#rivals end up marrying and taking care of each other and ADOPTING each other

[emperorcartagia]

having senna refa feels tonight

[daydream-corpse]

Single dad au? 👀 👀 👀

Can I know more?

omg, thanks for asking! /w\ I apologise for any mistakes in there

For short, in this AU Dexter and Mandark didn't interact much after college, only seeing each other as business rivals (i know, unrealistic, they will forever be breathing down each other's necks) and quietly keeping tabs on the other so it's been like... 15 years since they had a proper conversation and they're in there late thirties/early forties. Both of them had a kid, through very different circumstances ; these two kids end up in the same middle school and being friends. Dexter and Mandark now have to interact again and play nice with each other because they love their kids. Whatever will happen now,,,,,,,,,,

I hope i'll have time to post the full reference for the kids before the end of the year! I'll just talk a bit more about them here and how they came to be for now :

Pauline (Paulie)

Dexter got married solely because of familial pressure, same for the kids. He did what he was expected to do and buried himself into his work, making him a very absent father in Pauline's early life. Pauline was very close to her mother, even if she could be quite controlling in the way she dressed and behaved, and while she admired her father she resented him a bit for not being here.

Pauline is sweet and one of the popular kid in school. She didn't inherit her father's genius but still developed an early interest in mechanic and vehicles in general. She's Dee favorite niece (eheh).In this AU, Dexter is ace and homoromantic,

but he is not very in touch with his own feelings.... Until he does some introspection and realizes he is fucking miserable and maybe it would just be better if he left both of them? This is where shit hit the fan and the wife decides to go mask off on her homophobia and blames their daughter lesbianism on him.

A few months (and a restraining order) later, Dexter now has to take care of his daughter on his own. There is... a lot of things happening there ahah (*smack his ass* this man can contain so much character development for the people he loves). He tries his best, and she does too !

(Her second name is Albert, obviously, which was an uphill battle to get through his ex-wife and family lol)

Corvus

Mandark's situation is funnier (because I can).He's still alone (pretty unsuccessful in love... Or friendship ), at the top of M.I. and mingling with other powerful and rich people. He decided he needed a heir for his business empire and after thinking about adoption, he finally decided that he was going to summon a child with a bit of dark magic and some of his own blood. Just less paperwork.

So Corvus came to be! Born as a 12 years old with approximate knowledge of most human custom. She was made in Mandark image and share his drive and quickly picks up whatever he puts down for her to learn. Though she couldn't help but yearn for the outside world and after a few running away situations, Mandark decided to put her in middle school (it'll help her in learning social skill).

All the character development between these two/lies on the fact that Mandark wanted a heir, not a kid, and didn't expect to get attached but he did, of course. He's not exactly the best father and swinged from professional to kinda smothering but through their first year together he grew to be attentive to Corvus needs and wants, afraid of becoming like his parents.

Corvus is learning to be more human and what she can becomea. She's a bit detached from other kids and find it difficult to share their interests most of the time, she's also quite impulsive and stubborn… Paulie thinks she's "chill" and "mysterious" and Corvus is both happy and surprised that she gets to have such a cool friend.

[usagirln120]

Obanai Iguro: Hogwarts AU

Obanai Iguro was a Pureblood wizard that was born on the 15th of September 1974 and started attending Hogwarts on the 1st of September 1986, being sorted into Slytherin House.

He was born into a family of only woman and was intended to be a sacrifice to a vampire which his family worshipped but she ended up taking a liking to his eyes and decided to let him grow up first.

He eventually escaped from his family home which caused the vampire to slaughter his whole family (one cousin survived) before she went out to hunt him down but he ended up being saved by the auror Shinjuro Rengoku who also ended up adopting him afterwards.

After he got adopted, he was a little wary around his adopted mother due to not having been treated nicely by a woman before but he did still acknowledge her as his real mother and mourned her death.

When he started attending Hogwarts, he felt like he betrayed his new family by getting sorted into Gryffindor's biggest rivals but they never judged him or treated him any differently for it.

He eventually met the Hufflepuff Mitsuri who was two years younger then him and after graduating from Hogwarts and starting their respective careers (auror and quidditch player), they joined the Order of the Phoenix together and got engaged but decided to wait to actually get married until after the war was over.

He and Mitsuri eventually participated in the Battle of Hogwarts where they helped take down the vampire Nakime before they perished in each others' arms right after the defeat of Muzan Kibutsuji.

He had a Blackthorn wand with a Dragon Heartstring core.

His Patronus was a White Snake.

His favorite subjects were Defense Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures.

His least favorite subjects were History of Magic and Astronomy.

[hayatoseyepatch]

Hello darling~! Here's my second attempt at this ask. Congrats on your milestone, I'm so proud of you! I'm curious to see who I get matched with.

About Me: To start with, my pronouns are she/her and I am definitely an extrovert! I get anxious at times when in unfamiliar circumstances and I am definitely prone to overstimulation but I love being out and about with friends.

My personality is the older sister type. I worry and fret over others and I like taking care of people but I can hold my ground. I have little tolerance for disrespect and I'm firm in my boundaries. That being said, I'm otherwise fairly open-minded and easygoing. I definitely love laughing and joking with others.

I am very independent but I don't mind being taken care of or spoiled from time to time. I like to think I'm a capable, reliable person and I try to remind others to stick up for themselves and not to settle for mistreatment. There's no harm in a little selfishness, after all!

My hobbies are cooking, writing, reading, traveling, and tabletop games! I love D&D and other collaborative storytelling games a lot and getting into character is so so fun. I also love watching video essays on a wide range of topics from games to politics to obscure fandom drama. I'll watch anything if the speaker is engaging enough.

Fandom: Wind Breaker please!!

Tropes: I am a sucker for arranged marriages, mutual pining, fake dating, and friends-to-lovers. I also love a good revenge story like Marry My Husband or those ten billion "reborn as a villainess" webtoons. My favorite stories, though, are two people who are trying their best to understand and support one another and get closer thanks to a shared goal. I like "rivals to lovers" but I'm not actually a huge fan of "enemies to lovers" since it's rarely done well enough for my liking.

My Type: I need devotion and loyalty. Someone who will walk through hell for their beloved, even if their loved one would never ask that of them. My other favorite character archetypes are usually Kuuderes, people who seem emotionless on the outside but warm and kind below the surface. I also like the clever types who rely on their intelligence more than their strength. Schemers and trickster types are great fun, though I don't think I'd enjoy dating one because they're often so troublesome.

I also like characters who have their own hobbies and interests. They need to have passions outside of their romantic interest and if they have a big friend group? Even better!

Favorite Characters: My top five in Wind Breaker are Choji, Kiryu, Suo, Sako, and Endo. Though I genuinely love all the characters, even the minor ones.

Icks: I don't think I'd want to be paired up with Suo because I think he'd tease me too much. Choji and Endo also seem a bit too clingy for my liking and more than a little childish on Choji's part.

I don't want to be paired with Umemiya, if possible. He's very sweet but a bit...much for me.

I don't like overly controlling characters either. I really value my individuality and independence. Anyone who would want to limit me in any way by restricting me from seeing certain friends, wearing certain clothes, or would otherwise try to change me are a massive red flag. I want devotion, not obsession.

I think that's everything so good luck!! I'm really curious to who you end up pairing me with~!

OKAY IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE MY BELOVED FOXX. The second you said you appreciated the minor manga characters I knew I wanted this pairing. But after the convo we had this morning, I’m even more excited because maybe you’ll see and appreciate the vision.

I’m going to be matching you with Shuhei Suzuri!!

⤜♡→ You both have adopted the older sibling role and I feel like there's such a mutual understanding and love from having that in common. There is the common denominator of wanting to care for each other while also being cared for in return. Always being the one those go to for guidance and assistance, it is nice to surrender that when you are both together. Being able to care and love for one another while receiving it in return.

⤜♡→ For as much as he was the former leader of Gravel he does have his moments now where he will be a bit more withdrawn with others, the insecurity of his situation and his past creeping up on him. I feel like your extroversion and tenderness is a gods sent in those moments. Taking the reins and he just simply cant help but to fall even more in love with you.

⤜♡→ He finds your strength beautiful. The way you stand for what you believe in had him swooning every single time. Your unwavering heart is what he truly fell in love with and he was truly hopeless to even try and stop it.

⤜♡→ Suzuri wasn’t afforded the opportunity to enjoy many simple things due to his upbringing. He loves letting you expand his world. I feel like he very much enjoys dnd, the creative storytelling and creativity that goes into it is something he enjoys. Having to use his imagination more than anything as kid. He is hooked onto every word from the dm looking at you with bright excited eyes as you carry out your campaign.

I just have this idea of you both working in the same restaurant. Maybe because of that one bakery au you did with SakoTia that I adore so much. The others at the restaurant where you both were had side-eyed him a bit, it was hard not to look at him a particular way after the events of the fight that night. He understood he was used to being treated differently He was here to work and build a better life for himself. However, sometimes it was hard to ignore the looks directed at him, the words said in hushed tones as he walked by. Though each time he felt himself beginning to spiral, there you were, with your beautiful laughter and gentle smile that colored his cheeks and made his heart race. He was hopeless from the moment he had first laid his eyes on you. You never treated him differently, never gave him a sideways glance or an untrusting look. He began to assume that you hadn’t heard the events that led up to getting this job.

You both were in the kitchen one night, it was slow so some of the staff was cut, leaving you both in your own quiet corner. He always loved nights like this, where he could just spend uninterrupted time with you, listening as you spoke to him about the most recent video essay you had watched. However, tonight was different. He was more withdrawn, you could practically hear the scrambled thoughts running through his mind. Before you could ask what was wrong he turned to you abruptly. He may be panicking, the fear of losing you creeping up in his chest, but he didn’t want to lie any longer he needed you to know the circumstances that led to him working here, and then if you chose to treat him like the others he would understand. But he couldn't continue to fall in love with you without you knowing the truth. “Listen, I need to tell you something.” He took a deep breath when you encouraged him to continue. “You should know I only have this job because-“ His words were suddenly cut off, your gentle fingertips resting over his lips. “I know.”

Surprise dances across his expression, his words muffled against your fingers. “You do?” He watches in shock as you giggle, nodding your head. His brows furrowed. “And you don’t think any different of me? Don think I'm a powder keg ready to explode?” He moves his hands as he speaks as if to emphasize his words. All he was greeted with was another bout of laughter from you as you shook your head. “But why?” He questions, genuinely curious, so used to being judged for his past. He watches you shrug, continuing your work of prepping ingredients as you spoke. “I didn’t know you then, but I know your character. I’m sure you had your reasons. Kanji wouldn’t have stuck his neck out for no reason and I trust his judgment, I know the you now and that’s all that matters isn’t it?” You look at him finally, that beautiful smile adorning your features once more. “Plus if you try anything, I’ll kick your ass.” You giggle before turning back to your work. His heart felt like it was attempting to escape his chest with how fast it was racing. As he returned to his own work there was a smile on his face. If he was hopeless before, he was absolutely despondent now. He was free falling and he only wanted you to catch him. Okay so I may have gotten just a wee bit carried away but this sweet boy (and you) just deserve all the love in the world and I had so much fun with this.

[fangirl-on-fire3]

My WIPS!

Taking my bestie @rattle-em-spooky-jones‘s idea and making a list of all my WIPs!

Feel free to send an ask if you’d like to know more about any of the fics ^.^

My Hero Academia:

1. Teeth

This fic is an accompaniment to one of my previous fics, ‘Lifeline’. It’s about Izuku and his deteriorating mental state after the war, as well as his extreme protectiveness over Katsuki because of what they went through together.

2. Love Mix-Up Gone Wrong (Not Clickbait!)

This is a Kieta Hatsukoi AU - essentially, Mina writes Katsuki’s name on Izuku’s eraser (considered a good luck charm to make your crush like you in Japan) and drops it in front of him, hoping Katsuki will realize Izuku has a crush on him. However, Shouto picks up the eraser and assumes Katsuki wants to fight him. Shenanigans ensue.

3. Steampunk [Not Titled]

A steampunk AU in which Izuku is a sheltered pianist and Katsuki is a mechanic, set to the backdrop of a war.

4. Assassination Classroom

Class 1A plays a game of Assassin, where they are given a ball with their victim’s name written on it and must ‘kill’ that person by hitting a receiver stuck to their body with the ball. The game lasts for more than a week and gets increasingly chaotic.

5. Hiking [Not Titled]

Izuku, Katsuki, Kirishima and Kaminari go hiking together. It’s a paraquel to ‘Assassination Classroom’ but works as a standalone.

6. Fantasy [Not Titled]

A fantasy AU in which Katsuki is the Dragon King and Izuku is an adventurer. They keep meeting over the years but never get together officially because they both care about their lifestyles too much to change.

7. Bakugo Dead [Not Titled]

Izuku starts hallucinating Katsuki’s presence after Katsuki has died during the war. Major angst.

8. Foundations of Decay

An intricate multi-chapter Bioshock AU. Shouto is going through the main storyline of Bioshock, with Dabi taking Atlas’ role, while Katsuki is scavenging for survival in the underwater city of Rapture. Izuku is a splicer, Eri is a Little Sister that Katsuki has unofficially adopted, Iida is the police chief, and Uraraka is the head of a crime smuggling ring.

Each character has an important role in the storyline and the chapters will be from different viewpoints.

9. Callsign Deku

A Top Gun AU, where Izuku works his way up through the Flight Academy U.A. to become the greatest pilot. He and Katsuki are rivals, and later friends with benefits. Of course, it gets complicated.

10. War of the Roses (Posted, completed)

Izuku and Katsuki are getting a divorce after over 15 years of marriage and two kids. They start acting extremely petty towards each other, escalating from social media feuds to prank wars.

11. Earth and Fire [Not Titled]

A sequel to my fic ‘Firelight’. In a fantasy setting where elemental magic exists, Izuku and Katsuki are courting each other. It follows them through different courtship rituals and traditions.

12. Break-up [Not Titled]

Izuku realizes that he and Katsuki will only hold each other back after graduation, so he suggests they break up. Katsuki counters him with a suggestion that they break up if they truly want to by then, so they proceed to attempt to annoy each other enough that they’ll break up with them.

13. Shipwrecked

Izuku, Katsuki, and Shouto end up shipwrecked on an island together.

14. midnight [Not Titled]

Katsuki starts feeling really anxious during the night, so Izuku makes him tea and comforts him.

15. turn back time (Posted, Completed)

Izuku gets hit by a quirk and swaps places with his future self, so Middle School Izuku is sent to the future to meet Pro Hero Katsuki.

16. Take a Break

A Hamilton AU where Izuku (taking Hamilton’s role) is married to Melissa, but he’s really in love with her brother, Katsuki.

17. How to Train Your Dragon [Not Titled]

A HTTYD AU with dragon racing instead of fighting. Izuku wants to become a dragon racer, but is so physically weak that he keeps losing on even the easier tracks. Eventually, he discovers a Night Fury (a dragon only All Might has been able to tame) and starts training to be strong enough to win races. Katsuki, who is essentially Astrid, resents him at first, but then agrees to helps him.

18. Hotel Transylvania [Not Titled]

A Hotel Transylvania AU where Izuku is Jonathan and Shouto is Mavis. Endeavor is Dracula and doesn’t want a human to date his son (though Shouto couldn’t care less about his father’s opinion) while Katsuki is a werewolf and absolutely done with everyone. Izuku and Shouto keep trying to date each other, but all their attempts to spend time alone are thwarted.

Welcome To Night Vale:

Sick [Not Titled]

Esteban has a fever. Cecil and Carlos take care of him.

2. Starfall

Stars start falling from the sky. Carlos investigates. Cecil reports. It’s interspersed with radio segments from Cecil’s show.

Attack on Titan:

where the spirit meets the bones

A The Summer Hikaru Died AU where Armin is Yoshiki and Eren is Hikaru, who disappeared to the mountains and came back looking the same but acting entirely different. Very surreal. Angst.

2. sepulcher [Not Titled]

So far this is a paragraph where Armin has a dream in which he’s locked in a sepulcher with Eren, ‘Annabel Lee’ style.

3. pomegranate [Not Titled]

Eren speculates upon his relationship with Armin and the effect that he has on his best friend. Focuses on the changes in their relationship after they discover Marley.

Miscellaneous:

fake dating [Not Titled]

A Daredevil/Marvel fic. Matt and Foggy send out fake wedding invitations to billionaires, hoping for free wedding gifts, but Tony declares that he wants to plan their wedding. They decide to go through with it to save face, but with everything from cake tasting to engagement parties, it’s a much more elaborate lie than they thought. Very chaotic.

2. tattoine [Not Titled]

Star Wars. Han and Luke are on a mission in Tatooine when they get caught in a sandstorm and have to take shelter in an old house. I went back and forth on including smut in this, but I do have an extract written where Han and Luke argue over who tops. Still, it’s yet to be decided.

3. Biohazards, Ballistics, and Global Political Tension: An investigation into the impact of bio-organic weapons on modern society (Posted, but still updating)

Collab with @rattle-em-spooky-jones ! A collection of accounts about different events in the Resident Evil universe in the format of a draft of a PhD report. 

4. Jujutsu Textin’ (Posted, but still updating)

Another collab with @rattle-em-spooky-jones featuring the characters of JJK as college students interacting on Twitter.

And I think that’s all of them for now! I will be updating this list as I come up with more :D

[tokkiheart]

Winter Romance K-Dramas For The Holiday Season

A list of wintery K-Dramas for those who love snow and winter vibes.

The K-Dramas on this list take place primarily during winter. These are mostly going to be rom-coms because that’s…really about all I watch.

The bare minimum requirement for a K-Drama to make it on this list is for there to be at least one snow scene or scene that I can reasonably conclude is set in winter.

While You Were Sleeping

Starting off my list is this fantasy rom-com drama (which is not to be confused with the 1995 American rom-com movie of the same title, which I also like, but that’s neither here nor there) which starts off on one fateful snowy Valentine’s Day where Hong Joo, a woman who has had prophetic dreams ever since she was young and is powerless to stop or change them, was supposed to wind up framed for the accidental vehicular manslaughter of a police officer named Woo Tak. Both she and the officer are saved by Jae Chan, who has a prophetic dream about Hong Joo being framed and having her life fall apart because of it. Anyway, the three of them all have prophetic dreams and work to figure out why they have these abilities while utilizing them in order to save those that they love.

This drama features plenty of wintery scenes as some key moments within the drama take place during late winter, but also a scene around Christmas. This drama also features some of my favorite tropes (some of which I can’t list for spoiler reasons) and also features the rarest of creatures: a love triangle that actually doesn’t aggravate me.

Doom At Your Service

This supernatural fantasy rom-com drama takes place primarily in wintertime, I think it starts somewhere in December or January, with the end being in March. There’s mostly rain scenes in this drama, but there are two snow scenes in episode 11.

This drama is about Tak Dong-kyung, a woman who just found out that she has a terminal brain tumor the same day she discovers her boyfriend is actually a married man. One night, while drunk, she declares a desire for doom to befall the world. This ends up bringing Myul Mang, Doom himself, to her doorstep. He offers to grant her wish as well as make sure she doesn’t feel the pain or negative effects of her illness for the 100 days of their contract. She of course agrees and over time, both of them begin to falling in love with each other.

I’m going to be super honest about this drama, the 2nd lead female and her love triangle is 100% skippable without impacting your enjoyment or understanding of the show. It’s very bland, boring and kinda…easy to not care about when you have the high-fantasy romance happening in the A plot. This drama isn’t perfect, but I still continue to recommend it because Seo In-guk and Park Bo-young really brought their A games to their roles and it’s really worth it to watch their parts in the drama.

Pinocchio

Yet another Lee Jong-suk drama makes its way onto this list and the first time this drama has made it on one of my lists because I recently finished it.

This drama is undeniably set in and around December. Why undeniably? The Christmas decorations and the music. Not to mention there’s also an episode that takes place on Christmas Day which has a very drunk Dal-po/Ha-myung telling his adoptive father and “little” brother “Merry Christmas, pew pew.” Which, is simply adorable.

Anyway, this K-Drama is very basically about news reporters. Very specifically focusing on the male lead character Ha-myung (also known as Dal-po) and female lead, In-ha. Dal-po/Ha-myung’s family was destroyed by wrongful news reporting, which the worst of was largely done by the In-ha’s mother. Ha-myung ends up being adopted by In-ha’s grandfather and so he’s also, legally, her uncle.

They grew up together, went to school together, fell in love with each other and now work as reporters at two different news companies that are rivals.

Soundtrack #1

This is a short 4 episode long K-Drama that’s on Disney+.

This K-Drama has a friends-to-lovers story, with Sunwoo the ML having been pining for the Eunsoo the FL for 8(?) years. The story focuses primarily on a time when they’re living together in Eunsoo’s home for two weeks in order to help her write the lyrics for song about unrequited love, something that Eunsoo has no experience with, but knows that Sunwoo does (though she has no idea who the unrequited love is really directed to). The show seems to take place during winter, there’s plenty of snow, that’s for sure!

I originally only wanted to watch this drama because of Seo In-guk’s cameo, but I ended up actually really enjoying the show despite how short it was!

Romance Is A Bonus Book

Either I am being too generous with what K-Dramas I consider to be wintery enough for this list or Lee Jong-suk really loves doing dramas that are set in wintertime.

This drama is primarily set around late fall, maybe early winter?

Anyway, here’s a third Lee Jong-suk winter-y drama. Unlike the other two on this list, this one is a noona romance where the age gap between the characters is 5 years.

I’ve talked about this drama before many a time and how it feels like curling up in some warm blankets with a hot drink and a good book.

This drama is about Dan-yi, a divorced single mom who has been struggling to get hired after a 7 year job break. Desperate to get a job, she “erases” her college education and work experience on her resume when applying to work at the publishing company that her long-time best friend Cha Eun-ho works at as an editor (when he’s not teaching college classes or publishing his own successful books).

If you want warm and cozy feels for the fall or winter season or for the holidays, I strongly recommend this drama, even if you think that you wouldn’t like it because it’s a noona romance.

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

This drama is set in fall and winter. I feel like it’s set primarily in November/December. There’s plenty of snow and rain, not to mention Christmas lights and decorations!

This drama is about a man named Kim Shin who was a decorated military general who was betrayed by his king and forced to witness his family be killed before being murdered himself. Except he doesn't really die and is instead transformed into an immortal goblin. He wanders through the years in search of the prophesied "goblin's bride" who is the only one with the ability to remove his sword from his chest and set his soul free. 19 years ago, he happens to save a pregnant woman from a life-threatening accident and as a result her child is able to see and talk to ghosts, but because she was never supposed to be born, she has to hide from a grim reaper - who just so happens to now be the Goblin's roommate.

I Am Not A Robot

I’m not exactly sure when this drama is set, but it must be winter because the characters are bundled up and snow is on the ground and falling from the sky. There’s also rain!

Anyway, this drama is about a male chaebol heir named Min-kyu, who is allergic to humans and the mere touch of a fellow human being can cause him to have a severe allergic reaction. He becomes interested in a humanoid robot being made by a company that he just bought/acquired called Aji3. He convinces the scientists to allow him to do a trial run of the robot in his home. They agree, but the day before they are to start the trial run, something happens to the robot that makes it not operational. In order to save their company and the project, the man who designed the Aji3 goes to the inspiration and model for the robot - his ex-girlfriend Jo Ji-a. Since she too needs the money in order to work on her own inventions, she agrees and poses as the robot.

While posing as the Aji3, Ji-a comes to care for and eventually falls in love with Min-kyu, who has also fallen in love with her.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo

This drama is for all the people who love a good school drama with a friends-to-lovers story. This drama is set during the fall semester of college.

This drama is about Kim Bok-joo, a girl who has been a weightlifter most of her life and has never really considered doing anything else. She falls in love for the very first time with the older brother of her friend Jun-hyung and gets swept up in the feelings. In order to spend time with him and get his attention, she does things that she’d never considered doing before.

Jun-hyung and Bok-joo have a really fun relationship dynamic which starts off almost enemy-like. Jun-hyung teases her at first and while I didn’t like him calling her “Chubs” he doesn’t mean it maliciously, so I guess I’m forgiving of his brief use of the nickname lol They’re really supportive of one another and this drama is something I recommend to non-sports loving people like myself lol

My Roommate Is A Gumiho

Another school drama, this one also being set in college/university.

This drama is about Lee Dam, a female history major student who has never been in a relationship before winding up in possession of (via accidentally swallowing) the fox bead belonging to Shin Woo-yeo, a 999 year old gumiho hoping to become human. Due to the nature of the bead, it causes some ill-effects to Lee Dam, which lead to her and Shin Woo-yeo entering into a contract cohabitation agreement.

You Who Came From The Stars

So, I’ll be honest, I’m only 1/3 of the way through this show (I’m just starting episode 7 as of writing this) but I’m including this one on the list because just like Pinocchio, this show is set primarily in winter. Very specifically, in December.

You’ll see a fair amount of Christmas decorations, lights, etc. in this drama!

This drama is about an alien who had been on Earth for the past 400 years and in 3 months is due to finally return to his home-world. He winds up with a new neighbor, a famous Hallyu actress.

I’ll be honest, the female lead is a bit… unlikeable at first/currently for me and I’m having a tough time with this drama, but it’s got enough intrigue to keep me interested and I’m hoping she gets some positive character development.

[ottokallenhonkai3rd]

⚜ 𝒪𝓉𝓉ℴ 𝒦𝒶𝓁𝓁ℯ𝓃 𝒸ℴ𝓂𝓅𝒶𝓇ℯ𝒹 𝓉ℴ 𝒮𝒶𝓀𝓊𝒦𝒶𝓁𝓁ℯ𝓃 𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝒪𝓉𝓉ℴ𝒲ℯ𝓁𝓉 ⚜

Here I list content that is available for OttoKallen and the two rival ships, and compare it with each other. It is always claimed that OttoKallen has hardly any material that could classify it as canon. I would like to counter this argument. ~♥~ OttoKallen: - Both have the peculiarity of addressing the other with "My [Name]" or "My dear [Name]". In the webcomic "Moon Shadow", Otto speaks from Kallen as "my beloved" - Otto would sacrifice his life just to make Kallen happy. This is particularly evident in "Elan Palatinus" when he offers Void Archiev his body to revive Kallen's father. - Otto has two faces. Once that of the good-natured and loving boy and once that of the villain. Otto only shows his soft side when he's with Kallen. But maybe he's also worried about Theresa. - They had a adopted child named Octavia, who later dies. - In "Thus Spoke Apocalypse", the two are seen curled up next to a campfire with their hands crossed. Both are 13 years old at this point. - In the game, a scene just before Kallen's execution is shown. The two talk across the bars. It's an ultimatum. Either Kallen will marry Otto or she will be executed. The following things can be deduced from the conversation: 1. Possibly the two were already engaged at the time. 2. Kallen would like to marry Otto, but not in this world. - Kallen wrote Otto a letter before her execution. Two roses were attached to it, which in the language of flowers stand for a love returned. In addition, Kallen's gun and Otto's invention were in the box. - In said letter she also wrote that they BOTH did something bad. In "Secount Erruption" Kallen is seen as the person who believes in Otto's good heart. In fact, Kallen never saw Otto as a bad person. - In "Thus spoke Apocalypse" two stars are very present, which can stand for "Altar" and "Vega". The Chinese legend portrays a separated couple, which suits OttoKallen. A Twitter post from Mihoyo to Otto and Kallen, which says "I get closer to you, the more I distance myself from you" also underlines this thesis. - In Otto's official biography, Kallen is mentioned twice as the love of his life. - In the discrption of "Elan Palatinus" stands that Kallen must choose between her love and her oath. The comic takes place before the event in Yae Village and the breaking point of the comic is the breakup between Kallen and Otto. In that case, Otto will probably be meant by "love". - In Gun Girls Z 2 (Houkai Gakuen 2) Era:ZERO, the two get married and live happily together with Theresa as their daughter. - In "The secount Key" in a bubble universe, Otto and Kallen have married and a child together, who is quite similar to Theresa. - He made a games named Kallen Fantasy. In Kallen Fantasy III is the plot that Kallen fights Sakura to marry Otto. SakuKallen: - Kallen declaired, that she cares for Sakura and later wished to stay in Yae Village with Sakura. She also said "Just like I thought! You possessed Sakura! Demon in the Box, give my Sakura back!" - Kallen refuses to kill Sakura. - In "The great Graditute Arc." Kallen adressed Sakura as "my beloved" and Sakura Kallen as her "Soulmate". Later, Kallen's soul is absorbed into the Stigma World, allowing her to live with Sakura in the same. - There are three samsaras in total. In the first two, one kills the other. In the third, Sakura and Kallen live peacefully together. However, the real Kallen is not present. - Then there is a fourth samsara where Kallen leaves Sakura and later appears in front of her as "The Sixth Serenade" with the stolen cursed sword. She says the following to Sakura: "If you want to love, then do it while sou still young. Otherwise your love will just end up like this treasure. Stolen by me". Kallen also said "Huh? You also seem to be quite familiar, priestess. Allmost as if I´ve seen you somewhere before. This very well be the fablet "love at first site". But now is not the time for that. I am understanding your obsession, but I must you leaving now." (Part 2)

[bluerosejuliet]

Bridgerton Rebirth Idea

This prompt was inspired after reading the fabulous works of @thekatebridgerton and @daughter-of-sea-and-wisdom . You guys are amazing and thank you for inspiring me! 

Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth grew up together in modern times in the same orphanage. None of them were ever adopted and so they remained close even after they got their own places. Although their personalities are different, one thing they share in common is their love for a book series called: Bridgerton. While this did attract them all to the series there was a bigger element that kept them all entranced: the second love interest. While they all know from the summary of each book who the main love interests are, they find themselves more attracted to the secondary love interests. The chemistry between them and their respective Bridgerton were so good that it made them heartbroken when they didn’t wind up together. Even worse is how the love rivals aren’t even evil, they just stand by and smile sadly as their loved one marries another and lives happily ever after.

Daphne adored the slightly flirtatious conversation between Simon and her character, going so far as to skip the scenes with the main couple to get to his parts. She was honestly sobbing when her character married Prince Friedrich, not because the two lovers had come together after so many obstacles, she could care less about that. What got her was how the Duke of Hastings gave her a bracelet to wear for her wedding day, not telling her that was an item always worn by the Duchess of Hastings for generations. “For though Daphne Bridgerton might be becoming a princess that day, she would always be the Duchess of Simon’s heart.” That line made Daphne ball her eyes out.

Anthony on the other hand nearly threw his book out the window. While he understood his character’s attachment to Siena Rosso, with Kate he was able to let his walls down and the banter between the two was spectacular. She understood his commitment to his family and the trauma from his fathers death. Siena being the runaway daughter of a Baron felt like a weak plot point put in so the two characters could get married. He actually did throw his book when his character didn’t even bother to chase after Kate on the day she was to go back to India, instead focusing on a minor argument he had with his new wife Siena. “As Anthony Bridgerton kissed his wife amid the thunderous applause of the theater, Kate Sharma looked towards the rising sun on the horizon and felt her heart lighten as well. She may never love another as she loved Anthony Bridgerton but she would cherish the memories he gave her as she looked towards the future.” When Benedict came to borrow the book from him, Anthony threw it at his face.

Benedict didn’t understand why Anthony was so upset until he got through his own book and considered burning it afterwards. Sophie, in his humble and unbiased opinion, was an angel that his character did not deserve. After saving her years before from a bad situation, Sophie has been a constant in his life. She always tells him what she thinks, takes care of him when he’s sick and encourages him in his art. When he thinks he’s found his lady in silver, a mysterious painter who turns out to be a shy wallflower, she goes undercover as a ladies maid to help bring the two lovers together. Modern Benedict wants to scream when his character declares his love for his fellow artist even after he knows she’s not his lady in silver. “Sophie Beckett never revealed the truth behind the lady in silver or the mystery model to the Bridgertons. Instead she was content to act as governess to the family's children, knowing that she helped make two wonderful people wonderfully happy.” He stopped reading after that book, muttering how the author is blind to romance.

Colin had been the most optimistic out of everyone, thinking his character would surely end up with their sweet childhood friend Penelope. I mean the two have been friends since they were young and Penelope helped him escape his mothers nagging each season and would write to him constantly throughout his travels. His character even has a line in Benedict’s book about how Penelope is the one of the few things in his life that he can not lose. He really should have read the back cover summary. Perhaps then he would have been prepared for the return of Marina Crane nee Thompson, his character's first love who broke their engagement due to pressure from her family and married another man, even giving birth to his two children. His heart sank as Penelope helped the two wayward lovers come together once more even as her own heart was breaking. “Penelope smiled sadly amid the crowd of well wishers as Colin and Marina headed towards their honeymoon. While Colin Bridgerton would never be hers, he had taught her that she was someone worthy of love and perhaps one day she might come to love another as much as she loved him.” He donated the book to a library the next day, and then spent the rest of it watching the Great British Bake Off while eating a tub of ice cream.

Eloise was never one for romance novels but something about Sir Philip Crane stood out to her. He was nerdy and awkward but a wonderful uncle to his brother's children and a fabulous correspondent. When her character had decided to enter into a marriage with him and the two even seemed like they would be the endgame, she felt a bit smug that she could hold this book over the other’s heads. Afterall, Philip is mentioned on the back cover and has a blurb so she really doesn’t see how Theo Sharpe’s return is going to change anything. Oh how wrong she was. Eloise had to check to make sure there wasn’t a sequel to her book, one that continued with the current story, after her character leaves Sir Philip the day before their wedding to head off to Gretna Green with her first love. “He stood there in the doorway, long after Eloise’s carriage had disappeared from sight. For so long his father made him believe that no one would ever love him and yet Eloise Bridgerton had managed to prove his father wrong. Perhaps his father would think him a fool for letting her go so easily but Philip knew that to truly love someone meant putting their happiness above your own. And he may never love again as he loved Eloise but he would never regret even a second spent in her company.” Eloise offered to hold a book destroying event at her and Fran’s apartment.

It's a well known fact that Francesca loves a good love triangle and her book delivers. She’s kept reading each book in the series for glimpses of her character with her childhood friends John Sterling and his cousin Michael. Though her character’s crush on John is obvious, Francesca kept her fingers crossed that Michael would be the one she picked. I mean think about it! After years of pining after sweet oblivious John Sterling, she enlists the help of his cousin Michael to help get him to see her as a woman. Their lessons turned very heated at times and she was confident in who her character would choose. Only for John and Francesca to declare their undying love for each other and fall into bed together within three chapters. It honestly blindsided her. The author kept pointing out how Michael loved Francesca and hinted at it in every other book but mentioned very little of John's feelings till halfway through! The worst scene though was when Michael walks into the stables only to find Francesca locked in a heated embrace with John! “Michael thought of the story of King Solomon and the baby, could recall the vicar dramatically telling the story now. He knew he could still declare his feelings for Francesca, reveal what had been in his heart since they were young. But he would not force her to choose and would not destroy his relationship with the two most important in his life. Rather than confront the couple, he slowly backed away and headed back towards the lake.” Francesca was practically in tears, whimpering and begging the character to go after Michael. Unfortunately, the book ends with the main couple married as Michael goes off to fight in the oncoming wars, his future uncertain.

Hyacinth and was more confused when reading her book. What was the point in her character spending so much time helping Gareth St. Clair just so she can marry her brother Gregory’s friend, Richard Abernathy? It literally makes no sense! Okay so she understands that the character had a crush on Richard after Gregory introduced to him the family but kept messing up around him making her worried that he’ll think she’s too wild. With Gareth she was able to be herself and he appreciated her brilliant mind. Even when he’s helping her impress Richard, he tells her that a real man will love her for who she is. Oh sure Richard tells her he loves her just the way she is but it still felt like her namesake was holding herself even at the end. “As the happy couple launched into their first dance as husband and wife, Gareth watched them feeling a bit detached. All this time he’d been searching for answers, for the possible hidden treasure when he’d had a diamond in front of him all along. And just like his family's treasure, Hyacinth was now lost to him forever.” You can bet that the moment she finished that book, Hyacinth started writing fanfiction on Tumblr to fix the ending.

Gregory was the last of them to start reading the series and his friends did not prepare him! All they said was not to read the summaries but he decided to just skip to his book. The set up at the start seemed obvious. Lucy Abernathy, in love with her brother's best friend Gregory and the two are in laws now after Richard marries Hyacinth. She’s sarcastic and funny but sweet at the same time. But no, instead Gregory falls in love at first sight with Hermione Watson as they work together to save Lucy from her uncle's schemes. “ Lucy Abernathy had entered the season expecting to marry one man while being in love with another. And though the man she loved was now heading on his honeymoon with her best friend, she was glad that something good had come out of this mess. ‘Be happy you two,’ she whispered into the wind, knowing that her friends could not hear but hoping her prayer would still be heard.” Gregory may have sent Hyacinth a request on tumblr to fix the ending.

At one of their weekly gatherings, the friends are sitting in a bar ranting about the series when a woman interrupts them.

“Are you by chance talking about the Bridgerton series? I’ve heard it’s quite the hit,” she asks as Eloise snorts.

“Oh, parts of it are. Fair warning though the main love interests suck,” she snipes as the older woman raises an eyebrow.

“Is that so? How disappointing, I do love a good love story,” she sighs as Francesca smiles sympathetically.

“Believe me, it would be a far better love story if they ended up with the other love interest. The main ones are more bland than anything else,” Francesca replies as Hyacinth hums in agreement.

“I could write a much more exciting love story than what was given,” she sighs and the woman smiles oddly at them.

“Perhaps you could, my dear, perhaps you all could. Thank you for humoring me but I must be off,” she says before walking out. That night the friends all retire to their homes early.

However when they wake up the next morning, they discover themselves in an old fashioned home wearing old fashioned clothes. Even more curious is they have memories of living in this house and of the lovely brunette woman who is apparently their mother Lady Violet Bridgerton. The moment they hear that name it clicks. They’ve somehow been reborn into the world of Bridgerton and are remembering their memories from their past lives in modern London.

Later that night they meet in the library and figure out that they have a few months before the start of the first book. Without saying anything, everyone comes to a similar conclusion: this time they’ll make sure their characters end up with the right person.

I’ll probably write more of this if there is interest and feel free to send me any questions or requests. Even if it’s not about this AU. I may also post what the original books summaries were for the series so people have a better idea of what the original plots were.

[simmer-emsie]

Not So Berry Challenge 2

Couldn’t get enough of the original Not So Berry Legacy Challenge? Wishing you could play a challenge with all the new packs, careers, and aspirations? If you’ve been daydreaming about an updated Not So Berry Challenge (2020), look no further!

Welcome to the Not So Berry Legacy Challenge 2, a ten generation rags-to-riches legacy challenge with colour-themed heirs. Note: This challenge requires basically every pack except My First Pet Stuff and Journey to Batuu (...y’all know why).

Thank you to @lilsimsie​ and @alwaysimming​ for the inspiration (and the rules!).

Basic rules:

Each heir must represent the colour of the generation (like hair, makeup, clothing), but brightly-coloured skin isn’t necessary.

The colours of the spouses don’t matter as they aren’t part of the challenge. Unless otherwise stated you can do whatever you please with them.

Cheats can be used, but not excessively.

You may live wherever you please unless something is specified in the rules of a generation.

Every generation is supposed to complete both the career and aspiration of the heir unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Keep the lifespan on normal.

Generation One: Onyx

Long story short, your family kicked you out. Whatever. You couldn’t care less! You’ve always been the black sheep of the family, and now you’ve got to go out on your own just like you always planned. You work odd jobs to make ends meet, but you never seem to get ahead.

Traits: Slob, Evil, Freegan

Aspiration: Beach Life

Career: Odd jobs only

Rules:

Complete the Beach Life aspiration.

Start on an empty lot with 100 Simoleons. Hard mode: Start as a teen.

Marry the first adult Sim to rate you 5 stars for a job. 

Max the fishing and fabrication skills.

Your only friend is your spouse.

Generation Two: Sapphire

Growing up, you had a hard life. Your parents were always struggling, and they rarely had time to raise you. You spent a lot of time eating snacks instead of meals and hanging out at the park. Honestly? You kind of resent them for it. You know you’ll never treat your own kids that way. In fact, you’d do anything for your kids… including indulging in a little five-finger discount at the neighbour’s house.

Traits: Family-Oriented, Kleptomaniac, Loves Outdoors

Aspiration: Big Happy Family

Career: Babysitter (Teen), Business

Rules:

Complete the Big Happy Family aspiration and reach level 10 of the Business career.

Max the logic, mischief, and parenting skills.

Have a negative relationship with both your parents.

Every time you Woohoo, it must be “try for a baby”. 

Add a new piercing or tattoo for every new child you have.

Generation Three: Morganite

You were raised in a hectic household. You shared a room with all your siblings, and never got an ounce of privacy. To get away from it all, you spent your days on the monkey bars and later on the rock-climbing wall. You get an apartment on your own as soon as you’re old enough in a faraway town, and learn quickly that you’re much more special than your upbringing would have you believe.

Traits: Adventurous, Proper, Self-Absorbed

Aspiration: Extreme Sports Enthusiast

Career: Style Influencer

Rules:

Complete the Extreme Sports Enthusiast aspiration and reach level 10 of the Style Influencer career.

Max the fitness, rock climbing, and the skiing or snowboarding skills.

Move to Mt. Komorebi as a young adult.

Marry a Sim you meet on the slopes.

Have one child only (you may cheat for this).

Generation Four: Quartz

Your parent was a bit of a public figure, but you always shied away from the limelight. You like cats and romance novels, and all you really want to do is knit clothes for charity. You lead a book club and sometimes play the piano when the other book club members ask you to.

Traits: Cat-Lover, Creative, Bookworm

Aspiration: Lord or Lady of the Knits

Career: Politician (Charity Organizer branch)

Rules:

Complete the Lord or Lady of the Knits aspiration and reach level 10 of the Politician career in the Charity Organizer branch.

Max the knitting, charisma, and piano skills.

Adopt at least two cats from the shelter and one stray cat.

Lead a book club.

Have an on-again, off-again relationship with a book club member.

Never marry.

Generation Five: Citrine

You’ve always wanted to be the best at everything. You really, really want to impress your parent, but they don’t seem to have time for you between caring for all the cats and the book club. You get the best grades in school, participate in extracurriculars, and you even party the hardest at university. You never want to settle down, but you can’t stop love from sprouting when one day your academic rival winks instead of snarls. Also, you really, really hate cats.

Traits: Ambitious, Genius, Perfectionist

Aspiration: Academic

Career: Scout (Child/Teen), Engineer

Rules:

Complete the Academic aspiration and reach level 10 of the Engineer career.

Max the robotics, research and debate, dancing, and DJ mixing skills.

Go to university, live on campus, and get a degree (Computer Science or Physics).

Marry a Sim from the rival university.

As an elder, pursue a second degree.

Generation Six: Jade

As the child of an engineer, you’re familiar with mechanics and electricity and the inevitable dark plumes of smoke. As you get older, you realize you want to make up for the carbon footprint of your parent through living an entirely green life. As a vegetarian, you love thinking up new and creative recipes, and the cooking channel is the soundtrack of your life.

Traits: Vegetarian, Green Fiend, Recycle Disciple

Aspiration: Eco Innovator

Career: Civil Designer

Rules:

Complete the Eco Innovator aspiration and reach level 10 of the Civil Designer career.

Max the cooking, gourmet cooking, and juice fizzing skills.

Have a “green” lot with extremely reduced bills.

Maintain an herb garden for your kitchen.

Host a community barbecue every Saturday afternoon.

Generation Seven: Amber

After growing up on collard greens and tofu, you can’t help but eat as much as you can of everything that you can. Your parent was entirely selfless, but all you ever wanted was to be spoiled. You make it your mission in life to be as rich as possible, and to become super famous through acting. Right before your death, you're overcome by altruism and give the family fortune to charity.

Traits: Self-Assured, Hates Children, Glutton

Aspiration: Fabulously Wealthy

Career: Actor

Rules:

Complete the Fabulously Wealthy aspiration and reach level 10 of the Acting career.

Max the acting and mixology skills.

Marry an actor more famous than you.

As an elder, master the wellness skill.

On your Sim’s final day of life, use the “money 100” cheat.

Generation Eight: Amazonite

Okay, so, your parent went off the deep end and now you have no money. Not to worry! You’ve always been interested in the outdoors and travelling, so you decide to become an archaeologist. That’ll bring in some money… right? You take on a job gardening too, just in case.

Traits: Goofball, Good, Erratic

Aspiration: Archaeology Scholar

Career: Gardener

Rules:

Complete the Archaeology Scholar aspiration and reach level 10 of the Gardening career.

Max the archaeology, gardening, and Selvadorian culture skills.

Collect all 9 relics.

Have twins a few days before you become an elder (you may cheat for this).

Generation Nine: Topaz

You’re a really important person in your career, which kind of sucks because you’re also secretly a magician! When you were very young, you tried to use magic to prevent your elderly parents from dying. Spoiler alert: It didn’t work, but you continued on your spellcasting journey. You use humour to deflect questions about unearthly happenings around you. Your faithful dog is your closest companion, but also much too smart for a regular dog… Hopefully no one at work catches on.

Traits: Clumsy, Loner, Cheerful

Aspiration: Spellcraft & Sorcery

Career: Salaryperson

Rules:

Complete the Spellcraft & Sorcery aspiration and reach level 10 of the Salaryperson career.

Max the comedy and pet training skills.

Have a familiar (preferably your dog, but it’s up to you!).

Break up with your partner when they realize you’re a magician. Then, marry them to make sure they keep the secret.

Generation Ten: Ruby

Your family has a long and lustrous history. You’ve been told your oldest ancestor had nothing but 100 Simoleons to their name. Well, you have no interest in letting your good name come to an end. You seek to maintain the bloodline forevermore with immortality (...and social media). 

Traits: Snob, Art-Lover, Hot-Headed

Aspiration: Vampire Family

Career: Social Media (Internet Personality branch)

Rules:

Complete the Vampire Family aspiration and reach level 10 of the Social Media career in the Internet Personality branch.

Max the painting, pipe organ, media production, and vampire lore skills.

Become a master vampire.

Become a 5-star celebrity.

Turn your spouse into a vampire*.

*You may, if you wish, name the Ruby heir Carlisle. You may not, under any circumstances, name them Edward.

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Not So Berry Legacy Challenge 2! …Now what?

[retroyousei]

Female characters in retro shojo [70s edition, part 2]

In this series, the female characters in 70s shojo are being analysed. In part one, three of the most common types were examined; the “average” protagonists, the villains and the tomboys. In this article, other three very common types are being discussed.

The westerners innocent blondies

They are either orphans who just want to find a place to belong, princesses who dream about falling in love, or normal girls who always knew that they weren’t where they meant to be and they somehow discover that they are royalty or from a noble family. Either way, they are lively, innocent, but naive, so sometimes they may be betrayed or belittled, but they have a kind heart that knows how to forgive and have faith on people, so they make friends easily. Many times they are portrayed as Tomboys who love the nature and sometimes they get into trouble accidentally. They may seem helpless and dense sometimes, but despite all of this, they are actually very independent, as they may travel to the other side of the world all alone if they have to (they will make new friends wherever they go anyway) and if they need to, they can kick some serious ass too. But their most precious weapon is their inner strength to move forward, no matter what.

In “Candy Candy” Candy, is an orphan girl who goes through so many hardships. At first, her best friend Annie gets adopted, leaving her behind, but her troubles had just begun. She gets adopted by a rich family to keep company to their daughter, named Elisa who is the one who, along with her brother will constantly try to make her life miserable, firstly when she was staying at their house, then in the private school in England and afterwards when she was working as a nurse. But Candy makes many friends and has many allies and with her inner strength and lust for life, she overcomes all the obstacles that she faces. But that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t lose some of her dearest friends along the way. As she grows up she learns the hardships of life, but all those obstacles makes her only stronger and she never loses her hope for a better tomorrow.

In “the Rose of Versailles” we see Marie Antoinette evolving from an innocent and silly girl, to an irresponsible young woman, to a sorrowful, regretful, but determined queen. In the first volumes, she was still a child who just wanted to have fun and didn’t care about homework, traditions and preparations for being a queen. Later, during her first years as a queen she was portrayed as a naive person who didn’t make the right choices. Also, her friendship with Countess de polignag was a bad influence for her as she goaded her into gambling. But she was also well intensioned and just wanted her loved ones to be happy. Oscar always tried to be her voice of reason, but it wasn’t enough. Later it was more and more clear that she was spending her country’s money in clothes, gardening and building the petit Trianon to be with her inner circle, because she wanted to fill the void of being a woman who cannot be with her beloved. In the end, during the time that she was captured, before her decapitation, she surprisingly matured, realised what she had done all those years and wanted to make things right, but it was too late. Her final thoughts was about her family, Fersen and Oscar and she was proud and composured until her last breath. Throughout the story she was portrayed as an innocent woman who was sacrificed for the sake of politics.

In “Alpen Rose” Jeudi is an amnesiac girl who lives in Alpes with a boy named Lundi. She works as a nurse and has a quiet life, until a French nobleman captures her. Luckily she is very clever and with Lundi’s help they get away. And that’s how their journey towards finding Jeudi’s parents start. Along the way, Jeudi befriends many people, like a little girl with his brother and his girlfriend, a journalist who helps her a lot, a young couple and a mysterious musician named Leonard Aschenbach. Jeudi is different from other characters in this particular category because of her wit and courage. She also has a strong sense of justice and in matters of life and death, such as hiding from the nazis in the trains, planning traps for them and solving mysteries with the information that she gathers with the help of her friends, she succeeds. She also cares about the others and tries to see the good side in everyone. When she finally found her mother, she was asked from her grandparents to pretend that she wasn’t her daughter, because she was blind and in a fragile state, besides there was another girl who resembled Alicia (Jeudi’s real name) a lot. She had patience and it was repaid in the end.

Rosalie from “Rose of Versailles” was a poor girl who lived with her mother and her sister Joanne and she just wanted for others to be healthy and was happy with the simplest of things, like being able to buy bread and helping other children in the neighborhood who can’t afford to eat anything. When her mother is killed by Polignag who was in fact her birth mother, she is devastated and swears that she is going to get revenge from the nobles who don’t care about anyone else. When she befriends Oscar and Andre and stays at Jerjeyes household, she learns fencing, manners, horseriding and and history, to make her debut in Versailles. There, she meets the woman who killed her mother, her sister who suicides because of Polignag and managed to get away from her. She also felt disappointed with her other sister, Jeanne who betrayed her, but she was sad when she was killed. Later she meets and falls in love with Bernard, a friend of Oscar and they get married. As the years passed by, she evolved from a stereotypical nice girl, into an accomplished woman who can protect herself and the others. By the end of the story she was pretty much the only one from the main characters who stayed alive.

There are many other characters who fit this image, such as Georgie from “Lady Georgie”, who lived in Australia with a family that wasn’t hers and after meeting an English noble young man, Lowel, they fall in love, so she decides to follow him in England where she makes new friends, faces many enemies and also finds out about her real family. Lynn from “Lady Lady” travels to England to live with her father and her step sister and there she faces her evil step mother and her children, but she also finds many allies too.

Note: “Anne of green gables” was and still is popular in Japan, because of Anne’s passion for freedom and expression, the book’s “pastel” aesthetic, so Anne’s imagination and strength despite being an orphan, might have inspired those characters.

The worthy rivals

Those ladies tend to have what the main heroine lacks and they serve as her opposite. They tend to be considered prettier than the main characters and that circumstances are easier for them, something that isn’t true. They also appear to be elegant and refined, on oppose to the heroine who is more clumsy and tomboyish. They are usually more practical, down to earth and skilful than the main heroine, causing her to feel inferior to them. They may start off as the snobbish girls who look down on her and don’t take her seriously, due to her clumsiness and her easy going attitude towards work, but as the time goes by, they realise her real talent and her worth, causing them to consider her as a worthy opponent and expect great things from her. They may appear as almost perfect at everything they do, but the truth is that they are also insecure and they are having other types of problems, such as finding it very difficult to make friends, due to their cold nature, as they always appear antagonistic and determined to win. But as time goes by they may change their attitude with the help of the heroine, or better, with their own realisation.

Ayumi from “Glass Mask” is the greatest example of this. She is the daughter of a famous actress and a famous director and she was always on spotlight ever since she was a kid. She is beautiful, refined, elegant and admired by everyone, also considered to be a genius, as she excels at acting techniques, dancing and reciting. Her family environment helped her to pursue a successful career as an actress. But that doesn’t mean that she is rest assured as she always seeks to exceed her parents’ talent, so that people will see her as her and not as a daughter of famous parents. She also stated that no one truly knows how hard she worked in order to reach her current level. And that hard work was something that she succeeded on her own. When she encountered Maya for the first time and faced her on the stage, even though she (Ayumi) was better than her, she felt as though she was defeated. From that moment, even though it seemed like Ayumi had everything and Maya had nothing, Ayumi always thought that Maya had something that she lacked; a deep understanding of the characters that she portrays. Ayumi may excel at the techniques of acting, but she never manages to portray the true depth of emotion of each character. Her portraits of characters are accurate and true to the play, but Maya’s are refreshing and original. Even when it’s clear that she is way ahead of Maya, she always walks off stage with the feeling that she was defeated. As a rival, she is also very fair and she likes to unlimitedly challenge Maya in many ways. Of course, as the story progresses, Ayumi’s talent evolves and she becomes more open as a person.

In “Candy Candy”, Flanny is a girl who works as a nurse in the same hospital with Candy. She is the best of the nurses there, as she’s always on time, always knows what to do, is very practical and smart, yet she is rather cold and distant towards others. She only cares to get things done, that’s why she is often annoyed by Candy’s bubbly nature. What’s more, as soon as she learns that Candy is an Ardley, she assumes that she only works out of boredom, contrary to her, who she has to support her poor family. She even goes at the front, to work as a nurse and support the soldiers there. Candy respects her for that this and she visits Flanny’s family to inform them about her decision, as her own relationship with them is bad, as she only sends them her monthly allowance and they never seem to appreciate her hard work. Her and Candy make an interesting dynamic and many stated that both of them make the perfect nurse, with Candy’s gentle and caring personality and Flanny’s practical skills. At the end, both of them learned from one another.

In “Swan”, Sayoko is a refined woman who loved ballet ever since she was a child. But when she meets Masumi for the first time, she starts being insecure about herself and afraid that she will overshadow her, as she’s younger than her with a bright future, whereas she had a night of glory as a prima ballerina, but after an accident she needs to learn how to dance again. But she still feels sympathy for her, besides they both shared their love for ballet, thus a rivalry begins.

In “Aim For The Ace” Reika is the best player on the tennis team and so her nickname is “Madame Butterfly”, due to her grace in the field. Hiromi is fascinated by her and even though at first Reika isn’t impressed by her, later she appreciates her skills and thus a friendship begins.

The “damsel in distress” love antagonists

They are fragile, sweet and pretty, that’s for sure. They are either the daughters of an important family which aspires to marry them with the love interest, thus expand their power, or they are someone who because of some circumstances, grew closer to the love interest, before the main character even could or when she was separated from him for various reasons. Nevertheless, they are in a better social situation from the heroine. Their character arc usually begins at some crucial point of the plot, which is halfway through the story, when the main character and the love interest’s relationship have had already developed, but had not quite bloomed yet. They are considered to be innocent and kind, contradictory to the main character who is much more spontaneous, causing trouble to other sometimes. As expected, they slowly fall in love with the main love interest, in some cases before the main character even realises that she loves him. Either way, those characters add an extra dose of melodrama and constitute to the story, sometimes a little bit, some others a lot to a point of changing it.

Shiori from “Glass Mask” is an interesting case. She is a lady from a wealthy family, so she’s elegant and accomplished. She’s also very pretty, but fragile, as she suffers from anemia and many times she passes out. At first, she’s sympathetic, as she goes out with Masumi and starts falling for him, even though Masumi loves Maya. But as the story progresses, looking at the way Masumi talks to her (Maya), she starts to suspect that he likes her. Slowly but steadily, she evolves into a manipulative woman, who uses her weak health to keep him close. She sees Maya as a threat and she goes out of her way to make her seem like a bad person in front of Masumi. When he learns about all of this, he breaks up with her, but afterwards, Shiori attempts suicide and passes out. When she recovers, she loses almost all of her sense and she goes mad. She’s hospitalised in her room, where she barely speaks and sometimes she growls Maya’s name, rips apart her pictures in magazines and orders bouquets of purple roses to rip them too. At this point of the story, her parents don’t allow him to break their engagement, until their daughter recovers, leaving him responsible for her. In conclusion, Shiori evolves from a sympathetic woman, to a pathetic creature who’s adrift to its feelings.

Susanna from “Candy Candy” is a young talented actress, with a good heart, who works at the same theater company with Terry. During the time of their troupe’s performances in Chicago, she starts falling for him. Seeing that Terry’s heart is set on elsewhere she tries to keep him distant from Candy. Later on, in New York, during a rehearsal, the spotlight that was above of Terry, was ready to fall, so Susanna ran and pushed him away to save him, but the spotlight fell down before she could walk away from it. In the hospital, the troupe learns that she’s alive and healthy, but unfortunately the doctors were unable to save her legs and were forced to amputate them, meaning that her career as an actress was over. Terry took the responsibility, having a strong sense of duty and being pressured by Susanna’s mother. When Candy arrived to New York and see his play, she learned about it soon. Before she even fathom the news, she ran to catch up to Susanna, to save her from a balcony, before she could jump, trying to suicide, to free Terry and let him be with the one he loved. Candy manages to save her and decides to leave them be. So Terry chose to stay with Susanna to take care of her.

Lalissa from “Haikara-San Ga Toru” is a character that appears in the second half of the story. She’s a Russian noble, who arrived to Tokyo with her husband, who is in fact not her real one, but he’s Shinobu who suffers from amnesia after the war and believes that he’s married to her. Lalissa is elegant and quiet, but sad and the truth is that she had lost her real husband, that’s why she wants Shinobu near her, due to his resemblance to him. Benio, who’s Shinobu’s sweetheart, believing that he was dead, was shocked when she saw them together. But due to the circumstances and the fact that Lalissa suffers from tuberculosis, Benio decides to give up on him. But when the Kanto earthquake stroke, Lalissa was severely injured and ready to die, whereas Shinobu regained his memory and she told him to marry Benio and be happy.

Another mention, is Marie from “Alpen Rose” who liked Lundi and that was the reason that she miraculously stood up from her wheelchair to help him, although it’s clear that he likes Jeudi.

[bontenten]

The Choosing

Pairing: Daichi x f!reader (ft. Captain Squad <3 and Sakusa)

WC: 3.2k

Genre/Warnings: Crack/Bad Humor, Smut, Romance, Reverse Harem, Royalty AU!, mention or hints of size kink, exhibitionism, creampie, breeding kink, dick and ball worship, you’re perverted and gross

Summary: You are the Princess of the Kingdom of YoreNaym and you need to choose a husband.

Repost from my main because I say so. Lee... :gru: i miss u

Also, no beta we die like Daichi.

It’s a tradition carried through many, many generations that the daughters of nobility from the Kingdom of YoreNaym must choose a suitor from the eligible bachelors from the neighboring kingdoms. It’s a show of kinship to the other kingdoms and also a means of securing peace.

At some point, everyone’s sister’s cousin’s second uncle’s sworn brother’s adopted daughter’s nephew twice-removed will be related and connect back to the Kingdom of YoreNaym. In short, the blood of this kingdom’s daughters unite the lands. No incest, there’s enough genetic diversity, if you will. And because you are also a princess of this kingdom, it’s your turn. Yay.

While growing up, you hear the elders say that the youngsters should be grateful that they have the agency to at least pick a suitor. They spin their looms and cackle, reminiscing that, “Back in our days, we didn’t get to have a choice. Our elders appointed a spouse for us from whichever kingdom had a suitor. Unlike you girls who get to choose, ungrateful wenches…”

Does it really matter? It’s just the false pretense of choice, isn’t it? At the end of the day the selection of eligible bachelors are all chosen ahead of time, deemed worthy, and then after the initial picking, you are just allowed to pick. It doesn’t matter who you choose, any one of them will fit the criteria. Maybe you’ll just close your eyes and pick one randomly. Can you actually say, “I’ll choose my own hand and marry myself.”

That’s pretty brave, hell yea that’s a main character move right there. Speaking of which, who are the eligible bachelors you can choose from today? It’s practically your engagement day, yet you really haven’t been paying any attention at all.

“Hey,” you whisper, lifting the curtain of the palanquin. A maid quickly answers to your beckon.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Who are the candidates today again? You have a...list or brochure of sorts?”

“Just a moment, my lady, I’ll retrieve the scroll for you.”

You open the scroll and peruse the contents. Huh, all the neighboring kingdoms are going all out this year. There’s the Kingdoms of Nekoma, Inarizaki, Fukurodani, Aoba Johsai, Shiratorizawa...Wow, even Johzenji and Nohebi have candidates? Funny, all of these are all presenting their crown princes too. As they should, you are the most beloved princess of the Kingdom of YoreNaym, and the suitor you choose will bring you back as a blessing to his kingdom. It’s a total bummer that the Kingdom of Itachiyama isn’t participating this year. Sakusa’s crown prince succession is next year! You have heard so many swoon worthy stories about that princeling, even paid handsome amounts of money for paparazzi paintings of the beautiful man. No one will find out that the princess of YoreNaym actually hoards little pictures of Prince Sakusa in her panties drawers. It’s a shame you aren’t picking your husband next year.

There’s one more Kingdom on the list that surprises you. Kingdom of Karasuno, or more commonly referred to as the Kingdom of “Fallen Crows”. According to legends, they used to be quite a prosperous kingdom, but after a few generations of inept leadership, a drought, and poor trade economy...the Kingdom has mostly faded into obscurity. It’s been years since a suitor candidate has been offered. So who is it?

“Sawamura Daichi,” you whisper to yourself, “Interesting.”

The festival ground outdoors is especially grand. There are a huge number of tables prepared off to the side for guests. Trays of food, fruits and wine are provided for every single guest in attendance. You are led by the attendants to the temporary throne seat as the guest of honor. As you make your way to the throne, all the guests stand up to acknowledge your entrance. It’s so pressuring and a part of you wishes you can just dig a hole and bury yourself on the spot. You don’t even want to think about how many eyes are on you. They are all just jealous because, really. Take my word for it, I’m the narrator.

When you take a seat, the guests reseat themselves. A shaman comes to the center stage and bows to you.

“My lady, the time is auspicious, let us commence the Festival of Unity. At this time, I’ll be introducing the eligible bachelors from neighboring kingdoms near and far. They have passed the arduous tests and come as the best to offer in asking for your hand. Each of the suitors will present to you with a talent or skill, as to show you their excellence. After the demonstrations, you will be allowed to take your pick. Whereupon you will—”

“Okay, I get it! They will participate in a talent show, we clap, and I choose a husband, I got it!” You snap, cutting the shaman’s words off. Your patience is wearing thin.

A number of guests can be heard mumbling in the crowds, probably commenting on your behavior. Your eyes scan the guests, you can care less. Judgmental eyes, scheming eyes, lecherous eyes, disgusting eyes....Your gaze meeting with a pair of eyes that are absolutely blank. Wait, not blank as in emotionless. Non-judgemental? The opposite of unkind? Dare you say, polite? He gives you a smile and returns to taking a sip from his goblet. You scan his clothing up and down to look for his family crest. Black and orange. A crow. Karasuno.

Your thoughts are jumbled as an increasing amount of questions fill your mind. He? Karasuno? That Kingdom of Fallen Crows? You barely hear the shaman announce the first candidate.

“Bokuto Koutarou from Kingdom of Fukurodani.” Bokuto is a very large, very well built man. He is wearing his family crest of an owl across his back proudly. You can tell his chest is incredibly broad, the bulge of his big tiddies stretch the tight shirt he’s in. If you squint hard enough, you can maybe see the outline of his nipples through the training shirt, but maybe that’s just your perverted imagination too. Bokuto comes to the center stage and greets you.

“Hey! I’ll uh, demonstrate my strength to you, my lady.” He easily picks up a huge hunk of metal and lifts it with ease above his head. Damn beefiness, those arms of his. Seeing the bulges flex when he flexes has you dreaming of mouth along that delicious flesh. And when he pins you down under his massive body? Ooh, if this is the first demonstration, you’re excited to see the whole lineup today. Gasps and murmurs can be heard in the crowd. Bokuto grins and drops the load on the ground. You can almost feel the tremors beneath your feet. Truly, a herculean feat.

“Thank you, Bokuto, I have seen your demonstration and all those here are witnesses.”

Bokuto’s demonstration is a showy start of the competition for your hand. The shaman announces the next candidate. “Ushijima Wakatoshi from the Kingdom of Shiratorizawa.”

Ushijima walks up to the stage exuding the regal aura of nobility; a byproduct of his strict upbringing. The twin crests of an eagle decorate his shoulder pads. His expression is quite cold, but there’s a saying, “it’s always the quiet ones.” You lick your lips and study him some more.

“Greeting to the princess,” he says with a deep bow. “I also bring a demonstration of my martial prowess.” Ushijima takes off the bow and quiver of arrows from his back and nods at his attendant who then catapults three apples high up into the air. Everyone’s eyes follow the  trajectory of the objects, squinting to see what’s happening. No way.

Ushijima draws the bow back and calmly shoots one arrow, perfectly spearing the three fruits along the shaft. The crowd bursts into cheers. You also find your tight grip on armrest loosening, the tension from the scene dissipating in a moment. Ushijima’s calmness, accuracy, decision-making...he would make a very suitable partner for sure. Co-workers of sorts, that is.

You know your marriage carries a lot of weight politically and the fate of the whole universe will rest on your decision. Maybe not the whole universe, but close enough. But, marital bliss is important too right? Is Ushijima the right choice? There are still many more candidates, it’ll be best not to make a rash decision. Your gaze wanders over back to the Karasuno prince who is clapping earnestly for Ushijima’s performance. He’s acknowledging a rival’s strength, you think to yourself. Well, that’s certainly a rare but admirable trait. A confident man, he is.

After Ushijima’s demonstration, Oikawa Tooru’s enchanting musical performance offers a much desired change of pace. The rhythm and melody from his zither carries both the energy of fortitude as well as a graceful spirit. Quite stunning, but just not quite the musical vibe you’re feeling at the moment. Bummer, maybe a different day, really. Could be friends?

Kuroo Tetsurou from the Kingdom of Nekoma offers a particularly memorable performance too. Kuroo comes to the center stage with a trough filled with flames. Everyone is at a loss as to what is going on. Kuroo flashes you a grin before taking out a few pouches containing some powders. In a poof, the flames burst alive with colors blending blues and purples. And moments later yellows and greens, even reds. No one has ever seen fire change color like so.

“Witchcraft!” someone gasps.

“No it must be alchemy. Dangerous craft,” another adds.

Kuroo bows to you. “My lady, this is called chemistry, a discipline of science.”

Kuroo’s smiles teeter on the edge of flirtations and you cannot deny that your heart flutters just slightly when you see his crooked grin. He’s intelligent, humorous, and attractive. Definitely also a contender. A union with him might be fun. And especially when you see Kuroo run a hand through his messy, black locks and give you a piercing gaze, you almost wonder if this is the feeling of chemistry. It feels like you are naked under his seductive, golden eyes, completely submitted to his will and absolutely drugged. And you fear that if he sends you another one of his grins, you’ll come untouched. Dangerous, send him off immediately.

“Thank you, Kuroo, I have seen your demonstration and all those here are witnesses.”

After Kuroo, many more candidates also come to the center stage for their demonstrations. Kita Shinsuke from the Kingdom of Inarizaki composes and recites poetry on the spot. His literary talents and mastery of public speech move a very large crowd of the literati officials. Kita is a charismatic leader and commands confidence. But he doesn’t seem to be the best fit. Your brain says ‘yes’, but your coochie just isn’t feeling it. The nerve signals say no.

Terushima Yuuji demonstrates a one-man comedy show, but his storytelling skills, although humorous, fall just a little short after Kita’s. Had Terushima been slotted for a different position, perhaps he would make a stronger impact.

Daishou Suguru. Interesting. But tongue itself will eventually get boring too.

A few more candidates demonstrate their talents to you. Most of them fail to impress you at all. Your blank expression is more than enough to make a few almost shit their pants or cry on the way they exit the stage. It’s really not their fault, you’re just a bit tired after seeing so many performances and demonstrations. You are just trying to find the best fit after all. It’s your duty and responsibility as the muthereffing princess of the Kingdom of YoreNaym.

“Sawamura Daichi from the Kingdom of Karasuno.”

The crowd is silent as Daichi stands up from his seat and makes his way to the center. His shoulder is relaxed and his head is held high. He doesn’t have the large build of Bokuto nor is he decked out in regal fabrics like Ushijima. His hair is simple and clean. His expression is polite and pleasant. Amongst the sea of beautiful and talented men, Daichi is like an ordinary seashell buried in the sand. But like how too many bites of dessert beckon the simplicity of water, Daichi’s humble presence makes him stand out in particular.

Daichi bows deeply. “I send my deepest regards to the princess. I am Sawamura Daichi from the Kingdom of Karasuno.”

“Please rise, Sawamura. What demonstration do you bring to me today?”

“My lady, I have nothing showy in particular. I only bring myself. And please feel free to call me Daichi.” You can feel his piercing gaze on you, confident and assertive. So he has some guts. It beckons you to submit, but you bite back. Grrrrr.

“Just yourself? That’s quite cocky of you Daichi. Others bring talents and demonstrations of qualities that make them fit as my suitor. What do you have to offer for me to choose you? Or is that something you are not looking for at all?”

“Karasuno,” Daichi begins, “Karasuno is a good kingdom. For many years long ago, our people have suffered greatly and we have gained a poor moniker. However, for the last few years, the kingdom has made significant progress and improvements. Alongside my brethren and officers of my court,” Daichi gestures to his entourage sitting off to the side, “We have come a long way. ”

“You tell me much about your home, Daichi, but what about you?”

Daichi pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. He is well aware of the pressures you are putting on him, testing his convictions to the limit. You are a princess after all, so it’s only natural that you test his qualifications. Diachi swallows his nerves and faces your confrontation head on.

“I come to tell you the truth, my lady. I cannot hide these facts about myself or my kingdom. I am truthful, honest, but I have an unshaken belief that my kingdom will prosper because I have my closest and trusted with me. Each of them have their talents and strengths. Karasuno is a band with a bit of everything, and we’re family.”

You inwardly sigh. It seems like Daichi won’t be completely living up your hopes. At first you thought that his confident yet humble demeanor must hide something. Something incredible, because he can sit back and freely applaud other men for their talents. Something remarkable because he doesn’t feel the need to jump out in front of others. Something big. Very big.

“I don’t doubt your family’s bond or strength, but I am here to choose a suitor, a husband in layman's terms. So, I suppose that—”

“Wait,” Daichi cries out, and gestures towards his Karasuno brethren.

A tangerine head jumps up and brings out a scroll. He skips a few steps towards you and passes the document over to the shaman who brings it to you.

“My resume, if you will, my lady. I have no other talents but what is shown there.”

You glance at Daichi, studying him closely. From his clenched fist, you can tell that even in this moment, he’s a bit shaken and nervous. You undo the ties on the scroll and unravel the contents.

All eyes are fixed on you, trying to decipher every microexpression you make. The slight widened eyes, the twitch of the brow. The slight part of the lips and the deep breathes from you trying to calm the invisible fire that’s building in your core. It’s big. If the resume is accurate, Daichi’s demeanor truly is hiding a beast. A massive, humongous, schlong. Finer than any specimen you have seen in banned pictorial books you read and hide under your massive princess bed.

The sheer size and girth of the XL 2d image is rendered in X-TRA fine detail. You brush a finger onto the parchment, tracing the lines depicting the veins running along the shaft. You gulp, rubbing your finger down what is drawn as a big, swollen tip that’s glistening. Artists these days are so detail-oriented, it looks as if precum is just dripping from the tip and shimmering. So realistic, you just want to take it all into your mouth. To gag or to choke. Neither are a question.

The balls, those massive balls that are the storehouses for an endless supply of fresh cum. Organics from the finest the kingdom has to offer. Precious jewels hanging at the base, ripe for your licking. It looks so juicy and plump and you want nothing more than to rub your cheeks, cooing at how cute they are.

You know it’s good. It better be good if the painting is depicting something this sumptuous. If this is the real deal, then you really have nailed the jackpot and secured a brilliant future for yourself. Marital bliss. Bedroom adventures. Bedroom adventures where he’ll fulfill every nightmarish fantasy you ever have. It’ll be hard at first, your cunt’s so tight and he’s so big! But it’s okay, you’ll take him like the royal princess you are because the Kingdom of YoreNaym raises whores and sluts only!

No scratch that. Coital activities can take place anywhere. Maybe you’ll cockwarm him while the two of you hear what the morning court has to say about the affairs of the kingdom. Maybe you’ll find yourself tumbling around in the garden after a cute game of hide and seek, skirt hiked up, as he fucks a grass stain into your back! Okay. That might not be the best idea. Perhaps just once. For novelty’s sake.

But hear me out, when you are sneaking into the kitchen for some snacks, he’ll pin you on the large baker’s table and just take you right there to fuck his babies into your womb. His cock pumping into you as the table creaks and shakes from his thunderous movements. He’ll fill you to the brim with copious amounts of his hot cum, heaps and heaps of them, just like the baker fills the buns with cream custard in the most obscene fashion ever. Watch your belly rise and bulge up like pastries in the oven. Oooh cummies.

You sigh and squirm in the seats as you continue examining the masterpiece of a dick. You feel your heartbeat racing wildly as if you are caught tinkling in the castle fountain. It’s unknown if you ever did that, by the way. Just saying, your memory is failing you just a tad. But oh gosh, you’re wet already. The slick pooling between your folds is just soaking through your princess panties; the ones in the drawer where you keep all your secret prince Sakusa drawings heehee. But Sakusa’s pretty face aside, you are now face to face with the most magnificent dick pic you’ll ever receive. Not really unsolicited, but damn work of art. Literally.

The crowd is silent when you clear your throat and roll up the scroll, taking extra care to not let anyone else touch your new precious treasure. You lean forward and perceive Daichi. Daichi gives you a cocky grin, showing his teeth. Slightly stained with the wine, but it’s just temporary. It doesn’t matter as long as the real deal is...well, real.

Daichi catches your eyes wandering to the outline of the bulge between his legs. The glorious dickprint that he’s casually showing to everyone present. It puts Herculean Bokuto to shame, Ushijima into a blushing mess. Kuroo nearly snorts his colored powders. Daishou’s tongue hangs out and dries. Oikawa is sent to the medics. Kita no longer waxes poetry about the weather. Terushima leaves the party early.

Daichi is smug and casually asks, “My lady, would you like to examine the goods? I am a pure man and would not carelessly offer tastes to anyone. But you are a princess of the Kingdom of YoreNaym. You can have a sampling before you commit. Satisfaction guaranteed.”

[nmikaelsonimagines]

Right Where You Left Me: A Klaus Mikaelson Imagine

Request from @s-r-amikaelson: hi, lovely, i saw your "Evermore" list, so could please do a Klaus x Reader with the song "right where you left me" from Taylor? Kisses, sweetie

Hope this is okay for you lovely, and enjoy x

Want to hear the song? Find a link to it just below:

Right Where You Left Me

Friends break up, friends get married Strangers get born, strangers get buried Trends change, rumors fly through new skies

He wouldn’t be there to see it all happen.

Klaus wouldn’t be by your side, watching the world change like he had for so many centuries. He wouldn’t watch your friends get married, the idea of your own wedding disintegrating before your very eyes.

He wouldn’t be there to watch his daughter grow up, to watch her become the bright young girl that she was destined to be. He wouldn’t be there to listen to you tell her stories all about her father, to watch you cry in the shadows when she was fast asleep, missing him deeply.

He wouldn’t be there to watch humans crumble into ash, as they always did, buried in the New Orleans graveyard where their loved ones came to see them. He wouldn’t be there to watch any of it.

He wouldn’t be there to watch the seasons change, the leaves falling, holding your hand as you walked through the woods, talking about everything and nothing.

That’s what ran through your head when he looked at you for the final time, sorrow in his eyes, when he whispered that single word that only you could hear.

“Run.”

And you did, his screams as Marcel plunged that dagger into him echoing in your ears for years to come.

But I'm right where you left me Matches burn after the other Pages turn and stick to each other

One year.

One year without him. Hope was three now, walking and calling you her auntie. She had picked up a particular affinity for colouring in, not quite staying in the lines, but that didn’t matter. She had adopted her father’s artistic ability, it seemed.

You looked over at her latest picture, telling Hayley you would tidy up, letting the hybrid get an early night. Hope was already in bed, fast asleep.

You hadn’t slept in a year. Not when you knew that Klaus was in unimaginable pain. Maybe it would have been better if you had the support of his family around, but they were just as incapacitated. You picked up Hope’s picture and made your way to the attic.

It was dark, and you struck a match to light the candle on the wall, the only source of light in that dingy old place. Four coffins came into your view and you strode over to the nearest one. Elijah.

You picked up the book you had left there from the night before and sat. The pages stuck together, but that was its age. “You’re missing out on this one, Elijah. Klaus always told you it was a good read.”

And you started to read, Hope’s picture on your lap as you were reminded of her father, voice catching as you tried not to cry.

Wages earned and lessons learned But I, I'm right where you left me

Two years.

Two years without him. Hope had just turned four, her artistic ability improving as she had gotten better at staying in the lines. The question she asked you still echoed in your ears, your heart hurting as you answered it with a smile. “Do you think Daddy will like this when he comes home, Auntie Y/N?”

When he comes home. Her innocent hopefulness kept you sane most days.

You had gotten a job now, a waitress in a restaurant downtown where no-one knew your name or who your family was. It was something to get you out of the house, to keep your mind off the thought of Klaus going through hell. At first, it had been great, but then your boss had put you on night shifts, and that was when the undesirables came out to play.

You hung your coat up before making your way up to the attic, the ghost of that man’s hands still making you cringe. It wasn’t the first time someone had shown more than an interest in you, but you had always had someone to help you escape.

You walked over to her coffin and sat. You put your hand on the lid, and sighed. “Hey, Bex. Could have used you today.” Rebekah was always the one to get you out of those sorts of situations, usually with a threatening comment. “Klaus would have lost his mind.”

Klaus, always the jealous type, would have run to avenge you. You had always moaned about it, but this time, you realised you missed it.

Missed him.

Help, I'm still at the restaurant Still sitting in a corner I haunt Cross-legged in the dim light

Three years.

Three years without him. Hope was five now, and had moved from colouring in to painting. You had bought her a set of block paints for her birthday and were more than happy to watch her paint flowers with five red petals and a yellow centre, green stalks leading down to two leaves at the bottom. More often than not, she ended up with more of it on her hands than on the paper, and she liked to make you laugh by painting your cheeks with it.

To make you smile for when Daddy comes home, she would say, your heart breaking.

You had quit your job after one too many handsy customers. You were just happy to be the woman in the corner of the restaurant, staring at a whiskey, passers-by telling you to cheer up because it might never happen.

You stumbled home after such an occurrence, alcohol slurring your movements. They were right, you needed some fun, but the only person you could think of having such fun with was lying in a coffin. Up in the attic again, you made your way over to where Kol Mikaelson rested, perhaps in more danger than any of his siblings.

“Don’t you die on me, you git.” You patted the lid of the coffin, the familiar nickname rolling off your tongue. “I need someone to get into trouble with.” You chuckled, remembering. “Someone else for Klaus to shout at.”

Klaus, whose shouts had been turned into agonising screams.

They say, "What a sad sight" I, I swear you could hear a hair pin drop Right when I felt the moment stop

Four years.

Four years without him. Hope was a lively six-year-old now, and her artistic skills had improved greatly. Actual pictures were created now, an ability to rival anyone of her age, maybe even her father one day. But you still held onto that first coloured-in picture, keeping it safe to show to Klaus when he came home.

When. You tried to hold onto Hope’s optimism, but it had been four years now and you were finding it difficult. You still held onto your spot in the corner of the restaurant, watching customers look at you with pity in their eyes. The worst was the recently engaged couple, the woman’s hair pinned up to make her look like a film star.

Once, you had got ready for parties and made an effort to look like that. But, you’d always had help from a friend, a sister really. Of course, that witch was now sleeping with her siblings.

You sat by Freya’s coffin, cross-legged, and laid your head on the lid. “You would have loved her dress, Freya. She walked in and it was like everything just stopped. You remember when people used to look at us like that?” You smiled, remembering your entrances to such parties. “But all I ever cared about was Klaus.”

He would take your arm and lead you to the dance floor, laughing as you tried not to step on his toes.

You had never wanted to dance more.

Glass shattered on the white cloth Everybody moved on, I, I stayed there Dust collected on my pinned-up hair

Five years.

Five years without him. Hope was now seven, a fact that didn’t seem possible. You looked at her in the garden, her little easel set up as she painted, the sun shining down on her. You took a sip of your water, having moved away from alcohol at Hayley’s request. When Klaus came home, he wouldn’t want the love of his life to be a drunken mess, and Hope certainly didn’t want that of her auntie.

When. It seemed like such a useless word. The world was changing before your eyes, and you were still here, waiting for something that would probably never happen. Hayley told you to keep the faith, but it was getting harder and harder with each day that passed. Speaking of, the hybrid walked over and took a seat next to you.

“Y/N?”

“Yes?” You continued to sip at your drink, looking at Hope.

“Look at me.” You turned to face Hayley, a smile playing on her lips. Her next words made you drop the glass you were holding, fragments scattering over the white tablecloth. But neither of you cared as the dust that had gathered on you as a result of waiting blew away.

“Y/N, it’s time.”

Time to get your family back. Time to get him back. Time for Klaus to come home.

They expected me to find somewhere Some perspective, but I sat and stared

Five years and two days.

Five years and two days without him. Hope was excited to see her father, as were you. You had volunteered to stay and look after her while Hayley went to save the day. She had looked surprised when you suggested such a thing, but understood when you told her that you weren’t quite sure if you could face Klaus in that state, his screams from five years ago still waking you up in the night.

You sat on the sofa, staring into space, waiting and wondering. A small figure curling up next to you snapped you out of your thoughts. Hope. She should have been in bed, and you told her as much. She shook her head, and you knew she couldn’t sleep. Holding her hand tight, you led her back to her room. And that was when she asked.

“Tell me something about Dad.”

You smiled, knowing the perfect place to start. The story of how you met him, of how you had fallen in love with him, about how he was kind and gentle, fierce and protective when he needed to be. It wasn’t long before Hope had fallen asleep and you moved away as so not to wake her.

Then the headlights glared through the window.

Then, as Klaus had told you five years and two days ago, you ran.

Only this time, it wasn’t away from him.

Right where you left me You left me no, you left me no You left me no choice but to stay here forever

Five years, two days and three minutes.

Five years, two days and three minutes without him. Hope was fast asleep, but you didn’t care if you woke her when you opened the front door with such force, it hit the wall. You didn’t care when you saw them. Elijah, your reading partner. Rebekah, your wing-woman. Kol, your partner in crime. Freya, your dearest friend.

And then-

Klaus. He hadn’t noticed you yet, talking to his siblings. But when he turned, the smile in his lips transforming into a look of shock, everything stopped. You felt your heart heal itself when he walked towards you, disbelief in every step. “Hello.”

“Hi, Klaus.”

“You stayed?” You smiled, knowing that Klaus had always believed he didn’t deserve you, probably thought you would take his absence as an opportunity to move on.

“You kind of didn’t give me a choice.” You shrugged nonchalantly, earning a confused look from him. “I love you, you idiot.”

And then that shock turned back into a smile, a grin that stretched for miles. “And I you, Y/N.”

Five years, two days and three minutes.

You would never go that long without Klaus Mikaelson by your side again. You would make sure of that.

Masterlist  

Evermore Masterlist

[bird-of-fyre]

Empires SMP x Wynncraft AU

Been playing a bunch of Wynncraft (an MMO in MC co-owned and I think also created by Grian) and the two BIG plot devices in it are Corruption (Wyyn Province) and Decay (Gavel Province). Both are similar and have ties to the same catalyst.

What’s going on in Empires right now? Corruption. So my brain went brrr and we have this. Feel free to write for, make fanart, etc. with this AU just tag me so that I can see it!

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There are 2 realms in Wynncraft that are constantly at odds with each other. The Realm of Darkness (Dern) and the Realm of Light. When the two forces meet, corruption is formed and the battlefield of their war took place within the Nether. In Wynn, Human miners unearthed a Nether portal and entered, the magic within corrupting and changing them; they returned leading armies of undead that still terrorize the province today. In Gavel, a parasitic entity emerged from a Dern portal and began to infect the magic-enriched land with the Decay.

Corruption spreads like a weed through roots spanning under the entirety of Wynn; the only known force to stall it is Ice Magic. Decay spreads like an infection and slowly consumes the land, it is weak to Light Magic.

The land Empires SMP takes place on is going to be known as Empiria because I feel it deserves a name for this AU. A strange magic protects this land that is believed to be a result of the banishment of Corruption by the Gods before they fell into slumber. Empirians call it "Respawn Magic” as upon dying one is revived at perfect health (though scars may remain depending on the cause of death). Death to age is still a thing, however lifespans of most inhabitants are extended two decades with the exception of elves who live even longer.

Several Empires already existed  before the present day crew, these being the following: Rivendell, Mythland, The Overgrown, The Ocean Empire, The Lost Empire, and Smallhold. The rest only came to rise in the past decade

--------

Characters:

Fwhip: A human that hails from the Wynn province. Him and his sister Gem lived in Detlas together as their parents died in a battle against the endless armies of undead. Fwhip was fascinated by the corruption in their land and sought to study it, perhaps maybe even find out a cure. Gem stopped him from this obsession, reminding him that those that went down that path all ended up becoming harbingers of the corruption. They moved to the land of Empiria shortly around the present day where Fwhip found the Grimlands and the crystalized redstone that tainted it drew his attention. Gem wasn’t fond of the idea but it was a different kind of corruption than that back home so she let him study it. Somehow manages to come off as unhinged yet still in complete control.

Gem: Hailing from Wynn, Gem and Fwhip left for new lands to escape the corruption and undead armies. She settled in a mountainous biome full of amethyst crystals so that she could keep an eye on her brother as his fascination with volatile crystalized redstone worries her. She knew basic fire magic pre-Emperia but now is a bit more adept in her powers and has also learned many more spells. She joined the Wither Rose Alliance with Fwhip and Sausage simply to keep the two chaotic gremlins in line.

Jimmy: A Cod-Hybrid from the Ocean Empire and the adopted brother of Lizzie. He left home to found his own empire in the nearby swamp with his sister’s well wishes. His kingdom is small, but he is a kind and generous ruler that doesn’t see himself above his subjects. While working on paths he found a human washed up on the shore in poor condition; this individual was Joel, a nobody from a far away land who really had just given up on any form of future. Jimmy tends to be the person that generally gets picked on by other rulers for having the smallest empire and because he’s very gullible. Close friends with Pix, who he eagerly loves hearing stories of Corkus from.

Joel: Originally from the port town of Nemract in Wynn, Joel tried to start a religion called Jeremyism in memorium of a donkey he lost to the corruption that never took off due to the Bovemists and their own religion. He cheated some pirates in gambling so they took him hostage and forced him to be part of their crew, not that he was complaining, it was way better than the life he had before. Unfortunately, this didn’t last very long as a battle against some rival pirates during a horrible storm ended with him getting tossed overboard. He awoke on the shore of a swamp where he encountered a cod-hybrid who, with their sister, helped him get back on his feet. After experiencing the Cod and Ocean Empires he decided to start his own in the mesa across the ocean so that he can remain close allies with the duo that saved his life. Him and Lizzie marry a few years later.

Joey: A parrot-hybrid that rules over the Lost Empire as its emperor. He is extremely flirtatious and has questionable morals, but despite this he does care for his people. Fascinated by supernatural forces such as immortality and corruption and also always is looking to grow more powerful in any way he can. He has wind magic but doesn’t tend to use it very much.

Kathrine: A fae whose ancestors were originally from the Realm of Light in a time before the Decay took root in Gavel and Dernic forces made their way into the said realm. When she learns of the origins of several new rulers she is surprised as she had only ever been told of Gavel and Dern. Her and Scott are close, given both their ancestral homes were in Gavel.

Lizzie: An axolotl hybrid who rules over the Ocean Empire. She is a generous and humble ruler who takes pride in he empire and her people. She found a young cod-hybrid caught in a fishermans net when she was still a princess and saved him, declaring him her new brother (which he was happy about). When she was asked to help with a human that had washed onto the shores of Jimmy’s empire she had not been expecting to fall in love with the stranger and is now married to Joel. Wields powerful water magic and takes nonsense from nobody (including her husband).

Pearl: The carefree ruler of Smallhold, an Empire that originally started out as a poor farming village that was struggling on hard times. Pearl is a nymph who took pity on the town and used her magic to help the village through hard times, eventually having them elect her as their queen. Despite her title, she prefers to see herself on equal terms as her people.

Pix: A human from the province of Corkus with great enthusiasm, ambition, and taste for the occasional mischief. He left the island province for new beginnings after accidentally breaking several Corkian laws that would have ended him in prison. His dedication to The Vigil is something he learned from interaction and time spent with the Avos; a race of bird humanoids that were the only inhabitants of Corkus before humans settled there. Pix is fantastic when it comes to metallurgy and uses this knowledge to his advantage when it comes to the copper and other metals he uses in his Empire.

Sausage: Born in the province of Fruma to a poor family Sausage always desired more and often had dreams about becoming a royal and learning magic as only they were allowed the luxury of such. He acted as the robin hood of Fruma for a time before he was eventually caught by the Fruman army and shipped off to Wynn as a soldier to aid the said province in their eternal war against the undead. Unlike most Fruman humans entering Wynn, Sausage did not loose his memories and took the first chance he got to stow away on a ship to new lands. Unfortunately, the ship in question was destroyed in a storm and he washed up onto the shores of Mythland (a smaller town without leadership at the time) and was made its king a year or so thereafter. Given he has no magical abilities of his own due to his origins, he turned to Blood Magic as it’s the closest he’ll ever get.

Scott: The elves of Rivendell originally hailed from Aldorei in Gavel, leaving to escape the Decay. Scott was young when they left for the new lands and, unfortunately, several of the fleeting group were lost to creatures of Dern and Decay; including his older brother, Xornoth. There had been no time to retrieve the bodies of the fallen so those that were left behind were assumed dead or infected. While cold and normally detached from the affairs of others, he does care about his fellow empires. He has light magic but struggles to wield it properly.

Shelby: Gone from her village Shelby returned to find it overun by the Decay and the monsters that come with it. Unable to do anything for her people, she left for new lands. Gavel’s best and brightest couldn’t find a cure for the Decay in their homeland so she hopes that maybe, in this new one, that she might find something to save her people.

Xornoth: Once an elf, now a twisted demonic entity with a lust for destruction. Wounded and separated from his family in an attack while attempting to leave Gavel, he was captured by an acolyte of Dern named Bak’al who brought him back to the realm of darkness. It is here that Xornoth was slowly and painfully corrupted in both mind and body, becoming yet another agent of the beast that governs the dark realm.

[zdux]

Genshin Family Headcannons

I've had these Genshin Family Headcannons floating around in my brain for god knows how long now, so I think it's about time I posted them!

On to the details~

Zhongli & Baizhu dated for a while, and after they broke up Baizhu ended up adopting Qiqi. Zhongli did not know this, and nearly had a heart attack thinking that through some insane miracle Qiqi was his biological child and he was late on YEARS of child support.

Zhongli & Ninnguang are siblings. Not Biological, but Ningguang doesn't know that, so he doesn't say anything. My idea is that Zhongli hasn't been using his gnosis for a while, like multiple decades, but he would shift forms. He tried to be a teenager for a while during his mid-archon-crisis, and ended up getting adopted by Ningguang's parents. She was born not long after, so she always saw him as her older brother. After a few years of this, he accepted he couldn't play make believe like this forever, and disappeared one night. Little did he know, his aura was keeping Ningguang's family out of debt, and after he left it all fell to ruin. Ningguang then grew up, spending the rest of her life wondering what happened to her brother & missing him.

Before all that, Zhongli did raise, and is still raising, Xiao and Ganyu. During that time, they were both mentoring under other adepti. They see him as their dad, and have forever. Zhongli recently ended up kind of half adopting Hu Tao, but she doesn't know all of the details of them being adepti & an Archon, but she's just happy to have a family.

Xiao has recently started dating Aether, which was supposed to be his little rebellion at Zhongli for dating Childe, as Xiao hates Childe, but Zhongli is very proud of Xiao and Aether. Though his planned back fired, Xiao is truly happy to be with Aether.

Hu Tao has been dating Yanfei, and while they are happy together, as well as work well as business partners, Zhongli's back is going to go out early if he has to keep supervising the two pyro loverbirds. They have so much energy, and just run him ragged when they are handling a job.

Beidou ended up pretty much completely adopting Kazuha, as he has been on the run a while now, and while she was working with him/the resistance, they both just felt connected like family.

Part of the reason that Kazuha sees Beidou as a mom is because his disapeared a long time ago with is younger brother. He was happy they escaped, but he hadn't heard anything about his brother since, which made him scared.

Thoma, on the other hand, was actually adopted by Beidou. His parents left him in Ritou to suffer, and though Beidou wasn't able to take him with her to be a sailor, she was able to get him set up with Ayaka's family.

Yoimiya is the only blood family he knows of, and her family immediately took him in around age 16 when they found out what his parents did. He continued to work under Ayaka despite them suggesting he learn the fire work trade.

Little does he know, but Razor is Kazuha's brother. Their mom didn't end up making it, as she became fatally ill during the journey from Inazuma to Liyue. She was rushed to Bubu Pharmacy, but it was too late, and she sadly passed away while being treated there. Razor was supposed to be sent to Mondstat to become a knight of Favonious, but the wagon transporting him was taken down by Hillichurls, and then he was found by his Lupical.

Lisa regularly goes into the woods to study, and that's when she ran into Razor and began visiting him to teach him how to speak, to which she sort of became him mom.

Jean technically has no kids, but had ended up raising Klee, Albedo, and Barbara. Klee had been with Albedo pretty much since she was born, as Albedo would take care of them both with Alice coming to check in here and there. But after an experiment gone wrong, Albedo was badly hurt, and carried a small, crying Klee all the way to Mondstat. Once he got there, he was lucky that Jean, Lisa, and Diluc were all having dinner at Good Hunter. They rushed over to him, Jean in the lead, and he handed Klee to her before collapsing on the ground. They brought him to the cathedral where he was healed, and once he was recovering he was taken to the Knights head quarters for questioning. After that, they figured it was better for Klee to be in the Knight's direct care, and Albedo could work with them. Jean ended up becoming quite the mother to the two of them.

As for Barbara, she simply always took care of her. Though they aren't that far apart in age, Jean still always took on a parental role for her.

What Alice forgot to mention, was that she actually has a sister. Said sister is in fact, Mona's mom, and when she saw Mona having magical potential like Alice, she sent her to study under her current Master, Alice's rival. Without knowing it, Mona and Klee are cousins.

Diona was finally able to get over her anger towards Diluc, as she eventually got so fed up with him that she went to Angel's Share just to yell at him. But when she got there, she realized he wasn't drinking alcohol. After sitting her down and talking to her for a while, Diona was finally able to understand Diluc. She started crying, and Diluc sat with her while she did, before she eventually started to fall asleep, so he carried her on his back to the Cat's Tail. When he got there he saw her dad and went to deliver Diona to him but realized just how drunk he was. Diluc then set Diona down on a chair while he went to confront her dad, which lead to a massive yelling match. Diluc realized just how neglectful her dad really was, and had him arrested the next day. He was then charged with Neglect, and has since been cast out of Mondstat for an unknown amount of time as his sentence, as well as not being allowed custody of Diona. The Cat's Tail was closed for a while before another bartender took it up and renamed it. Diona moved in with Diluc and he now raises her on his own. She sees him like a hero and the father she always wanted, but he never asks her to call him "dad" or "father" but instead asks her to call him "Pa" or "Vati" (the german translation of dad.)

Diluc and Venti have also been in a long term relationship for many years. Diluc asks Venti not to drink around Diona, as it still makes her uncomfortable despite being his apprentice. Venti respects this and often will "buy" his drinks from Diluc and make his way over to the old Cat's Tail and drink there instead, or he will just stay at Angel's Share if Diona isn't there/is in bed. The two of them have been dating for nearly 8 years, but aren't married. Everyone always asks why not, but they just don't see the point. Venti is very independent, and Diluc constantly has responsibilities, they don't want their life to be 50/50 but rather they both do what they love and enjoy one and others company while doing so, without labels.

And that's a wrap! I could probably write out exactly how each of these came to be in more detail, but this is quite long as it stands. I hope you all enjoyed!

[morganaspendragonss]

dancing on the edge of something new

huge thanks to alice ( @reyeslonestar ) for letting me talk this through with her at midnight when it was causing me huge trouble 🥰

five dances in tk and carlos’s life

ao3 | 2.3k | @911fluffweek day 3: getting together // dancing

i.

TK looks over when Carlos slides off the hood of the Camaro, his hand trailing after him until he’s forced to let go. Carlos is smiling almost shyly, shifting from one foot to the other, and TK can’t help but smile back, propping himself up on his elbows.

“Carlos?” he prompts, confusion growing as no explanation is forthcoming. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, of course. I just, uh…” He bites his lip, then takes a decisive step forward and holds out a hand, cocking a brow suggestively. “Wanna dance?”

TK laughs. “Seriously?” he asks, but he’s already sitting up and placing his hand in Carlos’s, allowing him to pull him off the car and to his feet.

“Well”—Carlos shrugs, yanking TK close and smiling at the oof he makes when their chests collide—“it’s how we began, isn’t it? I figured, if we’re starting again, then it feels only right, no?”

TK stares, stuck dumb, unable to do anything but follow Carlos’s lead as his arms slip around his waist, guiding them into a gentle sway. He rests his own hands on Carlos’s chest, the realisation that he gets to do this now—gets to touch Carlos and be with him like this—hitting him all over again. To think he almost threw it all away… Well, none of that matters anymore. What matters is that they’re here, dancing in a field with no music save for the shuffle of their feet in the grass and the occasional bird or cricket, like a pair of lovesick idiots in a romcom.

And he’s never been happier.

He slides his hands up until his arms are resting loosely around Carlos’s shoulders, fingers playing with the stray curls at the nape of his neck. He stares into those familiar brown eyes, so full of warmth and light, Carlos cast in the beautiful glow of the Northern Lights above them, and TK feels an intense feeling take root in his chest. It’s not love—not yet—but it will be.

He can’t imagine not falling in love with Carlos Reyes.

ii.

The club lights strobe around them, bathing the room alternately in lurid colours and strange shadows. The place is packed, the doors practically straining on their hinges, but the only thing TK is aware of is Carlos’s body moving against his own, their movements perfectly in sync with each other.

It’s been a while since they were last about to do this, to come out and just let loose for the night. In fact, TK thinks the last time might have been when they were out with Paul what seems like a lifetime ago; so much has changed since, and TK feels like a completely different person to who he was back then.

He and Carlos have officially been together for a few months now, but it’s like the universe has been working to stop them from actually being able to enjoy it. They’ve managed to squeeze in some dates here and there, but between the shooting, the solar storm, TK’s medical leave, and weeks of opposing shifts, getting a moment to themselves has been difficult.

But now, finally, they have one. And TK is going to milk it for all it’s worth.

He turns slightly in Carlos’s grasp, his head tilting up to catch his lips in a searing kiss. Carlos grips TK’s hips tighter, pulling them flush against his own as he deepens the kiss, and TK gasps, a sharp thrill shooting down his spine.

The night stretches out blissfully in front of them, the knowledge that this isn’t just a fling that will end with the cold light of dawn making it all the sweeter. It’s still a little surreal, even now, but it also feels so damn right.

TK’s heart hammers in time with the music and he sinks into Carlos’s hold, losing himself in his heat.

iii.

It’s not that TK never felt at home at the condo. The opposite in fact; Carlos’s place had been home even before he could officially call it his, and he feels the loss of it keenly. The thing is, though, even after he’d fully moved in, it had been a struggle to think of it as theirs.

It had been home, sure, but it had also been Carlos’s place.

Carlos had found it a little funny, and it had taken several slip-ups on TK’s part and just as many gentle corrections on his for TK to get used to our dining room, and our bedroom, and our house.

And then—well. Just as he’d started to get used to it, it was all gone. Ashes. It hurt, deeply, but TK knew that it was his turn to be the one to lean on, to let Carlos be the one to set the pace. Carlos had lived there for years, after all, and what was TK’s month compared to that?

Really, anywhere that Carlos is would be home, but this—holding the keys to a house they’d picked out together, a house they’d signed the lease for together, a house they’d picked the furnishings for together—feels like coming home. 

He hates that it was the condo burning down that got them to this stage, but TK can’t stop a grin from emerging on his face as he slips his key into the lock.

He finds Carlos in the kitchen, humming and shimmying to a song playing from the speakers. To his credit, TK really does try to bite back his laughter, but he can’t quite manage it, letting out a loud snort which has Carlos stopping in his tracks, flushing a deep red.

“I see the unpacking’s going well,” he says, walking over to the kitchen counter and leaning a hip against it. 

“It was, actually,” Carlos defends, still blushing. “I didn’t realise you’d be back this soon.”

TK shakes his head; as adorable as Carlos’s embarrassment is, he needs to let him know he’s not making fun. “You can relax, babe. You know I always love seeing you move those hips.”

“Mmm, don’t I know it.” Carlos leans in and kisses him, lingering a moment before pulling back, a wide smirk on his face. “How about you help me finish unpacking here and we’ll see about showing you more of that hip action later?”

TK grumbles, but does as he’s told, the two of them falling into a comfortable rhythm as they work to getting their house in order. It’s ended up being the perfect blend of their different styles, which probably shouldn’t work together, but somehow do, and TK loves it here. They both do, he knows—nothing will ever replace what they lost in the fire, but being able to build a home together is beyond special.

He keeps sneaking glances at Carlos as the afternoon goes on—sue him, his boyfriend is built like a Greek god—and TK smiles when he realises Carlos has started dancing again. He probably doesn’t even realise he’s doing it, which makes the whole thing so much better.

TK watches for a while, then walks up to Carlos and taps him on the shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?” he asks, gesturing to the wooden spoons he was twirling around.

There’s a brief moment of confusion, before Carlos’s eyes light up with realisation. He barely wastes a second in tossing the spoons aside (though, it’s more like a careful placement in the correct drawer) and grabs TK by the hand, sending him into a literal spin.

TK laughs, taking a moment to right himself after the sudden movement caused him to stumble inelegantly. Neither of them are in time with the music as they dance around the kitchen, carefully avoiding the boxes still scattered around, but it’s not important. 

For the first time in his life, TK feels fully, completely at home. It’s not a feeling he wants to let go of.

iv.

“I think they were expecting something slower,” TK murmurs, burying a laugh in Carlos’s neck. Their guests are all wearing expressions with varying degrees of shock, and he can’t really blame them—he’s pretty sure the last thing anyone expects to hear during a first dance at a wedding is a country song. “I still can’t believe you even remember it.”

Carlos shrugs. “I still can’t believe you don’t. It is our song, after all.”

TK rolls his eyes, remembering their first conversation on this topic months ago, back when they were still sorting out all the wedding minutiae. 

“‘Our’ song, babe?” he’d said, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Why, because we danced to it for five minutes before leaving to get off in the bathroom?”

“Exactly,” Carlos had replied, his tone so serious that TK wasn’t sure whether he was joking or not. He’d rolled his eyes and lightly shoved at TK’s shoulder. “No, babe. Because it was the first time we danced together on the night that we met. That’s special, right, even if it did only last five minutes?”

TK hadn’t exactly been able to argue that one, and he has to admit now that it was a pretty good choice. If only to see the way Judd almost choked on his champagne in surprise when the song started.

It’s a little untraditional and, if he’s being honest, TK had never thought that one day he would be getting married in Texas on his new husband’s family ranch, with their first dance being to a ‘cowboy song’, as he’d once called it, much to Carlos’s horror. But he and Carlos have never been ones for tradition, and TK wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s perfect,” he admits, his eyes never leaving Carlos’s. He stops the dance, not caring that the song is still playing, and steps closer, pressing their bodies together. Everything else fades into the background as he leans up and kisses Carlos, barely moving when they break apart. “I love you, Husband.”

Carlos’s face lights up in a grin that could rival the sun in its brightness. “I love you too, Husband.”

v.

Music is floating through the door when TK gets home, and it’s enough to alleviate the weight he’s been carrying all day. It’s not that it had been a bad shift per se (though, when your standards for a good day are ‘nobody dies’, your view tends to get a bit skewed) but it had been long and tiring, and he’d missed his family desperately.

Sometimes, he still can’t believe this is really his life. But Ana, now three, has been living with them for a year already, and TK can’t imagine their home without her anymore. She’d been a blessing, coming into their lives after years of fighting to get on adoption registers, right when they were beginning to despair of ever managing it.

They did, though, and now TK gets to come home to scenes like this. 

Scenes like Ana standing on Carlos’s toes as he guides her slowly around the room in a basic dance. TK watches for a moment before getting his phone out and hitting record; he’ll be damned if he misses the opportunity to get this on film.

Carlos, having heard him enter, rolls his eyes when he sees what TK’s doing, but flashes him a quick smile before returning his focus to Ana. She hasn’t noticed TK’s entrance, her face scrunched up in deep concentration as she grips onto Carlos’s hands as tight as she possibly can.

When the music ends, Ana claps her hands and giggles. TK takes the moment to make his presence known, dropping to his knees and holding his arms out. She barrels into him, almost knocking him over, and presses her face into his chest, her tiny hands creating creases in his uniform shirt.

“Hi, sweetheart,” TK murmurs, dropping a kiss in her hair. He gently detaches her from him and manoeuvers them until she’s sitting in his lap. “Looks like you guys were having fun while I was at work.”

She nods enthusiastically. “Papa was teaching me to dance! Abuela showed me photos when I was with her and Abuelo and I wanted to be just like her!”

“Abuela got out the photo albums again, huh?”

Ana nods again. “Of her… Her…” She frowns and looks up at Carlos.

“Her china poblana dresses,” Carlos says softly, smiling as Ana grins and points at him. 

TK laughs and draws his daughter into a hug, rocking them gently, his gaze going up to Carlos. “Well, from what I saw, you were dancing even better than Papa,” he says, smirking as Carlos gasps in mock offence. He looks back down at Ana, tapping on the back of her hand. “You know,” he starts, smiling, “I think I might need some dancing lessons too. Think you can teach me?”

Ana lights up and immediately gets to her feet, as if she’d been waiting for him to ask. She grabs TK’s hand and pulls him up, leading him to where Carlos must have cleared a space for them earlier. The music begins to play again and TK lets his daughter take charge, playfully sticking his tongue out at Carlos when he laughs at TK getting firmly told off for putting his foot in the wrong place.

At some point, Carlos joins the dance, the three of them stepping and bouncing around the front room. Ana’s laughter fills the house, shrieking with delight when Carlos sweeps her from the floor and wraps both her and TK in his arms. TK leans his head on his husband’s shoulder, a hand placed on their daughter’s back, and breathes out slowly, all the exhaustion from earlier forgotten. 

At last, he’s home.

[luverofralts]

Arkhelios University

Aside from Lucy’s frequent outbursts about unwanted guests, the Yoxalls were settling into the Rivales household well. Jolanda tried hitting on her ex a few times out of boredom, but he rejected her every time, and she didn’t seem too phased by it. Keiki got along with Noelle, and even Cain and Rose when they were over, as long as Theo Bellamy wasn’t around. Those two glowered at each other like they had been enemies in a previous life, continuing their epic feud in the schoolyard. Osbert had had a few calls from the school that his daughter was bullying the much younger Theo, only to find her backpack singed in a few places. Clearly, Theo wasn’t as intimidated by her as the school thought.

“I don’t like the way Dad caters to her every whim,” Kaeileen remarked to her half-brother. The two of them had spent the past hour spying on their father, still trying to understand how their family had recently changed and where their little half-sister had come from.

“You’re just jealous because he never treated us that way,” Tennyson replied. “I never had the choice to do what I wanted. It was always baseball practice, and then basketball practice after school. He never even asked if I wanted to play those stupid sports.”

“Well, it looks like she’s not being forced to play like we were,” Kaeileen pointed out. “She looks like she’s enjoying herself. She actually likes all of his sports nonsense.”

There was a certain excitement in Keiki’s eyes that had always been absent from Osbert’s other children when the topic of sports came up. Even Zane had loathed just about anything other than grilled cheese, and would have been just as miserable as his half-siblings if he had had to endure Osbert’s attempts to make him love sports.

“Weird,” Tennyson murmured, watching with amazement how happy the child looked. “Someone finally took after Dad in our family. I never thought I’d see the day when Dad wanted to wrap up a game of catch before one of us.”

“He’s hiding something from us,” Kaeileen stated, earning a sharp nod from her brother.

“Yeah, he knows exactly where she comes from,” Tennyson agreed. “What’s so bad that he can’t even tell his own kids about? Do you think this woman was married or something? Some part of Strangetown’s royal family who didn’t want the scandal maybe?”

“A black widow that he barely escaped the clutches of,” Kaeileen chimed in, laughing a little. She hadn’t felt this close to her brother in ages. Musing about their dad’s misadventures had given them common ground to build a better relationship. This was the second time that week that Kaeileen and Tennyson met up to watch their newest sibling interact with their dad. If this trend kept up, she’d be good friends with her brother by the end of the month. 

“He tried to pass her off as an adopted kid to me,” Kaeileen recalled. “Maybe the mother is someone important and he’s afraid of people knowing about the affair.”

“Her mother is probably dead. Why else would he think he could get away with lying about her being adopted? The mom could show back up at any point if she were still alive and Dad would look like a liar in front of everyone.”

“True. There’s a decent chance she’s married though,” Kaeileen insisted. “A married woman isn’t going to pop up to claim a random kid if she wants to stay with her husband.”

“Then when did she give birth to her and leave her at an orphanage? A husband is going to notice a pregnancy if he’s alive.”

“Then she lied about the father, and told him the baby died to cover up the adoption,” Kaeileen concluded, then laughed as soon as she’d said it. “Okay, yeah, that’s a little farfetched. Even for our family. Let’s say then that she lives far away and Dad didn’t know about the pregnancy. Maybe it was a one night stand and he never thought he’d see her again. She wouldn’t know how to contact him about a baby, and she either put her up for adoption without telling Dad, or she died and had no other family to take care of Keiki. The orphanage only found out who her father was by running her DNA. Dad would never have known otherwise.”

“We should try contacting the orphanage,” Tennyson suggested. “We can find out for ourselves what her file says. I’m sure Dad is either lying or leaving something out. It’s the only way to know the truth.”

“They won’t tell us anything. We’re not her parents, and the only parent of hers that we’re related to is still alive. If Dad were dead, maybe we could apply to see her file as next of kin. Living people have laws to protect their privacy in situations like this. Even in Arkhelios, according to Lucy. Abraham was very concerned about making medical and birth records private.”

In the dining room, Pia tried her best to ignore the loud laughing coming from the living area. Kaeileen and her previously distant half-brother were making up scandalous scenarios to explain their newest half-sibling at what had to be the top of their lungs. Being pregnant wasn’t as easy as Pia had assumed it would be. Lucy had hidden her pregnancy up until the day she gave birth, but Pia’s condition had been given away early by her frequent running to the bathroom. Emilia had been thrilled to hear that she would soon have another grandchild, but not thrilled enough to change her mind about Kaeileen being her heir. Pia was always the responsible, level headed person in their family and Emilia couldn’t entrust the family to someone who was having her ex-boyfriend’s child while married to and working with their main competitor. Pia had pointed out that Lucy had a child that she didn’t even know the gender, or even the name of the other parent, but Emilia didn’t budge. Lucy had been wild, and was now settling down as a proper adult. Pia was acting out in a way Emilia had never thought her daughter capable of, and worried about. Once again Lucy (and to a lesser extent Kaeileen) won and Pia lost. Her own mother was siding against her, why wouldn’t she look outside of her family for support?

Rai had tried to talk to her a few times about the baby, but she’d blocked his number after texting him that she didn’t want him to be involved in any way. Her new husband was going to be the child’s father, and Pia didn’t need anyone else’s help or pity.

“Hey, it’s a nice day out. Who’s up for a quick game of soccer?”

Osbert watched as his older children scattered away from the window they’d been watching him from. Tennyson looked sheepish as he and his sister tried to act casually, and not like they’d just spent an afternoon together gossiping about their father. Kaeileen wasn’t interested in playing nice with the man who was very clearly lying to her. Lucy was clearly rubbing off on her a little.

“No thanks,” Kaeileen replied. “You know I hate soccer. it would probably just ruin my new manicure anyway.”

“Maybe you should call it a day too, Dad,” Tennyson suggested. “You look pretty sunburned. Are you feeling okay? You look like you might pass out any second.”

“Oh, I’ll be fine,” Osbert assured his children. “It’s just a little sunburn. So no one’s up for soccer? I just bought Keiki a new ball, and we’re a group of four now. Two teams, winner has to pay for milkshakes at the mall.”

“Uh, I promised Lucy that I’d help review her latest case with her,” Kaeileen lied. “I really should look over her notes before she’s home.”

“And I have to meet a friend soon. I should really get going,” Tennyson improvised. “Nice seeing everyone. I’ll call you later, Kaeileen. Bye Dad...and Keiki.”

Osbert watched his children scurry away from him with a frown. He’d thought they’d been distant when they were teenagers because that’s how teenagers were, but now that they were adults, nothing pushed his kids away faster than offering to spend time with them.

“Come on, Keiki. We’ll get our own milkshakes. You don’t think your old man is boring. Not yet anyway.”