#ruks away

[maidomaidomaido]

uh

i was..playign around..

[bakudekublogblog]

he’s holding his own hand while talking about izuku

[acourtofquestions]

Kingdom of Ash Chapter 67

as I read live

Thank the gods. Even though they were the last beings Rowan wished to thank.

She rested a hand atop Goldryn's hilt, flame dancing at her fingers, seemingly into the red stone itself.

"It would take years," she observed, "to heal everyone infected by the Valg."

"Each of those soldiers has a family, friends who would want us to try."

"I know."

The chill wind whipped her hair across her face, blowing northward.

"Could Yrene heal them? Erawan and Maeve? I don't know why I didn't think of it."

"Is Erawan's body made by him, or stolen?

Is Maeve's?" Rowan shook his head. "They might be wholly different."

"I don't see how I can ask Yrene to do it.

Ask it of Chaol." Aelin swallowed. "To even put Yrene near Erawan or Maeve... I can't do it."

Rowan wouldn't be able to, either. Not for a thousand different reason.

"But is it a mistake to put Yrene's safety above that of this entire world?" Aelin mused, examining one of the enemy daggers she'd pilfered. An unusually fine blade, likely stolen in the first place.

"She's the greatest weapon we have, if the keys are not in play. Are we fools not to push to use it?"

It wasn't his choice, his call. But he could offer her a sounding board. "Will you be able to live with yourself if something happens to Yrene, to her unborn child?"

"No. But the rest of the world will live, at least. My guilt would be secondary to that."

"And if you don't push Yrene to try to destroy them, and Erawan or Maeve wins—what then?"

"There is still the Lock. There's still me."

Rowan swallowed. Saw the reason she'd needed to be away from the others, needed to walk.

"Yrene is a ray of hope for you. For us That you might not need to forge the Lock at all. You, or Dorian."

"The gods demand it."

"The gods can go to hell."

Aelin chucked away the dagger. "I hate this. I really do."

He slid an arm around her shoulders. It was all he could offer her.

Over—she'd said she wanted it to be over.

He'd do all he could to make it so.

Aelin leaned her head against his chest, and they stared across the cold lake in silence.

"Would you let me do it, if I were Yrene? If I were carrying our child?"

He failed to block out the image of that dream—of Aelin, heavily pregnant, their children around her. "I don't let you do anything."

She waved a hand. "You know what I mean."

He took a moment to answer. "No. Even if the world ended because of it, I couldn't bear it."

And with that Lock, he might very well have to make that decision, too.

Rowan ran his fingers over the claiming marks on her neck. "I told you that love was a weakness. It would be far easier if we all hated each other."

She snorted. "Give it a few weeks on the road with this army, in those mountains, and we might not be such pleasant allies anymore."

Rowan kissed the top of her head. "Gods help us."

Even with the hours of instruction on the journey back to this continent, Rowan and the others had not wholly mastered the language of the half-forgotten marks. But her mate remembered most—as if they'd been planted in his mind.

Aelin carefully studied the line of symbols across the page. Read through them a second time. "It's not what we're looking for." She pulled on her bottom lip. "It's a spell for opening a portal between locations-just in this world."

"Like what Maeve can do?" Borte asked.

Aelin shrugged. "Yes, but this is for close traveling. More like what Fenrys can do.

"Or had once been able to do, before Maeve had broken it from him.

Borte's mouth quirked to the side. "What's the point of it, then?"

"Entertaining people at parties?" Aelin handed the book back to Rowan.

Borte chuckled, and leaned back in her seat, toying with the end of a long braid. "Do you think the spell exists—to find an alternate way to seal the Wyrdgate?" The question was barely more than a whisper, and yet Rowan shot the girl a warning look. Borte just waved him off.

No. Elena would have told her, or Brannon,

if such a thing had existed Aelin ran a hand over the dry, ancient page, the symbols blurring. "It's worth a look, isn't it?"

Rowan indeed resumed his careful browsing and decoding. He'd sit here for hours, she knew. And if they found nothing, she knew he'd sit here and reread them all just to be sure.

A way out—an alternate path. For her, for Dorian. For whichever of them would pay the price to forge the Lock and seal the gate. A desperate, foolish hope.

Chaol found his father where he'd left him, seething in his study.

"You cannot give a single acre of this territory to the wild men," his father hissed as Chaol wheeled into the room and shut the door.

Chaol crossed his arms, not bothering took placating. "I can, and I will."

Chaol sighed, slumping back in his chair. A lifetime of this—that's what Dorian had laid upon him. As Hand, he'd have to deal with lords and rulers just like his father. If they survived. If Dorian survived, too. The thought was enough for Chaol to say, "Everyone in this war is making sacrifices. Most far, far greater than a few miles of land. Be grateful that's all we're asking of you."

"I hope Anielle burns to the ground. And you with it." A small, hateful smile. "That's all your brother said. My heir—that's how he feels about this place. If he will not protect Anielle, then what shall become of it without you?"

"She discovered the trunk. Right before we got word of Morath marching on us," his father said, his smile mocking and cold. "I should have burned them, of course, but something prompted me to save them instead. For this exact moment, I think."

The trunk was piled thick with letters. All written by his mother. To him. "How long," he said too quietly.

"From the day you left." His father's sneer lingered.

Years. Years of letters, from a mother he had not heard from, had believed hadn't wanted to speak to him, had yielded to his father's wishes.

"You let her believe I didn't write back," Chaol said, surprised to find his voice still calm "You never sent them, and let her believe I didn't write back."

"Watching you with that wife of yours only proves it. I'd think you'd bargain quite a bit to be able to read these letters."

Chaol only stared at him. Blinked once, as if it would quell the roaring in his head, his heart.

His mother had never forgotten him. Never.

Stopped writing to him.

Chaol smiled slightly.

"Keep the letters," he said, steering his chair back to the doors. "Now that she's left you, it might be your only way to remember her." He opened the study door and looked over his shoulder.

His father remained beside the trunk, stiff as a sword. "I don't make bargains with bastards, I’m certainly not starting with you."

Cain's people or they had been. Aelin decided not to mention him during their brief introduction. And Chaol, wisely, refrained from admitting that he'd killed the man.

Another lifetime. Another world.

Seated atop a fine Munigi horse Hasar had lent her, Aelin rode at the front of the company, as it marched from Anielle, Chaol on Farasha to her left, Rowan on his own Munigi horse to her right. Their companions were scattered behind, Lorcan healed enough to be riding, Elide beside him.

And behind them, snaking into the distance, the army of the khagan moved.

The khagan's armies had crossed every terrain, though. Mountains and deserts and seas.

They did not balk now.

So Aelin supposed she would not, either.

For whatever time she had left, until it was over.

This final push north, homeward

・・・

She smiled grimly at the looming mountains, at the army stretching away behind them

And just because she could, just because they were headed to Terrasen at last, Aelin unleashed a flicker of her power. Some of the standard-bearers behind them murmured in surprise, but Rowan only smiled.

Smiled with that fierce hope, that brutal determination that flared in her own heart, as she began to burn.

She let the flame encompass her, a golden glow that she knew could be spied even from the farthest lines of the army, from the city and keep they left behind. A beacon glowing bright in the shadows of the mountains, in the shadows of the forces that awaited them, Aelin lit the way north.

[fanwarriorfictions]

Help Me, Help You - Part Eleven

Fenrys x F!Reader

Summary- Fenrys and Y/n continue their journey to the Tavan mountains

Warnings- a little suggestive, mentions of sexual trauma

Series Masterlist

Part Eleven

   She woke just before the dawn cradled to Fenrys’s chest. They’d fallen asleep in their respective bedrolls a few feet apart, but she’d apparently sought him out in her sleep, through the dirt and rocks beneath them and he’d taken her into his arms, letting her sprawl on top of him, her bedroll empty behind her.

   She shifts, trying to maneuver her way off the male, halting when his arms tighten around her, holding her closer, grumbling in his sleep. Y/n smiles, lifting her head to watch his face as she tries and fails to slip out of his hold.

   Despite the slight furrow of his brow, caused by her fidgeting, he looks peaceful. And it’s a look she cherishes, one she hopes to see on his face during the day sometime, instead of the mask of humor, instead of the pain and sadness beneath it. Perhaps someday she would.

   “Stop moving,” he orders, the words barely coherent, “go back to sleep, kitten.”

   She does the opposite, wiggling in his hold, “Let me get up, you can go back to sleep.”

   Fenrys shakes his head, “Stop moving.”

   The arms around her squeeze their warning, and she laughs, “Since when are you such a grouch?”

   He’s usually up before the sun even thinks to wake in the morning. And he always had a smile on his lips for her, a chipper good morning on his tongue. It had annoyed her endlessly the first days of their journey across the ocean, but a long the way she’d grown to enjoy it, look forward to it, and after everything that happened in Antica, she missed it. 

   “Since I woke up with a female pressed very closely to me,” Fenrys says, his eyes finally opening to look at her, “And there are things I want to do but can’t because there are two royals sleeping across the fire who will be very angry at me for waking them up,” 

   His eyes are impossibly dark, like they’d been in that mirror before they’d left yesterday, a look that says he wants to devour her whole. And that’s when she feels it, there against the inside of her thigh that is thrown over his hips. She shifts, trying to pull away, the motion only brings a rough low growl from his mouth, one that has her fae instincts on high alert, her body couldn’t tell if he was a predator trying to kill her or a male trying to do very different things to her. The rational side of her brain couldn’t decide either.

   “Stop moving, kitten,” Fenrys growls again.

   Y/n stills completely, struck by the dominance in his tone, the fae in her blood submitting to it. A part of her wants to fight the order, to hiss that she could do whatever she wanted, to push the limits of what he would allow her to get away with, to see what he’d do past those limits. Another part of her, the sensible part, tells her that was a very bad idea.

   “Just let me get up,” she whispers, “I’ll go back to my bed.”

   Fenrys shakes his head, closing his eyes again, “Not happening, kitten.”

   There’s a tone of finality and Y/n sighs, letting him win this one time. She lets her head fall back to his chest, and Fenrys lets out a content noise. He holds her close, his hand tracing small shapes into the base of her spine. It feels heavenly on her sore muscles from the long flight, drawing a soft purr from her chest, one she doesn’t even try to stop. 

   He continues to work the tension from her until she’s near boneless in his arms and sleep tugs at her. She tries to fight it, to keep existing in the moment, but Fenrys won’t allow it. 

   “Go back to sleep, kitten,” he says against her hair, “I’ve got you.”

   “I know,” she whispers as sleep captures her once again.

   Fenrys holds tightly to the Ruk beneath him, not trusting that Kadara won’t do those flips and spins she’d done the day before. Sartaq had promised there would be no more flight maneuvers unless necessary, didn’t mean he believed the prince.

   “You looked comfy this morning,” Sartaq says over his shoulder.

   He’d fallen back asleep shortly after Y/n had, and when Nesryn had gently nudged them both awake, Y/n had thrown herself off of Fenrys like she’d been burned, her face flushed so deep that Fenrys couldn’t help but tease her till she was ready to claw his smirk right off his lips. Fenrys didn’t have it in him to be embarrassed, not when she’d felt so right in his arms.

   “I was,” Fenrys shrugs, “What about it?”

   “I’m happy for you, friend.” Sartaq grins over his shoulder, “Do let me know if my wife and I should make separate camp tonight.”

   Fenrys couldn’t find the denials he’d had since they arrived in the southern continent, when his friends had pestered him about Y/n. He’d been unrelenting that there was nothing between them, that he still couldn’t look at a female that way, couldn’t touch one that way, not yet, not after Maeve. His friends had understood, without the explanation, but it seemed the prince saw right through him, saw those walls crumbling to dust around Y/n, saw the broken parts of him finally beginning to heal after all this time. 

   Fenrys looks at the ruk flying beside them, Nesryn and Y/n talking and laughing, the sounds swallowed by the wind around them and he wishes he could hear her, needing the sound of her laugh like he needed air in his lungs. 

   He had a long way to go, a long way to fight, to heal after everything Maeve had done to him, had forced him to do, but he wanted to fight for Y/n. He’d been close to stepping across that line this morning, with her purring on his chest, her body draped over his own, gods knew he wanted to, desperately, and perhaps if the royals hadn’t of been there, he might have. Or perhaps he still wasn’t ready yet, he truly didn’t know, and part of him was too scared to find out.

   “No need,” Fenrys says, forcing a cocky grin onto his lips, “I’m not sure you could get far enough away.”

   Sartaq laughs, and if he notes the mask Fenrys had slipped back on, he doesn’t mention it. 

   The terrain below them had shifted from the grassy plains and lush forests into stone and ice the farther they flew. Y/n reveled in the cold air on her face, the blistering hot of Antica turning into the snow and ice she’d grown up in. They made camp for one more night, and by the next day, she would see her brother, for the first time in twenty years. 

   “Nervous?” Fenrys asks beside her, preparing their small dinner of meats and cheese from his pack, “You’re fidgeting.”

   Nesryn and Sartaq had flown off to hunt for their mount’s dinners, leaving her and Fenrys to light the fire with the sparse foliage around them and settle in for the night.She watches his hands as he carves slice after slice from the cheese, enraptured by the precise skill of them.

“No I’m not.”

   He gives her an unimpressed look, “Didn’t anyone ever teach you it’s bad to lie?”

   “No actually, Vaughan taught me how to lie.” She gives him a pointed look, “Incase any of you came knocking at my door.”

   “Really?” 

   Fenrys raises a brow at her, curiosity lighting in his eyes. He holds out a slice of cheese and nods for her to continue.

   Y/n takes the offering, “He thought one of you would eventually follow him, would take me back to Maeve if you knew who I was, what I was.”

   There’s a lingering feeling of terror in her, one she hadn’t been able to completely quell even after the queen’s death, nearly a year ago now. Vaughan had told her horror stories of the cadre since she was a child. She used to think Lorcan would appear in the darkness of the woods outside her village and wrap those shadows of death around her throat so she couldn’t scream. 

   “I wouldn’t have taken you,” he says, a dark look crossing over his face.

   “You wouldn’t have had the choice,” Y/n says honestly, not to wound him, but the flinch tells her she did it anyway. “That’s what Vaughan always told me, that if any of you found me, you wouldn’t have the choice to spare me if she used that oath on you, even if you’d wanted to.”

   “I wouldn’t,” he says again like he was trying to convince himself, dropping the knife to the dirt between them to take her hand in his, “I’d have fought it, I wouldn’t have taken you to her.”

   Her heart shatters in her chest as he squeezes her hand. He’d have died if he fought that oath, like he’d nearly died protecting Aelin. Y/n wouldn’t have been strong enough to will that life back into him like she had, and there was no healing capable of mending a broken blood oath.    “I was never as scared of you and Connell as I was of Lorcan and Rowan, they were the monsters that lived in my closet and under my bed as a child,” she chuckles, trying to lighten the mood, “I’d hoped Gavriel would be the one to find me if it ever came down to it. Vaughan always looked up to him, said he was the most honorable of all of you, I’d even had this stupid infatuation with the lion when I was in my twenties.”

   That admission eases some of the tension from his shoulders, and a mischievous look grows in his eyes. She regrets her words instantly. 

   “Interesting,” he says, shifting closer to her, their dinner all but forgotten. “What about the lion caught your eye?”

   Y/n feels her face heat, she would never hear the end of this, but if it took away some of the pain in his eyes, it was worth it.

   “I don’t know,” she avoids his gaze, “I thought that if he found me, he’d be a gentleman even while he marched me to my death. Maybe he’d wouldn’t let me die without having my first kiss.”

   Fenrys goes completely still for a moment, as if he was drawing conclusions in his mind that she wanted him to stay far far away from. He didn’t.

   “When did you have your first kiss?”

   Her blood heats in her veins, remembering the kisses they’d shared. The feeling of him below her only yesterday, his hands on her, his lips on her own.

   “If you’re asking if it was with you,” she says, narrowing her eyes at him, forcing back the flush of her cheeks, “No it was not.”

   It had been a long time ago, with a male in her village, a blacksmith who’d since moved away. She’d been drunk and frustrated, not finding any satisfaction in her own hands, in her own mind, and he was the closest she’d ever get to what she really wanted. 

   There’s a very strange look that flits across Fenrys’s face that she has no time to decipher before it’s gone and replaced by a smirk.

   “Was Gavriel the only one you fantasized about?”

   The way he says the word, low and dangerous, has her flush coming back with a vengeance, and she does not want to admit that no, Gavriel wasn’t the only one. It wasn’t her fault that she had little interaction with the world, that her brother’s war stories had stopped scaring her and begun to intrigue her by the time she’d reached her thirties, when Fenrys and Connall had sworn their blood oaths to the queen.

   Her brother had described the twins as reckless and stupidly brave, had described Fenrys as the type of male she should and would stay away from, and she’d been cooped up for so long, so used to the monotony, the mind numbing boredom of her little village, she craved recklessness, had sought out the blacksmith because she couldn’t go to Doranelle and find the wolf.

   “Please tell me it wasn’t Lorcan,” Fenrys says after her long silence.

   “Gods no,” she snaps, and she knows instantly that it’s a mistake.

   That only left two, and given that they’re twins, it didn’t really matter which one, it wasn’t like she knew them well enough to separate them in her mind, in her fantasies. Fenrys knew that, she could tell by the insufferable grin on his lips.

   “Awe, kitten,” he coos, “Did you have a crush on me?”

   She hisses, pulling her hand from his, “No.”

   That was more of an admission of guilt than if she’d said yes. Fenrys’s whole face lights up, and it’s so real, that joy, that she doesn’t mind the incessant teasing that she knows will follow. 

   “Did you imagine my hands between-“

   Never mind, she absolutely does mind.

Tag list -

@emma-andrea1 @mgchaser @anxious-study @lees-chaotic-brain @girl-math-aint-mathing @mali22 @nikt-wazny-y @theworthlessqueen @cynthiesjmxazrielslover @lethargicluv @hannzoaks @batboygirlie @foxysouls @kiarathace @jesskidding3 @raginghellfire 

[yazthebookish]

The Fae in the Southern Continent are probably the ones that left to Midgard 👀

I never learned how the Fae came here, where they went and why they faded away. But they were here, and according to my predecessor, they left some sort of knowledge or power behind.” A frown toward that locked bookcase.

“And yet, even when the Valg were banished to their realm, even when the final remaining demon king slithered into the dark places of the world to hide, the Fae came here. To these mountains. They taught the ruks to fight the kharankui, taught the ruks the languages of Fae and men. They built watchtowers along these mountains, erected warning beacons throughout the land. Were they a distant guard against the kharankui? Or were the Fae, too, like the spiders, waiting for that rip in the world to open again? By the time anyone thought to ask why, they had left those watchtowers and faded into memory.”

– Tower of Dawn

More Fae appeared—from another world this time. Tall, beautiful beings entered. Even Bryce’s rage and despair stalled. Fae from another world—but they looked so similar to the ones from this place. How was it possible? Another ancient conquest of the Asteri? Another place they’d colonized and tampered with, and eventually lost? They were Fae like us, but not. The ears, the grace, the strength were identical, but they were shape-shifters, all of them. Each capable of turning into an animal. And each, even in their humanoid body, equipped with elongated canine teeth. It was a puzzle—enough of one that my mother paused her warmongering. There were two types of Fae. From two seemingly unconnected and distant worlds. These new Fae bore elemental magic, strong enough to make Pelias wary of them. They were more aggressive than the Fae we knew—wilder. And they answered directly to Rigelus. It seemed, in fact, like they’d known Rigelus a long while.

– HOFAS

[ishuess]

New beginnings ♾️

Shubman (in bathroom in front of mirror): this is it..this is the moment..Shubman Gill you can do this.

Ishan(from the bed): SHUBI MOVIE NIGHT PAUSED HAI JALDI AA

Shubman: AAYA..this is going to change everything and nothing for better. I know my lines and I am ready for it..but is he ready?

Ishan: JALDI AANA..

Shubman: AAYA EK MINUTE RUK...he better be ready.

Ishan: kitna taiyaar ho raha tha...it's movie night babyy.

Shubman: Haan haan pata hai but I will chose a movie.

Ishan: Ayye no hollywood na I am feeling desi rom coms.

Shubman: Yea yeaa..I know *picks movie*

Ishan: Jab we met?

Shubman: Yea..

Ishan: We have already watched this one and you find it stupid.

Shubman: I do love stupid *looks at Ishan*

Ishan: Tu mereko stupid bol raha hai?

Shubman: main tereko love u bol raha hoon ab dekhte hain.

Ishan: *huffs*

..........They start the movie...........

Ishan: *keeps on repeating lines from film*

Shubman: *watches Ishan with a smile*

Ishan: *sniffles* How can Anshuman do this?

Shubman: Paagal hai na

Geet (in T.V): Main tujhe bohot acchi lagti hoon na?

Ishan: Main tujhe bohot accha lagta hoon na?

Shubman: *pauses the movie*

Ishan: yaar kyun roka paagal!

Shubman: *pulls Ishan on his lap*

Ishan: Shubman? Kya hua?

Shubman: Phirse bol

Ishan: Kya hua?

Shubman: Nahi usse pehle?

Ishan: Yaar..kyun roka..

Shubman: Nahi usse pehle..

Ishan:....main tujhe bohot acchi lagti hoon na??

Shubman: Bohot par woh

Ishan: Teri problem hai?

Shubman: Meri problem nahi hai mere life ka sabse best decision hai..Tune mujhe har khushi ki vajah di..teri smile..tere nakhre..teri baatein..tere aansu..teri hasi

Ishan: Shubi..

Shubman: Smile kar na do minute...Uth ek second aur chal mere saath.

Ishan: Kahaan?

Shubman: Tu bas mainu follow kar.. *takes Ishan to the balcony*

Ishan: Kya kar raha hai..tu mujhe dara raha hai? Sab thik haina?

Shubman: Sab changa hai..Ab ruk.

Ishan: Shubi...kya kar rahaa..

Shubman: Sun toh pehle..

Ishan: Chhetti dass

Shubman: Thand rakh kaake..Ishh jab tujhse pehli baar mila tab yeh ehsaas nahi hua ki tu mere zindagi ka woh hissa ban jaayega jo mujhe khud se bhi zyada pyaara ho jaayega. I love you kab I love us ban gaye. Hum kab roommates se best friends se boyfriends ban gaye. Par ab boyfriends nahi reh sakte..I am sorry

Ishan: Kya...kya bol raha hai Shubman? *starts panicking and hyperventilating* Maine kuch kiya..Sorry na baby. Hum baat nahi kar sakte kya? Sab sort out nahi kar sakte kya..Shubi please i am sorry

Shubman: Ishan sun tu galat samajh raha hai..tu sun nahi raha

Ishan: I am sorry...I am so sorry Shubi..Shubi please..*starts crying*

Shubman: Oh shit!! *cups Ishan's face* Panic matt kar...look at me..Ishan look at my eyes. Breathe ok breathe

Ishan: Shubii...

Shubman: It's ok baby..do you feel my heartbeat...see I'm here..breathe..breathe

Ishan: Hum sab theek nahi kar sakte?

Shubman: Paagal tu sunta hi nahi...sab theek nahi main sab perfect karne waala hoon.

Ishan: Kya bol raha hai

Shubman: Pehle chal uth ke baith pehle paani pi

Ishan: Nahi tu suspense mat bana...please bolna.

Shubman: *picks up Ishan and carries him to bed*

Ishan: Kya kar raha hai..

Shubman: Ab chup bilkul chup..Main tujhse bohot pyaar karta hoon...sabse zyada pyaar karta hoon..isliye..*deep breath* tumerenaalvyaahkarega?

Ishan: Kya?

Shubman:*goes on one knee and takes out a ring* Will you Ishan Kishan marry me?

Ishan: *starts crying after wearing the ring*

Shubman: Oo tu ro matt..tere munh pe smile hi suit karti hai *sits beside Ishan and hugs him*

Ishan: Chup kar paagal.*punches him lightly on chest*

Shubman: Aah..maar matt..

Ishan: *kisses Shubman*

Shubman: *deepens the kiss*

Ishan: *moves away out of breath*

Shubman:*cups Ishan's face* Yahi chahiye for 7 janam tak ab bas tu hi chahiye

Ishan: *laughs with tears in eyes* daraya kyun tu pehle? *slaps him lightly*

Shubman: Tune pura bolne kahan diya? Tujhe sach mein lagta hai meri aukat tujhse breakup karne ki hai? Khudko dekha hai laanat hogi mujhpe agar tujhe jaane diya.

Ishan: Paagal..

Shubman: Tune jawaab nahi diya lekin..

Ishan: Ab teri permanent booking ho gayi hai.

Shubman: *kisses Ishan* I love us

Ishan: I love us more.

(This fic was requested by one and only @bimesskaira . Aaj toh jee bohot angst ho gaya. That's why this fic is to only and only happy beginnings. Ab itni acchi fic likhi hai toh ek hi aasha hai ki aap sabko pasand aayegi.

Aur sab milke bhagwan ji se pray karo ki ISHAN COMES BACK STRONGER THAN EVER aur nazar na lage mere cuties ko.)

🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🔱🔱🔱🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿🧿

[t0ast-ghost]

Hiya, have some episode 8 (What Are Little Girls Made Of) of Star Trek TOS thoughts:

- I dunno this sounds like… A TRAP! (I never thought I’d actually quote Star Wars and I’m quite frankly ashamed of myself)

- The most terrifying thing of all.. A DRAMA STUDENT (I am referring to Brown)

- wait- who? Who was that? No no go back why’d he sneak away like that? stop sneaking around you creepy ass fu- oh he killed a redshirt

- okay but Browns fit is kinda slaying (I’m a drama student)

- why does Brown kinda sound like the bad guy from cloudy with a chance of meatballs 2

- Kirk is so fucking dramatic.. bbygirl you did not need to roll out of danger

- HE GOT YOINKED!

- damned outpost scientists

- what in the German expressionism is this creature

- please don’t tell me Andrea is an android t- oh she admitted to it

- “do you think I could love a machine?” “Did you?” CHRISTINE IS NOT HAPPY

- sooo Korby is an android, ain’t he?

- Spain without the a

- why don’t they bring this machine back into the new series? It spins and it’s funny (put it in lower decks or smt)

- Kirk clone count: 2

- what in the blocky play mobile kind of food is that

- okay I love chapel “I’d rather you push me off the same precipice that the crewman fell from”

- why do I always like the science officers (my best friend is a biomed student so that may explain it…)

- Kirk is holding a dick rock… thank you for coming to my ted talk

- goddamn those boots are slutty

- DONT YELL AT SPOCK (he knows his boyfriend would never)

- I have a feeling Kirk just really hated Ruk

- I like that both the main medical officers have to go through the “my loved one died and now has been cloned” trauma

- I’d like to see something where the person grieving their loved one makes a robot of them and is originally just happy with the pieces that they’ve gathered of this person… but then it goes horribly wrong

- POOR NURSE CHAPEL HOLY SHIT

- like imagine seeing the person you love again only for it to be a pale imitation that could only want to be as passionate or loving or caring as the person you knew and then for the last image of them you see is them kissing another woman

- SPOCK SMILING AT KIRK! I REPEAT SPOCK IS SMILING AT KIRK

Okie dokie that’s pretty much it. Really love Christine Chapel now so…

I don’t think I remember episode 7 (Mudd’s Women) enough to have anything to say about it. I disliked the episode, if I ever have reason to watch it again I’ll maybe write something but for now I’m skipping it. Thanks :)

EP1 | EP2/3 | EP4/5 | EP6 | EP9 | Masterpost

[idfendyr]

Sweet Nothing's

Borte was the first to come out just as Kadara and Sulkhi landed in the great hall in the quirlet of the night, his Ruk going as gentle as possible. 

“About time you brought her here,” his hearth sister grumbled, though her eyes lit up when her eyes landed on the carrier wrapped securely around his chest. 

Houlun came up behind her just as Nesryn chuckled, a sound that, to this day, made his heart flutter, and began unbuckling herself from her saddle, making him do that same. “At least let them put their feet to the ground, child.”

“You can hardly blame me, they kept us waiting this long.”

His wife dismounted, graceful as a dancer, “You didn’t see the fight we put up just to come here,” she said as a way of explaining as she gave them both a swift but tight hug before making her way over to him. 

“What, did they think the Ruks would eat her,” Borte snorted.

“I was sure they were going to lock her away from us by the end,” he mused as he carefully handed the sleeping babe over to Nesryn before dismounting himself, just as Houlun and Borte came around Nesyn. The babe, their little Ayla, only made a small sound that he was sure was a grumble before resting her head on her mother's shoulder, her arms lightly wrapped around her neck, completely at peace as she slept.

She’d fallen asleep on the flight over. A flight that may not have happened had he not argued endlessly with his family first, then reassured Nesryn over and over that it was safe enough to bring the babe to the Rukhin. 

She tried to argue against it, but he’d seen how much she had needed it. How tired she was, of everything. 

They’d been married three years now, and though they hadn’t talked about children, Ayla had been a surprise, but not an unwelcome one, not at all. Sartaq’s overwhelming joy aside, he’d never seen Nesryn so…happy before. Or happier than she had been. He saw it, since finding out they were having the babe, which nearly took the knees out from under him, to the hard pregnancy in which he’d never seen her so tired, exhausted, to the moment they placed the screaming little girl in her arms. Through it all, she’d had this joy that made him fall in love with her over and over again, each time he saw her.

But the past six months had been tiring. For both of them.

For him, with his responsibilities as Heir, and with taking care of a newborn with many sleepless nights alongside his wife. And for her. Though she never said anything, never complained, but he saw it. Both mother and daughter were attached, so much so that Ayla would get cranky or cry if Nesryn so much as put her down, not that the babe cried often. And Nesryn was just as protective of their little one, but when it came to her duties, it was difficult. 

And as much help as she had with his and her own family, he saw how uncomfortable it made her, how she didn’t seem to like handing their daughter over all day for someone else to handle. It didn’t help that due to the families, there was always someone wanting to hold the child, especially when he and his wife were alone. He’d take in the flash of annoyance on her face, the slight twitches of her hand. And though they both appreciated the help, it got rather… stifling. Suffocating. 

So when he had suggested they finally come to the Rukhin, the relief that had flooded her face, despite her worries, had him arranging for them to leave as soon as they were able. There had been protests, but there was not much they could do to stop them now was there. 

And he saw it now, he was right to bring them here. It seemed as though a weight had been lifted off of Nesryns shoulders, how much more relaxed she looked here than back in Antica. 

“ I would have liked to see them try,” Borte said, as she lightly stroked Ayla’s cheeks, “I was one more week away from coming down there myself. Oh, she’s adorable.” A smirk as she glanced at the two of them, “Thankfully she looks like her mother. It would have been unfortunate if she poor thing took after Sartaq.” 

Nesryn laughed, to which he gave her a teasing glance before being pulled into an embrace by his hearth mother, alongside words of congratulations before pulling away. 

“You two seem like you’ve seen better days,” she said as she looked them over.

“Of rest,” Nesryn muttered. Houlun chuckled. Borte made to say something but was cut off with a sharp glance from her grandmother. 

“Go on, sleep. We can talk in the morning.”

…

Nesryn didn’t know who was nice enough to have a crib placed in their room and she wasn’t going to ask around tonight anyway. She carefully laid Ayla down, tucking her in as gently as possible to not jostle her. 

She wanted at least a few hours of sleep tonight, especially after the long flight here. It wasn’t that her daughter cried a lot, the problem was that when she and Sartaq had to attend to their duties, they had no choice but to have someone else look after her, much to her dismay. Even more so when they had her sleep through the day, making her wide awake at night. And the two of them having to stay awake with her, until she eventually falls asleep with only a few hours for them to sleep through.

To be fair, as much as the two were attached to one another, her Ayla tended to be cranky when she was out of her arms, eventually leading her to cry. So the only thing for anyone to do to calm her was to put her to sleep. It didn’t sit right with her, broke her heart each time her little one reached for her. 

She never complained though. Not even to Sartaq, who she knew felt the same pain each time just as she did, if only because he had enough to worry about as is, but also because he stayed awake with her every night, even when she insisted he could sleep. At one point he just said, “I won’t be the father who sleeps peacefully while my wife stays awake every night. You too are my heart, I can’t rest until you both are.” And that had been the end of it, and so they stayed awake, and she enjoyed those moments the three of them spent together, just them in the quiet of the night. But all of it was certainly taking a toll on both of them, she hadn’t dared to say anything. 

But when Sartaq had suggested coming here, she hadn't put up too big of a fight. At the very least, she didn’t have to consistently worry and be on her feet. She was hoping they could spend some time together, without the constant weight of having to attend to their duties every few minutes. 

She sighed just as the door opened, “Here’s to hoping she sleeps through the night,” she said as she turned to Sartaq. 

He chuckled, the sound making her chest flutter, even after all these years. “She was awake most of the day ride here, I think she just might,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her.

She closed her eyes, resting her head on his chest as she returned the embrace. She felt him lose a breath, one hand stroking down her back, the other on the back of her head, placing a kiss at the top of her head. She leaned further into him, his hair wet from the bath he’d taken, likely as quickly as possible. 

She wanted to stay this way forever. This quiet, peaceful kind of moment. Just them. In each other's arms. 

“Sometimes I feel terrible,” he murmured into her hair, “For bringing all this upon you.” Another kiss. “This life and duties you never wanted.”

She pulled away enough to look into his eyes. “I knew what I getting myself into,” she whispered, bringing a hand up to cup his cheek. He leaned into it. “I knew what was expected, that things like this would happen. But I didn’t mind it, I still don’t.” 

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to rest his forehead to hers, “I don’t mind any of it, not as long as I have you at the end of it.”

He closed his eyes, eyes she’d gotten lost in so, so many times. “You’ll have me,” he murmured, lips grazing hers, “For as long as you wish. I could deny you nothing, Nesryn.”

She smiled at that, stealing a kiss. “If I remember correctly, you were the one who was rather insistent-”

He cut her off, crashing his lips to hers. She closed her eyes, returning the gesture in kind. Gods, she would have him forever, could never get tired of it. Of the press of his chest against hers as he pulled her tighter against him, the hand tangling itself in her hair, holding her ever so close to him. She let out a little moan, which only encouraged him further, not that she complained. 

His tongue had just grazed hers when a little whine had them instantly pulling away, necks snapping as they turned to the crib. They didn’t dare breathe too loud, but Ayla only twisted a little before settling down once again. 

She turned to Sartaq just as he did before smiling, laughing, albeit a quietly as they could. She buried her face in his neck, trying to stifle her laugh, he buried his face in her hair as he tried to do the same, his chest shaking from the effort.  

Eventually, they calmed down enough. He pressed a kiss to her hair and said quietly, “Best to go clean up while she is still asleep.”

She snorted, looking up at him, “ You make it sound like she’s going to wake up any second.”

He smiled, giving her one last kiss, she’ll never get tired of it, before pulling away. “I’ll look after her if she does. Now go.

She frowned. “That's not what-”

“Shh, I said I’ll do it, my love.”

“You are just as tired as I am,” she argued. 

He only smiled, as if it was a joke. It was infuriating, she thought as he gently nudged her. She sighed, not in the mood to argue this over. At least not at the moment.

…

 Nesryn awoke to soft hands on her face, and a sound that sounded suspiciously close to “ma.”

Ever so slowly, she opened her eyes to find an identical pair of dark brown eyes on her with a smile that could’ve melted the coldest of hearts, the one that turned into a laugh. She couldn’t help her smile at the sight, even more so at the laugh that sounded from the other side of the bed, behind the babe. 

“Look who's finally awake,” Sartaq teased. Nesryn looked over Ayla to find Sartaq leaning on his side on the bed, both dressed for the day, it seemed. 

Nesryn could care less at the moment, not when she finally felt rested after so long. Funny how good one slept knowing they didn’t need to be awake as the sun rises. Though she had woken up once at night, only because Ayla was hungry, after which she went right back to sleep. She was sure she slept in, and would likely get teased by Borte relentlessly, but Nesryn couldn’t find in her to care. 

She stretched out her arms, awake, but not as willing to leave the warmth of the bed, so she wrapped her arms around her babe, who let out those addictingly adorable giggles, and let herself be wrapped in her arms. 

Nesryn pulled her in close, breathing in the baby's soft scent she couldn’t get tired of. Ayla didn’t seem to mind either, she lay content in her arms, head on her chest, and let out that sound that sounded like “ma” again. She knew she would start making those little sounds around now, alongside the little jousts of crawling. She has enough nieces and nephews to know that. 

Even so, she looked over at her husband when she did see it, a smug look on her face. 

He only gave a mock sigh before moving to wrap his arms under her, pulling them both into his embrace in blissful comfort. “I try not to get jealous of that,” he said, feigning hurt. 

She laughed, her voice still raspy from just waking up, and kissed her daughter's hair. “I think your da’s jealous, Ayla,” she mocks whispered. Sartaq pinched her side, making her laugh. 

“How long has she been awake,” Nesryn asked as Ayla sat up on her lap, babbling and grabbing at anything at arm's length.

“I told you I’d take her if she did, don’t worry about it.” Frowning, she glanced up at him but he cut her off before she could say anything. “You were rather deep in sleep, love. The fact that I got her up and ready without you so much as moving was enough.”

She waited for the rush of guilt, but it didn’t come. Maybe because she had wanted that sleep, or she wasn’t fully awake enough to feel anything yet. 

She sighed. “How long did I sleep in?” She was afraid, not really to hear it. 

“It’s a little past noon. Oh, everyone already came and went after meeting her out in the great hall,” he explained, stroking Ayla’s hair, making her pause and look up at him, giving him a toothless little smile before continuing in her little world. 

They smiled at that before he continued. “I know you hate the passing-her-around, so I thought having it done and over with. Also, the teasing is only reserved for me it seems, since no one seems inclined to give you a tough time for sleepin' in.”

She couldn’t help her laugh at that. She felt good about that, maybe even smug, considering the stories he had told her about how relentless the Rukhin had been with him. 

Sartaq tried to act annoyed, but he couldn’t hide the amusement on his, or the smile.

Ayla had no idea what was happening but laughed all the same. Nesryn grabbed her under the arms, lifting her and bringing her down to blow kisses on her cheeks, making her laugh and squirm, the sound making her heart soar in her chest. 

…

“She didn’t fuss much earlier did she?” she asked after changing, standing in front of the vanity as she braided her hair. 

Sartaq, on the bed with Ayla, a picture book open in front of her, said, “No. I think she was more focused on the cap she kept trying to take off.” An amused look at that, “I don’t think she liked being this bundled up.”

She snorted a laugh. “She’ll get used to it. But-”

There was a knock on the door then, and opened without waiting for an answer. Borte smirked at her, “You think you can join us for lunch this time.”

“I was debating a nap just now,” Nesryn said, finishing her braid. Her hair was longer now, past her shoulders, which surprisingly she didn’t seem to mind. 

“Well,” Borte said, sitting down next to Ayla, who looked up at her, curious, “If you're so inclined, but just give this one too us.”

“I think you have your husband for that,” Sartaq teased. 

A snort. “As if the bastard is good for anything.”

Nesryn and Sartaq shared a look that Borte chose to ignore. She never understood how these two worked, only that they did, in their own weird way. Honestly, she'd stopped trying to keep up with them. If only because everything they did changed every other day, after saying something completely different the before. 

“But I still think you could've brought her over sooner,” Borte started. A pointed glance at her as she came towards them, Sartaq sitting up. “You haven't been back in over a year. Instead this one kept coming and going.” 

Sartaq laughed. “Just say you missed me, Borte. I won't tell.” He grinned, then reached out an arm, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer to him.

A snort, which made Ayla let out a little laugh. Borte looked over and smiled at her. “As if,” she said, “but just so you both know, I'm holding you accountable for the glares and badgering my dear grandmother is sure to give me.”

“Won't you listen to her,” Nesryn teased her, moving to pick her daughter, who had started to crawl towards her, or was trying to,  the picture book forgotten and shoved to the side, gave her a laugh, the smile on her face contagious as she wrapped her arms as best as she could around her. “I think Ayla wants a friend, don't you, love,” she said, tickling her little cheek, making her giggle as she squirmed in her arms. 

“I think she has plenty back in her little palace.”

Sartaq grinned, “Not one here.” 

The pillow on his face came so fast she didn't even see it, followed by a humph before she got up and left, leaving her and Sartaq laughing. 

She only peaked back inside to say, “Oh just so you're aware, the other clans would be dying to meet their captains child. Better get to it.”

-----

For all the Nestaq shippers like me out there. I'll probably do a part 2 to this. Maybe. We'll see.

[orgasming-caterpillar]

RanveerXRaghav broken button trope

"You Know How To Sew?"

"Shit," Ranveer muttured under his breath.

Raghav's mother was out to visit some relatives for the day, and the boys had decided to gather up and play games at his house. It was going to be very fun. Emphasis on was.

"Kya hua?" Raghav asked from the sofa.

He couldn't see Ranveer's face, but he must have realised something was wrong.

"Karan ko puch kab tak aa rahe hain," Ranveer spoke tentatively.

"Kiya tha na call abhi. Bola panch minute mein aa jayenge wo sab."

"Shit," Ranveer swore again.

"Kya hua?" Raghav repeated. He looked back to see what was wrong with the other, only to see him holding up his own collar loosely. "Yeh kya hua?"

"Button toot gaya. Ab ghar pe jaake dusra pehenke aaunga utne mein late ho jayega bohot."

"Arey," Raghav tsked. "Ruk."

"If you think I'll wear one of your shirts you're severely mistaken-"

"You'll be lucky to have the chance, Ranveer Kashyap." He came back with a box of cookies in his hand. "Show me the button."

Did he mean to...?

Raghav snapped his fingers. "Oh hello, konsa button toota hai?" He took out a needle and black thread from the cookie box.

Ranveer asked, "You know how to sew?" To distract himself from the prickling at the back of his neck. To distract himself from the goosebumps rising on his arms. To distract himself from the way Raghav took the fabric in his hands, fingers dangerously close to brushing against Ranveer's chest, and put the button where it was supposed to be.

"When both your parents study art, you learn a thing or two about taking care of yourself." Raghav replied, not meeting his eyes. "And now shut up before I accidentally stab you with this needle and we find out it was actually poisoned and now I have no one to dance with."

Ranveer promptly shut up, but he could no longer control thoughts. Raghav was so close, so close, it Ranveer just dropped his head a bit their foreheads would touch. He wanted to.

If only it wasn't for the possibly poisoned needle in his hands.

He was mesmerized by the way Raghav's quick, nimble fingers moved. Pushing the needle inside and stopping just before it touched Ranveer's skin. Taking it out again to repeat.

Ranveer suddenly realised that his breathing had gone very silent, and sucked in a huge breath. Bad idea. It made the needle graze the flesh of his chest ever so slightly, but it stung nonetheless.

"Dhyan se," Raghav muttured without looking up.

He finished with the button, tying it in place. The small smirk that adorned his features then was at least a million dollars worth.

"Agli baar button todna mat. I'd much prefer a gentler approach," he said and walked away, leaving an open-mouthed, flustered Ranveer behind him.

[butchkaramazov]

GooD Old fashioned Loverboy with raghveer unsing 'their breath hitching whenever the other gets a little closer' prompt please?

A/N: ask and you shall receive, my princess, meri nafz. i got a little bit carried away with this and it could’ve developed into full-blown smut had i not controlled my hand. enjoy <3

It was nearly midnight. One more minute and Ranveer knew he’d feel that familiar buzz of his mother calling him. He slumped into the sofa, exhaling through his nose. “We need to work on that, Raghav. Chalo, one more time.”

Raghav grimaced. “I genuinely can’t do this anymore.”

“Nonsense,” Ranveer said. “I’ve seen you dance, dude. You can do anything.”

Raghav glanced at Ranveer, trying to pick apart whatever he had just said. Since when did Ranveer turn so soft? He couldn’t help but notice a gentleness in his eyes whenever he looked at him—or, again, that softness could be entirely hallucinated—he tended to imagine all sorts of things when it came to Ranveer.

Ranveer heaved himself off the couch, feigning a look of mock disapproval. “Tu ruk jaa. First see how I do it.”

Raghav was only too glad to relax his stretched arms, choosing instead to see exactly how Ranveer proposed to help him. That pompous bastard. The most annoying of the lot, with his face so beautiful it made Raghav feel stupid, those lips stretched in a perfect Cupid’s bow, those upturned eyes lined with tiny freckles—

So very annoying.

“Dekh—” Ranveer’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts—“hold your arm out at an angle, like this, with the mudra like this.”

“Aise?” Raghav asked, copying Ranveer’s movements. He stretched his arm out, perpendicular to the surface of the wall, his fingers instinctively forming a random mudra.

Ranveer grimaced. “Uffo, don’t be so stiff—what’s up with you today?”

Raghav swallowed. 

Ranveer massaged the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “Chal thik hai, hota hai. I’ll help.”

“You’ve already helped me enough by showing me all the steps, how else—”

His mouth snapped shut as Ranveer’s arms wrapped around his slight frame, one of his hands stretching alongside Raghav’s outstretched arm, bending slightly at the elbow to gently lift his wrist. So that’s how he’d help. “Oho, look how tensed up you are. There we go.”

Raghav felt his breath hitch in his throat. He nodded slowly, feeling his arms relax into Ranveer’s hold, his back pressed against his chest—their bodies fitting together exactly at the right angles. 

“That’s better,” Ranveer murmured, his warm breath brushing against Raghav’s earlobe. 

Raghav’s lips parted instinctively at the feel of Ranveer’s thigh pressing against his waist. He was so close—so, so close. He could turn around and smash his lips into his. He could break free of his grasp and run out of the room. He could guide his hands to where he needed them the most. He could turn around and yell at him for overstepping his personal boundaries. He could press against Ranveer’s body and slowly grind against his thigh. He could turn around and cup his face in his hands and cry and tell him that he wasn’t the most annoying boy in the world, he was Raghav’s most annoying boy in the world. He could tell him—he could show him, in that moment itself, that he was his, that he had made him his without even trying to, that he had never fallen as hard for anyone else, that looking at him made him feel like all the stars in the universe could come crashing down and yet none would be brighter than Ranveer. 

In that moment, with Ranveer’s cheeks against his shoulders, his muscles tightening as he guided Raghav’s hands against his own, Raghav decided he would be ruined by him.

“Haan, there we go,” Ranveer exhaled softly against the nape of Raghav’s neck. “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it? I told you you’re an amazing dancer.”

“Ranveer, I—”

“Ruk jaa, ek second, Maa is calling,” Ranveer said, pulling away. Raghav felt his knees buckle. He grabbed onto the armrest of the couch to steady himself.

Ranveer sent a curious glance his way, a look that made it seem like he was almost concerned, before he looked at his phone once again and forgot entirely about Raghav’s existence. “Haan, Maa, I’m coming home in five minutes. Don’t worry, Maa, it’s only twelve, I’ll be home before you know it.”

Raghav looked at Ranveer, his dark skin glowing in the lights of the green room, sweat glistening through the thin silk of his shirt. He could feel his rib tighten, a flower grow in the pit of his stomach. 

He really needed to get over how touch-deprived he was.

summoning the entire doyh fandom: @orgasming-caterpillar @kittensandforeheadkisses @browngurl99 @ad15124 @amrut-ofthegods @maraudersbitchesassemble @vellhighbandi @lilacwitch011019 @sinistergooseberries @desi-yearning @just-call-me-singh @rudolphsboyfriend @shanti-ashant-hai @anarcho-boykisserism

[restlesswritings]

JO1 Scenarios:

Cute moments with him

A/N: Requests are open; Pairing: JO1 Members x Fem Reader Genre: Fluff Warnings: None Masterlists : JO1 JPOP KPOP

Sho

To other people it might have seemed odd when your boyfriend suggested strawberry picking for your anniversary but to you it made perfect sense, that was Sho. As you look at the massive amount of strawberries, one stands out. "Oh yes! This one will definitely beat hi-" Your words are cut off when a giant hand reaches over your shoulder, snatching the strawberry from you. "Hey! That one was mine you meanie!" You yell at your big, redheaded teddy bear like boyfriend, causing him to burst out laughing while dipping your big strawberry in condensed milk, getting a bit of the cream on his lip in the process. Rolling your eyes, you can't help but let a smile cross your features. "Come on hanii , you know you love me.." He says, as he holds up the biggest strawberry you've ever seen. He drops on one knee, holding the strawberry up to you. "Forgive me?" He asks while holding in one of his contagious laughs. Taking the strawberry, you gave him a big smile and yank him up, "Yes of course!" You say, quickly pecking his lips before running away with the strawberry, leaving your boyfriend shocked to say the least.

Ren

The sound of the front door opening almost causes you to drop the bowl in your hands, you quickly place it on the table, tidying up the flowers and candles. Just at that moment, Ren walks into the kitchen, "Y/N, what is all this?" He asks, surprise evident on his face. "I just wanted to do something nice for you. You've been working hard for the comeback." You say causing him to pull you into his warm embrace, "Thank you, this made my day." He says while pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. After you both sit down, he is the first to take a bite, "Mhm, oh my god.. this is delicious! You made this?!" He asks in shock causing you to laugh, "Hmm, you shouldn't question my cooking skills," You say playfully. Being so absorbed in the taste of the food he blurts out, "Thank you Y/N, seriously, I love this and I love you!" His eyes go wide, he lifts his thumb up in embarrassment, "Um.. I meant this is good.. good job? " He says. letting out a nervous giggle. You reach forward and grab his hand in yours, "I love you too Rennie" You say with the biggest smile on your face.

Ruki

"You didn't have to come with me, you know?" you say to your boyfriend, Ruki, watching as he struggles with a baby goat that was currently trying to eat his jacket. "I couldn't just let you come out here by yourself, with all these wild animals!" He exclaims, looking a little ridiculous in your father's farming clothes. "I appreciate it, Ruk-" your words get cut off as you let out a loud laugh as one of the sheep steals his hat right out of his hand. "Yah!" He yells at the sheep, running after it but having no luck. "Wait! I have an idea." You say and ran to the house as he continued his battle. You came back a few minutes later to an exhausted looking Ruki, his eyes lit up when he saw you, "You're back! This sheep is so stubborn, we can ju-" he cut himself off and his eyes got even wider when he noticed the feed in your hand. "You're so smart!" He said and grabbed some from you. After a few minutes of negotiating with the very stubborn sheep, you guys finally got his hat back. "Yes!! Oh my god, thank you!" Ruki exclaimed and pulled you into a hug. Walking back to the house, he stopped you, "I guess I was the one who needed saving, heh.. thank you hanii" he said and gave you a quick kiss. "Anytime you goof" you said with a smile.

Junki

You were currently making your way to the dorm and as you were about to knock the door was pulled open by an overly excited Junki, looking as cute as ever, in something as simple as a plain t-shirt and jeans. "AH! If it isn't my beautiful girlfriend!" he said with a giant smile, pulling you into a hug. Laughing while in his embrace you pulled back a little to see his smiling face, "So what do you have planned for us this evening, cutie?" you asked while moving some of his hair from his forehead. "Ah! I'm glad you asked, first I thought we could cook a meal together, which I'm sure will be a disaster.. then eat while watching only the best movie of all time, The Avengers!" he exclaimed, shooting a charming smile at you with such happiness in his eyes. "I love it!" You said with a smile before you both made your way to the kitchen. All was well, you two were laughing a lot and making progress with the meal until Junki went to flip it. "Junki, I can do it if-" you started before he shushed you, closing his eyes and letting out a dramatic breath before he quickly tried, and failed to flip the food, causing you to burst out laughing. "You're so lucky you're cute Kono Junki." You said as you made your way over to salvage the meal.

Keigo

"Yah can I take this off now?" your boyfriend, Keigo asks for the third time, causing you to roll your eyes as you finished sprinkling confetti on the floor. "I just put it on you and besides, do you want to see your surprise or not?" you said giving him a playful nudge. "I DO, that's why I need this blindfold off.." he said in a playful tone, making you roll your eyes once again. "Okay Mr smarty pants, almost ready.." you said as you went to the kitchen and grabbed the furry little baby, bringing her over to the living room where your anxious boyfriend was waiting. Sitting her down next to him, you fixed the pink bow on her neck, "Okay take it off!" you said excitedly, waiting for his reaction. He looked around and was confused before he glanced down upon hearing a little "mew" and his eyes got wide when he saw the furry kitten. "A KITTEN?!" he exclaimed, picking her up ever so gently, staring at her in awe. "You got me a kitty?" he asked and hugged the animal against his chest. "I got us a kitten, I know how much you wanted a fur baby." you said while petting the baby in his arms. "I love you so much, you know that right??" he said while pulling you into a hug, careful to not squish the small kitten. "I do know that and I'm assuming you liked the surprise?" you asked with knowing smile."I love it!" he shouted while playing with the new addition to your family.

Takumi

Knocking on Takumi's door, the last thing you expected to see was your redheaded boyfriend wearing pink bunny ears and a bright smile. "Wah! You look so cute Kumi!" you said to him in a baby voice, poking at his new accessory making his smile drop. "Oi stop! I only do this for you and you know it." He said while playfully swatting your hands away as you two made your way into his apartment. Your smile soon turned to shock as you came face to face with a romantic set up in his living room, complete with candles, face masks, snacks, and your favorite movie ready to be played. "Kumi.. you did this for me?" you asked, on the verge of tears. "Yeah, you said you had a rough day at work so I thought this could make it better.." he said shyly and rubbed the back of his neck. "My princess deserves to smile." he said before he was pulled into your warm embrace. "I love it, so much. Let's do facemasks first!" you said and pulled him over to the cute set up. Getting on your knees, you pushed his hair back with the headband and gently apply the tiger face mask. "Yah you look so cute!! Let me take a photo please!" you said and snapped a photo of your boyfriend, causing him to groan "Y/n! ugh you're the only one who can see that!" he said sternly, making you roll your eyes and laugh at how cute he was.

Syoya

The sound of your facetime ringtone brought you out of your thoughts as you pressed the accept button, your smile widened when you saw your adorable boyfriend on your screen wearing an equally big smile. "Y/n! I missed you!!" he yelled into the speaker. "Hi hanii! I missed you too, I was literally just thinking about you" you said with flushed cheeks, causing him to let out a laugh. "I wanted to call you while I was alone, I wanted to tell you somethi-" his sentence was cut off by loud laughter and the sound of a door slamming, "I spoke too soon heh.." Syoya said with a pout just as Shion and Shosei made their way into frame. "Hey! Did you tell her yet??" Shion asked, not realizing you were on call. "shh.. she's on the phone right now.." Syoya said while pointing at you causing the other two to freeze "Oi heh, hi y/n!" Shosei said and hurried out of frame, pulling Shion with him. "What did you want to tell me?" you asked, slightly nervous now. "Oh um nothing bad, I just um.. I love you.?" Syoya said more as a question causing you to look at your boyfriend in disbelief, "really?" you asked to make sure you were hearing things correctly. "Yes, I do. I can't wait to be home with you." he said before getting up, "Look I know this was a short call but I have to go. I love you." he said, waving as the other two waved as well "Wait! I love you too Kimata Syoya!" you said causing the biggest smile to form on his face and the other two to cheer before the call ended.

Shosei

"Okay I think I should add the ingredients and you stir them.." you said as your boyfriend was trying but failing at measuring the butter for the cake you two were currently trying to make from scratch. "Hey! I can do it.. I just have to uh.. I got this." Shosei said as he continued his battle with the measuring cups causing you to let out a loud laugh. "Okay, okay.. you do that and I'll preheat the oven." you said, turned your back for five seconds before turning around to a flour covered Shosei, you laughed loudly as you covered your mouth in shock at how quickly your boyfriend got messy. "How? That i-is my only question hahaha" you got out in between laughter, causing his cheeks to flush. "A little help please?" he said with big eyes, making you feel bad for your boyfriend. You reached over and lightly wiped the flour out of his hair and began to wipe the white powder off his cheeks when he grabbed your hand "What are yo-" you began to ask before he pulled you into a kiss, covering you in flour as well. Pulling back he could barely see your red cheeks under the amount of flour that was now covering your face. "There we both look ridiculous. Now can you hand me the eggs?" he asked as if nothing happened, leaving you shocked and covered in flour.

Sukai

Carrying the shopping bags with you, you made your way to your boyfriend, Sukai's apartment. Knocking you waited excitedly for him to open the door, a smile forming on your lips when the door flung open to a smiling Sukai who automatically pulled you into a warm hug. "y/n! What are you doing here??" " he asked, surprised you were at his house. "I got you a few things! But the only thing is.. I want you to try them on for me" you said while looking up at him with puppy eyes. "ehh.. okay only because its you!" he said as he pulled you into the living room, placing you on the couch. "I'll go change!" he said and disappeared. Returning a few minutes later, Sukai had a huge smile on his face, "I literally love this shirt" he said while striking a few poses for you causing you to let out a loud laugh. "I love it! You look hot!" you said causing him to blush and hide his face "Thank you hanii, I love this and you" he said and sat next to you, pulling you on to him. "You're welcome Sky, anything to make you smile.." you said and pecked his cheek causing him to blush even more. "I love you too" you added and snuggled into your boyfriend with a smile on your face.

Shion

"Okay, try holding it up more on the right side." you said to your boyfriend, Shion, who was currently trying to hang up a painting you had found for your shared apartment. "um, I think you're going to need a taller boyfriend, maybe a giraffe." he said in a huff, arms struggling to hold the piece of decor any longer. You couldn't help the obnoxious snort that escaped as you let out a loud laugh at your boyfriend and the current situation. " Wha- you liked that? I have more jokes where that came from." he said and put the painting down, walking over to you. "What does a storm cloud wear under his raincoat?" he asked with a huge toothy grin on his face, looking at you with big eyes. "Hmm I don't know, what?" you said, holding your stomach from laughing so hard. "Thunderwear!" he yelled and let out a loud laugh, falling to the floor. You joined him in the over the top laughter, which soon turned into real laughter like always when you were around Shion. "Thank you for always making me laugh, I'm going to live forever haha" you said and tried helping him up, only to fall down on top of him igniting the laughter once again. "I don't think this will ever get hung" you said with a playful groan, "I think it looks pretty good where it's at" he said causing you to laugh once again, both your stomachs aching from the laughter.

Mame

You were fidgeting with your fingers as you felt the nerves and excitement course through you while waiting for the boys to finish up in the dressing rooms. You were here as a total surprise to all the boys, especially your boyfriend, Issei. Hearing the loud sounds of the chaotic boys, you turned and immediately found your boyfriend's eyes. The look of pure shock was evident on his face and he ran towards you, scooping you up in his arms. "Y/n! What! I can't believe you're here!" Mame exclaimed, as he slowly put you back down, arms still wrapped around you. "I wanted to show my support for my favorite idol!" You said with a wink, smiling at your boyfriend, causing him to blush. Your moment was interrupted when Sho and Junki came up behind Mame and started making kissing noises, "AWH look at the two love birds!" Junki yelled, barely keeping his laughter in. "Aren't they the cutest??" Sho asks, Junki agreeing. You had never seen Mame's face more red than it was in this moment. "He's so cute, blushing and-" Sho was cut off by Mame playfully pushing them away. "Oi! I have a girlfriend, get over it" He said and put his arm around you proudly. "I could cry, our baby Issei is growing up." Junki said and walked away dramatically, leaving you and Mame with nothing but red cheeks and laughter.

A/N: PLEASE I HAD TOO MUCH GOING THROUGH MY HEAD WHILE WRITING THESE

[moleculesandmetaphors]

When Celine in before sunrise said, “I like to feel his eyes on me when I look away.”

When Parveen Shakir said, “sabse nazar bacha ke wo mujhe kuch aise dekhta, ek dafa toh ruk gai gardish-e-mah-o-sal bhi.”

And Jaun Elia said, “Jab uska deedar hota hai, dil ko sukoon milta hai, Aankhon me uski tasveer sajti hai, yaadon ka ghar ban jata hai”

And Faiz Ahmed Faiz said, “teri surat se hai aalam me baharo ko sabaat, teri aankhon k siwa dunia me rkha kya hai”

[tasavvur-e-jaana]

Jhumka gira re

//

The main street running through the bazaar was crowded with people, the enlightened lanterns in each shop giving a rustic, festive look to the arena. The aroma of hot jalebis, sweets, and other savoury dishes dispersed with the dhup (incense) scent of various flowers which the shopkeepers lit to keep the mosquitoes and other insects away. The cacophony of the mingled sounds did not appear as bothersome to the two people swimming through the ocean of men, women, and children alike. 

Bheem was walking at a leisurely pace, unlikely for him, mostly because he was almost stopping at each halwai’s shop to take in the delicious aroma of the frying oils and mouthwatering delicacies. His legs halted at one such foodstall where the man was frying fresh jalebies, catering to a small crowd which had accumulated at the shop. Bheem saw the halwai - he was wearing a typical white dhoti with a vest and a gamcha on his shoulders which he was using every 10 seconds to wipe off the sweat from being near the big-ass, hot kadhai as he was pouring the batter and frying the jalebis in perfect little concentric circles. The curly haired man could just stand there and watch the process for hours. 

He donned a thick moustache, with furry brows which were concentrated on the action as he was humming an old song while working. Much to Bheem’s delight, he was healthy, the belly trying to defy the confines of the vest. Not to be offensive, but Bheem thought that the best of the halwais have to be on the healthier side, because then it meant that they really loved to eat and feed people. They truly would be passionate about it. 

“Kya mol hai jalebi ka?” (What price is the jalebi?) He asked. 

“Teen aana ser!” (Three aanas for 1.250 kg.) The guy answered. 

“Hmm…Bhabhi tum-” (Sister-in-law would you…) The older man turned to find his companion missing. His initial reaction was to panic, of course. Before he could have a tiny heart attack, fortunately he spotted his companion at a shop two shops away, standing far behind, at a shop of jewellry. 

The man heaved a sigh of relief as he skipped back, telling the halwai that he will be back. 

Seetha was staring, stiff as a statue at a pair of jhumkas hanging by the side. They were beautiful, oxidised silver maybe, with typical dome-like shape with intricately woven metal design and small ghunghroos in the periphery of the hemispherical structure. They shone just the right amount when the light of the lanter fell on them, making them look sparkly. 

She did not realise she had screeched to a halt dreaming about how they would look on her, until a hand on her elbow shook her out of the reverie. “Ohh! Bheem! Maaf karna mujhe main-” (Oh, I apologise I-)

“Kya hua? Tum achanak aise ruk gayi.” (What happened? You just stopped here?) Bheem looked at her, his worry morphing into concern as he caught glimpse of tears at the corner of her eyes. “Bhabhi, sab theek?” (Bhabhi, sab thik?) he asked gently. 

Seetha shook her head, conjuring up an instant smile. “Han bilkul! Chalo! Tumhe mila kuchh khane ke liye? Mili koi jagah jahan ki khusboo mein woh kashish ho?” (Yes, of course! Come on! Did you find something suiting your tastes? Did you finally find the shop where the aroma was intoxicating as you desired?) She teased, but the grin did not reach her eyes. 

Bheem thought for a moment how to approach her, having seen her line of sight where she had been viewing, still as a statue, with desire in her dark brown orbs. Maybe she wanted to buy something for herself? But he had never seen her wearing something fancy, mostly bare minimum with the most bland shades and simple attire. 

He stepped forward and took the same pair which Seetha had been eyeing in his hands, not taking it off the stand. “Kitna khubsoorat hai na ye jhumka?” (How beautiful is this earring, isn’t it?)

“Han! J    enny par khoob jachega. Uske liye le rahe ho?” (Yes! It will look magnificient on Jenny. You are thinking of buying for her, right?)

Ughh! She was more stubborn than his anna. However, the gond man was not the one to back off, and neither he was the one to mince his words. They were close enough now, after months of friendship and working in close quarters. “Main tumhare liye keh raha hoon!” (I was asking for you!) his voice took a slightly stern note. 

To his irritation, Seetha only laughed. “Tumne kabhi pehle mujhe iss tarah ke gehne pehne hue dekha hai?” (You’re being silly. Have you ever seen me in such fancy stuff before? This is too much.)

“Iska matlab yeh thode hi hai ke tum kabhi pehno hi nahi?” (That doesn’t mean you cannot wear it ever.)

“Bheem! Rehne do. Tum agar lena chaho, toh Jenny ke liye le sakte ho, warna chalo aage. Waqt zaya nahi karte fizool baaton aur fizool kharchi mein.” (Bheem! Leave it. If you want to buy it for Jenny, then please do. Or else let us not spend time on unimportant things and waste money.)

“Seetha! Uff! Tum-” (Seetha! Uff! You-)

“Kya?” (What?) she raised her voice a bit as well. “Main kya? Kuchh ghalat kaha maine?” (Me what? Tell me how am I in the wrong here.) She regretted the anger instantly, which deflated like a pack of cards, “Main us tarah ki ladki nahi hoon…” (I am not a girl who…)

But bheem was really irked now. “KIS TARAH KI LADKI NAHI HO? Jo apne liye koi bhi wo cheez na kharide jo use pasand hai? Jo kabhi apne kiye ek pal bhi na soche? Jo-” The man clenched his jaw shut because the next sentence he was going to say would have been extremely inappropriate. 

(A GIRL WHO WHAT? The one who does not buy a pretty thing forherself once in a while? The one who does not think about her happiness? The one-)

“Jo kya? Batao Bheem! Jo kya?” (The one who what? Finish the sentence Bheem!)

“Nahi.” (No.)

“Thik hai, main kehti hoon jo tumhare mann mein tha.” her tone went eerily calm. “Jo kisi ki mangetar ko kar bhi vidhva ke jaise jee rahi ho. Yahi kehna chahte the na?” 

(Fine. Let me finish it for you. The one who has a living, breathing fiance but still chooses to dress like a widow. This is what you wanted to say, didn’t you?)

“NAHI!” (NO!) He denied outright. Seetha glared at him. “Umm- bilkul un shabdon mein nahi.” He added sheepishly. “Lekin main yeh zaroor kahunga, ke iss tarah apni har ek hasrat ka gala ghotne ki zaroorat nahi hai.”

(Umm- not in those exact words. But I will say this, that don’t squish your desires like a bug in the night. There is no need.)

Seetha smiled at her companion. It was a short-lived, tiny smile. “Bheem, sach kahun?” He nodded his head. “Ab aadat si ho gai hai. Meri sari sakartmakta, mera vishwas, mera dridh nishchay, mera vishwas ke hum jeetenge, mera junoon, sab Ram ko sambhalne mein vyay ho gaya hai. Uske jaane ke baad bhi usi ke liye jiya. Uske na hone ka ehsaas jo pal pal mujhe khaaye jaa raha tha- Bheem! Tumne uske Dilli se likhe gaye khat nahi padhe, jab wo wahan bilkul akela tha. Main…” She brushed away a tear. “Main tumhari bohot bohot shukraguzaar hoon ke tum uski zindagi mein aaye.” 

(Bheem, may I be honest? It has become a habit now. All my positivity, my optimism, my perseverance, and my belief that we will win- all has been spent up on Ram. Even after he left, it felt like I was only living for him. This absence chipped away at me minute by minute- Bheem! You have not read the letters he sent from Dilli which he sent when he was utterly and completely alone. I… I am so very grateful to you that you found him and came in his life when you did.)

This time, her smile was genuine, grateful. Although Bheem was glad, the gratefulness did not settle well with him. Seetha should not be thanking him! They were in the middle of the bazaar and even though Bheem wanted to know more, and knock sense into his friend- very literally, this was not the right time and place. All the curly haired man knew was he was buying Seetha the pair. And one for Jenny too, he already had his heart set on the one next to it. 

Just as he turned to ask the shopkeeper how much they cost, there was another young man, his hands clasped with a young woman, radiating joy who asked to see that particular pair. “Ji woh…” (Umm those-) Bheem started politely, with Seetha behind him, “Woh darasal main khareed raha hoon. Aap koi aur kyun nahi le lete?” (Actually I am buying those. Why don’t you look for another pair?) 

The guy seemed disappointed. “Lekin Shobha, meri mangetar ko ye sab se zyada pasand hain.” he tried to argue. (But Shobha, my fiancee, she has her heart set on them of all!)

“Bheem!” A hand landed on his arm. “Theek hai. Shayad mere nasib mein nahi hain ye jhumke. Bhaisahab aap hi le lijiye.” (It’s okay. They are not for me anyway. Please you buy them for your fiancee.) She glanced at the couple, giddy in each others presence, and she could sense the love radiating off them in waves. A cloud of sorrow shrouded her once more and her face fell in defeat. It all happened in an instance and Bheem, in this moment, only wanted to run back to the village and punch Ram in the face. A couple of times at least. 

 “Dekhiye main yeh apni bhabhi ke liye khareed raha hoon, meri iltija hai aapse ke aap koi aur dekh lein.” (Look! I am buying this for my sister-in-law. I really beg you to reconsider.) The man looked at his fiance once who gestured it was okay. He shrugged, “Thik hai!” (Fine.)

“Aapka bohot bohot shukriya!” (Thank you! Thank you so much!)

“Bheem! Kya kar rahe ho?” (What are you doing, Bheem?)

“Main khareed raha hoon yeh tumhare liye.” (I am buying them for you.)

“Iski koi zarurat nahi.” (No.)

“Hai! Tum meri bhabhi ho, kya ye rishta koi maayne nahi rakhta?” (YES! You are like a sister to me! Does that no mean anything to you?) The puppy eyes were at full attack. 

“Maine tumse kya kaha tha?” (What did I say to you about this?) Seetha stood there, crossing her hands. 

“Meri ye harketein sirf Ram aur Jenny par kaam karti hain!” (That the puppy eyes and emotional blackmail works only on Ram and Jenny.) He pouted. Seetha smiled at his adorable nature. “Lekin main sahi mein tumhe tohfa dena chahta hoon. Main ek Jenny ke liye bhi le raha hoon.” (But I really do want to gift you these. I am buying one for Jenny too!)

“Bohot khushnaseeb hai woh ladki!” (That girl is the luckiest!)

“Kya Ram kabhi tumhare liye-” (What? Ram never- for you?) Seetha shook her head. “Woh kehta hai tumhe jo chahiye tum khud laa sakti ho. Meri kya zaroorat hai?” (Well, he says I can buy whatever I need or want for myself. There is not need for him to be there.)

“Ughh!! Nihaayati bewakoof hain wo! Ghar pohonch kar unki khabar leta hoon main.” (He really is the dumbest person! I will knock some sense into him when we get home.)

Seetha chuckled out loud. It was the sweetest sound. “Main nahi rokungi tumhe!” (I would not stop you.) She jested. 

“Thik hai. Toh tay raha. Hum ghar jaa kar khabar le rahe hain unki.” (Good. Deal. We go home and kick his idiotic ass.)

He turned to the shopkeeper who was busy with other customers. “Bhaisahab, ye jhumke kitne ke diye?” (Mister, how much do these earrings cost?)

“Dedh rupiya pura.” (One and a half rupee.)

“KYA? Itna zyadam dam?” (WHAT? This is too pricey!) Seetha gawked from behind, nonplussed. “Bheem yeh toh bohot mehenge hain. Rehne do, chalo.” (Leave it, Bheem. They are too expensive.)

“Lekin behenji aap karigari to dekhiye. Itni baariq aur safaimand aapko kahin iss mol mein mile toh main dukaan band kar dunga.” (But madam, look at the ornate design. If you find such intricate and polished work elsewhere in these parts, in these prices, I will close my shop.)

Bheem too was stumped. Not only because of the price, but because he wasn’t sure he had that amount on him. They already had done the supply shopping, the heavy bags at the owner’s place which they were going to carry after taking a walk in the bazaar while returning. He quickly took out the remaining amount and counted. It was exactly one and a half rupees left. He would not be able to buy anything for Jenny, or get the jalebis if he got the earrings. 

Seetha peaked into his palm, taking out her own purse. There was only 5 annas left. “Bheem. Mere liye mat lo. Sirf Jenny ke liye hi lete hain.” (Bheem. Let’s just buy something for Jenny.) 

“Nahi! Main pichle mahine hi laya tha uske liye kuchh cheezein.” (No. I bought her some jewllery only last month.) He had made up his mind. The gond man offered the rupee and a half to the shopkeeper. “Ji de dijiye.” (Please, we’ll take it.) Seetha caught his hand. “Bheem!” 

He looked at her with determined gaze in the honey dipped eyes. “Agar tumhare liye zara se bhi pyaar hai mere liye toh aaj nahi rokogi tum mujhe.” (If you love me even a little bit, you will not stop me now.) It did not sound like blackmail. It rang like an ultimatum in the air, hanging between the two - the shopkeeper all the while watching this charade and getting frustrated. 

“Lena hai ya nahi?” (Are you buying them or not?) He finally asked. 

“Bilkul.” (Of course.) Bheem handed him the money. He took the paper wrapped packet and started walking with Seetha in tow. 

“Tumne mol bhaav bhi nahi kiya! Buddhu ho tum!” (You didn’t even bargain! You fool!)

“Tumhari khushi ka woh kya mol lega bhabhi. Dedh rupiya hi toh tha! Magar han, agar mol lagaata toh shayad yeh lazeez jalebiyan kha paata.” (Bhabhi, no one can put a price on your happiness. It was only a rupee and a half. But yes, if I had bargained, we could have left some money for the delicious jalebis.) They had reached the jalebi stall again, the halwai still making the delicacy. 

“Koi baat nahi mere pyare Bheemudu!” (No worries, my Bheemudu!) She linked his hand with her as she dragged him toward the food. “Mere paas abhi bhi 5 aane hain.” (I still have 5 annas left.) The smile Bheem gave her could have blinded a million suns. 

“Are waah!” (YAY!) He perked up immediately. “Itne mein to pet bhar kar dher saari jalebi kha sakte hain hum! Aur le bhi jaayenge sab ke liye…” (This is enough to buy so many jalebis for all of us!)

//

@ronaldofandom

[blodgmonster]

Part 3 of my EoS ToD tandem reread commentary. Getting to the end of both books so it should be less of a slog now.

-- Yrene pushing Hasar into the pool. Priceless.

-- "I loved you before I ever set eyes on you." SARTAQ!!!!! God, men written by women are just so much better than the real thing.

"' We wait for the Queen of the Valg,' the spider purred, rubbing against the carving. 'Who in this world calls herself Maeve." The fucking SHOCK when I read that the first time. God damn.

-- "' You once asked me where I stand on the line between killing to protect and killing for pleasure.' His fingers grazed the seam of the scar across her abdomen. 'I'll stand on the other side of that line when I find your grandmother.'" DORIAN!!!! FUCK YEAH!

-- Gah, I'm getting confused on what chapters from which book I'm supposed to be reading in which order. And I'm like 85% of the way through both of them.

-- I was right. The Eye is the Lock

-- Hey, Nehemia....

-- It's so funny that all this time Elena has been portrayed as wise and serene. And then we find out she was reckless and short sighted and stupid.

-- "Everything he had done, Aelin had come to rip it apart. Starting with his honor." You did that all by yourself, Chaol. God, get OVER it, you Criston Cole ass bitch.

-- "He only looked toward the dark and smiled. Not broken. Made anew. And when the darkness beheld him...Chaol slid a hand against its cheek. Kissed its brow. It loosened its grip and tumbled back into that pit. Curled up on that rocky floor and quietly, carefully, watched him." What a lovely metaphor.

-- Hell yeah, House Whitethorn

-- Last 100 pages of EoS. Here we fucking go.

-- ABRAXOS AND THE THIRTEEN ARRIVING IN THE NICK OF TIME!!

-- LORCAN, YOU DUMB FUCK

-- "I'll go with you, I'll come with you" ELIDE, YOU BEAUTIFUL SOUL.

-- Aelin being whipped.

-- "Where is my wife?"

-- AEDION, SHUT THE FUCK UP

-- *heavy sigh * That's Eos done. Time to finish ToD.

-- having the Valg be Duva is a fantastic little twist. Sweet, mostly ignored preggo lady.

-- I wonder...will the baby be born fucked up? The Valg was infesting its mother the whole time it was developing in utereo. Will it have been affected?

-- Aelin's self-defense lessons coming through to save Yrene.

-- I think the scar Aelin gave Chaol should have stayed. Maybe that's mean of me but...

-- "I am as much of a man in that chair, or with that cane, as I am standing on my feet." Alright! Chuck that ableism out the window!

-- Oh, shitballs. I forgot that Yrene and Chaol's lives are now tied to each other so that if one dies they both die. Just like Feyre and Rhysand. SJM must think this is suuuuuper romantic. I think otherwise. A suttee is not romantic. Leaving your potential children to deal with suddenly becoming an orphan is not romantic. Leaving your loved ones to mourn not just one but both of you is not romantic.

-- Sometimes she makes it seem like Yrene actually goes INSIDE Chaol or Duva when she's healing them. That can't be right. It's her like...power going inside and fighting what's inside, right? Homegirl does not Magic School Bus her way into the human body. Right?

-- so the fetus is healthy and human. BUT will it be a sociopath or an asshole?

-- Poor Duva. Get her some therapy.

-- I'm so glad Nesryn claimed a ruk

-- Nesryn got a MASSIVE upgrade with Sartaq. And not just because he's the heir to the khaganate. Because he wonderful.

-- SJM like...never writes weddings. They always just get married in some secret ceremony off camera. Very weird.

-- "A gift from a queen who had seen another woman in hell and thought to reach back a hand. With no thought of it ever being returned. A moment of kindness, a tug on a thread..." I hope you feel kind of shitty about all the mean things you said about Aelin, Chaol. She saved your wife.

-- Fireheart. Locked away in the dark.

Well. I don't think I'll do the tandem reread again. But it certainly was a cool experience. A slog, but cool. Onto KoA, destroyer of my heart.

[lysandra-emerald]

Nestaq , love scene In KoA..

Nesryn’s brows rose, but she smiled. “Good. Not about the riders, but—about

them.”

“War does strange things to people. Makes everything more urgent.” He ran a

hand down the back of her head, his fingers twining in her hair before he

murmured in her ear, “Come to bed.”

Heat flared through her body. “We’ve a battle to launch tomorrow. Again.”

“And a day of death has made me want to hold you,” the prince said, giving

her that disarming grin she had no defenses against. Especially as he added,

“And do other things with you.”

After cleaning salkhi, with an over-excitement, His fiance's Ruk gave him-a-look which clearly says, "I know what you're gonna do winged-prince, but I really feel

which left his comrades with comic expressions.

He led her to his royal tent, passing through soldiers , healers , support staff.

She started unbuttoning his shirt , and damn , this close to her, seeing her sharp eyes move. and those lips , 'vasl - layla '. He can almost feel her wild heart beat. He gently took her both hands and placed them on his chest , one right above his heart. Then he lifted her chin , and looked into her intoxicating eyes,

" the moment , I looked into your eyes, I knew I found myself in you, I knew your heart is as wild as mine , you are an adventure, one which I'll always be excited to go on".

He freed her hair,and placed his hand on her waist and then started removing her tunic..

' I love you Nesryn , and I want to feel your wild heart beat , and then I'll make it skip a beat. '

On this Night, he wanted to completely surrender to this rebel who is now glowing in sheer feminine beauty in his arms..

He kissed the woman his lips , near her throat, on lips, on her arms and started fluttering kisses down her body, They both joined their hands..

" you're kidding me" she panted trying to catch her breath.

Let me go this one time then I 'll make it up for u.

Step away faster before I do something

[cbairdash]

Some short works and a web serial for some reading this week!

On this lovely day, I thought I would shout out to my works in progress and worldbuilding ( though one is not so work in progress but is short but done! ). Two are worldbuilding but also get into RPG game design that I’m proud of, too. As for the AU one, yeah, it’s Star Wars AU, but for me … that’s some of the best Star Wars sometimes. Anyway, here’s the list! Hope you enjoy!

Dark Device of the Great Chasm (web serial / work in progress )

A chance discovery of an old journal propels Windtracer Tela Kioni into an expedition to the depths of the Great Chasm on the far end of the Planus continent to recover a lost, and possibly lethal, relic of the Ancient Order.

It’s a race against time and the bloodthirsty Crimson Company mercenary guild to reach the relic first. Along the way, Tela will have to deal with the terrors, and her own nightmares, of the Great Chasm and the mysterious backer of the Crimson Company, a man who seeks to rebuild the Ancient Order, no matter the deadly cost.

Null Force: Battle in the Halls of Darkness (short/Star Wars AU/complete)

A mysterious explosion in a remote lab hidden away in the depths of the Tapani Sector starts an investigation into the source that turns into a harrowing rescue in a race against time. Ruk “Rukus” V’dora and Pala’teska are troopers turned scientists working for an organization known only as Null Force.

Null Force, a covert branch of the Beskar Aran mercenary guild investigates discoveries - both historical and modern - on behalf of the Tapani Imperium of the new Galactic Alliance to protect worlds of the greater galaxy.

Ruk and Pala must travel with the search and rescue team to the source of the explosion. What they find will be a challenge for the pair and for the fledgling organization!

Druid’s Helper (worldbuilding / Game design / pathfinder )/ I had so much fun creating this one )

A druid's work is never done, sometimes they need a little help!

Ghost Blade (worldbuilding / game design / Forged in the Dark )

There are countless swords, blades of all kinds, around the world. From cutlass to rapier, katana to dagger or machete, they come in all shapes and sizes. But of all the different types, the ethereal Ghost Blade stands out from the rest.