#leave your critter at home it has nothing to gain by being brought along to the brunch place 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[dykeredhood]

Idk how “many places are simply not meant for dogs” has been perverted into something harsh… dog “parents” should feel grateful that there are restaurants with dog-friendly patios at all; it’s usually in restaurants’ best interests health & safety-wise to only allow dead and suitably cooked animals into the place

[viren-reader-love]

Viren & reader cuddling and sharing a hot cocoa after being outside on a cold day?

There you go ^_^

Hope you like it!

(Ao3 link)

__________________________________________________________

Wrapped around your robe, you left the warmth of your bed to admire the outside view from the window. The rays of the morning sun reflected the uniqueness of each snowflake that adorned the corners of the glass. The street below was now covered in snow and the kid's laughter echoed throughout the patio, as they threw snowballs at each other while others built snowmen of every shape and size.

Your mouth curled up in a smile. You simply adored the winter and its beautiful mixture of sparkle and ice, that combined perfectly with cozy blankets and hot beverages - especially when it comes to your secret family recipe of hot cocoa. 

And recently, you were given another reason to enjoy the cold season even more. Your gaze shifted to the open letter on the nightstand next to a rose. Having already memorized every curvy word, inside your head they gained life, almost as if you could hear Viren's voice reading them to you.

My Dearest y/n

Today is a special day. Precisely one year ago, during this very season, I walked into the tavern where you worked.

It was night, and I have had the most frustrating day, searching in vain the frozen woods for a magical critter that I now know is nothing more than local lore. Bitter and freezing, coated in snow, I walked in with only the intention of ordering anything on the menu and hurry back home. 

How foolish of me. 

My body was frozen the second our gazes met. Love, it still plays vividly in my mind the way you smiled back, pulling a lock of hair behind your ear. 

Engulfed by the coziness of that humble tavern and the dulcet notes of the ballad that played that night, I let you guide me to an empty chair. And before I could even ask for anything, you placed a cup of hot cocoa in my table.  "My special recipe for cold days like this," you said. I didn't contest it. Sip by sip, I watched you work until we had the tavern for ourselves...   

As I am sure you remember, I came back the next day, and the day after that, and the one after that. To most people, it would seem I only returned for the sweet taste of that beverage. And despite adoring when you make me one, it was the pleasure of your company and the warmth of our conversations that always brought me back. 

Y/n, for years I believed I would never feel this kind of love again. Yet here we stand, celebrating our first anniversary. So for our day, it is my turn to delight you.

Meet me at your doorstep at ten.

Until then.

                                                                 Yours truly,

                                                                 Viren

The clock downstairs startled your enamored thoughts, reminding you that there was a date to get ready to. As you put on a velvet burgundy winter dress, topped with a soft gray coat embroidered with white roses, you caught your self giggling. 

Being the High Mage and member of the Katolis Roayl Council, Viren had many responsibilities and little free time. Yet, he always made time for you. Sometimes it would be breakfast at the royal garden with the most exotic Xadian fruits, slow dances under the moonlight, or simply a lazy day, reading books together in his study.  

And even though you appreciated his romanticism, those days of domestic intimacy will always have a special place in your heart. There, stripped from responsibilities and royal protocols, you two could just be. 

Descending the stairs of your living room, you hear Viren knocking on the door, right on time.  Taking the present you bought for him from the table, you hid it behind your back before letting him in.

"Come in," you said.

Just like when the day you two met, Viren was dressed in a black coat, a red scarf buttoned with his purple broach and leather boots.  His lips lifted in that half-smile that always made your legs weak. "You look, wonderful," he said stepping closer to you.

Drowning on his silver gaze, you let him tilt your chin up for a short but sweet kiss. For a moment, you almost forgot about the gift. 

"Ready to celebrate our day?" Viren asked. 

"Right!" you said shaking your head. "I got something for you. Here," You handed him a small package, wrapped with purple paper and a silver bow. Biting your lips, you watched him undo the wrappings to reveal a wooden box, with swirly patterns carved on it and a golden handle on one of its sides. 

"A music box," he said turning the handle and a soft melody started to play. "Is this..."

You nod, thrilled to know he remembered it. "The music from the night we met. The bard is actually a dear friend, he kindly gave me the song and I went to a carpenter and asked him to make a music box just for us. See the art around it? No other object has it."

"Almost like a relic," Viren commented. "It's perfect, y/n. Thank you. Now it's my turn to surprise you. Shall we?" 

                                                      ===

Outside, embellished with Katolis's colors and pulled by one horse, a carriage waited by your doorstep. Your eyes widened impressed by the luxurious details. A half roof shielded only the leather seats, giving a free view of the front, and a soft blanket that laid neatly folded. 

"Wow. I've only seen royals walk around on this. Are you sure it's ok for us to use it?" you asked

"Of course!" Viren dismissed your worries. "I told Harrow how you loved the winter season so he insisted I borrow it. After all, what better way to appreciate the scenery of the Cherrytree Valley than by carriage?" 

Your face lighted up in excitement. You had been planning to go there for quite some time. The Cherrytree Valley was the number one destination of every couple in Katolis during spring, but for you, it should be twice as beautiful now. Squealing in joy, you pulled Viren towards the carriage. "This is going to be a wonderful day!"

                                                     ===

The Cherrytree Valley looked like an unfinished painting, mostly white canvas. On both sides of the road, you could see a few traces of soft pink from the cherry flowers and hints of bright red of the frozen cherries.  The other trees, even though baring only branches, stood like ballerinas decorated by a glittering dress of snow. 

"Thank you, Viren. I've always wanted to come here and I'm glad it's with you," you said.

Viren stopped the carriage, turning to face you. "If anything, I am the one that should be glad. To have such a vibrant and strong woman by my side." A weak laugh escaped his lips, "sometimes I found myself wondering why. Why did you choose me from all people..."

The truth was that you often asked yourself the same question. What an important man like Viren, a dark mage, the right hand of King Harrow, the one that saved two kingdoms from starvation and slain Thunder, would want with a simple girl like you?

However, this last year existed to dismiss these silly insecurities. Despite living in two different realities, you completed each other in such a special way.

"I worked in that tavern for most of my life, and because of that, I was able to meet so many different people. Every day I learned, even if superficially, about their way of understanding this world. But you were the first person that made me want to change mine."  You cupped his face, brushing your thumb against his cheek. "Why you, Viren? Because I love how passionate you are about humanity. Because I love your dedication to your children and this kingdom. Because I love how you always keep moving forward even when everyone else has given up. Viren, I chose you because I love yo--"

Your words were muffled by Viren's hungry lips. His hands clasped on both sides of your face, fingers rooting on your hair. Your mouth easily moved, fitting perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle in that sloppy but passionate kiss. Parting, but not letting you go, Viren rested his forehead against yours and your hot breaths mingled against the chill air. "I love you too," he whispered before kissing you again.

                                                     ===

After exploring the Cherrytree Valley, Viren took you to a winter fair that was happening in a nearby village. Entertained by the local food and games, you two ate, drank, laughed and danced on the edge of a frozen lake. Not leaving before a classical snowball war - wich you obviously won. He may be good at magic, but nothing can top your sharp aim.

It was already night when Viren brought you home. As he lit the fire, you head to the kitchen and started preparing two cups of hot cocoa. Placing them on a tray, you come back and find Viren had turned the music box on and was already comfortably sitting on the couch, waiting for you.

"Happy anniversary," you said handing him one cup, before cuddling with him on the couch. 

"Happy anniversary y/n," he smiled taking a sip. Viren hummed in delight. "Are you ever going to tell me what you put in these to make them so delicious?"

"The secret itself is part of what makes my hot cocoa so irresistible," you grinned.

"So no then. Very well, I will forever live with this undying curiosity." 

You both chuckled. Reclining against his broad chest, you basketed in the softness of Viren's embrace. Letting your thought dance along with the gentle ballad that played on the background, you sighed in contentment. This was indeed a wonderful day. 

[punkscowardschampions]

Fearghal & Kaitlin

Fearghal: [So the setup is sending her a postcard pretending to be a mate visiting in England for whatever reason (could be fam you get the vibe, nothing suspect given the time this is) but giving enough info that she 1. Knows it is him 2. has the number of at least a phonebox nearby if not a phone in his care home 3. a time when he plans to first call the phonebox nearest their home in Ireland, assumedly this is some sneaky twin shit they've pulled similar enough before that she can catch on without any of the rest of the fam also doing so; only question is how long do we want it to be since he left?] Kaitlin: [3 months ish later then and they've turned 15 but only just for our ref how do we think the situation is with his dad etc like would he just be acting like he's dead cos is to him?] Fearghal: [basically my vibe was they wanted to weaponize Tabby killing herself for their gain, like make it something political even though literally not about that bar the fact her family and his family and co didn't want them together and she was a dramatic teenage girl in love (no offense but like) and so when he wouldn't go along with that there was a massive fight, actual, between him and his dad and then Fearghal left 'cos there's never any option but to do as your told with this fam and he can't lose face with all the other people etc etc and the story the dad is telling the fam etc is that Fearghal deserted them which not untrue but yeah, good enough for all the olders to disown him too so it'd be like we don't talk about him and if someone else bring him up you denounce him] Kaitlin: [let's say there's a crying baby in the background cos like in my OG post she can use her youngest sister needing fresh air as an excuse so casually left her outside the phonebox but might be able to hear her if she's going for it] Kaitlin: How ya Fearghal: K? Fuck's sake, you've not had a bastard, have ya? 's'not been that long, like Kaitlin: Catch yourself on! mind how ya ma was fit to drop, you eejit? well we're all lurred she had another girl who I'm hauling about as my cover, so I am Fearghal: [Laughs] Still easy to windup then [slight pause to take in that it's a girl and is here, like not the biggest shock but also literally no way of knowing at this time so] And go on, don't leave me in suspense, what name they burden the poor fucker with Kaitlin: [makes an unimpressed noise like fuck off] full of that good craic you are, bet the brits are buzzing to hear it. You ready? Niamh Roisin, it's a cracker, like [sighs] Fearghal: [laughs some more] Yeah, catch me on that most wanted list, obviously [makes a wincing noise like no] Christ, actually lost it fully then, has she? Made it longer than some but dunno if mentals get to heaven, haveta ask Father Quigley, like Kaitlin: [laughs herself] yeah yeah [makes like a idk noise] can you lose what you've never had? A good catholic'll find a way, to be sure, and she is that, our ma [makes a scornful noise at the mention of the priest as is standard for her] Fearghal: [makes a mm noise to agree] Suppose so, don't reckon much was said 'bout being good to 'em once you had 'em, so be alright [sighs] What have you been up to, then...How's it been Kaitlin: if it was she'd recite between the lines to keep us anyone's problem but hers, poor critter [sarcastic laugh because mum's getting no real sympathy] it could've been 3 days from when you went off for what's changed and not- [a long pause because everything's shit and we know it is] Fearghal: What's God if not top babysitter, eh? Cheaper than telly and who's giving money to the BBC [scoffs but cuts it short 'cos yep] And I'm fine too, you rude cow Kaitlin: and stand him next to our earthly da and he comes out lookin' class [chefs kiss noise] Hey now! [makes a fake noise of shock like she's appalled at the mention of the bbc] watch your profanity around me, dicko! [really long exaggerated sigh as a pisstake] a'course you are, land well anywhere, but hit me with your bars, it's no bother to hear how right I am Fearghal: If you can get him stand still long enough, like and you ain't a lad so no chance, babe [does pisstake wistful sigh] Forgot you needed protecting from the evils of this world, my apologies [coughs awkwardly then, stalling for time, fiddling with the phone in ways she can probably hear] Taking a bow as we speak, can't fit in here with me but the adoring fans are aplenty over this way, well more than there so fuck it, life's grand so it is Kaitlin: Wise up, boy, he only sways slightly of an evening on these ones lately so he does [but her voice is MAD because fuck being a girl in this fam] Did you now? Thank fuck my new lad has his uses then, like [takes a deep breath to try and calm down but exaggerates it for the pisstake because have to, god forbid they are serious rn] I went and saw your former biggest fan under that rock they've carved with protestant shite, no word on if life's grander for her now it's ended or if she's regretting she didn't send her prayers up saying she wanted another bite of the cherry, one that wasn't yours- [stops like I've probably gone a bit far here and shouldn't mention his dead ex anymore] Fearghal: Good for him [through gritted teeth like let's never talk about him thank you] Like you need a replacement protector, got how many ready and willing at home, just DYING to beat the shit out of some 15 year old kid for your honour and just for the craic of it [does it back, like and then is silent until the pips are going but he's still there 'cos they stop when he puts more money in] You'll be under some rock with Catholic shite if they catch you in their graveyard [says it much more quietly than he's said the rest] Kaitlin: [makes a noise of disgust that doesn't need to be exaggerated for the pisstake cos genuinely horrified at this fam thanks] what honour? Shame you brought down on us with what they caught you at [but her voice is softer too because didn't mean to go off and also doesn't mean any of that we know] supposed to scare me, is it? [said like I wouldn't be here to give them a chance to do it just like you weren't] Fearghal: Why you need to ask one of the others, ain't it; can't be the best looking of the bunch and the best behaved, got to leave something for 'em to do and impressing n pleasing him 's'never been high on my to-do so have at it, lads [does meh noise like this is all so casual] Called the fear of God for a reason, aye Kaitlin: [does the meh noise back and it's her turn to awkwardly fiddle with the phone/cough while she works up to saying what she does next, more quietly than she has anything else] how's it truly then? Away and everything. Free and clear Fearghal: It's, like- just shit because you realize that everything that happens in that fucking town, all the stuff that rules our lives and is all they give a shit about, no other cunt does, you know, Kait? Sure, its on the news when another bomb goes off or don't and that; but the English don't even have to think about it, their day to day ain't affected at all, no fucker but our lot cares and what's the point, honestly? Everything we were forced to at least think was important, if not fecking stupid, ain't and now I don't- [Stops to do some actual breathing to calm down] Not to mention I'm thick as shite, thanks for that and all- 'cos frees a bloody joke [laughs bitterly] I get by, now, got a place to stay so, don't haveta worry but don't be hopping the next ferry yourself, girl Kaitlin: [when you're just silent for ages because as much as you think it's bullshit you're basically in a cult rn with no chance of getting out so what can you say like] not that thick, warning me off coming to keep an eye on all these english girls with theirs on ya but no bother 'cause mind I get sea sick and class as boking on brits sounds I'd get fairly covered myself before I made any casualties of 'em Fearghal: Know enough about girls and enough about you to know the two don't need mixing, that's just school of life, that [moving away a bit and telling someone who's impatiently waiting to fuck off] Stay put [when you say it firmly like serious voice] That wain and the rest needs someone VAGUELY sane about to stand any chance, fuck me, Aislinn's already been corrupted and she's barely in double digits [kicks the box] Kaitlin: [laughs because yeah don't let her around any girls you like babe] you should know enough about me to know what giving me your orders'll do fer ya and what it'll make me do [but there's no actual real threat in it we all know she's staying for the bubs] Sane as you by that count, ain't I? [can't help genuinely sighing] Mammy's girl is Aislinn been like it since she was old enough to play house [grimaces at the thought cos never that bitch] got the rest under MY apron strings, grand they are and it goes for the stories I tell 'em every night after prayers, rest easy yourself knowing that, yeah? Fearghal: Alright, alright [hear the 🙄😏] But if you wanna be the next to bring shame on 'em, you can do better than a cheeky abortion, surely? [shakes his head] Yeah. [Pause] Yeah [Coughs again] I'm doing my bit, swear, it's gonna take a while 'til I can send you anything and I've got to work out how when I do- it ain't for them, just you lot but like I said, not cheap Kaitlin: [an outraged noise like who do you think you're talking to, of course I can do better than that etc] Yeah. [Pauses herself because again what to say, there's so much it's too much] I've got faith in the right shite, Gally [nickname ftw because feels] it'll work out. We'll work it out, like we did this Fearghal: 'Course we will, K. No other choice, is there [definitely not a question] Kaitlin: not a real question, is it? [she knows its not] Fearghal: you want me to ask you one? Kaitlin: do English girls fall for that? Fearghal: Enough of 'em, yeah Kaitlin: [makes a ugh noise] how you've got a bed, is it? Fearghal: Theirs top where mine is Kaitlin: I deeply feel that Fearghal: [makes the kinda sad 'ha' sound like 'I know'] Not all bad though, some class drugs about and you don't get kneecapped for taking a casual interest Kaitlin: [does a little hooray down the phone] Fearghal: Send you some but your phones probably tapped so I definitely won't Kaitlin: thanks or no thanks, depending who'll be listening Fearghal: Cover those bases and the baby's ears Kaitlin: nothing to be heard over her crying Fearghal: don't lie, you miss me that much [laughs] Kaitlin: fuck off [but laughs too] Fearghal: Will do Fearghal: so many English girls Kaitlin: [exaggerated being sick noise] nowhere close to a ferry and sick as a dog, don't start me any further Fearghal: You think I escaped to pray every day and fight the good fight, like Kaitlin: if you still pray you ain't escaped fuck all Fearghal: Not living on my knees for no cunt, sis Fearghal: am being haunted, for my sins, though Kaitlin: Be on track to commit more, you'll have enough ghosts for all manner of shite to get done Fearghal: No rest for the wicked on the one hand, but on the other, idle hands and idle minds [breathes out like so conflicted and confused] Kaitlin: [a change in tone because serious] She's gone, so are you. Leave it here. Leave it in this fucking town Fearghal: Not a choice Kaitlin: Can be Fearghal: Nah, s'not, boths already happened Kaitlin: Happened to you, gives you a say in how you deal with it Fearghal: Yeah Kaitlin: You've lived in one haunted house as things stand, ain't you? Miss home that much, is it? Fearghal: How could I not? Live for these lectures, like Kaitlin: [an unamused noise because you're basically calling her a nagging girl which ain't a mood] Fearghal: [the pips again] Oh shit, should robably let you go, yeah? Kaitlin: Yeah probably [but she obvs doesn't wanna that'd be clear] Fearghal: Tell the kids I miss 'em, won't ya Kaitlin: I'll even include her out there Fearghal: Try and send a picture some time, alright Kaitlin: 'Course Fearghal: You too, kid Kaitlin: [laughs but in a more genuine way] You're my twin brother, calling me kid is calling yourself a wain, you eejit Fearghal: That's alright by me, like Kaitlin: I'll not baby you, got enough noses and arses to wipe here while you're hand holding these brits Fearghal: No handholding, on me life, just good old-fashioned- [will cut him off before he can be gross] Kaitlin: [we can say she cuts him off with a very unamused noise as per like no thank you] Fearghal: G'wan then, piss off before that kid freezes to death Kaitlin: [doesn't wanna be the first one to hang up obvs] Watch yourself then Fearghal: You too Fearghal: When can we do this again then Kaitlin: When can you? It's no bother for me to slip out with this ginger whinger, needs fresh air so she does Fearghal: [laughs then is pondering like umm] Try next Sunday, after church, if I don't answer then I'll send another postcard or whatever, yeah Kaitlin: Tryin' to get a free sermon told to ya, respect that hustle if not the message Fearghal: Obviously, how am I getting to heaven from England? Kaitlin: [laughs] no angels in England is there not? You'll have been thinking on your feet for fresh pick up lines all these months, no wonder you ain't had time for me, like Fearghal: Something like that... [Trails off 'cos don't wanna tell her what's really been going on but also does 'cos not its like that and its been a lot to just deal with on his own] Kaitlin: But it's something else like what? [cos sees through you boyyy] Fearghal: It's alright now, like Fearghal: but it ain't as if the old man sent me on me way with anywhere to go, is it Kaitlin: He didn't put a bullet in your head as a send off, that's what gets me to sleep of a night, but- [trails off because she was gonna say she knows it hasn't been easy but she doesn't know how hard it's been and she's not trying to guess like let's compare struggles] Kaitlin: Yeah [another pause] Fearghal: Should've put one in his [so under his breath it's like did you mean that to be heard or] Kaitlin: You'd have to take ma out an' all, I don't reckon the broken heart myth is anything other than another story, and probably a few of us would make the cut for cute little orphans but you and me'd have to catch ourselves on quick and wise up Fearghal: Make Tara look after you all as well as Diarmaid's kids, see how committed to the family she really is [sniffs 'cos we been knew] Kaitlin: [makes an identical sound cos twinning] I'll take her out if she was bothered to try and get near 'em Fearghal: Least Owie is old enough to help out, young enough to give a clout, yeah? [genuine concern] Kaitlin: [scoffs because we know he's a bit of a knob but it's still affectionate because] Fearghal: He'll be alright [but doesn't sound as reassuring as that's meant to be 'cos like unlikely at this point] Kaitlin: He's got me, my will's stronger than god's so father Q likes to say [laughs] under his breath, a'course Fearghal: [laughs back but its less 'cos sad] He doesn't always chat shite Kaitlin: Reckon he's a soft spot for me Fearghal: [makes noise like 'hopefully not too soft' but is joking, doesn't need to be that kind of priest] Kaitlin: I don't wish you were here Fearghal: How could he not, with the charm [but just jk like] Is it better, in some ways Kaitlin: It's...[trails off cos we all know even if there's less hassle it's not better as far as she's concerned and the loneliness is a real mood] I'm buzzing you got out [genuine but her voice is sad] Fearghal: Your turn next, I mean it Kaitlin: After we get a few birthday's under Niamh's belt [pauses because it's sinking in how stuck she is for now] and the rest, give 'em a fighting chance Fearghal: Yeah Fearghal: I'll make it easier, any which way I can Kaitlin: Me too, for you, I mean Fearghal: I'm grand, honest but cheers [more pips] I am outta shrapnel though so- Kaitlin: Don't be putting honest on a lie [frustrated sigh because nobody wants this to end but she wouldn't have money] speak Sunday and like I said, watch yourself Fearghal: Love ya, K ['cos no time to take the piss for it or protest] Kaitlin: [let's say she gets cut off before she can say it back for the pain]