#just normally quite chill and nice and ‘just stay safe!! ^^’

[happi-dreams]

These will probs just be doodled but teehee more silly oc stuff i cannot be stopped

[hugemilkshake]

Hey can you do more uh...self aware cookie run au with anxious reader? Just I can't help but imagine more scenarios of y/n being anxious and thinking 'OH MY GOD IM GONNA DIE!' Buuut end up spoiled by cookies. Here are some examples I thought up but if you think of anymore cute and fun things, I'd love to see em too!

Y/n goes to the hollyberry kingdom and meets pitaya. Thinks they are gonna die to dragon...nope, dragon just wants to encourage y/n to make smores or roast jelly dogs over their flames and if a single one of the cookies who sabotage the competition even think for a SECOND about interrupting that, then they got another thing coming!

Y/n thinks they are gonna die to the licorice sea or the traitor affogato cookie when encountering them....sea acts kind to y/n somehow (or just ignores em...your choice lol) and affogato just wants to spoil y/n with sweets! (Bonus: instead of joining the COD....they go with y/n as something along the lines of 'you know what? I don't want to take over this kingdom anymore. I don't want it anymore, I want y/n! King, I admit to everything, please banish me so I can run away to y/n's kingdom!') Lmao!

Golden cheese kingdom...y/n goes in, thinking glitches are gonna kill em buuuut all the digital cookies make sure y/n is feeling safe, happy, and comfortable....aaaand golden cheese gives em lots of hugs lol! Can imagine being wrapped up in her wings feels really good!

Enjoy the milkshake! I had to give an excuse for writing about affogato cookie- I mean, the dude caused me brain rot. Also I’m not writing any golden cheese stuff because smoked cheese massacred my team and I’m angry at that (my team had way more power than smoked cheese)

Somewhat plot relevant?

-platonic self aware au-

Normally you had means of controlling your anxiety but at this moment, there was no way you could control your anxiety. You were in the middle of a forest! And not even one in your own world! It was one in the game you had recently just gotten into!

You were only on episode 4 in the story mode so you literally had no clue where you were. You just sat on the ground and started to silently panic.

But at some point a cookie you did see once in the cookie unlock screen kinda picked you up and just took you to a palace? You don’t really remember what the cookie said but they weren’t hurting you! So that must mean something!

But you were now having a feast in this palace with a cookie who you learned was actually a dragon- well anyways the dragon said they were Pitaya Dragon, also known as The Red Dragon. You did panic for a moment before Pitaya told you to just chill out and have something to eat.

And you know what? It was actually quite fun! The Red Dragon talked about other dragons and nice fun stories while the two of you ate, you were sad to go but you had too. You got some berries and stuff you could sell as a wondering traveler. Though you did tell Pitaya you’d come back one day so might want to stay close

——————

You had gone from a warm and humid forest to a frozen wasteland. What’s more to say? You had everything you needed to survive and villages were quite nice to you, you had your own gear so you didn’t bother them too much.

But you did befriend a peculiar cookie when you were by the Dark Cacao kingdom…

A cookie who looked quite lavish found you and seemed a little lost and panicked… kinda how you were when you first got here…. You felt bad to the cookie so you went to talk to them

Apparently his name is Affogato Cookie and he was banished from the Dark Cacao kingdom on the grounds of the false accusations of him trying to upstage the king. Poor guy…

Now since Pitaya Dragon was so generous to you when you had nothing so you decided to help Affogato get back in his feet since you should be passing on others kindness!

What you didn’t know was that one Affogato lied to you, two Affogato had connections to Dark Enchantress and three, he would become your travel buddy. So now the two of you travel around as friends :3

[thosegayoldmen]

WIP Wednesday

Thank you for the tags @loki-is-my-kink-awakening and @impulsemuppet!!

🚨 THIS IS A TWO-PARTER!! 🚨

Have a BEEG snippet from me and @ghoulehhh just cause we feel nice! This is part 1! Here's the second part 😉

Loki’s face settles into a calm mask, the small, smug smile resting on his lips radiating a sense of ease - even if he can feel his bones shaking with excitement…and maybe fear. That feeling only intensifies as he sets foot in the room, the door swinging shut behind him with a chilling finality once he’s cleared the threshold. Striding towards the table with confidence, he slides into the empty seat opposite the prisoner and drops his folder down.  The grizzled Variant sitting there only reacts once the chair scrapes the floor and the folder hits the table. He’s still slouching in his own chair, hands remaining in his lap - but at least there’s an air of recognition amidst his general state of malaise, something that could vaguely pass for rapt attention. Loki flips open to the top page as he settles in, deciding the timestick he’s brought should stay in his lap - well out of the other man’s reach. Instead of sprawling out like he would normally, he keeps his legs firmly tucked in towards his side. He can’t place why he feels the need to exercise such caution, but something inside prods him to do so. Better safe than sorry. “So…M-KI211 is it?” he starts, keeping things casual and his tone light. His attention is on the stack of papers, pretending like he isn’t the least bit interested in anything else. “...Or do you have a less formal name I can call you?” “That’s what they’re callin’ me?” the gray-haired man replies after a few moments, his voice dull and even. There’s a shallow sigh, a look of disappointment crossing his features. And then he’s mumbling: “Dunno what I expected. Sounds kinda boring.” Hearing Mobius’ voice come out of the stranger’s mouth is jarring to say the least. It’s the same, unmistakably so, but it sounds so dead compared to the original. Loki resists the urge to frown, thoughts already racing through his head about who this particular Variant could be, what could have possibly happened to him to make him already so different to the Mobius he knows.  Not-Mobius lifts his cuffed hands just so he can scratch at a little itch on his cheek, the pad of his blackened thumb rubbing close to the fissure that’s running straight down from his hairline. Loki’s eyes follow him as he moves, watching those charred fingers linger on vivid blue lines before he lets them drop back down into his lap with a clink of the metal cuffs. Overall, he looks tired and thoroughly battered, like he might fall apart right here, skin worn and bruised and sickly-looking - and yet Loki can still feel a power radiating from him.  He glances a bit further up, making eye contact with those faintly glowing blue irises and regretting it immediately. It’s familiar, that something - almost intoxicatingly so. The Variant’s lip curls into a slightly more pronounced smile - an amused one - and Loki quickly looks away, back down at the document.  “Well, it’s one of the names here,” he comments, flipping through a few pages of the document, most of which have heavy edits and large sections completely crossed out, all with different variant numbers attached. He’s not really reading much of anything, eyes skimming the text instead. “Though you’re quite right - it is rather boring.” He straightens in his chair, looking back up from the document with an apathetic nod of his head. “What would you expect me to call you?”

Tagging mostly so people can see, since I'm late YET AGAIN 😅

@elodiah @lokimobius @natendo-art @kcscribbler @kusakichan15

@mythical-magik @devilbearingtrouble @mirilyawrites @scifikimmi @silentxsymphony

@ilaytrapsfortroubadours @boredintjqueen @rin-love-is-green @stillwanderingflame @andthekitchensinkao3

@insert-witty-user-name-here @blackbirdofasgard @dreamycloud @distracteddream @mobius-m-mobius

@mobiusismycomfortcharacter @dilfmobius @adorbspotat

[abbysbodybag]

Flicker of hope

Ellie x reader

Description : Zombie apocalypse hit. Your at a camp, approached by newly arrived member.

fluff/kinda suggestive

It’s been six months since the world ended. Six months since the last time you set foot in your childhood home, since the countdown to college graduation parties and summer road trips turned into a countdown to survival. You remember the sirens blaring in the distance, the hurried whispers between teachers and students, the rush of panic as people ran to their cars, and the smoke that filled the air by nightfall. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Now, you’re here—in a camp tucked deep in the woods. It’s safe enough, far enough from the cities that the infected don’t wander near as often, but it’s still barely holding together. Each day is a strange mix of survival and routine, like a twisted version of normal life. There’s still the sound of clanking pots in the communal kitchen, the murmur of conversations around the fire, even the occasional joke to lighten the load. But every moment holds the quiet, tense reality that this fragile peace could be shattered at any second.

The camp is quiet tonight. After weeks of scouring abandoned towns for food and avoiding infected, tonight almost feels… peaceful. You sit by the dying fire, warming your hands, listening to the faint crackling of wood and the quiet murmurs of others tucked into their sleeping bags or huddled in small groups. A gentle breeze blows through the trees, bringing with it the faint smell of pine and damp earth.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” a voice murmurs, startling you slightly.

You turn and find Ellie standing behind you, her hands shoved deep into her jacket pockets, her hair half-covering her face. She looks at you, her gaze sharp but soft, with that mischievous spark you’ve come to recognize all too well.

“Didn’t want to miss the night,” you say with a shrug. “It’s rare we get a break.”

She lets out a short laugh, almost under her breath, and slides down to sit beside you. “Yeah, and here I thought I was the only one who couldn’t get comfortable.”

You lean back, watching the stars overhead as Ellie settles beside you. The silence stretches, but it’s comfortable, and her presence is warm and reassuring in the chill of the night.

“I don’t know,” she continues after a beat. “Sometimes I think I’m too used to moving. It’s weird to stay still.”

You glance at her, noting the way her jaw tightens, her gaze distant. You’ve noticed how Ellie is—a restless soul, always alert, always ready to fight or run. She’s guarded, hard to read, but you’ve caught glimpses of something else in her, a gentleness she tries to hide.

“Well, maybe I can help you get comfortable,” you say, grinning, your voice light.

She raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, yeah? Think you can make me feel at home here?”

“Could be worth a try,” you reply, shrugging casually, but your heart pounds as her eyes meet yours, a playful gleam in her expression.

For a moment, she studies you, as if trying to decipher your words. Then she nudges you with her shoulder, feigning nonchalance. “You’re alright, you know that?”

You laugh, nudging her back. “Oh, just alright?”

She shakes her head, grinning. “Don’t get all smug on me. I’m just saying… you’re a good addition to this group. Makes it easier to get through the days. And nights.”

There’s a hint of something else in her voice, something you can’t quite place. The air between you feels charged, the warmth of the fire suddenly not the only thing heating you up.

“Well, that means a lot,” you murmur, meeting her gaze. “Coming from you.”

Her smirk softens into something almost shy. She looks away, rubbing the back of her neck. “It’s just… you know… nice to have someone to talk to, someone who doesn’t make it all feel like a struggle.”

You reach out, placing a gentle hand on her arm, feeling her tense briefly before she relaxes. “Hey, I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

She looks down at your hand, then back at you, her green eyes darker in the firelight. “Promise?”

You nod, your voice steady. “Promise.”

There’s a beat of silence before she speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. “I think… I’ve been wanting to hear that for a long time.”

Without thinking, you close the distance, your fingers lightly brushing her cheek as you lean in. Her breath catches, and then, slowly, she closes the gap between you, her lips soft and warm against yours.

The kiss is hesitant, testing the waters, but it quickly deepens, both of you clinging to each other as if the world outside doesn’t exist, as if you’re the only two people left. Her fingers trace patterns along your arm, pulling you closer, and for a few perfect moments, you’re wrapped up in her warmth, in the steady beat of her heart.

When you finally pull back, she’s smiling, her cheeks flushed. “Guess I owe you one,” she whispers, her voice teasing.

“Oh, you owe me more than that,” you reply, grinning.

And for the first time in what feels like forever, you both laugh, the sound blending into the quiet night, a promise of hope even in a world as broken as this.

part two?

[petalsonparchment]

Imagine Mrs Weasley reacting to Ginny bringing home a basilisk as a pet.

They just chill in Mr Weasley’s shed

"Arthur," Molly said, her voice tight with grief and exasperation, "we have to put our foot down."

Arthur looked up from the Daily Prophet, his gaze drifting slowly across the garden. There, in the middle of the overgrown lawn, sat their thirteen-year-old daughter, legs folded neatly beneath her in the sun-dappled grass. She was chattering animatedly, her hands waving around her freckled face as she spoke, looking a bit sunburned from his position.

"Look at her," Molly continued, "talking to it as if it was her classmate."

Only, Ginny wasn’t talking to a classmate.

She was talking to a basilisk.

A massive, ancient snake, its coils looping lazily across half the yard like a forgotten garden hose from hell. Its iridescent scales shimmered unnervingly in the light. The creature looked disturbingly content, head tilted as if politely listening, the only thing it was missing were the blood red eyes.

Harry Potter had blinded the basilisk, or rather, Dumbledore's Phoenix had...either way the basilisk could no longer petrify anyone.

“She named it ‘Snuggles,’” Molly continued, eyes wide, voice rising in pitch. “Snuggles, Arthur. How long until it snuggles us all to death in our sleep?”

Arthur ran a hand down his face and sighed. “I just don’t understand how a basilisk that size made it from wherever it came from all the way to Ottery St. Catchpole without anyone noticing. I get calls about lesser issues all day in the office.”

“Well, according to Ginny, it is quite at home in underground bunkers and sewage.”

“Oh, is it?” Arthur murmured, watching the snake flick its tongue affectionately in his daughter’s direction.

“Yes,” Molly said sharply. “It followed her here like a lost cat. Arthur, I’m serious. This is not like the time she brought home that owl or the dragon egg. This is a basilisk. It killed students!"

"Petrified."

"Oh, petrified!" She exclaimed, "If you don't get rid of that snake, Arthur Wesley, I'll make it so you with you were petrified!"

Arthur exhaled deeply. “I’ll talk to Ginny.”

“You’ll do more than talk to her,” Molly snapped. “She's our girl, our only girl! This thing's obsession with her not normal. It’s not safe.”

Arthur’s eyes lingered on their daughter a moment longer. She was now braiding a flower crown with slow, deliberate care. The Basilisk was resting its head (a head the size of Ginny, mind you) by her lap. She was still chatting with it, and through the open window he thought he heard her say it was nice to have a friend after such a hard year.

It had been a hard year, for all of them.

“She's lucky to be alive,” he muttered.

Molly groaned and stormed off toward the house, muttering something about “she won't be alive if that thing sticks around.”

Arthur stayed where he was, watching as the basilisk let out what could only be described as a low, contented purr when Ginny set the flower crown on her head. He rubbed his temples.

Snuggles.

Merlin help them all.

[ohbo-ohno]

I'm gripping the bars of my cage desperately, I'm chewing at the bars, begging, pleading for more zombie ghoap x reader au.

zombie ghoap x reader au coming right up chef 🫡

btw this is super similar to charliemwrites' jaw dropping ghoap x reader "the (scottish) cabin in the woods" so you need to go read that immediately (and leave a nice comment because charlie rocks)

cw for noncon puppyplay below the cut

i was talking to ceilidh a tiny bit about this earlier, and i think that johnny and reader met in like a cannibal cult kinda thing. very much so like that episode of TLOU, yknow? they both think they've found a little commune safe haven, but it very quickly becomes clear that that's not the case.

anyways, they end up trying to get out together when they realize what's going on, and have to kill a few of the cult members :/ they've been "stuck together" ever since

they threaten to leave the other for dead (or kill them in the middle of the night) constantly. it hasn't happened yet, obviously, but boy oh boy do both of them bring it up nonstop. they act like they hate each other, but honestly they just need to fuck

but they're sorta stuck together now. you're better off paired up with someone than on your own, that's something they both learned pre-cult fiasco. and, really, they don't dislike each other nearly as much as you might think based on the way they gripe

enter ghost. he spots these two survivors wandering through the forest, one injured and both filthy, and basically thinks to himself "hm. could be good in home entertainment"

(here's the deal with puppyplay like this - it's absurd, and we're just going with it. alright??? just WORK with me here)

if you didn't see, i put in the tags of the original post "#btw - he takes you home then chains you both up outside and says something like “this is where dogs stay” :/#dont worry you're perfectly safe (he has a high fence keeping zombies out) but he likes to hear how scared you get when you're out there all#you're both quite well behaved when he lets you in for dinner the next night <3#he only has to scold you once when you both complain about being made to eat while kneeling on the floor next to him"

you're probably both "behaving" because you don't want him to. you know. fucking KILL YOU. but this is also a zombie apocalypse au, so you're both totally feral too. and this is an apocalypse ghost too, which means he's probably way harsher and way rougher around the edges than he even is in canon

anyways i think soap and reader here are more likely to be like "lets wait this out and try to escape when he's not expecting it" except they're like... really bad at trying to play along

ANYWAYS!!!! ghost takes you two back to his compound, ties the both of you up outside for the night. he wraps soap's ankle first, gives him a stern command to stay off of it, and goes back inside like everything is normal. he watches you two over the camera while planning out how he'll build some outdoor kennels for the two of you

you're both cold and tired and hungry and scared the next morning, so it doesn't take much coaxing on his part to get you inside. it takes a lot more coaxing to keep you two on your knees :/

honestly johnny's ankle is so fucked that it's almost a relief to keep pressure off of it (even if it means crawling around on the floor like an animal) but you care a hell of a lot more. ghost threatens to break your ankles before you finally listen :/

he ties the leashes to your wrists, to keep you both out of trouble as much as he can. it's not like either of you are eager to go very far - his house is warm and you're both chilled to the bone from your night outisde

anyways. that's all i've got like, linearly. but i can offer some random little tidbits about their lives after

ghost makes you both eat from the floor. he gives you plates (no silverware) at first and lets you use your hands, and gradually works the two of you up to eating from bowls with just your mouths

you and johnny bicker constantly and simon frequently makes the two of you kiss to make up :( forces you to make out with each other while he smokes a cigarette and enjoys the show. no matter how mad you are, you both end up needy and humping the air when he finally lets you stop

he tries to have you two sleep in the same crate, but it does not go well. ghost very quickly realizes that you two will try to tear each other's throats out if forced that closely together for an entire night

sometimes one of you will try to get the other in trouble. there's one particular night where you trick johnny into misbehaving and he's stuck in the outside kennel all night - but it rains. and every time you glance out the window you see how sad and cold he looks :((( ghost lets you love on him the next morning, and soap is more than eager for a bit of comfort after such a miserable night

[cliperry]

Source: x

It's impossible to put into words how much my life has changed since The X Factor. For a start I live in London now, I'm in a band and I get to travel to amazing places… It's ridiculous when I think about it! When I compare us now to us in the early days of The X Factor, I know we've improved so much as a group. In everything from harmonies and movement to understanding what it is to be onstage and be in a group. I think we've gained lot of confidence and we all feel that we can really be ourselves in front of the crowd. As much as my life is totally different to how it used to be, in some ways things haven't changed that much, because I can still live a normal life. People always ask me, 'Is it impossible to do all the things you used to do?" but actually I can still go for a drink or dinner and not get papped. I just have to be a bit cleverer about it than I used to be. If I just want to go out somewhere I try not to think about it too much. I just go and do it. You could drive yourself crazy worrying about whether it's safe, and you have to live your life. I know that there are certain places where people know me, or their friends do, and if they recognise me they won't be bothered.

There are times when things can get a bit intrusive, but you just have to get on with it. If you're walking down the street and someone takes a picture, so what? You're in public, so you kind of expect it, and it's not a big deal. But if someone were to take photos of me in my house, that would bother me. You have to have somewhere that's private. One of the mottos that I've learnt since I joined the band that I try to stick by is: 'Work hard, play hard and be kind' - because it works. In order to have a good time you have to work hard to be successful, and being kind to people should be a given. If everyone was a little bit nicer to people, the world would be a much better place. You have a choice where you can either be all right to someone or you can be a little bit nicer, and that can make someone's day.

We've been so lucky because we've been able to go to some incredible places. Of the places we've visited so far Sydney is one of my favourites. It's pretty English - it's a lot like London in terms of their culture and the way people are - but everything's just a bit happier because the weather is great, and things move slightly more slowly because people are chilled out. I also love LA, although I think you have to make it your own. If you go there not knowing anyone it's not that great, because you need to know where to go and how to get there. If you have friends you can meet at parties and restaurants, LA is the best place in the world. But if you were on your own you'd feel quite lonely. New York is very different to LA but equally brilliant. In New York you can go out and meet people really easily. There's stuff going on every night and it's always so busy that you could easily go out in the early evening and stay out until morning. It's like London there too, but sped up. If you were staying in New York and you woke up with jet lag at 4am and wanted to see a gig, there would probably be one going on somewhere. No one really eats until 10pm and dinner will go on until tam. It's very cool. You can people watch in New York too, which I really enjoy. We've met some incredible people on our travels. Michelle Obama was great, and I think she and Barack probably really are just the way they come across in the press very normal. They're being themselves, they just happen to have ridiculously high-profile jobs. I think Michelle is an amazing First Lady. Everyone seems to love her, and I think that's because she's so warm and kind.

Personally, when we've been travelling I've always tried to meet locals and see how they are in their hometown. When we were in Chicago someone from our record label introduced me to a couple of local guys. I played golf with them and it was nice to go out and do something different. Coincidentally, they used to be mates with Barack Obama and play golf with him every Sunday, and they said he's really down to earth. One of the guys even invited me over to his house for a barbecue, so I went over and met his family. Things like that are really special. Going to Ghana for Comic Relief was an unbelievable, life-changing experience. I was so humbled by all of the people we met, and really moved by what we saw. The fact that Comic Relief raised such an incredible amount of money means so much to us, because it will make a huge difference to so many lives. If I was asked to go again, I would in a second. WHERE WE ARE 29

I haven't learnt any languages yet, but I really want to learn sign language. So many people can speak different languages, but if you could make a difference to that one person who can't communicate it would be amazing. I met a girl and her mum in Ireland once and they both signed, and I signed 'thank you' back to them and they couldn't believe it. If someone who was using sign language came to your show or your book signing and you could sign back to them, it would be such a good feeling. I think that's much nicer than being able to order steak and chips in French. So the plan is to learn much more sign language as soon as I get a chance. I'm not a big shopper when we're travelling, so amazingly I save money when I'm away. Especially when we're touring. I'll pick things up here and there, but I can't get that much in my suitcase! Also, I can't do online shopping because I've got nowhere for it to be delivered to when we're moving around so much. I tend to pick up little trinkets to remember places by, or gifts for people. I've never told anyone this before but I did pick up an interesting souvenir in LA once. We were invited to meet Johnny Depp's daughter, so we went over to his studio. My friend was texting me saying, 'You have to rob something and bring it back. So I've got this little pink bar of soap from Johnny Depp's toilet that I nicked. He's going to think I'm a freak if he reads this! We've been on so many TV shows around the world now, but one we did in Japan really stands out because it was the most ridiculous thing ever. There was confetti all over the place and there were tons of crew and it was so fast paced. It was so crazy we didn't really know what was going on. 30 TAKE OFF FABULOUS LANDING

LEFT: The boys light up Madison Square Garden. 4 December 2012 ONE DIRECTION ISN'T JUST ABOUT THE BAND. IT'S ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED US ALONG THE WAY In terms of live shows, playing Madison Square Garden for the first time was a real 'moment' for us. The nice thing was that pretty much everyone who's worked on One Direction as a project was there, from the guy who designed our first album cover to song producers. One Direction isn't just about the band, it's about all the people who have helped us along the way, and are still helping us now. We've worked with a lot of the same people since the beginning, and that means a lot to us. Our friends and family also came, so it was nice to have drinks with all of them afterwards. It's such an exciting venue, and it was amazing to be able to look out from the stage and see so many people we know supporting us. FABULOUS PERFECT

HARD ARD DIRECON Where WE ARE E ven though a lot of mad things are going on around us, I honestly don't think it's been that hard to stay down to earth. I look around me and I can see how people could get carried away, because if you lived completely in the fame bubble you could end up thinking you're the greatest thing ever. I almost feel a bit sorry for people whose lives get completely taken over by it, because I can see how it would be hard to stay grounded. But we all live normal lives outside of the band, so we don't let things run away with us. But we all My family is amazing. They treat me exactly the same way as they always did - and there's no reason why they shouldn't. My friends from home are the same. I think you just need to take a step back from it every now and again, remind yourself of what it is you're involved in as a whole and get it in perspective. It's a very cool job, but it doesn't make me any better than anybody else. I'm very aware of little things, like saying that people work 'with' us rather than 'for' us. I hate hearing people say that others work for them - I'm sure they only do it because it makes them feel important. We're all working hard for the same goal. WHERE WE ARE 35 FABULOUS PERFECT LANDING THE ROAD

18 January 2013 One of my friends takes the mickey out of me if I walk through a door before her. She'll say, 'Do you do that because you're famous? Hold the door open for me!' I love it when people rib me about things. If you're not very nice to people, word gets around. When someone meets you for the first time, there's no grey area. They'll go back to their friends and either say 'he was really nice' or 'he's a bit of an idiot to be honest', because saying someone is 'all right' isn't a great story. If you act even slightly like a diva, people will pick up on it. If I see someone acting like they're something special it shocks me into not doing it even more. And I have seen a lot of people do it, both famous and non-famous. I don't understand why you can't just be nice to people, whether you're in the public eye or not.

SOME PEOPLE ONLY HAVE 'YES' PEOPLE AROUND THEM, WHO TELL THEM THEY'RE WONDERFUL ALL OF THE TIME & THEY CAN LOSE PERSPECTIVE 38 TAKE OFF ☆ I surround myself with people who do all kinds of jobs, and I like going out to all sorts of places that aren't to do with the industry. Also, my friends will tell me if I'm doing something wrong or if something I'm wearing looks ridiculous, and not everyone has that. Some people only have 'yes' people around them, who tell them they're wonderful all of the time, and they can lose perspective. I think it's nice to give back, and I don't think there's anything wrong with buying my mum a present if I want to, but I try to buy people things that they need rather than random big gifts. You can end up looking like a massive show-off if you turn up with loads of gifts for Christmas or someone's birthday, because it looks like you're trying to trump everyone else's presents. Plus, if you give things to people all of the time they stop meaning anything. I prefer giving thoughtful presents. Anyone can buy something expensive if they have the money, but it's harder to buy something that means something to someone.

It still hasn't sunk in that we went to number one in so many countries with both of our albums. When we go and visit all those countries which we are planning to do it will sink in much more. We found out we were number one in Australia while we were over there doing promo, so we could kind of get it, but when you just see a lot of figures written down on a sheet of paper it doesn't seem real. It's tough to picture it. I try to process it when I'm lying in bed at night. I'll stop and think, I cannot believe we went to number one in the Philippines." Some people say that One Direction is half our look and half our music. I don't think we've ever relied just on our look; our music has to be strong for us to stay in the position we are. The main reason the music has to be great is because of the fans. We are a musical group and we love what we do. We couldn't sing songs we don't believe in. We're quite vulnerable to critics, because we were put together on a reality show. I get that some people don't like that, and that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their likes and dislikes. However, if our music did drop off, it would only be right for people to have a bit of a go at us, because at the end of the day we're a band. If our music wasn't good, people would think all we do is mess around and look all right. But you need good music to back all of that up. We feel like our music is getting stronger all the time. Some people may not like us, but we do make a really good pop song, and they'd still dance to it at a wedding.

WE ARE A MUSICAL GROUP & WE LOVE WHAT WE DO. WE COULDN'T SING SONGS WE DON'T BELIEVE IN Of course it's amazing to get recognition for our music, so winning awards means so much to us. My favourite awards ceremony to date has been the VMAs. I didn't even expect us to be invited, because it's such a big deal. So for us to be invited, then asked to perform and then to win three awards was unbelievable. The BRITs is always a great night as well. We were so excited to go to our first one in 2012, and when we won the award for British Single we were stunned. Then we performed in 2013 and we absolutely loved it. It was great getting to sing 'One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)', because Comic Relief is such an important charity. At the moment my house is being renovated and I'm staying between two friends' houses, so the awards we've been given are all over the place. Two are on a friend's windowsill, some others are in my other friend's bedroom and one of my other mates has got another one. One of the EMAs has been swiped by my friend's sister, so I need to try to get that back. The others are in storage, and I'll be getting them out when I move back home.

FABULOUS FANS can still remember the feeling we used to get when we went into the X Factor studios right back at the beginning. When there were fans outside we used to be so excited, and I still get the same feeling now. When there are a lot of people outside a venue it shocks me. Sometimes I think people won't turn up to a TV studio if it's in the middle of nowhere, but they do and it's so nice. When we did The Today Show in New York we didn't know what the reaction would be like. It was our first proper show in America and we were nervous. We knew from Twitter and Facebook that we had a bit of a fanbase there, but an amazing number of fans turned up to welcome us, and to see things on that scale was ridiculous. There were so many people there. A lot of people try to make it in America, and I think we've been incredibly lucky timing-wise, because there hasn't been a boy band out there for a while. I think it's a great time for British music in America at the moment generally, with the likes of Adele and Ed Sheeran; they're doing unbelievably well. And it's down to the fans spreading the word about UK music. WHERE WE ARE 47

1D Wuthald THE FANS HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLE TO US. THEY DON'T VARY MUCH AROUND THE WORLD - THEY'RE UNIVERSALLY AMAZING W We've known some of the fans for three years, and they still come and make the effort to see us. For us, that's been one of the nicest parts of the whole thing, because we know their names and we can ask them about their lives. It's great seeing some of the old faces and also lots of new faces. The fans have been incredible to us. They don't vary much around the world - they're universally amazing. Sometimes there's no time to do much more than have a picture taken with them if things are hectic, but it's nice when there aren't many fans in one place, because then you get a chance to sit down and chat to them. I was talking to some fans the other night who are at uni, and it's crazy to think that if I weren't in the band I would probably be in the same position as them. Or even at uni with them. 48 TAKE OFF

W e love performing and seeing the fans, so touring is probably my favourite thing to do. When it comes to travelling, I think what we all enjoy most is being on the tour bus. You can chill out, have some food and go to sleep when you want to. I try not to do too much. I'll watch a film and chat to the boys, but it's nice to have proper downtime to catch up with friends and family. We do have a really good laugh if we're in a stupid mood. I remember once we decided to jokingly attack Paul, our tour manager. I was naked and I thought it would be a really quick fight, but it took forever, so I was stuck in a naked headlock for about ten minutes… The crew is like one big tour family, and I think if you didn't have that community feel you would go crazy. You're away from your family and friends, so you need that support network of people who are there for you. I can always talk to the boys, but I know I can talk to the crew too. Everyone needs everyone, and we're all on each other's side. Even though you're away from home and you're working long hours when you're touring, you do get a chance to recharge your batteries a bit. You can have a lie-in and you can get into a good routine. You know that you can go to the gym, have some lunch and then head to the venue at a set time. The beds on the tour bus are pretty comfortable, and the American buses are always massive, so you get bigger beds and DVD players in the bunks. I always take a scented candle with me when I travel because it reminds me of home, and I also light them in the dressing room before a gig sometimes. It's nice to have a touch of home. 52 PERFECT LANDING

I think the thing that people like about our shows is that you get something different all the time. We always mess around onstage and there are always little jokes going on, which I think is nice for the crowd. The last night of the tour is the one that I'd want to go and see, because pretty much everything falls apart. The crew come on and throw things at us when we're performing, and you can do everything you've always wanted to do onstage because it's the last one. It's the fun show, and I think if you came and saw it you'd have a laugh. It's always a longer show too, because we're doing so much stupid stuff. I'd love to watch one back. It's probably awful, but great fun! The world tour is huge for us, so we took our time making sure every single detail of it was right. We came up with ideas for the lighting, the screens and all the things that previously we hadn't had time to get so involved in. It's our show at the end of the day, so we want it to reflect who we are. Our ultimate goal was to make a show that we would enjoy watching ourselves. The tour is going to many different countries and we want everyone to come and have an incredible time with us. We feel so proud of it. I'm loving every second of it. If I could go back and start it all again tomorrow, I would. 54 PERFECT LANDING

Where WE'RE GOING W e were both nervous and excited about making the 1D movie. There's so much that we do that people don't see, so it's nice to let fans get an insight into who we really are. We put everything out there - nothing was hidden. We do mess around a lot, so it was great fun making it, and you definitely get to see the ridiculous side of us. Well, the even more ridiculous side. It was a really natural process and nothing was set up a lot of the time we forgot the cameras were there. It wasn't like we decided to go water-skiing or anything just to make the film more interesting. If the cameras missed something, the producers didn't ask us to set it up again so they could film it, because that wouldn't have worked. We were just us. While we've been on the road we've also been working on the third album, and it's been really exciting because we're writing a lot more. We're experimenting more with this album, which has been great. We want to make the third album our best yet. We by no means feel like we're at the top of our game. We always want to push further and be the best we can be. There's still so much more we can do. I'm excited to see what happens. I want to carry on working hard, playing hard and being kind! WHERE WE ARE 59

[petitelepus]

Hi, nice talking to you ♥️ could I ask for a normal matchup, please? I'm fine with any genders! No NSFW tho, please.

I'm an introvert but I'm chaotic, carefree and outspoken. I tend to have an optimistic view on life and I could say I'm very strong willed.

I'm usually pretty chill and can keep my cool, but I'm very rebellious and stubborn, I also turn very bad mouthed if provoked.

I'm very accepting and open minded, but sometimes it makes me look a bit naive. I joke a lot and comfort people by making them laugh.

I love doing physical activities and strive to be strong asf. I also like exploring new places and doing anything fun, I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

I match you with Sanemi Shinazugawa!

The Wind Hashira is glad you're an introvert because that means that you most likely won't get out and try and find Demons to slay.

He thinks that not everyone is made for hunting Demons and you and his younger brother are such people. Just retire and find a guy or gal to settle down with!

Prove him wrong, show him just how strong you really are and how much stronger you want to get!

Not only are you strong, but you don't mind traveling from one place to another in pursuit of evil Demons.

Your chaotic nature makes you unpredictable and your enemies have hard time reading your movements.

Nothing beats the rush you get when battling against a Demon... And Sanemi can understand that rush you have when dodging and attacking and finally killing the enemy Demon.

Sanemi can't understand where your optimists come from... But he is completely hating it. Despite everything awful happening, you try to stay strong and positive. Sure, it annoys him, but it's part of your charm that he kinda likes and admires.

You didn't hear that from me, he will stubbornly deny any attraction until something serious happens and one of you may be at death's door. Let's hope this man of yours comes to his senses soon.

You know Sanemi is harsh, stubborn, and has a temper, but you also kinda understand that he is harsh because he cares... But despite knowing this, you can also be stubborn and bad-mouthed when provoked enough.

"Quit Demon slaying!"

"I quit when you do the same!"

"Never!"

"Then..." You grinned, "Looks like we are stuck together then, huh?"

"Annoying little...!"

He really likes you and wants to keep you safe, but he has an awful way of showing it. So he tends to tag alongside you on missions to make sure you stay alive.

But once the Demons are defeated, he calms down notably and promises to take you to accompany him on his journey to travel all across the lands.

[esterzach]

Who are you, Moiraine Sedai? Part II

Whatever is happening here, it was before S2, and it was written before S2, so it doesn't make much sense. Also... might contain dark subjects. No, it will definitely contain dark subjects. Mentioning of things... that are not quite nice. Violence! Look, some parts are disturbing so, if you are a child or this isn't your thing, stay away. Gory images, scenes of ugly things, psychopaths, and all in all CSI meets The Wheel, and it's not pretty.

NO this is not a crossover, I don't do shit like that. I don't even know how people... Nevermind. AGAIN, STAY AWAY. K? If You are anything like me, keep eating, drinking and if you take a look, you'll be fine. *****

Fear. The cold fingers crept over her skin, slithering inside her slowly, with a force she couldn’t control. She didn’t even know the reason—or the source—for this terror. But it was there. The look in her eyes had changed; her posture and even her movements became stiff, sharp, and jerky, far from the confidence and fluid grace she once possessed. It was as if another person had emerged from within her—a person she neither recognized nor liked, someone who seemed afraid of her own shadow and used the harshest words to highlight every weakness and the worst possible outcome, tormenting her relentlessly.

She became all too familiar with the nightmares. It was just darkness, nothing else. And words whispered here and there. And fear. Not that there was anything to be afraid of in them. But they were horrifying anyway.  Darkness around her and in her, darkness she was falling into, trying to reach toward something and always missing it. This wasn't worth screaming in horror, but the screams came anyway. This wasn't worth crying over, she knew that, but the tears came anyway. And right before them, the attempt to breathe as well as the tired stillness of despair after was maybe worse. 

It was as if someone was beating her over and over again - only now it was her soul who went to bed bathered and woke up stiff and in pain.

The first time Moiraine woke up from the sound of screams, she was confused. A bone-chilling wail reached her ears and she felt pity for the poor soul in terror for mere moments, until she realized that it was she herself who was the source of those sounds. She was the one gasping for air, she was the one who broke into sobs after the reality sunk in. Strong hands held her steady, in a firm embrace, swaying gently back and forth until her breathing calmed and the shaking subsided. Then came a deep, soothing voice, that touched her very soul: a simple repeated "I'm here. You are safe. I'm here."

Lan hadn't abandoned her. Lan was still here, still on his post. Her body, anchored to him—the tangible presence of someone she could trust—most likely saved her. Deep down she knew it. But the torture has just begun. 

The mist in her mind, in front of her vision, in her thoughts led her to bizarre places. Parts of her which she had been holding hidden, small ugly monsters of emotions and thoughts that were held at bay for a long time, were now growing tall and big. The woman was aware of them, and she was fine with them, she never allowed them to speak, because she knew they were parts of her human side, normal, but beaten into submission, in chains, surrendered to her control. Now as if something was feeding them. And these monsters were about to take over. 

She needed a guard, a sword of light against them. 

And he was there. 

Once it was Siuan. She provided comfort and strength. Light, how she missed her. Only days ago in her arms. Glimpses of pure pleasure and sheer happiness, of the inevitable torture and pain that will follow... Siuan was the calm and the safety amidst the storm of whatever entangled emotions were raging in her, Siuan was the taste and colour of life, she had the ability to make her laugh, an almost forgotten sensation in the last years.

Siuan was her freedom. The only person she trusted enough to be herself around, to be truly free, with no games, no masks, no fear. Siuan was also the thrilling arousal of the forbidden, a danger, sweet enough to make things even more intense, and her deepest secret. A secret she doesn't allow anyone to come close to. Anyone, except Lan. Land feels her joy and sorrow, her exhilaration and excitement when she is around, and this odd feeling, she lacks words to describe - the one on the edge between sweetness and torture, that sometimes becomes too much to bear. Lan knows the absent look on her face when she allows some distant bittersweet memory to invade her mind for a moment while on the road in some strange place with people, where she would feel the loneliness taking over. He is familiar with the ache in the pit of her belly when the doubt settles in her mind that she might never see Siuan again. 

Lan knows. Lan understands. Lan likes Siuan more than the vague idea of mighty The Amyrlin throne. He likes her because she is brave and tough, because of her twisted sense of humour and because she makes Moiraine bubbles with joy. When Siuan is around Lan is calm and gets to feel the sweet sensation of someone being loved. 

The last memories of Siuan resurfaced, to bring sadness and longing. She is there adoring her, holding her, and trying to fight the tears. Her look changes into questioning. What would she think of Moiraine now? How would she see her, an Aes Sedai without power, a channeler who can not channel - hollow titles, emptied of meaning. Who is this woman, a stranger to herself, would she even recognize her… Shame and regret filled her, old demons born out of insecurities started a forgotten fight within her. The familiar image of the woman's face appeared in her mind eye, bright smile and beautiful eyes, who watched her with pure love.

 For a brief moment. And was gone again. Like a dream. 

Her face was wet again. Somehow everything in her mind came to this cycle of torture, screaming, and tears. At one of those waking moments, she remembered a conversation with an unpleasant individual from years ago, which turned into something else...

The man had blood on his fingers still when he sat against her in the dirty inn.  He reeked of the smell of death and human filth.  Moiraine remembered the sheer panic of Lan - through the Bond he had somehow sensed how disgusted and terrified she was by this person. And he knew why. He resisted the instinct to grab her and run away from this place. But it was only because her face didn't give away anything and somehow she managed to calm herself enough to send the message through the Bond. He was leaning on a wall a few feet away from her, ready to leap, his eyes narrowed, scanning the area around. There was something about that place, which made both of them uneasy.

Men sitting around, drinking, people from different places if she was able to tell from the way they were dressed. Some of them were even wealthy, she caught glimpses of an expensive weapon, a dagger with a golden handle attached to someone's hip, a ring, or a part of leather and animal fur on clothes, things people cannot afford to demonstrate, let alone travel that far away from for a town if not absolutely secure about their ability to protect themselves or be protected. It was odd that there were so many people, and from so different places, as the building was standing alone in the middle of a forest too far from any main road.

There were almost no women, with a couple exceptions. Near the innkeeper, a step behind stood a girl. No more than fifteen, with black eyes, messy short hair, and tattoos on her indicating she wasn’t from here. No one else looked remotely like her. Moiraine heart clenched. She had recognized her tattoos. She knew exactly where this girl came from and she knew she didn’t belong here. They were too far away from her homeplace. But there was something about her that would make anyone look twice - the girl's eyes. As pretty as they were, they looked like they stared into an abyss, lifeless and unfocused. Moiraine thought for a moment that she saw fear in them, but her second glance showed her that whatever was once there, had vanished. The other woman was serving drinks, with a smile, that was plastered on her face, a mask, that held no warmth or sincerity. Cold blue eyes on a face once may even be considered beautiful, now in her fifty or more, she walked way too comfortably in this place. 

The young Aes Sedai needed to speak to this person, to know something. She paid him for the information with the sole intention of leaving as quickly as possible, cursing herself for trusting whoever sent her this way. 

And it would have been the end of it, common sense would prevail, and they would have left if his nature hadn't overcome him. 

He reached out and grabbed her hand. And all hell broke loose. 

The man never noticed Lan sitting in the shadows of the inn, he didn't know that the woman in front of him was Aes Sedai or was stupid enough not to care. 

 For days, even weeks after that the woman would stop and use every river, lake, or even a puddle on their way to wash her hands, trying to remove some invisible dirt on them, scrubbing them until they bled. She almost felt it on her, some irrational instinct driving her to try to get rid of it.      

Lan was worried. For the first time in years, he had that helpless sense that this was something beyond his knowledge. And he was right. It took her months to come to herself again and not to flinch every time Lan was reaching out to her or touching her. 

She remembered what was left of the building. Ruins, burning, and pure devastation. Thanks to her. Lan couldn't stop her. And he didn't really try. After all, he saw the deeds of the man, he saw his "art" in the basement below. He saw the bodies. Young men and women were slaughtered and chopped in pieces, tortured before their deaths. 

This was what the Aes Sedai had sensed. This was the filth she was trying so desperately to forget. It wasn't some unknown evil, it wasn't creatures created by a force of darkness. This was also a part of human nature - twisted, grotesque, and ugly, but human. The dark side of people, Moiraine always knew existed. Seeing it though... was something else entirely. She knew people could go insane during a war, or a desperate situation and commit horrible crimes. But there was no war, nor desperation. It was something planned, thought of, intentional, and cold. Somehow it has stuck with her, as well as the guilt.

 Not because of what happened. But for the poor people who lay dead in that basement. 

She didn't remember how it happened exactly. She only remembered the fear, the rage, and people rising fast from their chairs, the sound of drawing weapons, Lan taking out his sword, and the horrifying smile of the man in front of her. Someone grabbed her and she instinctively reached for Saidar. Later on, there were bodies, blood everywhere on her clothes, on her face, and the smell of burned-out flesh. Smoke... And that odd feeling as if she was missing something. 

There was a door that led them down to a big room under the building. 

In a few minutes she was throwing up violently through tears. On her knees in front of the inn, she was trying to breathe fresh air and to forget the smell. Lan was holding her. 

She stood up after a minute or two, took a few steps, and stopped. Sobs shook her body just for a moment, tears blurred her vision and rolled down. She stood there. Silent. Tears had stopped fast, she wasn't sobbing anymore, and she could hear the birds from the nearby forest, the noise of the wind, and the leaves of the trees. Nature didn’t care and after every storm, it continued its normal life, guilt-free. She didn't understand how a person could do that. There was a child down there. His big questioning eyes were open, his naked little body spread on a table. She would never forget those eyes. 

“We should go.”

Her voice was calm, as if nothing happened. 

“Moiraine…” - he looked at the direction of the building as if asking her what to do. 

“I will take care of it.”

She stood up on her feet. Silently her hands went up and started to move. Slowly, deliberately. It took a while, much more than usual, but this would take time. Wave after wave were combining with each other spreading, reshaping, and combining again. A fire broke somewhere inside the building, then another, and another. It licked the outside walls and created black smoke from inside. It was getting bigger with every passing second. The noise was deafening as if a storm was swirling and swallowing everything. The flames rose high as the age-old pine trees nearby. But she was still channeling. The structure made a sound like a monster dying groaning defeated. She needed to know that nothing would remain from the place. A small figure emerged from the inside - the strange girl, with the dead eyes. The girl had disappeared when the whole thing started, she was nowhere to be seen. They assumed she escaped. Moiraine gasped. She let go of Saidar and froze in her shock. She saw the girl, who stopped, just mounted her a silent “Thank you”, then turned around slowly and got back inside the burning building.  

“No!”

She screamed and tried to go towards the inn, but couldn’t make a step. A hand, an iron grip over her elbow had caught her and didn’t allow her to move. She tried to pull, but her strength was no match for the man. She turned toward him, furious, screaming in his face. He didn’t move. His face showed no emotion, he just watched her, with no intent to let her go. Behind her something roared, loud crack woke up the whole forest. Moiraine turned around just in time to see the whole structure collapsing into a burning, smoking pile. She could just watch. They were close enough to feel the heat and the horrible smell of smoke. It was over. She swayed a bit, but he was still holding her and didn't allow her to stumble or fall. When she turned to look at Lan, her face had streaks of tears, mixing with droplets of blood from someone who had the bad idea to get too close to her. Her shoulders dropped as if her whole body suddenly lost whatever strength it had left. He finally let go of her arm. She took a step to him. Slowly her head fell on his shoulder. His hand cradled her. They just stood there, listening. The birds started to sing again.

This event took a toll on her. But she felt safe. She had him. His confidence, his strength, his calm and occasional care. A soft side of a man who almost never smiled, who rarely spoke. After this, it was the first time that she and Lan shared a bed. He held her through the night. The bond had its benefits. His worry and his love for her felt like a warm blanket, wrapped around her on a chilly night. But his physical presence was even better. 

That night she woke up from her dreams in the darkness, and she immediately felt his arms around her. She knew he was awake. He had felt her fear, and although he had seen and felt the same, his calmness overtook her. 

It was that knowledge, that he was always there and she had someone to lean on when she was about to fall, that had saved her. Now the weirdest of memories, long buried under the immediate necessity of her mission, were resurfacing, reappearing, as if to relive them in their pure horror. Her mind was a mess for days, priorities pushed aside, logic crumbling, grasping for straws or drowning. And there was no one in the back of her mind to bring her calm. But the screaming had stopped. Eventually, she somehow knew, the tears would stop too.

[mentally-ill-simp]

Could you write a little oneshot of ellie and Dina out on patrol and they’re just talking and laughing and then find some reason to ruin it all with Ellie crying? Thanks!

Right up my alley. Of course I can do that for you my faithful follower

The cold air and the bright colors of autumn in Jackson was a hopeful time for all. The smell of bake goods filled the air and the sound of children's laughter, it made the shitty times feel less shitty for everyone except Ellie. The adolescent had a love/hate relationship with the season but over the years it became more and more of a hate relationship "hey kiddo you got everything packed for today?" a deep southern voice asked pulling her out of the dark void she called her mind "hm? oh yeah i think I've got everything" she answered double checking her bag "shit" she whispered to herself "next time i tell you I'll do your laundry you better empty out those pockets of yours" Joel said handing the young girl her pocket knife, she nodded and took the knife from him "thanks Joel, I'll be back later tonight i promise" she gave him and a small smile. Joel wasn't stupid, he was a father and was a professional bullshit detector, he could tell when something was up and had been seeing it in the 15 year old for a while now "you better be, Tommy and Maria wanna come over for dinner and I'd need your help peeling potatoes" he chuckled "god I might just stay out there, i bet the infected smell better than your cooking" she laughed and he rolled his eyes "be safe and be warm but most importantly come back in one piece" she nodded and was on her way. Ellie walked through the small town, she felt weird having been in the town for a year now and still feeling like an outsider, she pulled her coat closer to her body feeling the chill of the cold fall air while walking to the stables, she looked up from the ground to see Dina and Jesse standing next to each other laughing and smiling. In the whole year she had been there those two were the ones to take her under their wing, they were her best friends and she liked having friends but also wanted to still stay alert. She approached the stables where they were located and gave them a small wave "my god 3pm and you're actually awake and about" Jesse laughed giving his friend a small push "yeah yeah, had stuff to do today" she smirked pushing him back "well looks like I'm stuff" Dina piped up and laughed putting her gloves on, Ellie blushed slightly then went to go get her horse before feeling a hand on her shoulder "make sure she doesn't do anything stupid out there, and you also make sure you don't do anything stupid ok?" Jesse gave a warm smile and Ellie nodded before mounting her horse and following Dina to the patrol route. By the time they got to the lookout they had both been exhausted from taking out the stragglers around on the route they both decided to sit for a while "is it weird for me to ask how you're liking Jackson or is that just awkward small talk" Dina asked taking a seat on the chair across from Ellie, the girl shrugged "it's a pretty normal question, i like it I'm just not use to.. fitting in or settling to one place" Ellie answered "that's fair, i felt the same when i moved here, it's just the way things are now i guess" Dina said taking her gloves off and getting comfortable. The two girls talked for quite some time watching the sun set "we should get going the sun is getting low" Ellie said "yeah i know but it's so nice out here" Dina said walking up to the window watching the sunset, Ellie walked up next to her and looked to where she was looking, it was the first time in a very long time Ellie had felt peace, she didn't even feel the tear run down her face, everything that had happened all the way from Boston to now hit her as she let her guard down and more tears streamed down her face leaving streaks "are you ok Ellie? you're crying" Dina went to hug her friend but Ellie pulled back and wiped her tears " i'm fine we should get going" she said sternly and started to walk out as Dina followed

[zealoptics]

Chasing Winter Adventures in the Great White North: A Vanlife Tale Beyond the Clichés

By Alex Arseneault

When we hear about Vanlife most people see the classic cliché of someone laying on his bed rear doors open with a view on the ocean, right? For me, it’s anything but that.

My name is Alex Arseneault, I live in Quebec City (Qc), Canada and I consider myself as a ‘’weekender adventurer’’. Experienced Kitesurfer / mountain biker / Snowboarder, I try to make the most of what my region has to offer while still have a normal job. The best tool I have found to make all those outdoors sports so much easy to handle is a Van. I often say to people that our van is our ‘’Mobile Chalet’’ ; it allow us to chase the best (Or worst) conditions, bring all the gear, be home everywhere and be selective on the destination.

This winter I wanted to go explore further and experience what the alpine backcountry skiing has to offer in our region and because life is better when you are in good company, I wanted to do this trip with my girlfriend & our dog. Meet Cynthia & Gustav! The spot on the radar: The Chic-chocs mountains in Gaspesie. We prepared ourselves with an AST1 Course early in the season and analysis of the approach & terrain of each mountain in the Gaspesie National Park. Thank to the APP Ski Haute-Gaspésie that give so much information’s and you can also use it in GPS mode to find the official skintrails & descent hallway.

There we go. It’s early February, it recently dumped 25 to 40 cm in the mountains, the conditions are at their best. We checked the Avalanches & Weather Forecast, loaded the Van of food, water, gear and hit the road for a 6-hour road trip. The route become quite scenic when we left the Trans-Canadian highway and reach the route 132 along the Saint-Lawrence River. This road is famous during the summer but let’s say it can be quite hazardous during winter. We get excited when we reach the small village of Saint-Anne-des-Monts, which is the entrance of the Gaspesie National Park. The view is insane while we drive on the sinuous road between the mountains. At this point, we have no more signal. No cellphones, no internet, nada. Just us, our small house on wheels and the white mountains.

We spent two days at a mountain called Mount Lyall. Well parked at the entrance of the skin track, we made our basecamp in the parking thanks to SEPAQ that allows autonomous Camper to stay in the parking for 25$/day. A dry toilet Cabin is at our disposal if required. We had amazing conditions, beautiful weather and even manage to bring Gustav with us for a descent in the treeline. What a nice experience, we felt so grateful to be out there together and enjoy winter at his best. Let’s be honest, winter in the east can somehow be challenging. Trip like this, certainly reconciles us with those ‘’Quebec winters’’. Oh... and speaking of ''challenging'' did I mention that it announces extreme cold during our journey? Well, Environment Canada has issued extreme cold warnings that covers most of the province with wind chills expected to be between -38 and -42 degrees Celcius. Not worried, we build our van for it, but we knew we were not going to go snowboarding in the backcountry in that temperature, let’s say that it would not be safe or even fun.

So, before this major polar vortex hit us, we spend another day in a mountain called Hog’s back. Same basecamp setup, different terrain. We did two laps on this mountain, but the conditions were a bit more challenging when we reach the Alpine terrain. A crust of ice covered the entire alpine territory which made the terrain unstable and difficult to cross. We then decided to stay in the treeline limit and managed to find some powder again. The highlight of the day was the encounter with a Caribou, a first for us! We were extremely lucky since this species is endangered. What a beautiful creature!

The next stop of our trip is a small village called Murdochville. This old mining town reborn from its ashes and has become the hub for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling in East Canada. We wanted to see this place, somehow sticked in the 80’s by its architecture and see what it has to offer. We parked the Van at the Chic-Chac resort wich has a ‘’Vanlife’’ space and offers access to showers and more... After a well-deserved shower, we spoiled ourselves with dinner at the Chic-Chac headquarter. This place is famous for parties and hosting events!

The next day we walked the town and finally went for a lap on Mont Porphyre. Being located just outside the northern limit of Murdochville, this mountain allows residents and town visitors to ski directly from town. As the day progresses, temperature drop every hour and strong Northwest wind is picking up. We checked the forecast and there were no chances of doing any outdoors activities for the next two days in this ridiculously cold weather. We ended up driving in a polar vortex blizzard for 6 hours at 25 mph but managed to reach my friend’s house and spend the coldest night still comfortably installed in our van. Let’s just say that the webasto heater has run like never before.

We spend the cold weather playing card games and drink hot chocolate next to the fireplace at my friend’s house.

I conclude on this quote: ‘’Winter forms our character and brings out our best.’’ Better enjoy it? #Exploremore

[wannabestardust]

Hi, back to vent random things

Not ed related

So, first of all don’t get me wrong. I love my mom, she amazing and supportive in anyway, her bf is nice and all, definitely could’ve been worse. Still, a few things make me so mad, sad and frustrated.

I always wanted to stay with my mom until I study at uni. I love living with my mom, it’s so peaceful, when it’s just the two of us. There are barely any misunderstandings between us, only the usual kid-mom stuff, I guess. But her bf and I? Totally horror, we misunderstand us constantly. There’re just rare moments we actually understand each others. And both of us have very different routines and habits we stick to. Those habits are just something we can change so easily and I totally understand that he can’t change so fast and easily but he gotta understand that I can’t do that as well, which I have the feeling he doesn’t understand. (You could say they’re a bit compulsive, not self diagnosing any of us with OCD!). I have the feeling he forces his routines on me and I’m sure he thinks the same of me, that I force my routines on him. Which leads me to feeling extremely uncomfortable and unwanted in the household I grew up in, the place that should be my safe space, the place I should be able to go and recover. And I’m also sure again he feels unwanted in the house as well bc he has the feeling I force my routines on him.

Why is that so?

My guess is it because he just moved in after being together with my mom for a year or two. There was no proper time we could adjust our routines to eachother. In such time both parts need a place they can return to and be able to reflect and recover but that’s something we just never had, because he basically immediately moved in. So, situation there, none of us was used to each other so we, our routines, kept on crushing together and causing all those misunderstandings. And things keep on spiraling and things are just bad between us now and I just wanna move out (to come back to the beginning of this). But then again, I don’t want to move out. This is my place. I’m a very sentimental person and I made every single memory I have in this house. I just wanna feel safe and wanted there again.

I even gave my mom an ultimatum the other day. “Either he moves out or I do, and I guess I’ll do that or?” (It was in a chilled atmosphere, not in a fight or so. This wasn’t a heated comment, it was a well thought-through comment). Guess what we did then? She ensured me to support me when I move out after my graduation and we kind of planned my move out.

And all just bc her bf thinks I hate him, but I don’t. I just dislike that he’s so unreflective as a man in his end 50s (who also keeps on claiming he experienced so much more and therefore knows more because he’s older)

Here is what I think in this situation:

He moved into a household he wasn’t a part of for a long time, he should be the one adjusting to it. Not the kid that grew up. Of course, he shouldn’t be the only one adjusting, me too. But in my eyes he should do it more than me and I already adjusted to quite a lot of things he does.

Also here a short list of everything I can think of that went wrong the past couple years (maybe even in chronological order, unsure):

- first meet of them: My mom said he’ll stay at a hotel. He stayed at our place with the excuse (coming from them both) the hotels are full. Yet, when my sis and I googled they weren’t full.

- moved in way too fast and without my consent, in some way. They asked me if it’s okay and I said “yes, but not right now”. Then he moved in because it was just the perfect opportunity (in my eyes he couldn’t just lived in an apartment nearby for a few months)

- being completely stubborn abt his political beliefs and won’t accept another opinion in anyway (kill me pls)

- doesn’t reflect his behavior at all

- tings in between the little and normal misunderstandings between me and my mom, thinking I would abuse my mom mentally

- tells me my opinion is worth less bc I’m not a man and not as old as him

(Could write more but gotta head to school 💔 might continue later)

Am I the wrong one here? Tell me ur honest opinion pls

[purephysioin]

What You Can Expect from Your Best Chiropractor in Delhi?

So, you’re thinking about seeing a chiropractor in Delhi—awesome move! Maybe your back’s been grumbling, your neck’s cranky from too much phone time, or you just want to feel a bit more alive. The best chiropractor in Delhi can totally help with that. But what’s it like when you step into their world—or they show up at your place? No worries—I’ll walk you through it in a chill, easy way, so you know what’s up.

A Friendly Hello and Someone Who Actually Listens

Right off the bat, the best chiropractors don’t just shove you onto a table and start twisting. They’re all ears because they get that your pain’s unique. Whether it’s a stubborn lower back ache or a shoulder that won’t quit, they’ll want the whole scoop to figure out how to fix it.

A Simple Rundown of What’s Going On

After you’ve told them what’s up, a great chiropractor will break it down for you—no confusing medical mumbo-jumbo. Maybe your spine’s mad from slumping over your laptop, or that old fall from years ago is finally yelling at you. They might grab a little spine model and point out what’s off. The best chiropractor in Delhi won’t leave you scratching your head—they’ll make it click before they lift a finger.

Hands-On Help That Feels Good for You

Now comes the fun part. They’ll get to work with their hands, maybe doing adjustments where they nudge your spine back where it belongs. If you hear a “crack,” don’t freak—it’s just air shifting around, totally normal. Not into the popping? They might go gentle with soft moves or some cool tools instead. The best ones check in, like, “You okay with this?” to keep you comfy. They’re pros at making it work for you.

Little Tips to Stay Feeling Great

The best chiropractor in Delhi won’t just patch you up and wave goodbye—they’ll toss you some easy tricks to keep the pain away. Maybe it’s a quick stretch for your mornings, a nudge to sit up straighter, or a heads-up to tweak how you sleep. They might say, “Hey, walk around a bit if you’re glued to your chair all day.” It’s not just a fix-it-and-forget-it thing; they want you good to go for the long run.

A Nice Spot (or a Visit to Your Couch)

If you’re hitting their clinic, expect a place that’s clean and cozy—not some sketchy hole-in-the-wall. The staff’s probably super nice, and it might even smell fresh. Some chiropractors in 2025 even do chiropractor at home gigs in Delhi, rolling up to your place with their know-how. Either way, they’ve got the right gear—like a solid table or neat tools—to sort you out.

Check-Ins and Real Change

Don’t be shocked if they say, “Let’s do this a few more times.” Most folks need more than one go. The best ones keep tabs on how you’re feeling and switch things up if they need to. After a couple visits, you might notice the pain fading, moving easier, or just feeling lighter. They’re not happy till you’re grinning, and they’ll stick with you till it works.

A Vibe You Can Trust

Most of all, you’ll feel like you’re in safe hands. The best chiropractor in Delhi won’t push weird stuff on you or talk over your head. They’ll be straight about what they can do and how long it’ll take. You’ll walk out thinking, “This person’s got my back—literally,” and that’s what makes them special.

Wrapping It Up

Hanging out with the best chiropractor in Delhi in 2025 is more than just fixing your aches—it’s about feeling heard, taken care of, and way better than when you started. From the first chat to the last tip, they’ve got your back with skill and a smile. Ready to kick that pain to the curb? Go see them and feel the difference!

[blog-reflection]

ONE / Twenty Seven - P.Nguyen

The bathroom was covered in steam.

I helped Jesse get out of the bathtub before I rubbed them dry and converted them from head to toe in towels. Jesse wasn’t really a Fan of that but I couldn’t care less. Both of us went downstairs to get some food. I found some salmon and avocado so I decided to prepare some sushi bowls for us. Still, I was really worried about Jesse. I haven’t seen them in a condition like that in ages. They are all, distante. It’s almost like they have been drinking a lot recently. After I prepared dinner both of us sat down on the sofa, watching some shows. As I was about to get us some snacks I noticed that Jesse was already sleeping. I know what I was about to do was wrong but I couldn’t resist. Something was wrong, they were not just sick. There was more to the feeling of Jesse so I decided to look around their room. But sadly, there wasn’t any hint of what could have happened to them the last few days. I do have to admit that I wasn’t digging. I did not want them to know that I’ve been sneaking around. I went down with no hints whatsoever. They haven’t been drinkin, I’d smell that, so it must be something else. I went back down where Jesse was still sleeping in the living room. I laid myself next to them and waited till I would fall asleep. 

The next morning was rather chill. Jesse seemed normal, no fever or anything like that. Even more promise that they aren't ill. I made us some pancakes for breakfast and coffee while Jesse freshed themself up in the bathroom. They came back with a white towel around their neck and another one wrapped around their hips. We both sat at the dinner table and ate in silence until I broke it.

James: Sooo, you’re doing better now? Jesse: For now yeah, sorry about yesterday. James: What was the issue? I thought you were sick, possibly drunk but nothing? Jesse please tell me what’s up with you. It’s more than just school stress isn’t it? Jesse: You might be right with that. James: You know you can tell me right? Jesse: It’s complicated. I don’t understand it myself. James: I mean you can try? Maybe I can help you figure stuff out? Jesse: Well, I picked up a friend of mine from the Beast and Prey. She had a date which, sadly, wasn’t really nice. Turns out the girl she met was straight. James: Damn that sucks, hard. Jesse: I know, but I think I made it even worse. James: What could you’ve possibly done to make that worse? Jesse: Well, when we were on the late night bus to Egham, we were talking, alot. My friend, her name’s Petal, she slept on the bus after ten minutes. But her date, Rita, was up the entire time. Rita and I have been talking, talking a lot. She’s in some courses I planned on joining so we talked about that. And even apart from that, we had a lot of stuff incommand. After we got Petal back home, Rita asked me if I wanted to stay over at her place. James: Please don’t say you’ve hooked up with the date of your friends, that would be ass Jesse: No, we didn’t. We just talked, alot. The more we talked the closer we got. But it got to a point where both of us were quite flirty. Rita has been single for a while now, and so am I. I mean we haven’t agreed on anything but it kind of seems like we are dating now. James: And what did your friend, Petal, say? Jesse: It’s safe to assume that she wasn’t a fan of it when she found out that I overslept at her date’s place. I mean, I get it, but still. She ragged at me and went full on furries, once again, I got it. But I didn’t know how to cope. I like Rita, I really do, and I don’t want to stop seeing her just because of her. But wouldn’t it be a massive ass move to pull something like that? I just, I don’t know. My head’s been spinning so hard so I took some of that med yesterday. Turns out that doctors are right when they only give you something when you need it. I’m really sorry for yesterday. James: Don’t be. On a strange and weird side, I can understand. Jesse: So you’re not mad at me? James: Nah, you did what you had to do. Did it help though? Jesse: I have no idea. I still don’t know how to talk to Petal or how to approach a conversation. She’s hurt, badly, and it’s all me to blame. James: Don’t be so hard on yourself. If she really is a friend of yours, she’ll get over it. Jesse: I hope you’re right. James: So…how come I never met Petal before? She seems like a lovely person. Jesse: Oh she is. She joined Royal Holloway last summer, ever since we spent a lot of time together studying and so on. And hey, I didn’t know about Lucia either, so it’s fair that you know nothing about Petal. James: Wait, you said she’s new this year? Jesse: *mumbles* Yeah?

Jesse shoved a big piece of pancake into their mouth

James: That’s strange. You know what school she’s from? Jesse: No, she’s not really happy talking about old times. Why are you asking all that? James: Because I have had no registration for a Petal this entire year. Jesse: You sure you haven’t just forgotten about it? James: Petal is a name I’ve never seen or heard before. Besides it is a lovely name I’d make sure I’d remember. Jesse: Now that you’re saying it. There was some struggle with her access cards. James: Oh really? Jesse: Yeah, apparently the entire school system only recons her with her old dead name and wrong gender. James: Wait seriously? Jesse: Yeah, I know fucked up right? Who ever has set up her profiles must be a jerk James: Jesse? Hello? I’m responsible for everything in the registration. It’s my fault that her entire school identity is wrong. Jesse: But how does that happen? James: I feed the system with the data I get from the previous school. This means no one in the old school cared to change the name or gender. Therefore I got the wrong data. If I would’ve known I would’ve changed it already. I know you’re not supposed to ask a question like that but do you know the dead name of Petal? Jesse: Sorry, I don’t. The only thing I know is that the initials are the same. So it must be someone with the name P. Nguyen. James: Well, that should be doable. Pls don’t tell her anything but give me till early next week and her profile is up to date. Jesse: That sounds amazing! Maybe that way she’s less pissed about the fact that I’m dating Rita. James: I wouldn’t go that far but sure you never know. Just, don’t take meds you shouldn’t take Jesse: Yeah mum, I go that now.

Jesse and I laughed before doing the dishes and just watching some shows. I haven’t told them about Ethan yet, since they are too much into the current Petal vs Rita drama. I still feel like shit because I ruined Petals school profile. That must mean that all the teachers have been either deadnaming her or she went to everyone before a lecture to confirm they wrote it down on a stick note. Jesse had shown me pictures of Petal. She's a really beautiful woman. Taller then I am, mid long hair with purple coloured tips and a tattoo on her shoulder that I couldn’t identify. She looked really young. Oh and maybe to add, you can see that she is a massive fan of Kpop. Her entire outfit screams tokyo streetwear and the makeup and all is really adding a lot to that. 

Jesse also showed me the Insta of Rita. I think the best way to describe Rita would be to point at Alex from the game Life is Strange. They could be siblings. Just like Petal, Rita is also really pretty. She’s like the complete opposite of Petal. Judging on the pics and the things Jesse told me about them, I can see why they get along so well with each other. 

Jesse: Hey, if you want I could get Petal and you to meet? There is a new Icerink that will open near the Beast and Prey so I thought maybe we could go there? James: Ice skating? It’s been ages since I’ve done that Jesse: If I remember right, you are a pro. James: Well, I don’t know if I am still a pro but, I would join! Jesse: Perfect, that sounds like a promising meeting. That way you can tell Petal the news about the registration. James: Yeah, while telling her that I’m the one who fucked up. Jesse: Well… you don’t have to tell her that. You can just say that it’s been reported to you by teachers.

Both of us laughed again while we were still talking about the Icerink. We haven’t set up a date yet, but I’m sure it’ll be a fun time.Till then, I got to fix her registration.

[thenexusofsouls]

Xenos knew exactly what Wanda meant, and he nodded in agreement of her sentiment. She had a familiarity to her that he couldn't quite place, and the comfortable feeling he had in her presence was something akin to nostalgia or remembrance, though he was sure he'd never met her before today. Perhaps it was simply that they were connecting in that instant and rare way people did when they happened to be extremely compatible with each other? Whatever the reason, Xenos was very glad that he'd met Wanda by chance this day.

"I think... yes... maybe I could," he said. "Made... of energy. Used to... feeling it... in ways... different... from humans. Maybe... can also... feel your power... and... help you... understand." It was reasonable to think that he could, since he was able to sense and even interact with energies lingering in the air or in people and objects by virtue of the fact that he was attuned to all energies, not only those housed within tangible bodies or objects. "I... want to help. As... you helped... me," he admitted.

Xenos wasn't as sure as Wanda that her friends had let the issue of what he'd done in the city go so easily. He was fairly certain that they were merely discussing what to do next about him, maybe even pretending to be nice until they could gain the upper hand. That would make more sense to him than them letting go of the issue, for Xenos had led a harsh life up until now and was extremely distrustful of humans. Especially of sorcerers. For now, though, he remained silent no the matter so as not to upset Wanda and... maybe, just maybe, she would turn out to be right.

"Mm..." he said, nodding and smiling at her from underneath his hood. "I am... now... because... you cared," he said. If not for her help, understanding, and patience, he still would have been there in the city, inside his dome, trying hard to ignore the insistent Avengers outside trying to get in. He was so much better and happier, because of Wanda. She had changed so much for him in such a very short amount of time. He was both grateful and in awe of her for that.

Oh, how right she was in her assessment that it had been such a strange and chilling experience to be drawn inside a tangible body when he'd been so used to being formless. It brought with it so many sensory and identity issues, some of which he was still living with the trauma of, even centuries after his capture. But Wanda was so understanding and empathetic, and that helped so much for him to feel normal around her. He didn't have to hide his awkwardness because she was so forgiving of it.

Her reaction to him properly showing her his face was... extraordinary. Xenos couldn't help the way he smiled so shyly as she called him beautiful, for no one had ever said such a thing to him before. What's more... is that the way she was looking at him right now made him feel beautiful, instead of nervous or exposed like so many other humans did. "So... are you..." he said in return. "Beautiful..." It was no surprise that she was unafraid of the color and look of his eyes, not when she'd been so tolerant of everything else. But the way her own eyes flashed red had his going wide with wonder. "Yours!" he exclaimed, pointing at them. "Red!" Oh, he'd found such a rare person in Wanda, hadn't he? "Beautiful," he repeated.

When she caught his hand and told him that he didn't need to hide with her if he didn't want to, Xenos found... that he didn't want to. She'd earned his trust, and at least here, where it was only the two of them, he felt that he could be a little more open. So instead of drawing his hood back down over his face, he let it stay where it was, half draped over his hair, choosing instead to hold the hand she'd lifted to his own. He gently rubbed her fingers with his own as they held hands, learning not to be afraid of the sensation of touch under the safe circumstances Wanda had provided him.

"Do you think... there are others... like us?" he asked her then, thinking about how much they had connected and so quickly. "Ones... who are special...? Unique? Who... understand?" Or had he simply been lucky to find the one person in all the land who was on his same wavelength? "I feel... lucky... to... find you."

what are you afraid of? (Xenos)

Xenos should never have come this close to this developed of a human city. Even wandering the suburbs of New York City had been a trial for him, with car horns blaring, people yelling, and a sense of too many things moving around him all at once. But once he'd reached deep into the city, he knew he'd made a mistake. There was a stark lack of awareness from the people walking around him. Some bumped into him without warning while others simply seemed to have no spatial awareness whatsoever. There were even more car horns, and more yelling, and Xenos felt his chest tightening from the stress of it all.

Soon, he couldn't breathe, and try as he might to get out of there, it seemed the more he walked, the deeper into the city he embedded himself. "Back!" Xenos shouted to someone who had bumped into him hard, pushing him away with one of his hands.

"Hey man, screw you!" the human said to him as he kept on walking.

He hadn't realized that he'd wandered into a roadway until he was almost hit by a car. It screeched to a halt and Xenos lifted his hands to cover his ears as the sound of the car's horn blared so loudly he thought he would die. "Get away!" he yelled, and it happened. His magic lashed out, creating a dome of isolation around him, encompassing the entire block. Everything went silent, for he'd removed all the humans from within the dome, leaving them outside its invisible border. Inside, he left the animals and insects for they did not bother him, but the cars, trucks and buses were now uninhabited, turned off, still.

The silence was wonderful, and he felt the tension begin to release him. The dome's barrier kept out the sounds of the surrounding city, as well as those of the angry and confused humans who had been moved from their vehicles, or who could no longer pass down the street because of the invisible barrier. While Xenos paced back and forth in the middle of the street, slowly calming himself, people outside the dome where already calling emergency services and police, angry and scared by what had occurred.

The Avengers were called in.

Xenos moved inside a building, where it was dim and peaceful, taking deep breaths as he slowly wandered around. This was better. Much better. He didn't care or even realize the disruption he'd just caused within a major human city.

Outside, people were telling tales of a strange man who had somehow made invisible walls in the city, not fully understanding what all had happened. When the Avengers arrived, they were met with a large block of New York City that looked... empty, uninhabited. Cars left abandoned, doors to buildings left open. It looked like something out of a zombie apocalypse... but where were the zombies?

Steve couldn't punch through the wall. Tony's repulsors couldn't penetrate it either. They couldn't even see what it was they were trying to knock down. But not all members of the team were as hindered by the magical barrier as the rest...

Xenos knew the moment someone had entered the dome, and he twitched with the sensation of his magic being disturbed. Perplexed, for this had never happened before, he walked to the door of the building and peered out. A human was there... but how? No human should be able to defy his magic. None ever had before. He watched her from afar for a bit, until it seemed that she was, either intentionally or inadvertently, headed right for him. Did she know he was there? No, no, she could not. Humans lacked such senses, he knew, especially in this time. The sorcerers of old were all but gone from the world now, or... or at least Xenos hadn't encountered any for a very long time.

Slowly, he stepped out of the building and onto the sidewalk, his body tilting awkwardly to the right as his head did the same, as though he was trying to size her up and see her better. When she spoke to him, he recoiled suddenly from the sound of her voice. He didn't take steps back from her, but rather only leaned back, his head snapping backward a bit as a dog or cat might do if they were startled while curiously trying to get the scent of something. He thought about her words for some time before responding.

"Not afraid," he said, but his voice was barely there. He couldn't remember the last time he'd spoken to anyone to any real capacity, and his voice suffered from a lack of use. He didn't think it was loud enough for communication purposes, so he tried again. "Not... afraid." Xenos put up his hand almost as if he was making a wait a minute motion with it, but moved it up and down, as though pressing some imaginary buzzer in the air, his fingers outstretched. He was merely thinking of the right word, his head turning this way and that like the word might suddenly be floating in the air somewhere he could see. "Overwhelmed," he finally decided upon. "The city is... too much." His hands found his head and he swayed a bit, as thought he was in pain. "So I have expelled it... from this space." He then made a pushing away motion with both his hands, moving them out from his body.

But then Xenos' head tilted again, his face obscured by the draping hood of his long coat. "How...?" he asked, pointing back in the direction she came. "How... did you enter?"

[noforkingclue]

Yay! If you'd like I think Kelpie!Thomas Shelby could be fab. I used to have a fairytale book where a kelpie in the form of a grey horse went on land to gain a bride since he was lonely. After he tricked a girl to jump on his back he dragged her underwater into his palace where he transformed into a handsome young man. I think a no nonsense reader that would go "Nah, fam. Normal horses dont have eyes like that. I don't mess with the fair folk." could be fun. Hence some serious trickery from him to get her to ride him. Tommy sure is strange and handsome enough to be fae. Also the general water and equestrian associations suit him I think.

Last fic of 2022!!!

Fucking hell, where has this year gone???

I hope you guys like the fic :D

Title: Mysterious Horses

Peaky Blinders tag list: @stylesofloki, @ohshititsfenharel, @lenaskyler02, @elenavampire21

Thomas Shelby tag list: @alreadybroken-ts, @darlingdevil, @lyrxbz, @watercolorskyy, @notyour-valentine

Everything tag list: @greenrevolutionary, @byebyebreezywrites, @spngingerbread21, @layazul, @lov3vivian, @simonsbluee

Ever since you were a child you had always been warned to stay away from the canals. To avoid going near them, especially after dark. If you have to walk by them always make sure to go with someone. Most importantly, if you ever see a horse by the water- run. Run away and don’t look back.

When you were a child you used to lap up thee creepy stories and took them to heart. You were only by the water under the careful watch of your parents. You never went there after dark, even if your parents were with you. However, as you grew older your belief in these stories waned. They just became another method for your parents to control you (or at least you believed). You began to venture out near sunset and when you eventually moved out, stayed out after dark.

Which was when you saw it.

It was late one night and a chill was just settling in the air. You were walking home after a late night working in a pub and you decided to walk by the canal. The only sound was the soft click of your heels. You were about halfway through your route when you saw it. The most beautiful horse you had ever seen. It was standing in the middle of the water and when you stopped it slowly walked over to you. There wasn’t even a ripple in the water when it walked over to you and you found yourself rooted to the spot. When it was right in front of you, you found yourself slowly raising a hand to touch it.

Then you remembered the stories from your childhood and like a flash you removed your hand. You shook your head and glared at the horse, the horse with the brightest blue eyes you had ever seen.

“Nice try,” you said, “But I’m not giving in that easily.”

You continued on your way home, wrapping your arms around you tightly. You never thought that those stories had been true. Even though you had seen the horse someone you still didn’t completely believe it. It just seemed too unbelievable to be true. You looked behind you and the uneasiness increased when you realised that the horse wasn’t there anymore.

“It’s dangerous for a young lady to be walking by herself so late at night.”

You spun around and saw no one. You blinked at the darkness and then jumped as the click of a lighter cut through the silence. A flame danced in the blackness and lit up the face of the most infamous man in Birmingham. You had also been warned against the Shelby’s and not just because of the obvious reasons.

‘Stay away from the Shelby family,’ your mother had told you one day, ‘For darkness lies within them.’

You swallowed thickly and took a step away from him.

“Mr Shelby.” You said as you tried to stop the shake in your voice

“Tommy.” He corrected you, smiling at your nervousness

“I’m quite safe,” you said, “I’ve taken this route home hundreds of times before.”

“I wonder why.”

“I said-“

“I’ll walk you home.”

The tone of Tommy’s voice told you that there was no room for argument. It was a peaceful silence which you weren’t expecting from the gangster. You took the cigarette he offered you as the two of you continued your walk in the darkness. However, there was something you couldn’t quite put your finger on. Tommy, seeing to sense your growing unease, looked over at you.

“What’s wrong.” He stated

“Nothing. Just tired.”

“Don’t lie to me y/n.”

You frowned, coming to a halt.

“How do you know my name?” you asked

Tommy walked several more steps before stopping. He didn’t turn around and took another drag out his cigarette. He looked at you over his shoulder and said,

“It’s late. You really should be home.”

He didn’t wait for your response as he continued to walk. It was then that you realised what it was that had been bothering you. It sounded like Tommy was walking on wet ground but it hadn’t been raining.

“It was you,” you said, “The horse.”

Tommy sighed and once again stopped. He turned around and you found yourself frozen to the spot. You wished that you had the strength to run away but it was as through your blood had turned to ice.

“It would’ve easier for you if you just accepted my offer.” He said

“Offer?”

“Yes,” Tommy slowly walk over to you, “But it seems that… other methods might be needed.”

He raised a hand and grazed his fingers down your cheek. His fingers were icy and his bright blue eyes shone in the darkness. You became aware of just how quiet it was. It was as though you and Tommy were the only two people left in Birmingham.

“This is certainly going to be interesting. Isn’t it, love?”