#otp: we spread our wings

[lifeaftermeteor]

INCOMING: HIATUS

I debated whether to say anything here, but given the proximity to the @gundamzine’s 2023 release, I think it’s probably wise. 

TL;DR—yours truly is taking a break, which I haven’t done in earnest since April 2019.  Might lurk a bit, but before I do, I wanted to share some parting words.

Some additional thoughts under the cut.

It’s a common refrain in these parts that fandom should be fun—once it becomes not fun, it’s a sign that you’re dealing with something and need to step away.  Maybe it’s personal life, work life, or some health matter; maybe it’s creative burnout; maybe it’s the fandom spaces you’re occupying.  If fandom isn’t fun, you need to be able to step away to figure out why.

I can confess that fandom hasn’t been fun for some time now for me.  Instead, it’s been work, it’s been a service.  I’ve taken two big steps this year to address this. 

I decided to close the so-called “Big” / “OG” Gundam Wing server and relinquish ownership. This came as a surprise for many, and I myself went through the five stages of grief over it.  I had envisioned the server being a general open space, like a town square or some other central meeting place; but the bigger it grew, the more our members wanted and needed it to be something different.  That disconnect spelled its eventual doom, because it would’ve meant building a bigger team…which we were never able to do.

I also decided to end my tenure as the head of the Rhythm Generation zine project this year (2023) instead of pushing for one final fifth year as I had originally planned.  We ran a tight project for four years on the premise that all fandom creations were welcome regardless of medium, shipping preferences, or personal creative voice.  I’m proud of the work the Zine Crews did (both moderators and contributors) and am so grateful for our times together.  

But heading into this year’s project, I had had a long conversation with another fan about misinformation that had been spread about the zine���specifically that we did not allow certain ships or would force creators’ hands.  This was the very antithesis of the entire endeavor, so I engaged in good faith to explain the behind-the-scenes management that isn’t widely advertised (i.e. OTPs were always respected, no one was ever asked to create something they didn’t volunteer to do in the first place, and spreading the love around across fandom interests and ships was important).  I spent hours in tears over the whole situation, and looking back that is what spelled the end of the project…at least with me at the head.  

I feel like I’ve lost my North Star—that fandom to me was above all else a community, a neighborhood of sorts.  You didn’t necessarily like all of your neighbors, but you always waved to them in passing at the very least and empathized when they were dealing with something.

So I leave you with this: It is always important to make space for fellow fans whose interests do not align with yours.  It is always important to encourage one another to create, to build, to make space, to join, to organize, to share, to try.  That’s how fandoms survive; that’s how this fandom has survived.  

I’m hoping that an extended hiatus will help me reset, and by taking care of myself I can figure out what I need in my fandom experience going forward.  And when I come back, I hope I can be part of building that. 

[see-arcane]

I’ve been listening to it on a loop for days now and I’m convinced London After Midnight’s Selected Scenes from the End of the World album could and should have been the soundtrack to a trippy goth industrial 80′s-90′s Dracula movie in the style of The Hunger (1983). Like holy hell

“Claire’s Horrors”: Full of synth pipe organs and baying wolves and moody Castle Dracula backdrop tunes as Jonathan deals with Bisexual Vampire Hell for two months with this blaring in every room.

(This is the voice you have learned to fear.)

Spirits seem to drift up through a darkened sky Drifting through dead branches in the night While in the moonlight we go down upon our knees Entwined together only we can see their beauty

Beneath the stars a bell begins to toll For reasons which we really shouldn't know So take a walk with me down to the cemetery Wrap me in darkness, Claire make love to me

I am thunder, I am rain, I am pleasure, I am pain Only in darkness can there be light, tell me angel have you prayed tonight?

“Demon”: Dracula making his moves on Lucy, full stop.

Through darkened streets and blackened gloom the candles dim in your bedroom rain reflecting shadows in the night the moon is full and through the mist I hear your voice I feel your kiss the line grows thin between what's wrong and right.

Burning flesh, pale as the stars no one knows just who you are drive the knife in deeper to my soul

“The Spider and the Fly”:  Renfield is blasting this at all hours on his Victorian airpods while Dracula catfishes him.

Empty hearts I can hear them talking I close my eyes and I keep on stalking my love, my love No one's aware of the hunger I feel It's something you or time cannot heal I need someone to help me rise above

Eternal bliss is something I can show you Spread your arms and let my wings enfold you, my love, my love In the darkness shades of crimson rapture The world is ours alone to capture my love, my love

“Your Best Nightmare”: Coppola would take the lyrics at face value for his DracMina OTP playlist. Listeners with taste know it’s serving nothing but hellish horror irony for That One Night in October.

Long after midnight, on a night like this I'd sit by my black-light and dream of your kiss Pulsating music filled my room and my head And I dreamed what it'd be like to have you in my bedI'm your best night, your best nightmare I'm your best night, your best nightmare

And then it happened, you were in my arms Your lips on my throat, your hands on my, on my... Two bodies together the intimate sin The pain and the pleasure could do mortals in How could you know what I'm thinking of? To me lust can be as beautiful as love Here tonight, your pure heart and soul Untainted passion should have no control

“Sacrifice”: Dripping with Jonathan and Mina’s ‘holiest love’ gothic horror romance drama front to back.

And here we go again, We've taken it to the end, With every waking moment, We face this silent torment

I'd sacrifice, I'd sacrifice myself to you Right here tonight Because you know that I love you

That is HALF THE ALBUM and at least five full music videos that could, should, and must be filmed in grainy moody scenery of mountainside castles interspersed with underground clubs with an all black dress code, eyeliner mandatory. And instead we got Francis’ never-ending migraine and Annie Lennox’s tragically misused “Love Song for a Vampire.” Shameful. 

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[norihisahyuga-archived]

Two Dates

Hidari Shotaro/Philip/Hino Eiji/Ankh, Hidari Shotaro/Ankh, Philip/Hino Eiji Kamen Rider W/OOO 2500~ words. Sfw.

Philip suggests they need to change up their usual partner configuration for dating. Shotaro is not enthused about taking a grouchy bird out on a date. Like so many times before, Philip is right. This is stupidly fluffy, self-indulgent OT4 cuteness for my favorite partner combos.

In the seven or so months they had attempted at making this relationship work, they had never split off into pairs like this. Philip had chided him about not realizing they needed to do this, to fully work out that the four of them were compatible enough to make this work out.

Shotaro feels stupid for not realizing it himself, but he gets along well enough with Eiji and Philip and Ankh get along beautifully, so he never really stopped to think that they needed to switch their usual partners up a bit to make sure there were no obstacles in their path they had not become aware of yet. And even knowing that, he’s dragging his feet on this more than any person has any right to. In his defense, Ankh loves to insult him and calls him “half-boiled” even more than Philip.

For approximately the sixth time this morning, he whines pitifully and thumps his forehead down on his desk, earning a sigh from where Philip sits on their bed, reading one of his many books. Though Eiji and Ankh were supposed to have come by this morning, it’s closing in on noon and there has been no word from either of them as to why they happen to be late. Shotaro hopes nothing has happened to them at the same time he hopes something inconvenient but not dangerous to their health has come up so they have to call this whole thing off.

“For someone who was very insistent about giving this arrangement a chance, you seem very upset at the idea of spending alone time with Ankh.” Philip’s tone is dry, and he doesn’t raise his eyes from the book in front of him. “If Eiji can get along with him, then you should be fine.”

Shotaro pouts at him. “Easy for you to say, you two always get along with each other, and you would have to be an actual monster not to get along with Eiji.” He doesn’t add that, in fact, Ankh was an actual monster, or at least he had been until his time with Eiji softened him around the edges, but that doesn’t change the fact he had never been anything close to human.

The sound of a pair of bikes pulling up downstairs makes him whine louder and lean back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling and wondering just how badly today could possibly go. Philip has it easy, of course, since Eiji gets along with everyone he meets, a buoyant personality giving him warmth and personality in spades, and Shotaro had been drawn to him almost since the moment they first met. It had been obvious to him that the two of them were meant to meet each other, so perfectly in sync with most of their feelings that spending time with Eiji just comes naturally to him. Ankh is… Different. Bird of flames or not, he’s frosty at best and tends to make most people back away from him with the harsh edges of his personality and the sharpness of his tongue. How Philip has managed to get through that to whoever he happens to be at his core is beyond Shotaro; he had managed it with Philip, but Philip was never as cruel as Ankh could be.

The sound of footsteps approaching their door has both Shotaro and Philip rising at the same time, Philip crossing the room in quick strides while Shotaro hangs back. It’s usually the opposite with them, but Shotaro doesn’t know how Ankh will react to seeing him as Eiji had been the one who conveyed Philip’s wishes to him, and had simply told Shotaro and Philip that Ankh was willing to try. That didn’t have to mean he was happy about it, though.

On the other hand, it’s nice to see Philip being affectionate with their new boyfriends as something as ordinary as affection had come slower to Philip. He hugs Eiji first, brushing a kiss over his lips that makes Eiji beam and bounce on the balls of his feet, and then Ankh, and Shotaro tilts his head a little to watch that, because both Philip and Ankh are striking, all hard lines and sharp contrast, but there’s a lot of beauty in their differences.

“Sorry we’re late,” Eiji says, and Shotaro finally crosses the rest of the room to pull Eiji into his own arms, nuzzling into his windswept hair fondly. “Cous Coussier was extra busy and I didn’t want to leave Chiyoko with too much work to handle just so I could go on a date, y’know? It wouldn’t be fair. And someone was supposed to let me know the time, but he was asleep.”

Ankh makes a tch noise at them and Shotaro raises an eyebrow at him; the sound reminds him so much of Wakana Sonozaki that it’s vaguely startling, and he wonders what Philip thinks of it. “I was taking a much-deserved nap. The heat is insufferable enough as it is.” Ankh doesn’t have to explain it; being a creature made of flames must make summers that much harder on him.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Shotaro picks his favorite hat off the wall, then holds out a hand. “Shall we?”

“Are we just hanging around the office?” Eiji asks after Shotaro and Philip have gone, and Philip stands back a moment to admire him, dressed in so many soft and breezy layers.

“No. I couldn’t very well demand Shotaro take initiative to take Ankh out and then expect you to stay cooped up in here with me.” Philip picks up the shoulder bag that Akiko had given him, insistent he needed somewhere to store his books on the go, and holds out his hand. “Let’s go.”

The way Eiji’s face lights up makes Philip’s heart swell. “Where are we going?” he asks.

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a very good surprise, now would it?” He beckons with his fingers and Eiji finally takes him by the hand, giving his hand a squeeze as he allows Philip to lead them both out of the apartment. “Besides, I really want to surprise you if I can.”

Eiji’s big brown eyes only widen further. “What’s the occasion? What did I do to get a surprise?”

“You don’t have to do anything for a surprise,” Philip says. “I just wanted to do it for you.”

He had been debating about what he could do with Eiji that would be special for him, someone who had been all over the world and who had grown up in a life of luxury that had afforded him the ability to want for nothing for most of his life. Philip, too, had grown up more than rich enough, but most of his life was still a questionable blur to him filled in with the gaps he’s gained from reading the book about his own life. Actual memories of his childhood were gone, probably never to be regained no matter what he tried. It wasn’t quite the same for Eiji, even if he too had memories that had haunted him and shaped him into the person he is today.

He knows Futo is still unfamiliar to Eiji, which gave him a few advantages in choosing something.

“I’ve not come here with anyone but Shotaro since we dealt with my family,” he says, leading Eiji toward the front doors of the building. “This structure used to belong to them.”

Eiji blinks up at the building, then looks over at him. “It’s a museum, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Philip agrees. “My father owned it. I used to help him at excavation sites, though I remember precious few of those memories. It’s usually very strange being here.”

Of course, Eiji smiles softly at him, bringing Philip’s hand to his lips. “Why bring me here, then?”

“Because you like to travel, and you appreciate culture,” Philip says. “This place has that.”

Of course, the interior of the museum has changed greatly since the Sonozaki family owned it, and Philip can’t help but feel it’s much brighter now, much cleaner, the darkness swept away. It may be a purely mental sensation of course, given that the museum had seemed shadowy and inherently dark to him because of his associations with it. Maybe just having Eiji next to him is just one of the few ways he will ever be able to feel comfortable in this place again.

It takes Eiji approximately five seconds to start dragging Philip around by the hand, intently examining every single exhibit he can find. “This is all so cool,” he murmurs.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” And he is, he genuinely is, and he leans in to press a kiss to Eiji’s cheek in front of the T-Rex exhibit.

Eiji apparently decides that isn’t good enough because he turns his body around, giving Philip’s hand a squeeze before using his free hand to cradle Philip’s cheek and pull him in for a proper kiss. As always, Eiji’s lips are warm and soft and sweeter than they have any right to be, and he kisses with an openness and an affection that spreads warmth first through Philip’s cheeks and then down through the rest of his body. He smiles into the kiss and slides a hand into Eiji’s hair, the strands incredibly soft beneath his fingertips, taking in how eagerly Eiji kisses him, a sharp contrast to how solemn Philip always feels when he walks into this building. When Eiji pulls away, Philip has to stop himself from going with him, trying to capture his lips once again.

“I love it here. I’d love to come here with you more often.” Eiji takes both of Philip’s hands in his, pressing kisses to them. “Mostly, I just love that you brought me here. Thank you, Philip.”

Philip smiles softly, kissing the corner of Eiji’s mouth. “My pleasure.”

Across town, Shotaro was, predictably, having a much more difficult time with Ankh.

“It’s too hot to be out and about like this,” Ankh informs him for perhaps the seventh time since they left the office, stubbornly refusing to remove his leather jacket all the while even though Shotaro had pointed out leather isn’t known for being a cool fabric. “Where are we going?”

Shotaro resists the urge to roll his eyes, telling himself to focus on where Ankh has also refused to release his hand since taking it at the door. “If I told you, it would spoil the surprise.”

Ankh scowls at him but falls back into his regular moody silence, glancing around them as they walk, no doubt trying to take in as many details as he can manage. After all, he isn’t familiar with Futo in the way that Shotaro is, and though Shotaro wonders if Ankh has come to like the city, he doesn’t want to ask. He loves Futo too much to invite someone to insult his city.

What he does know is that Ankh is pleased by the wind in the city, having once told Eiji it would be perfect for flying at night when no one else can see him. Most of the pedestrians are home in bed during the late hours when Ankh takes to the skies to lose himself for just a little while.

“It had better be worth all of this heat,” Ankh finally says, scowling up at him, the wind doing its best to sweep his curls into his eyes. “Why is it so hot here during the summer anyway?”

The question is an interesting one, and Shotaro wants to ask him exactly what he means by that and where he had been prior to now where the summers were not so hot. Even then, though, Ankh does have a point. This summer has been unseasonably hot and even Shotaro feels a little uncomfortable in his button-up and vest despite wearing them every day no matter the heat.

“It’s unusually hot weather, so even I’m not sure why,” he finally responds, and though Ankh doesn’t look pleased by that answer, he nods along as though it at least makes sense to him. “I promise we’re almost there, though. Can you hold out for another ten minutes or so?”

Ankh tilts his head in that strange, not entirely human way of his, and Shotaro makes a note to study birds, to see if they move their heads in such a way. “I suppose I can try.”

In just under ten minutes, they round the street corner and stop in front of the shop Shotaro was aiming for. The ice cream parlor is easily one of his favorite little nooks in the city, and once Ankh takes a minute to read the sign and recognize the ice cream cone emblazoned on the sign, his eyes light up. It’s rare to see him smile without that self-loathing edge to the shape of his mouth.

“Ice cream,” he murmurs, and Shotaro can’t help but laugh a little at his reaction.

“The best in Futo,” he confirms. “Eiji said the heat was bothering you. Ice cream is cold.”

Ankh snorts at him. “Many things are cold. Ice cream is better than just anything cold.”

“I’ll give you that one. Come on inside and get what you want. It’s my treat,” Shotaro says.

The shop owner blinks wide eyes at Shotaro when he walks up to the counter with Ankh, their fingers still twined between their bodies, but Shotaro doesn’t offer up an explanation. Instead, he just patiently explains the differences between the ice cream on the menu to Ankh, figuring he must have just eaten whatever was in the freezer to not know this, then waits for him to order.

“Are you sure about this?” Ankh asks, suspiciously eyeing Shotaro’s wallet when he retrieves it.

“I’m sure. Give me my hand, I need it,” Shotaro says, shaking Ankh off so he can pay for them.

He knows how birds eat, knows that they usually gulp their food down in huge bites rather than picking at little bits and pieces like the expression suggests. But watching Ankh demolish one third of a banana split sundae without stopping making Shotaro’s head ache as if he’s gotten brain freeze just watching. Maybe Ankh doesn’t feel that because he’s a phoenix deep beneath his skin; Shotaro will have to inquire that to Philip, who’s starting to become an expert on them.

When Ankh looks up to see Shotaro studying him, Shotaro sees the small dollop of whipped cream on the end of his nose, no doubt a result of nearly shoving his face into his food. Instead of handing him a napkin, Shotaro stand up and leans forward just enough to piss the whipped cream off of his face, able to feel the slight aura of heat that always wraps around Ankh like a cocoon. This time, Ankh doesn’t scowl at him. He just twitches his nose before returning to his ice cream, but Shotaro still sees the flicker of a smile curl his lips before he takes another bite.

He was being ridiculous, and Philip was right, and it’s well worth the “I told you so” he’s going to get when he returns home. Worth it just to know he put a smile on Ankh’s face.

[ladyshandioftheendless]

Shandi’s Whumptober!

I think it’s time for a story with one of my favorite KISSteria OTPs~ Enjoy!! 

~Shandi 

Day 15: Emotional Damage

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It had been so long since Demon had left for the Underworld, Vinneketh had lost track of time. Had it been weeks? Months? Years? He couldn’t remember anymore. Just as he began to lose hope he began to hear the servants of the temple talk about a volcano mysteriously forming out in the forbidden territories. His heart leapt inside of his chest. Was that the sign he had been waiting for. He had to find out! 

“Aiutu where are you going..?” Ayesha watched Vinneketh move about frantically, gathering what he needed to travel. “..Can I go with you..?” 

“No, Little Jewel..not this time. You will have to stay with uncle Radames.”

“B-but why..?” She started to sniffle.

“Because..where I am going could be very dangerous..and I cannot risk you getting hurt.”

“I wanna go!!” 

“Little Jewel..the desert is perilous and the heat can be deadly. Besides..” He smiled and picked her up. “I want you to make sure our home is presentable for Baba’s return~” 

Ayesha’s eyes practically lit up. “Baba?! Baba is coming back?!” 

“I am not certain..but I am going to find out~” 

“W-will you..tell Baba I miss him..?”

“Of course I will, sweetheart~ And then I will bring him back here so that you can tell him~” 

“Okay!” 

“Wish me luck, will you?” 

After leaving Ayesha in the care of his Master, Vinneketh set off into the desert.

~*~

Even with his magic, the desert was less than kind. Sometimes it felt as if only his passion to find his husband was all that kept him going forward. As he reached the volcano the ground began to quake under his feet. He observed the volcano closely. 

“The progress is only minuscule but it is growing bigger. I wonder if..” Feeling a wave of dizziness, he stopped and fell back. The heat was quickly becoming unbearable. He reached for his water, turning to the volcano as he drank. He could only hope that he was right about it. 

It was weeks before the volcano grew to full size. The ground cracked apart under its tremendously growing pressure. It was there that Vinneketh stayed. He watched. He prayed. He called out hoping his Beloved would answer. A sudden eruption spewed lava and burning rocks from the opening. It then blew apart, and Vinneketh could see giant wings spreading out from the column of black smoke.

“B-Beloved..is that you..?” 

Demon quickly caught the collapsing body of his husband before he could fall to the ground, drained and completely exhausted from the heat. “Yes, Treasure..it is I.” 

~*~

When Vinneketh awoke, he was in bed. Was all he had seen just a dream?

“Aiutu’s awake!!” Ayesha ran into the room and climbed up on the bed. “Look Baba, he’s awake!!” 

“Beloved..?” 

Demon folded his wings and stepped inside. He looked different. Bigger. His armor was heavier and covered in spikes. His once human-like fingers had grown into black claws. His feet were now a Demon’s talons. And yet..his face looked exactly the same. It was the face he loved. “It wasn’t a dream..you’re here~” 

“I am.” 

“You’re--” 

“Different?” 

“Yes. What happened?” 

“I was challenged. One of my kin wished to fight me for superiority in the Demon hierarchy. I won. I was rewarded.” 

“What..does this mean then..?” 

“The Underworld is my sovereignty. My position will be challenged again. I must return to defend it. But I don’t plan on going anywhere in the near future.” 

Seeing the jagged red marks across Demon’s chest made Vinneketh frown. “You’ve been scarred.” 

“Battle damage. They will heal in time.”

“You just will not allow any of this to concern you, will you?” 

“I won’t. My family is all that concerns me now.” 

“We have missed you too, Beloved~” 

~END~

[tiamat-zx]

How about Yasha?

An anon ALSO asked for Yash, so okay! Let’s do it!

Why I like them

She’s just as much an extension of Ashley Johnson as Pike was. In fact, she’s also very much like Ellie in TLOU: a vengeful sapphic that you do NOT want to cross as she is very protective of her loved ones. Also, she’s a very different kind of barbarian: one who hates being forced to fight and is weary of it, and who is deep down just the gentlest and sweetest radiant soul of an angelkin. And her rage is very much like a storm itself: slow and rumbling until the inevitable thunderclap that precedes the lightning strike of her blade.

She also became the first player character to undergo an entire subrace change: from a fallen aasimar to a protector.

WHAT I don’t like

Ashley’s numerous absences due to Blindspot as it left Yasha as little more than someone to jaeger and therefore she wasn’t able to truly participate in RP. It took until the show’s conclusion for her to finally come home and truly spread Yasha’s wings and show us the full extent of her character.

Favorite episode (scene if movie)

A bit of a two-fer.

First favorite episode: “A Storm of Memories”. The episode where we learned our first true glimpse into Yasha’s past, including the existence of Zuala and the first tease of Obann’s presence. It was the first time we could see past the perceived “metal goth angel” vibe to see who she is: a broken bird wanting to fly again.

And the second favorite episode: “Into the Eye”. Her dreamscape trial against the Stormlord’s elementals. The moment she fully embraced her purpose as his Avatar. She had desperately been seeking purpose, and had been wanting to establish her standing with the Stormlord. And then when he finally asked her The Question, “Where do you find your strength?”, she did not hesitate. She knew her purpose, had known it ever since the night before her date with Beau: to protect. It gave her the resolve to persist against the odds and survive the rest of the campaign.

And speaking of, I have to include a third: “Worth Fighting For”. Yes, the date night. Specifically, the moment she finally confessed her feelings to Beau and let herself be just as open and vulnerable as her partner was aiming to be.

Favorite season/movie

The Rumblecusp arc and the last few episodes before the pandemic. It showed us the beginning of her reconstruction and rebirth, manifesting in the harp performance in Vo and her dream where she gained her wings, forever shedding her fallen self and ascending into the protector she was meant to be. Also, it was the arc where she began to come to terms with her feelings for Beau. Slowly but surely, through small moments, up to the maiden flight. From there, those feelings that had begun to sprout since Kamordah continued to grow.

If anything, Rumblecusp was a turning point for many of the Nein. Yasha was someone that needed it most.

Favorite line

Is it wrong of me to say that my favorite line of Yasha’s would be the entire letter she wrote for Beau?

Aside from that, it would be what she said to Beau upon admitting her feelings: “I really care about you, and I just hope, if anything, that you know I’m… I'm so proud of the person that you've become. Just seeing where you started and where you are now, you have completely done that on your own. And I just, I'm-- You blow me away.”

Favorite outfit

Her Eiselcross outfit, with the Coat of the Crest.

OTP

Beauyasha, obviously. And of course, her first love, Zuala. I wouldn’t be doing her justice had I NOT acknowledged her. And PURELY on the platonic side, with Molly, as he was just as much a loved one as Zuala and Beau and he left an equally strong impact on her life.

Brotp

With Caleb. They are able to relate so well, both being Haunted Ones. Also, with Jester and Veth as a fellow chaos gremlin.

Head Canon

I believe her level 10 outfit was given to her by Obann, and he burned her old attire but spared her shawl intentionally, just to twist the knife on purpose. And while we don’t see her arms in her level 13 art due to the coat, I think she tore the sleeves from her level 10 outfit so she could have the Orphanmaker tattoo visible. But eventually, after the campaign, she disposed of the leathers entirely and began wearing plain clothes altogether and even got herself a haircut.

Also, she is taught druidic magic upon finally meeting Reani for the first time, to help supplement her gardening.

Unpopular opinion

She did not need a proper “arc” as she willingly didn’t want to go back to the Iothia Moorlands… at least until the finale where she went with Beau to find Zuala’s grave. As far as she was concerned, the past should remain in the past. And she chose to keep it that way by not seeking vengeance on the tribe and choosing to live in peace.

Also, “lifespan angst” is such a stupid thing to fuss over with them. Sure, Yasha WILL outlive Beau, but she will still be happy to spend as much of their life together as possible. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

A wish

I wish for her and Beau to live a peaceful life for the rest of their days.

An oh-god-please-dont-ever-happen

For her and Beau to ever suffer a breakup.

5 words to best describe them

Angel, protector, lover, sapphic, sentinel.

My nickname for them

The “wolf” to Beau’s “lion”.

[deepperplexity]

My Sacrifice

Title: My Sacrifice

Pairing: Snape x Reader

Setting: Diagon Alley

A/N: Been listening to My Sacrifice by Creed a bit lately and I felt an urge to write something set to this song about/with Snape. So I did. I hope you’ll enjoy it! <3

Lyrics in the bottom of the post! Song links for Youtube and Spotify!

Word Count: 1333

Warnings: Angst, Heartbreak, Lost Love

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3

There he was. As gloriously handsome as ever. Your heart tugged and your blood heated. Your body froze in place. Magicians mingled about around you, none the wiser of the turmoil that erupted within you. His eyes had found yours and they were as deep and dark as ever. Endless galaxies to drown in, to be consumed by at any given moment. That moment had already happened, years ago. You had drowned in his eyes and floated about in the dark cradled by his perfect love.

It felt as if your body would take flight, as if your soul would spread its wings within and burst through the heavens at the mere sight of him. Your heart pounded, ached tremendously for the man and love he had given you. Your breath hitched as his eyes softened and shimmered. Tears were brought to your eyes as you felt the world crash around you. The world you had so carefully built after being broken beyond repair.

You had loved him, loved him still. Deeply, hauntingly, eternally. An echoing cry of your pain lulled in your mind as you remembered the pain. The ferocious, shattering, unyielding pain you had lived through when you had left him. When you had abandoned the perfect love he bestowed upon you at all times. When the pain of what you had sacrificed was more clear than ever.

You loved him more than anything you had ever loved before or after him. He was the ultimate. He was perfect love. Your fingers tingled with the ripples of a memory of his skin against yours, his glossy hair dragged through your fingers. Your tears threatened to fall but you kept them at bay with every ounce of your power as people kept going on with their lives all around.

His stance softened, his shoulders looked tense though. His jaw set harshly and the soft lips he used to kiss you with were set in a thin line. Everything about him screamed at others to run away, hide, to leave him be. Yet his eyes called for you with desperation. Desperation you felt echoed through your entire being. With him you were careless. With him, you had believed. But in the end, it had not been enough with perfect love.

You wanted desperately to say hello to him, speak with him. Hear the rolling thunder of a voice that he spoke with so gently to you all those years ago. You wanted to hear him call your name, hear him say that he loves you and need you. Like he had done all those years ago. Everything within you roared and thrashed in pain from the remembrance of his love. The thing you had so desperately suffocated and pressed into an iron chest hidden deep within the locked vaults of your heart and mind.

Yet there he stood and all things had burst out with revenge. The sensations and emotions as vibrantly colourful and strong as they had ever been. You were always aware of them, always felt them pounding against the walls of their confinement. But you had kept them at bay and done your best to find new love and happiness in life. For there had been things you needed that he could not give you. Things that meant more to you than the perfect love that he was, that he gave.

You shivered as your arms came around yourself in a protective hug. A barrier towards him as his eyes glinted with unshed tears and burned with embers of love. Love he still carried for you. Despite the distance between you both and the busy lives that bustled around you you could feel it. Sensed it. He still loved you and you knew, by the smallest of sad smiles that etched his lips, that he knew you loved him as desperately back. That was your sacrifice. He was your sacrifice along with true love, perfect love.

He stepped towards you, his black hair shined in the afternoon sun and the wind made his coat flare out like a black cloud around him. He was magnificent and you loved him, wanted to say hello one more time. Wanted to talk to him one more time. Even if it would break you all over again. You were desperately aching for him in places that you had nearly forgotten. Places that you had shut away from your mind and soul as they had been too painful to live with.

But he halted, froze in place as an arm came around your waist and gentle lips were pressed to your temple. Severus’ eyes hardened, turned cold as icy fire roiled around in them where the burning embers of desperate, perfect love had been a mere moment ago. Where hope had burned a moment ago.

“Cold, honey?” You glanced up at your husband with gentle eyes as you slammed down the lid on the iron chest in your heart and shoved it back into its vault. You locked the door and barricaded it for your own sanity and survival. “A tad, love,” you answered as a soft smile etched your lips as you looked at him with adoration. You added an extra vault around the first vault and then barricaded that door as well. “Here,” he said with a sweet smile while he placed his warm coat over your shoulders. It smelled of vanilla and dog. A scent you associated with your husband on pure instinct now.

You gave him a quick peck on his cheek, “Thank you, love,” you said and he beamed at you. He loved you, fully and completely. He gave you what you needed in terms of security and reliability. Things Severus had never been able to grant you. Sure, your husband’s love was nothing compared to that of Severus’ but that was not all there was to a happy life for you. Don’t say hello again, don’t do it. Don’t break yourself over something you sacrificed years ago. Don’t let the past destroy what you have now. You made your choice, and it was the right one. Love is not the only thing in the world to want and need. No matter what all the novels say.

You looked towards Severus as your husband offered his arm. You took it as your eyes met Severus’, tears shined like stardust in the endless galaxies you loved and drowned in. You had no words of comfort to give him - only painful ones. He knew you loved him just as fiercely as he loved you. He also knew he was not enough for you in other things that mattered more to you. Things you needed to be happy, to feel safe and thrive in life.

You passed him with painfully open eyes as your husband asked what you wanted to shop for next. You gave Severus a small nod, his back straightened and he nodded sideways as his eyes slowly closed and opened in that special way he had. You saw the pain he was in as clear as day, you allowed him to see yours for a moment before you allowed the perfect love you had sacrificed to remain hidden deep inside of you as your husband doted on you and made plans for what to do during the summer holidays in a few months time.

You found peace in your thoughts again as Severus was shoved away and your heart calmed itself. You had made your choice and, despite the pain, it had been the right one for you. In the end, you were happy even if your heart was irrevocably broken beyond salvation. Even if the love you held for that dark man left behind was unmatched, you still loved. Just gentler, smaller, less. You just loved enough and that was okay. Even if you wished, with all your might, that Severus could have been enough for you. That his love had been all you needed. It just was not.

Lyrics of My Sacrifice by Creed: Hello my friend we meet again It's been a while where should we begin? Feels like forever Within my heart are memories Of perfect love that you gave to me Oh I remember

When you are with me, I'm free I'm careless, I believe Above all the others we'll fly This brings tears to my eyes My sacrifice

We've seen our share of ups and downs Oh how quickly life can turn around In an instant It feels so good to reunite Within yourself and within your mind Let's find peace there

'Cause when you are with me, I'm free I'm careless, I believe Above all the others we'll fly This brings tears to my eyes My sacrifice

I just want to say hello again

I just want to say hello again

'Cause when you are with me, I'm free I'm careless, I believe Above all the others we'll fly This brings tears to my eyes 'Cause when you are with me, I'm free I'm careless, I believe Above all the others we'll fly This brings tears to my eyes My sacrifice

My sacrifice (I just want to say hello again) I just want to say hello again

My sacrifice

Masterlist page // Masterlist post // AO3

Taglist:  @lizlil​ @snapefiction @darkthought15​ @monstreviolet @flowerdementia​ @marvelschriss​ @simpforsnape​ @once-upon-an-imagine​ @ravennight41​  @morphineisouthoney​ @setsuna-meiou31 @meteoritewolf69​ @bionic-otp​ @elizabeth-baelish

Want to be tagged? 💚 You can tag yourself HERE! Or tell me and I’ll gladly tag you! 😍

Caffeinate me so I can keep on writing for you ☕✨

[Mar:2021]

[realrollypratt]

❀ Dasey Fic Rec Friday #6

We’re at it again! Returning with more fic recs! I know it’s been a while, but that just means we got lots of new works to go through! 

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*✲ﾟ*｡⋆

A gentle reminder to leave kudos and comments for our incredible writers. <3

1. doin’ time by Binxxx | Words: 78,099 | Chapters: 16/20

After her father is killed in a car accident, things unravel for straight-A student, goody-two-shoes, and perfectionist, Casey McDonald. Casey's problems eventually catch up to her and she is placed under house-arrest over her summer break after assaulting her teacher in school.

Casey occupies her time by spying on her neighbors. She quickly discovers that new neighbors have moved in next door, the Venturi's, and the eldest son, Derek, has caught her eye. Her interest in her newest neighbor quickly develops into something more, but despite her new romance, things begin to take a turn for the worst when Casey begins to suspect that her long-time neighbor, Robert Cameron, is a serial killer.

Dasey, Disturbia/Rear Window AU

To anyone who hasn’t been reading doin’ time by now... get to it? Here we have a one of a kind thriller with genuine emotion, great character and world building, amazing writing and a romance that is pure and honest to root for. A refreshing take on our favourite OTP. With action and mystery! Seriously, go read it now!

2. The Garden by kensington_queen | Words: 6,161 | Chapters: 1/1

When I get where I'm going, on the far side of the sky. The first thing that I'm gonna do, is spread my wings and fly...

We all like future fics, right? Well, we’ve never been this far into the future than with The Garden. A nice exploration of old age, looking back on a full life, love and loss. A devastatingly beautiful piece. 

3. The Ranger and the Innkeeper by Born2read | Words: 13,339 | Chapters: 7/7

Based on the prompt: Derek is an innkeeper. Casey is his favorite snarky adventurer every time she swings through.

Basically, Casey and Derek as DND characters. I didn’t expect that one either, but we love to see it. It’s cute, it’s fun, we need that in our lives.

4. can we skip past near-death clichés (where my heart restarts) by ElixirBB | Words: 19,386 | Chapters: 5/5

She used to tell him that when she died, she would come back to haunt him.

The thing is, he never thought she actually meant it.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’ve waited for this fic a long time. Didn’t we all dream of a Just Like Heaven AU our whole lives? It can’t be just me. Either way, it exists (thank god), and it delivers. A real tear jerker. So much angst you should probably settle down with ice cream and a blanket before opening this one.

5. A Drop In The Ocean by Enx2103 | Words: 5,468 | Chapters: 1/1

The tip of his callused index finger tipped her jaw up, making her meet his gaze again. The power behind his eyes was carnal. “You've been away for too long, Captain. You've forgotten your manners,” he teased. The pure fire in his voice sent heat straight down to her core. “Now can you be a good girl for me and wait?” he asked, pushing his tongue against his cheek, daring her to disagree.

A little sexy Pirate Dasey AU for your eyes.

Yes.

[gilmoregirlsturns20]

DAY SIX: FAVORITE RELATIONSHIP(S)

Welcome to day 6 of our event!

As we near the end of our Gilmore Girls’ 20th Anniversary Week, we thought we’d host a day to celebrate some of our favorite relationships from the show. Are you a diehard Luke and Lorelai shipper? Or are you Team Dean? Team Jess? Team Logan? Maybe you’re more into rare pairings like Rory and Paris? Or it’s possible you care more about the friendships or family dynamics the show portrays? 

There are no limits to who, what, or which relationships you can feature today.

It doesn’t matter if it’s otp, brotp, romantic, platonic, mother/daughter, uncle/nephew, canon or non-canon, etc.--we are here to fangirl over it all with you. So spread your wings and let your imaginations run wild! 

As usual, make sure you use the ‘ggturns20′ hashtag so we can see, share, and squeal over all the wonderful content you’ve created. 

Please throw a HEART, a REBLOG, or a COMMENDATION at our creators when you have the chance, too. It’ll be much appreciated. 

Enjoy! 🧡

-Ashlee, Anja, and Tara

[madpanda75]

“A Wonderful Life with You” Romantic Series

A holiday story featuring Rafael x Reader from my Romantic series back in their Harvard days for @thefanficfaerie​‘s Christmas OTP challenge.

Prompt 18: Holiday movie

You ran across the quad, snow crunching underneath your feet. It felt like the weight of the world was lifted off your shoulders. Finals were over and winter break had just started. You couldn’t wait to get back to your apartment and veg out in front of the TV, watching holiday movies, drinking cocoa, and eating junk food.

“Becks, I’m home!” You announced when you walked through the door. Your roommate must’ve been planning for your arrival. The apartment looked so cheerful, decked out with Christmas lights and a small tree in the corner of the living room. There were Red Vines on the coffee table and the most incredible aroma wafting from the kitchen. You set down your book bag and peeled off your coat and hat. “Becks, are you cooking? Should I grab the fire extinguisher? Remember when you nearly burned down the apartment when you made peanut butter and jelly last month?”

You plopped down on the couch and kicked off your boots when you heard Rafael’s voice. “Who knew that peanut butter could burst into flames.”

You whipped your head around to see your best friend standing in the kitchen doorway, wiping his hands on a dish towel. “Rafi!” You jumped up and hugged him. “What are you doing here?”

“Becks let me in. She went to a Christmas Party tonight. I wanted to surprise you,” he said.

You had been studying day and night for your finals. Wanting to do something special for you, Rafael called his abuela and asked for her recipe for chuletas fritas y arroz con frijoles negros. She happily walked him through the steps on how to make the dish. She also gave him a few romance tips, knowing that her grandson had a soft spot for you. “Just be yourself,” she reassured him over the phone. “You’re handsome, sweet, and brilliant. How could she not fall madly in love with you.”

You walked past him into the kitchen where you saw two plates on the counter and a pot simmering on the stove. “You cooked?”

“Yeah, I thought we could celebrate the end of the semester together. I also went to Blockbuster and rented a movie.”

Your heart fluttered at the thought of Rafael going to all this trouble. “You mean, you did all this for me?”

Rafael blushed and rubbed the back of his neck.  “Well I figured you should be eating something other than leftover pizza.”

“This coming from the man who lives on ramen noodles and coffee,” you teased and went to the fridge to grab two beers, handing one over to Rafael. You held up your beer bottle. “Here’s to our last fall semester as undergrads.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Rafael clinked his bottle against yours and took a swig of his beer. Setting his bottle down, he grabbed some potholders and brought the pot over to the kitchen table. “Let’s eat!”

*****

Dinner was delicious. You had no idea Rafael was such an amazing cook. The two of you enjoyed your meal, chatting at the table about your holiday plans. Rafael was in domestic bliss. He couldn’t help but wonder if this is what life would be like if you were a couple.

After cleaning up, you both made your way over to the living room. Rafael had rented, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It was your favorite Christmas movie but he had never seen it. You both lounged on the couch, drinking hot cocoa, and eating Red Vines.

While watching George Bailey contemplate what life would be like if he never existed, Rafael could feel you shivering beside him. “Are you cold?”

“A little,” you replied.

He grabbed the blanket beside him and laid it over you both. “Better?”

“Much better. Thanks,” you said, scooting closer to him. Rafael rested his arm on the back of the couch behind you. It took all his strength not to wrap his arm around your shoulders and hold you close.

Glancing your way, he watched as a smile danced on your lips while George was telling Mary how he would lasso the moon for her. Sitting so close to you, Rafael couldn’t help but study your delicate features— the gentle slope of your nose, your soft pink pout. Your hair was up in a messy bun, exposing the elegant curve of your neck, a few tendrils framing your face. There wasn’t any part of your body that he didn’t want to worship. Even your earlobes were adorable.

Just then you turned towards him as if you could sense his eyes on you. “Rafi,” you softly said.

Rafael’s breath hitched. He could feel his pulse quickening, his face close to yours. “Yeah.”

“Red Vine?” You asked, holding up a piece of licorice.

“Oh..umm no thanks.” Rafael smiled and focused on the movie, occasionally pulling his attention away from the screen to look your way.

*****

You turned off the movie after ZuZu Bailey told her father that every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. “Well, what did you think?” You looked back at your best friend and noticed he was sniffling. “Are you crying?”

“No,” Rafael lied. “I just had some dust in my eyes.”

You softly laughed to yourself. Rafael was sentimental and a hopeless romantic. It was one of the many things you loved about him. “Guess Becks and I should clean this place up more often,” you said with a wink and placed your hand over his, giving it a tight squeeze. He turned his palm up and intertwined his fingers with yours. A spark shot through your body, starting right where your hands were joined.

You quickly moved your hand away, trying to ignore the lingering sensation in your fingertips. “Presents!” You announced. “I almost forgot I got you something for Christmas. Stay right there,” you commanded and went into the bedroom.

While in your room, you leaned back against the door, trying to control the butterflies flying around in your stomach. “Get it together, Y/N,” you whispered to yourself. “Rafi is your best friend. Nothing more. Stop reading into this.”

“Everything ok in there?” You heard Rafael call out.

“Uh-huh. Be right out.” You grabbed his present from the bed and headed back towards the living room. Sitting back down on the couch, you handed Rafael a small velvet oblong box with a red bow. “You didn’t have to get me anything,” he said.

“I wanted to,” you replied, fidgeting with the hem of your sweater, your cheeks turning pink. “Go ahead, open it.”

Rafael opened the box, revealing a brilliant, shiny gold pen. “Wow,” he breathed.

“I know it’s not much, but I thought you could use it for law school next year,” you said with a shy shrug. “Maybe it’ll bring you good luck.”

“It’s perfect,” he said, running his fingers across the writing utensil. “I promise I’ll use it for every case. Thank you.” He reached behind his back and pulled out a present. “I have a little something for you too.” The gift was horribly wrapped. It almost looked like a car ran over it. But knowing how much time and thought Rafael had put into this present made you smile.

You tore open the paper and gasped. There in your hands was your favorite childhood book, Little Women. It was the same edition you had as a child. The same one that your father would read you every night. Sadly, you lost your copy when you went to Harvard. You never thought you would see it again.

“I know how you’re always looking for that edition at used bookstores,” he said as you lovingly touched the cover. “Finally found a copy when I went home for Thanksgiving.”

A few tears slipped down your cheeks as you wrapped Rafael in a tight embrace. “Thank you so much, Rafi,” you whispered. “I love it.”

Pulling away slightly, you found yourself getting lost in his green eyes. With a tentative hand, Rafael reached up and wiped away a stray tear with his thumb. You could feel your heartbeat pounding in your ears. The tension in the room suddenly shifted. It was the same tension that had been building up between you two for the past four years.

Rafael licked his lips and glanced down towards your mouth. He leaned forward, his nose barely brushing yours when Becks burst through the front door, returning home from her night of partying. She looked at you, then Rafael, and rolled her eyes. “Unbelievable. I leave you guys alone for a couple hours and you still haven’t hooked up. Can you guys please just have sex and get it over with. Jeez, senior citizens move faster than you do.”

You snorted a laugh. “Good night, Becks.”

“Remember no glove, no love,” she called out while walking to her bedroom.

Rafael’s face turned beet red. “It’s getting late. I...uh... guess I should be going.”

“Yeah. I guess so,” you said with a sigh.

Rafael said his goodbyes, which were made even more awkward after your roommate’s comments, and left your apartment. He hadn’t gone too far when he heard you call out his name. You ran up to him and before he could even react, your arms were wrapped around him.

Rafael hugged you back, a surge of warmth spread throughout his body, seeping into his veins. He hugged you so tight that he lifted you off the ground before reluctantly letting go. “What was that for?”

“Just cause.” You blushed and playfully tugged on his scarf. “Merry Christmas, Rafi.” You kissed him on the cheek and walked away.

“Merry Christmas, Y/N,” he replied, touching his face where your lips once were.

Rafael stood there, alone on the sidewalk. He looked up towards the sky and saw there was a full moon out. Closing his eyes, Rafael silently made a wish. A wish that someday he would get the chance to lasso the moon for you. That someday he would have you as his own. Because with you by his side, it truly would be a wonderful life.

@glimmerglittergirl​ @southern-magnolia​ @sweetcannolicarisi​ @delia26​ @obfuscateyummy​ @sass-and-suspenders​ @eclecticminded​ @thatesqcrush​ @katmstanton​ @amirightcounsellor​ @beltzboys2015-blog​ @letty-o​ @sonnysdoll​ @lyssa1385​ @sweetsummertime99​ @burningsorr0ws​ @gibbs274​ @izzythefanfreak​ @riodallas​ @babypink224221​ @livxrafa​ @esparza-army​ @obsessionprofessional​ @ottosuricato​ @melsquared79​ @dreila03​ @frenchiefoxy​ @tropes-and-tales​ @thecraziestcrayon​ @goodluckfindingone​

[thesmalltowngal]

Snowbaz 13- For Real This Time

Otp Prompt #13: Baz and Simon keep fake proposing to each other in restaurants to get free food, but when Baz finally proposes for real, Simon doesn’t get it.

Honestly, I was pretty exhausted when I wrote this, but I’m hoping it’s at least half decent. Enjoy!

27 days and counting that Simon and I have been doing this. We’ve discovered (by watching other couples do it) that of all the bloody things, proposing at restaurants gets you free food. We decided to test this theory out by doing a fake proposal at a Normal restaurant called ‘Chuck-E-Cheese’. (I wouldn’t recommend it- the fake animals seemed to be spelled to play music and follow you around with their eyes). We went to the dollar store (Crowley, the dollar store. Normals are so cheap) and bought a bag of fake rings. Simon popped down on one knee and said some total fucking shit like ‘Man, I’ve loved ya’ forever’ and I said yes with feigned surprise. He slipped the fake ring on my finger (which later stained green) and kissed me. 

Some restaurants’ standards are so bloody low it’s ridiculous. Once I just popped down on one knee and said ‘will you be my bro forever?’ and the waiters went fucking wild. I’m fairly certain we used a ring pop that time. But every time, no matter how either simple or extravagant the proposal, my heart glows. I don’t know about Simon, but around the twentieth time he proposed, it started feeling real. We’ve not been doing it quite as much anymore. 

But now, I’m sure of what I want. After everything went down with the fucking Humdrum (we never refer to him as just the ‘Humdrum’; it’s always the fucking Humdrum or the bloody Humdrum. Sometimes the ‘rat bastard Humdrum’) and The Mage and everything, I took Simon out on a real date. Not a ‘We’re-dying-in-a-forest-so-kiss-me’ date. Not a ‘We’re-surrounded-by-vampires-that-want-to-kill-us-but-I-would-still-gladly-fuck-you’ date. A proper date at a restaurant. After everything Simon went through, it felt a little silly going to a Normal restaurant for dinner. (Plus, I feel as though he was still a bit thrown by the fact that he was snogging and dating his mortal enemy). (He’s since gotten over that). But after that night, he thanked me profusely… and it was then that he told me he loved me. I’ll never forget it. 

It was absolutely pouring out, and Simon and I were trying to run to my car from inside the Italian restaurant (something the Normals call ‘Old Spaghetti Factory’. Superb). I couldn’t find my keys and we were caught in the rain like in that one movie… The Notebook or some bloody shit like that. (Simon made Penny and I watch it. He cried. Penny teared up. I laughed). I was cursing, running my hands through my increasingly soaked hair. My suit (Gucci- I couldn’t believe it was getting ruined) was nearly all the way soaked through and Simon’s t-shirt was clinging to his torso. (Which only distracted me more from finding the keys). 

I heard something loud beside be, and I turned my head to see Simon doubled over in laughter. The rain roared around us and I couldn’t hear anything but splattering on the ground and Simon’s laugh. “What in the bloody hell is so funny, Snow?” (I only called him Simon when we were alone together and being soft) (I don’t know when the fuck I started saying things like ‘being soft’- it just happened). He gained his composure (as much as was possible for Simon, anyway) and wiped away a falling tear as he walked toward me. 

He wrapped his arms around me, and I let myself melt under his touch. “Oh, Baz. This is perfect!”

“Perfect? What about this is perfect?” He looked up at me, eyes glinting in the street lights. He was still the sun… but it no longer felt like I was going to get burned.

“Because it’s us, Baz. Of course it would start pouring at the end of our date. And of course we would lose our keys and get stuck in the rain. It’s just…” He shook his head and sighed. He leaned in, giving me the slowest (and quite honestly most arousing) kiss we had ever shared. He leaned back, only our noses touching and looked me right in the eyes. It was like looking into my future. “I love you.” My heart swelled and I couldn’t help the complete fucking grin that spread across all of my futures.

“I love you too, Simon.”

We’ve been together for two years now. I know we’re young, but I have wanted Simon Snow since we were children. And now that I have him (and he wants me; sometimes I still can’t believe it), I will never let him go. It’s not just that I don’t want to let him go- it’s that I simply won’t. Because if Simon Snow ever left me, I would die. But anyway, my point is that I want to marry him. I want to marry Simon Snow, and I have everything all planned out. We’re going to the restaurant where he told me he loved me for the first time tonight (we haven’t been back since). I have the ring (a real one this time) and a full speech (not just ‘please marry me bro’) and reservations. 

Right now he’s sitting in my lap while I read (just an hour before the reservations) and he watches a movie. He absentmindedly plays with my hair (he had me grow it even longer just for his pleasure) and I can’t help but feel my stomach flip while I look up at him. He’s just… amazing. If you would have told 16 year old Baz that Simon Snow (whom past Baz suppressed his emotions for every waking day) would one day love him back, he would have laughed in your face. And then spit on you. And then probably would have punched you.

I place a gentle kiss on the back of his neck (he smiles like he’s trying not to) and I try to maneuver him out of my lap without getting slapped with his wings or tail (which are fucking hot, by the way). I go to get dressed, and five minutes later, we’re both ready and in the car driving for restaurant.

When we arrive, the waitress finds our name on the list and shows us to our table. I feel the weight of the ring box in my jacket pocket like a weight. Simon smiles brightly at me as he proceeds to order virtually everything on the menu. (He really breaks the bank- one thing he definitely didn’t lose after losing his magic was his appetite). I just have a salad.

Halfway through dinner, I take his hand and begin my speech. “Simon Snow…”

“Tyrannus Basilton Grimm-Pitch…” He laughs and squeezes my hand lightly. (I’m so nervous. And I never get nervous). (Only around Simon fucking Snow). 

“I love you so much. I have loved you since the day I laid eyes on you when the Crucible cast us together. Simon Snow, I have never believed in fate. None of that destiny bullshit or ‘meant to be.’” I pause, looking at him. A small smile still plays on his lips, but he doesn’t say anything. “But Simon… meeting you was fate. It was destiny, and it most certainly was meant to be. When we were first cast together, I thought it was a curse. A curse that I had to room with the one person that I was destined to love, and destined to kill. But really, Snow… it was a blessing. A blessing that for seven and a half years, I got to watch you grow on your own. A blessing that of all the people at Watford, I was cast together with you. Because before you, I thought I would never love. That I never deserved love.” He squeezes my hand tightly, and his eyes are watering. I just love him so much it hurts. “But then, you let me open up. You let me be vulnerable. I learned to love, and what it felt like to be loved. And for that, I can never thank you enough. It was here that you first told me that you loved me- it was here that my life started. Every day that you stay and love me feels like a day that the sun shines a little brighter. Because when I was younger, I thought that love was foolish. It just made you blind. But now, Simon, I realize that’s anything but true. Being with you makes colors brighter, sounds louder and sights even more beautiful. I want to feel like that every day of my entire life, Simon Snow.”

I get up from my seat and get on one knee, getting the ring box and opening it for him to see. (I feel like a proper bloody fool, getting my trousers dirty on the floor) (I would do it again for him. I would do anything for him). “Simon Snow… will you marry me?” All around us are quiet gasps, but I’m focused on only one person. His face is flushed and he seems rendered speechless- but he nods his head vigorously and snatches the ring out of my hands to slip it on his finger before I get the chance to do anything. He leaps up out of the chair and kisses me with as much passion as he did all those years ago, cupping my face while I run my hands through his hair. There are cheers all around us and the waiters come over to tell us that dinner is on them (no surprise there). 

When we sit back down, Simon finally says something. “Holy shit, Baz! Where in the bloody hell did you get this ring?! It looks so real!” Oh fuck. He doesn’t know that this isn’t another fake proposal. God fucking damnit, fuck me in the bloody ass. I should have known better than to propose him at a restaurant. Before I can interrupt him, he continues on. “This is the coolest proposal we’ve pulled off! And when you were talking, I thought you were serious for a second! Crowley, but did you really mean everything you said anyway?” 

Before he can keep talking, I nod my head and try to clarify. I get up out of my seat, squatting down in front of Simon. “Simon, it was real. That’s a real ring, and this was a real proposal. And I meant every word.” He looks at me for a long moment, thinking, before he finally responds, a ghost of a smile still dancing on his features. 

“Okay, good one, Baz. You don’t have to keep pretending- we got free food! But Aleister Crowley, where did you get this ring? We should use this kind more often.” It’s taking everything (and I mean everything) in me to not yell at him or storm out of the restaurant. 

“Simon, I’m serious. I want you to marry me. A real wedding. Like legally married. I got that ring at a jeweler. This isn’t fake- everything I’m saying, everything I’m feeling… it’s real, Snow.” I hesitate to get up as he keeps thinking. (Crowley, how much fucking thinking does he need to do? I think this is the most he’s actively thought for in his life). 

“It’s really real?” He whispers it so quietly that the only reason I can hear it is because I’m a vampire. I nod my head slowly. He looks at me and I move to go back to my seat, head falling.

But before I can make it even an inch, he’s grabbed my suit collar and pulled my forward, smashing my mouth into his. It’s sloppy and slobbery, but it might just be the best feeling in the world. He pulls away and we’re both breathing too fast to care about the people staring around us. 

“I would love to marry you, Basilton Grimm-Pitch.” He smiles again before he pulls me back in. 

I have never been happier in my entire life- all because of my fiance (I could get used to that)... 

Simon Snow.

[sheepishlyshippingsheep]

Just recently found your tumblr page and I love your Izuocha, my OTP, content and I wanted to ask out of all the ships in Bnha and trust me there’s a lot in this series why did you choose to do the Izuocha ship the most

OEMGEE a random ask! uwu *ahem* excuse my excitement. Anyway! Thank you for liking my content ^^ for the love of IzuOcha!I agree that BNHA has a lot of ships (and I have a lot of ships too) because its characters are all lovely. It’s my first time to love every character in a series, good or bad. So interesting point.It’s hard for me to explain without fangirling and without being elaborate, so I hope you’re ready for a word vomit about our OTP xD

IzuOcha is adorable. No, I’m not talking about these two being the cinnamon rolls they are or just because they are young, but their interactions are just really adorable. Ochako being this bubbly girl who manages to talk to anyone while Izuku is this awkward boy who’s learning to spread his wings. It’s a good balance to the moving plot of the story but as a viewer, it makes you enjoy how wholesome the two are. It also gives you a sense that they are still young (because most shounen series I’ve read did not treat its young characters like this.)

IzuOcha grows with you. There are several manga panel parallels showing how different IzuOcha was before to now and when I noticed/saw those, I felt so proud? I mean it felt so natural. With the shounen manga I’ve read, the characters usually warm up to one another after a certain arc. Usually character arcs - which makes sense, of course! But the thing is IzuOcha grows closer even without scenes explicitly showing that they are growing closer? We have yet to get Ocha’s character arc. And the way Horikoshi-sensei is expanding BNHA, there are definitely more important things to explore other than their relationship, but everytime they are shown together, I don’t think it’s hard to notice how closer they’ve gone. It doesn’t feel forced and it comes as a huge gift for the shippers whenever we get to see those little things

IzuOcha is so relatable. It’s a bit personal, but for me, Izuku and Ochako are just characters that I can relate to in a really deep level. Izuku’s low self-esteem and self-doubt are really relatable traits for me so his shyness and reactions to girls feel so real to me. It reminds me of myself when I meet new people. (There’s this post in Tumblr branding Ocha as the extrovert friend adopting introvert Izuku haha so something like that.) While Ochako’s growing crush on him (then) is super relatable for me too. The doubts and denial, and then the jealous side that she hates? No one likes to be jealous and I like how she knew that it was wrong to feel that way at that time. So she used her feelings to step up her game as a hero and think of him as an inspiration and not a distraction. Now I can go ramble a lot about character development like Izuku does about these two, but that’s another topic haha. But these two characters are so relatable that I just can’t help but be like “Now Kiss” you know.

I’m so sorry this was so long! I tried to contain myself but I can go talk about IzuOcha ALL DAY, I swear. There are so many things I love about this ship that it managed to bring me back to the art and writing scenes! Over the years, I stopped creating content for my fandoms because of irl, so for a pair to be able to touch my heart and bring me back just means that it’s just dear for me.Once again, thank you for sending this ask! It’s always wonderful to interact with people ‘cause am so shy to reach out first HAHA

[kyvir]

“I can’t hear you over that outfit.” for our darling OTP, SasuSaku!

First Sight

Sakura would admit that she hadn’t planned to come to Naruto’s birthday party. It wasn’t something she wanted to do at all, especially after she’d worked eighteen hours in the hospital the day before. She was tired. All she wanted to do was lie in bed, maybe do a little reading. Nothing more.

Being at Naruto’s birthday party meant a lot of drinking, loud music and so many people talking at once that you could hardly catch onto anything being said. Yet here she was, sitting outside on the long stone bench beside Ino. Naruto’s back patio was nice. Almost everyone was outside. It was still early but most people were already drinking and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Ino was talking nonstop about her new boyfriend, Sai. They’d only been going out for a couple weeks now but Ino was head over heels for the guy. He’d painted a portrait of her and after that, they’d been inseparable. She was upset that he wouldn’t be able to make it to the party until later in the evening.

Naruto came over, he was all grins and overly loud laughs as he gave Sakura a mixed drink, telling her to lighten up and have a good time for once. She and Naruto had been friends since they were kids, but he always threw these wild parties and they just weren’t her style. She was more worried about keeping her life on the right track.

She took the drink though, thanking him with a smile. Having a little buzz would probably help her tolerate the party people throughout the day and night. The guys were just firing up the grill to start getting dinner ready. Sakura had a sip of her drink after agreeing with Ino when she complained about how cool it was getting. Both of them had always preferred the heat in summer.

Sakura crossed her legs at the knee, looking down at her warm boots that her jeans were tucked into as she sipped her drink that was a bit too strong. Naruto had probably made it that way purposely, but she didn’t really mind. Maybe tonight she would actually let loose. This was something she hadn’t done– ever.

“I miss these old parties. I’m glad you came and aren’t nagging… yet.”

Giving Ino an unamused look, Sakura sighed. “Well, Naruto basically begged me to come. I suppose it is nice to get out of the house once in a while… and not be going to work.”

“Yes, yes!” Ino laughed. “You need to venture out, spread your wings. Stop being such a stick in the mud all the time.”

“I’m doing just fine, thank you very much.” Sakura said, cheeks puffed out as she looked away from Ino.

Ino rambled on and on, but as Sakura’s eyes fell upon a guy just walking out from the house she wasn’t hearing anything more. He was the kind of sexy that would make you look, capture your eyes and have them follow him. The kind of guy you knew would be intelligent and good at everything. He looked like perfection– all of him, even his outfit.

Those faded jeans and that black button down shirt looked almost too good on him. He had walked to the grill, and now stood by Naruto with a beer in his hand. Sakura couldn’t remember the last time she’d spotted a guy who drew her attention so strongly.His hair was long and appeared a bit messy, but even it looked perfect.

Her brows rose as she found herself completely taken with the guy. Sakura could have stared at him all night. Ino was still talking, but Sakura still wasn’t hearing her, finally she broke out in laughter.

“Sorry Ino but… I can’t hear you over that outfit.” She mused, eyes trained on the guy who was nodding his head to something Naruto said.

“What outfit? Where is she?” Ino asked, leaning forward and looking around.

Sakura laughed harder. “It’s that guy beside Naruto.”

Ino squinted as she looked ahead before coughing violently as her eyes finally landed on the guy. “The outfit? Shit, what outfit? All I see is that face.”

Sakura couldn’t have agreed more, but she didn’t want to sound that attracted to the guy. Ino would probably have a field day just knowing Sakura was checking out his clothes.

“Damn, Sakura. He’s fine as hell! Get up and go introduce yourself, quick before somebody else does.”

“Yeah right.” Sakura snorted. He might have been the best looking guy she’d ever seen, but there was no way she was going to start a conversation with him and look like a desperate idiot.

“You’re ridiculous, you can’t pass up this opportunity!” She hissed before waving and shouting, “Hey, Naruto! Bring Sakura another drink!”

“Ino!” Sakura snapped, mouth agape as she glared at her supposed best friend. “What the hell. Don’t draw attention to me like that. I can get my own drink.”

Naruto exchanged a few words with the guy while he prepped another drink for Sakura and then they both started walking over.

“Damn you, Ino.” Sakura groaned, heart falling and nervousness filling her being.

Though she didn’t mean it to happen, her eyes once again moved over in the direction of the extremely handsome guy that was walking closer to her with Naruto. Their eyes met and she was certain her entire face flamed when a smirk pulled at his lips. He was so alluring that it had to be sinful.

Naruto didn’t stop until he was standing just before her, holding out a fresh drink. “Here you go, and thanks Ino. If you hadn’t said anything Sakura would have never gotten another drink.”

“Don’t I know it.” Ino muttered and Sakura really wanted to punch her in the face.

“Guys, this is Sasuke. We played ball together when we were kids but he moved away. He only just moved back this week and we ran across each other!”

Naruto was excited and Sasuke nodded to them in greeting but said nothing at all. He didn’t seem to be a talker like Naruto was.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sasuke. I’m Ino and this is my best friend, Sakura.”

Sakura could have never imagined, even as Sasuke sat on the bench next to her and a conversation between the group of four moved on in comfort– but before long, Sasuke would ask her out and she would be starting an adventure so full of love and happiness that her life before him would be hard to remember.

[shippingcast]

> Download the mp3 (88mb)

In this pilot episode, I chat with my friend Danae about our common OTP (and the reason we met), Jace and Alec from Shadowhunters. We talk about finding community online, what it’s like to ship a non-canon pairing and the difference between canon and fanon.

We also squee about fanworks we love. Here’s a list of the works we mention, roughly divided into categories:

Favourite authors

MorganD, Mia_Zeklos, Shirasade (<- that one’s on Danae, I swear! *g*)

Favourite fics

Danae:

Grief Is the Price We Pay for Love by MorganD

Asset, Agent, Hunter, Spy by calculatingthestars

Shirasade:

To a place where nothing shines by Mia_Zeklos

Slow Hands Ticking by tiptoethrough

Fics to get newbies hooked

Danae:

Jace in Wonderland series by shirasade

Unspeakable Words by MorganD

Shirasade:

Promise by MorganD

You and I, Forever Wild by EllaStorm

Favourite canon-based fics

Danae:

Variations of the Seelie Court kiss (MorganD, sapphicalexandra, shirasade - there were more, but I couldn’t find them)

Shirasade:

Where angels sing and spread their wings by Mia_Zeklos

Entreat me not to leave thee by FeatheredShadow

Future ‘verse by dnteverdoubtme & ourheartsbeatas1

Favourite AUs

Danae:

Eros ‘verse by dnteverdoubtme & ourheartsbeatas1

Shirasade:

Impossibility is just a kiss away from reality by sapphicalexandra

Wouldn’t Be Anywhere Else by Emmybazy

Fanvids

Danae:

In your shadow by Nerjaveika

I Found by ShadowWorld

Shirasade:

Warning Sign by Nerjaveika

Closer by Winterevanescence

I can’t live without him by coldrequiem

I forgive you by Emery

Fanart

LittleZion / @myltzi

Bee / @c0ffeebeeart

Calculatingthestars

Gif sets / edits

lunaswondrousworld

darqueparabatai

willowsmarika

General resources

@jalecsquad

@jalecsource

Jalec collection on AO3

Subscribe here.

[jovencydotcom]

Accountant - https://www.jovency.com/?p=18488&utm_source=SocialAutoPoster&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Tumblr Jovency Job title: Accountant Company: VEDHIK IAS ACADEMY PRIVATE LIMITED Job description: ** We do not post anything to your social profiles or share data with anyone. Continue with Email/Mobile → Account already exists. Please login using your primary number You seem to be our Partner. You seem to be our Employer. You seem to be our Candidate. You seems to have an Agency account with us. Please to login. This link has expired. Kindly enter the credentials to continue. Please contact customer care. More info here: Hi! You seem to be new here. Tell us a few more things to get you started. First Name Last Name Mobile Account already exists. Please login using your primary number Email Email already exists. Password Get application updates via WhatsApp Yes No If you choose ‘Yes’, we’ll only send you updates about your job applications. You can unsubscribe any time by going to Settings. By continuing, you hereby accept our Mobile you entered already exists. Dang, we ran into some issue. Please retry after some time. Hi,You were registered on Waahjobs by Enter Password to account You’re almost done. Enter Password to account Enter Password You have entered an invalid password. Try Again. Dang, we ran into some issue. Please retry after some time. Your account has been deactivated. Please Contact Our Customer Service. OR Welcome back, You previously usedto login ** We do not post anything to your social profiles or share data with anyone. OR Hi,You were registered on Waahjobs by Enter OTP sent on You’re almost done. Enter OTP sent on A Verification email has been sent on. Click on the link to verify. Verify Companies will reach out to you on this number for jobs: OTP Resent Successfully. Enter 5 digit OTP Unable to generate OTP at this time. Please try after some time. OTP you entered is invalid. Please Check again. Maximum Retries Exceeded. OTP Resent Successfully. OR Create Password Forgot Password Verify Email We have sent a ” link to Did not receive the link? link resent successfully. OR ** We do not post anything to your social profiles or share data with anyone. Logging in… × Register Now! Submit your resume or build your profile to get started. Upload Resume* Allowed File types: pdf, doc or docx You seems to already have an account with us. Please to apply. Some Error Occurred, please re-try after some time. Submit or Build Your Profile​ > > Accountant Accountant 2 Openings Posted 4 weeks, 1 day Back Salary INR2Lac 2Lac – 5Lac CTCCTC Experience 2 yrsto5 yrs experience| Resume Required Location Kengeri, Bengaluru AccountantFULL_TIME VEDHIK IAS ACADEMY PRIVATE LIMITED Not Specified Graduation 2 yrs 2021-02-03T12:57:02 2021-07-02T16:42:40 Education / Training Accountant Job Benefits INR INR2Lac 2Lac – 5Lac CTCCTC Kengeri, BengaluruBangalore Karnataka560060IN 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM(day shift) p  Post and process journal entries to ensure all business transactions are recorded br/  Update accounts receivable and issue invoices br/  Update accounts payable and perform reconciliations br/  Assist in the processing of balance sheets, income statements and other financial statements br/ according to legal and company accounting and financial guidelines br/  Assist with reviewing of expenses, payroll records etc. as assigned br/  Update financial data in databases to ensure that information will be accurate and br/ immediately available when needed br/  Prepare and submit weekly/monthly reports br/  Assist senior accountants in the preparation of monthly/yearly closings br/  Assist with other accounting projects br/ /p Share via Company Typically replies in 3 hr Additional Details Job Type Full Time Shift Timings 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM(day shift) Working Days 6 days|Off Days:Sunday Job Requirements Education Graduation degree mandatoryCompulsory B. Com/ M. Com graduateCompulsory Qualifications (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) is a plus but not requiredCompulsory Experience 2 yrs to 5 yrs of experience as Accountant mandatoryCompulsory Experience in Education / Training preferred Age 22 – 32 yrsCompulsory Communication Fluent English skills – Ability to Speak, Read & WriteCompulsory Others Proven experience as a junior accountantCompulsory Excellent organizing abilitiesCompulsory Great attention to detailCompulsory Good understanding of accounting and financial reporting principles and practicesCompulsory Excellent knowledge of MS Office and familiarity with relevant computer software (e.g. Tally)Compulsory Good with numbers and figures and an analytical acumenCompulsory Notice PeriodCompulsory Job Description  Post and process journal entries to ensure all business transactions are recorded  Update accounts receivable and issue invoices  Update accounts payable and perform reconciliations  Assist in the processing of balance sheets, income statements and other financial statements according to legal and company accounting and financial guidelines  Assist with reviewing of expenses, payroll records etc. as assigned  Update financial data in databases to ensure that information will be accurate and immediately available when needed  Prepare and submit weekly/monthly reports  Assist senior accountants in the preparation of monthly/yearly closings  Assist with other accounting projects Company Details Startup|Education / Training|500-1000 Employees Vedhik IAS Academy is India’s leading online IAS Academy. In a short span the academy had spread its wings across 14 countries with 128 offices. Guided by eminent Civil Service experts and ex IAS and IPS officers, we are growing rapidly. Having Head Quarters in Cochin, Kerala with 41 offices across the state, next focus is on Karnataka. We have already set up 31 offices in Karnataka and soon be launching the program officially in the state. Vedhik has come up with its own unique college campus in Kengeri, Bangalore. For Kengeri Campus,we are looking for capable, strategic, dynamic and result oriented Marketing Executive to implement the marketing strategy of the company. For these positions, we expect you to dynamic and energetic with good communication. You should be willing to travel within the country on demand. Accountant at VEDHIK IAS ACADEMY PRIVATE LIMITED(Posted by vedhik ias academy private limited) 2Lac – 5Lac CTC Kengeri, Bengaluru 2 yrsto5 yrs experience Company Typically replies in 3 hr Note: Waahjobs does NOT ask money from jobseeker anytime. If a company is asking money from jobseeker, it is most probably a scam. Expected salary: Rs.16667 per month Location: Kengeri, Karnataka Job date: Fri, 05 Mar 2021 23:32:36 GMT Apply for the job now!

[acourtofhopeanddreams]

The Price of War

@akiko-natsuko

Dear Akiko,

It has been such a pleasure to be your GoT secret santa. I hope that you're enjoying your days with your family, friends and loved ones. I also wish you all the best for 2018 and I hope that dreams will come true and wishes upon stars will be granted.

Loads of Love,

Annette

Fandom: Game of Thrones Characters: Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen OTP: Jon/Daenerys Setting: Post Canon, Post War Atmosphere: Depressing, dark, hurt Triggers: Mentions of violence and blood Written for: @gotsecretsanta exchange Words: 1733 Links: AO3

Jon felt the snow surrounding him melting while the first rays of sunlight warmed his blooded face. He couldn’t feel his arms or legs anymore. He didn’t even know if he still had arms and legs. But he could still feel his heart beating and his chest kept on moving up and down to breath even though his ribs were probably broken. He kept his eyes closed and somehow he expected death to collect his soul within the next few minutes.

The night king was defeated. All the white walkers he had created were nothing but piles of dust and ashes. The ice dragon was now what it already should have been when Daenerys had lost him for the very first time.

Daenerys.

Jon’s eyes flashed open and he tried to move his head to have a look at the lifeless bodies surrounding him. Instead of cries of victory he heard soft moaning, crying and screaming.

The world was safe. The people of Westeros would spend countless more years fighting over that pile of iron in King’s Landing. Hopefully they would not forget those who ensured they still had something to fight over.

Sam.

Jon pushed himself up even though his entire body protested. The smell of smoke and fire made him cough, but he forced himself to stand up even though his legs couldn’t carry him. He had no idea if the blood on his clothes was from himself, from the enemies he had slaughtered, or from the friends who had died by his side.

Whoever said that victories were sweet, had never fought a war that really mattered. And they for sure had never woken up between the lifeless bodies of comrades and brave young men who left behind wives and babies, too young to even remember their fathers when they would be old enough to realize that they were gone.

Each step Jon took felt like torture. Both because his knees were probably damaged and because he recognized more and more people laying in the already melting snow. He held his breath when he saw Sam.

Sam had known that he would most likely not return home again and still he had been here, not planning on being anywhere but at Jon’s side during this fight. He had been too kind and too good for this world and he had paid for it with his life.

Jon kneeled down next to his dead best friend. He placed his fingers on Sam’s eyelids and closed Sam's eyes while he allowed the salted tears to roll down his cheeks. The salt burned in Jon’s wounds, but Jon barely noticed the stinging pain. “I'm sorry, Sam…” He shook his head and with a heavy heart he forced himself to straighten his back and stand up again.

It was almost impossible to see who was still alive and who wasn’t. The night king and his army of the death were beaten, but there wasn’t much left of the army Jon and Daenerys had gathered either.

Daenerys.

He started to walk a little faster. He had no idea where on the battlefield she was, where she could be. He had no idea if she was alive or dead. He had no idea if she was looking for him too or if she was not able to do so anymore.

Just like so many other people here on the battlefield.

Every time he saw a body with long blond hair he held his breath. And every time he let out a relieved sigh because it wasn’t her he couldn’t help feeling guilty about his relief.

All those people, all those men and women, they all had a family, they all had a home, maybe they had children or grandchildren. And most of them would never come home again. They wouldn’t see them grown up. They wouldn’t arrange their marriage. They wouldn’t teach them all they knew about life. But at least the children could grow up and marry. At least they got the chance to live.

“Daenerys?” Jon stood still when he finally saw her.

She laid on the back of her dragon. Strands of hair had escaped her complicated braids and her clothes and face were covered in blood. She had her eyes closed, but she was still breathing.

“Daenerys!” Jon took a deep breath before he walked closer to the dragon. He hoped that Drogon understood that he was here to help the queen, not to finish the task. Carefully and step by step he climbed the wing of the majestic creature. And eventually he could kneel down next to the brave woman who had not been hiding behind her army, but who had fought at the front line.

“Jon…” Her voice was weak and she coughed and moaned after she had said his name.

“It's okay.” He was not sure if that was true. He didn’t know who she had lost. He didn’t know how many of her comrades had died today. “I'm here. I’m gonna get us home.” He also didn’t know where home was.

Was Winterfell their home? Up in the north where the cold wind blew even in summer. Was Dragonstone their home? Near the sea, the portal to the rest of the world and surrounded by the bones of those who had once ruled the world. Was King’s Landing their home? Now they had rescued the entire Kingdom and had proven that they deserved that pile of iron in the throne room of the castle.

“I was afraid you were dead, like…” Daenerys opened her eyes and she shivered. “Jorah saved my life.” She tried to push herself up, but Jon shook his head and placed a hand on her chest. “He jumped in front of me. He died, so I…”

“Could become the queen you deserve to be.” Jon kneeled down next to her. His entire body was still aching, but he had pushed through much worse. He had overcome death. He had survived a confrontation with the night king himself. Compared to everything he had been through, carrying Daenerys to safety and help would be easy.

“Drogon isn’t strong enough to fly yet.” Just like she wasn’t strong enough to speak yet. “He tried.”

“We’ll send people back for him as soon as we can.” Jon spoke softly and carefully he lifted her up. “Keep your eyes closed.” He took a moment to find his balance. “The sight isn’t pretty.” He climbed down Drogon’s wing again.

The dragon opened his eyes and stared at the King in the North carrying the dragon queen.

“Don't worry, buddy.” Jon pressed her a little tighter to his chest. “She'll be fine. I’ll make sure she’ll be.”

The dragon groaned and Jon didn’t know if it was because he agreed with him or not. But when Jon started to walk away the dragon didn’t attempt to stop him, which he considered a good sign.

“How many people did we lose?” Daenerys had her eyes wide open and although there already hadn’t been much color left in her face she was now pale white.

“I don’t know.” Jon shook his head and kept on walking. He didn’t dare to look where he put down his feet. He didn’t want to know if he stepped on twigs or bodies. He had to keep on walking and keep on going. “Too many.” He paused for a moment. “I lost Sam."

Daenerys swallowed and she lifted her hand up so she could touch his neck. “I'm sorry.” The words didn’t make a difference, but there was nothing else to say, not even for Daenerys Targaryen. “We won’t forget them.”

Jon kept silent.

Sam had been a great warrior. He hadn’t been good with a sword. He hadn’t been good with any weapon. He had never been a killer. But he had been smart. He had known things no one else knew. And he had had courage. He had been afraid, but that fear had never stopped him from doing anything. It had not stopped him from joining Jon, Daenerys and their army to face the army of the death. It had not stopped him from dying.

“We could name our children after them.” Daenerys spoke softly, but her voice sounded loud in the absolute silence after the war.

“We’d need a lot of children to honor everyone we’ve lost in this stupid war.” Jon groaned and he let out a relieved sigh when he saw a small tavern in the far distance, not damaged by fire nor ice.

“We could use double names. Or three double ones.” Daenerys curled her lips up into a smile, despite the huge amount of pain she without a doubt had to endure. “They didn’t die for nothing, Jon.”

Jon wasn’t too sure about that. “War is pretty useless if you ask me.” He licked his dry lips. His feet counted the steps between them and the tavern in the distance. His legs would without a doubt carry him until their survival and safety and not an inch further.

“I hate war just as much as you do.” She swallowed. “I've lost just as many people as you lost and I suffered just as much as you did.” Her voice was raw and she took a few deep breaths before she continued. “War is useless, but sometimes we don’t have a choice. They died so we can live.”

Jon turned his head away from her. He could already smell the fire place spreading it’s smoke and fire. Even though he had been surrounded by fire breathing dragons for months he had missed this kind of fire, this kind of warmth. But he doubted if it would ever be as pleasant again as it used to be, long ago, when he and Robb had still been innocent children who thought Ned Stark would be around for many more years to guide and advice them.

“We will live, Jon Snow.” She closed her eyes and finally gave in to the tiredness, the pain, the exhaustion. “Together.”

Jon stared at her angelic looking face and eventually he nodded. “We will live.” He saw people rushing out of the tavern. His legs refused to carry him any longer and he fell down on his knees in the mud. Before he gave in to his own prostration he pressed a kiss on Daenerys’ lips. “Together.”