#maybe a shine sound? or like a glimmer or sparkle?

[transgender-catboy]

Oh?! You think you don't get anon haters huh?! Do ya?! DO YA?! Weeeelllll buddy do I have NEWS FOR YOU!!!!

I☝️, an Anon🕶️, Think💭 You're🫵 STINKY🤢

AND CRINGE😬

AND GAY🏳️‍🌈

also I'm not stinky! I showered today!

[aventurineswife]

hear me out, aventurine wraps himself up in ribbons or something (with help ofc (how is he supposed to tie himself in ribbons by himself)) for reader, for christmas

i just had this thought bc of your status thing :3

hes the only present we will ever need :3

I WANT AVENTURINE TO BE A REAL PERSON SO I CAN LOVE AND SPOIL HIM😭

(maybe it's also bc i wanna wrap myself up as aventurines christmas present.. BUT NOT IN THAT WAY)

-:3 anon

The Greatest Present Awaits You

Summary: As Christmas approaches, Aventurine decides to surprise you with the most unique gift he can think of—himself, wrapped in silk ribbons and nestled beneath the tree. His charm and flamboyant flair shine through as he turns an ordinary holiday into an unforgettable evening. But the question remains: will you unwrap the greatest gamble of the season?

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Fluff, Humor, Romance, Winter Special, Playful Banter, Gift-Giving, Suggestive Undertones, Wrapped-Up Present, Over-the-Top Gestures, Flirty and Fun Dynamic.

Warnings: Mild Suggestiveness (by the end), Mischievous Behavior(it's Aventurine we are talking about💀).

A/N: Funny thing is, I had something planned like this for other characters on Christmas but I lost motivation to write all of them so whoops🫣🤧

Snow cascaded gently outside the frosted windows, cloaking the world in a serene white. Inside, the room was warm and filled with the glow of the crackling fire and the twinkle of fairy lights. The towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner, its branches adorned with ornaments, garlands, and a star shining atop it. Beneath it sat an array of presents, but one, in particular, stood out—a large, expertly wrapped box with shimmering green and gold paper.

The evening had been calm, but you noticed Aventurine's absence more acutely as the hours ticked by. He had been unusually secretive for the past few days, dodging your questions with a mischievous grin and cryptic remarks about “the ultimate gamble of the season.” It wasn’t unusual for him to keep you guessing, but tonight, the suspense felt deliberate.

As you approached the oversized gift by the tree, a soft laugh echoed inside the gift.

“Ah, my dear, I see your curiosity is as keen as ever,” Aventurine’s voice purred.

Turning toward the sound, you were met with his signature smirk and sparkling eyes peeking out from inside the box. His tousled hair shimmered in the light, and his presence alone was enough to quicken your heartbeat.

“I had some help preparing this,” he said, his tone teasing. “And I promise, it’s a gift you’ll treasure.”

Your brow furrowed in confusion until he gestured toward the box. “Open it.” he urged, his smile widening with barely contained amusement.

Kneeling by the tree, you carefully untied the golden bow and peeled back the wrapping paper. The box opened with an exaggerated flourish, revealing a sight that took your breath away.

Aventurine sat inside, wrapped in vibrant red and green silk ribbons, his arms crossed casually over his chest. The ends of the ribbons formed an intricate bow around his neck, and his white trousers were tucked neatly under the glimmering coils. His blazer was nowhere in sight, leaving his spade-cut shirt to reveal glimpses of his toned chest beneath the crisscrossing ribbons.

“Well?” he drawled, leaning forward slightly with an amused gleam in his eye. “Am I everything you hoped for this Christmas?”

You blinked, stunned, before laughter bubbled out of you. “Aventurine, what—”

“Ah, ah,” he interrupted, holding up a ribbon-bound finger. “Don’t ruin the moment, darling. You see, I’ve been thinking. This year, I wanted to give you something truly irreplaceable. And, well...” He spread his arms in a theatrical gesture. “I am rather one of a kind, wouldn’t you agree?”

Your laughter softened into a fond smile as you reached out, gently tugging on one of the ribbons wrapped around his wrist. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Thank you,” he replied smoothly, his grin widening. “Now, I must confess, getting wrapped up like this was no small feat. It took several attempts and a very patient co-worker of mine. But for you, my dear, no gamble is too great.”

He leaned closer, his eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that made your heart flutter. “Of course,” he added, his voice dipping into a suggestive murmur, “unwrapping me is entirely up to you. Take your time—or don’t. The choice is yours.”

Your cheeks warmed at his tone, but the twinkle in his eye revealed his playful intentions. It was classic Aventurine—charming, ostentatious, and utterly devoted to making you smile.

“Well,” you said, matching his smirk with one of your own as you tugged on another ribbon, “I suppose I should see if this gift is as ‘irreplaceable’ as you claim.”

“Careful, darling,” he murmured, leaning in even closer, his breath warm against your skin. “The best surprises are always at the end.”

And as the ribbons began to unravel, Aventurine’s smile remained as enigmatic and captivating as ever—a gambler who had staked it all on this moment, and somehow, against all odds, had won once again.

[arkhammaid]

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ THEIR FAVORITE BODYPART OF YOURS…

fandom. honkai star rail

pairing. blade, dan heng, gepard, jing yuan, sampo, welt x fem!reader

content warnings. nsfw, MINORS & AGELESS BLOGS DNI, heavy focus on bodypart for each character, mentions of oral, vaginal and unprotected sex, not edited/proofread

word count. 0.5k

notes. have this until i'm done with my other stuff ;-;

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ your eyes. [gepard]

he noticed them the moment he saw you. eyes wide in wonder, sparkling the moment you notice something of your interest— your eyes are truly the windows to your soul, leaving you bare before him. they shine with innocence and curiosity, something twisted in him wishes to corrupt. he wishes you would always look at him like this, eyes wide, with wonder, with love, with lust. 

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ your hands. [welt]

he always seems to be staring at them, your hands so much smaller than his, fingers dainty and skin untouched by hard labor or any injuries. you take care of them, your fingernails are always manicured, clean and shortly cut— something he approves of. he loves to trace mindless shapes on the back of your hands, kiss your fingertips, but he especially loves it when you wrap your soft hands around his cock, making him pant and moan with simple strokes. 

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ your mouth. [blade]

blade loves your mouth, running filthy with spitting insults and sassy remarks. he loves your mouth, those pouty lips when you don’t get what you want. he especially loves it when your mouth is full with his dick, lips stretched and shining with your spit. but what he loves the most are the sounds you make, gasps and moans when he fucks you stupid and choked whimpers when you try to take more than you actually can. 

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ your titts. [jing yuan]

he’s your typical boobs man. eyes dark when his hands always search for your breasts, fingers tweaking your sensitive nipples. jing yuan is mean about it, whispering filthy things, while you try not to show a reaction to his needy hands. but you fail every time, he just knows you too well. knows what he has to do, so you end up shaking beneath him— so he can admire your beautiful titts. 

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ your ass. [sampo]

he’s your typical ass man, absolutely obsessed with how the fat feels beneath his hand, no matter if he’s a bit rougher and slaps you, or simply lets his hands rest there. he praises you, running his mouth filthy, all while taking you from behind, eyes fixed on your ass— completely and utterly obsessed, and so proud that he can call you his (and of course your magnificent ass-)

— ˚₊‧⁺˖ your pussy. [dan heng]

there is something primal about dan heng the moment he sees your pussy bare. maybe it’s his instincts, screaming at him how he has to stuff you full, with his tongue, fingers, cock and cum. but maybe it’s just because your pussy is so pretty, glistening and glimmering under his attention, fluttering when you come with a choked moan. 

taglist. @themercyverse , @lem-hhn , @verxsyon , @auraxins , @lupicalbestwolf

DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE TAGLIST? please send a non-anon ask to be added to the taglist. taglist can be general taglist (all fandoms and all works), fandom taglist (all works within the fandom), series (all works for specific series) or nsfw taglist (all nsfw works and all fandoms).

ARKHAM MAID 2023

[ahqkas]

I have like a supernatural request and I’m obsessed with mermaids…LIKE 😕 but I would like to request something where mattheo is by a lake. He heard a lot about how there’s a Hogwarts mermaid by this lake. But she only comes out at night. Reader’s scales are so beautiful and it makes him memorized and he starts to sneak out a lot to see her.

-🦋anon

PRECIOUS LIKE THOSE PEARLS ; mattheo riddle

HARRY POTTER MASTERLIST!

© ahqkas — all rights reserved. even when credited, these works are prohibited to be reposted, translated or modified

THE BLACK LAKE WAS CALM AND STILL UNDER THE PALE LIGHT OF THE CRESCENT MOON. Mattheo Riddle stood at the water's edge, his eyes scanning the dark surface, hoping for a glimpse of the creature he'd heard whispers about. The air was cool, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees. He'd been coming here every night for the past week, driven by curiosity and a strange, unexplainable pull. Something must be in this lake.

Tonight, however, felt different. The usual silence of the lake seemed charged with an interesting energy. As he stood there, he noticed a faint shimmer beneath the water, a glimmer that was neither a reflection of the moon nor a trick of the light. His heart quickened as he took a step closer.

Suddenly, the water's surface broke, and a figure emerged. You were breathtaking, with scales that glimmered like precious jewels in the moonlight. They ranged from deep emerald green to a soft, iridescent blue, shifting and sparkling with her every movement. Your eyes, perhaps shining even more than the scales, locked onto his, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"You're the mermaid," Mattheo exclaimed softly, more to himself than to you. His breath hitched in the back of his throat.

You tilted your head slightly, a small smile playing on your lips. "And you must be the boy who has been watching me."

Your voice was melodic, carrying a soothing quality that matched your ethereal appearance. Mattheo felt his breath hitch for the second time in a minute, captivated by the sight before him. He nodded slowly, unable to tear his gaze away from you.

"What's your name?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The shock of your appearance resided in his system.

"Call me [Name]," you replied, eyes twinkling with curiosity as you swam closer, examining his human features. "And you are?"

The boy appeared almost like from another realm. He was beautiful. His features, so distinctly human, seemed strange to you. The round curve of his ear, the redness of his cheeks. Only the look in his eyes matched yours. Wild curiosity for the other world.

"Mattheo," he answered, taking another cautious step closer. "I've heard stories about you. They say you only come out at night."

A chuckle escaped past your lips, a sound that reminded Mattheo of the tinkling of small bells. "The night is my comfort, where I feel most at home. It's safer, too. Humans can be . . . unpredictable."

"I suppose we can be. But I'm not here to harm you. I just wanted to see if the stories were true."

"And now that you've seen me?" you asked him the question, your gaze never really leaving his.

"I'm more mesmerized than I ever thought I would be," he admitted. "Your scales . . . they're beautiful." You are beautiful.

"Thank you," your smile widened upon hearing his words. "It's rare for someone to see me like this. Most are too afraid or simply don't believe."

"Well, I'm not most people," Mattheo said with a hint of pride. "I've always been drawn to the mysterious, the things others overlook or dismiss." And it was the truth. Mattheo had always been curious, his caretakers used to say.

Your eyes softened, and you swam a little closer to the shore, towards him. "Why do you come here, Mattheo? What is it that you seek?"

He thought for a moment, considering your question. "I don't know," he finally said. "Maybe I'm looking for something beyond the ordinary. Something that makes me feel alive."

"You find that in me?" you asked, a touch of vulnerability in your voice. No one has ever treated you with such kindness. No one from the human world, that’s it.

"Yes," he replied without hesitation. "There's something about you, [Name]. Something magical." And it wasn’t the Hogwarts.

For a moment, the two of you simply looked at each other, the silence between you filled with an unspoken understanding. Then, you broke the spell.

"Would you like to come closer?" asking, you extended a palm toward him.

Mattheo hesitated for only a second before he knelt by the water's edge, reaching out to take your hand. Your touch was cool and soft, sending a shiver up his spine. You gently pulled him closer, and he found himself sitting on the damp ground, his feet almost touching the water, knees soaking the dampness in.

"Tell me about your world," you proposed, eyes wide with interest. "What's it like above the surface?"

Mattheo smiled, realizing he had so much to share. "It's . . . chaotic and beautiful all at once. There are mountains and forests, bustling cities and quiet villages. People can be wonderful, but also terribly complicated. It's a world full of contradictions."

"That sounds fascinating," your voice was full of wonder. "I wish I could see it for myself."

"Maybe one day," Mattheo said, his tone hopeful. "But for now, I'll tell you everything you want to know."

You spent hours like that, talking and sharing stories. Mattheo told you all about Hogwarts, the magical creatures, and the adventures he'd had. You, in turn, shared tales of the lake, its hidden depths, and the creatures that dwelled within. With every word, the two of you grew closer, the bond between you strengthening.

As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, you let out a sigh. "I have to go. The sun is rising."

"Will I see you again?" Mattheo asked, not wanting your time together to end. He has never felt more connected with someone.

"Yes," you promised. "Come back tomorrow night. I'll be here."

With one last, lingering look, your figure slipped beneath the water, disappearing from sight. Mattheo stood up, his heart full of a strange mix of emotions. He knew he would return, drawn back to the lake by the pull of the mysterious mermaid who had captured his heart. As he walked back to the castle, he couldn't stop thinking about you, the night you had shared, and the promise of more to come.

[reivrze]

burnt | park sunghoon.

in which you try to help out sunghoon with his burnt tongue pairing. sunghoon x reader word count. 0.4k note. very random ngl, i was just bored, hope you enjoy !

Sunghoon sat at the kitchen table, his fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. The fragrant aroma filled the room, comforting and inviting. The steam curled up in lazy wisps, dancing under the soft kitchen light.

As Sunghoon took a sip from his steaming mug, his eyes widened in surprise. He had underestimated the temperature, and the scorching liquid seared his tongue, causing him to yelp in pain. He quickly set the mug down, fanning his mouth with his hand.

Not far away, you entered the kitchen, drawn by his sudden outburst. You had always been captivated by Sunghoon's playful nature, and you couldn't resist teasing him whenever an opportunity arose. A gentle smile played on your lips as you witnessed the scene before you.

Approaching Sunghoon, your eyes danced with amusement. "Careful, love," you teased. "Looks like your love for hot beverages got the better of you this time."

Sunghoon pouted, pretending to be offended. "You're not going to console me, Y/N? No sympathy for a burnt tongue?"

Your expression softened, and you stepped closer, your eyes twinkling. "Well, I suppose I can't let you suffer alone. Maybe I have a solution for that."

Sunghoon's curiosity was piqued, and he watched intently as you leaned in, your lips hovering just above his. The playful glint in your eyes matched his own mischievousness.

With a playful smirk, you pressed your lips gently against Sunghoon's tongue. It was a tender, lingering kiss, filled with warmth and affection. Sunghoon couldn't help but feel a jolt of electricity shoot through him, a mixture of surprise and delight.

Pulling away, you chuckled softly, your voice a melodic sound in the air. "There, all better," you said, your tone laced with amusement.

Sunghoon blinked, momentarily speechless. The burning sensation in his mouth had vanished, replaced by a pleasant tingling sensation. A wide grin spread across his face, his eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"You, my dear, have magical healing powers," Sunghoon declared, a playful glimmer in his eyes. "I should burn my tongue more often if that's the cure."

You laughed, your laughter filling the kitchen and washing over Sunghoon like a warm embrace. "I don't think that's necessary," you replied, your voice light and teasing. "I'd much rather see that playful smile of yours without any pain involved."

Sunghoon's grin widened, and he pulled you into a tight hug, your laughter blending together in the air. In that moment, the playfulness and affection between you created a bubble of joy, encapsulating the kitchen with your shared happiness.

As the embrace ended, you playfully tousled Sunghoon's hair, your touch gentle yet full of warmth. "Now, let's make sure you don't burn anything else today, okay?". Sunghoon nodded, his eyes shining with a mixture of mischief and adoration "Deal."

© miyu 2023 - do not copy, translate, repost or plagiarize my work anywhere !

[randoimago]

Hi there! Could you please do headcanons on Astarion, Wyll, Karlach and Gale with a Druid reader? And if it’s okay to be more specific, one who’s in the Circle of Stars? Thank you!

With a Circle of Stars Druid Reader

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3

Character(s): Astarion, Gale, Karlach, Wyll

Type of Request: Headcanons

Note(s): Ngl when I was looking into Circle of the Stars, it made me very much want to make a Druid character (that I'll probably never get to actually play in a campaign 😔 )

Astarion

Oh good, finally someone that can use those random hovels that he always ends up coming across in his travels. He'd tell you to stay safe and don't play hero if you do decide to go through one, but also maybe find something shiny.

Asks if you're able to turn into a bear for research purposes. Is a bit disappointed if you can't. Sure, your shining dragon thing is pretty, but you're a druid. Why can't you turn into an actual dragon?

Just a bit of agree to disagreements with Astarion. Your fascination of the night sky is nice and all - and yeah, it's a bit romantic - but he's honestly a bit tired of the night. If your star magic can make him live in the daylight then that'll be great. Until then, he hopes this tadpole doesn't screw him over.

Gale

He's heard of druids that seek to control the cosmos, to meet someone from one of those circles is fascinating to him. Gale absolutely wants to hear of what findings you or your circle might have.

Honestly, he wants to hear about any interesting facts you have of constellations too. Just any knowledge in general, he'd love to learn. Gale is happy to tell you whatever knowledge he might have as well.

Gale is also a bit intrigued with our Wild Shaping abilities too. He has met many interesting creatures that he's summoned and while he knows you can't transform into many of them, he does have a request. Just now and then when he's reading a good book, he'd love if you can be a cat that he can cuddle with too.

Karlach

Karlach is so excited that you're a druid. She has a list of animals she's always wanted to pet, but has been unable to because of her running a bit hot. So if you'd be willing to indulge in becoming little critters for her to pet then she'll be ecstatic.

Considering a lot of her life has been stuck in the Hells, hearing that you are studying and learning about the skies sounds like a dream to her. She'll gladly hear any stories you have of the sparkling lights in the sky, happy to think back on those stories instead of remembering the ones from her past.

Might not quite understand everything you tell her about the stars and night sky - specifically the sciency stuff - but she does love listening to stories behind each constellation. Can't help but joke with you about one day having her own constellation in the night sky.

Wyll

With all of Wyll's traveling, he has some knowledge of the stars. He's needed to rely on them to help him travel a bit so he'd love to learn a bit about your star maps in hopes it'll also help him out in the future.

Can't help but be slightly in awe when he sees your Starry Form. He finds it absolutely gorgeous. The way you glimmer and look like the a star map yourself is amazing. As if he thought he couldn't fall in love further, you just prove him wrong.

Wyll is on a mission whenever your group stops at a city or town now. He's just looking for star maps or special inks and such for you to create and add on to your own. While it's not quite bouquets of flowers, he hopes that you appreciate the gesture.

[savingsallow]

On the mantle, sitting behind a row of neatly hung stockings, Val spots it: a mandrake. Its expression is sour, its leaves drooping slightly. It hasn't screamed - but it's definitely not pleased.

"Stockings," it mutters, its voice bitter. "Everyone gets a stocking. Even the cat. But me? Nothing. I've been good too! Where's my fuzzy sock? My little treats? Or is the mandrake too much trouble to include in your holiday cheer?"

What does Val you do?

The bustling Herbology greenhouse is filled with the warm scent of fresh earth and a swirl of vibrant green plants, each thriving under the enchanted glass ceiling.

Val's pink hair glimmers in the sunlight as she wanders among the rows of magical plants, her eyes shining with curiosity and delight. Today’s lesson is all about mandrakes, and the Slytherin girl's excitement is palpable—though she knows the little sprigs can be a handful.

As Professor Garlick is demonstrating proper handling techniques, Val glances over at her assigned mandrake, nestled snugly in its pot. To her surprise, it's wearing a particularly disgruntled expression, its leaves drooping and a faint moan escaping its lips.

"Stockings," it mutters, its voice bitter. "Everyone gets a stocking. Even the cat. But me? Nothing. I've been good too! Where's my fuzzy sock? My little treats? Or is the mandrake too much trouble to include in your holiday cheer?"

Val bites her lip, holding back a laugh. “Aww c'mon, little buddy!” she calls out, her voice warm and playful. “I know things can feel a bit…rooted in monotony, but this is Herbology class! You’re literally the life of the party here!” She leans closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Besides, I think your sour attitude might just be your only real accessory,” she added with a wink.

The mandrake glares at her, unimpressed, but the girl continues, undeterred. “Look, I'm no plant expert but I think I have an idea.” With a flick of her wrist, she reaches into her bag, pulling out a shimmering purple flower. “This is a Belladonna Blossom—very rare and known for enhancing plant beauty! Just a little sprinkle of this on your leaves, and you’ll turn heads, my dearest Mandrake.”

The mandrake narrows its eyes but can’t resist a peek at the Belladonna. “You really think that would work? You’re not just buttering me up for a scream practice, are you?”

“Oh, please!” she chuckles, shaking her head. “Just imagine it: You’ll be the talk of the classroom. ‘Did you see the Mandrake with the glow?’ Everyone will be jealous, especially the cat! And don’t get me started on all the holiday parties you can crash once you’re looking fabulous.” She pauses dramatically, grinning. “Plus, if you scream, at least it’ll be more like a rock star entrance than a scary concert! Think of that as your holiday gift to the world!”

With a theatrical wave of her wand, she lightly dusts the Belladonna Blossom over the mandrake. Instantly, a spark of shimmering light surrounds it, and its leaves perk up, transforming from dull and grumpy to vibrant and cheerful.

“There! See? Much better!” She stands back and admires her handiwork, clapping her hands together like a proud artist. “Now you’ve got the festive look to match your spirited attitude! Now, who’s ready to spread some holiday cheer?”

The mandrake blinks in disbelief, then lets out a soft giggle that sounds surprisingly like a bark. “Okay, Val. Maybe you’re not so bad after all.”

“Just wait until you see what I have planned for you at the end of class—a little surprise treat! Nothing dark or murky, I promise!” she says, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just a bit of holiday flavor for a plant who deserves it.”

As it adjusts to its newfound allure, the mandrake begins to sway, almost dancing with the rhythm of the lively classroom. "You know," it calls out teasingly, its voice bubbling with excitement, "I may have been a little too root-bound before! Who knew looking fabulous could feel so magical?"

With that, the mandrake launches into an impromptu performance, mimicking dance moves learned from watching the students. Its tiny arms wave in the air, and it spins around in its pot, exuberance washing over it as it basks in the attention.

Val grins wider, feeling a sense of triumph as she watches her little friend thrive in the spotlight. The other students, once wary of the mandrake’s notorious screaming, are now cheering and clapping, eager to join in the fun.

As the class progresses, it becomes clear that the belladonna has given the mandrake not just beauty, but confidence. It starts to bond with its peers, sharing jokes and playful banter, even poking fun at the stubborn cat who’s lazily perched outside the greenhouse, clearly feeling left out of the festivities.

By the end of the lesson, Val knows she’s made a friend for life. “Alright, time for your surprise!” she announces, producing small, colorful treats from her bag—little enchanted berries that shimmer with a hint of magic. “I call these ‘Jolly Jesters’! They’re sweet, festive, and sure to give you a little bounce!”

The mandrake’s eyes widen in delight, and as Val hands one over, it excitedly chomps into it, its expression lighting up with joy. “This is the best day ever! I can officially say I’m part of the holiday cheer now! Maybe stockings aren't such a bad idea after all—if they’re filled with goodies like these!”

As the bell rings and the students migrate out of the greenhouse, Val takes a moment to admire her handiwork. The mandrake, once sour and overlooked, is now a dazzling centerpiece of the classroom, ready to take on the world with a newfound zest for life.

After all, what’s the thrill of Herbology without a good dose of plants, puns, and a sprinkle of magic ✨

[smok3r7]

One Door Closes & Another One Opens

Joel x OFC!Divorce Lawyer

Explicit, 18+

Patience Is Key

Main MasterList & Series Masterlist - My AO3

Summary: She’s a divorce attorney and he’s a husband looking for help to save his daughter, and himself, from his gambling addict wife. Renae Russo is a woman who fights for her clients and wins. She’s satisfied with her life and what she does - but she wishes she could have a little more. What happens when Joel Miller becomes her client and an old flame of Renae’s reignites in the same breath?

Chapter Summary: Sometimes love is a waiting game.

Word count: 3.9k

-Here’s the finale babes…I can’t believe it’s here! I hope this lives up to everyone’s wishes…I know I’m very happy with the outcome.

Maybe there will be an extra chap for these two in the near future … who knows?

But I wanna say thank you to everyone who’s been here for this story, I’ll love these two forever. And I think this will be my last Joel series … but I hope you guys stay for what I have in the future<3

—

“Sarah!” Joel yells up the staircase, “Ya’ ready to go?”

“Coming, dad!” Sarah yells from her bedroom, causing Joel to chuckle as he grabs his bags from the bottom of the steps. Suddenly he hears the stomping of Sarah’s shoes descending the staircase, and he looks up with bags on both his shoulders to see her eyes sparkle with excitement. Joel can’t help but smile at the sight of her. She deserves this more than she knows, he thinks to himself.

They’re about to embark on an adventure that has been months in the making. Their destination is Joel’s cabin, a couple hours out of the city, a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life - for the week of the Fourth of July.

“You ready for the trip of your dreams, Renae?” Sarah giggles as she passes her in the driveway, now skipping backwards towards the truck.

Renae grins, excitement bubbling inside her, “I sure am!”

This road trip has been a long time coming, and she can’t wait to hit the open road with her boyfriend and step-daughter - Frankie coming along as well.

As Joel flies on the highway, the wind tousles the girl's hair and the music blares through the speakers, creating the perfect soundtrack for their adventure. With each passing mile, Renae leaves her worries behind and embraces the freedom of this week.

Because of their late start, the sun starts to set while they drive, casting a golden glow over the horizon. Renae can’t contain her excitement when she sees the sun descending in the distance. Joel can’t help but notice the radiant smile on her face as she gazes at the golden painting in the sky.

Her love for sunsets is infectious, so much so that Joel finds himself captivated by the beauty that illuminates her features. Her red hair shines, her blue eyes glimmer, and her cheeks are a bright gold.

The delayed start to their journey seems insignificant now, as they both bask in the mesmerizing sight before them. In the silence of the car, besides the sounds of Frankie smelling out the back window, a shared moment of appreciation for the simple joys of life bonds them in a way words can’t express.

"Dad," Sarah asks eagerly, "When we get there, can I start the fire?" Joel's eyes meet hers in the rearview mirror, his own smile mirroring Sarah's contagious excitement. "You most definitely can, dear," he replies warmly.

Renae marveles at the scene unfolding before her. Sarah's enthusiasm is a reflection of Joel's adventurous spirit, and as she playfully mimics his smile, Renae can’t help but notice the striking resemblance between father and daughter. They share the same twinkling eyes and infectious grins, a sight that never fails to melt Renae's heart.

"She's just like you, you know," Renae murmurs, planting her hand on Joel’s that rests on the center console. She smiles up at him, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words, Thank you, is all he chokes out and she feels his hand squeeze hers just a bit tighter.

—

Renae stands in awe as she gazes upon the cabin that Joel promised would be their sanctuary for the week. Its worn wooden exterior blends seamlessly with the serene forest surroundings, and a sense of peace washes over her. This is exactly what she needs - a break from the chaos of everyday life, especially work.

Her forest eyes sparkle with wonder as she stands at the edge of the lake, completely captivated by its simple beauty. The sun’s setting, casting a golden hue over the water, making it shimmer like a thousand diamonds. She inhales deeply, taking in the scent of pine trees and freshwater.

Feeling a presence behind her, she turns to see Joel, a soft smile tugs at the corners of his lips. Renae can’t help but smile back. "Wow," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. "This is just... beautiful."

"I knew you'd love it," Joel whispers, his eyes reflecting the same awe that Renae feels. Together, they stand in silence, letting the tranquility of the moment wash over them, taking in each and every second they can.

As the last rays of sunlight dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Renae knows that this moment will be etched in her memory forever. It’s such a special moment, shared between two people in the presence of nature's breathtaking beauty, but in that simplicity, she finds a profound sense of joy and gratitude.

“Can I get some help back here, please!” Sarah hollers from behind them, back at Joel’s truck with a couple bags in hand, “I wanna start this fire, guys!”

Hand in hand, Renae and Joel chuckle to themselves before walking back towards the vehicle to unload their luggage, their hearts full and their spirits uplifted.

Walking into the cabin with bags in each hand, Renae's heart swells with anticipation. She can’t quite pinpoint why, but there’s an inexplicable electricity in the air that makes her pulse quicken. Perhaps it’s the way the trees whisper ancient secrets or the way the sunset casts a beautiful glow over the water.

A couple hours later, everything is set up to everyone’s liking, and Renae feels like she has stepped into a fairytale. In her leggings and loose sweater, she glides towards the living room area and is finally able to appreciate the work that Joel put into this space. The interior is cozy and inviting, with plush couches, a dark fireplace that crackles, filling the room with a warm, earthy scent that envelopes her.

Joel has truly outdone himself, and she can’t wait to spend the week here with him and Sarah.

Renae sinks into one of the plush couches, feeling utterly content in this environment, something she could get more than comfortable with.

Then, Joel and Sarah emerge from the kitchen, carrying steaming mugs of hot cocoa and laughter in their eyes. As darkness settles over the land, a canopy of stars emerges in the sky, twinkling like diamonds against the velvet backdrop.

As the night passes, they sit by the fire, just listening to the pops and cracks every few seconds. Renae feels a sense of serenity wash over her as Joel’s arm wraps around her shoulder, pulling her closer to his side, leaning her head against his shoulder and chest. While Sarah lays over Renae’s lap on her side with Frankie curled up to her, as she lets Renae softly run her fingers up and down the side of her torso and arm.

She’s not sure when she falls asleep, but between Joel holding her and Sarah’s love, she does.

—

Renae sits on the porch of the cabin early the next morning, cradling her steaming cup of coffee, she feels a sense of tranquility wash over her. The early sunlight filters through the dense foliage surrounding the cabin, casting dappled patterns of light on the wooden floor.

The gentle rustling of the leaves in the nearby forest provides a soothing soundtrack to the peaceful moment. It’s as if the trees are whispering ancient secrets, their branches swaying in a synchronized dance to an unheard melody.

She takes a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, pine-scented air. With her legs folded to her chest, she closes her eyes, allowing herself to be fully present in the moment, soaking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness around her. Even after her numerous hiking trips around the state of Texas, she had never encountered a place quite like this.

The cabin sits nestled among towering trees, their thick trunks reaching towards the sky like sentinels guarding a hidden realm. The earthy scent of the forest mingles with the aroma of her coffee, creating a sensory symphony that fills her with a sense of profound peace.

As Renae sips her coffee, she watches a pair of squirrels playfully chase each other through the underbrush, their chittering laughter adding to the magical atmosphere. She can’t help but marvel at the beauty of the natural world and the sense of harmony that seems to permeate every aspect of the forest.

Lost in contemplation, Renae feels a deep connection to the wilderness around her. It’s a place of serenity and wonder, a sanctuary far removed from the business of everyday life. A place she can most definitely get used to enjoying, with Joel and Sarah… and maybe one day, a little one of their own.

“Mornin’ darlin’,” his sleepy voice emerges from the front door, “Thank you for makin’ coffee.” A soft chuckle follows as she turns to see him approaching with a steaming cup in hand.

“Thanks for puttin’ me to bed last night,” she chuckles as she slides over for him to sit next to her, “That couch is comfy, but I would’ve felt like shit this mornin’.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle with amusement as he settles down beside her, his presence brings a sense of comfort and familiarity. He takes a sip of his coffee, the steam rising in the crisp morning air, and then, as if on cue, lifts his left arm behind the back of the swing. She knows that’s her invitation to nestle into her spot against him, the spot where their bodies fit together effortlessly as if they’re two pieces of a puzzle.

The peaceful moment lingers between them, the soft sounds of nature providing a soothing melody and their breathing synchronized into one. In that simple gesture of leaning on him, she finds a sense of belonging and contentment that words can never fully capture. It’s a quiet intimacy shared between two souls who have found solace in each other's company.

And as they sit there, savoring the warmth of the morning sun and the comfort of each other's presence, they know that no matter the things they’ve been through for the past two years, they have found a safe haven in the embrace of their love and they both are comfortable in knowing their love it true.

—

Renae hums to herself as she chops vegetables in the cozy kitchen, the aroma of a delicious stir-fry filling the room. Joel and Sarah’s laughter float in from the beach, where they’re engrossed in a friendly game of volleyball. Surrounded by the sounds of the beach and the sizzle of the pan, Renae can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing from her life.

As she stirs the vegetables in the pan, her thoughts drift to motherhood. Watching Sarah grow up has been a joy, but lately, Renae finds herself yearning for a child of her own. Someone she can raise from infancy, pass on her wisdom to, and watch grow into a remarkable individual. The desire for motherhood tugs at her heartstrings, making her question her own path in life.

But Renae knows that bringing up the topic of having a child with Joel is a delicate matter. She’s not sure if he’s ready to start a family all over again, especially considering that Sarah’s already a teenager. The uncertainty of Joel's feelings about marriage and starting a new family weigh heavily on Renae's mind, causing a mix of hope and apprehension to swirl within her. But she refuses to bring it up to him, it’s just not the right timing.

Each rhythmic slice of the knife brings a sense of calm, allowing her mind to wander freely. As she continues cutting, the thought of expanding their little family lingers at the forefront of her thoughts - it won’t stop replaying on loop in her head. She imagines Joel's laughter blending with the innocent giggles of a child, filling their home with more joy and love.

Lost in her daydreams, Renae's focus wavers, and she winces as the blade nicks her finger. It’s a small cut, but enough to startle her. "Fuck," she mutters under her breath, unaware that Joel heard her from outside.

In a swift motion, Joel enters the cozy cabin, a look of concern flashes across his face. "Are you okay?" he asks, his voice laced with worry as he approaches Renae at the sink.

Renae plasters on a smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yeah, just a tiny cut. Nothin’ serious," she replies, her attempt at reassurance tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Joel reaches for her hand, inspecting the minor injury with furrowed brows. "Ya’ know you don't have to pretend with me, right?" he says softly, his gaze searching hers for any hint of what she’s truly feeling. “What’s really goin’ on?” He sincerely asks as he wraps her pointer finger in a piece of paper towel.

“Nothing-“

“N’ don’t lie,” he cuts her off, not rudely but stern enough to tell her to just tell the truth.

Tears well up in her eyes as Joel's warm touch envelopes her hand, the paper towel absorbing the blood from her wounded finger. The vulnerability of the moment makes her voice tremble, "I just… I don't wanna pressure you… but I want a baby of our own."

Joel's deep, chocolate eyes met hers with understanding. "One of our own?" he says at the same time, his voice full of compassion and love.

Her breath catches in her throat as she nods in response, her lip quivering as tears stream down her cheeks. The weight of her confession hangs heavy in the air, but she feels a glimmer of hope as Joel speaks, his words filling her with shock and disbelief.

“I do too,” he reassures her, in fact he gladly embraces the idea of starting anew, “You’ll be an amazin’ mother, just from the way you are with Sarah, I can tell you’ll rock it. I haven’t brought it up cause I didn’t think you’d want to have a child with me. So I left it alone, but darlin’…it’s what I want more than anythin’.”

She can sense a longing evident in his words as he expresses his desire for another child. The notion that Sarah would relish the role of an older sister brings a wave of comfort over Renae, her heart swells with gratitude for Joel's unexpected acceptance.

Renae throws herself into Joel's arms, their embrace is a sanctuary of understanding and unspoken promises. As they stand together in that peaceful silence, a newfound sense of togetherness and possibility enveloped them, igniting a flame of hope for a future filled with love and the pitter-patter of tiny feet.

“I love you so much,” she whispers into his neck, “you’re my world and I’d be so lost without you. Thank you for loving me.”

“I love you too, mama.”

—

Ouh baby, I'm a love man

That’s what they call me, I’m a love man

I’m six feet one, weigh two hundred and ten

Long hair, and pretty fair skin

Long legs and I’m a-out a sight

Hey, little girl, I’m gonna take you out

‘Cause I’m a love man

Renae softly sings to herself, her voice blending with the gentle lapping of the water against the pontoon. As the sun's warm rays kiss her skin, she closes her eyes, feeling utterly at peace. Sarah's laughter and splashing adds to the symphony of summer sounds, creating a harmonious atmosphere that seems to encapsulate the essence of happiness.

Joel had expertly maneuvered the boat to a sandbar near their cabin, a secluded oasis where time seems to stand still. The sky stretched endlessly above them, a canvas of blue punctuated by fluffy white clouds. The whole day had been a lazy blur of swimming, sunbathing, and endless laughter - and it’s only three in the afternoon.

Since the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, the whole week Joel says the lake will be busy. And just like he said, the sandbar is buzzing with kids and families all enjoying the summer heat. Children play in the shallow waters, their giggles echoing across the lake. Families picnicking on the shore, the smell of barbecue lingers in the air. It’s a scene straight out of a postcard, a snapshot of summertime bliss.

Renae's voice carries across the water, the melody weaving through the chatter and laughter. Next thing she knows Sarah joins in, her voice blending seamlessly with Renae's. Joel sits by the steering wheel, a content smile playing on his lips as he just watches the two girls sing, now to one another.

Which one of you girls want me to hold you?

A-which one of you girls wants me to kiss you?

A-which one of you girls want me to take you out?

Go on, I got you, gonna knock you all night

‘Cause, baby, I’m a love man

Both Renae and Sarah instinctively splash the water to the beat of the song and both end up laughing at the fact they did the same thing. “This is why I love you, Renae!” Sarah admits with a huge smile across her lips and Renae freezes.

It’s the first time she’s said it and it’s genuine, not forced by any means. It sounds so natural coming from her but it means the world to Renae. “Love you too, Sarah,” she chokes, still with a smile on her face.

Ottis Redding fades from the speaker and Elton John takes over, Your Song. The very song that Renae branded as her and Joel’s song, because it was the first song to play after Joel officially asked her out almost five months ago.

Without a second thought Renae turns her head behind her to look for Joel, “Baby, It’s our song-“ she stops her sentence as she sees Joel already standing in front of her with his right hand reaching for her to stand up. She pushes herself up from the pontoon floor and reaches for his hand for support, adjusting the strap of her bikini top so it’s not digging into her neck.

“May I have this dance?” He purrs softly with a smirk.

“Of course,” she feels her cheeks heat up from his words, her heart fluttering with excitement. The gentle melody floats through the air, creating a magical atmosphere around them.

Joel pulls her closer, and they sway to the music, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, the boat rocking just enough to feel like a dream.

Oh, I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I can do

My gift is my song and this one’s for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that’s it’s done

I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind

That I put down into words

How wonderful life is while you’re in this world

The world fades away, leaving only the two of them lost in the moment. Renae looks into Joel’s shiny orbs, seeing nothing but love and adoration reflecting back at her. She finally feels like she’s where she’s supposed to be in life - she’s finally found her happiness.

You see, I’ve forgotten if they’re green or they’re blue

Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen

And you can tell everyone that this is your song

The song slowly comes to an end and Joel dips her slightly, causing her to let out a laugh of pure joy. He brings her back up, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. “I love you,” he whispers, his voice filled with sincerity.

Tears gather in Renae’s eyes as she leans in to kiss him, her heart overflowing with happiness. The kiss is passionate but also sweet, short lived even. But the next thing she knows, Joel’s on one knee as he holds both her hands.

“Joel…”

“Renae,” he starts, “You are the love of my life. Your heart is so pure and full of joy, the way you’re passionate about your job is liberating. I find it incredibly attractive that you are your own woman and always have been. You don’t let others sway you, you stand on what you believe in.” He takes a breath to stop himself from crying.

“The way you treat Sarah, like she’s your own, is something that I love about you. N’ I know she loves you and would love to have you in her life as a mother figure. Then we can eventually have a little one of our own, to make you n’ me complete.” His words start to crack from the emotions he’s trying to hide, “Renae Russo, will you make me the happiest man n’ marry me?”

She's starstruck, she can’t believe he’s really asking her to marry him. Renae never thought he’d be open to the thought of marriage again, “Yes! Yes, of course I’ll marry you!” She practically sobs between laughs of disbelief.

He stands up and wraps his arms tightly around her body as she latches hers around his torso, then quickly lifts her face to kiss him with love. Their love story has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, they have grown closer and stronger together.

Joel, a man who had sworn off marriage after a painful divorce, that she had officiated, is so in love with her that he broke that promise to himself. He feels like Renae’s worth breaking his own rules, because of the way she treats him and his daughter.

Then just like that, Sarah comes from behind Renae and pulls out a small black velvet box and hands it to Renae with a large smile with happy tears. Renae’s heart flutters at the act of Sarah giving her the engagement ring.

Renae's heart skips a beat as she opens the box to reveal a stunning engagement ring glistening in the light of the sun. Tears of joy well up in her eyes as she gazes between the ring, Joel, and then Sarah. With shaky fingers she takes the glistening diamond in her hands and she slides it on her ring finger, and she finally loses her composure.

“I love you both so much,” she chokes out as she reaches for both Joel and Sarah.

As the rest of the evening unfolds, Renae finds herself unable to take her eyes off the exquisite ring adorning her finger. Every glance at the diamond fills her with a sense of gratitude and wonder, reminding her of the love that transcends boundaries and embraces all possibilities.

Joel, unable to contain his own happiness, showers Renae with affection, his touch a constant reassurance of their shared journey ahead. With every caress and whisper promise, he silently vows to be the rock on which their unconventional love story can always thrive.

Renae knows that with Joel by her side, she has the unwavering support to pursue her dreams and create the life she has always envisioned. Their love was a testament to the beauty of breaking free from societal constraints and embracing a connection that defied all odds.

And as Renae drifts off to sleep that night, the tears of joy that had welled up in her eyes earlier now sparkles with a newfound hope and determination. She knows that with Joel and Sarah standing beside her, anything is possible, and her heart brimmed with excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.

[minjisluvr]

i could get used to this | kim minji

The sand, a shimmering expanse, glimmers under the caress of the sun. It stretches out like a vast, golden mosaic.

The waves of the ocean crash softly against the shore, blending with the sound of your heart beating. Its cerulean depths unfold in gentle undulations, a symphony of blues that shift and blend seamlessly.

All you smell is her. A mixture of distant flowers, soap, and sun drying her hair. There's a sweet, almost flowery scent that surrounds her.

Minji's head rests on your lap, her eyes closed and a peaceful smile on her face.

It's the first time she's had a day off in what feels like forever. She's been working hard, waiting for this day, and she's finally free.

You take a deep breath, enjoying the ocean air on your skin. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, and everything is perfect. The two of you sit underneath a beach umbrella that the both of you struggled to stick into the sand.

You watch her as she lazily drags her hand in the sand, her thumb tracing small circles. You can't help but smile when she occasionally opens her eyes and looks at you.

"You know," she says with a smirk, "I could get used to this."

You chuckle softly, your fingers lightly brushing against her cheek. "Lazy beach days with me?"

She nods, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of playfulness and affection. "Absolutely. Just you, me, and the waves."

"Maybe when we're old and wrinkly," you tease, "but for now, I'll take what I can get."

Minji giggles, her laughter music to your ears. "Hey, don't rush us into old age just yet, bro. We've got plenty of time for lazy beach days."

Her words warm your heart, and you find yourself falling even deeper in love with her in this idyllic setting. The weight of the world melts away, leaving behind only the pure joy of being together.

With a mischievous glint in your eyes, you reach for her hand, gently tugging her closer. "Well, since we're here now, how about we make the most of it? What's on the agenda, beach explorer?"

She feigns a thoughtful expression, her finger tapping against her chin. "Hmm, let's see. We could find some shells, and maybe walk on the shoreline for a while. " Her voice trails off as she looks at you, her eyes eager and hope-filled.

You can't help but kiss her, your lips meeting hers in a soft, gentle kiss. "Sounds perfect,"

[hiddenmoonbeam]

The Nutcracker

Sirius Black/Remus Lupin | ~4k words | Read on Ao3

Here we are, with my entirely unplanned and belated Christmas gift to anyone interested, an au I never knew I needed. It only exists because Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy got stuck in my head out of nowhere one night when I was trying to sleep, and once the idea had formed it wouldn’t leave me alone: a cursed boy, a mouse king turned grey-backed rat, and a good-hearted hero looking at a thing deemed broken and undesirable, and seeing someone lovely instead. This is the beginning of the story. I might write the ending too, because I keep thinking about it. The fate of the middle is more uncertain, though I do have some ideas for that as well. We’ll see how it goes. But for now, I hope you enjoy this. Have a lovely end of the year, and beginning of the next. 💖

It’s Christmas Eve and every inch of Black Manor shines. First the ice sculptures in the garden, followed by the fragrant evergreen garlands hanging around windows and door frames. Candles flicker in chandeliers leading the way from the gates to the great hall. And in there stands the most beautiful tree, so high the star at its top nearly touches the ceiling. It casts a magical light over the sea of gathered guests, glimmering in the women’s dresses and jewellery. The banquet table overflows with delicious dishes, and servants silently pass through the chatting groups carrying trays of sparkling glasses. 

Maybe once upon a time, Sirius enjoyed these occasions. When he was too young to attend, and could spend these endless and magical hours sneaking away from the nanny to spy on the whole spectacle together with his best friend. But that was before said best friend’s parents expressed one too many unorthodox opinions, and the family no longer received an invitation to the yearly party. Before Sirius’s own parents decided he wasn’t a good enough heir, or brother, or potential husband – or person, in general. And now at 16, he would rather sneak away and hide in the attic than play this game of performative small talk with distasteful relatives and their equally bad acquaintances. 

Which is exactly what he’s successfully managed to do. Once he’d made sure enough guests had seen him, greeted them and listened to them boast about themselves, countered backhanded compliments with his own, shot back with a smile and such finesse they wouldn’t realise the insult until later – once all that was done, he made his escape. Praying his mother would be too busy acting the perfect hostess to have time to search for him.

He’s been here in the attic for at least an hour by now, reading his book by candlelight between boxes and old furniture. It’s all calm and quiet, but for the sudden scratching sound somewhere to his right. He ignores it at first, but as the noise grows worse, probably because whatever is causing it got company, he gets up to check what uninvited guests have joined his solitude. And much like he suspected he finds the pair of rats in a dusty corner behind an old table, chewing on what looks like a wooden toy. Sirius shoos at the pests, and watches as they skitter back into the dark. He’d ask where the cats are when they’re needed, but he knows they’re probably being fed by the cook in the kitchen. 

Sirius’s gaze returns to the toy – a nutcracker, he realises. He sighs as he picks up the battered thing; one arm hangs loose, the paint is peeling off, and long jagged cuts cross the wood, both from time and the rats’ teeth. It’s not much to look at, yet something about it tugs at his curiosity. Like a whisper of something old and forgotten. With all its faults it’s rather misplaced in this Manor, where everything is clean and polished, and Sirius can’t help but relate. He wonders where it came from. The attic offers no answers.

It’s risky to return downstairs, but Sirius can no longer focus on the book he brought with him. So as silently as he can manage he sneaks down to his own floor, intending to retrieve the tool box he’s hidden under a floorboard in his room. Before he can get there though, he sees his mother by his locked door, demanding his presence downstairs. She hasn’t yet noticed him at the other end of the hallway, so he quickly slips into the old nursery instead, hoping no one will think to look for him in there among the covered furniture and toys neither he nor his brother has played with for years. It’s a ghostly room; decorated for Christmas like the rest of the Manor despite its lack of use, yet shrouded in shadows cast by the moonlight outside. The tree stands by the long windowed wall opposite the door, visible from outside, all for appearances. Everything else has been frozen in time, waiting for the next generation to bring life to it yet again.

Beneath a white sheet, a few steps into the room, Sirius uncovers the Clockwork Castle the Black cousins once received from the eccentric old clockmaker and inventor, Mr Lupin. The beautiful creation seems to glimmer with a timeless magic, even after all these years. It’s been nearly a decade, but Sirius still remembers his younger self’s fascination with the mechanics of it all. Mr Lupin showed him how to operate it, as well as the box of tools hidden beneath the silvery swans frozen still on the moat. He’s glad for it now, as he finds what he needs to fix the Nutcracker’s broken arm.

In the light from the candle, he settles in the corner farthest away from the door, not to risk the light breaking through the cracks around it and giving him away. Right behind him the moon shines through the tall windows, reflecting in the glass doors of the old toy cabinet. Close beside it, the grandfather clock ticks past eleven thirty.

While he works he tells the Nutcracker in a hushed voice about how much he wishes he could leave his family and the duties they’re set on forcing upon him. His mother caught him kissing a boy last summer, and now she insists on matching him with a suitable wife before he comes of age. Several of these young women are downstairs tonight, waiting for him to show himself again, to dance with them, and behave like the heir he is. How pathetic they’d find him if they knew he’d instead hidden away in this room surrounded by distant memories and childish toys. 

“There,” he says finally, placing the Nutcracker on its feet on the floor with a pleased smile at his handiwork. “As new.” 

The grandfather clock in the corner chimes for midnight – once, twice… but the third one falters. Sirius frowns up at the clock, the slowing pendulum. The fourth chime comes out eerie, the muffled music from downstairs suddenly quiet. 

At the fifth chime, a gust of wind swoops past, from nowhere; the Nutcracker topples over; the candle flame flickers, dies. A sparkle runs up his spine as Sirius rises to his feet, the comfort from just a moment ago now gone. Accompanying the still slowing chimes of the clock, he hears whispers and scurrying noises growing from inside the walls, like hundreds of tiny feet climbing closer. 

Sirius turns, and the room spins with him. Spins and spins, everything in it growing out of proportion while the ghostly chimes echo between the walls, through his head. He stumbles and barely catches himself against an accent table, vaguely aware through the turmoil that the height of it seems wrong; his knees hit the floor and he can no longer reach the edge.

Once everything stills, even the clock now frozen right before the final chime of midnight, Sirius stares up at furniture ten times their normal size, towering above him where he lies on the floor. To his right stands the extinguished candle, now nearly as tall as him. And to his left is the Nutcracker, the toy shimmering as the stiffness melts away, revealing a boy with skin scarred the same way the wood was marked. Sirius stares, mouth agape, while the boy, not quite human but also far from a lifeless piece, blinks back at him, eyes wide. His joints crack painfully as he moves, his motions slower than Sirius’s as they both rise to their feet.

Sirius’s head races with thoughts, one wilder than the last trying to make sense of what is happening. He must have fallen asleep – but that idea even crossing his mind suggests he actually is wide awake. Shrunk to the size of a doll, standing before a Nutcracker-turned-boy. Mind full of questions, but unable to voice any of them.

For a long moment the other boy doesn’t seem to know what to say either. He watches Sirius with a mesmerised expression, eyes flickering back and forth over Sirius’s features. As if it was Sirius who just magically came alive, wood giving way to that adorable face. Then it comes, a low, soft, “oh”. It pierces Sirius’s chest, etches into his core. Oh.

Something sad falls over the boy’s face then, his whole posture, as his eyes trail down to his scarred hands and worn clothes. Sirius knows that look; embarrassment, shame. As much as he hates seeing it, he understands the stark contrast between the two of them. Sirius in his beautifully embroidered waistcoat made especially for the festive occasion, and this boy in a uniform with the red paint peeling off. Because on closer inspection, Sirius realises the fabric isn’t fabric at all; it’s still wood, as are his hands, his almost life-like skin, even the soft curls peeking out from under his hat remain still in the same position no matter how he moves his slightly too large head. Yet he somehow feels more real than any of the guests downstairs.

Sirius reaches out, fingers to the boy’s wrist – and those pretty brown eyes meet his own again. Something passes between them, invisible, curious. Sirius opens his mouth, just about to speak, when a sudden noise from behind him breaks the moment. The boy’s gaze snaps over Sirius’s shoulder, his expression shifting to alarm. Sirius turns, and what he sees freezes the blood in his veins.

All over the other half of the room, from the Christmas tree to the Clockwork Castle, dozens upon dozens of rats have gathered, even more spilling out from the hole in the wall. And at the front stands the largest of them, risen on its hind legs and impossibly tall, a sword in hand, and head crowned with gold. 

The boy gasps, fingers clutching the sleeve of Sirius’s shirt – and suddenly the memories hit, old and filed away, of that Christmas when Mr Lupin presented them the Clockwork Castle. Of the Nutcracker found beneath the tree, and the story Mr Lupin told them about how it’d come to be; of far away lands steeped in magic, where toys come alive among gingerbread houses and castles covered in sugary frosting; of the vengeful Rat King and the cursed princess, and the young man finally breaking it by offering her the nut no one else had been able to crack.

And of course; the curse that befell him instead, turned him wooden and ugly. How the princess’ rejection made him shunned by all and cast out of society. Of the Rat King’s oath to hunt him down; the battle and love that must be won to free him again.

Staring back at the boy now, the terror on his face, Sirius’s own voice whispers in his mind from the past, What’s his name? Mr Lupin looked at him, startled and confused. So Sirius, slightly annoyed that this adult didn’t understand his perfectly reasonable question, added with a precocious tone, He must have a name, has he not?

“Remus,” he breathes now, echoing Mr Lupin’s soft response, and all of a sudden he understands the sadness in the old man’s eyes. The Nutcracker boy looks at Sirius with a similarly startled expression, and through the wood and growing age gap, Sirius sees the resemblance. “You’re Mr Lupin’s son.” 

It’s insane. Absolutely impossible. Yet Sirius is convinced it’s true – with the ghost of a nod, an illusion of tears in his eyes, the long lost Remus Lupin stands before him, the cursed boy from a bedtime story somehow alive and here in Sirius’s old nursery.

“Are you done hiding, little Nutcracker?” the Rat King calls, his wheezing voice sending shivers down Sirius’s spine. “Will you finally let me end your sad existence once and for all?” 

Sirius doesn’t know how he manages to push away from the insanity of it all to act. He scans the room, the army of rats in the opposite end of it moving in on them, and the closed door behind their growing number. Even if Sirius could reach it, there’s no way he would be able to open it while this small. Which only leaves the impossible option to fight, the two of them alone against a murderous army that would have been scary enough at his right size. Now, it’s downright terrifying. 

On the floor beside them lie the small screwdrivers he’d used to fix Remus’s loose arm. He dives for them now, desperate for at least some form of weapon; they’re heavy and awkward, and he hears the Rat King’s mocking laughter as he struggles to hold each with only one hand. He pushes one to Remus, who clumsily manages not to drop it. It’s clear it won’t do. They’ll need something better, something more sword-like, something made for their size–

Sirius’s racing thoughts and feverishly searching gaze finally settle on the toy cabinet, and fragile hope leaps in his chest. If only they can get inside, they’ll have an arsenal of swords and rifles, even cannons, at their disposal, though he has no idea how well any of those toys will actually work. But it’s something. He even thinks he sees movement in there, though he doesn’t dare wish for what that could mean. 

With a quick glance over his shoulder at the approaching rats, Sirius grabs Remus’s hand, and runs. 

“I’m not a fighter, I–I’m only, I was only a clockmaker apprentice,” Remus stammers out. “I don’t know how to–”

“I’m right beside you.” Sirius squeezes his hand, maybe as much to reassure himself as Remus, who stares at him in disbelief. “We will do it together.”

Remus shakes his head, though he looks ill from refusing the help. “I can’t let you–you have nothing to do with this. You might get hurt–”

But I do, Sirius thinks, and he can sense it, somewhere deep down, that it is true. Mr Lupin must have known what he was doing, leaving his cursed son here of all places, all those years ago. There must be more to the story than what he revealed to them back then. There’s a reason this is happening now; a reason Sirius has been magicked into it all, shrunk to fit the missing piece of the puzzle.

When they finally reach the toy cabinet, Sirius sees to his great relief that the movements weren’t an illusion of the moonlight. Behind the glass doors the residents of every shelf now stand up, joining forces to push them open from the inside. As their own rapidly growing side leaps past to the sound of the Rat King’s rage, Sirius can’t help a mad grin from spreading wide. He knows these toys; he gave half of them their personality, and the rest he learned from his brother and cousins. Tin soldiers with many a battle beneath their belts, wooden horses ready to charge, teddy bears with protection sewn into their very seams. Even his cousins’ pretty dolls gather at the rear, brandishing their parasols and purses with determined looks on their rosy faces.

They’re not alone, after all.

One of the toys hands Remus a sword – a real one, it looks like, made sharper and deadly by the same magic that woke them all up. Remus eyes it warily. 

“Do you know what’s needed to break your curse?” the doll asks, while a tin general barks orders for the gathered defence now between them and the rats. 

Remus looks towards the Rat King who swings at the first toys within reach with maddening force, and his wooden hand trembles a little as he grips tighter around the hilt. “I do,” he whispers. 

The doll gives a curt nod. “But you are not yet ready,” she continues. “The Rat King is a great warrior, and tonight you would not stand a chance against him. You must first return home, and learn how to defeat him.”

“Home?” Sirius asks, confused.

She points with her arm, and as if on cue, the Clockwork Castle lights up above the chaos of rats and toys, the mechanics coming alive, a musical hum rising from its core. “Once you’ve entered he cannot follow you that way, as those gates only work for toys and invited guests. It will buy you time.”

“But… the rest of you–”

“We can be mended. We are not fragile like bleeding humans.” She sends Sirius a look at that, before turning back to Remus. “Nor cursed to oblivion should we lose.” 

Sirius nods, while accepting another sword from a different toy. Again he scans the scene for their best option. The table with the castle still lies behind enemy lines, but the rats around the legs seem unnerved by the musical tunes, scattering away from it. Still, they will have to fight their way over there. He’s never had to fend for his or anyone else’s life before, not properly, but at least he’s somewhat prepared thanks to his fencing lessons. Remus on the other hand looks ill again; if a wooden face could pale, his would have lost all colour. But meeting Sirius’s eyes, determination still settles over his features.

It’s chaos. Tin cannon balls break through the army from a distance, the firearms powered by what can only be magic. Rats tear into the soft bellies of the dolls and teddy bears, stuffing spreading over the floor like fluffy intestines. The bizarre scenario is made even worse by the sickening feeling of slicing the sword through actual flesh, the screaming rats falling at Sirius’s feet. His hair, loose from the ribbon at his neck, whips into his face as he turns to fend off the next attack.

The Rat King fights to get to them. But the toys do their best to keep him away, shielding Remus while helping to clear a path towards the Clockwork Castle. Sirius doesn’t know why they’re so ready to protect him, or how they’re aware of his foretold and final confrontation with this vicious enemy. But it’s hardly the strangest part of the night, and so he lets his questions slide to the back of his mind, full focus instead on the task at hand.

They reach the table, wooden guards from the Castle already at the edge of it, throwing down a string of yarn for them to climb. Sirius pushes Remus towards it, not allowing him to argue which of them should go last. “I’m right behind you,” he urges when Remus hesitates. “Go!”

Behind them, just as Sirius grabs for the end of the string and the guards haul them upwards, the Rat King breaks through the defence. Sirius climbs as fast as he can, hoping against hope the rat won’t manage to follow after. But it’s a futile wish; he digs his claws into the white tablecloth, pulling himself closer with practised strength and speed. Far too soon he’s at Sirius’s feet, cruel eyes shining with malice as he grabs at his ankle, tugging hard. 

Sirius tightens his grip of the string, knuckles whitening, palms burning. He kicks down hard, boot connecting with the Rat King’s ugly snout. He lets out an angry roar, clawing towards Sirius’s leg again. But the force was enough to have him lose his grip of the cloth, and he tumbles back down to the floor.

Heart hammering in his chest, Sirius manages to climb the last bit to the edge. Remus is still there with the toy guards, wide-eyed and reaching down to grab Sirius by the arm. Sirius lets himself be pulled up, and even as the helping guard steps back to let him catch his breath, Remus’s hold on him remains.

One of the guards tells them they must hurry, that the rat is climbing again – and they’re back on their feet, rushing towards the towering, shining Castle now finally so close. They cross the moat, the crystal clear water swirling around the graceful swans gliding over the surface beneath the drawbridge. It’s raised behind them, forming the first solid structure between them and the threat. Cutting it all off like this place in itself is a different world altogether. Or at least an in-between, a break, a moment to breathe.

The courtyard looks even more magical like this, viewed from within rather than observed from above like by a god. Sirius stares, turning in a circle to admire the insane details of Mr Lupin’s handiwork, and how this magical night has spelled it all to life. On every side, figures are moving around, cogs and gears turning in their complicated patterns. Miniature Christmas trees line the roads, dusted with sugary snow and sparkling ornaments. Small lanterns hang on strings between beautifully carved columns, casting the setting in a warm glowing light. To their right a couple of wooden children skate around a frozen pond, a decorative fountain splashing water closeby despite the illusion of cold. To the left, a family of snowmen clad in hats and scarves sway to the tunes of the music. And ahead is the castle itself, front gates glimmering like a portal to yet another realm.

With a lurching sensation in his stomach, Sirius realises that’s because it is.

“The Rat King cannot breach these walls,” a guard informs them. “You will be safe here until the battle is over.” He says the last bit to Sirius, who responds with a grateful nod, though he has no intention to stay behind.

“I cannot thank you enough,” Remus says, also facing Sirius. Not until now does he let go of Sirius’s arm, and he finds he misses the contact instantly. “For all the help to get here, but also for fixing my arm, talking to me…” Sirius’s cheeks heat up when remembering what he’d been saying before all this started. But Remus doesn’t seem the slightest bit judgemental or uncomfortable about it. He’s wearing that mesmerised expression again, eyes flickering over Sirius’s face. “I feel like you even woke me up, though I cannot say how.” 

“I can’t take credit for that,” Sirius chuckles, averting his eyes and scratching at his own neck. His gaze trails back to the gold breaking through the opening gates, a strange, invisible pull tugging him closer.

Beside him, Remus adds apologetically, “I wish I knew how to turn you back to normal.”

“We’ll have to figure that out too, then.” Sirius steps towards the gates, a lot less concerned about his own state than he probably should be. He looks back at Remus, who frowns. “What? I’m coming with you, of course.”

An uncertain pause, then, “Of course.” Remus lets out a little laugh, nervous yet so endearing, before adding softly, “I don’t even know your name.”

“Sirius.”

Remus stills midstep, eyes widening. “Like the star.” 

Sirius almost responds with a good-natured eyeroll, pointing out that hardly warrants such an awed expression. But then he hears Remus’s added murmur, a whisper from the past, echoing the end of Mr Lupin’s tale.

His fate now lies in the hands of the stars.

Sirius freezes too, unease piercing his chest. Mr Lupin’s mysterious words were spoken with promise, hope, as he placed the Nutcracker with the older Black children. Three young girls then, now all of them married off, while Mr Lupin’s son remains in his wooden prison. And it hits Sirius then, that this role was never meant for him. He’s just the one the magic has to settle for, with the desired options gone. The idea of a part to play suddenly doesn’t feel as welcome anymore. Not like this, not if it means he will wield power over the outcome he isn’t supposed to have. It’s one thing to offer help, to do whatever he can to support and encourage. Another entirely to have the future of this already so mistreated boy laid into his hands, trusting him to somehow make the right choice, the one that will save him. It’s too much responsibility, too easy to fail, to ruin everything. And this time he won’t be able to fix him again, like his broken arm.

Remus eyes him in silence for a moment, head tilted. “You can stay here,” he starts, but Sirius quickly shakes his head. 

“No, no it’s not that.” Silence again, while Sirius chews on his lip, his words. “I don’t know how to help you. I don’t know what it means, what I’m meant to do.”

Something soft falls over Remus’s face, a small smile meeting Sirius’s frown. “We will figure it out,” he says, holding out his hand. “Together?”

Ahead of them, the gates stand open. Golden light pulsing within the frames. The pull tightens, whispers wordlessly, their destination waiting beyond the shimmering veil. Remus faces it with his back, his edges shining with the magic. Sirius meets his gentle eyes, looks at the scarred fingers still held out between them. And he realises it doesn’t matter he isn’t meant to be here – wanted or not, he’s the help Remus has been given, and he won’t leave his side out of fear of failure. 

So Sirius returns the smile; moves forward; takes Remus’s hand. Gives it a squeeze, to reassure them both. “Yes,” he agrees. “Together.”

And side by side, they enter the unknown.

[coincasual]

part 1

just a thought… so like Briar.. as a botanist?

she takes/records classes so she can learn about plants

(briar in my au is cursed to make a plant monster, like the one in the show inside the big book, from whatever plant she pricks her finger on)

so she can be aware of what plants to avoid being too near, avoiding creating a monster and passing out

and also so she can have ways to defeat them scientifically written down and in her purse, if someone should find her and be able to complete the “herbicide” and defeat the monster, thus waking her

and during the class they are assigned the task of creating a new fruit? naturally briar chose an apple, in respect to her bffa, apple!

she set to work all semester on creating the perfect Apple apple. and after much trial and some err, she makes a new kind of apple for apple!

it’s gold speckled and yellowish white, it tastes like sparkling apple soda, the leaves of the little shrubby trees they grew on were edged with gold. the apples also only grew one at a time, and only one seed from each apple could be germinated. the apple also turned a slight blush pink if kept in the sun too long, and when that happened it has more of a sparkling strawberry rhubarb flavor.

Briar grew a perfect Apple apple, and set it in glass to keep it safe until she could give it to apple at an orchard party!

Faybelle happened to stop by and Briar had fallen asleep, they hadn’t been able to hang out as much in the past few weeks due to Briars extended botany labs. which was fine, Faybelle thought to herself. she knew she couldn’t… or rather shouldn’t be jealous of plants. Besides! they were going to hang out at Briar’s orchard party in just a few hours and- Faybelles stomach rumbled.

she looked around for a snack, a sparkle of gold caught her eye. in a glass dome in front of sleeping briar, sat a delicious looking white apple. she eyed the glimmering apple with hunger… just a bite wouldn’t hurt, would it? after all, she’s her favorite person! Briar had never let Faybelle try one of her special fruit experiments- she had been keeping her fruit experiments a bit of a secret, and secrets between girlfriends was one thing Faybelle could not stand.

Faybelles stomach rumbled again. maybe just one bite… then i can just enchant it while again! Faybelle did a happy little dance, confident in her self convincing. she carefully lifted the glass and carefully grabbed the apple. it was cool to the touch, and shimmered in the soft fairy candle light. her eyes gleamed, and she took a big juicy greedy bite. the juice was sweet and carbonated, a slight strawberry aftertaste mixed with the apple juice and created an explosion of sweet flavors!

suddenly, Briar shifted in her sleep- it was then Faybelle saw what she was sleeping on, a special card, hand drawn, with Apple’s name on it in big stupid golden letters. “Apple’s shining apple, a gift for my favorite person! A special apple for my special Apple! i hope you enjoy the orchard party! love ever after, Briar.” suddenly the flavors did not taste so sweet. Faybelle felt… Faybelle wasn’t sure how she felt. but it wasn’t good. Apple. “tch, always apple with you” she glared at Briars soft pink and brown waves. Faybelle put the apple back into its glass dome, she then began to chant:

“apple shining golden white

glitter glimmer with dancing light

sleepless dreaming, slowing breath

heartbeat sounding close to death

til adoration, true and pure

heart full given to endure

and lastly, not to miss

seal their fate with true loves kiss”

the cheerhex compete- the apple went through a sort or transformation during the cheer, shimmering and glowing with a bright red, as if hot and lit by flame, and then it cooled, settling back to looking plump, white, and golden glittering- just in time for Briar to stir and wake, but Faybelle was already gone, closing the door ever so softly behind herself.

Briar, after waking from her nap and not knowing her apple was now cursed/enchanted, placed her special apple into its glass gift box and wrapped it in some de-thorned vines and flowers. now that the gift was ready, it was time for briar to get ready!

she chose some white pumps with pink bottoms, pale green lace socks over sheer sparkling tights and a denim half pleated skirt. She wore her long thorn belt and put on one of her moms vintage ivory colored silk sleeping tops with a dark green mesh top underneath. She went for a dusky pink eye with heavy lashes and lots of shimmer, hi lighting her inner eye with a bright green. Her cheek and lip colors echoed each other and she added her usual gloss. Her hair was in her usual style, and she wore her favorite tiara shades. She looked at herself in the mirror, satisfied with her styling. her mirror phone chimed- just in time.

it was time to start the orchard party.

[natsuki-bakery]

⁎˚ ఎ DMC Agere HC's ໒ ˚⁎

can you do a like fic of Nico (regressor) and Nero (cg) (DMC)

The workshop was a cacophony of clinking tools and the soft hum of machinery, the scent of oil mingling with the faint aroma of coffee. A perfect blend of chaos and comfort. Nico, the inventive spirit of the place, sat cross-legged on a pile of spare parts, her hair tousled and wild, a stark contrast to the usual meticulousness of her craft. Today was different; today, she felt small.

A rush of emotions swirled within her, memories of childhood flooding back, overwhelming yet oddly comforting. She hugged her knees to her chest, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. The usually bustling workshop felt like a sanctuary, a safe haven where she could let her guard down

As she drifted in and out of her thoughts, the door creaked open, and in walked Nero. His presence was both grounding and comforting. He had always been there for her, with a fierce protectiveness that belied his young age. He stopped short when he saw Nico, her expression a mix of nostalgia and innocence

"Nico ?" he called softly, concern lacing his voice as he approached her. "You alright ?". She looked up at him, eyes wide and glimmering. "I feel... little today" she admitted, a hint of vulnerability breaking through her usual voice. The word ‘little’ hung in the air, a signal that sent a shiver of understanding down Nero's spine

"Little, huh ?" He knelt beside her, his expression softening. "You want to play ? Or maybe we could get some snacks ?"

Nico nodded slowly, her heart swelling with warmth. "Can we have ice cream, Dada ? I want the blue one !!"

Nero chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Sure, let’s get some ice cream. But you’ve got to promise me one thing"

"What’s that ?" Nico asked, tilting her head, her playful curiosity shining through

"No more climbing on the workbench while I’m gone. I can’t have you breaking your neck, you know ?" He smiled, his teasing tone lightening the mood. Nico giggled, a sound that echoed like music in the workshop. "I promise !"

With a nod, Nero helped her up, his hand finding hers as they made their way to the tiny kitchen tucked away in a corner of the workshop. He felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, but it was a weight he carried willingly. Nico needed him now more than ever, and he was determined to be the best caregiver he could be

In the kitchen, Nero rummaged through the freezer, his back to Nico. "Alright, let’s see what we’ve got…" He turned around with a tub of ice cream in hand, the bright blue hue making Nico squeal with delight

"Yay! Can we have sprinkles ?" she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes, her excitement infectious

"Of course, kiddo. Just don’t tell Dante; he’ll make a fuss about sugar" Nero laughed, carefully scooping the ice cream into two bowls. He placed a generous mound in front of Nico and sprinkled colorful toppings on top, watching her face light up with joy

They settled at the small table, the chaos of the workshop fading into the background. As Nico dug into her ice cream, she felt free, unburdened by the weight of the world outside. "Can we watch cartoons after this ?" she asked, her mouth full of ice cream

"Only if you promise to help me find the remote first. It’s always missing" he replied, smiling at her enthusiasm

"Deal !" she cheered, and for a moment, they were just two kids sharing a simple, sweet moment

Once the ice cream was devoured, they began the search for the elusive remote. Nico’s laughter filled the workshop as they searched behind cushions and under the couch, creating a mess that made Nero shake his head in mock exasperation

"Seriously, how does it always end up here ?" he muttered, pulling out a stray sock along with a dust bunny

"Maybe the dust bunny took it !" Nico suggested, her eyes sparkling with mischief

"Right, I’m sure that’s it" he replied, feigning seriousness. "We’ll have to interrogate the dust bunny later.."

Finally, after what felt like a small eternity of searching, they found the remote tucked away in the depths of a box labeled "Do Not Open" Nero flicked it on, and the screen flickered to life, filling the workshop with the cheerful sounds of an animated show

As they settled in, Nico snuggled close to Nero, her head resting against his shoulder. The warmth of his presence was reassuring, and as the bright colors of the show danced on the screen, she felt the cares of the world fade away

"Thanks, Dada.." she murmured, her eyes drooping slightly. "I feel happy"

Nero smiled down at her, a protective instinct blooming in his chest. "Always, sweetheart. I’ve got you. You’re safe here"

In that moment, surrounded by laughter and light, Nico felt a peace she hadn’t known in a long time. No demons, no battles—just a dada and his daughter, and a world filled with possibilities.

If you're in the basic criteria , are DSMP fans, vivziep0p fans , h0tel/h3lluva b0ss fans, Owl h0use fans, St4r butterfly fans, Ghibli fans, ddlg/abdl blogs, nsfw/k!nk blogs, anti-agere blogs, or anti Christians/Christianity blogs : just dont interact !

[bluiex]

Hunter Scar and Knight Mumbo (because of the one line from Fantastic Mr. Fox.)

The Moon hung high in the deep ink-filled sky. Stars sparkling in the night sky, complementing the full moon. The smell of spring-grown grass and the kind smell of flowers filled Mumbo and Scar's senses.

Their eyes glazed over the forest that surrounded them. Tall thick oak and Birch trees covered the land they stood on. Branches shook with the night breeze, painting the two lovers' cheeks pink.

The two men sat on their own horses. Scar sat on a brown horse and Mumbo sat on a clean white horse. Their body’s shaking with every step the horses took as they made their way to a new hunting spot.

Mumbo sighed, taking in the fresh forest air. He had only been able to hunt as a child but once he joined the knight's council, quickly making his way to the top and becoming the head knight. He hasn’t been able to sense, but after meeting Scar on a fateful spring day everything changed from then on.

Scar chuckled his face flushed with excitement, “You ready? I’ve been wanting to take you to this spot forever! I was thinking we could have a picnic out here in a week or so.” They stopped next to a large oak tree, its branches drooping to touch the bright green grass. Scar smiled at Mumbo, his horse now only an inch away from Mumbo’s.

Mumbo nervously smiled back, “I’m not sure.. We barely know what’s out here or where the best hunting spot is.” He looked around the unfamiliar land, sure Mumbo was the head knight but it didn’t mean he visited every forest around the kingdom. He squirmed a bit his feet readjusting on the stirrup on the saddle, his hands twitching at the unfamiliar area.

The moonlight shined over the lovers as they looked out into the forest. Mumbo's eyes focused as he searched for anything out of the ordinary. He shuffled on his horse nervously, Scar looked at him. His face more focused but more flushed than usual on his tan skin.

His hair moved like the grass on a soft warm breeze, his eyes as bright as an emerald that was embedded in perfectly shaped sliver. Glimmering In the moonlight as he stared into Mumbo’s eyes, Scars tanned skin shaded in the light wonderfully, leaving Mumbo breathless.

Scar brought his hand up to Mumbo’s cheek, brushing some of his thick black hair behind his ear. “What's wrong? You're acting all skittish.” Scar asked watching as Mumbo’s face creased in some concern, Scar chuckled again knowing how much his lover could worry.

“Don’t worry. I've been riding around these woods since before I could trot.” A smirk playing on the elf’s face, his ears twitching with his every expression. The sound of his earrings clinking filled the silence in the air.

Mumbo leaned against Scar's hand, his lover rubbed at his pale cheek with his thumb. “By the way. you look unbelievably beautiful tonight.” Scar spoke fast, his words rushing out of him like a gust of wind.

He took a deep breath his eyelashes fluttering as he looked at Mumbo, as if he just realized something. “You're practically.. Glowing.” Mumbo's eyes widened and watched as Scar's pointed ears turned red.

The Moonlight made Mumbo look like a shining obsidian jewel in Scar's opinion. The Light reflected off his raven black hair flawlessly, His ruby-red eyes glowing in the black night sky. His skin was spotless and smooth as always, and he was breathtaking. Making Scar's heart weak and him so in love.

Mumbo was like a painting, a painting Scar could look at for days on end. Finding something new about him every day, never getting tired or bored of looking at him. Mumbo was a one of a kind beauty, a beauty that revealed itself to Scar. Like a flower hidden in a secret meadow.

“Maybe it’s the lighting?” Scar jokingly questioned, and Mumbo laughed. Scar blushed his face slowly turning red in the low moonlight. “Oh, come on! Let’s get off these things before a make an even bigger fool of myself.” Scar spoke, softly shoving Mumbo as he jumped off his horse. Scar walked in front of the horse, his arms crossed as he pouted.

Mumbo grinned and got off his horse, making his towards him. “My love, you’re not a fool,” Mumbo pulled Scar by the waist with his hands, bringing him face to face to him. Scar hands now resting in Mumbo’s shoulders.

Scar's ears twitched, his face twisting in embarrassment as he mumbled a couple words under his breath. Mumbo chuckled and cupped Scar's chin with his right hand, making Scar look up at him. “Kiss me?” Mumbo asked are request he knew Scar would never turn down. Scar smiled, his face blooming like a flower. “Of course.”

Soft and sweet, full of love and warm touches in the cool air. Leaving them desperate for each other's tender touches. Drunk with love almost as if they drank unwatered wine.

Scar hummed his teeth nipping at Mumbo’s lower lip, “I love you.” Scar whispered into Mumbo’s lips, kissing the hand that now caressed his scarred cheek. “I love you too” Mumbo pulled Scar's face to his lips, placing a loving kiss on his cheek.

They stood there for a while, basking in each other’s embrace. Sparks flew into the air as they passed affectionate kisses. The Moonlight framing them like a painting in a gallery, the trees and flowers acting as their background.

They were the embodiment of love itself. Scar giggled and pecked Mumbo’s cold red nose, “Come on, let’s get to hunting.” And Mumbo kissed him for one last time.

-AAA anon, No plot just two lovers in the moonlight. I really like comparing Characters to things, and a lot. It’s just fun to write about. It was 2 am when I edited this.

I'M SOBBING THIS IS SO SWEET. AND SO PERFECT AND CUTE AN JUST AAAAH AAA ANON you spoil us with your amazing writing once again

[meteorsage]

Things my brain thinks it predicted

In 2019 I committed to a very risky decision

So there I am, 5k miles from home, explaining to someone that if she's not the queen of their block then she's probably in a cult

She says that because I pray I must be in a cult too

I don't remember everything I say, I remeber breaking every point down to explain it thoroughly. She thought it would be funny to have me autistically explain metaphors and I, for reasons that made sense at the time, said "sale y vale"

- iron crown defeats draconian; I thought this would be an astrological event. It was not

- 2 Mayan bros, like the hero story, both in comic book movies from different halves of the world; yall see those Blue Beetle and One Piece live action movies? I'm glad Iñaki got to dub himself

- a rosy idol-of-idols that rises out of a field of grass in the Midwest, and is worshipped by rosy-tinted folks of all shades. Where the Gaga implied, she *is*. She does not have "ironic" enjoyers, only "zealots" and "zero-interests". Karma is her kink, she says so in a song. [The host asked me if that was my favorite song, I said mine was about the pretty pink horses, she references a slur for gay men, I ask if me wearing a pastel star would make things easier for her]

- A movie about a baby deer, effect is people empathetic to men who go though abuse. They still interview the abuser [My host commented that this sounded like a self-pitying fantasy]

- Colbert & Carell reminiscing on the late show when Colbert turns 60 because "60" is when someone is officially Old™️ [The host asked about Carell, I said that they used to a popular skit together on The Daily Show. She insists, Colbert is from The Colbert Report. She is right, so am I]; it happened, adorable 🥹

- A streak of green fire shines in the sky and lights a crown; I thought this was about the idol from before, it wasn't 🍀☄️

- The lit crown will sparkle for a year and a half before twinkling brightly. It's glimmer to catch the eye of the whole world; NASA confirms we're gonna see a supernova out by Corona Borealis between now and Sept 2024

- trump wears a diaper and then trump fans wear em too

- The liberal candidate wins re-election, immediately regrets it [my host wanted details. I didn't know and guessed Biden, "he's old as balls and doesn't want the job, but he's also Obama-Adjacent & that's all the dems had for Clinton in 2016"]

- trump fans federally shit the bed [The host asks why the diapers didn't help. I don't know, "must've been before that" I guess]

- "idiot-kings will rise and a Plauge will grip the world for a week, a fortnight, a year, and then half a decade. Maybe more. Its life grows with humanity's arrogance, colosseum entertainment for kings running out of a crowd to impress" [I left my host a Doctor Who themed shirt, captioned "Stay in the Light" and featured an astronaut skeleton]

- Still no TES 6, Princess Zelda gets her own Zelda game, 50 flavors of overwatch

- return of "Silver Dollars" [I'm hoping for new coins]

- cruelty will become cringe, and "cruel humor" will be seen in the same light as "homophobic humor"

- 5 penny stocks go incredibly high, as a joke, and break the illusion of control the financial oligarchs have curated. It only stops being funny a while after the 5th time [My host empathizes with the oligarchs and their need to control others]

- Revolutions in equatorial countries results in more stable democracy than decades of "Stable Democracy" meddling in local politics

- Jimmy Kimmel is replaced with a holographic emoji operated by an algorithm. It improves the show

[ghost-with-a-teacup]

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝟏𝟒𝟏 + 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

A/N: Posting this again because Tumblr is being a nuisance and not showing my post in tags :)) It's just really freaking fluffy, enjoy!!

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley

Was completely on board for a stargazing date. No large crowds of people? Peaceful nature, paired alongside you? It couldn’t get any better for Simon, except maybe staying in at home.

Packs a kit of things you might want, a blanket, a late dinner (that consisted of some very delicious sandwiches and veggies! You really didn’t know how he did it, those sandwiches were always so damn good)

Sets up the blanket in this really nice field he found one day when he was out on a jog. The open sky was visible for miles around, and there were little wildflowers everywhere.

Just holds you close to his side, and doesn’t want to let you go ever. Not that you minded.

“There was this one recruit that was just a little shit, didn’t bother me thankfully, but bothered another one of the female recruits,” you said, tone a bit irritated.

“Want me to do anything?” Simon asked. It was funny, he was almost like a guard dog. Guard bear? Given his size and all. It was cute, but you knew that he knew you could more than handle yourself.

“Nah, ripped him a new one the moment I saw it happen. Gotta teach them right early on, or they’ll think they can carry that attitude throughout their career” you say. “Looked like he saw his life flash before his eyes,” you giggled softly.

He only hums affectionately, brushing a hand over your head gently. That’s when you let out a gasp, pointing up at something in the sky.

“Simon! A shooting star, make a wish!” You say, sitting up and clasping your hands together before closing your eyes, murmuring a wish to yourself. He remained laying down, but he did wish for something wordlessly, as cheesy as the action might’ve been.

It was that you would stay by his side for the rest of eternity, because only then would it be enough time.

John Price

He would definitely say cheesy stuff about the universe, but with his voice it made it sound like your own personal David Attenborough.

“Did you know that we’re all made of stardust? Us, made up of the remnants of stars created billions of years before our lifetime,” he said with a little sparkle in his eyes, as if your very presence was proof of the fact.

I feel like Price, despite all that he’s seen over the years, still has such a beautiful view of the world

I mean, it makes sense, when he does so much to protect it

Not just the world, but the universe

When you look over at him, you just see this glimmer in his eyes as he looks up at the sky. So bright you can’t help but snuggle closer.

The conversation had slowed down to a stop for a little moment as you both just watched the sky in the quiet night. You take this moment to look over at John, and all his focus is directed toward the sky. His blue eyes shine bright in the glow of the moon as fascination dances through them.

It makes your heart feel warm inside, that despite all the horror he’s seen he still regards the world with such a glow.

You hope that glow never fades, only shines brighter as time goes by. You can’t help but cuddle closer, pressing your cheek to his chest. His arm tightens its hold around your shoulders as his focus is directed to you now.

“What’s wrong, love?” he asks.

“Nothing John,” you say with a smile. “Nothing at all.

Johnny ‘Soap’ MacTavish

Has a hatchback, so he figured it would be nice to bring a bunch of blankets and pillows and drive to a viewpoint somewhere in the middle of the night so you could both cuddle under the stars.

Is serious about the setup, everything has to be nice and cozy.

Even brought one of those little packs of string lights you can find at Walmart during Christmastime to set up so it's extra intimate.

Snacks? Of course! Can’t be getting hungry now, can we?

You sat wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket, legs thrown over Johnny’s as he held you close. Every so often he would press a kiss on your forehead as you both just talked about anything and everything. The days you had, some goofy prank he pulled on Ghost, the funny recruit you had trained the other day.

“Here I am bleeding out from a gash in my side when L.T. tells this stupid joke. Completely out of the blue. Hells bells, I can’t even remember what the joke was now, I’m sure it wasn’t even funny but it was so random I laughed,” he chuckles to himself. “That just causes blood to spurt out from my side and all over Ghost’s hands as he's trying to patch me up, and all he can say is ‘Fucking hell Johnny’ which, of course, makes me laugh more,” he laughs. And you can’t but laugh along with him, the sound so contagious and light.

“Sounds like one hell of a mission, hm~?” you say, pressing a kiss to his chin.

“Aye sweetheart, wish you had been there. Would’ve patched me up real nice, better than L.T. ever could’ve done,” he says, brushing his fingers over your cheek fondly.

“Of course,” you respond.

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick

Comes prepared to say the least. Snacks, blankets, heat packs, hot chocolate, you name it and he’s got it.

Was very giddy when you asked him if he wanted to leave base with you for a while to go stargazing.

You remember him saying on the first date that it was his ideal date, but at the time it was smack dab in the middle of winter, and while it wasn’t a bad time per se, there were better seasons to go in.

Loved learning about the stars in class as a kid, and it’s just stuck ever since.

You’re lying in Kyles's lap as you listen to him talk about his favourite stars. Every so often he would feed you a piece of candy as he did, otherwise, his fingers were running through your hair soothingly.

“Sirius is the brightest star we can see from Earth,” he points out before his hand returns back to the top of your head. “It’s actually a binary star, which means that they are a pair of stars orbiting alongside each other,” he explains before looking back down at you.

“What?” he asks as he looks at your goofy grin.

“Nothing, I just like the sound of your voice,” you say in response, and Kyle only trips over his words for a moment before deciding against them, opting to just kiss you instead.

Konig

Puts you on his shoulders as you walk through the open field, and says it's so you can be closer to the ones that are at least half as bright as you.

This makes your cheeks heat up with embarrassment, much to his amusement.

He’s just really sweet the entire time

Doesn’t know much about the stars and constellations so you make it a point to teach him all about them

He doesn’t say much in response, instead, he just listens to your voice as you talk excitedly.

“I think Lyra is my favourite constellation. It’s about the lyre, a musical instrument that was created by the god Hermes! He gifted it to Orpheus, you know the one from Hadestown that I always listen to?” you say excitedly, and Konig only nods as he watches you with fond eyes.

“I’m boring you, aren’t I?” you ask, your voice tinged with sadness, judging by his lack of response this entire time. Panic flashes in his eyes as he feels you pull away from him slightly. He grabs your wrist in response, pulling you back to him.

“Never, Liebling,” he says. “You just speak so excitedly about this, and I enjoy your happiness as though it were my own. That…and well, the sound of your voice is very lovely,” he says, pink flushing his cheeks. You feel your own heat up at the admission before you pull him into a sweet kiss.

“Alright,” you smile.

A/N: I actually have a really vivid memory of going stargazing as a kid. Back in sixth grade, we were at an overnight camp in the middle of the Canadian winter, and when nighttime hit the counsellors took us out to this big open field in all our snow gear and just told us to lay down in the snow to look up at the stars. I just remember it being so calm and quiet. It was kinda far up North from any cities (close to Algonquin park :P) so there was no light pollution. Still one of my core memories, haha.

Anyway! If you want me to expand on any of these headcanons into a proper fic just let me know!!

[shadowsxgwynriel]

C r a c k S h i p

I think what annoys me the most about when people try to claim that Gwynriel is a crack ship, is how apparent it is that they have no idea what it means.

What is a crack ship? It’s when two characters are unlikely to become a canon couple. For instance, if they’ve never interacted or are in different timelines/universes. Bryce and Azriel can be considered a crack ship, I think, because even though Bryce is in the ACOTAR world currently, she belongs in the Crescent City world—and already has a mate.

Examples of crack ships:

• Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) & Edward Cullen (Twilight)

• Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter) & Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson)

• Ana Steele (Fifty Shades of Grey) & Gideon Cross (Crossfire Series)

• Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With the Wind) & Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)

Gwyn and Az are not a crack ship. It wouldn’t be out of left field for them to be a couple.

I understand the other side wanting to minimize Gwynriel, but that won’t change what we know to be canon from previous SJM couples and what we got in ACOSF.

SJM Mate Language

Aelin and Rowan

Rowan made her magic sing. And maybe that was the carranam bond between them, but … her magic wanted to dance with his. And from the frost sparkling in his eyes, she knew his own demanded the same.

Mate. His mate. He should have known about that, too. Even if rage and grief had turned him into a miserable bastard, he should have known who she was, what she was, from the moment he’d bitten her at Mistward, unable to stop the urge to claim her. The moment her blood had landed on his tongue and it had sung to him, and then refused to leave him alone, its taste lingering for months.

Her magic flared in answer, a ripple of power dancing through her. As if it had found a mirror of itself in the world, as if it had found the countermelody to its own song.

Rowan scanned the field, heart thundering. But the bond in his chest glowed strong, fire-bright.

Aelin panted, speaking above the glorious roar of magic through her, the unbreakable song of her and Rowan.

Feyre and Rhys

Rhys still knelt, wings drooping across the white sheets, head bowed, his tattoos stark against his golden skin. A dark, fallen prince. The painting flashed into my mind. Flashed—and stayed there, glimmering, before it faded. But it remained, shining faintly, in that hole inside my chest. The hole that was slowly starting to heal over.

I was his and he was mine, and we were the beginning and middle and end. We were a song that had been sung from the very first ember of light in the world.

Nesta and Cassian

Those golden threads between their very souls shone with the words, as if they formed a harp strummed by a heavenly hand. For it was music between their souls. Always had been. And his voice was her favorite melody.

The golden threads shimmered and sang, and she couldn’t take it, the music between their souls, the feel of his body on her and in her, and—

Her mate. Her love. Her friend. The light within her chest brightened to a radiant sun.

Bryce and Hunt

“You could use some joy,” Hunt said quietly. Something bright sparked in her chest.

She made a soft sound and nuzzled her head into his neck. Something deep in him shifted and settled.

His lightning flowed into her like a river, and he could have sworn he heard a beautiful sort of music between their souls as Bryce said, “We need reinforcements.”

Bryce’s heart tightened and something brighter than starlight filled her veins. It remained, shimmering and secret, glowing inside her for the rest of the day.

Suspected Mates

Lidia and Ruhn

Her voice was beautiful. Like a golden song. It stirred his Fae soul, made it perk up.

Gwyn and Azriel

“How was the party?” Her breath curled in front of her mouth, and one of his shadows darted out to dance with it before twirling back to him. Like it heard some silent music.

Gwyn smiled broadly. “Thank you.” Azriel dipped his head in a sketch of a bow, something restless settling in him. Even his shadows had calmed. As if content to lounge on his shoulders and watch.

Azriel entered the warmth of the stairwell, and as he descended, he could have sworn a faint, beautiful singing followed him. Could have sworn his shadows sang in answer.

She deserves something as beautiful as this. I thank you for the joy it shall bring her. Something sparked in Azriel’s chest, but he only nodded his thanks and left. He could picture it, though, as he ascended the stairs back to the House proper. How Gwyn’s teal eyes might light upon seeing the necklace. For whatever reason . . . he could see it. But Azriel tucked away the thought, consciously erasing the slight smile it brought to his face. Buried the image down deep, where it glowed quietly. A thing of secret, lovely beauty.

How, with all of the mated couples having similar wording, is Gwyn the only “evil” one? When I see people say that SJM used wording that made Gwyn seem shady in the bonus chapter, I have to wonder if they’ve read any of her other books? I also have to point out how disgusting it is that people would be so quick to call Gwyn evil and manipulative and say that she’s lying about being SA, all because they don’t want her to be with Azriel.

SJM and Planning

Back in like 2018, when the spin offs were first announced, SJM said that she knew who the first two books were about, but after that she wasn’t sure. She openly talked about Elain and Lucien around that time, even though people like to pretend she didn’t, and never once alluded to Elain and Azriel being together. She said that Elain and Lucien had a lot of healing to do, separately and together. When asked what each couple would do for a modern date, she said that Elain and Lucien would go to London and tour through the gardens before going to the countryside, and that they are pretty much happy to be out in nature. It’s pretty safe to assume that SJM initially planned for Nesta and Elain to get books alongside Cassian and Lucien. That was likely who the first two books were originally about.

We all know that SJM was going to have Nesta be Lucien’s mate, but then she realized that they would tear each other apart, and not in a good way, so then Nessian and Elucien happened. Similarly, she had planned for Mor and Azriel to get together, but we know how that ended. It was never her plan, given what SJM has said publicly, for Azriel to end up with an Archeron sister. I don’t think she knew what direction she wanted to go in for Azriel after the Mor thing didn’t pan out—until she reworked ACOSF and expanded the characters and the world.

What people have to understand is that SJM said the side characters expanded the world but that the overarching plot had not changed. We know that she originally had the first two books planned—ACOSF and ACOTAR 5. However, when SJM wrote ACOSF and side characters emerged to expand the world, it become three books—ACOSF, ACOTAR 5, and ACOTAR 6. So clearly the world and characters were expanded enough to get another book (and a novella).

The new ACOTAR books are following the format of traditional romance novels. Meaning, each book will follow a new couple and them getting together. The overarching plot is still the same, finding Koschei’s lake, stopping him, and freeing Vassa. All that’s changed is that another couple is getting a book. Koschei is still the end goal.

Acheron Sisters

This should go without saying, but the series isn’t just about the sisters. Shocking, I know, but how can the series only be about the sisters if there is one book we know for sure won’t be about them? Are the Archeron sisters the heart of the ACOTAR series? Yes. But the series isn’t just about them.

And if the series was solely about the Archerons . . . why do people think Elain’s book is next and not last? Because wouldn’t that mean that someone else was more important if they got the final book? The book where they most likely will defeat Koschei? Having Elain’s book be the last one is a nice bookend for the Archerons. One Archeron sister started the journey and another one will end it.

Future ACOTAR Books

I already talked about why it makes sense for Elain’s book to be last, so let’s talk about Azriel and Lucien.

Okay let’s say that Elain and Azriel are endgame and they have the next book. Then that means that Vassa and Lucien have the final book. My issue with that is: Vassa and Lucien are not final book material. Realistically, out of Azriel and Lucien, it makes more sense for Azriel to get his own book. Why? Because out of the two, Azriel has ties with the Night Court that Lucien doesn’t. And the Night Court is a big factor in the series. Lucien being a POV character in the last book only works if he’s with Elain, who has a connection to the Night Court through her sisters and brother-in-laws.

Out of the side characters that are already established, Elain and Azriel are the obvious choices to get their own books. Separately. I love Lucien but he’s not getting his own book. And I love Azriel but he’s not getting the final book (since some people think Elain’s book is next regardless if she ends up with Azriel or Lucien).

• ACOTAR 5 — Azriel is the smart choice here with Gwyn as his love interest. Plus we know that the Valkyrie will be needed for the final book, and Gwyn happens to be a Valkyrie and Azriel happens to be training them.

• ACOTAR 5.5 — I think the novella will likely be released between the last two books. Obviously, it would have to be about Mor. I think she might be leaning towards having her end up with Emerie. Especially since she has already established that Mor prefers females and I think if she backtracked by having her end up with a male (like Eris) then it would only be seen as problematic. Also, it’s possible that if a mate bond is indeed rejected, it could involve Mor and Eris.

• ACOTAR 6 — Elain’s book with Lucien as a love interest. This wouldn’t work as a Vassa and Lucien book. One, why would the two of them, out of all the characters, be the ones to get the final book? Two, I only get platonic vibes from them, sort of like Vassa is the friend to Lucien that Feyre stopped being after a while. Three, Vassa literally spends the day as a firebird. So for half the day she’s not even human. Meaning, we would only get her POV at night. Vassa can’t free herself, but do you know who can? Elain and Lucien.

Remember

• SJM already did the true mates thing (Aelin and Rowan). I can’t see her doing it twice.

• Just because SJM said that someone can reject the mating bond doesn’t mean it will happen. It could simply mean that it’s a possibility. And don’t forget that she once said having more than one mate was possible, but it turned out that she only said that to cover the fact that Aelin was Rowan’s real mate and not Lyria.

• SJM likes her characters to flirt around and explore, so Elain and Azriel lusting after each other doesn’t have to mean anything deeper.

• The cauldron loves Elain so I highly doubt it would pair her with someone who wasn’t worthy of her. Azriel being injured had nothing to do with it. He was still strong enough to try and protect Mor, wasn’t he? And Cassian was injured way worse and was slipping in and out of consciousness, yet he still ended up being Nesta’s mate.

• Chaol Westfall was the only character in the Throne of Glass series to get his own book. Was it a risky decision to give him a book in the middle of the series without any of the other characters from Throne of Glass to assist? Yes. Did SJM do it and (in my opinion) pull it off? Yes. So anytime anyone wants to say that it would be out of place for Azriel to have the next book (but not out of place for Vassa and Lucien to have the last book?) just remember that Chaol did, and the world didn’t stop because of it.

• Yrene Towers was introduced in a novella and became the love interest for Chaol in Tower of Dawn.

• Tower of Dawn started with Nesryn Faliq as Chaol’s love interest and ended with him married to Yrene.

• Just because Azriel met Gwyn two years ago and a mating bond didn’t snap in place, doesn’t mean they aren’t mates. It can snap in place within seconds after meeting, like it did for Elain and Lucien, or it can take years like Viviane and Kallias. Theirs didn’t snap into place until they were having sex for the first time.

• The mating ceremony has a ribbon involved. Nesta said to Azriel that he was Gwyn’s new ribbon. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not.

• Azriel isn’t as “in love” with Elain as some people might like to fantasize that he is. Let’s not forget that SJM originally wrote a threesome for Nesta, Cassian, and Azriel in ACOSF. The only reason it was cut (thank god) was because that wasn’t the story she wanted to tell. She said, I’m paraphrasing here because I can’t remember exactly what words she used, that it would have complicated(?) relationships but not in a bad way . . . I don’t know about anyone else, but if I found out that my (nonexistent) sister slept with the man I was going to end up with, I wouldn’t be able to stomach it. There’s no way that Elain, who blushes at the mention of a period, would have been able to handle knowing that Azriel had a threesome with Nesta and Cassian. And nothing says I love you like finding out your man fucked your sister, am I right? It would probably be awkward for Gwyn but after a while she would probably be low key intrigued.

• SJM basically already wrote El/riel, so it wouldn’t make sense to write essentially the same couple. Lidia and Ruhn are the more superior version of what people want Elain and Azriel to be.

• Vassa and Jurian have more romantic potential than Vassa and Lucien.

• LUCIEN ISN’T A VILLAIN! I felt the need to put that in all caps because it’s so annoying how people make him out to be a bad guy who’s an unwanted obstacle for Elain and Azriel. Lucien has been nothing but respectful to Elain. And you can’t rewrite history and try to forget how much he did for Feyre and Company. The hate that he gets because SJM made him Elain’s mate is ridiculous and childish. He’s one of the most loyal characters and he deserves some fucking respect.

• Lucien Vanserra is also canonically hot as shit and people who say he’s ugly are just tweens trying to bully a fictional character.