#my sibling called me June sometimes but

[brynn-lear]

When Cuckoos Throw Ores [Yandere!Jing Yuan x Reader]

Questionable Overview: After transmigrating to Teyvat, you and Jing Yuan had lived like family on your shared apartment as getting-by descenders. But, you made an error too grave. You hid the anonymous love letters you received from the person you should’ve trusted the most— and now you’ve got yourself a broken mind. [Fic written for May June]

CWs/tags: yandere themes, isekai, moments where you wish Jing Yuan just committed murder instead so it would hurt less, mentions of failed childbirth, nadia & vlad are adorable, implied hysteria, cute n' wholesome beginning w/ found family to "man... man.", gaslighting gatekeep is JY's passion.

"I'm an adult, Jing Yuan! I think I have the right to leave as I please."

Have you ever been so incredibly fascinated by such a mundane object that all worldly noise drowns?

"The right to trample on my heart? To leave me to drown in my despair while you obsess over a single ore without a single thought for me? I must say, it doesn’t seem very sound. Stay put while I call for Doctor Baizhu."

Have you ever had your hand reach out ever so slightly without you realizing such? For your fingers to curl— for you to seize a trinket as though you were compelled by an existence— an idea higher than any mortal comprehension? As though it was fate? As though it was a fruit you weren't meant to take a bite off?

But the most mundane of all…

"There’s no need! Because great General and Emanator of the Hunt Jing Yuan—"

Have you ever lamented a life that "never" happened?

"— I have the right to mourn the happy ending you took from me!"

Though those uninitiated will rehash the root of events in your arrival to the chasm, the most knowledgeable would start the accounts from your arrival to Teyvat.

You did not step foot alone.

When your worldline was destroyed, so, too, was Jing Yuan's. 

Lady Ningguang greeted you both with a good measure of skepticism. You were both "descenders.", though it was soon made evident that your origins are different. He was from "Xianzhou Loufu," and you were from "Earth."  Course, despite your shared tragic circumstances, not everything shall be handed on a silver platter for unfortunate souls. Ningguang was kind enough to provide you both with a shared apartment complex near the fishing port and since then, you and Jing Yuan had a bond not so dissimilar from siblings. He got a job as a general, and your current position is a little more flexible than your previous one.

Whatever principles and studies were available in the previous realms you lived in, they were carried over in Teyvat. Each word circulating about Jing Yuan’s undefeated sword and lance techniques makes you smile; he, in turn, would enthusiastically applaud your sold artworks and STEM innovations. It makes you wholly embarrassed every time he makes what is supposed to be a celebration of his mission’s success into a congratulatory speech for what you’ve done in the same timeframe. Didn’t matter how minute it was. His comrades had already considered the long-standing tradition as a not-so-private joke.

His lack of personal praise worries you sometimes…

There’s a stark difference in your approach to this new life. You mourned for yours being gone; while he doesn’t speak much about his.

“No rush,” he'd say. “All truths shall reveal itself in due time.”

You know about his world, though vaguely. He has a striking resemblance to the character from Honkai: Star Rail. Course, that implies he had gone through similar ordeals as the character. 

“I am an old man, there is nothing for me to grieve.” He told you once. “I have… already witnessed comrades pass, and then some. Have you encountered the phrase: there are fates worse than death?”

Jing Yuan closed his eyes.

“I… find it easier to assume that it might be the only way to put old conflicts to rest.” He shook his head and downed his final shot of baijiu. Yuan sighed, tasting the aftermath in his breath.

“It’s better to put a permanence in death than another forced rebirth.”

He poured you a shot.

"Some memories are better left forgotten. And that applies to you, too."

Whatever he said felt untranslatable to you, hence, you gave up on making more inquiries. If the day comes and he wishes to open up, you'll be there for him anyway.

Or so you thought.

“Heard you’re planning to add another medal to your jacket.” 

Jing Yuan nearly halted from tying his long hair up. You watched his shoulders tremble, likely from trying to compose himself.

“Ha! You've heard a half-truth, I wasn't scheming on anything, it was merely handed to me.” His tone was calm, but you heard the well-hidden smugness.

You shrugged and sipped your coffee nonchalantly. 

… You seriously wish his uniform didn't hug his form that good. Just staring at him makes the room feel degrees hotter. 

You cleared your throat.

“I didn't say anything about schemes, Jing Yuan. Suspicious.”

“Oh?” He hummed, almost sultry for your ears.

…Curse him and his damn beatific smiles.

This playful banter is as natural as the dawn of day. Rather than spending the early morning getting ready for the day, you've both grown accustomed to teasing the other person. He, in his finely ironed uniform, and you, in your comfy pajamas. 

“Since when have I besmirched my name by squandering time? Rude of you to imply that slothfulness rules over my life.” Jing Yuan joked before he moved another piece. “You wound me, dear (Y/n).”

Due to the nature of the conversation, you hadn't thought of your next move much as you continued to probe him. “And what exactly are you doing right now instead of reporting to the Qixing, General?”

He smirked. “I am on-duty, am I not?”

“By talking to me?”

“I have been bound by mundane duties in both my past and current lives, and I must say, engaging with a Person of Interest such as yourself has not only been productive but also mentally stimulating.”

You paused. 

Person of Interest…?

Might as well curse him and his fancy cursive way of implying something too. 

Your nose scrunched. “Are you saying I'M on the Qixing’s watchlist?!—”

“Not in a bad light; don’t worry your pretty head over such menial matters,” he ruffled your hair as he craned over, gazing at your disgruntled morning expression with a loving vigor. “They have an eye for your talent. No Ministry would ever obsess over a clean criminal record.”

You grumbled as you attempted to fix your hair, despite lacking any energy. “Thanks, that calms me down. Especially with the talks about criminal activity on the rise and all.”

He laughed at your snarkiness.

“Is this your best attempt at prying information? I must say, your current occupation suits you. I can now place a finger as to why the thought of Lady Ningguang hiring you as a profiler put me in tremendous unease.”

“Oh don’t be a prick, Yuan.” You chuckled heartily as you gave him a playful slap— which he no doubt avoided. “But seriously, can’t you tell me more about what’s happening?”

There were no further words needed. Such rumors had been on the forefront of the people’s minds: a group of rogue “mercenaries” had found new temptations in banditry— and had the nerve to stew misfortunes on the main harbor itself. As a newly enforced general, Jing Yuan had, of course, been subjected to handling this situation under the ever-watchful gaze of the Qixing. A challenge, as he likes to label it. Whatever helps him sleep at night, you’d reply.

Although, it would certainly soothe YOUR insomnia better if he were to divulge even a hair-sliver of detail in regards to how “safe” this mission truly was.

“(Y/n), there is no cause for concern.” He pulled back, placing his hands on your shoulders. “You know my repertoire— else I wouldn’t consider you a close friend.”

Your heart ached for a second.

In small snippets from the multiple conversations you’ve had with him, you knew he kept his list of close friends few. There’s always a hint of guilt in his voice when he talks about those named Baiheng, Jingliu, Yingxing, and Dan Feng in passing. 

“And I’m just worrying over you,” you lightheartedly glared and waved your hand dismissively. “You know, like a real close friend.”

You both grinned in unison as if telling each other that neither would back down from this “argument” any time soon. He snorted and messed your hair up more. Over the time you’ve spent in each other’s company, your near-telepathic way of conversing has become quite an eerie issue for other mutual friendships. 

Not that either of you minded this. It’s always nice to be understood. 

“I know that look in your eye. Don’t add a part two from last night’s horror stories, please.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave,” he buttoned his jacket. “Last reminder before I go: you have arranged a meeting with Nadia this afternoon.”

“Thanks,” you huffed. “But unlike you, I don’t sleep in and forget my schedule.”

You swore that even after the door was closed, you heard him chuckle yet again. After that, he was gone.

Honestly, with someone with a “life-loving” temperament like him, you’re unsure if he’s easy to please— or too damn good at faking it for his good.

You heard soft knocks against your window.

Slowly, a grin forms on your lips.

“Hello, little man…” You cooed as you stood up and opened for not only the fresh Liyue morning breeze to enter…

But for a diligent little cuckoo bird to deliver its very special package as well.

You’ve always had a soft spot for animals…

“Hmm?”

Your eyes softened as it dropped its parcel and leaned its body against you, warming itself by sitting cozily on your window ledge. This little bird is quite the skilled messenger— always dropping by as soon as Jing Yuan takes his leave. As to why it suspiciously arrives as soon as he is gone, you’re unsure. Such a sneaky creature; you can’t help but adore it.

That’s not to say its deliveries are not as equally charming.

You chuckled as you elegantly unwrapped the ribbon. The letter was elegantly written in a scrawl you’ve familiarized even with eyes closed for the past months, yet it still holds an intensity that makes your heart flutter. 

There it was. The two words that keep you going better than any coffee brew.

“My dearest, (Y/n),….”

“Another letter from Vlad, I’d hope?” You sneaked from behind.

Nadia yelped, hitting you almost immediately. The delay was surely from being on a lovelorn cloud-nine, but her Fatui training that earned her last name definitely should’ve made you double-think.

You shriveled at the pain and she awkwardly cradled you.

“Oh shucks— I’m so sorry, (Y/n)! I-I didn’t realize it was y-y— Don’t scare me like that!” 

“Sorry! Sorry!” You hissed, blaming only yourself for the stinging aftermath. “I-I’ll get over it.”

Nadia guided you to the empty seat beside her. As soon as you were seated, she wasted no time to spill.

“The contents were far too adorable for my heart, oh, dear Tsaritsa, you NEED to read this.” 

An eyebrow was raised. Saying you had a suspicion that something like this would happen would be an understatement— when it came to Nadia, it was more like routine. It had been regular for you and her to get together at least once a month to chat over letters that you both received. Nothing about the time you spent with her was dull. She's the reason you adapted to the Liyue way of life so well. As you were both foreign to the culture— you and Jing Yuan are admittedly the extreme cases— you and her were eager to recount experiences in times of distress. And times of pure unbridled lovesick joy, such as this.

“C’mon, pass it.” You tried to say cooly, but the glimmer in your eyes betrayed your high school-like excitement.

“Same time.” Nadia huffed. "Can't have you gatekeeping your own letter!"

You pulled out yours from your purse.

Nadia wasn’t the only one with something to present to the class. This is just like a teacher forcing students to read their discreetly passed notes out loud. 

Nadia has her Vlad.

You have your Nay Jung I.

Instantly, you both suppressed a giggle in the abrupt exchange.

Nay Jung I. You know little about him, and that intrigue keeps the fire going. When you see a white cuckoo passing by the window, you immediately know it means well. A sight that makes your heart skip a beat. Instead of pushing eggs, it slips a love letter whenever Jing Yuan isn’t around. All coming from a man you can’t track down.

That’s right.

You have a secret admirer.

As you read through the middle of Vlad’s letter for Nadia, you heard your very-much-an-adult friend bite back a squeal in front of you. Nay Jung I may sound like a feminine name, but he was a man. You could’ve sworn you saw Xiangling laugh from the corner of your eye as Nadia tugged your sleeve around like a fool.

“Oh my God?! He wrote that?!” Her lips were akin to wobbly lines toddlers would draw when mimicking the sun’s rays. 

“I find myself constantly catching glimpses of you in my daydreams, my mind flooded with what could be— what should be. Forgive me for my selfishness, but I fear it won’t take long before I can no longer bear the thought of being without you… What?! That’s so SWEET?!” Nadia clutched your love letter tightly, eyes wide as though she was the recipient.

Xiangling, bless her soul, had to peek behind her.

“I wish I could have the courage to reveal myself to you. When I doubt myself, my thoughts turn to you… Aww… I wonder who Mister Nay is and what did you do to get him this in love?” Xiangling playfully pouted, which made Nadia grin wider, almost teasing her. “Geez. When will I get a boy to send me letters?”

“I’m sure you’re going to get one or two someday. A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?” Nadia shrugged as she folded the paper and hid it. “Plus, I fear you’re too young for this.”

“Careful, Dia, she’s the one preparing our food.” You joked.

Nadia has grown more friendly to locals for the better since you started sharing meals here. Everyone knows the feelings between her and Vlad were mutual— but neither of them was willing to confess. With Nadia hoping he initiates, and him densely hesitant on whether she reciprocates. One of them can end this phase should they abandon pride or cowardice.

But Nay Jung I?

You can’t find his records anywhere… And he had told you that it is a fake name by your fourth letter, much to your chagrin.

So, you’ve settled with this arrangement. For now, you are both friends, despite knowing he has feelings for you from the start.

“Mister Nay definitely has it bad for you, Mx. (Y/n).” She gave you a closed-eyed smile. “You need to write back immediately! The man’s probably starving for it!— Oh, right, the pot!!!”

As the chef rushed back after being distracted, you gave Nadia’s letter back to her.

“Any chance of rain?” You asked.

“Cloudy with negative one percent chance that I’ll run to Northland Bank and confess to Vlad.” Nadia spoke sheepish;y.

“That’s at least five percent higher than yesterday.”

“Well, this last letter was adorable.” She swooned.

“Mx. (Y/n), you seem incredibly free at the moment, care to have a chat?”

You turned to look at the new person who joined in.

Fur coat, a distinct mole placement, a sharp haircut, and eyes self-assured enough to conceal their need for urgent assistance, it has to be none other than—

“Miss Yelan,” you gave her a polite smile. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Nadia sat up straight, shifting to her work mode. “Is there some business you require from the Northland Bank?”

“I have no quarry with you, Madam Nadia, what I do want—” Yelan tilted her head, her eyes calculating. “Is to speak to (Y/n) in private.”

You paused, recalling the conversation you had this morning.

‘I have been bound by mundane duties in both my past and current lives, and I must say, engaging with a Person of Interest such as yourself has not only been productive but also mentally stimulating.’

Maybe this is what Jing Yuan was warning you about this morning.

“Fine, I concede.” You sighed, swiftly snatching your letter from Nadia’s hands and tucking it inside the pockets of your inner jacket.

“Lead me to where you most need me.”

Over the years you’ve spent on Liyue, you’ve had another habit you’ve been nursing on the sidelines.

Epigraphy.

Better yet, it’s for the sole purpose of decoding ancient artifacts. Before you were transmigrated into Teyvat, you found that inspecting artifact descriptions and reading through lore strewn in notes and dialogues were a great part of what made playing Genshin Impact enjoyable. You devoured theories whether they were from YouTubers like Ashikai or other CCs who were eager to unravel and analyze myths from different civilizations. To be inside THE sandbox was the greatest treat. If your friends were here, you have no doubt you’d have plenty who’d look and try to pick apart Mister Zhongli’s brain.

Unfortunately, you never managed to catch his eye.

And the biggest misfortune of all, you caught Miss Yelan’s instead.

“It’ll take me a few weeks to decipher and solve this puzzle…” You told her hesitantly. “And I can’t guarantee anything either.”

Yelan only tilted her head. Strands of her hair hid her expression, and the only body language to be read was the way she played with the die on her fingers. You wondered if she was deciding your fate by giving it a roll…

You looked at the inscribed walls.

A man with horns… and his partner wearing a long hanfu… His partner… Reminds you of a beautiful cuckoo bird.

You sighed.

When she bargained for a chat in “private”, the Chasm was the last location you had in mind. Even more, it did not occur to you that she aimed to use you as a translator. For a language you only learned a few years ago.

You knew you couldn’t exactly deny a member of the Qixing, especially with how much you carried a moral debt for Lady Ningguang, so you agreed under the condition that Yelan wouldn’t snitch to Jing Yuan.

He might just give you the silent treatment if he found out you were here.

But back on the walls and the puzzle mechanism in the middle of the room…

Both were seated under the shade of a tree… 

Each holding a cup of tea…

“Damn it, why me?” You cussed out loud.

You seriously want to tell her that she should’ve chosen Zhongli. 

Not that you’d know that Yanfei begged Yelan to hire you for the job.

Yelan made her dice vanish. “If you need further assistance, and by that I meant necessities such as food and water, call for Wenyuan or Shanghua. They’ll materialize right in front of you.”

On the next wall, the horned man tightly held his partner, with tears falling from his eyes… His tail was more apparent in this depiction, but there were crystallized ambers and statues all around…

Like they were running…

Away from him…

You faced Yelan.

“Yelan, can’t you call for someone else—”

You blinked.

She was gone.

You don’t like being here.

You don’t like this cave.

You’re not sure whether you liked the fact Yelan invited you here. On one hand, you were grateful for the opportunity, but at the same time, you thought yourself unqualified for whatever piece of ancient Liyuean history was waiting to bite you in the ass. 

It didn’t take a genius to know that whoever the drawn man was, he was a force to be reckoned with. You played enough Genshin to know that yakshas are not to be trifled. If this ended up as an Azhdaha scenario, you wouldn’t want to be the nameless NPC who died along the way.

Should’ve commissioned the traveler.

As you progressed in your decoding, the texts were beginning to gnaw you. 

“Have you heard the tale of Lady ███ ███?”

You trembled at the thought.

Curse Jing Yuan and his ghost stories.

The story wasn’t even that frightening.

What got you was how Jing Yuan sold them. He had preached it as though he had been a witness. It’s just a typical unnerving tale to keep children alert, but he had always been far more persuasive than you.

“When she and her husband were out exploring, her husband left her while she sired his heir. He left her there to die.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes narrowed. You quietly applauded his commitment to the bit. Should you not know any better, you would’ve thought he hated that man more than anything.

Like he was seething with jealousy.

“Some claim he hid her there to fight for a war, some say it was out of love… In my eyes, it was an unforgivable neglect.”

Jing Yuan claims sharing ghost stories was a common occurrence from when he used to teach his disciple. But you’re not an idiot. You can sniff out a reason why he loves to bring these stupid tales.

“Days felt like a prison tally. She had forgotten what it felt to live in the sun.”

“She lived only by fulfilling basic needs. No matter how thick the mud was, no matter what was within the soil— all she could do was bitterly swallow what was to come. She bit her tongue on the ever-growing famine— and wished that her child would survive.”

Jing Yuan does not want you anywhere near the chasm.

“So when it was time to give birth, she had no assistance. She pushed her child out as hard as she could, and laid an empty egg.”

Before you could even ask why a human would lay an egg, Jing Yuan continued.

“But they both passed away.” 

“Legends say, that’s the reason why the lumenstone ore glows. It contains the watchful gaze of a scorned mother and unborn child…”

“And if you aren’t careful, you too—”

“Could be trapped inside it.” 

You scoffed.

Was the tale stupid? Depends on who you ask. Was it sad? Sorta. Was the thought of two ghosts— possibly more— watching you as you were forcibly dispatched to read through The Chasm’s secrets terrifying? Given the dark and brooding atmosphere, it was a quiet yes.

“Hmm? I— I solved it…?”

You blinked.

Maybe you still retained your skills as a Genshin player. Anything for a luxurious chest is what you would’ve said. And yet, it still baffled you that one did appear.

When you unlocked it, you saw no “primogem” like you quietly hoped (it would be funny if you unlocked a wish function, but that’s unlikely…)

Instead, you found a dusty ore.

“Great.” You muttered dryly. “Just what I needed.”

It was amber in color, same as the clothes the man wore in the wall paintings. You’re at a loss on how you should report this to Yelan.

“Better than nothing.” You spoke, laughing slightly. That sounded like something Diluc would say. You should buy a dandelion wine after this hard work.

Quickly, you fished out the gloves in your pockets. It was made of nitrile, which should protect the ore from possible oil and moisture from your hands. Yelan was very insistent you wear it.

But as soon as you touched the ore…

Your consciousness slipped away.

There was a man in front of you.

But you couldn’t see his face. 

“Dearest ███ ███…” The horned man smiled delicately as he sipped his tea. “It has been centuries since our first wedding ceremony. Do be honest with me, do you still hold the same passion as before.”

These memories appear to you in a blur.

“No, I do not.” You heard your voice say as the man’s shoulders slowly deflated. His amber eyes looked down, and his smile began to strain.

With two fingers, you lifted his chin.

“If anything, my love for you has grown stronger,” you spoke. “For you and I shall never let our draconic instincts dull, and our union will be the greatest treasure we shall hoard in this never-ending flow of time.”

“…/n…!”

One hand took his scaley hand and the other held his cheek, caressing softly.

“Promise you shall return?” You heard yourself mutter, this time weak and hopeless.

He leaned against your palm, purring as though it might be the last time he’ll savor your warmth.

“You know I do not make promises, ███ ███.” He spoke firmly. “What I keep are contracts. And I have vowed to make you happy, for as long as I live.”

“…(Y… (Y/n…. snap… out…!”

“Contracts normally sound so cold, but your honeyed voice makes it sound so romantic.”

“You know well, my love, in all my years, I’ve witnessed endless contracts and agreements. Whether it was tangible or verbal— each one was a significant chapter to someone’s life.”

The horned man softly detangled your fingers from his long brown hair and kissed your hand.

“But only one brought forth complete change. Our matrimonial agreement. The contract we signed gave me the most happiness. I’ve never signed a happier contract than this one.”

“And I share the same sentiment.” You cooed, almost cheeky. “And I hope our future child shall feel our love as well.”

He rested his head on your shoulder and sighed.

“The day shall come, my love.” He spoke. “Just wait for me, until I fulfilled what the Heavenly Principles desires.”

“Of course,” you hugged him back. 

“I shall wait for you, my dearest…

“(Y/N)!!!”

You flinched.

Suddenly, you’re not in the mountains. You’re not hiding under the shade of a tree with warm-hued leaves. You were…

You were sitting on a patch of grass, just outside the chasm.

And Jing Yuan is mad.

He had a cold unmerciful glare. His built frame towered above you, casting a large shadow. It was already nighttime. Normally, only the moonlight and the lamps from afar should be the only source of light here, but his golden eyes seemed to glow. As though it was ready to call forth an entity you were not prepared to face.

You know the depths of his anger. Years of living inseparable from him has made every communication almost telepathic and that hadn’t changed. You can read it in his breaths, in his stiff and tall posture, in his unnerving gaze.

He is threatening you to spill. Saying without words that:

There are fates worse than death.

But your pulse was steady. But your breathing was calm. But your expression was blank.

You weren’t terrified.

And you can read that deep down, that scared the General more.

“Nay Jung I…”

For a moment, Jing Yuan’s eyes widened— as though there was something he was the only one privy to knowing. His face had a mix of surprise and disbelief before he steeled himself.

“Nay Jung I?” He scoffed. 

“What of him?” Jing Yuan asked.

“He’s my soulmate.”

As soon as those words left your mouth, brief incoherent syllables sputtered out of his mouth. You evoked more emotions in him this time around. You saw flashes of shock, what seemed to be happiness, hope, and then utter confusion.

“...What?”

“I saw him.” You said, calm. “I saw him as soon as I touched that rock. My soulmate— he had long hair and eyes like a dragon— I think he was a dragon, and so was I. I think my soulmate is in Liyue and he’s hiding behind the name Nay Jung I.”

Jing Yuan opened his mouth, before thinning his lips.

This time, you were certain.

He was not only mad. Jing Yuan was sorely disappointed.

“I understand…” 

You know the expression on his face. You read him like a discipline you mastered in epigraphy. He thinks that… 

You have gone “cuckoo.”

He turned around, no longer facing you.

“I’m sorry then, (Y/n).” 

Jing Yuan does not sound sorry to you.

“What for?”

There was silence for a moment, before he spoke again, voice bitter and vile.

He was not sorry.

He was furious.

He was hurt.

He was jealous.

“Nay Jung I is the leader behind the past terrorist attacks.” He paused. “And I killed him.”

You haven’t recovered ever since.

Every medical “professional” you’ve encountered told you that you were hysterical. That you just hallucinated what you saw. It isn’t possible that the visions you saw were Nay Jung I anyway. 

Maybe they were right about the last part, you don’t want to believe it. 

It was in your instincts. That man had to be your husband in the past. Who cares if you came from another world? Maybe you were an Expy. You had to be. That person— the one who reminded you of a cuckoo bird in those walls— had to be you in another universe. 

It had to be.

Your real soulmate is out there.

And Nay Jung I isn’t dead.

But you’ve never been good at persuading others.

Soyourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveityourefusetobelieveit—

“General Jing Yuan, is (Y/n)…?”

Outside the apartment, Mister Zhongli and Jing Yuan stood by the window, peaking at your form. You were so engrossed by your inner conflicts that you couldn’t hear them.

“They’ll… move on from you, eventually.” Jing Yuan spat back coldly. “I’m not the God of Contracts, but I keep promises that do not fail.”

Zhongli’s face crumpled in anguish.

“May I ask a question? Just to sate a bit of curiosity, of course.”

Jing Yuan’s eyes narrowed. Zhongli took that as a yes.

“Are you Nay Jung I?” He asked. “I did not see his name on the list of the deceased criminals—”

“Yes, he and I are the same,” Jing Yuan silenced him. “Nay Jung I is an anagram of Jing Yuan. You can reorder the letters and confirm it for yourself.”

Originally, Jing Yuan had hoped to woo you with a romantic tale of an anonymous admirer. But, in your delirium, you had mistakenly believed that Nay Jung I was the same man in your visions. 

It was repulsive.

Never before had he wished to scream so loudly. He had not felt this much anger when he discovered the crimes his old friends had done. He had not felt as betrayed as when you claimed love for Nay Jung I, but it was not him.

He wanted to summon the Lightning Lord to destroy Liyue right then and there.

It was a frustration he had never felt before. Not when he was training with Jingliu. Not when he was scolding Yanqing. Not ever.

But Jing Yuan was not an impulsive man.

He prides his patience.

He prefers to scheme quietly rather than flashing bold moves.

Jing Yuan sucked in a breath between his teeth. 

“I suppose it’s my turn to ask.”

He shut the windows and Zhongli’s heart ached as he could no longer see you.

But then he turned to look at Jing Yuan.

And he knew…

Jing Yuan is much older and wiser than he looks.

“Tell me, Rex Lapis,” he spoke sharply. “Did you wed this world’s version of (Y/n) (L/n) and leave her and her child to die?”

…

…

…

That silence was enough.

Jing Yuan’s private investigations behind your back were right.

In the vast “multi-verse”, there is a version of you that married this dragon who descended from his Archon status.

“I... have wrought upon them great suffering. I am unworthy of their affections. Should a day come where (Y/n) enacts the fury of my wife and child on their behalf, it will be justly deserved.”

Zhongli did not further elaborate.

Whatever happened in the past, it still haunted him to this day. Lingering in the back of his mind, dulling his self-confidence and wits. Maybe it’s why Yanfei thought you should investigate the cave. Maybe she wanted the alternate version of ███ ███ to come back.

But she's gone.

Jing Yuan took a step closer.

“Your wife is dead, Rex Lapis. They are my (Y/n), not yours.”

“I-… I know.” Zhongli— no— Morax spoke, voice laced with grief. “I know she and (Y/n) are not the same, however, I…”

Another step.

“If you wish for their happiness, you will continue to not speak to them. You have done enough damage.”

Morax closed his eyes mournfully. “I am well aware of this”

Another step.

“Let me take care of (Y/n). Let me make them happy.”

And another.

Jing Yuan stared deep into Morax’s soul.

In all his years of living, it didn’t occur to Morax that he’d find another familiar cuckoo again.

But it wasn’t his wife.

Jing Yuan took another step.

This man in front of him was pushing and pushing…

“Let this conversation be a verbal contract,” he said. “That I, Jing Yuan, vow to make (Y/n) happy, and that you, Rex Lapis, shall step down as a final way to atone your sins of uxoricide and filicide. Do you accept?”

Like a cuckoo throwing an egg off the nest.

Forgive me, dearest ███ ███.

I am unworthy of you, let alone this alternate incarnation of yourself.

Morax inhaled deeply. He remains in his head, yet he can't escape the present. The more time he spent searching inside himself for solutions over his approximately 6000 years in Teyvat, the more evident it became what the sensible path of action was. With open eyes, Morax welcomed the return of the present. He observed the vivid hues of existence. In the vicinity, he heard Jing Yuan's pet cuckoo bird. But most of all, he felt his age.

Whatever time was appropriate to dream of a family— it had long passed him.

I am but an old man who deserves to fade away quietly.

And he…

Has the same vigor Morax once had.

That obsessed look.

That tight, suffocating hold.

Just like staring at a reflection of himself, centuries passed.

Jing Yuan, too, was a man depraved. Worse, he is a man who lost everything, clinging only to (Y/n) as his only solace in Teyvat.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan took a walk with you, with one arm draping around your shoulder to ward off those he deemed unwanted.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan brags about you with his men in each available opportunity, socially claiming you his.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan glares at someone who got too close when he thought you weren’t looking, pushing suitors away.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan rarely talks about his story and would rather talk about something you had done, making you a large part of himself.

Morax noticed the way Jing Yuan only cares about you, and not even a sliver for himself.

He would rather not see him destroy himself the way he had done long ago.

And just like that, the General got rid of his greatest rival— Liyue’s archon and your husband from another life.

He is out of the nest.

“I accept.”

May June can now message Jing Yuan

[bluepr1ntyy]

Pls tell me more about Raven because I dont know anything about him (i just know he exist because of yooooou!)

I know he is a ship kid of AfterDeath, but apart from that? Nothing

Hehe ofc I’m glad to talk about my favorite boyfail scenemo loser,, 🙏

Raven was made the 12 of June of 2017, he was made because someone asked echoiarts(aka ask-the-goth-family at the time) to give Goth a brother and was later given the name by someone else. He wasn’t officially a character until July 17th of the same year

(Err his height is actually a mistake, he’s actually confirmed to be 174cm/5’7ft)

Raven seems to grow in real time(his birthday is june 13th), he was 16 in 2017 and 23 now so yah he was probably born in 2001

—

Raven is very silly,, he loves his family and friends and tends to over protect them(like,, a lot,,), he can sometimes get in a fight or flight state where he tends to,, not act very well but it’s only when people push his limits. Thought he’s popularly assumed to be an extrovert I kinda?? Don’t see that?? He seems to have trust issues so I don’t think he particularly enjoys being with a lot of people?? 😭 He likes literature(reading manga, poetry, etc), jokes and is implied to listen to evanescence and use tumblr.

He has a special interest loves bunnies but hides it because of teasing, he used to have a bunny plushie called mr.bunny that got destroyed by a kitty(which he’s allergic to) and ever since he gets teased about it which he feels annoyed about because he has ailurophobia n stuff, he also hides a lot of himself(sadness and his softer side) for others because he’s too focused on making others happy that he becomes very secretive about his own feelings/boundaries/likes

As an adult(19 in 2020, 23 now), he keeps the same personality but now he works with Reaper now!! And has a more mature self!!!

His scar also grew more to his cheek and hides it with his mask

—

Anyway, about his scar, you can pretty much see most info on his ref but basically:

Magic runs in his body but his scar acts like a barrier and doesn’t let him use it, it basically would his scar worse and bigger. It also grows from stress which is the reason his scar has grown worse as an adult

His mask kinda helps it stop growing more(or at least preventing it from growing more into his face)

And yes this would make him disabled and yes erasing this from him is ableism IDC 🙏🙏

—

Raven doesn’t interact with a lot of people in canon, he has 2 love interests(Blueprint which is the canon and accepted one and Hino which is implied and canon in 1 AU), he has as many siblings as you wish but is only really seen with Shino and sometimes Goth

Other relationships would include Gradient, PJ and Palette, their relationship isn’t really explained that much tho, he canonically doesn’t gaf about Palette that much and sees him mostly as someone he doesn’t trust(though he sort-of understands that he’s probably just biased about it??)

—

anyway I think that’s the shortest explanation to his whole character :3

[dancinglikebutterflywings]

Siblings | Hwang Hyunjin

-> Pairing: Hwang Hyunjin x Sister!Reader

-> Request: from @kayleefriedchicken. Sorry this took so long.

-> Summary: Hyunjin becomes a little jealous of the attention his sister is giving the other.

-> Warnings: pouty Hyunjin. Brother/sister dynamics.

-> Word Count: 507

-> Requests: Open until 31st June.

Hyunjin Masterlist | Tag List Sign-Up | Requesting Guidelines

©️ 2024 dancinglikebutterflywings - do not copy, modify and/or repost anywhere.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Y/N asks her younger brother, who's staring at her with the same pout he always given her from the time he was born. She knows that pout means she's done something he doesn't like. "Stop pouting." 

"Stop flirting with my friends," Hyunjin counters, his pout turning into a glare. 

"I'm not flirting with anyone," she frowns back at him. "I'm just being friendly," She defends herself, crossing her arms across her chest. "I thought it would be unfair if I only brought you food and not the others. You know we're all like family." 

He rolls his eyes, his glare intensifying. "That's not the point. You came to spend time with me, not them. Is it because you like them better? I'm just your annoying little brother." 

Her frown deepens, hurt by her brother's accusation. "Yes, you're my annoying little brother but that doesn't mean I like them better than you. I like them but I love you, babo." 

He looks at her offended that she called him babo but ultimately chooses to ignore it. 

"I didn't mean to make you feel left out or unimportant. I just wanted to show my appreciation for your friends too. I know how important they are to you. It doesn't mean I don't value our time together," she continues, reassuring him that he does come before his friends and will always come before them. 

Hyunjin's glare softens slightly, but he remains skeptical. "But you always seem to have more fun with them. Sometimes I feel like I'm just in the background." 

Her heart aches at his words. She pulls him in for a hug, which he surprisingly allows, "I'm sorry I made you feel that way. You're my brother, and spending time with you is always special to me. I'll make sure to prioritize our time together from now on." 

He looks at her, his expression still guarded but lifts up his pinky, "Promise?" 

She nods, her eyes filled with sincerity as she links her pinky with his, "I promise, Hyunnie." 

"Okay, I believe you,” he says, a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and he finally let's go of his pout. "You know you don't have to try so hard with my friends, right? They already like you. Especially Felix. I don't know why. I think it’s because he just genuinely likes everyone." 

She chuckles, relieved to see him starting to lighten up. "Well, that's good to know. Felix is such a sweetheart, it's hard not to like him.” 

“That’s true,” he agrees. 

“Did you want to come for dinner tonight, my partner is working so I’ll be home all by myself.”  

“Let’s make it a movie night,” he says taking her up on her invitation. 

“Only if you bring the snacks,” she smiles. “Now, go and enjoy the food before they eat it all. Tell them I’ll see them later.” 

“I will,” he says bringing her in for another hug before going back inside the practice room. 

TAG LIST: @staytiny2000 - @kpopmenace143 - @treehouse-mouse - @alexxavicry - @jedi-dreea

@rainydayteacups - @tinyelfperson - @yeonjunnie - @laylasbunbunny - @oddracha

@skz1-4-3 - @pinkies-things - @kayleefriedchicken - @everythingboutkpop - @kpopsstuffs

@instabull

[honeysuckleharringtons]

Part Two: "Déjà Brew" ~ S. Harrington

Summary: (Then) Back in Hawkins, Reader is still reeling from the news she's just received. Turns out, sometimes the love of a mother might just be the very help you need when times are tough. — (Now) At Brew and Me, Reader struggles with the stress of motherhood and working. Turns out, a visit from her least favorite patron might be the thing she needs to cheer her up.

Pairing: Nurse!Steve Harrington x Fem!Byers!Reader

Word Count: 2,120

Content Warning: teen pregnancy, mentions of food, mentions of medical-related things, small mention of childhood cancer (not related to any of the main characters in this series), lmk if i missed anything!

Extra Notes: ngl, the writing in this chapter sucks but i promise it gets better!!

Originally Written: 10/08/2023 through 10/12/2023

honeysuckleharringtons' masterlist can be found here!

'brew and me' series masterlist can be found here!

[ Then, June of 1987 ]

You'd been holding onto the knowledge of your pregnancy for roughly two days, and since then, everything had felt upside down.

You'd looked for every reason possible to not see your boyfriend. You only spoke to your mom and siblings when spoken to. And worst of all, despite the human being growing inside of you, you felt absolutely empty.

You truly wanted to be happy about this. After all, a new human life was forming in your stomach. But the pain of anyone in your small town finding out you were a sinner, and the gossip about how you'd thrown your life away for some guy, it was just too much to bear.

So instead of facing your problems, you'd holed up in your room, lights out and window closed. You only left your room to grab snacks—which lay uneaten on your nightstand—and to use the bathroom. To your family, you were a passing ship in the night, a ghost barely seen. And just when you thought you'd run out of tears, more slipped out of your eyes and onto your pillow, which you were holding like your life depended on it.

It was sometime in the afternoon when Joyce knocked on the bedroom door. You'd cried for so long that you lost track of time, only realizing it was afternoon due to the setting sun peeking through the curtains. "Honey?" she called, barely getting the word out before gently opening the door. She must've registered quickly what was happening, closing the door behind herself in record speed. "Honey, what's the matter?" she cooed, a loving hand meeting your shoulder.

It's now or never, you thought to yourself. Pulling yourself up, you wiped the excess tears away with the pads of your thumbs. "Mom," you sniffled, the word sounding weaker than ever, "I've done a terrible thing."

"I'm sure it's not that bad, my sweet," she said, taking your hands in hers. "You know you can always talk to me, right?"

You nodded, though you were questioning if that statement really was true, considering the bomb you were about to drop on her. More tears involuntarily slipped down your cheeks, your eyes darting anywhere in the room besides her face.

Joyce ran a soft hand through your hair, clicking her tongue lightly. "Honey, I want you to know that you don't have to feel pressured to tell me what's wrong. But I am always here if you do want to tell me."

You forced the words to come out, and you were nearly hyperventilating before you'd even said them. "I don't really know how to tell you, because I'm not quite sure how you'll take it."

Her lips left a soft peck on your forehead, a silent reassurance that she was there for you. An unsteady breath exited your mouth, before you finally said the dreaded words you'd been thinking about for the last forty-eight hours. "The terrible thing is… I'm pregnant. And I have no clue what to do."

You braced yourself for impact, waiting for her to throw you out into the street or scream at you or slap you or anything really. You'd gone over every possible reaction in the book, hoping to find a rebuttal to each one.

Still, the screams never came and her hand never even touched your skin, other than the moment she pulled you into her side. "Oh, honey," she whispered, a tone of sympathy clear in the words.

Tears started to fall once again as she held you close, a gentle hand rubbing soft circles on the small of your back. You'd surely covered the both of you in tears and snot, but truth be told, that was the least of your concerns, given the situation.

"Y/N, you're gonna be okay," she reassured. "I promise, there is nothing you could ever do to make me stop loving you. And from here on out, there's nothing that is going to stop me from loving this child. I'm going to be here for you every step of the way. Okay?"

Through your crying, you managed to ask, "You aren't mad at me?" Genuine confusion took over you at her response to the news. You'd been convinced she'd be angry, never considering that she was the one becoming a grandmother.

She clicked her tongue again. "No, I'm still very frustrated with you for doing something this irresponsible. But that doesn't mean I don't love you or this baby."

It felt like all the blood had drained from your body as you lay practically limp in your mother's arms. The air was heavy as she waited for you to say something, anything, but the words never came. Words seemed a million miles away as the discovery of life inside you started to feel all too real.

Some time passed before she spoke again—whether it was two minutes or two hours, you didn't know. Her hand rubbed soft lines over your disposed arm, her touch as warm and welcomed as your favorite childhood blanket. "Honey, I've been where you were before. Maybe not exactly your situation, but I know what this feeling is like—the worry of what the dad is gonna think, the anxiety of caring for two people. It's terrifying. But I've got good news for you," she paused, kissing the top of your head. "You don't have to do it alone. Because I'm gonna be right here."

You weren't sure you gave her a response to that. Full-on sobs were now wracking your body, despite her kind words. Your tears flowed and your chest heaved, and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't seem to stop. Panic and fear coursed through you, and as much as you wanted to be happy about this baby, the only true feeling you had at the moment was resentment toward yourself.

[ Now, November of 1991 ]

"Max, honey, do you know what time it is?" you asked, quite frantically. "I left my watch at home this morning."

A knock sounded on the counter behind you. "It's time for me to be your boyfriend," Steve said smugly, giving you a smirk as you turned to face him.

Max glared down at her watch, rolling her eyes at the cheesiness occurring in front of her. "Actually, it's almost 7:30," the redhead answered, pulling down the sleeve of her flannel shirt.

A grateful sigh slipped past your lips. "Ah, sweet freedom," you said before turning your attention back to Steve, who was sporting a curiously teasing look across his face. "What? I've got a hot date with a bubble bath and my feet and backbone couldn't be happier."

"Sounds sexy," he snickered.

Max huffed in fake annoyance as she passed the latte in her hand over to the brunette girl on the opposite side of the counter. "Have a nice evening," she smiled, then turned to you and Steve, to which she quipped, "If I had a dollar for every time one of you told the other something that was inappropriate to say in a coffee shop, I'd make enough money to pay off my student loans."

"Hey, it's not my fault your boyfriend is off playing basketball at Princeton and training for the NBA," you shrugged, joking of course.

Max gave you a fake pout. "That is below the barista belt, Y/N. That's just cruel."

You shot her a playful smile, giving her a sisterly pat on the arm. "Why don't you get started on the tables, hon'?"

And with that, Max was grabbing her cleaning supplies and heading to clean off the abandoned tables. You gave Steve your attention once more, curious as to if he was interested in holding up to his end of the bargain.

He surprised you with the response that came out of his mouth. "I will have a salted caramel latte with almond milk," he said proudly, sure that his answer was right. "Are you ready for that date yet?"

Your lips formed into a thin line, a look of regret coming to your face. "I hate to tell you, Doc, but nut allergies are a very common thing in my family."

"You work with almond milk all the time," he rebutted, a hand on his hip.

Your eyes narrowed in on him, not ready to back down from his challenge. "I don't like caramel."

He scoffed. "Who doesn't like caramel?"

You shrugged. "Me."

"Why don't you just admit that I was right and tell me where you wanna go next weekend?"

"Because you're wrong and I'm busy next weekend," you answered, both responses true.

He finally broke eye contact with you to look over at Max. "Hey, Max, is a salted caramel latte with almond mix Y/N's favorite item on the menu?"

"Everyone knows she hates almond milk," she answered. "I'm disappointed in you for not knowing."

His attention turned to you again, his eyes narrowing in on yours. "How do I know she isn't being paid to say that?"

An exasperated sigh left your mouth. "We make five bucks an hour and you expect me to have extra money to throw at Max? No offense, Max."

"None taken," she laughed, still scrubbing away at one of the tables. "I don't have money to throw at you either."

Steve shook his head in some mixture of disbelief and playfulness. "Would you just get me my coffee? To-go, please."

Your brows furrowed as you got to work on the drink. "What's with the to-go order? You hardly ever get your coffee to-go."

"If you must know, I happen to have a hot date of my own," he said vaguely, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Sounds sexy," you jested. "Who's the girl?"

"A cancer patient in the PEDS ward."

Your expression went from curious to downright confused at his statement. "Do I wanna know how that constitutes as a hot date?"

"She's got a crush on me so I get asked to sit with her on nights that her mom works," he explained, slipping some cash into the tip jar. "It's a hot date because every time I go in her room, she asks me to crank the heater all the way up. I think that's just because she likes the way I look when I'm sweaty."

A gentle smile appeared on your face as you passed him his latte. You thought about your own little girl, who'd be here any minute, and how much you regretted nights like those where she was left to her own devices, left to stay with your mom or one of your brothers instead of the person she needed most.

You shook off the thoughts, taking the money from his opposite hand and placing it in the cash register. "Have a brew-tiful night and enjoy your date, Doc."

And with that, Steve gave you one last playful smirk and headed out the door, but not before a certain little girl ran past him and over to you. Joyce followed suit behind her as Steve held the door open, then began his journey out to his car and, presumably, the hospital.

"Mommy!" Mandy squealed, running around the counter to greet you.

You picked her up, happier than ever to see her, placing a kiss on her soft hair. "Hey, sweetpea," you smiled, love overflowing from you as she wrapped her tiny arms around your neck. "What did you get up to today?"

"Grandma took me to the park!" she answered excitedly, her hazel eyes lit up with delight.

You gasped, playing along with her enthusiasm. "No way! You'll have to tell Mommy all about it."

"Now, don't get mad," Joyce started to say as she walked over to you.

Your brows furrowed. "Mad? Why would I be mad?"

A regretful look came across the woman's face, explaining, "We passed an ice cream truck on the way here and-"

"Mom, you know I always give her one of the leftover cake pops at the end of the day. She can't eat too much sugar."

"I know," Joyce said, "but Jon's in town for Thanksgiving so he's offered to give you us both a night off."

It was selfish, but you'd never been so grateful for your brother to be home. You sighed, setting your daughter back on the ground. "Well then, let's put all that energy to use, shall we?"

And with that, Mandy was hot on your trail, following you around as you worked to close up the shop. You just smiled down at the girl, prouder than anyone had ever been to be a mom. Sure, it was biased, but you were quit certain you had the best girl in the whole world.

-> taglist: @dungeons-are-too-cold @ducky-died-inside @awkotaco24 @liberhoe @princesseddie @aftermidnightwriting @manuosorioh @esoltis280

[aestherians]

Defining Paratypes - Once and For All

Word count: ~1450 Estimated reading time: 10-12 minutes

1. Introduction

Language is a funny thing, huh?

In June 2018 I erroneously coined the word “cameotype” — English is my 2nd language and I’ve picked up a lot of words by just noting in which contexts they’re used and then never looking them up in the dictionary. Usually this works, sometimes it doesn’t. I thought a cameo meant an addition, something secondary, or something along those lines. When people discussed cameo-shifts, I knew they were discussing brief, temporary shifts, but it was only after coming up with this word that I realized what “cameo” actually means: A minor role.

That’s absolutely not the meaning I was going for when I made up the word “cameotype,” and I backtracked as soon as I realized my mistake. But I still needed a word to cover that concept I’d originally intended for “cameotype” to cover — to quote my original post: “You know those characters, animals, and so on that make you feel all shifty but aren’t technically kintypes or [hearttypes], yet are still important enough to your therian/’kin experience that you feel like mentioning them somehow?”

In March 2019 I finally shared a follow-up post where I suggested a few alternatives: Paratype (from para-/beside), fratertype/fratype (from frater-/sibling), and sintype (from sin-/together), all of which better describe the concept I was going for. My Anglophonic readers helpfully pointed out that the latter two words sound weird in English, and “paratype” ended up being the most popular word.

And then I never made another follow-up post.

2. An Ill-Defined Definition

I’m not sure why I never wrote a concise definition but in hindsight I’m glad I didn’t. It allowed for 4 years of input and discussion of the term and its scope. Originally, I wanted it to be very broad, covering “anything that doesn’t fit neatly into the established [alterhuman] categories but is still important to your nonhuman identity,” and I thank the gods that that didn’t become the go-to definition. It’s too poorly defined to be useful, and the broadness I was going for is already covered by synpath and vaguetype.

It did, however, end up with a not-much-better definition in Kiera’s Alterhuman Dictionary: “A character, animal, or mythical creature that is not a kin/therio/fictotype or a hearttype, but somehow feels important to your established identity. Some examples of how it may manifest include: inducing shifts of one or more of your established ‘types, showing up as a cameo shift that somehow feels related to your established ‘type, or feeling similar to a hearttype because they remind you of your kintype in some significant way.”

I never got around to asking Kiera to change that definition.

3. Covering all bases

Like I said, I’m glad I ended up waiting so long to write this essay, even if it wasn’t intentional. It allowed me to see a lot of perspectives that I wouldn’t even have considered on my own.

First of all, how do you know if something’s a paratype or something else? After all, it’s possible to have two kintypes that are extremely similar, like two species from the same genus, or two characters who fit the same archetype. If they feel obviously connected, how do you determine if one of them is a paratype or something else? The annoying answer is that you don’t — not really. Alterhumanity isn’t a hard science, we can’t run calculations to determine which identity facets fit into which categories. All our jargon should be opt-in, not something you feel forced to use because you fit a dictionary definition. If your kintype is a labradoodle and you later learn that goldendoodles exist, and you feel like you’re a goldendoodle concurrently with your labradoodle kintype, you can choose to call the goldendoodle a paratype, a kintype, both, or neither. “Paratype” is an opt-in category (no one is forced to use it) and it’s not an exclusive category (if something’s a paratype that doesn’t mean it can’t simultaneously be another kind of ‘type too).

The only requirement for something to be a paratype is that it has an associated identity. It doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it’s always an offshoot of something else. I was a bit wishy-washy about this at first since I was more attached to the “it feels like a hearttype/kintype/something else, but it’s not” part of the concept than the “it feels that way because it’s connected to your preestablished identity” part. But no, no matter how a paratype presents itself, or what the experience of it is, it’s defined by its origin: If your paratype-like feelings don’t exist because of another identity facet, it’s not a paratype.

Paratypes are not defined by their origins in the same way that some folks try to define kintypes - whether a paratype is psychological, spiritual, or something else is irrelevant. A paratype can be a quirk of the brain just as well as it can be a past life. As long as the paratype/your connection to the paratype is an offshoot/extension of a preestablished identity, it counts.

The example I’ve used most often to get the idea across is that I am a bison, and because I’m a bison it’s only natural that I feel a connection to domestic bulls. This connection does feel like a hearttype. Unrelated, I am also unicornhearted. The difference comes down to whether I can separate my otherhearted feelings from other parts of my identity. If I can (like with unicorns), I call it a hearttype. If I can’t (like with bulls) it’s a paratype. It’s definitely splitting hairs, but the distinction is valuable to me.

I did get a question once, asking if a paratype had to be an offshoot of an alterhuman identity, or if it could be connected to a gender identity or a disability. I had not considered that possibility, but I gave it a tentative yes. Especially in light of Mord’s “Alterhumanity is Queer” essay, queerness and alterhumanity is not something I want to split hairs about. If you feel connected to dogs because of your gender, or cats because of your disability, and you want to refer to those connections as paratypes, I’m not gonna stop you. More power to you!

It's also worth noting that throughout this essay I have been using animals as examples, but “paratype” is by no means limited to therianthropic/animalhearted identities. Plantfolk, fictionfolk, objectkin, conceptkin, and factualkin can all use it if they want, and the term can be used for any identity category, from kintypes and hearttypes to headmates and past lives to constels and linktypes. It can even be used for paratypes - in theory, a paratype can have a paratype can have a paratype, ad infinitum. Personally, I’m spiderhearted and as a result I feel strongly connected to other arachnids, including ticks, and as I feel connected to ticks, I feel connected to other ectoparasites, like mosquitoes and lice.

A paratype can have any kind of connection to your preestablished ‘type. I use the bison <-> bull example often because it’s an easy way to explain the concept, but other examples may include a lion therian whose paratype is gazelles, a reptile with a sun paratype, a rabbit with a hawk paratype, a robot with a glitch paratype, a mushroom with a tree paratype, a werewolf with a silver paratype, and I could go on. Even something like a lost love from another life or an entire universe could be categorized as a paratype if you wish to do so.

You can also get noemata from a paratype, or only have one specific version of a species/object/character be your paratype. A paratype can be as vague as it can be specific - it can be every single type of dragon ever, or it can be a specific interpretation of a specific dragon species from a specific book. Essentially, you can have any kind of alterhuman experience be classified as a “paratype” as long as it meets the “offshoot/extension of a preestablished identity” criterion - which led to the excellent essay “How a hearttype gave birth to a parallel life of a paratype - a view on the connection between spiritual and psychological roots for otherkinity” which I implore you to read - but not before you’ve finished the final section:

4. A definition - finally!

paratype, plural paratypes (noun) From para- (prefix): beside, alongside, related to; and type (noun): a particular kind, class, or group

1. (biology) a specimen of a type series other than the holotype 2. (biology) the environmental component of a phenotype 3. (alterhuman community slang) an identity facet that only exists in relation to a preestablished identity

[faller-of-kharbranth]

Okay… Pinned:

I’m Malkah. She/it/that/fae, feminine terms.

You can also call me Lilith, Zora, Sathona, or Aurash! (Nicknames are fine!)

Use whichever one you’d like to refer to me by, or use them interchangeably, I don’t particularly care, to be honest. Kon kon.

All of them are Me.

21 years old.

Fell in Nimbasa.

Edit: I’m a Zork now! (Hisuian Zoroark.)

I have a tail!!

I’m Shallahi @shallahi-and-snowflake’s other younger sister, so I’m a member of Bridge Four!! That’s a sentence that I didn’t think I’d say…

Am I also a middle sibling now?!

Also I think I just reverse-adopted @suddenlyauntiemaya as a big sister. (22 June 2024)

Also Konnie @abyssanon is also my sibling!

My girlfriend Dahlia (she/her) is a wonderful friend and a floofy werezork!

I’m also an Honorary Incursionist!

The Radiant Order that I think I’d be is probably a Lightweaver!! I took the test and got that…

Here’s my Trainer Card!

Rivka is my starter kit, and an absolute babey of a floof!

Harmoniah was my Saltid Galvantula, and is an adorable little bean! She’s currently living with the other Saltid Tikkitiks that came along with me, just outside the Center I work at!

Chiri’s my anxiety service ‘Mon!

Teru-Bozu is… a fairly quiet old man. He’s nice.

KZZKT!!

I’m Telamon! I live in her phone! I use they/them!

KZZKT!!

I sign my asks with -Malkah!! or -מלקה

HELLO!! I AM SATANAEL, A GIRATINA! I USE IT/SHE PRONOUNS, AND I’M A FRIEND OR SOMETHING TO THIS FUNNY FOX GIRL!!

BUT, it was formerly off due to far too many instances of HM: CUT being sent than reasonably tolerated. DO NOT DO THAT AGAIN.

No NSFW, please.

//No OOC anon hate. And don’t go too far with IC anon hate.

//that’s the hard rule.

Arcs:

• Arc: egg!! (Very light impromptu arc about a Hisuian Zorua egg.)

• arc: seekers of light (Very Persona 5-ish story very involved in the galactic prelude arc and PLA. prismatic return also winds into it a little.)

• arc: galactic prelude (sometimes heavily existential pre-Hisuiing long-term arc)

•arc: prismatic return (for Malkah-4, D2 Final Shape arc. Relies heavily on references/callbacks to various lore documents and also D2 story. Typical canon violence and heavy apoc and post-apoc warnings.).

Previous Arcs: arc: Castelia trip!! arc: bitter repercussions (HEAVY), arc: bitter keening (HEAVY).

//So:

Malkah here is a character rather heavily based on me but is decidedly also not me.

She is literally a trans-species Therian Zork-girl trying to live her life along with the general shenanigans of Rotomblr.

She wasn’t always this way though! She does have a past, character-wise, of being a self-insert faller, thus the tags, but she’s changed a lot since then!

Here’s her playlist!

Usual DNI applies.

PFP is by @/stereo-sys.

Background is by @/blaiddraws.

[cutejk123]

Luaisy fanchildren in Picrew style

Violet (Age 14)

Blossom (Age 12)

Now, I will introduce to you....

My Mareach fanchildren

Mario and Peach has 4 children (2 daughters and 2 sons- twins). Their names are: Plum, Carmelo, Paul and Marcella. Carmelo and Paul are twins and Plum is the eldest child. They love their mum and dad and their 2 pets: A Male Golden Retriever dog named Luca and a Female blue Parakeet bird named Bianca. The children loves adventure and visiting their family and cousins and they have realistic feelings.

Here they are <3

Here are the links:

TOON ME! ⟪ A ⟫｜Picrew

TOON ME! ⟪ B ⟫｜Picrew

Plum

Age 15

Female

Bisexual, ''Cis''

She/her

Birthday: June 5th

She is the eldest child of Mario and Peach

She's really good at baking, which she learned through her mother.

She is very protective with her younger siblings and they look up to her.

Personality: kind, loyal, protective, talkative, bubbly, adventurous, loving, friendly, a bit sassy, slightly moody.

Loves: cake, her family and friends, hanging out with her cousins Violet and Blossom, music, playing video games, baking, taking care of her younger siblings, riding her bicycle, dancing, going shopping with her mum.

Great bond with her dad

Her best hobbies are baking and bike riding

Carmelo

Age 10

Male

Straight, ''Cis''

He/him

Birthday: November 12th

He is the 2nd child of Mario and Peach

He is Paul's older twin brother

He and Paul both share bedrooms with each other.

He sometimes likes to play fight with his twin brother Paul.

Personality: energetic, loud, rude, cool, funny, adventurous, cheeky, a bit horrid, kind, helpful.

Loves: his twin brother Paul, his family and friends, watching anime such as the Dragon Ball series, playing video games, skateboarding, scary movies, going to the park, rock music, eating crisps, bubble-gum.

A huge Dragon Ball fan

Paul

Age 10

Male

Straight, ''Cis''

He/him

Birthday: November 12th

He is the 3rd child of Mario and Peach

He is Carmelo's younger twin brother

A Book Worm

He is a Reading, Poetry, and Science nerd.

He teaches his older twin brother Carmelo how to be more kind rather than rude.

Personality: smart, intelligent, thoughtful, lovable, shy, kind, sweet, friendly, caring, quiet, studious, clever, bright.

Loves: reading, collecting books, doing studies, science, writing poems and stories, watching nature documentaries, his family, friends and pets, getting top grades, classical music, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Winnie the Pooh, any Roald Dahl books.

A complete Mama's boy

Marcella

Age 7

Female

Straight, ''Cis''

She/her

Birthday: March 10th

She is the youngest child of Mario and Peach

She's a bit of a gremlin and has temper tantrums.

She carries her frog plushie called Hoppy sometimes.

She has ADHD

She is similar to the character of Muffin from 'Bluey'

Personality: loud, silly, tantrum-prone, giggly, a bit aggressive, pouty, cheeky, lovable, cute, crying, cheerful, crazy, chaotic, wild, creative.

Loves: her frog plushie, playing with her cousin Blossom, colouring, art, watching shows like Bluey, Peppa Pig and Tayo the Little Bus, getting what she wanted, sweets, playing tea parties, swimming, her family and friends, dressing up, her uncle Luigi, getting hugs and kisses, roller-skating.

A Papa's girl (she dearly loves her dad so much).

So there it goes and I hope you guys like them. Which one of the Mareach children do you like the most, let me know <3

@jessythebunny @jammyjams1910 @oh-my-gosh-its-j0sh @miss-freak @itsavee4117 @gracegootee @krystal-gems @tstain-is-an-idiot @peaches2217 @jasminesanriofan @silenzahra

[real-british-empire]

0: Height 151 cm

1: Age 16 :p

2: Shoe size 4-5

3: Do you smoke? I have, but don’t anymore

4: Do you drink? Whenever I have the chance 👁️👁️

5: Do you take drugs? No

6: Age you get mistaken for Depends, sometimes like 12, sometimes 17+

7: Have tattoos? No :(

8: Want any tattoos? YAYA

9: Got any piercings? Yup

10: Want any piercings? Ye

11: Best friend? Ya his name is Johnny

12: Relationship status Single, ready to mingle, no one wants to mingle with me though and I high key don’t blame them

13: Biggest turn ons biting, violence, literally anything sexual, being picked up

14: Biggest turn offs Discriminatory language, anything to do with trump and other such figures, not to kink shame but piss kinks and shit kinks (sorry)

15: Favorite movie DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE

16: I’ll love you if… You’re nice to me or at least willing to tolerate me and aren’t a trump supporter or homophobic/xenophobic etc, as well as wanting to make things work and I would LIKE physical affection (being a very physically affectionate person myself) but I can go without

17: Someone you miss My great nan—she died in January :(

18: Most traumatic experience Between June this year and October last year. October last year, I got caught doing SH for the second time that year and my mum beat the shit out of me 😍😍

and June this year, I’d got in trouble at school for being late with my art coursework not too long before, and had spent all day doing it that day, but wasn’t finished by the end of it, so my mum lost her shit and, again, beat the living crap out of me. So, after a lot of persuasion from my best friend, I decided to tell my councillor, who then told the school, who told social services, who told my mother. Of course, again, she went ape shit and started calling me manipulative and spoilt and a liar and blah blah blah and going on about how she’d lose her job (she’s a cop) and how we wouldn’t have any money and I’d never be allowed to go out with my friends again and I’d never get anymore birthday presents (because this was a week before my birthday) or have any privileges etc etc, making me feel bad for spilling even though I knew I’d get her in trouble (I thought my councillor wouldn’t tell if I asked her not to, but I was honestly too distressed when I did anyway). eventually she calmed down and promised not to hit me anymore and that she’d try to control her temper/what she says when she’s angry (she failed the second part VERY quickly) and I pretty much had to go back to school and lie, saying that what I said wasn’t true and I was doing it to get out of homework. And now I can’t open up to my new councillor, like, at all!! 😃😃😃

19: A fact about your personality Uh.. I’m INFP-T if that’s useful?

20: What I hate most about myself Most things, idk, looks, humour, personality, voice, stupid genitals

21: What I love most about myself I’m good at not getting angry ig?

22: What I want to be when I get older Literally anything to do with art because I can’t do anything else (well, I could, but I can’t do anything else and not hate my job)

23: My relationship with my sibling(s) Two half brothers on my dads side (I don’t see them much but I LOVW THEMMMM so so so so much I love them) and a little little sister (she’s a goblin and a little spoilt but oh well)

24: My relationship with my parent(s) I love my dad, even if he’s not here all the time

and my mum.. anything positive with her is like trying to light a fire with wet wood

25: My idea of a perfect date Literally anything, I won’t complain (please love me, I’m desperate)

26: My biggest pet peeves Trump 👁️👁️, again, discriminating, uh.. forcing your religion onto other people (love you religious girlies, you do you, especially if you find it fulfilling etc, but please don’t use it as an excuse to hate people or force other people into it—that’s not okay!! :( ) and eating kitkats wrong

27: A description of the girl/boy I like Uh.. strong chin, curtain bangs, brownish blond hair, nice boobs, he’s very nice and funny, he’s like pure English

and I also like this girl—she’s got bleach blond and brown hair, wears glasses, gets called emo a lot, very funny too, from turkey (we’ve done.. things, but I’m pretty sure I’m more of a side piece—not that I mind, I’ll take what I can get and I’m pleased with only being there when she wants me)

If never pursue anything with them though, I don’t want to tie them down (they can both do a lot better and deserve a lot better 💀)

28: A description of the person I dislike the most Frizzy brown hair, punchable face, kinda chubby, very heavy handed, annoying as hell and mixed race (got stuck in a friendship with them for 8 years, turns out they’re like really manipulative and just not a very nice person over all 😐)

29: A reason I’ve lied to a friend Because I don’t want to upset them/bother them with my problems :(

30: What I hate the most about work/school The constant demand for hard work and very little consideration for student wellbeing

31: What my last text message says

[Pic of me at comic con in cosplay, mext to someone in a blow up dinosaur suit that’s Deadpool themed] ”Johnny took a crappy photo but DINOPOOOOOL 😍😍😍😍”

32: What words upset me the most Honestly, can’t decide, but they’re all from my mum

33: What words make me feel the best about myself “You’re my best friend and I love you so so much”

34: What I find attractive in women

35: What I find attractive in men

^^for both of these, I have like literally NO criteria—I’m not one for looks, and can’t really afford to care regardless. I just like boobs (of all kinds)

36: Where I would like to live The countryside ☺️

37: One of my insecurities My boobs (I want to cHOP THEM OFFFF)

38: My childhood career choice Uh.. I didn’t work as a kid 🌚 but I wanted to be a scientist, a zoologist, an artist, a chef and a bunch of other things all at the same time (I was.. ambitious, let’s say—I only pursued art though£

39: My favorite ice cream flavor Caramel :P

40: Who I wish I could be Literally anyone close to Hugh Jackman (ONE CHANCE HUGH PLEASESEEE 😭😭😭)

41: Where I want to be right now The void

42: The last thing I ate A chocolate yoghurt

43: Sexiest person that comes to my mind immediately HUGH JACKMAN

44: A random fact about anything They say fuck 118 times in Deadpool and Wolverine… that’s a franchise record.

Are you ok?/gen

[always-coffee]

Cash (June 5, 2017-March 19, 2024)

It’s so strange, to me—the emptiness.

The space that used to be filled has gone silent. The bed is empty. The food dish unfilled.

I find myself haunted by absence. An imagined footfall or jingle of a collar. A whine in the night.

Walking down the stairs with the expectation of happy butt wiggles and cute, seal-faced joy. Being careful not to drop food, because the dog might eat it. (He pounced on everything you dropped, always. He was on a very particular diet for health reasons.)

So much of my life and my daily life revolved around him. A few summers back, my dad even painted the back sliding door, because Cash was very offended that birds exist and kept hurling himself at the glass. Once he couldn’t see them, he chilled out. He also was annoyed if someone was Outside and he was inside. Keep in mind, he didn't want to be outside. He just didn't want you out there.

Cash had a very specific bed time. He could tell time incredibly well. And he would be very annoyed if his bedtime came and went and he wasn’t tucked in. He’d stare at you, like, “Hey, excuse me. We’re late.” He knew different days of the week, and he knew when to expect one of my siblings for a weekly visit.

He objected to departures, because how dare you. The only way to placate him was to offer him a plate of snackies as you exited. He loved bananas and ice cubes with a little bit of pumpkin frozen in them. I still have a whole baggie of them in the freezer. I'd just made him a fresh batch of sweet potatoes, his favorite treat, the other day. I cannot bring myself to throw them out yet.

He was very smart and learned tricks fast. This was the first dog I ever trained without my mother around. Sometimes, I was very sure he was smarter than me. He was also very, very stubborn, and you could tell when he heard a command and was like, nope.

Cash had anxiety. He was on meds. (Big fan of meds. The difference they made for him was incredible.) He saw a specialist. She was a godsend and went above and beyond to help, especially when he started to have health issues last year. Then, in Sept., he bloated, and an emergency surgery saved his life. The second I realized the symptoms (because I dive into research mode when I am trying to fix or help), it was off to the doggo ER before the sun began to rise.

Most dogs are fine after bloat surgery, if it's caught in time. Cash was not. Because Cash also had IBD and to get him to eat following his surgery, he got food that he wasn’t supposed to have. This caused all sorts of chaos for him. For months, I hand-filled a new medicine (powder into gel caps). I became very good at it, despite looking like I was moonlighting as Walter White. Or Scarface. Later, I made approximately 400 phone calls to get him a different med that he needed and had to come from a specialized pharmacy.

By all accounts, he should’ve died back in September, so the time since then has been extra time. I missed so many things taking care of him, spending time with him, playing allllll the rounds of fetch (his favorite). It took up so much of my time and energy. This is the summarized version. But I would’ve done it forever, if it would have made a difference. And I’d do it all again tomorrow, even feeling the way I do right now. I don't love small.

(This was all this week's newsletter, if that interests you. It's free: https://buttondown.email/alwayscoffee.)

[raspberry-and-friends]

“Danger is my middle name. Once I’m old enough, nopony can stop me from changing it—hahah!”

“He’s beauty, he’s grace, he’s anxious in practically every space...”

“Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop and smell the roses. After all, you never know when they’ll wilt... which is a more ‘poetic’ way of saying: ‘Be Gay, Do Crimes.’”

Names: Juniper Ashe Sparkle-Dash, Swan Song Belle-Lane-Stripes, and Ginger Blossom Apple

Nickname(s): June, Ashe, and Junebug (Juniper Ashe), Swan and Dove (Swan Song), Ginger and Blossom (Ginger Blossom)

Species: Dragon/pegasus hybrid, unicorn, and earth pony

Sexualities: Aroace, heterosexual, and lesbian

Ages: 12 (Juniper Ashe and Ginger Blossom) and 11 (Swan Song)

Parents: Scootaloo Dash (FtM) and Friendship Ambassador Spike Sparkle (Juniper Ashe), Sweetie Belle, Rumble Lane, and Tender Taps Stripes (Swan Song), Apple Bloom Apple, Mayor Diamond Dazzle Tiara Apple, and Professor Tiddlywink Apple (MtF Pipsqueak) (Ginger Blossom)

Sibling(s): N/A

Headcanons and disclaimers below the cut 👇👇

Personality:

Juniper Ashe: Athletic, quick-witted, brave, determined (they won’t take “no” for an answer, that’s for damn sure), and a total daredevil.

Swan Song: Shy, gentle, methodical, intelligent (he aces almost every test he takes), and organized (which doesn’t often go over well when it comes to his... clumsy friends).

Ginger Blossom: Energetic, spontaneous, extroverted, adventurous (like Juniper, she’s unafraid of most anything that gets in her way), and quick to learning unfamiliar athletic hobbies.

Flaws:

Juniper Ashe: Headstrong, loud, destructive (a very tony bull in a china shop), has little-to-no common sense whatsoever, and will often go behind their parents’ backs for nothing more than a cheap thrill or two.

Swan Song: Antisocial, emotional, a push-over, has a minor speech impediment that makes interacting with others increasingly difficult, and, because of his inability to say no to most things, prone to tagging along in dangerous situations with his so-called “besties”.

Ginger Blossom: Impulsive, dangerously competitive, messy, crass (how does she even know so many swear words???), and either the best or worst teammate you’ll ever have. Blossom is prone to both stabbing her peers in the back or becoming the most loyal companion a foal could ask for.

Special Talents: Competitive speed-skating, piano playing, and buckball (specifically the “attacker” position)

Cutie Mark Stories: WIP, though I’ll probably never get around to finishing them tbh.

Bases by SelenaEde

***DISCLAIMER: In this AU, The princesses DIDN’T hand off their powers to Twilight, and still remain the primary rulers of Equestria during the course of this story. The illustrations and writing (the latter of which has since been revised to fix previously missed grammatical errors and to more closely align with my current headcanons) were done back in 2020-2021 and posted to my now-inactive DeviantArt account. The signature ‘Hun’ reflects the name I went by at the time, Hunter.***

[purplefangirl42]

Growing Worries

This piece is my first contribution for the 2023 Jedi June Event (@jedijune). I chose to go with the prompt of "Guidance" for the first week.

Tags: Jedi Appreciation, Sibling Love, Master & Padawan Bonding, Giving Advice, It Takes a Village, Slight Angst, Childhood Worries

“Alright, that’s enough for today. You are all free to go.”

Anaj opened her eyes as the Master instructing her meditation class called for the end of their session. She unfolded her legs and moved to stand, nearly losing her balance as the blood rushed back into her extremities. These meditation classes sometimes went on for hours and it had a tendency to make her lose sensation in her feet. Stretching her arms above her head, she sighed in relief as the feeling started to return.

I really need to work on stretching more. Maybe that will help.

She followed her fellow classmates out of the room into the hall, waving goodbye as she headed in the direction of the crèche. She had promised to spend some time with her brother, Seoj, when her class had finished so she made her way towards the quarters he shared with his other clan members.

When she reached the door, Anaj raised her hand to knock, but hesitated at the sound of sniffling coming from within. It sounded like someone was crying. Anaj could sense only one other person nearby, and would recognize the Force signature of her younger brother anywhere. Raising her hand once more, she lightly rapped her knuckles on the door.

“Seoj?” she called softly. “Is everything alright?”

The sound of soft footsteps approached the door before it slid open a tiny amount to reveal her brother. Being three years her junior, he was still shorter than her, so Anaj had to look down to see his face in the shadows of the room beyond the door. His small green face was damp from the tears that spilled from his large black eyes, dark lines appearing in their wake as they traveled downward.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

The ten year old boy wiped at his face with his hand, attempting to hide the evidence of his distress. Anaj felt her heart clench at the fact that he felt he had to hide his emotions from her. She reached out her purple hand in his direction, offering it to him to hold. After a moment’s hesitation, he took it and held it tightly in his own. 

Ever since he had come to the temple and she had discovered that he was her brother, the two of them had always found comfort in each other’s presence, even if it was simply silent companionship. Just being there was enough to soothe the pain. Anaj could sense that her presence alone was not going to be enough this time, however. 

“Seoj, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

Seoj wiped his face again with his free hand before pressing the button to open his door further to allow her entrance. He pulled on her hand and Anaj entered the room before the door slid shut behind her. Pulling her over to his cot, Seoj sat down and Anaj followed him, never letting go of his hand. Another minute passed before he began to speak.

“Am I too small?” he asked, speaking so softly that Anaj almost didn’t hear him.

“Too small for what?” 

Seoj shrugged and sniffled again.

“For everything…”

Anaj didn’t understand his question. Sure, he was shorter than some of the other younglings. But growth spurts hit different people of different species at varying times. She hadn’t grown a significant amount until she was eleven, when she rapidly grew several inches in a short period of time.

“You still have lots of time to grow, little brother,” she said, attempting to reassure him.

Seoj scoffed in response to her statement.

“Little. That’s what they all call me. Little, tiny, pathetic, weak…”

Anaj felt a surge of protective anger swell inside her at his words.

“Who is saying these things to you?”

Seoj shrugged again.

“People. I hear them whispering about me sometimes. I even heard one of the crèche masters say something about how they were concerned that I was small for my age.”

Anaj pursed her lips in annoyance. This wouldn’t do. Her brother should be having fun and learning new skills with the other younglings, not worrying about his size at such a young age. She reached over and patted the hand still clasped in hers.

“Try not to worry too much about it right now,” she said. “Why don’t we go do something to get your mind off of it. We should go have some dinner.”

Seoj’s sad expression morphed into one of disgust.

“You aren’t going to make me eat one of your concoctions are you?”

Anaj huffed in mock offense at his distaste for her alternate food choices. Despite what some people may think, she found them quite tasty. Given his state of mind, though, she chose to ignore his comment.

“You can eat whatever you want,” she said. “I won’t even ask you to try the new thing that Master Fisto gave me.”

Seoj visibly relaxed and the pair of them stood from the bed, walking out of the room together hand in hand. Though his spirits had lifted slightly at the mention of food, Anaj could tell that there were still negative feelings lurking beneath the surface. She made a mental note to think on her brother’s issue and attempt to find a solution.

A few days passed, and Anaj had not thought of anything that she felt would help lift Seoj’s melancholic mood. Thinking about the issue had left her distracted, causing her to not focus on her studies, even derailing her ability to meditate properly.

“Your mind is distracted, padawan,” Master Ti said from her place across from her.

Anaj opened one eye to see her master tilting her head quizzically as she stared at her. 

“I’m sorry, Master. I will try harder to focus,” Anaj said, closing her eye to attempt the meditation again.

A gentle touch on her knee caused both of her eyes to open and focus on the Togrutan woman before her. Her master gave her a small smile and shook her head, causing her long lekku to sway from side to side.

“What is troubling you?” she asked.

Anaj sighed and thought about the best way to answer the question. She reached up and began to fiddle with the end of one of the tendrils that had slipped over her shoulder. The act soothed her anxiety and helped calm her mind, allowing the right words to come to her.

“I’m worried about Seoj.”

Master Ti nodded as if this was no surprise to her. As far as Anaj knew, she hadn’t mentioned anything to her master about the situation, but then again, it was a master’s job to know what was going on with their student. 

“I have taught a few sessions for his clan, and I have noticed something was off during the last one,” Master Ti said. “Do you know what is troubling him?”

“He’s heard a few things said about him that have him worried. He’s worried that he is too small.”

“A strange concern for one so young,” Master Ti said. “He has plenty of time left to grow. If your recent change in height is anything to go off of, I’m sure he will grow into a tall, strong young man.”

“I know that, and I told him as much. I don’t think he listened though.”

“Perhaps it would be beneficial for him to hear it from someone other than his sister. As well-meaning as your intentions may be, they may be empty words to him at the moment.”

Anaj let out a heavy sigh and leaned her elbow on her knee, resting her face on her hand. Maybe her master was right, Seoj needed someone other than her to help him see a brighter future. She felt another gentle touch on her knee and looked up to meet her master’s gaze.

“You are a good sister and a good friend, Anaj. Never doubt that.”

Anaj gave her master a smile and nodded her thanks. Master Ti pulled her hand back and returned to her meditative pose.

“I will speak to someone about the matter. For now, how about we focus on our lesson?”

Seoj sat in the back of his class, his focus on something outside the large window beside him. He hadn’t gotten much out of the lesson so far, so he didn’t see much point in reigning in his attention now. Class was almost over anyway. After the instructor called for the class to disperse, a deep voice called his name.

“Seoj, may I have a moment of your time before you return to your quarters?”

Seoj turned to the source of the voice to find a large Lasat standing beside the doorway. He was unfamiliar with this Jedi, so he did not understand why he would want to speak with him. A shiver ran down his spine as he approached the large man, uneasiness creeping into every nerve in his body.

“Relax, young one,” the Lasat said, gesturing to a cushioned bench by a nearby window. “You are not in trouble. I merely wish to speak with you.”

Seoj sat down beside the man and stared up at him with large inquisitive eyes. 

“I am Master Jaro Tapal,” the Lasat introduced himself. “I understand you have been dealing with some troubling concerns and I am here to help put your mind at ease.”

Seoj didn’t know how this Jedi he had never met or even seen before would know what was happening in his life, but he had an inkling that Anaj may be responsible.

“Did my sister say something to you?” he asked in a slightly annoyed tone.

“Master Ti mentioned that you seemed in some form of distress and asked the cause. Your sister only spoke up in her concern for you, not to embarrass you.”

Seoj let out a huff and crossed his arms over his chest. It was bad enough dealing with this himself, he didn’t need a bunch of people worrying about it with him.

“How old are you, Seoj?” Master Tapal asked.

“Ten.”

“Ah, so you are nearing the age where you might be considered as a padawan for an eager teacher. That is an exciting and nerve wracking time for any young Jedi, but that is not where your concern lies.”

Seoj shook his head and focused on his feet, not wanting to look at the man beside him.

“As I understand the situation, you are concerned about your size. You worry that you will not grow to be big and strong like you feel you should?”

When it was phrased like that, Seoj felt it sounded silly and a bit vain. The idea that he wouldn’t be like Master Fisto or even the Lasat beside him still nagged at him in the back of his mind, however.

“Do you think it is important that you are large?” the Lasat asked. “Is that what you think it takes to be a Jedi?”

Seoj shrugged and glanced sideways at the Master beside him. It seemed an odd question coming from someone that was so large himself. 

“I guess I’m just worried that I won’t succeed like the others around me. I know I still have time to grow, but…”

“Even if you don’t grow to be very tall, you still have great potential.”

Seoj turned to look at him and he felt himself perk up a bit at the statement.

“You think so?”

“Master Yoda is not large, nor is my former master, Master Yaddle,” Tapal said. “Yet, they are both great Jedi Masters. Master Yoda is known for commenting that ‘size matters not’ when it comes to the skill a person possesses, Jedi or not.”

As Seoj listened to the counsel, he felt some of his worries melt away. The concern he felt due to the comments from the crèche masters lingered, but he figured he would deal with that problem if it ever presented itself. 

“I wish to show you something that may lift your spirits,” Master Tapal said, pulling a small datapad from his belt. “Look at this image.”

Seoj leaned over to look at the picture on the screen. It showed a group of younglings in a class with Master Yoda. Not far from him stood a Nautolan boy and a Lasat he guessed was the man beside him. Neither one of them was very large beside the diminutive Grand Master. 

“That is Master Fisto and myself. We were a bit younger than you, but as you can see, we hadn’t hit our growth spurts yet either.”

Seoj called to mind the way the Nautolan Jedi looked now. He was tall and strong. Nothing like the small boy in the photo. A smile began to form on his lips as the hope that things could change overtook him. He turned to look at Master Tapal and surged forward to wrap his arms around the man’s large torso.

“Thank you, Master Tapal,” he said, his voice muffled slightly by the Lasat’s robes.

A large hand patted him gently on the back and Tapal let out a huff of soft laughter.

“You’re most welcome, young one. Keep training and focus on your studies and you can become anything you wish, regardless of your size.”

A/N: Give this a like, comment, and reblog and let me know what you think!

[rowandriftwood]

I spent today writing up mini-bios of my great-grandparents for a genealogy project I'm working on. I want to make all the research I've done accessible to everyone in the family, and I want to include a real sense of who our various ancestors were as people, for those who didn't have the opportunity to know them. Here are a couple examples:

Gilbert James McKeehan - Early Life

Gilbert James McKeehan was born 15 September 1903 in Walla Walla, Washington, the only child of Elijah Brewer McKeehan and Nora Belle Crumley. Gilbert’s father had been previously married, and Gilbert had several older half-siblings, but he was his mother’s only child. Nora doted on Gilbert. When he showed an aptitude for music, she bought him a piano and lessons with money she earned cleaning houses.

In June 1921, when he was 17 years old, Gilbert enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served as a Private and clerk in the Battery A Corp Artillery. He was promoted to Private 1st Class in January 1923. In 1921-1922, historic Fort Walla Walla was converted into a hospital for military veterans (now the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center). Soon after it opened, Gilbert began working as a messenger for the hospital. In May 1924, he was transferred to Company F 161st Infantry. He was discharged in June of that year, but continued to work for the veterans hospital until at least 1942.

At 5 feet 10 inches, with brown wavy hair and hazel eyes, Gilbert was handsome, charming, and a talented musician, able to play the piano by ear. He had a playful sense of humor and a reputation as a ladies’ man. During the 1920s and early 1930s, Gilbert played piano and sang for the Chesterfields, a band named for a popular brand of cigarettes at that time. The band’s motto was “we satisfy!” Other members of the Chesterfields included Earl Schoenberger on horn, Ralph Augustavo on trumpet, Ted Cleaver on guitar, and Pearly Mo on drums. Gilbert served as the band’s manager, and arranged all the music. In 1930, the Chesterfields recorded an album, which included a cover version of Émile Waldteufel’s “The Skater’s Waltz”. Gilbert occasionally played with other local bands as well, such as Bob Meyers’ Whitmaniacs. The bands played all over, including at the Metronome in Walla Walla, Edgewater Park in Wallula, and occasionally in Prescott.

Rowena Helen Armstrong - Early Life

Rowena Helen Armstrong was born 18 January 1903 in Prescott, Washington, the eighth of ten children of Leo Cornelius Armstrong and Mary Catherine “Molly” Martin. She was baptized at the Catholic Church of Saint Patrick in Walla Walla on 26 April 1903. By the time she came along, Rowena’s oldest siblings were already grown, and beginning to start families of their own. Before she turned fourteen, three of her siblings had died. In consequence of this, Rowena grew up very close with her sister Bonnie, who was just twenty months younger than Rowena.

Rowena grew up on her family’s farm on the edge of Prescott. Her mother called Rowena her “angel”, but that didn’t mean Rowena never got up to mischief. She was a lively girl, with an infectious giggle, and a love of fun. Sometimes she would jump off the roof of the barn, using her father’s big umbrella as a parachute to “float” down. She and her friends would tease a young teacher named Mr. Flower to make him blush, calling him “Herr Blossom”. “Once I buried a kid under the snow, right over her head,” she confided to her grandchildren. “But she could still breathe. We fixed it so she could. And when we went back into class after recess the teacher wondered where she was. I buried her at recess – she begged me to!” 

When Rowena was eleven, she and her sister Bonnie were playing in the hay barn, where they were forbidden to go, because it was dangerous. They climbed up the pile of hay, halfway to the roof of the barn, and jumped up and down on it, until Bonnie slipped, and fell into the pile. She almost suffocated, but Rowena pulled her out in time. They swore to each other that they would never tell anyone what had happened, for fear of getting into trouble – and they never did, until Rowena told her grandchildren about it decades later.

In the winter, Rowena and her friends went sledding on Skyrocket Hill, Starbuck Hill, Meadowlarks, and at Whetstone Creek. In the summer, they played in the Touchet River, which was dangerous because Rowena did not know how to swim. Sometimes, for special celebrations, they traveled north, taking a ferry across the Snake River to picnic at scenic Palouse Falls.

Rowena was an excellent student. In the eighth grade, she served as her class president, and represented Prescott School in a regional spelling championship. In high school, she took classes in Advanced Home Economics. However, this did nothing to curb her wild side. A teacher at Prescott remembered the school putting on a carnival, and 17-year-old Rowena performed a flamenco dance in full skirts, on a tabletop, with a rose between her teeth. 

The summer she was 18, Rowena hitched a ride on the mail truck to visit her eldest sister Maude in Dayton. On the way there, the mail truck was involved in a head-on collision, and Rowena went through the windshield, cutting her face and neck on the glass. When her mother saw her, she threw the oil can she was carrying over her head, cried out, “Oh my God!”, and fainted dead away. Molly couldn’t bear the sight of blood. Maude just said, “The best looking one of the bunch, and she has to get her face cut up.” Fortunately, there was no permanent scarring.

Next on the list: a section about Gilbert and Rowena's (brief) marriage, then separate sections for their later lives and subsequent marriages, and a mini bio of their only child, my grandmother, whose fault it is that I'm doing any of this in the first place!

[y0urlocalhalf-bl0od]

REDOING MY INTRO!!

(The old one is still here)

Name: Aster Atlas

What to call me: Aster, Atty, Ast (Be careful not to say Ass🔫☺️) or any other nicknames you decide, I love them!!

Age: 14/15

I was never shown my birth certificate, never celebrated birthdays, and my foster family never knew either, but we have a general idea. The day they took me in was June 17th, and so we call that day my birthday..

Personality: I love lots and lots of things! I love loving things! I'm typically pretty upbeat all around, except late nights and hard days, but we all have those! I'm too loud sometimes, but it's okay because I'm surrounded by people who love me!!! Also, I'm pretty extraverted and optimistic.

Hobbies: Archery, crafts, silly poetry👀, spying on my fellow campers, spilling tea with @half-bloodhades-spawn 🖤💜

Legal older sibling/custody haver of @im-jus-da-baby-apolloson It's kinda complicated. My foster mom is our Mama, and that's all that matters

I'm queer and bigender🤍🤍🤍

Music I listen to: Lots of different people with similar happy artsy vibes, here's a playlist! (I get sad sometimes)

//BLOG PREFERENCES/THINGS TO KNOW, Ooc:

#1, all OoC comments will be set up like this //OoC: *insert text here* // to avoid confusion

#2 ALL MY IN CHARACTER POSTS are open rp, never interacted with me before? No problem! Go ahead, just be nice:)

#3 Homophobes, racists, bigots, terfs, or otherwise asshole-ic people, please dni! You don't like me or my friends, so just piss off!

#4 Ask box open to everyone for just about anything! Please do not vent in my ask box unless it's rp

//

August 15 2024 update: my new tag/only one I've ever had because I forgot is now "Hanslocalsibby"

//Run by @d3adgayw1zzyr3ad3r //

[active-mind-15]

10, 17, 30 & 42 for writer's ask game, please? :)

Heyyyy! Thanks for the asks!

10.  Do you set yourself deadlines?

I do not. For my WIPs, I used to try and finish chapters up a week or two after my last update, but now that I'm older and have a lot more things going on in my life right now (consequences of becoming an adult), I don't set deadlines at all. Sometimes I update in a few weeks, but these days it's more like months. But I'm trying not to let so much time pass anymore since I'm getting back into writing. If I feel the need to set deadlines later, maybe I will. For now, no.

17.  What writing habits or rituals do you have?

I always have to put on some music to write. It helps block out the world around me and keeps me immersed in my thoughts. The type of music I listen to varies, but most of the time it's Lofi instrumentals or video game soundtracks. If I find a song that keeps me particularly focused, I will then loop that song until I finish what I'm doing. That's why my Spotify Wrapped will have some weird results in some years. They'll think I'm a big fan of a specific artist when in reality that one song of theirs I looped for five hours is the only thing I've heard from them.

30.  Favourite idea you haven’t started on yet

Since I'm heavily involved with both the KNB and BTS fandoms, I'll give ideas for each!

For KNB, I have two fave ideas. The first one is a sequel to Accidental Siblings that would function more as a slice-of-life one-shot collection, but I have to finish the story first before we move on to that, so the idea is motivating me to finish, lol. The second fave idea is something I think will also be a one-shot collection but based on the headcanons I have of KNB characters playing Sky: Children of the Light. I want it to be Akashi-centric and follow the shenanigans the Teiko gang + Kagami would get up to while having gaming sessions on Sky. The whole concept of the series would be how the game acts as a vehicle for them to get closer and strengthen their friendship in different ways. I even have a name for it; I wanna call it Sky Therapy. I'm already assuming the fic idea is super niche so I'm not expecting much response to it when I finally do get along to starting it. I'm mainly just writing and posting it just for the sake of it and because I want to.

Now, for the BTS one, my fave idea I haven't started on is based on BTS member Jin's song, The Astronaut. Along with that song, Jin created a mascot named Wootteo. This is what Wootteo looks like, for reference.

Wootteo is meant to be an alien, sent to keep us company while Jin is away (The Astronaut was released right before Jin enlisted for mandatory military service). With that being said, I wanted to put a spin on it and create a sci-fi AU set in the very distant future where Jin is a robotics engineer who built Wootteo and gave it to the other six BTS members to keep them company while he was away on an important space expedition. The fic would be told from the perspective of the other six and how they're dealing with both Wootteo's presence and Jin's absence. I do have a deadline for this one, though, because I wanted to drop it on June 5th, which is 7 days before Jin is discharged from the military. I thought the timing would be perfect.

42.  How do you feel about love triangles?

I don't feel this or that about them because I don't read much romance where triangles are involved, but I think they're fine if they're done correctly. Adding love triangles just for the sake of it is tacky. Give me a good reason why the triangle exists in the first place. Give each part of the triangle proper tension and complexity.

Also, some stories claim that something is a love triangle when in reality it's just Person B and C liking Person A or Person B liking Person A and Person A liking Person C. In both scenarios, the triangle is incomplete. Give me REAL pining and unrequited love. Person B has to like Person A while Person A likes Person C and Person C likes Person B. That's where the good shit happens.

Anyway, thanks again for the asks. If anyone else wants to send me some, have a look through and pick some numbers!

[servin-up-surveys]

survey #201

Do you like meatball subs? I really don't, they just make the bread soggy, which I cannot tolerate texturally.

What is your favorite smell on earth? Fresh baked goods. Cinnamon rolls are the best.

If you have a sib, do you call him/her “brother” or “sister” sometimes? I call Ashley "big sis" quite a bit, and sometimes "little sis" for Nicole.

Did you ever collect stickers? I did in my childhood for a very long time! My original dresser ended up completely covered in stickers because that's where I kept my collection of them.

Have you been baptized in any religious tradition? I was as a baby.

Do you love the smell of sunblock? I don't.

What was the last upsetting thing that happened to you? An asthma flare-up. Since my actual attack at the very end of January, I've now had FOUR more instances where my oxygen levels were on the very, very brink of "I need to go to the ER." One time I literally would've gone again if Mom hadn't told me not yet (she didn't want me waiting for hours because my oxygen wasn't low enough to be attended to immediately). I'm very stressed out about it; I'm not supposed to see a pulmonologist until June, but Mom and I are praying that there's a cancellation I can slide into.

What was the last thing you ordered from Starbucks? I've never gone there because I hate coffee. Oh wait, I have gotten a treat from there, but I can't recall what it was, this was years ago.

Do you trust your doctor? I trust my primary doctor and therapist. My current psychiatrist is an absolute fucking joke and after my last appointment, I refuse to go again. We're gonna try and set me up with a psychiatrist where my therapist is.

Do you ever question if your mother loves you? God no, I know me and my siblings are her world.

What is missing in your life? Fun. Adventure.

What is your favorite type of Lunchables? Nachos, zeeeeero competition.

What is the worst medication side effect you’ve ever had? As far as the most truly unenjoyable, vomiting. Scariest, bodily spasms and the constant state of feeling like I was on the very precipice of a seizure. What I'm assuming was probably the most dangerous, hypomania.

What is your favorite thing to order at Taco Bell? Fiesta potatoes.

What church do you go to? I don't go to church.

Do you take risks often? I really don't. I need to be more willing to. Not stupid ones of course, but sometimes risks are necessary for growth and success.

The last time you ate leftovers, what was it that you were eating? My mom made these sorta cheesecake bars to bring to Girt's the other day, because he was obsessed with them when Mom made them last, so his family got to try it and were also hooked, haha. I can't remember everything in it, but I know it included a sugar cookie base, chocolate chips (I think?), toffee bits, pecans (which you really couldn't taste, it was mostly a texture thing), and caramel.

What was the last flavor of ice cream you ate? Vanilla.

What is your favorite song at the moment? Probably "V.A.N." by Bad Omens and Poppy, at least for right now. It's not my favorite song ever, but it's newer so more enjoyable to listen to lately.

What is one thing you have too much of? fat lmao

What type of fruit do you eat the most? Apples.

Would you rather eat strawberries or watermelon? Strawberries. Watermelon is too watery to me, I don't enjoy it.

Do you prefer hamburgers or hot dogs? Burgers.

How far away do you live from the place where you were born? The hospital I was born at is barely five minutes away.

If you buried a time capsule, what would you put in it? Oh I have no idea.

Describe your clothing style in three words: Comfortable. Lazy. Dark.

What’s something you want to do more often? Be outside.

Who is your favorite YouTuber? Of all-time, Markiplier. I don't really have a favorite these days, just a few I enjoy a lot. Some of these are Game Grumps, Snake Discovery, NKFherping, John Wolfe, Shane Dawson, Woolie VS, and Gab Smolders.

Do you believe in soulmates? No.

What band or artist do you think is overrated? I just really don't care, let people enjoy the shit they like. Just because I don't enjoy an artist doesn't mean other people can't.

What’s something untrue that you believed for a long time? Uhhhh maybe that slit pupils on a snake always meant it was venomous. I've known that's incorrect for years, but I did think that was a universal rule when I was younger.

Did you skateboard when you were younger? No. I kinda passively wanted to, but was never too interested to actually learn.

Have you ever won a contest? A few, mostly related to writing ability.

What’s something weird you’ve eaten? An orange yogurt-flavored treat for guinea pigs lmao

Who is someone you would like to get to know better? An acquaintance from high school named Courtlyn. We're Facebook friends and interact sometimes, but I'd love to get to know her better.

When’s that last time you saw snow? It's been like two years. :/

Who are the 3 people you love the most? Mom, Girt, and then I'm not sure who would be #3. There's a collection of people that come to mind, not just a single one.

Last person you slept in the same bed with? Girt.

Have you recently been sick? No.

Would you marry someone if they were unable to have sex? Yeah.

Does heartbreak really feel as bad as it sounds? I think this would vary from person to person. For me, it was infinitely worse. I never would've anticipated the pain I went through.

Last reason you went to the ER? I had an asthma attack.

What facial cleanser do you use? I don't use one anymore.

Have you ever cheated on the significant other that you have now? I've never cheated on a significant other, period.

Do your parents like your boyfriend/girlfriend? They both love him and have loved him since we were teenagers.

What was the last fruit or vegetable you chopped/sliced up? An apple.

Does the last person whose house you were at like anyone? Me, I'm his girlfriend.

Do you tend to talk on the phone a lot? No, I literally hate talking on the phone. Primarily because over the phone, my auditory processing issues are worse, but also because I dislike not being able to see body language/expressions and it's just annoying to hold a phone and talk to someone and stop what I'm doing when you could just message me.

What turns you on the most? do not touch my boobies ok

Have you ever kissed someone of the same sex? Yes.

Have you ever suspected anyone of cheating on you? Not seriously. I can ponder the possibility of Jason having had something going on with the girl he dated after me with how quickly they got together (over Facebook, anyway), but I genuinely do doubt this. If anything, he was over it/open to someone else quick.

Ever get caught doing something naughty with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Yes and we never addressed it and I'm thrilled about that lmfao

Do you use q-tips to clean your ears? Only occasionally, and I'm very careful when I do because overuse/going too deep with them before caused wax to dry and adhere to both of my eardrums and I had to have it suctioned out by a specialty doctor. The doc was very serious about q-tips being an awful idea for internal cleaning, but I can't stand NEVER doing it.

Have you ever swam with dolphins? No, but I'd like to.

If you/your gf became pregnant accidentally, would you consider abortion? I would get an abortion. It'd be the better option for everyone involved; yes, including the potential baby.

What was the last candy you ate? Peach rings.

Do you like zombie movies? Indifferent.

What’s the grossest/worst thing you’ve ever seen in a public restroom? Blood completely covering the underside of the seat.

Have you ever volunteered in a hospital? If not, would you ever want to? No to both.

How do you feel about runny egg yolks? The concept of that going in my mouth makes me want to fucking hurl.

Have you ever hidden a relationship from your family? No.

Who was the worst friend you ever had? Colleen, when it boils down to it.

When was the last time you made plans with someone? What are you going to do with that person? A couple days ago, at least loosely. Girt and I are gonna hang out here this weekend. Dunno what day yet.

Are you close to your extended family? Do you wish you were closer? No; yes.

While on the road, do you play any road games? No.

Have you ever picked apples before? Not really, like at an orchard or something, but I have picked a wild apple out of a tree (it was on a friend's property; we all did it, with the owner) and it was the best apple I ever had.

Are you scared of semi-trucks? Especially when you’re driving next to one? I'm terrified of them. I get tense when I'm in a car where the driver is near one.

Do you have a fence? Along the back and one side of the house, we do.

If you have any pets, do you talk to them in a baby voice? uh, duh

Who was the last person to comfort you? My mom during one of those bad asthmatic episodes.

Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place? Not necessarily, no. This sadly doesn't happen to everyone. Some people just live a shitty story with no pleasant resolution, no matter what they do.

What was the last thing you swallowed? Flavored water.

Do you like cats? I adore cats. I'm glad Girt's an obsessed cat dad now too because that means more cats in our future, haha.

On a scale of one to ten how much do looks matter to you? In a potential partner? Probably like... 2 or 3.

What are you listening to? "The Death of Peace of Mind" by Bad Omens.

What’s the closest pink object to you? There's pastel pink on the tumbler my sister gave me that I use for my flavored waters.

Are you afraid of thunderstorms? So, yes, but I can also enjoy them. I only get scared when there's a tornado risk.

Do you need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy? No. But I know historically, I've been happier when with a partner.

How much effort did you put into your last relationship? Before my current one? I put my all into it. I mean, at the time, I thought I was in love with this person. And when I feel like that, I go all in.

Do you have impulse control? Yes, at least to a degree. I can tell you I'm not the best at controlling my mouth when I'm hurt, but I'm definitely better than I was as a teen.

Would you do anything on a dare? Nope. I don't even go along with dares, I'll do what I want to and not do what I don't want to.

[can-of-pringles]

When I'm Alone with You - Chapter 10

Rating: Gen

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1k

Summary: Copia and Silas talk more

Also Read on AO3

Note: Sorry that there's not much plot progression in this chapter, I've been sick for a while so ¯_(ツ)_/¯

June

---

“I love that we’re getting into summer now… reminds me more of home,” Silas spoke.

Silas and Copia rarely spent breaks by themselves now, taking the time to get to know each other. They had seamlessly moved from just recommending songs to talking about their lives in general; slowly opening up to each other as time moved forward.

“Well, it’s good for you. Here I am, stuck in these layers as it grows hotter.” Copia mildly grumbled to himself.

The heat was even more obvious as they were hanging out in their usual favorite outside place.

“You wouldn’t last in a Texas summer.” Silas teased.

“Maybe not all season, no, but I think I could handle a bit of it… although, actually, could we move and sit somewhere shadier?” He frowned.

“Yeah, there’s another bench close by under a big tree. Should be plenty of shade for you,”

“Thank you for understanding despite being totally immune to the sun, apparently.” Copia joked slightly.

“Hey, I never said that did I? Yeah, sometimes the summers were unbearable…” He winced. “It helped that I could go and visit my dad’s side of the family during that time. Summer here is cooler.”

Copia was finally able to relax more in the shade, although one thing he didn’t take into consideration was that now the sun wouldn’t shine on Silas and show off his eyes. He sighed, but Silas didn’t seem to notice.

“Do you miss it?” He asked. “Back home, I mean.”

Silas nodded. “Course. I like living here full-time, but it doesn’t mean I don’t miss my home country, or more accurately, my state. Do you miss Italy?”

“Yes, sometimes… I grew up in the Ministry there, so this place does feel somewhat familiar, but it’s not the same.” He glanced down.

“So… if you don’t mind me asking, have you always been really involved with… all of this?” Silas gestured vaguely.

“Yes, I was mainly raised by the Sisters of the Ministry and partially my older brother figures… mostly by Papa Emeritus the First, or Primo, as he usually preferred.” Copia chuckled shortly, remembering how Primo would repeatedly remind people to call him by his name rather than title. How long had it been since an old memory brought him happiness instead of the usual grief?

“It’s good you had them around, I’m an only child so I don’t know what it’s like growing up with siblings, although my friend Hanna and I have known each other since we were little kids and so I guess that’s the closest experience I’ll have to that,” Silas remarked.

“She’s the one that watches Blizzard, yeah?” Copia asked.

“Occasionally, she jokes and likes to say it counts as job experience. She’s a dog groomer.”

“Oh… interesting. I can’t imagine dealing with all those dogs. Not that I don’t like dogs, but I just meant it seems like a lot.” He stammered.

“I agree with you, Blizzard is work enough.” Silas chuckled. “No, seriously… he’s a crazy bundle of energy, but I love him, though.”

“He sounds like a good dog. Maybe I can meet him, eventually?” Copia asked.

Silas smiled. “Sure, as long as you’re prepared for tons of fur…” He joked.

Copia laughed, and Silas grinned at the sight.

“I promise it’s actually not that bad…” He quickly added.

“I think I can handle a little bit of dog fur… honestly, I got used to how much the Ghouls shed…” Copia sighed and shook his head.

“Right? Ugh, I have to do so much sweeping and vacuuming because of the fur! At least it’s not all the time.” Silas exclaimed. “But that’s one good thing about the summer. They’re not shedding right now,”

“You know what? You’re right, that is one good thing about summer.” He shrugged. “Also, let me clarify, I do like summer, just in lighter clothes, alright?”

Silas tried to refrain from snickering at his persistence in defending himself about the summer opinions. “Understood.”

“Yeah, I can imagine myself just relaxing at a beach house or something…” Copia sighed and closed his eyes, imagining it as a bit of sun shone on his face.

Silas had a small smile on his face. “It sounds nice.”

“Did you and your family ever go on summer vacations?” Copia looked at him.

“Well, we never went to any beach houses. When I was younger, we’d go camping and sometimes that meant near the beach.” Silas glanced down at his clasped hands, reminiscing about his childhood.

“Oh, I’ve never been camping, is it fun?” He slightly tilted his head.

Silas pressed his lips into a line. “Well… when you’re a little kid, it’s pretty fun, but once you get older, it kinda loses its charm… I got tired of it once I became a little older.”

“Oh…” Copia furrowed his brows. “Seems to me you still like being outside, though.”

“Yeah, I don’t mind spending a bit of time outside. It’s when it’s multiple days outside without a house or proper shower or bathroom… it really started to irritate my skin after a while.” He sighed and dropped the tension in his shoulders.

“I’m sorry…” He frowned.

“It’s alright, I haven’t gone camping since I was in my teens. I’ve had plenty of time to get over all the issues.” Silas smiled reassuringly. “I’m thankful my parents never pressured me into joining scouts.” He scoffed.

“Yeah, I suppose if you hated camping you’d want to avoid that,” Copia said.

“I’m guessing that the Ministry didn’t have like their own version of that or something?”

“No, just worship and the likes. Why do you ask?” He raised a brow.

Silas squinted and hummed. “I don’t know… you just seem like the scout-ish type to me… or just wanting to hang out with other kids doing one big activity together? Actually, I just realized that sounds similar to school.” He chuckled.

“I had tutors, basically homeschooled. And I sometimes would play with the other kids in the Ministry, or with my older brothers, but honestly, most of the time I was by myself…” Copia absentmindedly kicked a pebble. “I think that’s why I took such a liking to my pet rats, because we always had each other, if that makes sense.”

Silas’ expression softened. “Yeah, it makes sense. I understand being by yourself a lot… I was a pretty shy kid.”

Copia gave him a small smile. “At least we’re not by ourselves a lot now, right?”

He returned it. “Yeah, you have a point.”

“We’re together.” Copia lightly bumped his shoulder with his. “Friends, we’re friends spending time together,” he quickly added.

“Yeah, of course.” Silas smiled, not picking up on Copia’s quick correction.

“Anyway… looks like we better get back to work.” He sighed and stood up. “Don’t need Sister finding us slacking.”

Silas furrowed his brows. “We’re on break, though. We’re not ‘slacking’ as you put it.” He stood up as well, brushing off any possible stray dirt from the bench.

“I know, I know, I just meant Sister- either way… probably wouldn’t approve. Eh, you know how she is.” He fidgeted with his sleeve.

Silas shrugged. “True.”

“Walk with you back?” Copia asked.

He nodded and smiled, walking beside him.