#listen... we don't need tasks that gives us coins.

[sunflowersandcherryblossoms]

Why do the Kon characters stopped giving us our due orbs when we level them up?

[thegreenthepeacetheorange]

Everlark (Mockingjay, Ch. 18-19)

because of everything in the last chapter, katniss throws herself into her training with a vengeance. something driven by what they've done to peeta but also that keeps her mind off it

the same way katniss used to watch peeta from afar in 12 when they were kids, she watches him when he starts showing up in training

"my weaknesses? that's a door i don't even want to open' let me guess it starts with a p and ends in eeta

i wish we all got a world where finnick got to heal post war with katniss, peeta, annie, haymitch and johanna... broken brady brunch that i love so much. the way being victors binds them into being this family so that even though when katniss says she doesn't really know johanna, we have seen how they are essentially sisters and understand each other in a way that most people don't... the gift she gives johanna when she's in the hospital is so beautiful and so emblematic of who katniss is despite the horrors she lives in. and it's also such a peeta thing to do. because they're both so thoughtful

(an aside: prim's goodbye to katniss hurts differently knowing what i know now)

the fact that she takes the pearl with her

coin was evil but thanks for sending peeta on the mission actually. forced dating trope is old news, forced fighting together in a war against an entity that has destroyed our whole lives is in

when katniss says the whole thing about how she wouldn't be shooting peeta, just one of the capitol mutts. very annoying of her actually but she says it herself, it's her lashing out because of how she's humiliated by it all that she's felt. but poor peeta having to hear that

gale offering to straight up kill him and katniss is like "um no". the fact that gale thinks that this is something she actually wants, that she thinks like him in terms of just wanting the problem dead. oh sweetie no. katniss straight up being like "i can deal with him" aka "mind your own business"

i answered a question here about the squad giving katniss unfriendly looks after her mutt comments about peeta so i won't type it all again

i'm grateful for haymitch talking sense into her because she needed it. with the situations reversed, peeta wouldn't have treated her like how she was treating him and she needed to remember that

"you're punishing him over and over for things that are out of his control"

haymitch reminding her of the deal they made to save peeta. they're still in the games and she's forgotten her task. but here it is again. she has to save peeta but this time she's not sure how to achieve that

finnick lending peeta his rope. ugh. him being there for peeta when katniss couldn't. the way they all step in for each other when others can't.

and she finally starts to open up instead of being defensive and cold back

"i suddenly want to tell peeta everything about who he is and who i am and how we ended up here. but i don't know how to start. worthless. i'm worthless. " - katniss taking it upon herself when actually the idea of telling peeta all this in its entirety is such a huge task because their relationship is too huge to capture in words, in moments.

peeta remembering her favourite colour...

his thank you to her when she tells him his...

"you're a painter. you're a baker. you like to sleep with the windows open. you never take sugar in your tea. and you always double-knot your shoelaces" - these small intimacies. these little facts that tell us how much katniss knows about him. the small things she's held onto. these little things she remembers with so much fondness.

can you imagine peeta listening to all that and then looking down at his double-knotted shoelaces? remembering the calmer sleep that comes with the wind blowing in through the open windows at night? ugh.

this whole passage tells her that katniss knows his essence. these little details that she's never mentioned to us before.

her running away after saying all that because she wants to cry. she's so devastated and i want to hug her and peeta

cheese buns being part of real or not real, along with the colour of katniss's dresses and their maths teacher. they know each other. have known each other.

i can't state how horrific it is that darius and lavinia were tortured and killed in front of peeta. because we obviously aren't his head for the books but the horrors that peeta suffered?! it upsets me so much every time i read this passage. they hurt and killed darius and lavinia to hurt and torture peeta.

(an aside: them all just being kids/young people and messing around while filming the propos and boggs having to reprimand them while holding back his own smile again just reminds me of how young they all were. it's so depressing)

[thefirstknife]

Hey Bel, I was wondering if you or one of your followers might be able to give me a rundown on the Nine, specifically as related to Prophecy; I just recently read the Ishtar entry on Eris and Drifter’s dialogue that (used to I guess) play throughout, and I’m pretty lost as to how Orin became the Emissary, how Eris knew her, why the Nine made her their Emissary, what their answer to the questions posed by us might mean now that we know so much more about Light and Darkness, that sort of thing? You’ve probably answered something like this before so feel free to kick me in that direction if so lol. Thanks for all you do for the community! 🩷🩷

No problem!

You can still get all dialogues in Prophecy! You get some at the start, and ofc at the end, but when you return to the big deserted area after defeating the second encounter, you can get dialogues. However, you have to find the little copy of the Emissary just floating around on each of the areas.

So, "the wasteland" (the big desert area) has 5 locations that are from the planets that were taken by the Pyramids at the end of Arrivals (for some reason, two for Mercury). When you get back to this area after the cube encounter, the Emissary will spawn in a specific order. It's always Titan first; if you don't go there first, you won't see her on other areas. After Titan, it's Mercury (Infinite Forest gate), then Io and then Mars. You can watch them all here: there's several per location. Alternatively, if you have the time and patience in-game, you can listen to them once, then kill yourself before you proceed to the next encounter. That will wipe you and restart you in the area and you'll be able to listen to them again. Sometimes you'll get repeating lines, but sometimes new ones will play.

Orin's story is detailed in her lore book, Ecdysis! In short, she was one of the passengers on the Yang Liwei, so the original Awoken in the Distributary. She was friends with Sjur! After leaving the Distributary, she left to Earth where she ends up dying and becoming a Guardian (Titan). Later down the line, after Mara met her again (this time as a Guardian), Mara tasked her with helping figure out how Sjur died. This is the start of her connection to the Nine.

Sjur "died" mysteriously and only a strange coin was found on her body. A strange coin is the little relic that is associated with Xur and therefore the Nine. In her search, Orin found Xur (and got terrified, resulting in breaking his back with her hammer; this is why Xur is standing that way, his back is broken). Her meeting with Xur left her somewhat changed and she started experiencing weird things that were pulling her to the Nine. Over time, she also met the Drifter and after realising that he lied to her about his identity, she snapped and went to look for the Nine full-time. She found them and became the Emissary.

I don't think it's ever specified how she and Eris knew each other, but it is most likely through Mara (if there's any piece of lore that explains this, feel free to share). But yeah Drifter confirmed they were friends "back in the day."

The whole conclusion to Prophecy is really interesting for us now because it shows that it was essentially... well. A prophecy. The Nine used it to tell us that the Light and Darkness are not some sort of moral opposing forces (confirmed now) and that they're both just tools that can be used in different ways, for both good and bad (also confirmed). This idea is also present in the mechanics as well, as we have to utilise both light and dark to progress and get things done.

It's a really cool dungeon! Though a lot of the context is now missing. It came out in Arrivals as a sort of precursor to the planets leaving, which is why there's a lot of imagery about them, especially the wasteland. It was also a sort of an intro into how we'll eventually need to use stasis, by showing us that Light and Darkness are tools we can use and that we shouldn't be rejecting the Darkness on the idea that it's inherently something bad (or that the Light is inherently good).

[emerald-notes]

Noona! Please! Help! - Part 4

Fandom: BTS Characters: Younger Brothers BTS and Elder Sister Narrator Genre: A Little Dramatic and A Little Comedic Word Count: 900+ Words Warning: Academic stress, despair etc. Note: It’s a siblings AU story of BTS with the narrator as their elder sister. I tried to write something different from what I usually write about. I had fun making this. Hope it makes you feel good too. Happy Reading Everyone :)

Summary: Her little brothers can’t attend to a single task without her help. Be it a dance competition or asking out a girl for a date, they always seem to be finding everything too hard to go through without her by their side. ‘Our lucky charm’; that’s what they like to call her. But what if she turns out to be a misfortune in different situations in one single day?

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - More to come

Goodbye, SNU...:

11:17 a.m. 1st September, 2015

Almost all the students seem to have gotten out of the exam hall already but there is no sign of Jimin. What can that mean?

"I don't think his exam went well, noona!" Yoongi quietly puts my thoughts into words.

I shake my head, "He must be talking to a friend. Jimin’s exam must go well. He prepared for it for months."

"Accidents happen, you know!" Yoongi shrugs.

Finally I see Jimin, slouching, coming out of that building all alone. My heart feels heavy. Jimin will not recover from this any time soon if something goes wrong.

Yoongi calls out, "Jiminah! Here!"

There is a moment of confusion in his face at first. Then it fades to recognition. He slowly walks towards us and gives a weak smile.

"Was it that bad?" I ask.

Jimin nods. His smile turns upside down. And the next thing we know is his eyes are wet. Jimin is crying.

I am sitting at a cafe table waiting for my two brothers to come from the washroom, wondering what life lesson the older one is teaching the younger one in his hour of despair. It does not take long. Finally, they make their way towards me.

“Everything okay, now?” I ask.

“Tolerable!” Yoongi sighs. There is a hint of annoyance in his voice.

As soon as they sit down, Jimin begins ranting about all the silly mistakes he had made. His brain was a mess during the exam time so he couldn’t concentrate properly and he had marked the number of bills and coins in South Korea to be five and four respectively whereas the answer is quite the opposite.

“C’mon, Jiminah, everyone knows that” Yoongi grunts mockingly and I glare at him to stop teasing.

I turn to Jimin and, noticing the dark circles and the sharp jawline, ask him, “Have you been properly eating and sleeping, Jiminie?”

“What?” His look was wearied. That answers my question.

I say, “Listen! What you really need is a proper meal and some sleep.” I check the watch on my wrist and calculate the amount of time still remaining before I meet up with Namjoon. “Alright! Let’s go to granma’s place and I’ll cook both of you some hearty meals.”

Driving all the way to granma’s place is tiring to some extent. It is all the more exhausting when you have a passenger talking non-stop about how terrible he’s feeling and how his life is all dark ahead of him as if not getting into SNU means that your life’s over. I understand that all the unnecessary amount of caffeine Jimin had consumed within the last few months had done little to no good to him. What surprises me more is the level of patience Yoongi has for Jimin. Because I am slowly losing my mind right now.

At last, here I am, trying to make some quick healthy lunch for me and my two little ones.

“You're home already?” The youngest enters the kitchen.

Alright. Three little ones now.

I hastily add more water and some spicy ingredients to the soup before turning to speak to Jungkook. “Yes! Just to prepare lunch. Go say hi to Yoongi and Jimin.”

“They're here?” He excitedly leaves without waiting for my answer.

The familiar sound of the boys’ laughter fills the living room. It is carried to my ears which in turns brings a smile to my lips. I prepare the dishes, pour the soup, take the kimchi out of the fridge and finally call Yoongi to help me carry them to the table.

I am surprised to not find Jimin in the dining room.

“Hyung fell asleep so I carried him to my room. He looked so tired. Didn't want to wake him up.” Jungkook informs.

“But the food will go cold when he wakes up.” I say.

Yoongi pulls the sleeve of my shirt and motions me to sit down, “it's alright. I'll just warm them up for him.”

I say, “You start eating. I’m gonna go check on him.”

Yoongi shrugs, “he’ll be alright, noona. We all do.”

I nod a little but my heart does not agree. Jimin is a perfectionist. I know how much it hurts him when he fails to meet his ambitions. And it pains me to even think how this is going to affect him. He is going to be so hard on himself from now on.

I step inside Jungkook’s almost-bare-except-for-a-bed bedroom and find Jimin snoring softly. He looks peaceful in his sleep. Almost angelic other than the fact that he has lost so much weight over the past few months so he looks kinda ill. His eyes have sunken into perfect brown circles and his jawlines look as if it can cut.

I slowly run my hand over his hair as my eyes start to prick. I wish he would stop worrying about being perfect. I wish he knew he was more than his mistakes. I wish he knew how much he is loved.

I quietly go back to eat. Luckily Yoongi and Jungkook are already immersed in a conversation about some comic books that I barely know about. After a few minutes of munching on my food in silence, my phone rings from the kitchen so I have to excuse myself. It is Namjoon.

“Noona! It's already 1:50. Are you sure you can make it in time?” I hear Namjoon's worried voice from the other side of the speaker.

“I'm leaving home right away. You wait for me a little longer. Can you do that?”

There is a moment of silence. Then Namjoon speaks, “of course, I'll wait. I ain't doing this without my lucky charm.”

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[thereader-radhika]

1- The Exile

And after he had walked a long way through the dark green forest, Thirumalai saw the little derelict hut standing near the guava trees. Though he couldn't see anyone in the vicinity, the two still-dripping, wet sarees spread over the clothesline gave him much-needed consolation. He slowly opened the door, which was only bolted from outside, and helped himself to some water from the earthen pot. He took the package of kozhukkattai from his bag and started to munch on it.

"Has pillaiyar started feasting on his modakam?"

He nearly dropped the kozhukkattai. Why does she have to sneak on him like this? Memories of happy old times made him feel even sadder. The woman standing before him looks quite different from the sister he brought up. In fact, she looks older and more deranged than the mute queen who used to wander in Lanka. Nandini placed a basket with tubers in one corner of the hut. She took one kozhukkattai from the banana leaf package and wrinkled her face as she took a bite.

"Eww, it tastes too sweet".

"That's because you don't eat any sweet food anymore."

"Hmmm . . . When will Arulmozhi be back?'

Thirumalai felt anger and curiosity simultaneously. Every time he walks all the way here, she has only this one thing to inquire about.

"Nandini, do you have any concern about this poor annan? Do you know that I turned 50 in the last Aippasi? Come with me. We can go to Haridwar and Mathura".

"Didn't you just visit Dwaraka with gurunathan? Take some rest, anna. As you said, you are getting old".

Thirumalai hesitated to say anything more. It was with great difficulty that he convinced her to settle down here. There are some small villages and even a Tirumal kovil in this area. He had tasked a woman with buying groceries for her, and she carried out the task happily for a few gold coins. He feared that she would run away if he offended her, and he wouldn't see her again.

"Will Arulmozhi visit Chola desam before the margazhi thiruvizha?"

Thirumalai sighed. He debated whether he should relay the happy or sad news to her. The trouble was that he didn't know what would be happy news for Nandini and what wouldn't be.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar and Nandini weren't on good terms, but she has always respected him, perhaps grudgingly. Should she be informed that he has attained the lotus feet of his Parameswaran? Let her remain blissful in her ignorance. The other news was even more confusing. Ilaya Pirattiyar is adamant that Nandini always loved her husband and would have snatched him away if she had the opportunity. Maybe this will give her some happiness.

"My dear, something interesting is going to happen soon."

"Is Arulmozhi coming back for this?"

"Oh, not that. Do you think there aren't other people in Chola Desam? Arulmozhi, Arulmozhi, Arulmozhi... Listen to this. This is about Vanthiyar".

"Who?"

"Our friend Vallavarayan Vanthiyathevar, the Vanarkula-veeran".

Nandini gazed into the darkness absent mindedly and hummed. Thirumalai recognised her absent-mindedness and disinterest. She always did that when he spoke about things she wasn't interested in but didn't bother enough to stop him.

"He is getting married again. Perumal hasn't blessed them with a child yet. How long will he wait? Isn't he the last of his line?"

Nandini's face lit up, which confused Thirumalai even more. The last time she fell in love with a man, she dragged him from temple to temple, crying and singing pasurams. She has never asked him anything about Vallavarayan since he was exonerated of all charges. Is this the maturity that comes with age or is it because it is the misfortune of her sworn enemy, Ilaya Piratti?

"Ponniyin Selvar won't miss the wedding of his brother-in-law, will he?"

This girl! 

"You know what? I concede defeat, and no, I don't think he will attend the wedding."

Thirumalai washed his hands and told Nandini that he was feeling tired and sleepy. Ponniyin Selvan rarely spent any time in the Chola country after the death of his parents. The people seemed to have calmed down after they realised that their favourite wouldn't get to rule anytime soon. Even his sister ilayapiratti has shifted her affections to her nephew. It looks like this obsession is the only inheritance Nandini received from her unfortunate mother. 

Part 2 , 3 , 4

@favcolourrvibgior @willkatfanfromasia @celestesinsight @ambidextrousarcher @sakhiiii @sambaridli @whippersnappersbookworm @harinishivaa @sowlspace

[lightvsdark18]

Obey Me Nightbrigher 21-30

Followed Olga Gacha Phoenix's playthrough.

"I guess I'll try using my magic." Gets uncomfortable at Asmo's comment.

Looks unimpressed at Satan's question, then ducks for cover.

"Or the lid was just really stuck on."

Tenses up at the "live here with us."

"Good morning, what brings you two here?"

"I'm looking for Mr. Satan."

"Can you two not fight?"

Casts a water spell.

"What do you mean?" Was going to question him, but Satan spoke first.

Writes down, "Mr. Satan summoned a hellfire salamander and almost burn down the school if Solomon didn't show up and stop the tragedy."

"Mr. Asmodeus, please keep doing your work."

Luna writes down a note and walks towards the stairs just to slip on a rag and hurt herself. "There's no need-" Asmo convinces them to get on Beel's back.

"I twisted my ankle and he was carrying me inside."

"Orange jar, green lid, purple label."

"Thank you, Mr. Simeon."

Luna keeps that shit, (I'm not handing over good luck) but Mammon steals it.

She's confused on why he's acting like this. "That's my coin, please give it back, Mr. Mammon."

"Hey, what is with you today? Don't be so rude to your brother."

"If you're alright with me stabbing your hand."

Unimpressedly stares at him.

"How much time do we have?"

"Solomon, I don't know if I can make a pact with each brother in two months."

"Of course you can, you made a pact with Mammon in two days and the rest in two months."

"But I had Levi help me with Mammon, Mammon helped me with Levi's. Everyone else was from pure luck, luck I don't have anymore. Also, I had to wait a year to get Lucifer's pact, this seems impossible."

"Don't down play your accomplishments. I understand this will be difficult, but you have done the impossible before. I know you can achieve this task."

"Yes, I am. Where's Mr. Mammon?"

Still bitter about losing her coin. "Yes, you should go eat before we leave."

"It seems like it."

Greed? He was being greedy yesterday.

Knowledge is power.

"Father of demons?"

"I need to know more about this."

"Yes, I'm okay. Thank you. Are you okay?"

Stands in front of Levi.

Huffs. "Stay!"

Fuck.

"He's the Avatar of Greed, that's what happening. One of you, go get Mr. Lucifer. Maybe he can help." "I think we all should go get Lucifer! Let's run!"

(The conversation is a bit different from Luna saying he's the avatar of greed in the library.) Luna gets worried at the possibility of them all acting crazy like Mammon.

"Maybe."

(Lore!)

"Can you at least give it a try?"

Complains in her head.

Flicks his forehead. "I'm built different than normal humans, thank you very much."

Snatches Little D up. "I think you're being a bit overdramatic, it was no big deal."

"Or tried to."

"Um, hello."

"We're normally don't interact with other angels. We were trying to get some fresh air."

"No, I'm just spacing out."

Covers his mouth when "devil" is said.

"Why do you want to be under his wing so bad?" Are you allow to say badass in the Celestial Realm?

She chuckled at Little D's "I KNEW IT."

"Why don't you want to teach him? Beside him being signed to Michael."

"I'm Luna, and this is Little D."

You don't know the half of it.

Simeon, did you actually know this and still allowed your wings to be taken? This has to be true because I'm in the past, and in a dreamlike world. But...

Suspicious.

"Good job."

Pats him on the back.

"You will have time to learn to be kind." You have no idea.

"Good afternoon, how do you feel?"

"Not really, just surprised me."

"Actually, I travelled into your dream."

Looks away. "Only if you're mine as well."

Pats his head to tease him.

She looks to the side, her heart picking up at the chance being right in front of her. "Could we..." She looks towards him. "Make a pact?"

"I didn't really do anything."

Not listening to Lucifer's lesson, too busy doodling.

"Yes, I think it's your brothers who aren't."

Gets concerned immediately. Asmo was able to charm Lucifer? But it never worked before. Wait, I'm in the past, maybe Lucifer had to learn to resist his brother's charm. Which means this will be an issue.

"Or we're eating together as friends."

"Hey, I don't think you should use your powers on your brothers." "It's fine, Luna, just enjoy how fun this is."

Luna is running to tell Lucifer about this, and bumps into him. That was fast.

"I want to know how I ended up here with you guys."

"Who's the fast runner?"

Already pulling out her phone to text Lucifer.

Hides behind Lucifer.

Shit. "Okay." Books it out of the underground.

(I want to say his head, but I'll say his lap)

Grips his face. "Solomon, you remember what to Mammon happened with his greed? Well, the same thing is happening to Asmo. They need your help."

"Should we find Asmo?"

"I'm uncomfortable now."

Smacks him on the back of the head.

"Oh Asmo, deary ❤️" "... Really?" "I couldn't help it."

"Be careful."

"Mr. Barbatos, do we need to search for Mr. Asmodeus's Little D?"

"How so?"

"I have to wake Mr. Asmodeus."

"Are you sure the Little D would be here?"

"Why are you angry at Solomon, Mr. Barbatos?"

"Solomon, how could you..." "Luna, actually help me here."

"This is so fucked up."

"Um, no, I'm uncomfortable by this."

"Everyone has their darkness."

Solomon does the talking.

"Where's Mr. Asmodeus?"

Frowns at him. "Why do you want to beloved so much?"

"And if I say no?"

"Do you really need to be number one? Does everyone have to adore you when your family loves you?"

"But if you're not number one, the fact you're still loved and cared for by people who matter to you is what you should focus on."

What the fuck?

"Do you want to be saved?"

She looks down at Asmo, gathering all of her love for her brother in the original timeline and kiss his forehead.

"What happened?"

Crushes her in a bear hug as she feels her rips snapping.

She looks over at Solomon as he smiles and nods at her. "Could I tell you in a more private location?" "Ooh, a private location? Luna, I didn't know you were so-" "Don't get it twisted." Drags him off to his room.

"My talents?"

"I don't have a death wish." (But Lucy meowing is funny)

Luna shows off just a little bit, turning a pen into a rubber duck with sunglasses.

She got a normal ice cream flavor as possible.

(New background!)

He's an angry little guy, figured.

Crouches down and tickles his foot.

"Solomon! What did you do?!"

Flicks his forehead.

"You two are talking?"

"Why do I have to do all of the work while you just get to blow up a kitchen?"

Looks away out of Arachnophobia.

"What do you need?"

"Hello."

"Yeah, but don't rush it. Mr. Lucifer may have studied alone, but you can do better by taking your time."

"Even for a human?" Just trying to tease him.

Pokes his cheek.

"Guess it's time for me to enter his mind."

"I think we should focus on finding a way to wake him."

"Games?"

"I don't trust that treasure chest."

"Mr. Mammon, behave yourself. We need to continue on our mission."

"Excuse me, where can we find a weapon shop?"

"Where can we find the Dark Master?"

"Do you sell maps?"

Pinches the bridge of her nose.

"Can you stop looking for treasure? We're in Mr. Satan's mind, any treasure we find will be useless."

"Obviously."

"We're here to bring you home."

"I'll try."

"It's nothing."

"I didn't do anything, it was the brothers who saved the day."

"Good morning."

"It was your brothers who helped you, not me."

"There is, but I really haven't done anything to help you." "Um, a pact with you."

Hooks her finger with his.

Luna is visibly uncomfortable.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm concerned."

"Beside personal paperwork, not really."

"I wonder why only us."

"You could say that."

"I hope we don't have a war."

"Who's paying though?"

"Something not too fancy, but has good food."

Follows behind "Barbatos." I have a feeling we're in Beel's mind.

"Number 6?"

Picks up the Little D and lift it in the air, then yeets it across the room.

"Or I can kick you like a soccer ball." Cracks knuckles.

"I would like to see you try."

Maybe he is, Number 6 can't eat me if he's dead.

"I don't know."

"I trust you, beside it will taste better than Solomon's cooking."

"Looks pretty simple."

"What happened?"

"What are we going to do?"

"How is yelling stay going to wake them?" "I guess I'll give it a try. Stay!"

Covers her eyes.

"Beel going to eat Number 6 before I shielded my eyes."

"And that someone will be me soon." She's in on the joke.

Going home.

"Because I don't have anything to do after this."

I have a bad feeling.

Looking over at Mammon while holding back her laugher.

"It's Mr. Beelzebub's choice on what he wants to do. Why do I have to go through you just to ask him what he wants to do?"

So, I have to risk losing my chance going home because Belphie wants to be a bastard. Great.

"What is the Angel's Trial?"

"You're making it seem like I'm some kind of a liar."

"I guess."

"You're going to abandon His Highness in this difficult time?"

Glares at Solomon. "You know what my answer is."

"Sure."

"But eggs aren't suppose to grow bigger."

Places hands to chest from cuteness. "Luke, you're so precious."

"It's something private, but I promise it's nothing bad."

(The fuck?) Luna went through the whole day without lying and passed. Done.

"Yes."

Fuck.

[exerpts-from-the-teenage-mind]

When I worked with children who had behavioral issues what really got me was how fucking angry they all were. And they had so much to be angry about! And like okay, I was only in there for a day and I came in at a point where the everyday routine was already established. The kids already had their little habits and the adults already had their regular predictable reactions.

All I really did was listen to the kids talk. I wasn't really needed and no one gave me any tasks to do or engaged me in much conversation. The kids barely seemed to notice my presence. Only one even asked me who I was.

The two things that stood out to me the most was one kid telling the story about how his dad didn't let him go to a party because he was sent to swim camp. The thing he found truly an injustice is that the reason he wouldn't swim is because his father traumatized him by throwing him into the ocean when he was younger and he almost drowned.

The other thing was that his friend had a coin collection and all he wanted to really do was talk about coins. A smarter teaching assistant tried to engage him in math by using coins as the subject. He asked all the teachers, including me, if any of us had a specific coin (we did not).

I couldn't do anything for the first kid except wince in sympathy and fervently agree when a teacher said that sounded horrible. I wondered if his behavioral issues were because his dad was an abusive assfuck. I wondered if all the teachers were aware but couldn't do much about it because the job they were tasked with was to educate him and help him control his behaviors, not tell him that his behaviors are completely understandable and that he doesn't deserve to be treated like that.

The other kid, I brought him coins two days later. I had a Canadian penny and a ten arugot lying on my dresser that I'd never known what to do with. I tried to give it to one of the teaching assistants to give to him before classes started and she asked if she could wait until he got there so that she could take him on a trip down the hall to the classroom I was working in that day and I could give them to him myself. When I held them out to him he was fucking overjoyed. He asked if I was sure and I said of course. I don't collect coins, but you do. He asked if he could hug me and of course I said yes. I was struck by how this kid, known for yelling and anger and misbehaving asked me if it was okay before he touched me. I almost cried at how happy and grateful he was, when it was nothing to me at all.

Thankfully it happened to be a really good classroom. The teachers were pretty effective and good at diffusing tense situations. I watched the lead teacher communicate with a kid who'd gone nonverbal with rage with a dry erase board and marker until he felt better. And of course, they knew how fucking kind these kids could be and let me see it too.

[kookie211071]

A note to myself before the year ends..

Sometimes it's just too hard for us all. Sometimes it's not. You feel happy sometimes...you feel bad sometimes... sometimes life feels like it's hell.. sometimes it feels rosy and garden-garden.

Idk why am I saying this...but I'm just happy at the current moment. The moment while I'm typing this very sentence. I feel happy and blessed. I wonder why i don't feel the same when I'm sad. Haha. Just feeling blessed for my life and also guilty for those days when used to say that life is shitty. I just feel like thanking God for giving me the gift of life. Maybe some small moments of joy serve as a reminder that you should value life and shouldn't rant about it. Life is all about making your way through all the challenges and rewarding yourself with good moments of joy... to feel blessed and energetic, yet again.

I've been feeling happy these days. Genuinely. And the reason is not because something great happened today. These days are still the same. It's just ME, who has recently been living differently. I've recently started doing meditation and yoga after waking up early in morning. I've started listening to fiction audiobooks which are free on YouTube and recently have been listening to this audiobook- "It ends with us" by Colleen Hoover.

This book makes me blush and happy all the time. I listen to it whenever I'm doing my household chores, which I usually find boring and I procrastinate. Now I'm doing these chores happily since I give myself the permission to listen to this audiobook while doing the tasks. It's one of the best feelings trust me. It gives me the motivation to do something, rewarding myself at the same time...which makes the whole process really joyous and relaxing.

I've been spending a good amount of quality time with my parents too. When my dad returns to home after his tiring day at the office, when my mom is done with the major household chores, when my younger sister is back from school and done with her homework...we all TALK. Just keep talking and laughing and it's really good. I hate to admit this but I never really used to value these precious moments before. But now when I do, i feel grateful for all this every single day.

I was making myself belive that I'm in depression for a long time lol. Always self criticising myself, telling myself how bad my life is and having a negative perception about nearly everything. I was forcing myself into just existing and not LIVING my life.

Life is beautiful and we need to value it. As I said above that all the days were the same. What changed was my perception and some of my habits. A change of perception of life from that of a negative to a positive one. A change of habits from that of staying awake till late night and waking up the next afternoon to now sleeping early and waking up early to do yoga-meditation and ground myself.

I've accepted myself now. At the same time, I'm improving myself too. Self improvement and self acceptance go hand in hand and are the two different sides of the same coin. You'll only improve yourself once you accept yourself the right way and start loving yourself. Also, self-reflection is really important as I'm doing right now.

This year is about to end and I'm proud of myself for realising all this just at the right time. I'll be setting some realistic goals for myself and gonna work upon them keeping all these things in mind. I hope I can be a better person at the end of the upcoming year.

One thing that I wanna tell to myself and to the ones who will be reading this (if they do):- If you think you have a mental disorder or illness like depression or something similar, it's okay. It wasn't your choice to go through this. But, GETTING OUT OF IT is certainly a choice. If you can't FIND happiness, you need to BUILD it for yourself. Just like I did.

Xoxo

[financefista]

Infinity Group acquires RedkiteCRM to drive social housing digitisation

I just heard something pretty surprising; the big company Infinity Group bought another one called RedkiteCRM to help speed up making our homes more high-tech. Now, these two groups, who already do lots of housing stuff, will work together to create cool new things, make life better at home, and answer calls quicker, so we don’t have to wait so long for help.

Transforming Social Housing through Digitization

In places with cheap homes that folks may need, social spots are set up for living. When a lot of coins don't jingle in pockets, homes are provided for kids, grown-ups, and their kin. Although intentions are top-notch, not all goes upon well-traveled roads with ease. Whenever a update or gadget comes out, the folk tasked don't always hop on the know-how train with grace, akin to builders clueless on shiny, unused tools—while under the day's dying light's spell, this tale is often the case.

Now, this Infinity Group company bought RedkiteCRM. Uhh, what's that mean? It's a big deal because RedkiteCRM has ways to keep track of houses and the folks who live in them. So, with them joining up, Infinity Group can make sure social housing works better. Nevertheless, even if some of these words look super strange, it's cool because things in social housing will get improved because they figured out some new tricks.

Infinity Group: A Leader in Digital Transformation

When things need to be smarter and smoother on computers and phones, Infinity Group, known for being good at this, helps lots of different groups learn how. By making sure everything works well together, especially for people who help others find homes, they are very helpful.

RedkiteCRM: A Pioneer in Social Housing Solutions

Until now, everyone knows I'm super good at making helper programs for places where folks need homes. My RedkiteCRM makes it easy for these places to talk better with people and get more stuff done.

The Synergy of the Acquisition

I'm sure that since Infinity Group took over RedkiteCRM, things will really change for apartment buildings where people who don't have a lot of money live. This team-up will make life better there in cool and surprising ways, and help everyone get along. Everyone agrees, it's a big deal.

1. Enhanced Tenant Engagement:

By using RedkiteCRM's easy helpers, I can talk and listen to people living in houses better. I get what they need and make them happier with special care just for them. This for sure makes more people like us and we all get along better.

2. Streamlined Operations:

I work with Infinity Group's techie stuff and digital tools to make things simpler for people who run housing stuff, like cutting down on paperwork and making jobs automatic. It means they don't spend as much money and can get other jobs done better. Plus, I get to use some really cool gadgets!

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making:

You'll make smarter choices with the help of data. Infinity Group and RedkiteCRM team up to give housing helpers tools to see useful info. With these tools, leaders can plan clever ways to improve life for people living in houses and the whole neighborhood, while throwing in a few surprises.

4. Efficient Communication:

Communication gets better when those owning the homes talk well with the people living in them; new methods, therefore, are used to speed it up when talking about fixing things, news of where they live, or other big news. This makes things easier.

5. Digital Transformation:

Undeniably, housing helpers are made too fast in putting home plans on a computer. Strange and newer wants from people living in these homes are now met with ease.

The Path Forward

As the world continues to evolve, so too must the social housing sector. The acquisition of RedkiteCRM by Infinity Group signifies a commitment to bringing innovation and technology to the forefront of social housing. By improving tenant engagement, streamlining operations, and embracing digital transformation, this partnership has the potential to positively impact the lives of countless individuals and families in need of stable and secure housing.

The collaboration between Infinity Group and RedkiteCRM serves as a testament to the power of technology to create positive change in our communities. It embodies the spirit of progress and improvement, and it is a step toward a more efficient, responsive, and tenant-centric social housing sector.

[babylooneytoonz]

The Vessel [Pt. 3]

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia x Fem! Reader

Summary: While you are trying to figure out why the Witcher is so abhorrent towards you, he finally gives you a hint as to why he doesn't like you. Also, you realize something— Yennefer and her spells can never go wrong.

Warnings: Geralt being a dick is what.

[My Masterlist] [My Witcher Masterlist - Read the other parts here!]

It had been weeks since you slept with Geralt of Rivia, but you hadn't been feeling any different. If it were up to you to say, you would say that Yennefer's plan didn't work�� although you couldn't muster the courage to ask her directly if it did.

What made you so sure that the plan hadn't worked was the fact that Geralt and Yennefer had been fighting about something since a few nights and you could feel the strain in their relationship starting to show up. This hunch that you had only strengthened when one day, you unknowingly stumbled upon an argument between the Witcher and the Mage.

It was almost a week after that night on the Great Mount. Geralt had been indifferent towards you since then— not even bothering to spare a glance in your direction when the four of you were in the same proximity.

You were now back at Redania— your home, but so were Yennefer , Geralt and Jaskier— staying at your place like unwanted guests who were exceeding their stay.

Jaskier held two heavy logs in either of his arms, while your own hands were stuffed with the eggs from your coop, that you were intending to cook up for dinner tonight, when you heard shouting from one of the rooms upstairs.

"It was you that said that the plan would work. It didn't work, clearly."

You could recognize Geralt's voice from afar; broody, low and devoid of any emotion.

"Aren't you going to go check in on them?" You turned towards Jaskier and frowned, your eyes shooting upwards, fixing on the topmost stair before you withdrew it and fixed it on him again.

"Me? Stuck between a broody Witcher and a scary Witch? God save my poor soul then." Jaskier commented back as he placed the logs by the fireplace and began to light it.

"Jaskier—" You couldn't help but smile at him, as you placed the eggs on the table and blinked, turning towards him, "Yennefer isn't a witch, she is a mage. Besides—"

Before you could complete your sentence, Yennefer's shaky voice reached the both of you, and you couldn't help but wonder what was actually going on between the two of them.

"I don't understand what's gotten into you, Geralt. These things take time. Why won't you let the spell take it's due course?"

"Yen, your spell failed. It's high time you realize that."

You shook your head to yourself as you busied yourself with trying to prepare the stew for dinner, but your ears were fixed on them.

"You don't question my spells, Witcher. I know what I'm doing. Besides— now to come to think of it, did you even fuck her right?"

Jaskier couldn't help but snort, but when he looked at how red you suddenly were, he immediately masked his expressions as he propped himself next to you.

"Did he, [Y/N]?"

"Jaskier, I'm not having this conversation with you," You shook your head at him, exasperated that he was still bugging you with this question, "Now can you please help me out? I need help with the stew, Jas'." Jaskier stood up, whistling to himself as he fixed himself next to the pot, stirring it while you began working on getting the bread ready when the door above slammed shut and heavy footsteps began descending down the stairs. Both you and Jaskier turned to see a very annoyed Yennefer walk towards the front door, without her Witcher in tow, just like he already was.

"I've got some business to attend to in Novigrad, Jaskier." She pointedly ignored you, and you couldn't help but bite back the words threatening to spill out of your mouth. Living under your roof, she was behaving like you were an outsider. Secretly, you were thrilled that she was leaving , even though it was for a short while.

You watched, through the window as a portal suddenly emerged just outside of your barn, and she disappeared through it, leaving you and Jaskier gawking at each other, Jaskier finally speaking, "I say, trouble in paradise?"

"It's none of your concern, Jaskier. You really need to stop meddling with other people's businesses. Now would you be kind enough and go ask your friend to come down? Dinner's almost read—"

"Jaskier, come on now. We're leaving." Geralt cut you off as he finally appeared, all dressed in his tunic and breeches, his sword peeking out from behind him. You parted your lips, ready to ask him where he was off to but it was like he had already anticipated that this was going to come, so finally he looked at you, but with the same indifference with which he had treated you so far.

"It's time we move on. Keep the coin. Seems like Yennefer's plan failed after all—"

The sheer coldness in his voice stung you like a thorn but you didn't let him realize that. Slowly, you lifted the cloth, wiping your hands with it, trying to act just as indifferent towards him— even though you felt like you had been betrayed, which you mentally cursed yourself for.

This was going to happen one day or the other— and wasn't it better that they were finally going to be out of your life now? And not later when they would mercilessly pull your babe away from a mother's breast and call it their own?

"Where are we going, Geralt? We can atleast stay for dinner, a man needs to eat—"

"We will roast a deer on our way, Jaskier." Geralt's irritation was evident from his tone, so the bard turned towards you, choosing now to ignore the Witcher with a sulk on his face.

"Oh Jaskier," you whispered, softly, "Don't you worry. I'll quickly pack some food for you, for the way."

"Oh hush, woman, don't go so soft on me, I would want to switch the roles with that broody gentleman over there."

Your cheeks suddenly felt like they were on fire; and you were sure you had turned a tomato red. You instinctively looked away, quickly finding yourself a distraction at the table as you began packing some bread and ham in a cloth satchel for him to take along with him— fighting back the smile that craved to break out.

"Jaskier, you are free to stay here for as long as you want, the minute I get on Roach, I leave," grumbling, the White Wolf slammed the front door shut as he walked off, your eyes suddenly widening, as the smile was quickly replaced by a lingering hurt upon listening to his words. Why did he hate you so much? Was it because you couldn't give him— them— the child they so desperately wanted?

"Okay thank you for the dinner, and don't, like DO NOT mind him, he has always been a grumpy ham."

Jaskier took the satchel, flinging it over his shoulder, whilst at the same time grabbed his lute and immediately darted out, and by that time, the Witcher was already trotting towards the main path. You fixed yourself by the front door, watching the poor bard struggle to catch up with him and once the two of them were out of sight, you went back inside.

If there was anything that turned a bright way for you after the three of them stepped out of your life for good was the fact that you had enough coin on you now to last for atleast a year. You bought three new goats so you could milk them and sell the milk in the village, along with the eggs.

But the void remained—

The night's were the most difficult, because there were nights when you woke up to a dream where a certain white haired, amber eyed man was laying in bed with you, his thick palm resting on your waist, your back pressed against him as he spooned you.

Maybe it was because you couldn't sleep that night too, that you did not miss the strangled groan that you heard from outside your window. You forced yourself to sit up, rubbing your eyes as you leaned over the window to look out but you couldn't see anything. Just then, someone began pounding on your front door, startling you.

It didn't take you long to run down the stairs, still dressed in your chemise, your arms wrapped around your arms as the knocking became frantic and urgent. When you opened the door, you felt like someone had kneed you in the gut—

"Jaskier?" The bard looked a mess, his clothes were bloody and dirty, his hair slick and sticking to his face.

"I didn't know who else to go to nearby. Geralt needs—" Jaskier began, and the two of you turned towards Roach. Geralt was although perched atop, he was now arching forward, his body almost limp, his head resting against the saddle.

"What happened, Jaskier?" You ran out towards Roach, who whinnied at you, perhaps having sensed that something was wrong with her owner. You placed your palm on Geralt's shoulder, but the minute your palm came in contact with him, he grunted and looked up, and you saw how weak and pale he looked, "I told J-Jaskier — I'm f-fine.. Jaskier.. Jaskier..fuck.. Novigrad.. I asked you to take us to ... Novigrad."

Geralt of Rivia was injured, the flesh on his side had almost been ripped apart by what looked like claws, and yet he was being a stubborn pig. You grabbed him by the fabric of his tunic, balling the fabric as you began literally dragging him off the horse, paying no heed to his annoying murmurs.

"Jaskier, can you help? I alone cannot get him off, you know?"

Helping Geralt walk into your home was a difficult task but somehow, you and Jaskier convinced Geralt to do it. You sat the very injured Geralt by the fire and knelt down in between the space of his legs, using gentle fingers as you rolled up the torn fabric of the tunic. He hissed when your fingers came in contact with his clawed flesh and that's when you saw how massive the claw marks were.

"Who did that to him, Jaskier?" You let go off the big man as you stood up, your hands now caked in Geralt's blood. You ran up to one of the wooden racks that stood by the fireplace with a dozen glass bottles on it. You grabbed the mortar and pestle, placing it on the table in front of you, as Jaskier lowered himself on a chair, now wiping the blood off his face with a washcloth.

"I swear you should have seen it, it was the tallest harpy I have ever seen— well technically, it's the first harpy I've ever seen," he mumbled, and you couldn't help but give him a weak smile as you began to look for the ingredients to make a paste for Geralt's wounds.

"What are you looking for?" Jaskier asked, intrigued, as he watched you fiddle with the glass containers.

"Turmeric, Jaskier. It will stop his bleeding, although had he been human, that injury would have killed him— instantly," you pointedly stared at Jaskier, and he gulped nervously when your words finally registered into the back of his mind. You quickly turned away, resuming your search for the other ingredients. You pulled out two containers; one with lotus petals and the other one containing chamomile, placing it on the table, next to the mortar and pestle.

"Jaskier, while I prepare the paste, can you get Geralt to lie down by the fire? And take off his—" You pointed towards his tunic that was already ripped apart, hanging loosely by his side. Jaskier immediately nodded, getting to work.

You knelt down next to Geralt. His eyes were open, but his face was sweaty and his breathing was uneven; his lips tightly pressed together as he stared at the fire. Your fingers delicately moved over the gashes on his side, and he didn't flinch as much now.

"Can you sit up, Geralt? I need to bandage your waist."

That's when he turned towards you, regarding you briefly as he grunted, pushing himself up slightly and you quickly bandaged his wound with a cloth, securely tying it around his waist before he fell back against the makeshift bedding you had created for him by the fireplace.

You were finally done tending to the man's wounds so you stood up, moving to wash your hands by the sink, when Geralt's voice reached you, startling you.

"I told Jaskier not to bother you. Yennefer could have fixed this."

Your head sharply turned towards him, and you parted your lips, but it was as if your words were lodged to your throat, refusing to come out.

"You can't put all the blame on Jaskier. He could have left you to rot, stolen your mare and left, but he stuck around to ensure you were brought back to safety. You need to learn to swallow that thick ego of yours and give the bard some credit," you intentionally chose not to talk of Yennefer.

He grunted in response, shifting slightly so he could get comfortable, his body tilted at an angle towards the fire that you could see more of his back— full of old scars— this one will be adding to it soon.

"Are you a healer?"

His question pulled you off track.

You shook your head, wiping your hands with a clean cloth, reaching out for one of the blankets that you had stored for yourself as a winter supply, placing it over Geralt's legs— with half a mind that you will have to fight him for this act too— but much to your surprise, Geralt of Rivia accepted the blanket, pulling it over his chest.

"No, not a healer, just a woman with a passion to know things. You see, living alone you need to know certain things as you never know what life is going to throw your way."

"Hm," he fell quiet, and all the two of you could now listen to were the embers erupting from the fire.

The next few minutes, Geralt was quiet, so assuming that he had fallen asleep, just like the bard had; already snoring away to glory, you pulled your chair closer to the fireplace, lowering yourself against it as you began working on another blanket for Jaskier.

"You should have said no."

Startled to hear the low broody voice again, you looked up but this time found Geralt sitting on the makeshift bedding, the pads of his feet resting against the floor, his back turned towards the fire but his face turned towards you.

"Geralt, you should lie down—"

"You should have said no to Yennefer, but you agreed although you knew what she wanted to make you do."

"Says the man who makes a living slaying monsters. Would you say no to a good bounty if that meant being paid enough to last you a year?" You snapped at him, not meeting his gaze.

"You needed coin, there were thousand other ways to do it."

"Like what, Geralt? Don't you think I tried all these ways you are talking about?" The half done blanket now lay forgotten at your feet, and you were standing, towering over Geralt, your lips trembling with rage. How dare he?

"There are many brothels in Redania that I know of that would have gladly taken you in."

"You know what, Witcher?" You spat, "I'm NOT having this conversation with you. I don't like you anymore than you like me, so there's no point in even speaking. Once you are well enough, I would gladly have you out of my home."

You turned away from him, and then blinked, for you couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing you cry, as a thick chunk of a tear rolled down your cheek. Swallowing bitterly, you began climbing up the stairs, rather loudly, when Geralt mumbled, "You won't see us when you wake up tomorrow, don't worry."

Ignoring him, you reached the topmost stair, but when Jaskier began speaking to Geralt in a low voice, you couldn't help but pause, inching your ear towards them so you could listen to what they were saying.

"Why do you insist on being like that with her, Geralt?"

Jaskier's words were followed by what sounded like a bitter laugh, and a cough.

"I knew you were awake. I wondered why you didn't jump in to defend her like you always do, Jaskier."

"That is not the point, Ger—"

"If you must know why I can't stop being the way I am around her is because every single time I see her, I'm reminded of the false hope that Yennefer gave me, Witchers are sterile, and that's how it is, I should have known than to fall into Yennefer's words."

He was hating for you something you hadn't even done. You gave him hope, or Yennefer did?

You would have stood there and continued listening to what more he had to say, but you couldn't help it— your face turning sour, when sudden nausea hit you. Your palm instinctively flew up to your lip; making you almost double over and your eyes lifted up, scanning the area for anything you could use to relieve yourself. Grabbing an empty basket that lay close by, you fell down on your knees, your knees scraping against the wood of your flooring and you began wretching out the contents of your stomach, sweat trickling down your forehead as dread filled you up. You were scared that Yennefer's spell had worked. Your palm flew to your flat belly and you pursed your lips together, blinking away the tears and wiping the corner of your lips.

Now that you had wished for the spell to fail, it had perhaps, worked. Maybe things weren't destined to go about the way you wanted them to— all you wanted was to watch Geralt of Rivia leave you alone for good and never come back [Wishful thinking]. But if, the spell had worked, it meant that you were probably carrying his Witcher baby, and that meant, you will have to see more of the white haired man with amber eyes, whether you liked it, or not.

The Vessel Taglist:

@kawennote09 @viking-raider @raspberrydreamclouds @pterodactylterrace @singeramg @historianwithaheart @ayamenimthiriel @crazynocturnalkiki @xxxkatxo @coffeebreathy @miss-emilia-cavill @little-jana @auds24 [I don't know why Tumblr won't let me tag you! 🙄]

Want to be tagged to my list? Please do let me know via Ask, Message box or via a comment. Thanks! 💗

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

❛ KEEP IT ❜

with Happy Lowman.

Word count: about 1.5k

Aurora says: this writing hasn't been edited, you may find some grammar mistakes, I'm sorry about that!

Gif credits: to the author.

Masterlist. You can subscribe to my broadcast list, to be notified whenever I post a writing!

“Listen, darling… I'm sorry, but Happy doesn't want to see anyone right now. Not even you. He fell from his bike and his ego is hurt more than his leg”.

It's been three days since that conversation with Jax, stopping you at the Teller-Morrow workshop. The prospect told you about his accident. His first accident. And you would like to be with him, to take care of him, but not being his Old Lady you can't enforce your presence in the club. You aren't even sure if you have a relationship, or if it's only sex and some kind of dates on specific occasions. But, on the other hand, when they have a party you're always on his lap, or when he comes back for a trip you're his first stop.

At nine pm, you turn the welcome sign for the closed one. Turning off most of the lights of your bookstore, you play some soft music while counting the benefits, but some knocks on the glass of the main door thwart your task. Happy is there, looking as serious as always. Trying to not show emotion or worrying, you unlock the door to let him come.

“Got a minute?”

You nod, before walking back to the desk being followed by the man.

“Wanted to know how you are”.

“Tired. I had a… busy day”. You reply, grabbing a bunch of cash to count them.

He doesn't say anything else, just staring at you in holy silence. Taking note of the money, you raise your eyes towards his.

“You okay?”

He nods. You're aware of how silent he is, but now it's desperating you. You want to talk about the accident, about what happened, about why he fell down from his motorcycle, but doesn't look like he wants to talk. Biting your bottom lip, you continue with the recount of coins.

“Want a ride back home?”

You know that he's trying to compensate you for his disappearance, but it's not enough. You want to ask him about your relationship, the problem resides in that you don't know how to ask about it. Closing and locking the cash box, you keep your laptop inside your bag, before wearing your leather jacket.

“I can walk, don't wo—”.

“I want to take you home”. Happy insists without letting you finish.

Sighing, you pucker your lips. Maintain eye contacts, you can read in his orbs that no matter how much you try to deny his invitation. He's decided to take you home. Hanging your bag on both shoulders and taking your phone and the keys, you turn off the rest of the lights before setting the alarm. Wearing the helmet on your head, you sit behind him. But this time, you don't cling your arms to his waist as you used to. You don't need it, actually, but the fact is that you don't want to touch him right now. If you do it, you're going to forgive him for anything he has done, and he doesn't deserve it. You understand that he is not okay, but you are tired of being pushed away whenever he wants, to push you back again whenever he needs someone to sleep with.

The bike stops in front of your house, jumping off from it to take off the helmet and offer it to him. It doesn't seem like Happy is going to stay, so you're just standing close to him waiting for anything. He is just staring at you in silence, expecting for some works coming from your mouth. Thanks for the ride. I've missed you. I want you to stay. Can you ask for a day off? Turning around and feeling an uncomfortable and bitter tingly inside your chest, you guide your steps to your porch, praying for him calling your name. Asking you to stop. Anything. But the only thing you hear putting the key inside the lock, is the engine roaring again, leaving when you close the front door.

You can't help but throw the bag to the table and your body to the sofa. Breaking into a loud cry, you hit once and again a cushion with your hands closed in two fists. The doorbell rings, just one time. Getting up to attend it, you clean your tears with the back of your fingers, hardly sniffing. Happy is there, about to say something when you punch him on the face. Your knuckles crack, uttering a howl of pain, and shaking your hand after it. Maybe your sorrow is harder than his, but you don't care. You're about to hit him again when he grabs your wrists, pushing you into his chest.

“I'm sorry, love”. He whispers into your ear.

That's enough for you to stop stirring under his grip, letting him surround your waist with both arms. Happy is not a man who apologizes, unless he has killed the wrong person. Coming into your house, he doesn't release his grip, closing the door with a gentle kick. You're trying to not cry again, with your cheek pressed against his chest.

“Didn't mean to worry you”.

“But you did, not knowing a shit about you for almost four days”.

Pulling yourself away and taking off your jacket.

“Nothing happened”.

“You had an accident. And everything that Jax told me was that your leg was hurt. Nothing else. I didn't even know if it was true or… what. Because you didn't let me see you”.

“I needed to rest”.

You don't know how to take these words. You two have different ways of doing things, but that doesn't mean that you can't take care of him without being too intense.

“I'm sorry”. He says again.

“I need to know what you want, Happy”. You finally say, without caring if he gets nervous or not. “What we are, what you are waiting for from me. Because I'm… confused. And I promised to not catch feelings, but I did”.

He doesn't make a single move after that confession, and that hurts more than a knife on your chest.

“If you're not gonna say anything… please, leave, 'cause I feel fucking humiliated right now”. You're sobbing with your lips trembling and your eyes reddened.

“I do”. For a moment, you frown confused. “I do love you”.

Seems enough for him, but not for you, even if you're conscious of how much it has cost it for him.

“You are my girl”. He adds. “I thought you knew it”.

“No, I didn't. We just… are together sometimes… And when we're not fucking, we're in a party. Maybe three or four times we have stayed at your house to watch a movie. But that it's all”.

“What else do you want?”

Crossing your arms over your chest, you think about the hundreds of answers that question has. Sarcastic ones, mostly. But then, you pay attention to the way he's talking to you with his eyes, in silence. He really wants to know.

“Spend more time together… Maybe… if you can, don't push me away when you need someone to take care of you. Even if you think you don't need it”.

Relaxing your posture, you take some steps closer towards him, cupping his cheek onto your palms. Leaning a little you kiss his lips. A gentle and lovely touch that gives him nice shivers around his chest. He nods one time.

“Can I stay tonight with you?” That whisper, hiding a painful beg, squeezes your heart.

“I want you to stay. I've missed you too much, Happy”.

A fleeting smile appears on the corner of his lips, right before kissing yours again. But his hands don't touch you, feeling some moves between your bodies. Pulling himself away some inches, the man offers you one of his golden rings. His favorite one, with a halcon etched on it.

“Keep it”.

You can't help but pout at Happy, putting it in your left forefinger. It fits perfectly. It looks perfect. And the smile it brings to your face makes Happy feel lucky for having you by his side, no matter what. Placing one of his hands on the back of your head, he pushes you a little closer to press his lips on your forehead. For a few long seconds. He's not a man of words, not even of gestures; you had to look at him for a lot of hours to learn to read his eyes. He's so expressive with them. And when he noticed that you could know what he was thinking about by just looking at his orbs, he felt blessed. But Happy is also learning to be more affectionate with you in the intimacy of your houses, or whenever you two are alone in the clubhouse. Your patience is his more appreciated-gift from you.

“I like how it sounds”. He mumbles, caressing your bottom lip with his thumb. “That you love me”.

“I love you, Happy”. You repeat, making him smile again against your lips, almost brushing them with the soft move.

[dawntrailing]

PART ONE —

Sentence starters inspired by the Gridania Main Scenario Quests. Lines have been altered slightly for roleplaying purposes.

Let us begin at the beginning, shall we?

I have three tasks I wish you to perform.

All you need do is touch its surface.

You can be... uncooperative at times

Like so many people, you are much more charitable when your stomach is full.

Should you happen to come across anyone in need, don't be afraid to proffer a helping hand.

I am certain they will be pleased to meet you in whom they can confide their woes.

The work you offer is unlikely to be of realm-shattering importance.

Prove your worth and build a reputation.

In time, folk will be more inclined to entrust you with matters of moment.

I see you are faithfully following my instructions.

Allow me to offer you a bit of instruction myself.

Truly, few things in this world are so useful to an intrepid explorer.

You need not locate them all at once.

By what right does a fledgling person presume to address me?

You think you can stroll in here, bold as you please, and demand my hard-earned knowledge?

If you had something to curry my favor, then I might reconsider your request.

Come now, this whole encounter reeks of your handiwork.

Don't look so surprised. I smelled you from a malm away.

The conquering hero returns.

You have completed my little tasks, I trust?

It is best you grow familiar with them as soon as possible.

And you took the time to listen to their woes?

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to lend your talents to one and all.

I am thankful that you are an obliging sort.

It is people like you who will win the hearts of others and pave the way for those who follow.

I pray I can rely on your aid in struggles to come.

Should you need help with anything, please don't hesitate to ask.

What will you ask?

What do you do here?

I spend most of my time serving or welcoming.

I have lost my family, my livelihood, and the will to carry on.

There were times when my grief was so crippling, I could barely speak.

You gave me a purpose and a place to heal, and here I've stayed.

Why is it called that?

I once asked you the very same question.

You told me you simply liked the flower.

The look in your eyes when I said it.

Well, I suppose we all have our secrets.

You never listen to me!

I've told you countless times not to venture outside without my permission, yet you never bother to ask.

You always treats me like a child. It fair drives me up the wall!

Come to join us on the front line? Or perhaps you've questions to ask?

Your food is as bland as it gets. I had heard the rumors, but gods, the water had more flavor!

There's coin to be had hunting bandits, I'll grant you that.

There're times when I long to do something more worthy of song.

I don't give two shites about how the food tastes. All I needs is drink.

<crunch> <crunch> <crunch> <crunch>

You'd do well to take my advice to heart.

There's some as say you're overbearing, but without you, we wouldn't be able to get by.

I myself owe you much and more.

I heard that you show yourself when enraged.

Call me reckless, but I'd love to see one in the flesh... or whatever the hells it is they're made of.

I don't understand you.

You make a great show of doubting me, yet place your trust in beings you can't even see.

Where is the reason in that, I ask you?

Yer one o' them, ain't ye?

This place fair swarms with outsiders o' late. Can't walk ten bloody yalms without bumpin' into one o' ye.

Don't be takin' this the wrong way.

We appreciate the hard work ye do.

'tis hard to be at ease when scores o' strangers walk through yer home every day.

See to it that you do naught which brings me to grief.

The wood... It's watching, you know!

One day, all this'll be mine!

Where in the seven hells were you?

I need to be back there by sundown!

Allow me to assist you.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CXVI (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I promise I have this shit handled there won’t be more drama than needed I PROMISE -Danny

Words: 3,545

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘Want You Back’ -by 5sos

Chapter Fourteen: A Distraction.

"You see the numerals around the edge of the coins?" Hermione explained quickly as she handed a coin to each student. 

"On real Galleons, that's just a serial number referring to the goblin who cast the coin. On these fake coins, though, the numbers will change to reflect the time and date of the next meeting. The coins will grow hot when the date changes, so if you're carrying them in a pocket you'll be able to feel them. We take one each, and when Harry and Mel set the date of the next meeting they'll change the numbers on their coin, and because we've put a Protean Charm on them, they'll all change to mimic theirs."

"Took the majority of our weekend to make 'em, but I think we did a decent job," Mel smiled proudly.

After a couple of seconds where no one said anything, Hermione added anxiously:

"Well — when Mel told me about this I thought it was a good idea– I mean, even if Umbridge asked us to turn out our pockets, there's nothing fishy about carrying a Galleon, is there? But... well, if you don't want to use them..."

"You can do a Protean Charm?" said Terry Boot.

"Yes," said Hermione. "I mean, Mel and I just learned so they could be a bit faulty, but we're quite sure they'll work just fine..."

"But that's... that's N.E.W.T. standard, that is," he said weakly.

"Oh," said Hermione, trying to sound modest. "Oh... well... yes, I suppose it is..."

"Well, I'm not having lessons with my uncle for nothing," Mel laughed. "I'm a natural talent, and Hermione is a fast learner. You can trust us."

"How come you're not in Ravenclaw?" Terry asked in shock. "With brains like yours?"

"Well, the Sorting Hat did seriously consider putting me in Ravenclaw during my Sorting," said Hermione with joy, "but it decided on Gryffindor in the end."

"And when the hat sorted me, I was definitely not Ravenclaw-worthy," Mel said, deep in thought. "I wonder if it would change its mind now that I'm older..."

"So does that mean we're using the Galleons?" Hermione insisted.

There was a general agreement and everyone dispersed, Mel went back to the bookshelves and put a bit of order before leaving.

"You're a brilliant teacher," said a voice behind her.

Mel turned around to see Fred standing there, his arms crossed.

"Arranging books isn't that hard... neither is reading them, you know?" She teased.

"I prefer to use my time on more enjoyable things," He shrugged, the boy got closer and picked up a few books to help her. "Like working on my products... talking to pretty girls..."

"What do you want?" She snorted.

"What, I'm nice and suddenly you assume I need something?"

She stared at him knowingly, raising a brow.

"Okay, fine," He sighed. "Some of us talked and decided I was the bloke that had to come and ask you..."

"Ask what?"

"Well, you see, we're confused," He continued carefully. "...About your love life."

"I don't see how that's any of your business."

"Oh, it's not, believe me," Fred raised a brow. "But my friends are cowards and I'm your friend, so they pushed me to ask you. Because they're really invested in your life, and they want to know–"

"If I'm available?" Mel ended. "Sorry to be the one who tells them this, but I like people who aren't afraid of me."

"They're not afraid of you," The boy hesitated, "not in the way you think."

"I'm their teacher, I can't date them," She replied casually.

"Don't try to give that excuse," Fred responded right away. "Harry's been all over Cho and she's his student as well!"

"Yeah, but I'm not Harry."

Fred stayed quiet for a moment before trying again.

"I don't know why would he choose her over you, though."

"Fred," She warned him. "Not now..."

"No, really," He continued. "I don't know what happened, but you seemed to be having the best time and then the third task came and–"

"Exactly," She dropped a book on the table with a loud thud. "You don't know. No one does and I would appreciate it if everyone could just stop trying to know..."

"We worry about you," He frowned. "You're not the same. Harry's not the same, we know something really awful happened if You-Know-Who's trying to kill you. But you don't have to go through it alone."

"You want to help me?" She turned around, walking up to him and poking his chest with her finger. "Stay out of it. Don't ask. That'll help me more than dating one of your friends."

"I'm not trying to set you up with anyone, I'm just trying to understand!"

"Understand what?" Mel asked in frustration. "I have friends, people listen to me– They invite me places, some even want to date me! I've never been better!"

"You have," He pushed her hand away. "Last year, after Harry pulled you out of the lake–"

"Honestly, to hell with Harry," She scowled. "I don't need him. He doesn't need me. We found common ground while planning these lessons and that's really all the interaction we require. I still care about him and I will help him if he asks nicely, but I don't–"

"Mel–"

"I'm fine!" She raised her voice. "I'm so busy– the lessons and the D.A.– and Umbridge being a pain, and that nagging headache that comes and goes every time this bloody boy gets in trouble–"

"Mel..."

"So what if he wants to date Cho?" She started to pick up more books and setting them in random places. "I'm no one to stop him. We never dated! I can't have feelings for him!"

"But you do."

"Of course I do, Fred!" Mel blurted out. "I'm in love with him!"

The girl closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. She wasn't going to cry a second time because of a boy, let alone in front of someone else.

"Hey," Fred stirred into acting and hugged her gently. "I get it... No, I don't. But I don't judge you."

"Why not?" She said hoarsely. "I'm an idiot. He rejected me months ago and I can't let it go."

He shrugged.

"Listen, I'm no expert at romance, but you obviously need time to figure things out. I'll make sure my friends won't annoy you, don't worry, you'll be left alone if that's what you want."

"Not alone," She held onto him in worry. "I don't want to be left alone– just... it'd be nice if they can give me space."

"Whatever suits you, Lady," He agreed. "You know, I'm not used to being the comforting bloke. I'm more the funny type."

"Growing up means you learn how to be both," She said softly. "I think you're great."

"Flattery won't get you anywhere with me," He raised a brow.

"I'd never heard such a blatant lie."

Ron sat down next to her with an air of despair. She put an empty bowl in front of the boy.

"I must've been mental to do this," He mumbled. "Mental."

"Don't be thick," said Harry, sitting on his other side and handing him the cereal. "You're going to be fine. It's normal to be nervous."

"I'm rubbish. I'm lousy. I can't play to save my life. What was I thinking?"

"Ron, when we trained together you were wonderful!" Mel frowned. "Don't let their sneers get to you, you've worked hard!"

"Get a grip," said Harry. "Look at that save you made with your foot the other day, even Fred and George said it was brilliant —"

"That was an accident!" He said, turning an ugly shade of green. "I didn't mean to do it — I slipped off my broom when none of you were looking and I was trying to get back on and I kicked the Quaffle by accident."

"Well," Harry glanced at her in a silent plea, "a few more accidents like that and the game's in the bag, isn't it?"

"Certainly!" Mel agreed, knowing that even the slightest argument could mess with Ron's spirits.

"How're you feeling?" Ginny asked her brother as soon as she and Hermione sat down.

"He's just nervous," Harry replied quickly.

"Well, that's a good sign, I never feel you perform as well in exams if you're not a bit nervous," said Hermione heartily.

"Definitely helps you be more cautious," Mel nodded, softly rubbing Ron's back.

"Hello," Luna walked up to them, she was wearing a massive Lion head as a hat, which she pointed casually. "I'm supporting Gryffindor. Look what it does..."  She tapped it with her wand. The lion roared so loudly a few students chocked on their food.

"Wicked!" Mel said.

"It's good, isn't it? I wanted to have it chewing up a serpent to represent Slytherin, you know, but there wasn't time. Anyway... good luck, Ronald!"

"Isn't she lovely, Ron?" Mel beamed. "She came to wish you good luck, wasn't that nice?"

"Wonderful," Ron said dryly.

Angelina, Katie, and Alicia appeared behind them.

"When you're ready," Angelina said, "we're going to go straight down to the pitch, check out conditions and change."

"We'll be there in a bit," Harry replied. "Ron's just got to have some breakfast."

But no matter how hard Mel and Harry tried to convince him to eat, he refused every attempt. Mel got up to follow the boys outside, Hermione did as well and pulled Harry aside for a second.

"Don't let Ron see what's on those Slytherins' badges," she whispered.

Mel knew what she was talking about, those badges with 'Weasley is our king' written on them. She'd tried to hex them while no one was looking, but one warning look of Hermione was enough to stop her.

"Good luck, Ron," Hermione put one hand on her friend's shoulder and kissed his cheek. "And you, Harry —"

Mel had to hide her smile after seeing the boy's reaction to Hermione's gesture. Then, as fast as the pleasant feeling appeared, it also came the realization that there was one tradition that she could not do.

She walked quietly next to Ron, praying that Harry was too distracted with his friend to even remember the missing element. She got to the changing rooms and gave Ron a tight hug, whispering soft words of comfort that she knew her friend was not listening.

"Lady!" Fred and George were coming from the castle, and a huge relief washed over her. "Came to wish us good luck?"

Harry froze, she saw him turn and silently cursed the twins, the boy seemed to have forgotten about the tradition, but at the mention he immediately backtracked. Mel ran up to the twins pretending she hadn't seen him.

"I actually came to wish Ron good luck, this being his first game and all," She smiled. "But I guess it'd be better if I wish you all good luck, you need all the good wishes you can get."

"That we do," George frowned, looking at Ron over her shoulder. "How's he doing?"

"If I'm honest, terribly," Mel said grimly. "Please don't mess with him today, all right?"

"Wouldn't dream of it," He sighed. "Thank you for your good wishes, Lady."

"No problem," She said brightly.

Mel hugged both -having to stand on her tiptoes but not as much as before- when it was Fred's turn, he held onto her a bit longer to whisper in her ear.

"Wasn't this your tradition with Harry? The good luck hugs?"

"I can't do it!" Mel said, holding onto Fred tighter. "What should I do?"

"Well, you could be a twat and leave after I break the hug," He offered. "Or you could stop being silly and just wish him good luck as well. You don't have to hug him or anything..."

She gulped.

"Fine. Thank you."

Fred stepped back, his usual playful grin appearing.

"Hey, if I remember correctly the hug always comes with a kiss– Where's ours?"

"Win the game and you might get it," She snickered.

Fred and George walked past -not without ruffling her hair first- and left her at Harry's mercy. True to Fred's words, he approached her.

"You know..." He started. "I'm glad you came to wish us good luck and... er–"

"Of course," Mel said. "Ron's one of my best friends."

Harry lowered his gaze.

"Yeah, I know that..." He rubbed the back of his neck. "See you..."

Harry looked up, those gloomy eyes finding hers.

"Good luck," She said, nodding shortly and leaving before her urge for physical contact could convince her to do something stupid.

Weasley cannot save a thing,

He cannot block a single ring,

That's why Slytherins all sing:

Weasley is our King.

Weasley was born in a bin, He always lets the Quaffle in,

Weasley will make sure we win,

Weasley is our King.

"Hermione I beg you," Mel groaned. "One hex, let me do it once and I promise I'll be quiet for the rest of the game."

"I can't, Mel. If you do it I'll have to take points from you."

"But listen to them!"

"I know! But it's best if we just ignore it–"

"Not for Ron it isn't!" Mel huffed.

Weasley is our King, Weasley is our King, He always lets the Quaffle in, Weasley is our King.

"Tell me, nutty," Pansy pushed her way through the crowd. "How does it feel to know you're about to lose to Crabbe and Goyle?"

"Who said we're losing?" Mel asked without looking at her, her knuckles white from the effort of keeping a neutral attitude.

"— and Pucey's dodged Alicia again, and he's heading straight for goal, stop it, Ron!"

The crowd on her side groaned and swore under their breath. Pansy laughed happily.

"Are you going to comfort your boyfriend after the game is over? I can picture him all grumpy and mean– and you still melt around him as if he were the cutest kitten!"

"You're one to talk," Mel rolled her eyes. "Harry's not my boyfriend. When your friends care about you that's what you do, you comfort them. But of course you wouldn't know, you have no real friends..."

"You call that group of admirers your friends?" Pansy sneered. "As if they actually cared about you, they just talk to you because they're brainless!"

"Is that why you're talking to me, then? Leave me alone. I want to watch the game."

"Pansy, we should move," She heard Daphne Greengrass's voice. "We're surrounded..."

Pansy pushed Mel's shoulder as she walked past, which wasn't any better, cause now she had no excuse to not pay attention to the tragedy happening in front of her.

Poor Ron couldn't catch a break and Mel felt something growing around her, her anxiety and anger were building up as the Slytherin sang louder. Mel breathed in and out several times, she looked down to the part of the railing she was holding and saw her hands were leaving a dark stain on it.

Suddenly, Harry dived down to catch the snitch, Malfoy following suit. Her mood lifted instantly, if she could trust in something, that was Harry's quidditch skills. In a matter of seconds, Harry stabilized his broom, the snitch safely guarded inside his palm.

Mel was in the middle of letting out a relieved sigh when a bludger hit Harry right at the base of his back, the impact pushed him out of his broom and Mel's stomach dropped even though he had been merely four or five feet away from the ground.

"Is he all right?!" Mel leaned over the railing and Hermione was quick to hold her back.

She heard Parvati and Lavender giggling behind her.

"Oh, there it is," Lavender laughed.

"You had us worried, Mel! Ever since the year started we were wondering whether if you had moved on from your little crush..."

"Yeah, for a moment you fooled us!" Lavender laughed, though it wasn't meant to be mocking. "But hey, if he goes to the hospital wing again we'll make sure to send you breakfast and dinner so you don't famish while you look after him."

Harry was okay after all, and he got up like nothing had happened. After she confirmed this, a wave of annoyance hit her.

Why, even after all those months staying away from him, people kept insisting on calling her Harry's admirer? That was long over! She wouldn't drop everything just to help him. She could've ignored those comments when Fred mentioned them, and she could've let it go when Pansy taunted, but for some reason, hearing her own classmates say it made her blood boil.

She wasn't an extension of Harry, she was her own person! She even regretted telling Fred she was in love. She was not. Definitely not.

She saw the girls in the team holding Fred back, and George being held back by Harry. Her eyes soon found Malfoy, who was saying something to them with a nasty smirk.

"We have a problem," She told Hermione and quickly made her way out of the stands to stop whatever Malfoy was attempting to create.

"Or perhaps," Malfoy was saying as she arrived, "you can remember what your mother's house stank like, Potter, and Weasley's pigsty reminds you of it —"

Harry and George jumped into action, not even caring about pulling out their wands, they went at it with their bare fists.

"Harry! HARRY! GEORGE! NO!"

Mel pushed some people out of the way, but the scandal caught everyone's attention and it was harder to get to them.

"IMPEDIMENTA!" Madame Hooch shouted. Harry and George flew far from Malfoy's reach. "What do you think you're doing? I've never seen behaviour like it — back up to the castle, both of you, and straight to your Head of House's office! Go! Now!"

Malfoy was whimpering on the ground, completely beaten. Fred was being held by the three Gryffindor chasers and he was completely red. Harry and George got up, panting and bleeding, bruised all over. She felt her knuckles tingling, the side of her head was pounding. Harry was hurting.

She walked up to Fred instead.

"It's okay!" She yelled at the girls. "I got this!"

She saw their relieved expressions, everyone knew that the only student the twins would listen to apart from Lee was Mel. They let him go, and he tried to walk up to Malfoy, but Mel stood in his way.

"Calm down!" She held him back. "Your brother's in trouble already, don't do this to Angelina!"

"You didn't hear what he was saying," Fred used a voice she'd never heard before. "That fucking rat–"

"It's over," Mel insisted, trying to ignore the pulsations on her body that she knew belonged to Harry's side of the lifeline. "Look at him! The guy's pulp at this point..."

"Yeah, but he's not dead, so there's a few things I can do..." He tried to get rid of her, but Mel only moved her hands up to cup his face and forced him to look at her.

"You're not doing anything! You'll get punished too!"

"It'll be worth it!" He insisted. "And you can't stop me!"

Mel was angry for several reasons. She was angry because Harry was angry, and she'd been through a roller coaster of emotions that morning. She was vulnerable and having a hard time muting out Harry's feelings. She just couldn't do it.

She was pissed because no matter how far from Harry she'd stand, people kept seeing her as his delusional devotee, it didn't matter how nice she was with the rest of the school, most only talked to her out of pure selfish interest, either popularity or trying to have their way with her.

It was humiliating to see how everyone just continued to compare her to the men in her life. Like she couldn't be relevant on her own. If she didn't have a voice, at least she'd make sure no one would look at her and think she was Harry's.

Mel held Fred's face tighter and pulled him down in a sudden kiss. She heard gasps and whispers all around her, she felt Fred going terribly stiff for a second before abruptly reciprocating. His actions took her by surprise and she yelped, jumping out of reach.

Fred blinked, his arms hovering on the same place where her figure had been seconds before, he didn't know what to do with himself.

"Wha..?" He said, sounding completely lost. "What?"

"You won," She blurted out, looking around and realizing than most of her classmates had seen her. "I said that if you won, I'd kiss you–"

"You said maybe," He interrupted in bewilderment.

"I know what I said!" Mel felt like she could faint out of pure embarrassment. "Maybe I just wanted to kiss you!"

"Well, maybe I should ask you on a date!" He replied defensively.

"I'd say yes, thank you!" The girl pulled her robes up her neck. Then she added in discomfort. "Can we please leave now?"

The boy noticed everyone was looking at them and nodded. They left the field, keeping as much distance between them as possible.

'What have I done?' Mel thought in distress.

Next Chapter —> 

Taglist.

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[twinklingstar-09]

"✨DAY 2 - RAMADAN SERIES"

⚜️ *Story of BANI ISRAEL & THE COW.*🐄

There was a wealthy man among the Bani Israel who had substantial wealth. He didn’t have anyone to inherit his wealth, except one nephew. Therefore, his nephew killed him out of greed and selfishness so that he could immediately inherit the wealth. The other members of Bani Israel then found out the wealthy man had been murdered and wanted to know who committed the murder. So they decided to go to Musa (as) and ask him since they decided he should be the arbitrator.

When they came to Musa (as) and told him everything that happened, Musa (as) asked Allah (swt) what the people should do. Allah (swt) then instructed Musa (as) to tell them to slaughter a cow and take a place of its flesh and put it on the dead man’s body. Musa (as) said this would be the way for them to find out who the murderer was, At once, the people ridiculed and accused Musa (as) for joking. They made fun of him and said you want us to kill a cow to find out who the murderer is?

“Surely Allah commands you that you should sacrifice a cow”; they said: “Do you ridicule us?” 

-Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 67

So they decided, to mock Allah (swt) and Musa (as) and asked Musa (as), what kind of cow it should be? Musa (as) was so disappointed in his people and said it can be any kind of cow, yet the Bani Israel were rebellious and arrogant and wanted to make things more difficult. So, they said:

“Call on your Lord for our sake to make it plain to us what she is”. Musa said: “He says, Surely she is a cow neither advanced in age nor too young, of middle age between that (and this); do there­fore what you are commanded ”

-Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 68

Once again, instead of listening to Musa (as), they asked more questions! “What color must it be?” Musa (as) all fed up with his people, once again asked Allah (swt) and He replied,

…her colour is intensely yellow, giving delight to the beholders”

-Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 69

Bani Israel were still not satisfied and asked for more details. Their ungratefulness and arrogance led them to ask more questions. So, Musa (as) asked Allah (swt) once AGAIN, and He replied,

Surely she is a cow not made submissive that she should plough the land, nor does she irrigate the tilth, sound, without a blemish in her.” 

-Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 71

Finally, they were satisfied with the requirements. And so they went out in search of such a cow. The only cow that matched those requirements was owned by an orphan who inherited the cow from his father. This orphan’s father was a very pious man. On his deathbed, the father said, “O Allah, I place my wife, my little son, and my only possession, a calf, in Your care.” Oddly, he asked his wife to lead the cow into the nearby forest and leave it there. He did this because he didn’t trust the other Bani Israel members, as they were selfish and greedy.

When the Bani Israel found the orphan, they asked him how much he would sell his cow for. He told them he would have to ask his mother before he could sell it. A while later, they came to his house and offered 3 gold coins for the cow. The mother refused and said the cow was worth much more than 3 gold coins. They kept increasing their offer and the mother kept on turning their offers away. And so the orphan finally interjected and said, “I will not sell the cow without my mother’s approval, even if you offered me its skin filled with gold!” Upon hearing this, his mother smiled and said, “Let that be the price: Its skin filled with gold.” The people were disappointed but had no choice but to pay up since no other cow could fulfill the requirements. They agreed and bought the cow with its skin filled with gold.

With the cow slaughtered, they took a piece of its flesh and put it on the dead man. The dead man at once arose and revealed his nephew as the murderer and then died once again.

✨✅Contemplation on the Ayah :

1. Bani israel were being tested with the slaughtering of cow, cuz they were into cow-worship.

2. Allah commanded them only to slaughter a COW but their unnecessary questions made their task more difficult.

✅Part of Action :

1. Sometimes we need to accept commands of Allah as they have been sent to us, raising unnecessary questions could complicate the matter.

2. Verily Allah possess more wisdom, we don't. So we need to Trust Allah's plans

✅Takeaway :

1. Acknowledge the versus and commands of Allah as they are and trusting Allah could facilitate ease for us in both the worlds.

[iffyswriting]

ICE 1 prt. 2

Note: Chile my bumass might as well finish this on Tumblr. 🥴

People say it's hard to be a good person and much easier to be a bad one. I'm inclined to find it true.

Looking from side to side I made my way towards my car and turned my music up louder, hoping it could drown out the thoughts beginning to cloud my mind. It didn't work, my brain always winning out when I started to think.

Trying to do something better with yourself and putting effort into turning a new leaf is like a double-sided coin, you don't get the perks or the praise you want right off the bat. Especially for just attempting.

When you've got no moral compass it's easier to be selfish and easy to deal out your own version of justice. Growing up I found that admirable and I modeled myself after that mindset. It's affected my mental health worse than expected and as I get older I realize I need to change.

If I want any chance at some peace of mind, I need as many changes I can get and do.

Every day I'm trying to do better and even then it doesn't seem like enough. I don't want to give up because you've got to take slow steps in any journey.

The cleansing of a conscious is a process and this new process is going to be long-winded.

I parked my car by the railroad tracks, looking over at the house my presence would disappear from. Many called it the trap but I'm calling it the past I rounded up a bag from the back and checked it's contents, sighing at all I was leaving behind me.

"Miro!" Quint called out to me, bringing attention to himself. I could see from the porch, his arms were outstretched a goofy-ass smile on his face.

"Are you fucking high?"

"Nah, but I plan too. Stick around long enough, I'll let you get a hit."

"Man getcha ass back in the house."

Walking through each room that looked just as unassuming on the inside as it did on the out. Careful planning and rearranging kept everything lowkey and mundane. If you're gonna deal drugs, don't have your product or evidence spread out everywhere.

People talk too much.

Walking into the back office, I stared at my life-long friend knowing that after this our friendship wouldn't be the same. It was something I was coming to accept.

"Kirk."

"Mir." He looked up from his numbers, his facial expression stoic."I expected a warmer welcome with you walking into my house and shit."

"This isn't a friendly visit. You know that."

"I feel like you been avoiding me- so I at least expect you to fake a cordial attitude." Kirk was always about how he felt and even if it wasn't true if he felt that way, then it was good enough truth for him.

"If I wanted to speak, we'd been have had a conversation." Placing the bag onto his desk, I stood back a bit watching as he opened it, gazing at its inside."I'm just tryna wrap up any more loose ends."

"Yeah, yeah whatever nigga."

"You always hostile anyway, Kirk." I joked, letting my guard down finally.

"Nah, I get mistaken for that because of the voice. I'm as peaceful as they come-" He joked back with a smirk, stacking his money together. He placed a band over it and threw it into a ziplock bag, to freeze later.

"Walk with me while we talk."  We went to a further backroom, and I looked at the boys he had under his belt working and getting his money together. He claimed it to be giving out opportunities but I saw it as sending out more toxicity.

Kirkland swiped at his nose, browsing over his workers."You got a plan after this?

"Always do."

"Didn't expect nothing less." Two were snickering about something, and I twitched at wanting to reprimand them. Wasn't my place anymore.

"I thought I fucking told yo ass to keep your eyes on those fucking numbers! You got ADD or something?! Can't focus on one thing!?"  He snapped at one of them, fear jutting out of them as they moved fast back to their original task.

"And you say you're peaceful." Kirk shook his head, rubbing the space between his eyes- stress underlying them.

"And then I said as they come." He took a brush out of his pocket and began to brush his hair distracting his brain.  "I'ma honestly miss your presence Mir."

"You keep shit in line- that's why I made you my right hand."

"I'm just organized. You can find another nigga just as good as me." I wove off, my decision was stagnant.

"We both know that's not true but that's okay because figuring shit out on my own is my specialty."

"If you'd listen you wouldn't have to figure out anything."

"Now, that's a lie." He said a ghost of a laugh coming out.

"At least won't have to figure out shit detrimental to your life."

"You know as much as I do this life only leads to two outcomes, Death or Jail." I started to rant, my blood pumping in my veins. "If we've got fucking brains then there is no reason for us to continue to do this stupid shit when we could be trying to make something of ourselves!"

"Don't come in here acting all high and mighty, when just a couple of months ago you were doing this same shit! You've never been a hypocrite don't start now."

"I ain't being a hypocrite-"

"Easy money is easy money." He spoke cutting me off. "And with the dirt you've got piled up around here, I ain't expect you to leave so early.  All the shit we had planned, mean nothing to you?"

"It means nothing to me now because it isn't the direction I want anymore." I pointed at him than myself. "I'm not getting any younger and neither are you."

"We aren't even business associates anymore, so this conversation is useless."

"Kirk."

"What the fuck, I just say!?" He responded his chest puffing up. I clenched my jaw and my fists, counting in my head to control my anger, I didn't come here to fight with him I came to finish everything.

"Fine."

"When shit gets tough, don't forget you always got a place back here."  He said ultimately, that look in his eyes all too familiar. He was persuasive and good with his words, but his charisma wouldn't keep me stuck in the quicksand. I refused to be pulled back in, no matter how bad shit gets.

"I won't be back. " I said sternly, looking him in his eye as he continued to smirk unfazed by my words.

"Sure." He became genuine holding out his hand for a dap. " Make sure you speak when you see me."

"I will ." Kirk was like a brother to me, the same way I view Quintin but if I have to choose between my soul and their brotherhood, my soul is sliding across the finish line easily. If I don't have my heart, then how am I gonna help them eventually?

"Gone so soon?" Quintin asked, sparking his lighter as he lit a blunt. His eyes were empty as he scanned his surroundings, searching for something I didn't see was there.

"Yeah, there's no more ties between us."

"That easy?"

"It never is but it's good enough for now."

"Tell Tilo, I said wassup."

"You can tell him yourself when you come by the house."

"Nah, gon' be too busy."  His eyes were hazed over now but still empty as he gave me a slick smile, his head falling back.

"You want  a hit?" I felt tempted but I still had more things to do.

"Next time I see you, remember this turn."

"I will." I dapped him up and walked towards my car. I placed a hand on my door, standing still in place. I can't turn back because it'd be like turning back on my mother. On all her dreams and wishes for me,  I can't keep living with myself if I do that.

I have to move forward and I have to do better. I gotta trust in my process because it's all I got to believe in.

@bakarilennox @domdollass @fullofmelaninsarcasmandepression @chaneajoyyy

[dapromptexchange]

Dorian panics after the first night he spends with Bull where they do nothing more than sleep. They don't do things like that together, do they?

I sort of have a fill for this prompt:

Bull sat on the edge of his bed, stretching his arms then rubbing at his bad knee.  He was looking forward to a nice quiet evening.  The idea was dismissed the moment a body slammed against his door, then a shuffle of feet before a proper knock sounded. 

“Enter.”  A drunk at his doorstep?  This should be fun.

He heard a hand fumble with the knob before resorting to using both hands.  When the door swung up with more force than it needed, Bull had to count himself surprised to see Dorian stagger over the threshold. 

Bull rose to shut the door, but he kept his gaze on Dorian, amused to see the difficulty the man had in reaching the bed.  As Bull shut the door, he locked it.  Dorian threw himself on the bed, landing on his back.

“Alright, let’s get this over with.  Have your way with me so we may both sate our mutual curiosity.”

“Sorry, but no.”  Bull grabbed a chair and pulled it next to the bed.  He sat on it backward so he could fold his arms on the high back and rest his chin.

Dorian’s head lolled drunkenly as he flopped it over to look at Bull.  “But, I like sex.  Do we have to start with oral?  Is that what you mean?  I’m rather tired at the moment actually.”

“I know you’re tired.  Here, let me give you a hand.”  At that Bull navigated through the labyrinth that was Dorian’s attire.  He counted the buckles and laughed at the weak knots – he should teach sober Dorian how to do a double coin knot.  They took a little more time, but looked nicer. 

Fully naked, Bull noticed a few bruises.  He probed them to test the severity, Dorian merely giggled.  “You did this tonight?  How much have you had?”

Dorian blew a spurt of air and waved his hand.  Too much. 

Bull’s knee protested when he got up again, angry to still be working this late at night.  In his trunk he pulled out some elfroot balm.  He lathered up his hands and set to work.  His hand engulfed the trim mage, easily palming his ribs, hips, calves, every inch that had been abused on the trip up the three flights of stairs to Bull’s quarters. 

Dorian hummed with immense pleasure, drifting in and out of sleep.  Task complete, he scooped the man up in his arms, he liked the weight he had to him.  It was solid and heavy, he was certainly no pampered noble who sat on his ass all day.

Bull tucked him under the covers and delicately lay his head on the pillow, careful to not wake him.  Looking down on the man, Bull thought on all the missions they’d done together, the mountains and rivers they’d crossed, the crazy shit they’d had to kill.  No, Dorian was no delicate flower…and yet, he was. 

The pain in his knee yelled at him again and this time Bull listened.  Cleaning his hands of the elfroot balm on his knee, he climbed into bed next to Dorian.  He thought about where this might lead, probably nowhere, but then again, who knows?

Continue Reading:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7707364