night. chishiya was starting to get worried, even though he didn't show it that much, he worried.

after a while, you got a cat, aswell as sleeping pills perscribed from your doctor boyfriend himself. he thought the cat would help with anxiety, and the pills with sleeping. and they did, for a while at least. as much as chishiya loved you, he couldn't keep waking up due to your screams and nightmares.

the pills worked for around a month, before you started to get worse again. the pills weren't working as much as they used to and you were waking up a lot more. you had both tried everything, from pills to pillow mist, nothing was working.

your cat, did hep with bits of anxiety when you had the occasional anxiety or panic attack. but other than that, you were practically on your own. chishiya did help, but he wasn't there all the time. he did advise you to go get therapy, but even if you did, nobody would believe you other than the man l who suggested it himself.

at this point, you were barely sleeping. you would try not to wake chishiya, but whenever you were awake, so was he. it was almost as though he just knew you would be awake.

this one particular night, you had a worse nightmare, you were thrashing around all night and chishiya was awake. it was only when the screams started that he woke you up, you were hitting his chest in protest until you realised it was him.

"sh, sh, sh" he says, bringing your sobbing frame into his arms, your face soaking his night shirt with your tears. "you're okay, i'm here, everything is okay" he whispers, stroking your hair and leaving soft kisses on the crown of your head.

your sobs eventually died down, and chishiya just about thought you were asleep until you whispered.

"i'm sorry" you whispered into his chest.

"what for?" he says, cupping your cheeks in his hands and making you move your head so you were looking at him.

"keeping you awake every night" you whisper back.

"honey, it's fine, as long as you're okay" he says, bringing you back into his chest.

"i love you" you mutter, and you just about hear him say it back before sleep overcame you.

[lilap20]

Chapter IV : Heaven is where we meet at the foot of the Heart Tree. P.2

Part 2 updated, hope you will like

@koobratzy

@beebeechaos

“Go for Nymeria” huh?

But what an idea, I'm much too shy and impressed to do that kind of thing. Standing next to the Place of the Queen, which is actually empty, I take a look at the assembly. They are all dressed richly, wearing the distinct colors of their houses. My red and gold dress reveals my shoulders, its long gold lace sleeves covering my arms. She is the perfect mix of my House and Velaryon's, my hair is held in a braided bun behind my head with rubies in it like Rhaenerya.

But those who are the most impressive are the Velaryons, dressed entirely in gold, adorned with jewels like gods, they walk down the long aisle towards the table proud and arrogant. It's in these moments that I miss my uncle Daemon, he would have laughed at their pride and relaxed me. But he's not there, and I'm next to a ghost queen's place.

-We are here to celebrate the union of two individuals but also of two great Houses who have been friends for a long time. My father begins, taking his cup

I look towards the Hightower table and don't find the Queen, part of me wishes she had a bad fall down the stairs.

-May this evening be dedicated to love and…

The doors open wide, with a noise that attracts the attention of the crowd. My gaze freezes at the appearance of Prince Daemon proudly dressed in red and black, his short hair combed back with a bit of dragon's breath in it.

I want to jump and run into his arms, punch him and argue with him, and I know my sister's heart is pounding. My uncle comes forward with a mocking and jovial smile, he approaches the table and faces my father, who, with astonishment allows him to sit with us, thanks to the Gods at my side.

-Nice entrance, uncle. I greet in a low voice which makes him chuckle

The King resumes his speech, raises his cup and drinks which allows us to do the same with smiles and cheers. We all sit around, the guests talking and eating, the music dancing around us. My uncle tries to look at Rhaenyra and I know she's looking at him out of the corner of her eye. Embarrassed by their attentions, I concentrate on the crowd, looking as usual for the Nordien table.

Usually at a banquet or a big event it is always empty, but tonight it is full, Cregan's men and himself always drinking and eating a little apart from the others. As if he knew I was watching him, Cregan turned towards the royal table, met his gaze with mine and raised his cup towards me.

-This time you got noticed on your own. Taunts Daemon while drinking

I barely have time to reply before the doors open to reveal the Queen wearing green. The entire room falls silent as the Queen appears in her war colors.

It is in these moments that “Dracarys” is invoked in my head, but I must remain silent so as not to fan the destructive flame that Alicent Hightower is creating. The Queen dressed entirely in green representing nothing other than her House challenging us, the Dragons, with her head held high and proud.

I might vomit.

We all get up except Daemon who, despite his gesture, insists that I get up. I do it reluctantly, blowing so that the table can hear me and Daemon chuckles. The Queen confronts my father and I almost grab my knife and thrust it into her hand, then she sits down and we all do it.

Viserys let anyone challenge him and now everyone realizes we are divided.

The music resumes, the dances and the words too, but the table is slightly tense. I quickly drink a little of my wine trying to shift towards Daemon who is laughing.

-I never thought I would see you here, uncle.

-I wasn't going to miss my niece's wedding. Daemon smiled while drinking

-You like dramas so much. I swear with a little smile

-And not you perhaps?

I give him a sideways glance and he chuckles loudly enough for our table to glance at us, I hide my laughter by drinking some more wine. Rhaenyra looks at us, raising an eyebrow, managing to calm Daemon's mocking laughter.

-Your look doesn't change, I turn to my uncle, you still look at him just as intensely, he plays with his glass attracting the attention of the whole table, too. When is your trip to the North?

I choke on my drink, Alicent turns slightly outraged, my father and Rhaenyra raise an eyebrow.

-Daemon. I whistle

He smiles brightly, and I nudge him which makes him burst out laughing, by the Gods I'm glad he's back, I missed him. His humor, his provocations. I missed everything.

-My sister, Rhaenerya calls me, will you accompany me for a dance?

I smile, nodding, getting up at the same time as her, my eldest quickly comes to my side and takes my arm, smiling, completely ignoring the green plant next to us.

-Happy dancing Princesses. Daemon smiles

We had barely arrived in the great hall when Rhaenyra was taken by my cousin and fiancé Leanor for the first dance. In the front row, I look at them with a little smile on my lips, they are magnificent and perfect for each other in terms of appearance.

After a few minutes, guests arrive to dance with them, the dance floor receiving again and again couples for dances, the music spinning the Ladies' dresses.

-Do you want to dance?

I jump a few steps with my hand on my chest, Cregan laughs under his breath and I roll my eyes at his mocking laughter. He holds out his hand to me and I accept with a beating heart. My smooth skin slides against his calloused hand, it is small in his and I find myself liking this contact.

Cregan takes me to the dance floor among all his guests, my sister who is dancing with Ser Harwin raises an eyebrow when our eyes meet, and I look away, turning red.

Cregan's hand slides down my back spreading goosebumps, raising the dragon fire within me, our bodies brush together as we begin to move, his two-colored gaze holding mine, our hands linked, my hand on his shoulder, his on my back.

-Your eyes are incredible Princess. He compliments in a deep voice, they fascinate me

I blush when I hear his compliment and a small, intimidated smile stretches my lips.

-I thank you, Lord. But I have to be honest with you, his hand tightens on my back crumpling my dress, your eyes are even more fascinating.

Finishing my sentence, my voice was only a whisper, Cregan remains a little shocked, his pupils dilating a little, his hand bringing me closer to him in a caress that sets my veins on fire. My breathing becomes ragged again, my right nose becomes red, our breath caresses our faces and we forget the room around us.

POV External

The Prince, Queen, King, along with Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, all watch as Nymeria and Cregan Stark dance as if no one is watching them.

-Princess Nymeria and the Lord of Winterfell seem to get along well? Notice Lord Corlys

-I don't know what you're talking about, Lord Corlys? Viserys retaliates by cutting his meal

Daemon chuckles as he drinks for the umpteenth time. How Viserys can be so stupid and blind? Marrying Rhaenyra to Leanor is one thing, but not seeing that there is a real attraction between the young Wolf and the People's Princess was just absurd.

She's grown so much, he thought, she seems so mature in the wolf's arms, but also very shy.

-My brother, Daemon intervenes, even if my opinion does not count, I only want the happiness of my nieces, and the young Wolf and my little Dragon have always been connected.

-We will do without your opinion Prince Daemon…

-I'm not talking to you Alicent, so don't interfere in the lives of the Princesses, you are nothing to her. Daemon growls exasperated by her

Viserys tenses in his chair, while Princess Rhaenys rolls her eyes an old smile on her face, she's agree with Daemon, but she will never say it. Lord Corlys cannot hide his smile while drinking and suspiciously watching his son talking with his date. If his son does not pull himself together he will not survive at court, everyone will look at him since he will be the husband of the heir to the throne.

-I support Prince Daemon's opinion, Princess Nymeria seems to appreciate the young Wolf just like him. Explain Lord Corlys

He glances at the King who stops eating to watch his youngest daughter dance with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen on her lips. She was happy with the young wolf, and he realizes it, she laughed with him, and he too, but he didn't want his only memory of Aemma with Rhaenyra to go far from him.

-My brother, Nymeria deserves to be happy, and King's Landing is not the place for her, she likes adventure, not court. Finishes Daemon by emptying his glass

His gaze finds Rhaenyra dancing with Ser Harwin, swallowing his bitterness he turns his eyes towards Leana his little cousin, a grin stretches his lips.

-Please excuse me.

-Daemon!

POV Nymeria

The cool wind blows through my hair, goosebumps rise up my back, Cregan caresses it gently, his warmth making me blush for the umpteenth time that evening.

-Your hands are warm for a man from the North. I notice smiling to myself

As soon as I say the sentence I widen my eyes, my remark is completely inappropriate and may allude to…

-Forgot what I just said.

Cregan bursts out laughing, removing his hand and I suffer this loss violently, he stops walking and I do the same standing in front of him facing his hoarse laughter.

-I like your remark Princess, whatever form it took in your head.

Oh gods, are we flirting now? My heart begins a maddening race.

-What, I swallowed, what shape did it take in your head? I ask breathlessly

Slightly shocked, Cregan frowns, approaching me a little, his mischievous gaze igniting my violet gaze.

-Are you flirting with me Princess Nymeria? -Nymeria, I swallowed in front of his gaze, just Nymeria.

The noise of the gardens, the wind in the branches of the trees, his hand caressing my ribs, all my senses activate and discover a sensation that I can describe as desire.

-Then call me Cregan, just Cregan.

Our noses brush against each other, my memory takes me back to our meeting in front of the Heart Tree, our hearts beating in unison, I avoid his gaze, his breath against my temple, his hands on my hips, I sweat I breathe and I die at the same time.

-Nymeria… Cregan whispers and I faint

I grab the back of his neck and kiss him without him even realizing it, I don't think, I slide my lips against his letting myself be carried away by my desires. Immediately Cregan takes a deep breath, he holds me against him, our mouths hungry for each other respond.

His tongue teases my lips and I open them so that our kiss becomes more passionate, his hands are everywhere, mine claw at the back of his neck, play in his hair, our breathing is heavy and damn I feel so good in his arms, so well until this noise which startles us.

-Princess Nymeria! shouts a distant voice

Cregan breaks away from me, a hand on my arm as I slowly pull myself together, he caresses my elbow as I look at him in complete wonder and fear.

-I'm sorry… I, you are running away from this kind of situation and I…

-I wanted it Princess, Cregan smiled shyly, I wanted to kiss you since our first meeting. I wanted you Princess Nymeria, from the beginning. He confesses

My heart has just stopped or it has just started again, hope, love, happiness I don't know how to put a name to the emotions that run through me.

-So why ? During your last visit did you…

-My father speaking to the King, he avoids my gaze while swallowing, his Majesty did not want to separate from you while you were all in mourning, and I understand that.

It is true that I was ten and four years old, my mother had just died, my little brother too, and my Uncle was kicked out of the court. It’s true that it wasn’t the right time for me to leave.

-And I didn't want to make a decision without talking to you first. I didn't want to force your hand…

-I will be gone, I cut him off with emotion in my voice, I will be gone with you Cregan.

Surprised and bewildered, Cregan approaches me a little further, taking my hands in his.

-Will you still speak to the King? I ask looking at our hands

I pray to the Gods of ancient Valyria that his answer is positive. Cregan has been married before, lost his wife quickly and told me he doesn't want to remarry anytime soon only here we are in this garden talking about my future and his.

-Only if you want me to talk to him about it. he responds while maintaining eye contact

-I want it Cregan, I find his eyes, I really want it.

-Then I will talk to him.

-Princess ?

Our hands linked, Cregan and I turn towards the voice and slowly I remove my hands, meeting Ser Erryck's gaze. I lower my head before looking back up at him as he looks at the two of us.

-Everything is fine ? I ask approaching him

-Blood has been shed Princess, Ser Joffrey was beaten to death in the great hall by Ser Criston Cole

My mouth drops completely open at my shock and Cregan steps forward shocked too.

-We were looking for you Princess, everywhere, the Crown Princess is about to pronounce her vows. Continue Ser Erryck

-I'll be there right away, I turn to Cregan and he nods.

When I run into the great hall, the floor is covered in food, the blood of my cousin's lover is on the same floor and on his clothes, Rhaenyra is disheveled, her white dress stained with blood , dried tears on the face.

-Sister ? I ask taking her in my arms

-By the Gods, I was so scared. She whispers

She smells of Daemon I notice, his scent is all over her. And before I even ask him a question, the Maester calls out to us.

-Let's go Princess, let's get ready for the wishes. Begins the Maester

And this is how the second royal marriage begins, in a bath of anger, unspoken, and blood. A glaring example of our family, us Targaryens. Welcome Leanor.

[loversj0y]

Dadbur never grow up !!!

never grow up

event masterlist

pairing: dadbur x AFAB reader (gn pronouns)

tws: none!

notes: iin honor of speak now tv!!!!! ive never written dadbur before and ive also never written many parent dynamic type things? but this is way too fucking cute as a concept so &lt;;3

word count: 1.1k

taglist: @l0veb0mb1ng / @core-queen / @zooone / @lillylvjy / @ghostsacrosslndnfields / @melunnek

When you had Tallulah, Wilbur sobbed the first time he held her. He had been so supportive throughout the pregnancy, and he was scared to death the entire time as well, worried that he wouldn’t be a good dad, or that something would happen to you.

So the first time he held your little girl in his arms, he sobbed out of love and happiness, kissing her head and whispering about how he’d never let anyone hurt her or break her heart. You could already tell he was going to be a great father. When she gently wrapped her hand around his finger, he suddenly felt like everything was going to be okay. The world had never seemed so quiet. 

He was incredibly attentive after she was born. He was constantly with her, and he took so many photos and videos of her as she grew up. He did have to go on tour eventually, but he would call every day, and he’d look at every photo and video every night to remember what he was coming back to.

When he came back from tour, she’d grown so much. 

“My little ‘Lulah,” he cooed, holding her close in his arms, “You need to stop growing, ‘Lulah. Before I know it, I’ll be beating up any person who tries to break your heart.”

You chuckled, leaning into him gently, “I wish she could stay this little forever.”

He smiled, gently kissing her head. She rested her head on his shoulder, babbling sleepily. She was about 15 months old now, and she was such a sweet child already. She had pieces of her father’s wild soul, but she carried more of his quieter traits.  

“Here,” he passed her over to you, “Let’s go tuck her in. I wanna play her a song.”

You held her and walked to her bedroom, while Wilbur followed with his guitar strapped along his back. As you set her down, he sat down next to her crib, playing a soft tune on his guitar for her as she fell asleep.

As she grew up, Tallulah continued to be the spitting image of her father. Same mess of curly brown hair, and same big brown eyes. She was sweet and kind, always making sure that her friends were doing okay and wanting to help them. However, the similarities with her father meant she definitely got his sense of teenage angst. She was fourteen, and Wilbur was driving her to the movies with you riding shotgun. She looked nervous.

“‘Lulah? You alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” she sighed softly.

“You don’t sound fine,” Wilbur added.

She frowned lightly, “‘M just a bit nervous, dad. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded softly, “Remember your breathing exercises in case, okay?”

“Yes, dad, I know,” she rolled her eyes, “I’m not a child.”

You and Wilbur shared a look, slight amusement on both of your faces.

Wilbur pulled up to the front of the movie theater, and you spoke up, “Be safe, and text us when the movie is over, but wait inside for us, okay?”

“Yes, I will,” she got out of the car quickly, and for a moment, she looked like she was going to slam the door shut. 

“Bye, I love you.” She spoke softly.

“Bye, darling. We love you too,” Wilbur responded, and she closed the door softly. 

You took Wilbur’s hand as you watched her walk in and meet up with her friends. 

“You think she’ll be safe?”

“She’s your daughter, Wilbur. I don’t think we have to worry about if she’ll be safe, we should worry about if she’ll talk someone’s ear off.”

He laughed, kissing your hand gently, “God, I hate that she’s growing up. It feels like just yesterday she was just tiny.”

“I know,” you sighed softly, “I wish I could protect her from everything.”

“Me too,” he started to drive away, keeping his hand in yours, “We’ll be there for it all, though. We can’t protect her, but we can help her.”

“Is this your ploy to get her into music?”

“It’s not entirely a ploy,” you both laughed, swiftly heading back home.

“Dad, let me carry it, it’s fine,” Tallulah groaned, reaching for a box Wilbur was holding.

“I’ve got it, ‘Lulah. Don’t worry about a thing,” he smiled, carrying the box up to her apartment. Her first apartment. Neither of you were coping well with the thought, but she was only a two and a half hour drive away. You were so incredibly proud of her. She did follow in her father’s footsteps, but she learned every instrument she could find. Her hard work paid off, granting her a full-ride music scholarship. She also decided to minor in English as well, and it was weird to see your daughter so adult, even if she was just on the verge of 19. 

You’d taken great care to helping her move in, making sure the place felt like home. Mostly by sneaking in little notes from you and Wilbur into every crevice you could find, to be discovered later. It was so odd, to see her in her own place now. Wilbur was setting up her internet while she made sure all of her instruments were in their proper place (she always had a thing about making sure everything had its own specific place). Before you left, you placed a scrapbook next to her bed, filled with some of the photos of her, you, and Wilbur.

Leaving her and driving back home was messy. You and Wilbur both cried, and you caught a glimpse of her tearing up as well before you started on back home. It was so tough to leave her, even if you’d been watching her grow up and preparing for this for years. It was just hard to see her go off. The car ride home was quiet as well, his hand in yours as you wiped at teary eyes. 

Late that night, you and Wilbur were lying in bed, just holding each other close. “She seemed so happy to leave. Do you think she’ll miss us?” You asked softly.

“I think so.” “Really? I just remember how happy I was to finally be away from my parents.” “Well, your parents weren’t exactly the kindest.” He noted.

“I know, but I mean, it’s the freedom and feeling grown up, right? I’m worried we’ll lose her for a bit.” “I don’t-” his reply was cut off by his phone going off. He grabbed it, smiling softly. “I don’t think we’ll have anything to worry about,” he turned the phone towards you, showing off Tallulah’s contact proudly. 

He answered the call, and you both spoke to her as she got settled into bed for her first night alone, and you could hear just how much she missed you both in her voice.

[jaemified]

camera - yang jungwon

“you only love me on camera”

pairing ; yang jungwon x reader

genre ; angst, idol au

warnings ; swearing, very brief slapping

wordcount ; 0.7k

synopsis ; lee y/n and yang jungwon have always been seen as the ‘perfect’ couple in the industry, but whats seen as flawless is only on camera.

read below the cut !

y/n scrolled through the ipad, reading what engenes were saying about the two of them on live. "'you are a great mubank host, im sad your contract is ending soon.' thank you! im sad my contract is ending too. hopefully there will be another chance like this again!" she flashed a genuine smile.

"-'you guys are so cute together', awe thank you!" y/n expressed her gratitude to the camera while reading a comment out loud.

jungwon wrapped an arm around the girl beside him, rubbing her shoulder before checking his phone to read another comment from your fandoms.

"-'will we ever get a vlog of the two of you together?', well we cant say much, but you can expect one coming soon." jungwon replied with a nod.

"well its getting pretty late and we have music bank tomorrow. remember to stream bite me and support us on our latest comeback. bye engenes, love you always!" and with that, jungwon immediately removed his arm from y/n as he cut the cameras.

"i was wondering if we could go out to dinner tonight? maybe talk or even go over the script? just the two of us."

without even looking up from his computer as he responded to emails, jungwon answered y/n by saying, "y/n, you know we arent really together right? its all just a contractual arrangement for my sake, so my group and i can promote." he chuckled.

she gripped her plastic water bottle in slight annoyance and anger. of course she had known, she had always known. she just never wanted to admit to it. being together was purely for publicity, and seeing as they were in front of cameras practically 24/7, it felt all too real for y/n to want to accept it was all only on camera.

"why do you hate me?"

"what kind of question is that? i dont hate you, im just keeping it professional." jungwon mumbled with a slight tone to it.

y/n scoffed.

"so being a dick to me is considered 'being professional' now? youre so nice to all your other female colleagues. why cant you be the same with me?"

she was upset, rightfully so. i mean, she thought she found someone who cared for her even if it were just as a friend, but truthfully, he couldnt even do that in the very least.

jungwon finally looked up from his laptop, drafting the current email he was in the middle of.

he crossed his arms and looked the girl before him in the eyes.

"because youre the only one ive ever been forced to date. and sure, youre pretty but you arent exactly my type. not to mention it was inexplicably sudden."

"i really thought we were bonding, even if it were just as friends. theres nothing wrong with wanting to go out for food. we do so much on camera, so why cant we have fun without it?" y/n argued back, though still slightly offended.

"its all on contract. you read it, you signed it as did i. we both knew what it is we agreed to. so why should that suddenly change just because of however you feel?"

she walked up closer to jungwon, noses almost touching, looking deep into his eyes before whispering then stepping back.

"youre a prick."

there was a loud clap in the air, the sound of y/ns hand colliding with jungwons cheek, more specifically so.

"youre a liar."

another slap to the face.

"and youre nothing but a selfish bastard! did everything we ever shared mean nothing to you? i gave you nothing but my all, i thought what we had was genuine but no, you want to let go of that too!"

"y/n.."

"no! dont 'y/n' me now that im getting mad. you never cared while i was calm. is all it is you expect me to do is just sit there and look pretty? to make you look good because you got the wealthy, pretty girl on your arm?"

"y/n."

tears flowed down her face and she stared at his flushed red cheeks due to the force of her last slap, as well as the emotion that hit him along with it.

"wanna know why i dont give a fuck about the contract? because i loved you, i really did! and i thought you felt the same. but no,"

"now i know. you only love me on camera."'

[atlabeth]

everything happens for a reason part 21 - zuko x fem!reader

Meet me in the afterglow

part 20 | masterlist | part 22

a/n: wowwwww we're finally in the happy part of this fic lol. it feels so good to write zuko and yn together after 100k words of them being on opposite sides and hating each other. it was actually kind of hard to write this because it was a lot of chill fluff and it has been a long Long time since ive written that. very sorry this took so long

wc: 5k

warning(s): some discussions of yn and zuko's pasts but overall very fluffy

chapter title comes from afterglow by taylor swift!

Silence.

That was what Y/N woke up to.

No nightmares, no guilt, no flashbacks—just… silence.

And the arms of another around her. Zuko. She reveled in the warmth he provided, sighing contentedly as she shifted to look at him. 

She’d always thought Zuko was beautiful, but he was even more so when asleep. His features relaxed rather than rageful, no longer tainted by her own incessant anger. Pools of gold met her when his eyes flickered open, a gentleness held within them she’d missed dearly. 

“Hi,” she whispered, a smile already tugging at her lips.

“Hi.” His voice was just as soft, his own emerging smile enough to make her melt. “Did you sleep well?”

“Better than I have in months.” Y/N moved her hand over his, and Zuko turned his over to entangle their fingers. “And it’s all thanks to you.”

“It’s the least I can do,” he murmured, and he drew her in for a soft kiss. That was what made her melt. “You know I’m never letting you go again, right?���

A light laugh spilled from her lips. “I don’t want you to.”

“Good.” 

Though she wanted nothing more than to nestle back into Zuko’s embrace, she mustered enough strength to sit up, a small yawn escaping her. “When do you think we should go back?”

Zuko sighed as he sat up next to her, running a hand through his rustled hair. “We have time, Y/N. We’re in your village, the place you grew up. We don’t have to go back until you want to.”

“We are on a timeline though—”

“A timeline that isn’t close to being up yet,” he countered. “Aang doesn’t have to fight my father for a while—a few extra days out here isn’t going to hurt us.” Zuko shrugged. “You deserve a break after all you’ve been through lately, and besides—I’m sure your people wouldn’t mind hosting the savior of the village for a little longer.”

Y/N laughed and pushed him lightly, eliciting a little half-smile from Zuko. “Okay, I get it. Another day would be really nice.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay longer?”

She shook her head. “The rest of today will be enough for me to help get things moving on the repair front. We’ve already been gone two days—any longer than this and Katara will think we’ve died.” 

Zuko chuckled. “Alright.”

“Besides,” she said as she stood up and stretched her arms out, “after all of this is over, I’ll be able to come back anytime I want. And,” Y/N looked at Zuko, “I’ll be able to properly introduce you. As Zuko my boyfriend, and not Zuko the evil prince.”

He grinned. “Your boyfriend? Is that official?”

Y/N groaned and swatted at him. “Get out of here. I have to get dressed.”

“Anything for my beautiful girlfriend,” Zuko said as he got up, still wearing that ridiculous grin while he walked out.

Y/N rolled her eyes as he shut the door, but she couldn’t help but smile. It felt good, joking around like this. Having a lazy morning—waking up with him in the first place. 

And yeah—hearing Zuko call her his girlfriend was pretty nice too. 

She’d been longing for it for a greater time than she knew, and now that she’d worked through her anger, let it go, realized that this was what she wanted? 

It was too great a feeling to put into words.

That small smile remained on her lips as she began to rifle through her belongings, the minuscule amount she’d packed for this trip in a tiny satchel. She wanted to change, but the only other clothes she had were the tunic and pants she’d worn for months in prison. They were sort of the only clothes she owned now. 

The smile faded as she shoved them back into her bag. Maybe she could ask Leya to borrow one of her dresses for the day. That particular memory didn’t need to be resurfaced right now. 

She blew out a loose sigh as she sat back down on the bed, allowing herself a moment to really take it all in. 

Though Y/N had initially planned to get in and get out, the whole ‘taking back the village’ thing really threw a wrench in her hasty excursion. After last night—after the fight, the general, the grave—she was well and truly exhausted. Lao and Leya had immediately offered up the second bedroom of their home to her and Zuko, claiming it was ‘the least they could do after all she’d done’, and in the moment, Y/N wasn’t one to deny it. 

She didn’t realize how worn out she was until she laid down on the bed—true exhaustion and the warmth of Zuko’s arms around her was a deadly combination—and she was out before she knew it. 

It was the best she’d slept in a long time. 

Because she didn’t have a new outfit, she opted for smoothing out the black fabric and her hair, and nodded to herself before she left the room. She was surprised to see Zuko leaning against the wall next to the door, his arms crossed as he stared off at nothing in particular. 

“You waited?”

“Obviously. Life-threatening fights don’t have to be the only time we stick together.” She chuckled a bit as she slipped her hand into his, pleased at how familiar the motion felt.

“Of course.”

“Besides—” Zuko cleared his throat as his eyes darted away for a moment— “I’m kind of scared of Leya and Lao. I don’t think they really trust me.”

“What? Of course they do!” she exclaimed. “You took down the factory with Lao, and you helped in the fight for our village—they wouldn’t have offered you the place if they didn’t.” 

“You weren’t there,” he said dryly. “Lao questioned me the entire way to the factory about you. And he might be okay about me now, but Leya still seems uneasy. They still don’t even know who I really am.” 

“Who you are is Zuko. It doesn’t matter that you’re the prince—you’re Zuko, and you helped them. That’s all they’ll care about.” She gave him a slight nudge. “Things are different out here, away from the Fire Nation. People are tolerant. You’ve seen that while you’ve been away, right?”

It took Zuko a moment, but he nodded. His lips quirked in the smallest smile and he nodded again, as if he was actually starting to believe it. “Okay. Yeah.”

“Yeah,” she repeated. She swung their hands together a bit and started to lead the way. “Now let’s go. It’s nearly noon—we’ve gotta get our day started.”

“If you say so,” Zuko mused, and she just laughed. 

“I do.” 

“It’s good to see the two of you are finally awake,” Leya mused from her cushion as they emerged into the living room. “I was afraid you would sleep the whole day away.” 

“If anyone deserves it,” Lao said, walking over from the kitchen, “it’s them.” 

“Sorry.” Y/N scratched her neck, slightly bashful. “We were exhausted after yesterday.” 

“No need to apologize,” Leya laughed, and she gestured towards the counter. “Help yourselves, please—we made xiaolongbao and egg custard tarts to celebrate. There’s far too much for just the two of us.” 

“Are you sure?” Zuko asked tentatively.

“Of course we’re sure,” Lao said. “We’ve welcomed you into our home. Anything we have is yours, son.” He frowned. “I never did get your name.” 

He paused. “...My name is Zuko.” 

The name struck them like steel, tension immediately thick in the air even if just out of instinct. 

“Like Prince Zuko,” Leya said carefully, “of the Fire Nation.” 

“I don’t think I’m much of a prince anymore,” he frowned. “I did betray my entire country to help the Avatar.” 

Lao glanced at Y/N, the unsaid question obvious. 

“It’s the truth,” she said. “Zuko has been working with us for a good while now. He’s the Avatar’s firebending teacher, and he’s going to help us end the war.” 

“Alright,” Lao said, and he nodded. “Welcome to our home, Zuko. Officially.” 

His brows creased together. “Really?” 

“You’re clearly a good man,” he said. “Not just anyone would do what you’ve done.” 

“That’s not true.” 

“It is,” Lao insisted. “You didn’t have to help free our village, but you fought on the front lines with us.” He smiled wryly. “That makes a man good in my book.” 

“I agree.” Leya’s smile was softer, kinder, but held the same respect. “You’re just as much a hero to our village as Y/N is.” 

Zuko looked like he wanted to protest, but Y/N placed her hand over his and nodded. He deserved the praise. 

“...Thank you,” he finally said, wholly genuine. “You have no idea how much that means to me.” 

“Any friend of Y/N’s is a friend of ours,” Leya said, and her lips quirked up. “Would you like to hear some of the terrible things she did when she was younger?” 

“Leya—” Y/N began, but Zuko shook his head, his own smile growing. 

“Tell me everything.” 

She groaned as he pulled her over to the floor, two cushions already set for them. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as she sat down next to him, Leya and Lao launching into a story together from her childhood. 

(She had always been a bit of a terror, especially after she discovered her waterbending. That didn’t mean she wanted Zuko to know about it.) 

((“This is no way to treat the savior of the village,” she complained at one point. She was fully ignored.)) 

After spending far too many hours eating, chatting, and laughing (at Y/N’s expense), she and Zuko set out for the day. Y/N asked Leya for a spare outfit and she obliged immediately, so once again she found herself in Earth Kingdom greens and browns. The soft linen was the nicest reprieve from the scratchy prison clothes she’d been stuck in, and she had to admit—it was nice being back in Earth Kingdom clothes. It was just as much a part of her as the North. 

The rest of the day was busy but fulfilling, working long into the night to make up for the damage from the battle. Most of their efforts were spent architecturally, helping to repair houses that had been damaged and to tear down the Fire Nation estates. 

It might have been property, but it was tainted beyond belief. South Zeizhou would never truly belong to her people again if any trace of the Fire Nation remained. 

Y/N and Zuko had split halfway through the day to help with separate things—for some reason, her people were trusting her with designing. She spent the entire rest of the day running around helping various people, sketching up ideas for buildings and statues and everything else under the sun. It turned out that, when you saved an entire village of an eight year hold, they were just a little grateful. 

(She denied the idea every time someone brought up building a statue of her. She was sure she heard Zuko go behind her back and tell them otherwise.)

She was kept so busy that she didn’t see Zuko again until that night, when she pushed open the door to Leya and Lao’s estate to see him sitting on the floor alone. 

“Zuko,” she said, still getting used to the lightness his name brought her. It was more comforting than anything. “What are you doing up?” 

“I should be asking you that,” he said with a slight smile, setting his bowl down. “You don’t have to work all night, you know.” 

“I lost track of time,” she said sheepishly. “What are you eating?” 

“Jook.” A faint blush tinted his cheeks as he gestured back towards the kitchen. “Leya and Lao turned in a few hours ago—they told me to tell you that you had free reign of their ingredients, but I didn’t want you to have to do it yourself after working so hard all day. So I made you something.” 

Her whole expression softened. “Zuko, that’s so sweet.” She crouched down and pecked him on the cheek, warmth blooming in her chest. “I didn’t even know you could cook, being a prince and all.” 

He chuckled. “Uncle taught me some things when we were in Ba Sing Se. I told him I didn’t need it, but I guess some of it stuck.” 

Y/N took his spoon and tried some of the jook in his bowl. Her eyebrows shot up. “That’s surprisingly good.” 

“Surprisingly?” he asked with mock disdain. “Why can’t it just be normally good?” 

“Because,” she said, “I’ve never tried your cooking before.” 

“That just settles it,” Zuko said. “When we’re back in the Fire Nation, I’ll ask the chefs to teach me some things. That way I can really impress you.” 

“You don’t need to impress me, Zuko,” she said, and she stood up and walked over. “Just spending time with you like this is more than enough. We’ve got a lot of it to make up.” 

He managed a soft laugh, but it was bittersweet. “Yeah. We do.” 

Y/N filled her own bowl with jook and then walked back over, settling down next to Zuko. She placed her hand over his, smiling softly at him. “Tell me about your day.” 

“It’s been… a lot,” he said. “I’ve helped tear down a lot of Fire Nation buildings. I melted a lot of metal.” He chuckled. “If only we brought Toph with us. Her metalbending would make things a lot easier.” 

She laughed. “She’d become the foreman of this place. She could probably redesign everything herself.” 

“What about you?” he asked. 

“I did a lot of healing,” she said. “Turns out that sending a lot of middle-aged men and women that haven’t fought in years into battle against trained soldiers results in a lot of injuries.” 

Zuko frowned. “Was it bad?” 

“Not as bad as it could have been,” Y/N said. “Mostly twists and sprains and artificial cuts. One man got his arm broken, and I have no idea why he didn’t ask for help last night.” She shook her head. “No matter what nation I’m in, men always think they have to act tough.” 

“I’m glad you’re able to help them,” Zuko said. “You know you’re amazing, right?” 

She playfully shoved him. “Stop it.” 

“Never.” He shrugged. “Like you said, I have a lot of time to make up for.” 

“I guess flattery’s a good place to start,” she said coyly. 

“It’s easier if you just accept it,” he said sagely, “because I’m not going to stop.” 

Y/N laughed and leaned against his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around her. “What was it like being back and seeing everyone? Did they all recognize you?” 

“Maybe not immediately, but everyone knew my name.” Y/N smiled. “People don’t really forget the only waterbenders in village history.” 

“Do you think this’ll ever be your home again?” Zuko asked.

“It’ll always be my home,” Y/N mused. “It’s where I was born, where I grew up. There’s a part of me in this village, and there always will be. But…” she sighed and shrugged. “I don’t know if I’ll ever live here again. I’ve been traveling all over with my friends for the past couple months, and it just feels like I’ve… outgrown it.”

“I understand,” Zuko said. “You’re different than the girl that grew up here. You’ve changed, and that’s not a bad thing.”

“I know. It just feels like betraying who I am.”

“A part of you is in this village,” Zuko said, “and a part of this village is in you. Just because you’re going somewhere else doesn’t mean you’re forgetting who you are.”

“When did you get so wise?” she asked, craning her neck to look up at him. 

“Years of traveling with my uncle,” he said, and she laughed. 

They spent the rest of the night idly chatting and finishing up their meal, and by the time they turned in, the village was completely dark. 

It was quiet as they settled into bed together, Zuko’s arms around her setting her at ease. She felt safe next to him. 

(Spirits, how she’d missed feeling safe.)

-

“Are you sure you have to leave so soon?” Leya questioned, her gaze watchful even as she stood in the kitchen.

“We have a war to end,” Y/N said, only slightly joking. “I’ll be back sooner than you know.” 

“You’re making us all so proud, Y/N.” Lao patted her on the shoulder, and then he pulled her into a hug. “People will tell stories of you centuries from now, I know it. You’ve made history.” 

“I’m just glad our people are finally free,” she said softly. 

“And you, son.” Lao pulled away and looked down at Zuko, respect in his eyes. “Your path hasn’t been easy, but you’ve made it here. You’re welcome in our corner of the Earth Kingdom anytime.” 

“I’m just doing what’s right,” Zuko said, but she could see the beginnings of his pleased smile. 

“And sometimes that is the hardest thing to do.” Leya came over with a large basket, smile beaming down on the two of them as she handed it to Y/N. “This should be enough for your journey back and to share with the rest of your group.”

Y/N frowned. “Are you sure?”

“Of course we are,” Lao said. “Without the Fire Nation leeching off of us, we’ve got plenty to spare.”

“Thank you,” Zuko said. “This means a lot.”

“It’s the least we can do,” Leya said, and she grasped Y/N’s hands. “Promise me that you’ll be careful.”

“We’ll try our best,” she vowed, and she glanced at Zuko with a smile. “I’ve got a lot of good people with me.”

“You,” Leya pointed at Zuko, tone motherly as ever, “make sure nothing happens to her.”

“That was already the plan,” he said with a chuckle.

“So,” Lao said wryly, “what’s the next thing I should expect from our heroes and the Avatar?” 

Y/N smiled inwardly. “Change is coming. That’s for sure.”

-

The ride back to camp was quiet, but different kind of quiet from before. Y/N and Zuko switched off on flying shifts, occasional conversation filling the gaps—more often than not, though, they just sat together. Her head on his shoulder, his arm around her, her fingers rifling through his hair. 

The fresh air invigorated Y/N. She felt like a whole new person, the dread and anger and heaviness she’d been carrying with her for months steadily dissolving.

Zuko’s constant presence was nice too.

Without her inner dread, supremely thick tension, and a week of sleep deprivation, she was actually able to enjoy the trip back home. It went quicker than the ride there, and she never thought she would be so thankful to see an island. 

Tiny specks in the distance turned into her friends the closer they got, and she and Zuko shared a smile. Y/N was going to have a lot of explaining to do. 

“You guys are finally back!” Sokka exclaimed once they were in hearing distance. “Where did you even go?” 

“You’ve got some nerve leaving like that without a word!” Katara yelled, but the moment Y/N slid off of Appa’s side she barreled over and pulled her into a hug. She knocked the air out of her completely, but Y/N laughed as she wrapped her arms around her in turn. 

“I’m sorry,” she breathed. “It was something important.” 

“She’s been worried sick about you,” Toph spoke up. 

“So have you!” Aang piped in. “You were asking about it y—” 

Toph punched Aang on the shoulder, and he stopped. “What was that for?” 

“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her,” Toph said, cheeks flushing pink. 

“You didn’t answer my question,” Sokka interrupted. “Where did you two even go?” 

Y/N let out a long deep breath, and Zuko nodded supportively when she glanced at him. “We… went back to my village. The other day was the anniversary of my father’s death, so I went to honor him.” 

“Oh, Y/N,” Katara murmured, and she pulled her back into a hug. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell us?” 

“I thought it was something I had to do on my own,” Y/N said, pulling away after a grateful moment. “If I had my way, I would have. But Zuko pushed his way on.” 

“It’s not my fault you’re so stubborn,” Zuko said. “Besides, it was obviously the right move.” 

Sokka frowned. “You guys are being really nice to each other.” 

Aang’s eyes lit up. “Did you two have your life changing field trip?” 

It was Y/N’s turn to frown. “Life changing field trip?” 

“That’s what they’re calling it,” Toph explained. “All the trips that they’ve gone on with Zuko to be his friend or whatever. I still haven’t had one.” 

Zuko stared at her. “I woke up with rocks in my bed every day for a week.” 

“Yeah, but we didn’t go anywhere,” she grumbled at the ground. 

Y/N chuckled, though her expression sobered. “I thought I was just going to remember my father, but it turned out that the Fire Nation was still occupying my village. So Zuko and I pushed them out.” 

Katara’s eyebrows shot up. “Just like that?” 

“It wasn’t that easy—” Zuko said, but he was interrupted when Sokka patted—or rather hit—him on the back. 

“Nice going, buddy! That’s how you get your girl back.” 

He glared daggers at Sokka but Y/N just laughed. “It took a lot of fighting and some haphazard plans, but… yeah. We took my village back. My people are free, and I got to see my father’s grave.” 

Katara’s entire expression softened. “I’m so happy for you, Y/N. That’s— that’s amazing. And… is it back?” 

Y/N nodded with a smile, and she formed a ball of water out of the air. “My bending is officially back.” 

Katara screamed and she nearly tackled Y/N with another hug. “Thank the spirits! I knew you could do it!”  

“Life changing field trip always works,” Aang mused. 

“Well, whatever you did, it worked,” Toph said. “I’m happy I don’t have to see the two of you mope around all the time anymore.” 

Zuko frowned. “You can’t see.” 

“Trust me,” Toph muttered, “some things transcend sight.”

Y/N smiled, and she took Zuko’s hand, tears welling in her eyes. “I really missed you guys.” 

-

Later, once they’d unpacked all their things from Appa and properly decompressed, Y/N found herself sitting on her own by the cliffside once again. This time, though, she wasn’t trying to hide her mourning from her friends or foster the burning inside of her chest. Instead, she played with an orb of water in the air, a small smile on her lips at the effortlessness of it all. Not only were they surrounded by water on all sides, but the Fire Nation’s climate meant there would always be moisture in the air. 

Oh, how she’d missed her bending. 

She didn’t flinch when she heard footsteps behind her, able to see the reflection in her orb—instead, she flicked her hand and shot the water back at her visitor. 

“Hey!” Zuko complained, sputtering as it struck him in the face. “What was that for?” 

She giggled as she turned her head. “I had to make sure you remember who you’re dealing with.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” he said, grimacing a bit as he wiped water droplets off his face, “my girlfriend is super powerful and can take down anyone. That doesn’t mean you have to take me down.” 

“Oh, you’re so dramatic.” Y/N smiled as she stood up and flexed her fingers, drawing all the water out of his clothes. “It was barely anything.” 

“This time,” Zuko said, and he gestured around them with a wry smile. “We’ve got a whole ocean around us.” 

“I’m not that powerful,” she said. 

“Maybe,” Zuko said, “but I don’t trust you and Katara together.” 

“You don’t have to worry about that anymore.” She chuckled as she took his hand. “What’d you come over here for?” 

“You’re not allowed to mope around by yourself anymore,” Zuko said. “We’re having a campfire and digging into some of the food Leya gave us.” 

“I’m not moping,” she complained. 

“Not anymore,” Zuko clarified, and he chuckled at her expression. “Still. You have to join us.” 

“Of course,” Y/N said, and they started walking over together. “I’m excited for some actual food after the past few months.” 

Zuko frowned. “I made you jook last night. That was perfectly good food.” 

“You know what I mean,” she groaned. “Yes, it was perfectly good food. I’m just excited for more of Lao’s xiaolongbao. That man makes miracles in the kitchen.” 

“I’ll have to get him to give me the recipe next time we visit,” Zuko mused. 

She looked at him, slightly surprised. “You want to go back?” 

“Of course,” he said. “It’s the place you’re from. And besides,” he shrugged, slightly bolstered, “I am one of the saviors of the village.” 

She laughed and leaned her head against his shoulder. 

“Of course.”

-

“It’s about time you guys got here,” Toph grumbled. “Katara won’t let any of us eat.” 

“They’re here now,” she said, “you can—” 

Katara didn’t even get to finish her sentence before Toph started digging in, and she just shook her head with a sigh. 

“We’re glad that you’re here,” she offered with a slight smile. 

“Katara’s mostly glad that you’re back,” Sokka said, his mouth full of food earning him a glare from his sister. “I think you two have separation anxiety or something.” 

“Can you blame me?” Katara defended. “You were gone for weeks and we had no idea what happened to you. You can’t just up and disappear with Zuko.” 

“To be fair, you tried to do the same thing,” Sokka said. 

“To be fair, you thought Y/N was going to kill Zuko,” Katara shot back. 

Zuko’s eyes widened slightly. “Uh, no. We never went that far.” 

Not with him at least, Y/N thought with the smallest bit of guilt. Not for what she did, but for keeping it from her friends. That was a whole other problem she had to deal with, and definitely not tonight. 

(Maybe not ever.) 

“Let’s talk about something else,” Y/N said, and Zuko put his arm around her, pulling her close. She couldn’t help but smile. “What have you guys been up to while we’ve been gone?” 

“It was only three days,” Sokka said. “We didn’t get up to that much.” But he wouldn’t stop staring at them, and Zuko frowned. 

“What?” 

“Nothing,” he said with a shrug. “I just realized I’ve never been around you two when you actually liked each other.” 

Zuko’s cheeks flushed bright pink as Y/N laughed. “You really haven’t, huh?” 

“Why did you have to say that?” Toph groaned. “Now they’re going to be extra gross.” 

“What, you mean like this?” Zuko pulled Y/N into a kiss, but she didn’t even get the chance to enjoy it before something hit the two of them. 

Y/N pulled away and picked it up, scowling at Sokka. “Is this your shoe?” 

“There are children here!” he complained. “You two really are gross.” 

“I think it’s sweet,” Katara said, and she hit Sokka on the shoulder. “Leave them alone.” 

“I’m just trying to protect the sanctity of this place!” he exclaimed. 

“I’m on Sokka’s side,” Toph piped in.

 As the group devolved into accusations and conversation with occasional pauses for food, she leaned into Zuko’s side and sighed contentedly. 

This was the life she’d been chasing so long. All they had to do was end the war. 

And after everything she’d been through, that seemed like the easiest part of the journey. 

-

Things cooled down after a while, and they began to go their separate ways. Sokka and Suki went off together, Aang went to meditate and clear his mind, and Toph went off to do spirits knows what. Y/N was close to nodding off against Zuko’s side—she was sure he already had himself—when she heard Katara’s voice. 

“Hey,” she said, gesturing away from the fire with her head, “can I have you for a second?” 

Y/N nodded, yawning as she tried to blink the grogginess out of her vision, and the two of them walked over. “What’s up?” 

“This is something I’ve been wanting to give to you for a while, but it hasn’t been the right moment.” Katara grinned. “But it is now.” 

She pulled something out from behind her back, and when she presented it Y/N realized it was a water skin, almost identical to the one she’d given her months ago in Gaoling. 

“Both of ours were taken away at Ba Sing Se, but I was able to get a couple new ones from some of the Water Tribe soldiers when we ran into them. And now that you’ve got your bending back…”

Katara trailed off as she offered it up again, but instead Y/N crushed her in a tight embrace.

“Thank you,” she said, unable to hold back her own smile. “For thinking of me even then.”

“Always,” Katara said, returning the gesture with just as much intensity. When she pulled away, her eyes shone.

“It’s good to see you like this,” she said softly. “Happier. Lighter. You look better than you have in months.” 

“I feel better,” Y/N admitted. “I know that I needed to forgive Zuko, and maybe it was the spirits’ plan to make the road so treacherous. But it feels so good to have him again.” 

“It feels good to not have you two arguing all the time,” she said wryly. 

Y/N chuckled. “Just imagine how I feel.” 

“What do you think is next for you two?” Katara asked. “After the war is over, I mean.”

“I haven’t really thought that far in the future,” she admitted. “After everything, I’m just trying to live in the moment.” 

“I think that’s a perfect idea.” 

Y/N smiled. “So do I.” 

-

perm tags: @dv0412 @siriuslyslyslytherin @maruchan77 @simonsbluee @kwyloz @masteroperator @louderfortheback

atla tags: @marianne1806 @brown-eyed-thang @akiris

ehfar tags: @chandies-sideblog @zacatecanaaaa @anzanity @randomthingssssss @escapingthoughtsandsecrets @shanksfav @shephard17895 @ilovespideyyy @whats-my-question @selfship-mishaps @ilistentotayswifttocope @i-make-questionable-choices @3leni @thatobsessedreader @lostgreekgod @oriontingz @zerode-unhinged @badpvn @mimi-sanisanidiot @adhdhufflepuff @aquaamethyst96 @hollyismentallyillhelp @holypoetrygarden @islandgayneery @pitrii-petra @jinxed-jk @veras-fanfic-reblogs @cloud-9ine @lucifersidepiece @kiskzawagnerwhore @froggi-00 @eajalova @mrsyixingunicorn10 @xxxxxxdelenaxxxxxx @cafesho @the-natureofme @whoevenfrickinknows @a-bit-late @zukowantshishonourback @settlebackeasy @jemssafespace @wildwallflower24

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

HEY BBG !! so happy u took that break and that ur requests are open nowww

so ive been wanting to tell u abt this dream i had with peter quill (of course i mean..who else) and turn it into a request!

its like after the holiday special and before gotg vol 3 where maybe reader was just cruising around knowhere before these cute lil kiddos come up to reader like "mx. ___, come play with us! we need one more player for our game" and it took them some time to actually convince reader and theyre finally like "alright alright" so they play a game with em

and just so the cliché and cheezy can come in, peter is also just walkin around yk, seeing what ppl doing, and boom 🤯🤯 the skrunkly sees reader playing with the kids

very cute n sweet best dream ive probably ever had, hopefully you can write this soon! I also dearly apologise for coming to you with peter requests only. I only feel comfy requesting things to you 💔

have a great week/end !!

-🪐

HI BBG!! I really hope I did this right, I felt pressure to write it as best as I could for to live up to your dream. also never apologise, I love that I can always rely on you to send in quill requests. and you’re so sweet, again I love that send ideas to me😩 thank you for requesting, hope you like it💌

…

play ball

peter quill x gn reader

word count: 409

✧.┊ MASTERLIST

"Can you play with us?" a small, child-like voice asks, interrupting you from your thoughts. 

"Me?" you question, pointing to yourself as you glance around the quiet, empty park.

"Yeah," another kid adds, rolling the ball towards his friend.

"I'm not very good," you say, slowly turning your attention away.

"Please?"

"No one ever wants to play with us," a little girl joins in, frowning at you. 

"Just for a few minutes," one of the children pleads, giving you puppy eyes. 

You had a swarm of kids badgering you to join in with their ball game, and it was only a matter of time before they could wear you down. 

"Alright, alright," you exhale, standing from the bench where you were comfortably seated. "What're we playing anyway?" you ask, looking around at their mischievous faces.

"We can't tell you."

"And why's that?"

"The last time we had an adult, we..." a kid trails off, pausing.

"You what?" you ask, eyes squinting.

"We accidentally hurt him," he said bashfully.

"Hurt him?" 

"Yeah, we threw the ball at him too hard."

"Yeah," another joins in.

"It was an accident, though— we didn't mean it."

"We said 'sorry,'"

You chuckle, shaking your head. "Filling me with great confidence, kids,"

"We won't hurt you,"

—

After a while of playing and following their impossible, make-it-up-as-you-go-along rules, you were tired and in desperate need of a break. So you excuse yourself back to your bench, except now, there's someone in your space. 

"Do you mind if I sit?" you ask, nodding to the empty seat beside the man. 

"Sure, go ahead," he nods, crossing his ankle over his knee. "Those kids tire you out?" he asks, making friendly conversation. 

"Big time," you laugh, holding your side. "And they're not even mine." 

"No, no, I know. I just know from experience," he chuckles, turning to face you. "Last time I played, I got kicked in the nuts."

"You did?" you fail to hide your laugh. "They can pretty rough."

"Tell me about it," he rolls up his sleeve, extending his arm. "Also got bitten."

You look over his forearm to see the outline of a bitemark, a small circle of faint pink that was sure to form into a scar.

"You got bitten? I didn't think I'd consider myself lucky," you chuckle, looking ahead at the kids who are now tackling one another. "Wild little things."

"That they are," he says, smiling at you. "I'm Peter."

— — — — — — — — — — ☆ — — — — — — — — — —

quill taglist: @annielr @spacetalbot @bubblezuku @idontknowwhattohaveasmyuser @queerponcho @selfryed @traiitorjoe

[0wen-b3rnard-anton1o]

Accent

Matt x y/n

Tw- swearing

Summary- you join the triplets as a guest in there new podcast

The moment the triplets had mentioned the idea of starting a podcast to me I wanted to guest star on it. Seeing as I have always been there on the sidelines rooting for them, I'm in most of there old videos that you would have to scroll down forever to find. But slowly stopped making an appearance when there fan girls claimed I was "way to close to them" and "my incredibly toxic behavior was bringing them down" so instead I stayed behind the camera and helped them out with most of there videos, even if it's buying ice at four in the morning (or cleaning up the massive water spill off of nicks bathroom floor) or simply just gathering the best questions for QandA when they were to oveworked to do it themselves.

And though they'll never get around to crediting me for it, I even came up with there podcasts name. Unfortunately the three of them used argue to the ends of earth that starring on the podcast was a great way to attract hate like it did last time around, well... that was until Matt and I began dating a few months ago and accidentally leaked it to the internet while on Instagram live. And I guess the crazy fans matured with age, well most of them anyway because the hate wasnt nearly as bad we all had anticipated.

So now that I've reapproached Matt about it seeing as theyve already posted there first episode leads me to now. Nick began checking the cameras as Chris and Matt took there usual seats and i excitedly sat down fiddling with the mic infront of me. Hey dont break it Nick scolded me I held my hands up leaving it alone yes sir i quipped back, Chris chuckled want headphones y/n/n? He asked I nodded and Matt who was closest grabbed a pair and handed it over to me. I put them on staring down at the cord attached to the headphones confused, Matt who had noticed my confusion stood up walking over to me taking the cord from my hands. He leaned over me the fabric of his shirt brushed up against my cheek exposing the smell of his cologne, tilting the mic downwards he plugged it in. The plug ins at the bottom he told me gesturing to the headphones that were now connected to the mic.

I looked up at him my face close to his i sent him a bright smile making his cheeks flush, Alright how bout we go to our seprate spaces I jumped back not expecting Nick's voice to yell through the headphones into my ears. NICK! I yelled back Oops, he looked away avoiding my glaring eyes. At least we know it works now? Matt said now back in his original seat ok, ok, welcome back campers, I'm Nick Sturniolo he looks to the camera introducing the start to the episode I'm Matthew I smile at the mention of his full first name as ive always loved the name Matthew, and I'm just Chris. Nick begins to talk again, and as our first guest we have the beautiful y/n aw Nick we all know your the beautiful one here I told him Chris and Matt both put a hand to there chest mimicking fake offence. oh right sorry I started Chris your beautiful to, Chris grinned at me proudly as Matt looked at me waiting for me to continue the sentence and when I didnt he scoffed making me laugh in return alright most of you would recognize her as Matt's girlfriend, as well as our mutal friend were so happy to have her with us today,

I'm happy to be here i waved to one of the cameras in the corner, todays topic is......tour! Chris continued the conversation ooooh yes I loved last tour though i was backstage most of it I told them the stage wasnt much better it was so hot up there Nick nodded agreeing and Matt just put a hnd to his forhead well maybe if you didnt wear that big ass jacket Chris rolled his eyes the team colors are going to be so fire though I said ah yes agreed Nick replied team purples so gonna win mmm, I dont think so Chris laughed wait what team are you on y/n he cut off from his previous sentence i think thats pretty fucking obvious chris, nick shook his head. ya its clearly team bl- team orange actually I interrupted matt the three of them all whipped there heads in my direction Chris put his head on the table laughing to death matts mouth agape your joking, shes joking right? he asked nick alright sorry to disappoint Chris but i am team blue Matt looked at me smiling thats what i thought he flexed his arm NOO! Nick yelled at him the edits his voice trailed off at the end

I bursted out laughing and they all joined in, I'm so exited for upcoming tour the last tour was so lit. Chris added I was just sick the whole time I replied still slightly laughing, Hey at least you didn't get a phone thrown at you. OH! Nick exclaimed thanks that brings me to another topic no more throwing shit Nick told the camera. yes! Like bracelets are one thing, but ya if you throw your phone again your not getting it back Nick interrupted Chris, Matt smiled honestly, if you throw a brick at me ill throw it right back at ye head I clasped my hand around my mouth not expecting the boston accent to come out I grabbed the mic deviously ya, ill throw it right back at ye head Ii mocked him using my best impression of his accent. He just looked at me pursing his lips so done with me, your not even doing it right he told me yea its like right at ye-a head Chris joined in bringing out his accent as well wait like, forget about it i tried again YA! like that there ya go Chris clapped never dropping the accent i followed suit responding thank ya thank ya Nick rolled his eyes we continued on with tour talk for another twenty minutes.

Ending it with Nick smiling wide alright see ya next time on cut the cameras using his inner boston just for the fun of it, I got up stretching handing my head phones back to Matt. Nick made sure all the cameras were off Matt got up standing next to me wrapping an arm around me I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek that was really fun he told me resting his head on the top of mine it really was I nodded just let me know or anyone of us know if anyone starts leaving mean messgaes ok Matt told me seriosness lacing his tone i will i will dont worry i reached up to ruffle his hair im glad to be back in your content and im still happy to help out i looked at all of them happy to have them in my life oh, speaking of helping Chris added do you mind buying 7 pounds of gummy worms? I looked at him waiting for him to say he was joking but when he still looked dead serious i shrugged laughing ya, ya i can.

THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!!! and for reading! Feel free to request, love ya

[kdinjenzen]

Would you happen to have your post about puss in boots' Death and thier role in the story on hand? Ive been lookin but i must be blind but i cant seem to find it

I never made a proper one, but I did reblog some stuff, I posted a biiiit more about it now but it’s not anything in depth.

I know a lot of folks see Death, The Wolf, as antagonistic or evil in the movie but… Death is part of life, Death is just there, and he’s frustrated with Puss just throwing lives away.

Death basically shows his hand early, but Puss is too afraid to realize that Death is MOTIVATING him to move forward and find an answer to what LIFE means and why it’s important.

If he wanted Puss DEAD he would have just killed him, he was already there for all of them. He’s DEATH. Not like… personified… he’s just DEATH in a physical form for the sake of the DRAMA of it all and the ACT.

See this as a great example:

First Life: Oh, you think you are better than us? Without us, you will always live a life of-

Death: Fear.

Puss: You!?

Death: I do love the smell of fear. (sniffs) It's intoxicating.

Third Life: It is?

Death: (smashes third life) Sorry to crash the party with your past lives, or, your past deaths, as I like to call them. (smashes first life) I was there to witness all of them. Each. Frivolous. End. But you... didn't even notice me. Because "Puss in Boots laughs in the face of Death", right? (smashes two more lives) But you're not laughing now... (pushes fourth life)

Puss: You are no bounty hunter. You are...

Death: DEATH. (smashes another life) And I don't mean it metaphorically, or rhetorically, or poetically, or theoretically, or any other fancy way. I'm Death. Straight. Up. And I've come for you, Puss in Boots.

Puss: But... I'm still alive.

Death: (chuckles) You know... I'm not a cat person. I find the very idea of nine lives absurd. And you didn't value any of them. So, why don't I do us both a favor, and take this last one now?

Second Life: That's cheating!

Death: (smashes second life) Shh, Don't tell.

Eighth Life: Run, Puss in Boots! Make the wish!

Death: (smashes eighth life) Go ahead, run for it! Makes it more fun for me.

… why would he do this? Why would he let him go? “Make it more fun for me?” I don’t buy it.

Death already knows where Puss is at any and every moment.

Death left Puss alone when he retired and, while it was boring, began to change his thoughts on things slightly.

Puss jumped BACK into danger to “get his lives back” so Death sprung back into action because Puss was back on the path of destruction.

Here’s the other thing… Death is DEATH… he knows when it’s people’s time to go. Which means he also had to have known Puss needed to be around to stop Jack, be around to help his new found friend, be there to regain a lost relationship, and also be there to help Goldilocks to “regain” her family.

Death isn’t uncaring… Death wants to meet Puss when it’s actually his time… Puss was going against this by being neglectful with his life.

Puss just needed to be reminded that it’s not how you die, in some heroic blaze of glory, but how you live… how you are remembered and cherished beyond your time on this planet…

Puss is a good person, but he just wasn’t being respectful of his own life and that made Death frustrated and angry.

Again… if Death wanted him dead, he could have done it at the start of the movie… he’s DEATH… straight up, not a metaphor, not “in an aspect”, he is DEATH…

It was all for show, all because that’s what Puss needed… the theatrics of it all … just to help a hero who has helped others realize his OWN worth beyond throwing his life away.

The lesson here… care about yourself, Death doesn’t want to meet you before your time. Value every second of the life you have.

[istumpysk]

Operation Stumpy Re-Read

ADWD: The Queen's Hand (Barristan IV) [Chapter 70]

Long ass chapter for no good reason.

The Dornish prince was three days dying.

He took his last shuddering breath in the bleak black dawn, as cold rain hissed from a dark sky to turn the brick streets of the old city into rivers. The rain had drowned the worst of the fires, but wisps of smoke still rose from the smoldering ruin that had been the pyramid of Hazkar, and the great black pyramid of Yherizan where Rhaegal had made his lair hulked in the gloom like a fat woman bedecked with glowing orange jewels.

Perhaps the gods are not deaf after all, Ser Barristan Selmy reflected as he watched those distant embers. If not for the rain, the fires might have consumed all of Meereen by now.

+.+.+

He saw no sign of dragons, but he had not expected to. The dragons did not like the rain. 

We already know they hate the cold, and don't do well in the north, but not liking rain seems to be a new development. At least for me.

"I knew it would rain," he said in a gloomy tone. "My bones were aching last night. They always ache before it rains. The dragons won't like this. Fire and water don't mix, and that's a fact. You get a good cookfire lit, blazing away nice, then it starts to piss down rain and next thing your wood is sodden and your flames are dead."

Gerris chuckled. "Dragons are not made of wood, Arch."

"Some are. That old King Aegon, the randy one, he built wooden dragons to conquer us. That ended bad, though." - The Dragontamer, ADWD

+.+.+

Missandei sat at the bedside. She had been with the prince night and day, tending to such needs as he could express, giving him water and milk of the poppy when he was strong enough to drink, listening to the few tortured words he gasped out from time to time, reading to him when he fell quiet, sleeping in her chair beside him. Ser Barristan had asked some of the queen's cupbearers to help, but the sight of the burned man was too much for even the boldest of them. And the Blue Graces had never come, though he'd sent for them four times. Perhaps the last of them had been carried off by the pale mare by now.

It seems little Missandei can stomach some pretty gruesome things. Reminds me of another little girl in this story.

I'm going to pretend the Blue Graces aren't helping because they hate him.

+.+.+

The tiny Naathi scribe looked up at his approach. "Honored ser. The prince is beyond pain now. His Dornish gods have taken him home. See? He smiles."

Dornish gods?

+.+.+

How can you tell? He has no lips. It would have been kinder if the dragons had devoured him. That at least would have been quick. This … Fire is a hideous way to die. Small wonder half the hells are made of flame. "Cover him."

Says the Targaryen loyalist.

+.+.+

"I'll see that he's returned to Dorne." But how? As ashes? That would require more fire, and Ser Barristan could not stomach that. We'll need to strip the flesh from his bones. Beetles, not boiling. 

Something tells me House Martell won't be enjoying this skull as much as the last one.

+.+.+

"You should go sleep now, child. In your own bed."

"If this one may be so bold, ser, you should do the same. You do not sleep the whole night through."

How does she know that?

+.+.+

Grand Maester Pycelle had once told him that old men do not need as much sleep as the young, but it was more than that. He had reached that age when he was loath to close his eyes, for fear that he might never open them again. Other men might wish to die in bed asleep, but that was no death for a knight of the Kingsguard.

If there is any justice in this world, Barristan Selmy falls down a flight of stairs. Make it old man shit.

+.+.+

After the girl was gone, the old knight peeled back the coverlet for one last look at Quentyn Martell's face, or what remained of it. So much of the prince's flesh had sloughed away that he could see the skull beneath. His eyes were pools of pus. He should have stayed in Dorne. He should have stayed a frog. Not all men are meant to dance with dragons. 

Misleading. Remember everyone, the dance won't actually involve dragons, Daenerys or any other real Targaryen.

+.+.+

And with the sun arrived the Shavepate. Skahaz was clad in his familiar garb of pleated black skirt, greaves, and muscled breastplate. The brazen mask beneath his arm was new—a wolf's head with lolling tongue. 

LMAO.

Two for three! If this guy is in a rat mask at the start of TWOW, I'm going to lose my mind.

Can someone do me a favour and ask a Targ if it's a good thing when the poisoner dresses like a wolf?

+.+.+

"They await the Hand's pleasure below."

I am no Hand, a part of him wanted to cry out. I am only a simple knight, the queen's protector. I never wanted this. But with the queen gone and the king in chains, someone had to rule, and Ser Barristan did not trust the Shavepate. 

You realize you didn't have to do anything, you stupid jackass.

+.+.+

There are two hundred highborn gathered in the square, standing in the rain in their tokars and howling for audience. They want Hizdahr free and me dead, and they want you to slay these dragons. Someone told them knights were good at that. 

Personally, my money's on cripples, bastards, and broken things. And Samwell.

+.+.+

Men are still pulling corpses from the pyramid of Hazkar. The Great Masters of Yherizan and Uhlez have abandoned their own pyramids to the dragons.

You find any lions under that pyramid?

+.+.+

"Nine-and-twenty?" That was far worse than he could ever have imagined. The Sons of the Harpy had resumed their shadow war two days ago. Three murders the first night, nine the second. But to go from nine to nine-and-twenty in a single night …

Sounds like the perfect time to go to war, Barry.

When she opened her eyes again, Daenerys said, "I cannot fight two enemies, one within and one without. If I am to hold Meereen, I must have the city behind me. The whole city. I need … I need …" - Daenerys V, ADWD

+.+.+

Why do you look so grey, old man? What did you expect? The Harpy wants Hizdahr free, so he has sent his sons back into the streets with knives in hand. 

Both of these men thought Hizdahr was the Harpy.

+.+.+

The sign of the Harpy was left beside the bodies, chalked on the pavement or scratched into a wall. There were messages as well. 'Dragons must die,' they wrote, and 'Harghaz the Hero.' 'Death to Daenerys' was seen as well, before the rain washed out the words."

Damn, they forgot my favourite.

+.+.+

"Twenty-nine hundred pieces of gold from each pyramid, aye," Skahaz grumbled. "It will be collected … but the loss of a few coins will never stay the Harpy's hand. Only blood can do that."

"So you say." The hostages again. He would kill them every one if I allowed it. "I heard you the first hundred times. No."

He can deny him all he'd like, the blood is still on Barristan's hands if these kids die. He's the one who committed treason, and empowered this maniac.

+.+.+

Hizdahr's grotesque dragon thrones had been removed at Ser Barristan's command, but he had not brought back the simple pillowed bench the queen had favored. Instead a large round table had been set up in the center of the hall, with tall chairs all around it where men might sit and talk as peers.

The audacity of this man.

+.+.+

They rose when Ser Barristan came down the marble steps, Skahaz Shavepate at his side. 

[...]

"Whitebeard." Belwas smiled. "Where is liver and onions? Strong Belwas is not so strong as before, he must eat, get big again. They made Strong Belwas sick. Someone must die."

Someone will. Many someones, like as not.

You can only laugh. I'm sure Skahaz is.

+.+.+

Should Drogon return to Meereen without Daenerys mounted on his back, the city would erupt in blood and flame, of that Ser Barristan had no doubt. 

Wanna bet the same thing happens if she is mounted on his back?

+.+.+

Thus far both dragons seemed to have a taste for mutton, returning to Daznak's whenever they grew hungry. If either one was hunting man, inside or outside the city, Ser Barristan had yet to hear of it. The only Meereenese the dragons had slain since Harghaz the Hero had been the slavers foolish enough to object when Rhaegal attempted to make his lair atop the pyramid of Hazkar.

Uh, no actually, that's not accurate at all.

The dragon twisted violently in the air, wounds smoking, the girl clinging to his back. Then he loosed the fire.

It had taken the rest of the day and most of the night for the Brazen Beasts to gather up the corpses. The final count was two hundred fourteen slain, three times as many burned or wounded. Drogon was gone from the city by then, last seen high over the Skahazadhan, flying north. - The Queensguard, ADWD

Convenient to forget something like that. I bet Barristan is going to be forgetting a lot of things in the future.

+.+.+

"We have more pressing matters to discuss. I have sent the Green Grace to the Yunkishmen to make arrangements for the release of our hostages. I expect her back by midday with their answer."

Barristan Selmy sending the Harpy to go negotiate with Yunkai is the most Barristan Selmy thing he could have done.

+.+.+

Skahaz Shavepate slammed his fist upon the table. "The Green Grace will accomplish nothing. She may be conspiring with the Yunkai'i even as we sit here. Arrangements, did you say? Make arrangements? What sort of arrangements?"

"Ransom," said Ser Barristan. "Each man's weight in gold."

Of course the Shavepate would be the one to correctly suspect treachery.

+.+.+

"Their sellswords will want the gold, though. What are the hostages to them? If the Yunkishmen refuse, it will drive a blade between them and their hirelings." Or so I hope. It had been Missandei who suggested the ploy to him. He would never have thought of such a thing himself. In King's Landing, bribes had been Littlefinger's domain, whilst Lord Varys had the task of fostering division amongst the crown's enemies. His own duties had been more straightforward. Eleven years of age, yet Missandei is as clever as half the men at this table and wiser than all of them.

Hm, it's usually Arya. This is the first time Missandei has given off older sister vibes.

+.+.+

"They will refuse, even so," insisted Symon Stripeback. "They will say they want the dragons dead, the king restored."

"I pray that you are wrong." And fear that you are right.

Reasonable demand.

214 people dead.

+.+.+

"Your gods are far away, Ser Grandfather," said the Widower. "I do not think they hear your prayers. And when the Yunkai'i send back the old woman to spit in your eye, what then?"

"Fire and blood," said Barristan Selmy, softly, softly.

✨ foreshadowing ✨

+.+.+

Skahaz Shavepate stared through the eyes of his wolf's head mask and said, "You would break King Hizdahr's peace, old man?"

"I would shatter it." Once, long ago, a prince had named him Barristan the Bold. A part of that boy was in him still. "We have built a beacon atop the pyramid where once the Harpy stood. Dry wood soaked with oil, covered to keep the rain off. Should the hour come, and I pray that it does not, we will light that beacon. The flames will be your signal to pour out of our gates and attack. Every man of you will have a part to play, so every man must be in readiness at all times, day or night. We will destroy our foes or be destroyed ourselves." He raised a hand to signal to his waiting squires. "I have had some maps prepared to show the dispositions of our foes, their camps and siege lines and trebuchets. If we can break the slavers, their sellswords will abandon them. I know you will have concerns and questions. Voice them here. By the time we leave this table, all of us must be of a single mind, with a single purpose."

Horse shit, this is exactly what he's wanted from the beginning.

"You mean to take the field?" The Shavepate's voice was thick with disbelief. "That would be folly. Our walls are taller and thicker than the walls of Astapor, and our defenders are more valiant. The Yunkai'i will not take this city easily."

Ser Barristan disagreed. "I do not think we should allow them to invest us. Theirs is a patchwork host at best. These slavers are no soldiers. If we take them unawares …" - Daenerys V, ADWD

x

The queen sighed. "What do you counsel, ser?"

"Battle," said Ser Barristan. "Meereen is overcrowded and full of hungry mouths, and you have too many enemies within. We cannot long withstand a siege, I fear. Let me meet the foe as he comes north, on ground of my own choosing." - Daenerys V, ADWD

Ahem.

Ser Barristan is a valiant knight and true; but none, I think, has ever called him cunning."

"Knights know only one way to solve a problem. They couch their lances and charge. A dwarf has a different way of looking at the world. What of you, though? You are a clever man yourself." - Tyrion II, ADWD

I'm dying at the author giving the Daenerys side a beacon. I'm used to Stannis copying her.

+.+.+

And when all that had been discussed, debated, and decided, Symon Stripeback raised one final point. "As a slave in Yunkai I helped my master bargain with the free companies and saw to the payment of their wages. I know sellswords, and I know that the Yunkai'i cannot pay them near enough to face dragonflame. So I ask you … if the peace should fail and this battle should be joined, will the dragons come? Will they join the fight?"

They will come, Ser Barristan might have said. The noise will bring them, the shouts and screams, the scent of blood. That will draw them to the battlefield, just as the roar from Daznak's Pit drew Drogon to the scarlet sands. But when they come, will they know one side from the other? Somehow he did not think so. 

A little friendly fire. No biggie.

I wonder which ally is getting smoked.

+.+.+

Ser Barristan took two of his new-made knights with him down into the dungeons. 

Ego always wins in the end.

As he watched them at their drills, Ser Barristan pondered raising Tumco and Larraq to knighthood then and there, and mayhaps the Red Lamb too. It required a knight to make a knight, and if something should go awry tonight, dawn might find him dead or in a dungeon. Who would dub his squires then? On the other hand, a young knight's repute derived at least in part from the honor of the man who conferred knighthood on him. It would do his lads no good at all if it was known that they were given their spurs by a traitor, and might well land them in the dungeon next to him. They deserve better, Ser Barristan decided. Better a long life as a squire than a short one as a soiled knight. - The Kingbreaker, ADWD

+.+.+

Ser Gerris punched a wall. "I told him it was folly. I begged him to go home. Your bitch of a queen had no use for him, any man could see that. He crossed the world to offer her his love and fealty, and she laughed in his face."

"She never laughed," said Selmy. "If you knew her, you would know that."

"She spurned him. He offered her his heart, and she threw it back at him and went off to fuck her sellsword."

"You had best guard that tongue, ser." Ser Barristan did not like this Gerris Drinkwater, nor would he allow him to vilify Daenerys. "Prince Quentyn's death was his own doing, and yours."

This will be the man who tells Dorne what happened. I couldn't be happier.

She did laugh, and she did influence him.

+.+.+

Barristan Selmy could not dispute the truth of that. He had spent the best part of his own life obeying the commands of drunkards and madmen.

Sounds like another king I know.

Jon laughed, laughed like a drunk or a madman, and his men laughed with him. - Jon VIII, ASOS

+.+.+

To Ser Barristan the big knight said, "No need to come and talk if you meant to hang us. So it's not that, is it?"

"No." This one may not be as slow-witted as he seems. 

You can't be serious.

This POV is unbearable, I can't believe I have one more to get through.

+.+.+

Ser Archibald grimaced. "Why is it always ships? Someone needs to take Quent home, though. What do you ask of us, ser?"

"Your swords."

"You have thousands of swords."

"The queen's freedmen are as yet unblooded. The sellswords I do not trust. Unsullied are brave soldiers … but not warriors. Not knights." He paused. "What happened when you tried to take the dragons? Tell me."

Even 11-year-old Sansa wasn't this deluded about knights.

+.+.+

The chains … there were bits of broken chain everywhere, big chains, links the size of your head mixed in with all these cracked and splintered bones. And Quent, Seven save him, he looked like he was going to shit his smallclothes. Caggo and Meris weren't blind, they saw it too. Then one of the crossbowmen let fly. Maybe they meant to kill the dragons all along and were only using us to get to them. You never know with Tatters. 

What a weird thing to write.

+.+.+

"Ah, what did you expect, Drink? A cat will kill a mouse, a pig will wallow in shit, and a sellsword will run off when he's needed most. Can't be blamed. Just the nature of the beast."

Still holding out hope this isn't only about Brown Ben Plumm.

+.+.+

"What did Prince Quentyn promise the Tattered Prince in return for all this help?"

He got no answer. Ser Gerris looked at Ser Archibald. Ser Archibald looked at his hands, the floor, the door.

"Pentos," said Ser Barristan. "He promised him Pentos. Say it. No words of yours can help or harm Prince Quentyn now."

"Aye," said Ser Archibald unhappily. "It was Pentos. They made marks on a paper, the two of them."

There is a chance here.

If you thought Barristan Selmy sending the Harpy to Yunkai was the dumbest thing he would do in this chapter, I've got some news for you.

"Pentos?" Her eyes narrowed. "How can I give him Pentos? It is half a world away."

"He would be willing to wait, the woman Meris suggested. Until we march for Westeros."

And if I never march for Westeros? "Pentos belongs to the Pentoshi. And Magister Illyrio is in Pentos. He who arranged my marriage to Khal Drogo and gave me my dragon eggs. Who sent me you, and Belwas, and Groleo. I owe him much and more. I will not repay that debt by giving his city to some sellsword. No."

Ser Barristan inclined his head. "Your Grace is wise." - Daenerys IX, ADWD

+.+.+

"I mean to send them back to the Tattered Prince. And you with them. You will be two amongst thousands. Your presence in the Yunkish camps should pass unnoticed. I want you to deliver a message to the Tattered Prince. Tell him that I sent you, that I speak with the queen's voice. Tell him that we'll pay his price if he delivers us our hostages, unharmed and whole."

Yup that's right, Barristan Selmy promised to give Pentos to a sellsword. PENTOS.

There are no words.

+.+.+

"Why not? The task is simple enough." Compared to stealing dragons. "I once brought the queen's father out of Duskendale."

Past your prime, peaked in high school energy.

+.+.+

The simple part, at least, thought Barristan Selmy, as he made the long climb back to the summit of the pyramid. The hard part he'd left in Dornish hands. His grandfather would have been aghast. The Dornishmen were knights, at least in name, though only Yronwood impressed him as having the true steel. Drinkwater had a pretty face, a glib tongue, and a fine head of hair.

God, shut up.

He would have a thin blue line bumper sticker, I know it.

Edit: Necessary addition.

+.+.+

By the time the old knight returned to the queen's rooms atop the pyramid, Prince Quentyn's corpse had been removed. Six of the young cupbearers were playing some child's game as he entered, sitting in a circle on the floor as they took turns spinning a dagger. 

Uhh, that doesn't feel like a good omen.

+.+.+

Far off to the east, beyond the city walls, he saw pale wings moving above a distant line of hills. Viserion. Hunting, mayhaps, or flying just to fly. He wondered where Rhaegal was. Thus far the green dragon had shown himself to be more dangerous than the white.

He sure is!

+.+.+

The Dornishmen, Hizdahr, Reznak, the attack … was he doing the right things? Was he doing what Daenerys would have wanted? I was not made for this. 

NO YOU CLOWN.

I want no war with Yunkai. How many times must I say it? - Daenerys VI, ADWD

+.+.+

Galazza Galare was attended by four Pink Graces. An aura of wisdom and dignity seemed to surround her that Ser Barristan could not help but admire. This is a strong woman, and she has been a faithful friend to Daenerys.

That's all the Harpy confirmation I need.

It's not clear what Pink Graces do. I am reminded of House of Pahl.

+.+.+

"I am pleased to hear that. The Wise Masters of Yunkai asked after him. You will not be surprised to hear that they wish the noble Hizdahr to be restored at once to his rightful place."

"He shall be, if it can be proved that he did not try to kill our queen. Until such time, Meereen will be ruled by a council of the loyal and just. There is a place for you on that council. I know that you have much to teach us all, Your Benevolence. We need your wisdom."

"I fear you flatter me with empty courtesies, Lord Hand," the Green Grace said. "If you truly think me wise, heed me now. Release the noble Hizdahr and restore him to his throne."

"Only the queen can do that."

But you can arrest the king, start a war with Yunkai, and give away Pentos?

+.+.+

The pyramid of Hazkar has collapsed into a smoking ruin, and many of that ancient line lie dead beneath its blackened stones.

How about twins? Any set of twins under that pyramid?

+.+.+

"And murder. The Sons of the Harpy slew thirty in the night."

"I grieve to hear this. All the more reason to free the noble Hizdahr zo Loraq, who stopped such killings once."

And how did he accomplish that, unless he is himself the Harpy?

+.+.+

"Her Grace gave her hand to Hizdahr zo Loraq, made him her king and consort, restored the mortal art as he beseeched her. In return he gave her poisoned locusts."

"In return he gave her peace. Do not cast it away, ser, I beg you. Peace is the pearl beyond price. Hizdahr is of Loraq. Never would he soil his hands with poison. He is innocent."

"How can you be certain?" Unless you know the poisoner.

If he would take one fucking second to listen to the words pouring out of his dumb idiotic mouth, he might realize there's no motive here.

+.+.+

"They did. No amount of gold will buy your people back, I was told. Only the blood of dragons may set them free again."

It was the answer Ser Barristan had expected, if not the one that he had hoped for. His mouth tightened.

Should the hour come, and I pray that it does not, we will light that beacon.

+.+.+

"I know these were not the words you wished to hear," said Galazza Galare. "Yet for myself, I understand. These dragons are fell beasts. Yunkai fears them … and with good cause, you cannot deny. Our histories speak of the dragonlords of dread Valyria and the devastation that they wrought upon the peoples of Old Ghis. Even your own young queen, fair Daenerys who called herself the Mother of Dragons … we saw her burning, that day in the pit … even she was not safe from the dragon's wroth."

"Dragons," Aemon whispered. "The grief and glory of my House, they were." - Samwell III, AFFC

+.+.+

Ser Barristan was on his feet at once. "What is it?"

"The trebuchets," the Shavepate growled. "All six."

Galazza Galare rose. "Thus does Yunkai make reply to your offers, ser. I warned you that you would not like their answer."

They choose war, then. So be it. Ser Barristan felt oddly relieved. War he understood. "If they think they will break Meereen by throwing stones—"

"Not stones." The old woman's voice was full of grief, of fear. "Corpses."

Yeah no shit, I would also feel relief if I manipulated the system for a specific outcome, then got exactly what I wanted.

I wish him well. Barristan Selmy is not allowed to die in Meereen with a sword in his hand.

Final thoughts:

Live look at me trying to get through the last three chapters.

-> return to menu <-

[landscaping-your-mind]

@a-mag-a-day

(taking the quotes from the official transcripts with all "John"s changed to "Jon"s because it's more reliable and... stuff. there's also cws at the top of them)

Anyway, this is mostly a stream of consciousness ramble as I listen to the episode, featuring being sad about Jon Sims, talking some more about how the fear entities work, some Lines that I am very eyes emoji towards, and Lorell St John defending.

Also here's a meta that I really like that is sorta related to this episode. Here is is on the wayback machine, and here is the previous meta.

"iT wAs SuPPosED tO bE a GlOriOuS dAY" sorry ive heard this ad so much-

I like Georgie, I just wish that she liked Jon. Like, I understand why she left, but it just makes me really sad, like couldn't she just give him a chance?

ARCHIVIST (weakly) That's a very good question.

HE MAKES A GREAT ENTERANCE! DRAMATIC BASTARD :3

ARCHIVIST Six... Uh, the others? T-Tim, is he...? ... Oh.

:(

ARCHIVIST Honestly, I, I think I'm alright. (Georgie sighs deeply) ARCHIVIST I mean, that's... good, right? I- GEORGIE After a six-month long coma? No, it's not. This isn't how it's supposed to go, Jon. ARCHIVIST I- What? You'd prefer I was brain damaged? D-Dead? BASIRA Jon... ARCHIVIST What? BASIRA Georgie, could you give us a minute? There are some things we should probably discuss? GEORGIE (Irritated) Fine. ARCHIVIST Georgie, I- GEORGIE Jon, if this really is a second chance, please try to take it. But I don't think that it is. ARCHIVIST Georgie, I don't--! GEORGIE Take care of yourself. (The Archivist sighs and attempts to speak.) [Door opens and closes as Georgie leaves.] ARCHIVIST What about you? Disappointed to see me alive? Basira? BASIRA We can deal with it later. ARCHIVIST Yeah, okay.

HE WOKE FROM A COMA LESS THAN FIVE FUCKING MINUTES AGO-

Like, this is my worst fucking nightmare, two people I'm reasonably close with saying or heavily implying that they'd prefer I was dead what the fuck. Just the way he sounded like he was yk, making a joke asking Basira and she doesn't respond, and he asks again and she just says they'll deal with it later and-

WHAT THE FUCK ITS BEEN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. I-

[Image ID: A drawing of someone leaning forward in a chair, horrified. /End ID]

ARCHIVIST (The Archivist takes a deep breath) Statement of, uh... uh... Lorell St John, regarding, uh... (small chuckle) zombies. Original statement given 1st February 2015. Recording by Jonathan Sims, the Archivist.

I remember I LOST MY MIND at that part, at him calling himself the Archivist, but I didn't message anything to my friend, and I didn't share it on my story, but I was VERY abnormal about that. Oh boy. Just um. OH BOY

People always used to tell me I was solipsistic. They said that I never really engaged with other people, never acted like they really existed or mattered, at least not in the same way that I did. And I suppose in many ways they were right. It’s hard to explain without sounding stupid. Obviously other people are real, obviously the, the way a building is real or my watch is real. They exist. If people weren’t real, I’m, I’m sure I would find them much less of a chore. So no, I don’t “not believe in other people”. I just find it very difficult to feel for others. I can’t understand them and they’ve always seemed… Well, there’s no tactful way to say it, they’ve always just seemed a little bit pointless. I know what my pain feels like, and I know what my joy feels like, but when I see those same things on the faces of my friends or my enemies, I feel… Well, that’s it, isn’t it? I don’t really feel anything

Like... same. Yk, low empathy. Just... makes you feel more distant. And it's fine, it's not a bad way to be, it's just a way to be. But... yeah I mean. Yeah. I relate to the statement giver. Lorell St John defense club. She did a lot wrong, but she isn't... a terrible person, she just did some stuff wrong. She hurt people, but like, she isn't irredeemable and... I like her. Like okay, if we're going to defend Jon even if he's hurt people knowing full well they'd be terrified, relying on them to be terrified, then I'm pretty sure we can defend Lorell for hurting people who she didn't think were people. I have feelings about her.

I like the idea that they are actually real but that her fear of them not being real manifested in something actually not being real and, in her mind, confirming that she was right, that she's the last real human out there.

There's a lot of stuff here that can point to different fears because Smirke's 14 isn't ,the end all be all, yada yada, gender. Maybe The Spiral, because she thinks she's the only one that can see them which could have led to her doubting her own perception of things, but she doesn't. Could be The Lonely, because she sometimes found herself alone, in a room only with those zombies, similar to MAG 108 - Monologue, which is similarly iffy on its placement in Smirke's framework. Word of God says it's The Stranger, which it could very well be, things that are not human infiltrating society, that's pretty Stranger. I have also seem the interpretation that they're The Extinction. Fear of humanity being gone, and something else in its place. I... I think that it's a mix of The Lonely, The Stranger, and The Extinction, but there are plenty of different interpretations, and the author is dead, so take its placement in The Stranger playlist as canon or not, your choice.

I first saw him in the street. It wasn’t difficult to guess what he was, half the people around him were just as hollow and soulless, but there was something else to him.

This could point to all the other "zombies" being just Lorell thinking they were zombies, and not actually being soulless. Perhaps.

Had he taken Norma’s self, her, her soul? Or had she always been a zombie, cramped into her little open plan desk, patiently listening to client complaints, and I just hadn’t noticed?

I can see why The Spiral could be an interpretation of this. Not trusting her own perceptions, could Norma have always been a zombie? Can Lorell trust any "real" people if she didn't notice that Norma was a zombie?

They’re all like that now. You’re all like that, I suppose. I have no reason to believe anyone will read this who would be any different, no reason to believe you’ll be able to read this, that you won’t simply stare blankly at this page before performing your response, your artificial opinion. There is every chance that I am the only one left, and the whole world has fallen to a soulless horde, devoid of life and feeling.

And here's where The Extinction comes in. Is she alone in like a different world, a domain of The Stranger, Lonely, Extinction, or whatever? Just surrounded by the empty shells of humans just like she feared. He fears manifested by The Fears, and turned into "[her] own private hell" (bonus points for anyone who knows where that's from). And that leads me on to the point of... well, Avatars aren't the only ones who can shape The Fears. Her fear of being alone surrounded by empty soulless husks seems to have manifested into being alone surrounded by empty soulless husks. I think that's really interesting.

Even so, thank you for pretending to care.

This line just makes me sad. She knows -- or believes -- she's completely alone, and the only interactions she can get are from things she knows -- or believes -- aren't human, aren't even alive, not properly. I'm just... really sad about Lorell St John. God, get her a hug, and a real life human friend, and some actual help from a real life human person... But it's too late for that, isn't it. Either they're not real, and she's in the real world, and she believes wholeheartedly that no one around her is real -- which is actually the better of the two situations -- or she's in a different world, surrounded by people who aren't people, and... well, her fear at being the last one left, her fear of the people who aren't people surrounding her, her isolation... well, I'm sure it's a feast for The Fears. I don't think they're likely to let her go any time soon.

It can be hard, though, sometimes, other, other people. Feelings. I-I’m trying to focus, trying to make sure I’m the same me as before, but how can anyone really remember that? How do you know you’re the same person that went to sleep?

Low empathy Jarchivist rights?

This gets me thinking about the whole teleportation thing, and not being the same person, just being killed and reconstructed exactly the same. What makes you you? Is it your memories? The actual, physical stuff that makes up your body? Is it something else? Is it just a feeling? I like thinking about stuff like that. Metaphysics is interesting.

ARCHIVIST I don’t… Music. Everything was wrong. Gertrude was there and then… dancing? I think? Then… pain, and I was somewhere else. Dreaming

You were somewhere else you say. Interesting. I'm sure that turn of phrase won't come up ever again. /s

To transcribe from messages to Jay Mapleejay (follow owl pls ty)

KILLING AND MAIMING "Somewhere else" EE And that's like his spooky dream hellscape Obviously you know, you've listened to the same podcast i have AND THEN LIKE OBVIOUSLY THE SOMEWHERE ELSE IN EPISODE 200 LIKE 👀UHH UH UH UH

So, that's interesting in a completely normal way.

(Oh funnily enough in an earlier message on that topic I said "I'm gonna make a tumblr post about this. At some point." so. yep)

Oh and some other thinking about the first 3 episodes about season 4 things:

what RIGHT did the first three episodes of tma [season 4] have to be: 1. Emotionally damaging 2. HAVE UH THAT??? THAT??? [referring to the somewhere else thing] 3. *dying in parallels* 4. low/no empathy character <3 she's just like me fr 5. FUCK YOU FUCK YOU DID YOU THINK YOU COULD GET AWAY FROM THE BRAIN THINKING HAHAHAHAHAH L

Jay said "relistening to tma is a form of torture /hj" and I have to agree tbh. I'm in emotional pain.

ARCHIVIST (Darkly) What did he do to Martin?

*points* GAY

Well, I guess we should probably let one of the nurses know I’m awake. I’m sure they have all sorts of tests to do, make sure I’m not a zombie or a…

Or a what Jon?

ARCHIVIST (Calling) Oh, or a cup of t- ... Okay.

AND HERE WE END, VERY SAD, JONS HAVING A BAD TIME, SOMETHINGS GOING ON WITH MARTIN, AND NOTHING IS OKAY! Perfect start to season 4 :) depression, the season.

[aestheticvoyage2024]

Day 97: Saturday April 6, 2024 - "End of an Era"

My Grandpa is officially going into assisted living when he returns back to Michigan this month. He is in the process of sadly saying goodbye to the desert. He's not coming back here next Winter. Its a new beginning for him and I am excited for him and will have to work hard to make sure that he still sees his little lion, Willie. William squealed loudly when we pulled up into Big Papa's house today, and ran and jumped into his old arms, almost tackling him to the ground before Granpa gave everything he had to lift him up and give his great Grandson a kiss on the cheek. They then shot of rockets and chased baseball, in the cool air, as I nostalgically soaked up saying goodbye to this haven too. Over the last 12 years, Ive seen my Grandparents here in Golden Vista far more than seeing them back home on the farm. Its Grandma and Grandpa's house of my grown up memories - the ones where they gave me permission to venture and ramble and settle out west. It was important to see them doing it. I proudly followed.

We enjoyed a hot dog roast and some pool time, and some good laughs and story telling with my Aunt and Uncle and the Cordova family. Uncle Jose let William take his car for a spin around the park with Grandpa in the passenger seat, now able to say he has ridden in a fully electric car, chuckling the entire time.

We hugged him tightly as we said goodbye, and told him that we loved him so much but as I said it, I meant it for this place too; I hugged this place too. Its been such a great winter home for my Grandparents. Its the heart of us desert Actons. Its an end of an era and things will forever be different now. I snatched Grandpa's old Golden Vista hat in the shed and he told me to keep it. You never know, I might be mayor of this place someday. I always loved coming here. Its no wonder that I hang my hat here now. That Golden Vista hat seemed like the most perfect little momento. Next time I see Grandpa it will be back home in Gratiot County at his new place.

Song: Current Swell - You Got It Easy

Quote: "In my grandparents’ time, it was believed that spirits existed everywhere...in trees, rivers, insects, wells, anything... I like the idea that we should all treasure everything because spirits might exist there, and we should treasure everything because there is a kind of life to everything." ~Hayao Miyazaki

[diludae]

Ok hi ive literally never done a request on tumblr in my life😭 but do u think u could write like diluc or keaya or zhongli freaking out seeing reader come out of the bathroom with like a tear stained face but like they actually just used eye drops bc their eyes were hella dry 💀. anyways feel free to ignore this request it was just smth random i wanted to do. also sry i couldnt find the rules so sry if i didnt list anything i needed to. anyways have a lovelt day/night! <3

𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓻𝔂 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓭

I decided to draw something too because the idea is just great lmao. also i don't use eye drops so I'm sorry if this experience isn't accurate, I just wrote this based on my own knowledge.

diluc x gn!reader // crack // anon suggestion // enjoy!

Gods, this was dreadful.

You spite the archons every day for cursing you with dry eyes, but luckily you received eye drops developed by Albedo himself to help with your issue.

A knock was heard on the bathroom door.

“Honey? You’ve been in there for quite a while. Is everything all right?”

Diluc was many things. Protector, bartender, business man and grape juice extraordinaire just to name a few. However, one thing he wasn’t was neglectful. Your boyfriend was always by your side whenever he was available, attending to your every need and want. He wasn’t a stalker, but he noticed you were slightly irritated when you entered the bathroom. It wouldn’t be surprising if he was counting the minutes you spent in there, just to make sure.

“I’m fine, give me a moment.” Luckily you managed to squeeze your last eye drop before opening the door. Diluc quickly took note of your teary eyes and thought for the worst.

He stood there for a while, simply questioning his past decisions and any wrong-doings he could’ve possibly committed. Did he say something? Was he not showing enough affection? Did someone hurt you? If they did, he would send them straight to Celestia and back.

“Diluc? Are you good?” After realizing all he was doing was literally just standing, he quickly enveloped you in a tight hug. “Everything is gonna be okay, sweetie.”

“What are you talking about Diluc? I said I was fine.”

“There’s no need to lie to me, I see those tears on your face.

Ohhhhhhh

“Nonono honey, you’ve got it all wrong.” You started to chuckle, and that chuckle soon turned into a roaring laughter.

“Y/n, why are you laughing?! Your pain is not a laughing matter.”

“Diluc, I just took eye drops, silly.”

One, two, possibly 3 seconds passed?

“Oh. My bad, darling.”

He still didn’t let you out of his arms though, even after he knew it was a misunderstanding. He just wanted to stay here a while, and who were you to fight that.