#someday the true story may be told

[theimprobableone42]

I wanted to try and write something that would eloquently sum up my feelings, but I am not sure that’s possible.

I think I have been fluctuating between every stage of grief for the last 9 hours. When I saw the news about season 3 I was not in a place where I could react. I had to pretend that it was a normal day for another 5 hours until I got home. I didn’t want to be told “it’s just a show.”

The truth is it was, and will continue to be, so much more.

Ofmd came to me at a time when I truly needed it, as I am sure it did for many others. Truth be told I think it came at a time the world needed it. When queer peoples rights to be people are being debated and criticized left right and center, when hate is filing the world around is, OFMD came in with an open embrace. It came with acceptance and unconditional love. With it we found friendship and community. It helped us find our place in the world.

I am not the same person I was when I first sat down to watch the silly little pirate show. It has left a permanent mark on me, and I hope one day I can put this energy back into the world.

I still have a small sliver of hope that as a community we can turn this around, but I am scared to set myself up for more sadness.

Simply by existing OFMD has made the world a better place. I can not express the deep sorrow I feel that it will not be able to finish telling its story. We have had far to long a history of obscuring queer stories from public view.

The last line spoken by Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories was “someday the true story may be told.”

OFMD was one step closer. Todays news doesn’t prove the word isn’t ready, it proves that we are still being held hostage by the same structures and ideals that were in place what Conan Doyle wrote those words. OFMD was revolutionary but it shouldn’t have to be. Real or fictional, everyone deserves their stories to be told.

That’s why todays news was more devastating then “it’s just a show.” It’s another battle lost. But we mustn’t stop fighting. Not for Our Flag Means Death, not for anything we believe in.

I just want to thank everyone who worked on Our Flag Means Death for putting so much joy into mine, and countless others lives. While I am devastated it’s over prematurely, I am so glad it existed.

“Nothing’s sad till it’s over. Then everything is.” - The Doctor.

[okapiandpaste]

<<< haunted by the text

[ms-demeanor]

Atheist condolence card like "sucks that your grandpa no longer exists and you'll never see him again, oh well"

I mean, I'm looking for a condolence card for a Jewish family (found a pretty good one, will be adding a note about a shared memory of the deceased and hopes for the mourners that their memory may be a blessing).

But also I have no idea why people find the concept of an afterlife comforting. Legitimately, that is unappealing to me and the idea that I would be artificially separated from the people that I love and reintroduced to them after a period of separation if there was no need for that time of mourning and loss seems. Bullshit? It seems like bullshit? Capricious and cruel at best?

Anyway when my grandpa died we got a phone call when they tossed is ashes into the ocean and we never saw him again! Being reminded that we wouldn't see him in an afterlife wasn't the sad part, the sad part was knowing that we wouldn't know him anymore, that we'd be on one side of a growing divide, that there was a before and an after and we had left him behind while we had to move forward. It wouldn't have been comforting to think "well perhaps someday when I have lived my life without him, I will see him again in a place where nothing from this life (all the things that I have done, all the things that he taught me) will matter because they were worldly and unimportant."

What was comforting at that time, and after the very many family deaths that I have experienced (and I've experienced a lot! I've been comfortable with the idea that I'll never see my loved ones again when they're gone since I was a very small child!), and what I suspect is comforting even for religious people who have experienced a loss is to be reminded of the people who are still on the same side of that dividing line, who we can still love and adore and support and make memories with.

Anyway. I'm an atheist at least partially because of my grandfather, who was a magician and a skeptic and took great joy in skewering the supernatural. It would be an insult to his memory to think that he was an angel lighting up a star in heaven or whatever the christian condolence cards say.

My grandpa did a sexy comedy magical immolation of my grandmother in front of crowds; there was a devil on the flier.

(grandma's the one on the right)

Pictured: Not someone who had much reverence for death or much patience for the supernatural:

(Funny story, when my dad came to visit this week he saw a 2-post 52U server rack on the driveway from a distance and asked me "where did you guys get the guillotine? Did I leave that here?")

But my family is probably *unusually* atheist and irreverent.

For atheists in general I don't know why people think that it's more upsetting to acknowledge the truth (that once people are dead you won't see them anymore) than to be told "comforting" lies (that you will see dead people again at some mystical place that you have no access to or proof of).

I *hate* hearing "they're in a better place" when I'm mourning someone I loved because that's something that's comforting for a religious person to say but dismisses both the way that I mourn and (frequently in my family) the beliefs of the deceased. They are not in a better place, they are *gone* and I don't want to imagine that they're somewhere waiting for me to join them again, I want to remember them for who they were and accept that they aren't in my life anymore.

"They're in heaven now" "they're with the angels now" "they're with their maker" - none of those things are true and they reflect an extremely limited worldview that I don't share and find pretty insipid actually! Thank you for trying to comfort me you are doing a poor job of it I'm going to go hang out and talk to someone who actually knew them and we'll share stories of what an asshole they were and what kind of crazy nonsense they got up to and what a big, important part of our lives they were and we'll start trying to make sense of how to fill the hole left behind with something practical and joyful and fun and honest that they would have loved instead of cardboard angel wings.

[heartsforhavik]

Yandere Liu Kang? 👀👀👀

yandere liu kang x reader hcs

warnings: toxic relationship, controlling liu kang, yk regular yandere tendencies

summary: hcs of yandere liu kang x (gender neutral) reader

a/n: i just ate like 7 tacos anyways here’s a story about a god that is obsessed with you bc we all secretly want that!! (hi its me from the future this took so long for me to write anyways i just ate 12 chicken nuggets and i was holding in a shit while i was writing this anyways please enjoy guys love you all. havik is next :333)

when liu kang created the new timeline, he was bent on making sure everyone had the chance to live a life of peace. he wanted everyone to be in control of their lives.

but when it came to you, liu kang had a twisted desire to completely craft your life so you two can be together. however, he resisted the urge, and he decided to let you be in control of your own life.

but he didn't expect for you to naturally gravitate towards him. he felt so... familiar to you. as if you knew each other in another life.

liu kang was so grateful that you naturally found each other again. and now, he was determined to make sure nothing would happen to you.

now that you two are together, he treats you as if you're glass. he barely lets you leave your house without him helping you. but can you blame him? he's a demi-god and you are just a vulnerable mortal. he just doesn't want you getting hurt!

"liu kang, please, let me leave. i just want to walk around. i'm not going to get hurt!" you begged.

"i cannot risk you losing your life, my darling. you'll understand one day." liu kang told you.

liu kang may be extremely controlling, but it's because he holds you very dear to his heart. he doesn't want anything bad happening to you, so he safeguards you very carefully. he is afraid of losing you more than anything.

you are his darling. you are the love of his life. can you really blame him for wanting to keep you forever? hold you in his arms til' death do you part?

he doesn't mind when you talk to others, however. he doesn't trust you to protect yourself, but he trusts you to stay loyal to him. he isn't that possessive. but he does always have to know every single person you are acquainted with. he just wants to make sure they're good people, that's all! he just doesn't want you to accidentally be friends with bad people.

however, liu kang is extremely busy as earthrealm's protecter. he doesn't get to keep an eye on you all the time, unfortunately. so he keeps you locked up in your shared living space! fun, right?

but he knows how bored you can get in there, so he knows to get whatever furniture you want inside your home. anything you show even a little bit of interest in, ends up in your home a few minutes later. you're very spoiled in other aspects other than furniture, however.

for example, on the rare occasion that liu kang isn't too busy, he does whatever you ask him. make you tea? he's on it. cuddle and watch a movie? he's got the blankets and snacks ready. need a shoulder to cry on? he's there, and he'll give you advice on how to solve the problem.

liu kang is very thoughtful, and he knows exactly how to take care of you. but unfortunately, his fear of losing you someday is too strong, that he doesn't know how to love you without a voice in the back of his head always reminding him that your lifespan is much shorter than his. he knows you won't be with him someday. but he likes to pretend that fact isn't true.

for now, he'll stay hopeful that nothing will come between your unconditional love. your loss someday will leave him crestfallen, and you will stay within his heart forevermore. so for now, let him love you with his whole heart. let him kiss you every morning. let him enjoy your company every afternoon. let him embrace you every night. he'll go mad if anything were to happen to you, his sweet beloved.

[quadrantadvisor]

DP x TMA

Prompt: post Nasty Buger explosion

(Mostly just an idea of what Danny's story might look like if he was in the Magnus Archives world.)

-

While searching for answers in America, Jon ran into a strange sort of being, and, upon the being’s request, took their statement.

It was different, for someone connected to the entities to seem so young. There was no doubt about what they were, though. Their presence filled Jon with a horrible, certain dread, and a prickling worry that he may end up as they did; barely more than a phantom.

They didn’t remember much, and Jon thought that it was likely a large part of the point, taking their identity away. The story that he did hear, though, was very familiar. A book that should never have been opened. A family, friends, who didn’t understand the danger they were in. A fire that took away everything.

But then, instead of a sudden, horrible end, the story kept going. This part was more detailed, as they described being taken in by an old friend of their parents’, one who had an interest in certain types of the macabre.

He was terrified of death, the child said. He’d never say it in so many words, but it was true. But discovering that death, or the personification of it, was a real force in the universe had convinced him that it could be reasoned with. Knowing that the child had been so touched by death, he took them under his wing, and trained them in all he’d discovered. Maybe as a successor, maybe as a tool.

He’d designed a ritual. An offering to death, to pull it to him, so that he could control it. The child never told him how foolish the idea was. Death was not moved, but the two of them were pulled to it. The child never saw the man again. Maybe he really had reached oblivion, or maybe he’d become the same as they were. A wandering shade, trapped between existence and non, no semblance of a life to be lived but no peace, either.

That was alright, the child told Jon. There was no need for struggle, no need for pain. Somehow, someday, everything would end.

-

On AO3

[loupy-mongoose]

Just for the fun of it, I thought I'd share/outline some of the AU branches I've thought of for Linden Roots. None of them are anything near fleshed out. Just fun little potentials~

Some things of note: -If Lavender were to be born as a Mew, then she would have been called Poppy. So when I mention that name, that's who I'm referring to. -Unless I think of or mention a very special case, in any path where Randy survives as a human, Randy and Akoya do NOT end up romantically involved with each other. I think of the canon path as the "True Ending", lol. -In the same vein, Lav/Poppy would not come to see Randy as her dad, and would likely call him Mr. Randy. -The human form of Mo that I shared is a possibility in any path where Mo survives. -Any scenario where Randy and/or Akoya survive, they would likely go to Vivianna's place first.

-Some of these go a very, VERY dark and sad direction. Each one will be labeled appropriately.

1: Randy, Akoya, and Mo leave the lab before Poppy is turned into a Mewtwo. I could see Randy going on to become a trainer and having a team of Mews, starting with Akoya, Mo, and Poppy. Possibly gaining more, like Persim, as well.

2: Randy, Akoya, and Mo leave the lab before Lavender is born. Death Warning I see two possible outcomes with this, as it's highly unlikely that Akoya would survive having Lavender without medical aid. There's the possibility that they take her to a Pokemon Center and she survives, but also the possibility of her giving birth at Viv's place and passing away. :(

3: Randy, Akoya, and Mo leave after Lavender is born Randy is somehow convinced to not destroy the computers, and they leave the lab together.

4: Mo doesn't take Randy's memories Death Warning Without the new memories cluttering his mind and breaking his focus, Mo would be more likely to stop Akoya from rushing into the fire, and thus getting her, him, and Lav out. They may go to visit Viv and break the news to her that Randy died, but eventually Mo would get them to go find Fuji. Due to him knowing about the first Mewtwo, Mo would feel like he would be a good place to go to learn about the second.

5: Randy's mother doesn't accept him as Randy Death/Suicide Warning It was asked once on the Discord server I'm part of, what's the darkest path our stories could go down. (Or something to that effect) This is the one I came up with at the time. If Viv didn't accept Randy as Randy when he told her, then he wouldn't be able to either. He wouldn't be able to be Randy, and he wouldn't be able to be Mo, so he'd probably go off by himself and try to be someone else. But I strongly believe he would give up, and... Well...

6: Randy and Akoya both die in the fire I only just now thought of this for this post, but it's another possibly fun outcome to explore. Mo would have to take Lav by himself, in which case he would've thought of Fuji first. He would have to find him on his own, as he doesn't have access to technology like the other Mews have.

7: Lav's Bio dad survives and somehow takes Randy's memories instead of Mo. I haven't put any thought into this one, but it's an option, so I'll stick it here. XD

There could be more to come, but for now that's all I've got~

It's very interesting to think of all the ways my story could go. I don't know if, when, or how I'll ever expand on any of these, but it could be a fun idea someday! The doodles of human Mo got some gears turning, but I don't want to be distracted too far from the canon for now. >w<

[thehumantrampoline]

I'm BACK with another Sherlock Holmes filk! This one goes out to @contact-guy whose latest Watson's Sketchbook installment inspired me to finish this one that's been sitting in my drafts. I JUST GOT A LOT OF FEELINS ABOUT THE BOYS.

Lyrics under cut!

(Em Am, F Am) x2

dust that's been disturbed upon the bookshelf

Ash from someone smoking in the hall

Oh the devil and deduction’s in the details

and a master of the craft observes them all

A story can be writ in knots of neckties

and in mud upon the shoes as well as ink

but facts should never twist to fit your theories

No matter what the good inspector thinks

(G F, Em F) X2, Am F

I tell him that a mystery is like a book

It's all there if you can see the signs

And Scotland Yard may even make

a fool out of me yet

but they’ll have to learn to read between the lines

between the lines

Tobacco stored inside a Persian slipper

Papers in a heap upon the chair

A jackknife through the letters on the mantel

A cloud of black shag smoke upon the air

A pocketful of coppers for the urchins

A book of Petrarch's sonnets for the train

For a cold and logical deductive engine

Some might consider such behavior strange

I am told that I am quite the mystery

an enigma that few men can divine

My Boswell, in your quest to document me

You'll have to learn to read between the lines

Between the lines

Toast and coffee in the mornings before cases

playing violin for you before the fire

long train rides to far off investigations

glances longer than the moment should require

And I might tell you, Watson, I have never loved

Though you may make such judgements for yourself

By now you know the difference

tween what I say and what I mean

I wonder if your readers do as well

For I have learned a book is like a mystery

and the mysteries are changing with the times

Someday my dear doctor

the true story may be told

but til then they'll have to read between the lines

Between the lines

Between the lines…

[mirai-e-jump]

Murakami Erica Photobook: Admiring Erica (select pages and translation below)

Publication: May 29, 2024

Erica's Story

An ordinary high school student who was suddenly scouted one day in Harajuku, won the Grand Prix of an audition, and quickly became a "ViVi" model. After that, she also expanded her activities as an actor, and by taking on the challenge of the Super Sentai series, Erica became the nation's "princess" loved by people of all ages and genders. Including stories about her beloved family and work, this is the beginning of Erica's true story, which can only be told in a photobook.

"Congratulations on the release of your photobook 💛. What were your thoughts when you heard about it?"

Somehow, I always thought about wanting to publish a style book or a book related to beauty someday, but I never considered a photobook at all! I was surprised at first, and I couldn't imagine how it would turn out, but I knew that if I teamed up with ViVi, it would definitely be stylish, so I was really looking forward to it!

"How did it feel to actually shoot?"

The moment we started shooting, I was so excited because the photos were so stylish and had an atmosphere that only ViVi can create!!! The clothes were cute and had alittle bit of an emotional vibe to them but with the lighting that's so ViVi, ViVi is the best~ 💛.

Family Stories

-Talkative and mischievous. I'm a lively girl who grew up carefree in Fukushima-

"Erica is loved by her family, fellow models, staff and co stars. What kind of child were you during your childhood?"

I did things at my own pace from the moment I was born. I wouldn't shout, and was the kind of baby who would look around at the new world with wonder. I've been talkative and mischievous since I was young. I was a lively child, running around at the front while dragging my younger sister, younger brother, and the neighborhood children along with me. I grew up carefree in the rich nature of my hometown, Fukushima, so of course I was good with bugs. I loved to play pranks, and would catch grasshoppers and cicadas and release them at home, where my mother would often become furious with me. In elementary school, I did swimming, karuta, and piano……Since I had plenty of energy, I was able to learn a bunch of different things. From middle school, I started to dress up alittle more, and became interested in fashion and cosmetics. I'd wear the magnetic earrings I bought at the general store, and borrow and try out my mother's eyeliner without permission. In middle school, I joined the Soft Tennis Club, and while leading a club centered life, I became addicted to "Detective Conan." Mori Ran-chan was so cool, that I even tried karate for a brief time (laughs). I fell in love with the scientific field because Haibara Ai-chan was so cool, and she made me aspire to become a science researcher. From that time on, I had an otaku mind set, and would always get completely into whatever I liked.

"You must've been an actively curious child."

I was always active! I was always willing to try anything without hesitating, and even now I'm still the type of person who's curious and quick to act on whatever I want to do.

"Your father is originally from Canada. Did you go to Canada often?"

My grandfather and grandmother lived there, so I used to go there often when I was younger. When I was in middle school, me and my younger sister would spend our Summer vacations in Canada. I'd speak English together with my father, so I was able to speak it when I was a child, but I regret that I gradually became less interested in English. Now, I think I want to study English again.

"Being blunt, were you popular?"

Eh, not really (laughs). The only story I can tell you that made me alittle bit excited was when I was in high school, a friend told me that a boy from another school wanted to know my contact info. Unfortunately, I don't have that many stories of bittersweet love 💛, as I tend to become friends with the opposite sex pretty quickly.

"What kind of girl were you in high school?"

I decided to seriously pursue a career in science when I was in my first year of high school, so I went to cram school and studied hard in order to focus on entrance exams. I was involved in club activities, such as baking sweets in the laid back Family Life Club. If I got a job, I'd probably return to my hometown, so I wanted to go somewhere where I could do what I loved while being a college student, I even though, "Maybe I can study abroad!" So, I guess leaving Fukushima was the image I had in mind for my life plans. Rather than saying, "I definitely want to go to Tokyo!" I just felt like college in a city would be more exciting. I hoped that in the future I'd be able to work for a company involved in the development and research of cosmetics.

-I can be my most relaxed self when I spend time with my siblings 💛-

"Are you close with your siblings?"

My younger sister is 1 year, and younger brother is 5 years apart from me, and the three of us used to play together when we were in elementary school. When I started to enjoy fashion in high school, I lent and borrowed clothes with my sister. Since moving to the capital, I've been spending more time with my sister and brother whenever they come to Tokyo, and we often play together. It's probably because I'm the eldest daughter, but I have a strong desire to do things for my younger sister and brother. I lived with my sister when I was in college, so we were together alot. My brother's a spoiled brat and would call me to say, "I'm going to Chiba tomorrow, let's go to Disney together!" or "I want to eat sushi," and so I'll go with him. My brother has been in Tokyo since April, so I'm planning to take him to lots of places. I can be my most relaxed self when I'm spending time with my siblings.

"Do you ever fight with your siblings?"

When I lived with my sister, she often scolded me about not doing housework. My sister got angry with me when I was too busy and put off doing the laundry or dishes (laughs). Even now, I feel really bad about that. My sister was the kindest, cooking dinner for me when I worked late at night and prepping my bath. When I complained about how tired I was from work, she just let it slide in a nice way. I appreciated that as well. She knows how to treat me. Of course, when I was really having a hard time, she'd be there for me and listen to me seriously at dinner. She's my younger sister, but she's become like an older sister to me and supports me emotionally. My sister is the one who gives me the most objective opinion. She's the only one who'll say, "Onee-san, you don't look good in that outfit."

-I'm working hard at my job to show my family good things!-

"Erica loves her family."

I think my family is really close. I didn't have much of a rebellious phase, but when I was in middle school, I would pretend to be abit cool and listen to music by myself with earphones. My parents were the type to let me do what I wanted, so I was free to do whatever. On Friday nights, when my father came home alittle early, I'd fill a big bowl with my favorite snack, order pizza, and watch a movie together. My grandmother and grandfather took care of me when I was a child because both my parents worked, so I'm also very close with my grandparents. Even now, if I have two or three days off, I go back to my parents house and tell my family everything about work. I feel refreshed when I have conversations with them because I can talk with them while organizing my thoughts. They're so positive about everything I do, so if I feel like I'm lacking energy, or my self esteem is alittle low, I'll just video call them. No matter which one I call, they always come up on the screen, they're both adorable parents, always wanting to talk to me before anyone else (laughs). Once I've reached the point where I can put a pause on work, I'd like to take a family trip while my grandfather and grandmother are still healthy. The world is changing rapidly, even in just one year, so I'd like to give back alot while I can.

"What does family mean to Erica?"

It's healing. Part of me works hard because I want to show my family good things. Because I grew up in a close family, I long for marriage and want to start a family myself. I hear that many people don't want to get married these days, but I really do! (laughs), I feel like, "If you want to get married, come to my house." If there's anyone out there who's a good person, I'd like them to come and join my family.

Beauty Stories

-My private time is devoted entirely to beauty. "Erica's method" is to make a plan and keep at it for a long time-

"What's the number one thing you're interested in right now?"

It's beauty! I actually really love beauty. I love skin care and cosmetics, but I'm also interested in pilates, moxibustion, acupuncture, nutrition, diet, and anything related to health in general. I love it so much, that I now spend most of my private time on beauty.

"How long have you been into beauty?"

When I was in high school, my father had an opportunity to reevaluate his diet, and since I also had a weak stomach, we started together. The first thing I took care of was my eating habits. I started eating less additives and prioritized the vegetables from my grandparents garden. From there, I became interested in intestinal health, and since I like to do research, I got more and more into it. Since then, food and health have always been on my mind. I think that my family created the base for my healthy diet. When I was in college, I cooked for myself with vegetables from Fukushima that were sent to me, and even now I still cook for myself. Just recently, during the filming of "Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger," I brought my own bento to keep myself healthy, including onigiri for breakfast and fruit for a snack. Food is important to maintain my figure, especially during busy times. But, when I go out to eat together with everyone, I don't worry about it and put priority on having a good time. I do care about it when I eat alone, so I like to find the right balance. Instead of making everything perfect, I try to be more flexible and make the best of what I have. The important thing is the long term, so I think it's those small steps and accumulations that have led me to where I am today.

-Occasional treats are OK! If I eat, I'll cover for it the next day with adjustments and exercise-

"How do you stay in shape?"

Honestly, when I first started modeling, I thought that if I gained weight, I wouldn't get any work. Currently I don't think it's enough to be thin, and I know that it's not everything, but when I was 18 or 19 years old, I was absolutely convinced that, "I should never be fat!" The idea of exercising never came up when I thought about eating less. I went without meals for about two days for my first swimsuit shoot, which was a complete disaster as I got heat stroke and felt sick. I learned to reflect on why I needed to be thin even though I was ruining my physical condition. Now, I think it's more beautiful to have abs rather than just being thin, and I've started to take up pilates not just to keep thin, but to improve my posture. I like pilates because it builds more flexible muscles than weight training. Exercise makes you more positive, and it's good for your mental health. When I have time, I sometimes go swimming. Now, I go to do pilates 2-3 times a week, and have incorporated walking. I love walking, so I wear comfortable shoes and try to walk around as much as possible when I can.

"What are you conscious of in your daily diet?"

I eat three well balanced and proper meals. If I don't take in enough nutritions, my complexion will be ruined. Now, because of the action in King-Ohger's stage play, I have to use alot of energy, so I eat sweets every time I take a break. So, I make sure to bring dried sweet potatoes, chocolate with at least 70% cacao, and fruit for snacking. I think it's important to know what to eat, not to refrain from eating. When I occasionally receive sweets as gifts, I enjoy them and try to move my body as much as possible. In my refrigerator is natto, mozuku, mekabu, and also dried wakame and koya dofu. The freezer is always stocked with burdock and beans. When taking meals on location, I just put bonito flakes and miso in a soup jar, add hot water, and I'm good to go. Miso soup is truly great. Speaking of, the miso by my grandmother is homemade. I heard that bacteria is important, so for awhile, I'd mix my grandmother's homemade amazake with yogurt.

"What's important in maintaining your figure?"

Of course, I don't always follow a stoic diet, if there's something I'm concerned about, I eat it, but I try not to do it continuously. People don't gain that much weight if they overeat for a day or two, but if you reward yourself every day and continue to do so for a week or more, it becomes a habit and will absolutely affect your figure. Swelling is a habit after all, so I'll take care of it on that day. Of course, not eating is also stressful, so when I eat, I try to exercise as much as I can. I used to worry about swelling, but now I don't. I'm more concerned about what kind of condition I want to be in on a regular basis. Rather than cramming everything together and doing alot of different things, I'd rather be in a state where I can make consistent progress every day and not have to do anything special. That's what motivates me, and when I want to have fun, I enjoy myself to the fullest and then make adjustments the next day. I guess that's the most like me.

-Always checking beauty care info while taking a long bath!-

"Tell us your at home beauty routine!"

At home, I use a foam roller to stretch and loosen up my muscles. I also use an easy to apply sticker type of moxibustion to warm up pressure points on my feet and improve blood circulation. When I'm tired, I love to use "Kyusoku Jikan Pressure Point Stimulating Gel Sheets" and going to bed because it makes my legs feel lighter 💛 also, it's important to take a long bath. I add bath salts like epsom salt and himalayan salt, and while soaking in the tub for 40 to 50 minutes, I'll search for beauty care info. When I want to warm myself up, I sometimes add sake. When I sleep, sometimes I'll wear medical compression socks. Also, I heard that it's good to sleep with a warm body, so until Winter ends, I put disposable hand warmers on my futon and wear "Nightmin Warming Earplugs" when I sleep. Recently, I bought a Zojirushi humidifier and it works great! It's good for my health and makes my skin feel soft.

"Do you take supplements?"

Honestly, I don't think anything can compete with food, but for this photobook, I also took extra of my favorite supplements. Recently, I've been taking Lypo-C in the morning and Lypo-CC+D at night. When I was alittle concerned about the condition of my skin, I got a prescription for coix seed from my hospital. I started taking it to treat water warts, but at the time, I got compliments on my skin, so I only take it before important events. Plus, I take Vitamin B for skin and fatigue, and glutathione for when I'm drinking alcohol. I heard that glutathione improves liver metabolism, and since I also like to drink, I always keep some handy. I'm currently interested in collagen supplements. As I get older, my problems will also change, so I'm always exchanging information with hair and makeup artists and beauty authors, and I actively try out new things that interest me. By the way, if I'm really busy, I can also rely on nutritional supplements. I use Chocola BB and Alinamin, and also the Orthomol that I bought from Korea, as they give me energy.

-I love acupuncture 💛 I also incorporate beauty clinics for skin care-

"Tell us what beauty places Erica goes to!"

I've been going for acupuncture once a month for about 3 years. I started going to improve my poor circulation, sensitivity to cold, and stiff shoulders, and I became addicted to how good I felt when waking up the next day. It seems to have a detoxifying effect that makes my body feel refreshed. The doctor is very knowledgeable about beauty and taught me some basics, like because I have a weak stomach, eating too many raw vegetables isn't good for my digestion, and that I should avoid coffee as the first thing I have in the morning.

"Do you go to beauty clinics?"

I go! Basically, my main focus is skin care, as I had rough skin around the time I moved to Tokyo, so I started looking for a beauty clinic to fix it, and then I started going to different ones. Laser toning treatments had visible results, and that's how I became hooked. Currently, I use a proper amount of both aesthetic and beauty clinics. I regularly go to "Aesthetic Salon CIEL" for facial contouring, where even sensitive skin can be managed. I don't do strong procedures that require downtime, but when I want to feel the power of medical treatments, such as toning or making acne scars less visible, I sometimes turn to cosmetic medicine. Recently, I heard that titanium lifting is a good thing, so I immediately made an appointment. I'm also interested in skin boosters. The idea is to not just slim down facial lines, but to have skin that looks healthy and tight.

-Beauty is my hobby. I always want to improve myself-

"What skincare regimen are you into lately?"

Since the beauty clinic will be thorough, my skin care regimen is basically protective. Currently, I love carbonated beauty. I like carbonated face washes, and use things like suisai's "Beauty Clear Fizzy Powder Wash," which I think as a side effect feels like it refreshes the area around my face! For a period of time, I was so addicted to it, that I used to make carbonated water with a "Soda Stream" and wash my face with it. I'll often use foam carbonation packs on my scalp. I also like fermented ingredients and will try out various kinds.

"What is Erica's goal with beauty?"

Smooth and soft skin! And above all else, health. Rather than wanting to be like someone else, I always want to better my image. Beauty for me is a hobby. It lifts my spirits and helps me "reset." It's my precious time 💛.

Work Stories

-I want to try something new! I dove into this world out of curiosity 💛-

"Now then, let's look back at Erica's work. When was the turning point?"

I participated in "High School Quiz" when I was in my second year of high school. I won the competition and was going on to compete in the national level, and while I was walking around Harajuku, excited to be in Tokyo for the first time, I was scouted by my current agency. I had previously been scouted in my hometown, but I turned them all down because I was preparing for exams. However, they asked for my contact info since I wasn't affiliated with an agency, and so we exchanged info. About six months later, I was recommended to audition for ViVi by the agency, and thankfully, I won the Grand Prix and became a ViVi model.

"Why did you decide to audition?"

I'm not swayed by trends, I'm just an ordinary girl. I had read ViVi before, but I was just a high school student who thought that the entertainment industry was a world I had no connection to, and that I'd just go on to higher education and find a job. Still, I like to try new things, and I thought it'd be simple and interesting, so I dove into this world out of curiosity.

"You auditioned as part of the experience and it changed your life."

I had a simple feeling about the audition, thinking, "I get to go to Tokyo, it's like a trip, it's going to be fun 💛." That's why I was really surprised when I passed. More than anything, my mother was happy. My mother's a huge fan of Hasegawa Jun-san, so when I told her about the ViVi audition, she was excited and said, "I think Erica will definitely become a ViVi model!" and I think she was more excited than I was when I passed. I was also happy to win the Grand Prix, but it was memorable to see how the many people around me, including my family and grandparents, were happy for me.

"Was there ever a moment during an audition when you thought you'd be accepted?"

Not at all. For the second round of selection, we were allowed to wear casual clothes, but I was told by my agency to "wear a white T shirt and shorts!" and I went to the venue as instructed, but everyone there was very fashionable. I thought, "Ah, I look completely out of place. This is the end." But, on the other hand, I think I stood out (laughs). Until the end, it never once crossed my mind that, "Maybe I'll be accepted?!" I felt like I'd just be lucky if I made it to the final round.

"The final selection was on the runway at the "Girls Award." Were you nervous about walking in front of an audience?"

To be honest, at the time I had no idea how enormous the "Girls Award" was. I was nervous, but I didn't really feel like I was standing on a big stage. It felt like, "There are so many famous people here!" If I failed here, I wouldn't have been able to study for entrance exams, and I wouldn't know what to do about going on to college.

"Tell us how you felt when you passed!"

Simply put, I was shocked. I received a bouquet of flowers from Yamashita Tomohisa-san and thought, "Ah, so this is Tokyo. I'm standing in the same place as a celebrity." I think I was rather calm.

"When did you finally realize that you had become a model?"

I commuted from Fukushima during high school, but at first I didn't get much work, and I guess I didn't really feel like a model. During my first year in college, I was so focused on my schoolwork to earn credits that I had very few jobs outside of ViVi. Toward the end of my first year, the amount of work gradually expanded, and I felt that my modeling work was becoming more and more fulfilling.

-Balancing schoolwork and being a ViVi model. My friends were there to help me get through it-

"Did you decide not to apply for college after being accepted as a ViVi model?"

I had always wanted to go to college, and I thought it'd be more fun to try different things and absorb different things than to follow one path. Since I suddenly became a model, I think I had the sense that college was my base, and I just happened to be lucky enough to be able to model. Since the path of modeling is a narrow one, I was determined to try to find a job if I were to stop modeling. I went on to study business administration at a science college, and what I studied has led me to where I am today, and as a result, many things have turned out well. The biggest change since becoming a ViVi model is that it's become easier to try new things. I think I've become more willing to try anything and everything without being afraid.

"Was it difficult to balance college with your career?"

In my first and second year, I prioritized my studies, and I didn't feel like I was doing that much work, so it wasn't hard. I was also living on my own for the first time and enjoying college life. In fact, I even talked to my agency about wanting to work more. But, it wasn't easy getting work, so I was prepared to do my best for when the opportunity arose. Around the beginning of my second year, I started taking more online classes due to the covid pandemic, which led to more jobs outside of ViVi, so I started to enjoy modeling more. Since that time, I've been trying my hand at acting during long vacations. The end of my fourth year (second semester) was honestly a tough time for me because I was balancing modeling, acting, and schoolwork. However, I think I was able to overcome these challenges due to having friendly competition with my college friends.

"What inspired you to start acting?"

It all started when I was asked if I wanted to audition for the drama "Black Cinderella." Everything was new to me, so I didn't know right from left, and it all happened so fast~. I did the best I could everyday, and afterwards I'd feel like I was burnt out. My first acting job was a bigger role than I expected, and the pressure was also intense. I had to memorize my lines and act. I started it casually, wanting to take on a new challenge, but it was harder than I imagined. I felt so tense for so long, that when the drama ended and I went to a ViVi photo shoot, I couldn't help but cry because I felt so relieved. I think I was able to overcome a large part of it because I was blessed with the right people. I'm still good friends with the Black Cinderella members, and my connection with its staff led me to my current job with King-Ohger. I'd like to help others someday myself, but I can't afford to do so yet. I'd like to return the favor someday.

"Did Black Cinderella inspire you to become an actor?"

Honestly, I felt I had to work harder because I couldn't do anything. I didn't have anything in mind for my next project, but I started attending private lessons that I found on my own, preparing for the day that would someday come.

-If I'm going to do the same thing for a year, I want to spend a year different from the one before. With this in mind, I challenged myself to Super Sentai-

"Erica's popularity has grown dramatically with King-Ohger, but how did it feel to take on the challenge of joining Super Sentai?"

When I was in my fourth year of college, I was asked to audition. But, to be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd accept the role at first. It isn't often you get approached for an offer for Super Sentai, so I think it was fate that I was asked. However, I talked to my parents about what to do since it was too different from the career I had been doing up to that point. At that time, my parents told me that I had once said, "If I'm going to do the same thing for a year, I want to spend a year different from the one before." I had forgotten those words, but when I heard them, I thought that was the way I wanted to live my life, so I made the decision to take it.

"What worried you the most?"

Honestly, Super Sentai has a tighter schedule than regular dramas, and you have to focus on your role for a year and a half, so I was worried that I wouldn't be able to work as a model. I thought that if I left for a year and a half, alot of new kids would come in during that time, and that once I went, I might not be able to come back. As you can imagine, I was hardly able to shoot for ViVi when filming for Super Sentai began. The number of projects decreased all at once, and there were months where I had no shoots at all, which made me feel very lonely. I couldn't wait to appear in ViVi.

"That was the most difficult time for you to balance both."

When the number of projects decreased, I wondered if ViVi no longer needed me. I wanted to spend more time modeling, but I also had to make sure I was doing my acting work, so I was really stressed out. I wanted to make ViVi my top priority in the past and still do. But, I didn't want to give up the acting career that I've secured. I was conflicted and thought, "I want to do both!" Moreover, I also had to give up modeling to take on Super Sentai, but my acting wasn't perfect, and it was really hard to keep up with everyone. I was also writing my college thesis at that time, so I was full of energy both physically and mentally. In my spare time between filming, I communicated with my professor and worked with all my might to finish my thesis.

"If you had to give yourself a score as an actor, what would it be?"

It'd still be a minus. However, I think it's a huge plus in my life. My values ​​have changed in alot of ways. At first, I thought I was a model and not suited for acting, but recently, I've come around to where I think acting might be kind of fun.

"What did you gain from working hard in modeling, schoolwork, and acting?"

It all comes down to experience and time, doesn't it? In both modeling and acting, you learn by doing things over and over again, so in that sense, I think the past year and a half has been really important. I tried to pick up everything I could, and absorbed lots of different things. Also, by trying to do many things and working hard, I don't focus too much on one thing, so I don't have to think about unnecessary things. Besides, people I've worked with in the past say they want to work with me again. In the entertainment world, you don't have a job unless someone needs you, so I feel like I'm able to work thanks to people like that. All of my work comes about through fortunate connections, so I want to cherish each and every one of those connections.

-Modeling and acting, I want to do it all. That's because I love it all!-

Please give a message for those who are struggling to balance multiple things they want to do!

If you have alot of things you want to do right now, I think it's okay to try doing both. Of course, there'll be hardships, but sometimes you'll find help from places you least expect. It's important to have goals in life, as it'd be a waste to spend time doing nothing. In my case, both modeling and my acting jobs have had a big impact on my private life. I feel that we can learn alot about how to live from our work.

"From now on, you'll work hard to balance being both a model and an actor."

Currently, I really enjoy working as a model as I did before. It's like I'm back 💛. I've had very little time off this year, but it's been so fulfilling that I don't find it tiring at all. I think it's best to have a job while you still can. Some models focus on acting, but I want to keep being a model and actor at the same time because I love it all. I love ViVi, and I'd like to increase what I can do based on that, and give back to ViVi what I've gained in other fields. Some people leave a group or graduate from a magazine to take the next step, but I think it's good to try a variety of things while staying in the same place, and I think studying and trying different things at the same time, rather than just one thing, fits my way of life.

"Since overcoming the challenges of balancing studies and a job, has your attitude toward work changed?"

In the past, I used to think that I had to be cool or be nice to get a job, but now I think I've become able to prioritize being myself. Even with ViVi, I used to follow the backs of my seniors, but before I knew it, I became a senior myself, and I felt I had to stand tall. Sometimes I think I need to be more firm with my juniors and show them that I'm good at what I do. However, I think it'd be better to be friendly and expose my faults, because then people would talk to me openly. Of course I do it when I need to, but I think that maybe it's more like me not to try too hard. I can't "graduate" when I haven't done anything yet. I feel like I want to be spoiled even more.

"What kind of place is ViVi to Erica?"

ViVi has a very strong sense of camaraderie, and I feel like we all look out for each other and help each other improve. ViVi is my home, my family, and a place that inspires me. Modeling is also where my roots are, so I'd like to challenge myself to various things without losing sight of my role as a model.

[imagines--galore]

||The Thread of Fate|| Part Three

Summary: Soulmate AU. They say the Thread of Fate connects you to your one true love. It may tangle. It may stretch. But it will never break. Wrapped around your little finger it tightens when it feels your soulmate is close and loosens when they are far. And becomes visible with the colors of your soulmate’s Nation when you finally fall in love with them.

Pairing: Zuko x OroraOC (ATLA)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure. A little mention of blood and fighting.

Previous Chapters - Part One, Part Two,

A/N: So I’m just working on building Orora up before everything. You know her personality, her appearance and stuff. I just think that developing an OC helps to connect them with the overall story. And yes, there will be romance along the way fear not! I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far! Lemme know your thoughts!

I am now taking requests so go ahead and send me stuff. You can find my rules here. Please send me stuff to write!

She had parted ways with her tribe.

Not for good, Orora figured she would return someday, or at least run into someone who was from the Northern Water Tribe, still it was sad to see the last of her home sail away without her.

While the Aang and his friends had departed a day earlier to meet up with some General Fong, the small ship had made port to a nearby harbor, wanting to restock supplies. It was here, while wandering the village that Orora had decided that perhaps she should explore the world a little. Being on sea for days or even weeks sounded tedious and boring. And she had had enough of that to last a lifetime.

She wanted adventure and excitement and maybe get into a little trouble. Hopefully not too much though. She had no desired to be robbed or captured by the Fire Nation. She had enough trinkets she could pawn to get money along the way, and she was fairly decent when it came to her fighting skills. They were still mostly centered around using ice as a weapon, and despite the training Master Pakku and Katara had given her during their few short weeks on the boat, Orora had decided that she needed to test her skills in the real world.

Master Pakku had not been happy with her detour, saying she had a duty to their sister tribe to help, she had countered that how could she help them when she didn’t know the full potential of her water bending capabilities. He had tried to argue, but he knew it would be of no use. He had learned his lesson that when it came to stubborn teenage girls, they were hard to break.

He had given her his blessing, which had meant a lot more to Orora then she cared to admit. As a parting gift he had given her a smile white tile with a lotus, telling her that should she ever need help she should find someone with the similar emblem. It didn’t even have to be on a tile. Doorway, tattoo, carving, anything would do. So long as she showed them the tile, she would have help.

Orora had never before bowed so low to another elder as she had done the old yet wise Master.

Before she had parted he had told her a little story. Of how there had been a girl and a boy, both from the Northern Water Tribe. Engaged to be married despite not being soulmates, the boy had loved the girl, and he had thought the girl loved him too. And yet, she had wanted to find her soulmate and live her days with him. She did love the boy, but not enough.

The girl had left, leaving the boy heartbroken to pick up the pieces and rebuild his life without her. She had found her soulmate and had lived a happy life, but now? The boy, now an old man, was going to find the woman he had loved, and perhaps they could be together now?

“So, you loved her, despite her not being your soulmate?” Orora questioned as she stood in front of him. The rest of her tribe were loading everything back onto the boat while she spoke to Master Pakku.

The old man gave a sage nod. “Being a soulmate does not mean you will end up together. Just as Avatar Aang said, people do fall in love with someone else.” He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It is up to you who you want to love. The thread is just in place to help you find that someone if you do not have anyone else. We are all beings of free will Orora, and no one can force us to fall in love.” The girl tightened her hand on her strap before giving a small nod.

“Thank you for your words of wisdom Master Pakku.” She bowed in the fashion of her people. “I hope to become a Master waterbender just as you are.” He gave a small chuckle before patting her on the head. “My dear girl, no one can be as good as I.” He stated with a grin of faint arrogance that had her matching his posture. “Then I shall have to become better then you.” His loud laugh of fond amusement had echoed in her ears as she stood at the dock, waving farewell until the small boat disappeared from view.

                                              ————————–

Orora was absolutely amazed with what lay before her.

Land. Brown land. And trees. So so many trees. All green and bursting with life. The very air was alive. She had never once ventured outside of the Northern Water Tribe, and seeing the unfamiliar landscape around her was a little nerve-wracking sure, but it was also exhilarating.

And the scents! Every single thing had it’s own scent. The dirt. The leaves. The flowers. Oh she loved the flowers the best! Then there were the streams and ponds she would find. Small natural bodies of water. Everything at the Pole had been created by the Benders, and yet here was a little stream, carving its way across the land and traveling beyond her line of sight.

One thing was for sure. She definitely preferred the Earth Kingdom over the North Pole.

                                              ————————–

Her first run in with trouble came in the form of slavers.

In her excitement of going out to see the world, Orora had forgotten several significant details. One of which was that she was a girl. A young teenage girl who men would consider easy pickings. When she had been made aware of just how much attention she attracted, the girl had bought herself a nice long hooded cloak. For one it would keep her features hidden, and for another it kept her warm at night. She didn’t dare make a fire for fear of being noticed, and only ate her food cold. If she happened to pass through a village she would manage to grab a hot meal but that was it.

It didn’t seem to be enough since she had to evade her would-be-captors while passing through a small fishing village. It was ridiculous just how persistent they were. If she had been a boy, she mused angrily to herself afterwards, they wouldn’t have bothered her much.

Orora had managed to leave the village quickly, forgoing a hot meal and finding refuge by a small stream. The flowing water calmed her she had found earlier during her initial travel days, and she had stuck to it for as long as she could. Where there was water, it would always have people living nearby.

Reaching down she cupped some water in her palms and washed her face. She’d thrown her hood back, her hair was tied back with the comb she loved. It looked much too fine to belong to a simple traveling girl. Maybe she should take it out. But what would she tie her hair back with? Orora sighed, lifting a lock of hair where it had escaped from her bun. An idea flitted across her mind. 

Why couldn’t she? Cut her hair! It was brilliant! People would dismiss her being a young boy. Her still developing figure was hidden under a cloak, under which she wore loose baggy water tribe clothes.

Pulling out the small dagger she had stolen from her brother’s room before leaving, Orora removed the comb, allowing her waist length hair to tumble down her back. With one last look at her thick gleaming locks, she lifted a huge chunk and began to cut.

A few minutes later she rose, dusting off the hair as she examined her reflection in the water. Well, her hair was sheared as close to her scalp as she could without cutting her skin. It stuck out at odd angles, giving her an even more rough look. Her tanned skin was tanner then ever from walking under the sun the past two weeks or so. The short hair and tanned skin allowed her ice blue eyes to stand out even more, but she didn’t mind. Easy to intimidate people with just a glance.

Orora smiled in satisfaction. She could easily pass as a boy.

                                              ————————–

Along the way she began to use her healing abilities to heal people. If she happened to come across anyone in need, she would try and help them however she could.

Orora had been aware of the devastation caused by the Fire Nation, yet seeing innocent people suffer first hand just made her hate them more.

“There, that should heal.” She muttered, keeping her voice a little deep so as to keep up her persona of being a smooth skinned young boy. Did boys even possess the ability to heal? The people weren’t complaining though. The merchant gave a small nod in thanks.

“My gratitude boy, blast these bandits. They seem to be everywhere today.” The old man groaned as he rummaged in his purse to take out a few coins and give it to her. “You’d do best to avoid the roads at night, boy. There is a Spirit lurking around, stealing from whoever it comes across.” The man warned her, already standing up and shuffling off after giving his warning.

Orora stared after him, biting her lower lip. She had been sleeping in the darkest and the remotest places she could find. Sometimes in a cave, if she were lucky. Humans she could avoid easily. But Spirits!

She hoped she never run into one.

                                              ————————–

It seemed luck wasn’t on her side. Or in a twist of fate, maybe it was?

She had been sound asleep underneath and old tree, huddled against the roots and nearly invisible. But the Spirit that approached her could see her perfectly. Another target. Someone it could steal from.

The Spirit crept forward, eyes on the prize, ignoring all other feeling.

Orora, however, was woken by a sudden yank. Her eyes snapped open, instantly falling on the her hand where the string was so tightly taut she was afraid her finger would be cut off.

A twig cracked, and the sound echoed in the clearing where she slept and chaos broke loose.

The Spirit attacked her by leaping into the air. She retaliated by throwing her arm out, water whipping out of her canteen and forming several icicles that flew towards her would-be attacker. Several of her ammunition managed to snag the black clad figure, cutting through fabric and skin in several place. The assaulter had not been expecting her to attack back and fumbled. As the figure fell to the ground, Orora wasted no time in creating a wall of water and threw her arms out. The figure flew through the air, slamming against a tree, a solid wall of ice forming all around, leaving only the head able to move.

Just then the moon came out from behind the crowd and Orora was able to see her attacker. A blue mask stared back at her, blank and looking even more horrifying in the shadows cast by the branches of the tree. She didn’t bother masking her voice as she pulled out her dagger, ready to attack the figure if need be. “Who are you!?” She demanded.

Suddenly the figure stilled, the mask covered face facing Orora, allowing her to to assess it quickly. It didn’t....look like a spirit as the merchant had claimed. She frowned a question forming on her lips when she suddenly felt that yanking feeling in her finger again.

“What?” She glanced down, just in time to see a string appear out of thin air, taut as it stretched across the distance between her and the.......Spirit. Her eyes widened, and her heart leaped in her throat and her gaze became fixed on her prisoner.

Her feet seemed to move on their own as she slowly walked to stand in front of the figure. They were almost eye to eye, given that she had pinned her attacker a little lower against the tree. The string shortened with each step she took, her heart picking up speed as she finally stood before the would be Spirit.

Fingers trembling, eyes still wide, she reached up, grasping the mask from around the edges and lifting it away from the skin. She paused, as if allowing them both a moment to gather prepare themselves before she slowly lowered the blue mask to reveal the face that lay underneath.

Bright gold, a color she had never seen in eyes before, stared back at her. They were intense and seemed to hold a fire within. There was something.....powerful behind the gaze. Though that power was subtle, almost as if it was hiding. It didn’t take long for her to break the intense stare and slowly begin to take in the rest of his face. He was just a boy. Perhaps a year or so older then her, but still. There was nothing much to see since half his face was marred by a scar. Her lips parted in silent horror.

Her Healer mind kicked in, informing her that this was a scar left after a severe burn of some kind. But who would do something so cruel?

Involuntarily, her hand lifted, fingers only barely brushing along the edge of the rough skin of the scar. Her gaze flitted to his eyes once more which had a sudden sheen in them that had her pulling her hand back, and tripping over her feet as she backpedaled. A sudden burst of light didn’t help her startled situation as the boy melted away her ice with a blast of fire and dropped to the ground.

Unfortunately, the fire blast was just powerful enough that she couldn’t manage to catch herself. Her ankle twisted and she fell.

A sharp pain bloomed at the back of her head.

And everything went dark.

                                              ————————–

He had his eyes on the prize. The figure was alone and would be easy to rob. Zuko had barely been able to see them given how cleverly they hid in the shadows, but the moon had decided to come out from behind a cloud just at that moment, allowing him to see the figure.

What had didn’t understand was, how had the figure been able to sense his presence. He had been careful with his every move and silent. His entire concentration had been focused, perhaps this was why he didn’t feel the insistent tugging at his finger.

But when he was pinned to the tree and was struggling against the ice that suddenly encapsulated him, he was able to see the error of his ways. For one his hand felt like his finger was being pulled off. For another he recognized the figure as she stood in front of him. His eyes widened behind his mask and he stopped struggling.

It was her!

The watertribe girl he had saved during the Seige. Sure she looked very different from their previous meeting, her long hair was completely gone and there was no blood on her. Yet he remembered her eyes. He had never forgotten them. They haunted him in his waking hours, and lurked in his dreams when he would sleep. And seeing her, standing in front of him, his body forgot to fight. Forgot to struggle and forgot to escape.

All he could focus on was her eyes.

She asked him a question, he barely heard her.

Zuko watched as her eyes trained at the thread that connected the two of them. Her entire demeanor changed as she came to the realization. He had no idea when she began to walk, but suddenly she stood in front of her, lifting his mask away from his face.

She stared at him, and he stared back.

He allowed himself to assess her as he hadn’t done so when he encountered her in the past. Her skin was brown, a stark contrast against his pale complexion. Her features were soft and her short hair seemed to make them stand out even more. Her eyes were a blue he had only ever encountered when he dealt with ice. They were blue yet they held a certain coldness in them. It wasn’t like Azula’s, no this was different. Calculated, suspicious yet...... understanding and kind.

But then he felt her fingers against his scar and whatever spell had been cast was broken. He grunted as he escaped her trap, dropping to the ground expertly and shaking out his hands and feet. It only took him a few seconds, but by the time he looked up, the girl was falling to the ground, followed by a dull thud before she fainted.

He strode over to her, wincing as he caught sight of the rock she had hit her head against. She wasn’t bleeding, a quick brush of his hand against the back of her head proved as much, which was a good sign. He should leave. Leave and not look back. He had managed to dodge her during the Seige, perhaps he could do the same now?

Nodding to himself he quickly retrieved the swords he had stashed near a tree and began to walk off. He had only taken a few steps when he paused. He glanced back. She laid there in the clearing, helpless and defenseless. His mind flashed back to just a month or so ago, when he had saved her from that Fire Nation soldier from......finishing her off. The more stubborn part of his mind urged her to leave and just go.

But the part that thought with his heart, that always seemed to speak to him in his Mother’s voice, gently reprimanded him for leaving her like this when it was his fault she was hurt. The thread had disappeared, yet he could still feel the tightness of it around his finger. Zuko didn’t know how long he stood there, raging inwardly.

Finally, he let out a small growl.

Quickly picking up her fallen dagger and pack, he pulled her up, securing her arms around his shoulders and with his arms under her legs, he managed to hoist her behind his back and began the trek back to where his Uncle was.

The small puffs of breath that fell from her lips was the only indication to him that she was alive.

[nicolesainz]

Lover (CS 55)

Carlos Sainz x reader

Warnings: can’t get fluffier than this

Note: Carlos and reader here are 17 and 18

Summary: being the birthday girl doesn’t necessarily mean being surrounded by happiness and laughs. although a friend is all one may need to have the comfort they seek

I look at my phone, it’s still 6:30 in the morning. I attempt to go back to sleep when I finally notice a dim light sparking with someone moving it lightly around.

I rub my eyes and wear my glasses only to witness a happy Carlos, holding a small cupcake with the number 17 on it. My heart fills with appreciation towards him.

“Feliz cumpleaños cariño!” He softly whispers as he lands a kiss on my cheek.

“Go, make a wish. But don’t tell. It won’t come true” he winked at me playfully, waiting for me.

I instantly blow the candles with my eyes shut, mumbling the wish underneath my breath.

I don't really have fond memories from my past birthdays, although I treasure every little sweet gesture of Carlos's like it's the last one ever. He is the reason I find this day slightly more enjoyable.

"Did you wish for something good?" his eyes stop sparkling, but his smile is as wide as always.

"I did. Thank you for this Carlos. You shouldn't have! It is too much" he places down the cake, before I let him jump on my bed to give him a big hug.

His embrace has forever been my safe place. Somewhere I know I will never be hurt. Somewhere that I will always feel loved.

"You deserve it corazón. In fact, Ana and Blanca helped me with a cake. Another indication that it's in fact 'not too much'."

"You disturbed your sleep Carlos and you have a race in a few hours. Please rest." I said worryingly, knowing it’s his first time racing in Formula 1 at his home Grand Prix

“Don’t worry about me! Practice and Quali went alright, so if something is to happen, it will”

“You will thrive! I have no doubts. At points you were even faster than the Ferrari’s! That indicates something!”

“That someday I’ll end up a Ferrari driver?”

“Who knows what the future may hold? I believe that this is very possible. Carlos Sainz, Grand Prix winner, Ferrari driver”

“The day this happens, I will owe you my life. And a kiss too.”

“Alright champion. For now, go to sleep. And thank you for the surprise. You surely found a beautiful way to start my day”

“Una mujer hermosa merece tener un día hermoso” (A beautiful woman deserves to have a beautiful day)

Carlos’s arms were wrapped around my torso, hugging me firmly. Part of his face was buried on my neck, with his hot breath hitting me, causing butterflies to flutter on my stomach.

“No sé qué haría sin ti, Carlos” (I don’t know what I would do without you) I mumbled underneath his soft snores, which were echoing in my ear. It was a big day for him as well. I didn’t want to ruin it for him.

Two hours later, I woke up alone again, with the small cake sat next to me and a basket of gifts alongside.

The basket had a birthday card, my paddock pass, two candles with the number 17, five daisies and lots of candies.

Carlos wasn’t a man who expressed his feelings like this or was used to such gestures but for some reason, those started becoming even more common as time went by.

He’d take me on car rides whenever I was feeling blue or make up stories to help me fall asleep, even sacrificing his own resting time.

As I went down the stairs, I saw an empty, silent house, with only the birds sounding from outside an open window.

Suddenly, my mother burst through the front door, with her hands full of groceries. I reach out to her and help her, only to be greeted with continuous yelling.

“Buenos días mamá” is all I manage to say before she breakdown starts.

“Te dije que limpiaras la cocina, pero al parecer eres demasiado perezoso para eso también.” (I told you to clean the kitchen but apparently you’re too lazy for that as well)

Not even a ‘happy birthday first’ or ‘sweet 17’.

“Acabo de despertarme, lo haré ahora mismo.” (I just woke up, I will do it right now) I bluntly replied to her.

“Esperas que lo haga todo aquí. ¡No soy tu esclava!” (You expect me to do everything around here. I’m not your slave). The woman was clearly going insane at 8 am in the morning and I wasn’t having it on my special day.

“Mamá, nadie te llamó esclava. Te ayudaré. Por favor, cálmate.” (Mom, no one called you a slave. I will help you. Please calm down). I motioned with my hands but apparently that didn’t work either. Okay, she doesn’t need pampering.

“Cuanto más viejo te haces, más inútil te vuelves para mí. Haz otra cosa, no me importa.” (The older you get, the more useless you become to me. Do something else, I don’t care.)

Surely no one enjoys being called useless by their own mother on their birthday. But mine did it. And I hoped that no other person had to listen to this ever in their life. It was truly heartbreaking.

I went upstairs, got dressed, grabbed my paddock pass and was soon out of the house, without my mother noticing anything. She didn’t even question my absence, as I got no calls or texts from her.

All I wanted, was to spend my birthday around the only person that could appreciate me truly. And that was only Carlos. I put the fakest but best smile I have in front of his sisters and family, so I wouldn’t ruin the happy and exciting atmosphere.

Being with the Sainz's was one of the few times I felt welcomed in a family. They were extremely vibrant and happy people. I loved them all dearly, although their son, was the one who had captured my heart.

I always say Carlos with a different perspective. He always took care of me and wanted to spend time together, even though he could have hung out with his school or karting friends. I may knew very few things about formula one, but I would let him talk for endless hours, saying how much he loves this sport and how it would be a dream of his to race alongside his hero, Fernando Alonso.

Now, he gets to finally do that. Fulfil his biggest dream. And the road ahead of his is quite long. He is determined to succeed. Confident in him, I know he will achieve that as well.

As we were watching the race unfolding from the Toro Rosso garage, an unknown blonde woman, close to my age, sat next to me. She looked very cute and sweet. She certainly wasn't English or Spanish, as her accent was quite unfamiliar to my ears.

"Hi, I am Victoria, Max's sister. You must be Y/N, right?" she asked me politely, offering me a handshake.

"Yes indeed. Very nice to meet you Victoria! Although, how do you know my name?" I give her a soft smile and raise playfully my eyebrows.

"Well, you don't look nothing like him, first of all, unlike his sisters, and secondly, he was so happy about you attending today that couldn't stop talking about it" I receive a playful wink from Victoria and my cheeks instantly turn into a light maroon shade of red.

"He did huh? Well, we have been friends since forever and it's the first race of his that I attend. It's really exciting."

"I find it hard to believe that you are only friends. I bet he likes you. Max says that Carlos mentions you even more regularly than his sisters. He does seem to be smitten with you"

Does Carlos like me? Is this real? Seems very unrealistic to me. We are very close but not to the point that we become something more. Victoria must have gotten something wrong here.

"Well, we are only friends. We are neighbours and go to the same school but no, simply friends. No romance between us"

"In the future, he will surely confess his feelings. I have never met a boy speaking so fondly and lovingly of a girl who is considered as an 'only friend'"

"It's up to fate. But even though we love each other very much, it's pure friendship. We've been raised like siblings to one another. We are this close."

"Well, mark my words, because I tend to be right, no matter what Max says, he is always wrong. Between us, I am the better Verstappen sibling."

We laugh along at her words and continue to have a fruitful conversation, whilst watching the race. In the end, we were both proud of the result, because it ended with Max winning his first ever race and Carlos scoring points for the team.

It didn’t matter that he didn’t get a podium position or a win. He still was the new Spanish hero and successor of Fernando Alonso. People knew that he’d become a big thing in the following years.

My happiness couldn’t be contained when I straight up jumped into his arms, whilst he was still kinda sweaty and full blown red faced. He joyfully accepted my hug and embraced me even tighter.

“Nos has hecho sentir muy orgullosos. Una carrera increíble, Carlos. Su conducción es muy impresionante” (You made us all so proud. Amazing race. Your driving is extremely impressive) I say as my eyes are sparkling at the sight of him.

“Esto significa mucho, viniendo de ti, cariño. Espero que lo hayas disfrutado.” (This means a lot, coming from you darling. I hope you enjoyed it.) his smile wouldn’t leave his face. I wish we could stay in this position forever. It was where I felt the safest.

Before another word managed to leave my mouth, I felt his soft lips on mine, tangling beautifully, gifting me the best possible feeling, which was love. In that moment, I realized I love Carlos. And I always would.

My breathing had gotten heavier, whilst Carlos deepened the kiss and my heart beating faster than ever. My first kiss was with a man who truly loved me, cared for me and knew me better than anyone else.

“Te amaré hasta que el tiempo se detenga, cariño, este es mi regalo por tu cumpleaños. Espero que podamos celebrar más de ellos juntos, para poder hacerte regalos aún más”

(I’ll love you until time stops, darling, this is my gift for your birthday. Hope we can celebrate more of those together, so I can gift you with even greater presents.)

[maria-sand-22]

People angry with rhys for assigning cassian to nesta damage control and rehabilitation and angry with cassian for being to strict and harsh with her and not making excuses for her behaviours is insane

You really just want rhysand to release nesta into velaris when she took more power from the cauldron than she can handle so she can roam amongst the fae children of his court that she hates so much? If I found out that the leader of my nation released his drunken impulsive abusive racist against our race suster in law who is also overpowered and capable of k*lling us all I'd be rioting the next day.

For all he knew as well there wasn't anyone in his IC who wasn't in danger around her except cassian, he's her mate rhysand probably can't imagine any fae would be capable of harming their mate whether they want them or not.

And for the people thinking nesta wasn't that bad and wasn't a danger to the people of velaris feyre didn't mind killing a fae man she didn't know for the simple crime of being fae, nesta hated fae 50 times more than feyre with 50 times less compassion and Impulse control than her, and for all rhysand knew from feyre's memories she was the devil himself nobody was safe around her except the person she physically couldn't bring herself to hurt;

- she literally never cared about feyre's life when the beast came to take her she only protected elain while letting feyre get taken

- she would constantly verbally abuse feyre to the point of irreversible damage to her character and self esteem

“His snarl set the flames of the candles guttering. 'You aren't what I had in mind for a human- believe me.'

I could almost feel the wound deep in my chest as it ripped open and all those awful, silent words came pouring out. Illiterate, ignorant, unremarkable, proud, cold- all spoken from Nesta's mouth, all echoing in my head with her sneering voice."

"I needed new boots, but Elain needed a new cloak, and Nesta was prone to crave anything someone else possessed."

"[...] I glanced at Nesta’s stillshiny pair by the door. Beside hers, my too-small boots were falling apart at the seams, held together only by fraying laces."

“What do you know?” Nesta breathed. “You’re just a half-wild beast with the nerve to bark orders at all hours of the day and night. Keep it up, and someday—someday, Feyre, you’ll have no one left to remember you, or to care that you ever existed.”

She refused to help even though everyone was in danger. “Find somewhere else,” Nesta said again, straight-backed. “I don’t want them in my house. Or near Elain.”

On top of that, Nesta loves to read and she never wanted to teach her younger sister how to read, but there was no problem in encouraging Feyre to hunt while Nesta herself was sitting at home.

"The story is told from Feyre's point of view and she may not have interpreted it correctly." Yes, because there are really many interpretations for your older sister to leave you to die while hugging the other sister. Thank you, next.

If Nesta was a man he would've been an irredeemable monster after acosf, because for an abuser she never truly redeemed herself or expressed any true remorse through actions rather than internal thoughts

Remorseful abusers don't try to hurt their victims further by dragging their reputation through the mud when they take them into their new home

Remorseful abusers don't try to attack or alienate their victims support system

Remorseful abusers don't try to rationalise or excuse 5heir abuse

They simply accept that they F'ed up and live with and accept the consequences of their actions such as their victim struggling to trust them again, their victims loved ones disliking them or never forgiving them, etc..

[serenpedac]

Tales of Fate and Fortune

Words: ~4000 Rating: Mature Relationship: Female OC/Nate Sewell Warnings: Mildly spicy (very mild tbh)

It becomes a ritual: a smiled greeting to the storeowner, who already starts preparing his tea while Nate wanders between the shelves, sometimes picking up and browsing a volume or two on his way, but always ending up at his book. Or not really his book, is it? Their book, belonging to both him and this mysterious notewriter.

Read on Ao3

He finds the book much like he had found the bookstore: tucked away in a secluded spot, nearly going unnoticed, yet drawing him in as soon as he lays eyes on it. It’s a small volume, unassuming and well-worn. Nothing special.

(“Why did you pick it up?” she will ask someday. To which he will reply, “Fate.” She will scoff at that and roll her eyes, a smile dimpling her cheek.)

All of that will happen later, though, much later, and he is not one to skip ahead. Oh, no, he prefers to take his time, to let the story unfold itself word after word and let the tension build. So in the present, Nate takes the book from where it is squeezed in between two larger ones and brings it with him to the reading nook at the back of the store.

Copper-coloured reading lamps soak the mish-mash of armchairs in their warm light. A few small tables stand between them, each with books stacked on top.

Nate settles on a chair closest to the tall windows. They do little to let in light, the sun being hidden behind the clouds, but together with the draped curtains, it’s almost like sitting in a cosy living room. A home, of sorts, however temporary it may be. While his unit has become his family, the Agency facilities have never come close to a home. A place like this is exactly what he needs after having travelled from one side of the world to the other and back again for their last mission.

He leans back and starts to read.

Before long, he finds the first note: a faded ballpoint-blue scribble in the margin near the end of the prologue.

That’s really all she got? Some “wisdom” that sounds like it came from the label on a teabag? At least that would have given her a drink to enjoy.

Nate chuckles. True enough, the message from the fortune teller to the protagonist had been far from original, but those age-old wisdoms often hold some truth. And if it are the same ones that get told over and over, well, isn’t that like just like stories? The same tropes and archetypes woven together into countless different tales. Heroes fighting bravely for their cause and strangers turning to lovers.

Later he will tell himself it was the homely feeling of this place, combined with a bone-deep tiredness, that makes him forget himself and take a pen out of his deep brown leather briefcase—a gift from Adam, who had merely stated it was practical, but Nate knew the effort it must have take his friend to get this exact one, so similar to the one he lost years before.

He sets the tip of the pen to the paper and writes, neatly below the note,

Don’t you think words given in-person hold more weight than those that are mass-printed and impersonal? Certainly more than those on tea of debatable quality.

He jolts at the ding of the old-fashioned shop bell.

“There you are!” Farah’s voice carries all the way to the end of the shop, making Nate wince. “Found him,” she shouts back towards the street.

Through the window, he can just make out the figures of Adam and Morgan.

He quickly closes the book and slips the pen in his bag as if to hide the evidence of his crime. The shopkeeper is nowhere to be seen, although their footsteps sound from behind the thick curtain that must lead to some sort of backroom. He should buy the book, but—

“Are you coming? We’ve been searching for you for ages.” Farah moves her weight from one foot to another, cold wind blowing past her through the still open door.

“One moment.”

Despite the gloominess of the corner and the amount of books, his eye is drawn to the empty spot where the book belongs. Without further debate, he slides it back into place.

“Told you he was going to be in the dustiest place in this city,” Farah is chattering to Morgan and Adam by the time he makes it outside. “We’re in the most exciting place we’ve been in ages and Nate goes to hide between old books.”

Hiding his smile, Nate says, “You do know that many of those ‘old books’ are younger than yourself?”

Farah scoffs. “It’s not about the numbers, Natey, it’s about the vibes.” Looking back at the store, she wrinkles her nose. “And the smell.”

Read the rest on Ao3

[lemonsprite]

𝐘𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 || 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐱 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝

Summary: idk Yule something something something bro I don't know what to write it's just a bunch of fluff and tiny Frodo content

Word count: 2K

A/N: This was cross-posted on my ao3!

Dearest Thorin, 

I regret to inform you I won’t be able to spend the winter months with you this year as much as I’d like to. Unfortunately, my dear cousins the Brandybuck-bagginses have passed in a terrible boating accident and as much as this time hurts for my family, they have asked that I may take in my cousin's only son, Frodo. Of course, I have agreed as is right to do. Poor lad lost both his parents in one day, I can only imagine what he’s going through right now. 

Yavannah knows this is the last thing I’d ever want but I must take care of the boy for now. I hope you can understand. Perhaps I can visit in the summertime, I’m sure Frodo would love to see Erebor someday. 

Your burglar, 

Bilbo Baggins

Bilbo looked down sadly at the sealed envelope in his hands. He’d been looking extremely forward to spending Yule with Thorin. Yet that was all a distant thought now, He has a boy to look after. Frodo sat next to him, only nine years old and inexplicably quiet. Bilbo had given him one of his books he’d picked up on his journey to the lonely mountain. Some sort of elvish novel filled with fantastical fairy tales and stories of yore. 

When Frodo had been younger he’d used to jump for joy when Uncle Bilbo came bearing gifts of books to family gatherings, now he sat staring at the same page for the past fifteen minutes his face emotionless and his eyes distant. 

Bilbo sighed and ran a hand through his curly hair, turning his attention back to the letter in his hand. 

“I’ll be right back, Frodo.” He said, giving the boy the biggest smile he could muster at the moment.

Frodo blinked in response, not even turning to look Bilbo in the eye. 

The hobbit pursed his lips and tucked the envelope into his waistcoat pocket. 

It was snowing hard outside and the windows of Bag-end rattled with the force of the wind. It was a true blizzard in the making. Hopefully, the bird would be able to make it to Thorin. 

Barely half a month had passed since Bilbo sent his letter. Frodo seemed to return slightly to his younger self. He’d begun asking Bilbo questions about his journeys once more, the young hobbit would stop in the hallways of Bag-end and pester Bilbo until he told him the story behind the map hanging on the wall or the set or dwarven battle armor sitting in the corner, long forgotten. 

They sat together at the dinner table two bowls of beef stew lay untouched before them, it was getting late. 

“Don’t you want your soup Frodo?” Asked Bilbo. “It’s one of your favorites.” He encouraged, attempting to get his picky-eater of a nephew to eat. 

Frodo scowled, poking at the meat in his stew with his fork. 

Their silence was broken by the loud noise of Bilbo’s bell signaling there was someone at the door. Bilbo cleared his throat and sat up from his seat. 

The elder hobbit walked gingerly to the front of Bag-end, wondering who in their right mind would be pestering a hobbit this late during supper of all times. 

Decades ago the last time his bell had rung at this hour he’d become an unwilling party member on a long and quite bothersome adventure. 

Bilbo threw open the door to reveal a quite serious-looking dwarf. Yet that was not the source of his surprise (He quite expected this to happen if Bilbo was being truthful, he had a tendency to attract unwanted visitors) What really shocked the hobbit was that the dwarf was none other than Thorin Oakenshield himself. 

“Thorin?” He gaped, staring wide-eyed at the dwarrow in front of him. “Wha? Huh?” 

“Where’s the little pebble, hm?” Asked Thorin a serious glint in his eye, trying to peer past Bilbo’s shoulder into the den. 

“pebble?” Asked Bilbo still trying to work out why Thorin was here in the first place. He raised his hands to back peddle their conversation. “Hold on- aren’t you supposed to be at Erebor?” 

Thorin waved his hand dismissively. “Fili’s got it under control, it’ll be a good experience for him.”

“Good experience? Thorin, that's an entire kingdom to run by himself!” Exclaimed Bilbo, flabbergasted at the dwarf’s carelessness. 

“And he has Balin to take care of him, he’ll be fine,” explained Thorin, putting a hand on Bilbo’s shoulder. “Besides, you need more help than him right now.” 

“I don’t think that's a very even comparison.” Laughed Bilbo, looking at Thorin as if he’d just magically turned into a monkey. “Look, come inside, I don’t want you catching a cold out in the snow.” The hobbit sighed, opening the door further for the dwarven king to enter. 

Thorin shook the snow off his thick fur coat and turned to Bilbo, giving the other a stern look. 

“It may not seem like that hard of an ordeal Bilbo but raising a child is no laughing matter.” He tsked. “When my brother-in-law died I helped Dis out with the boys every day, I essentially became like their father. I know what child-rearing is like.” 

“So you’ve come all this way to help me?” Asked Bilbo, looking Thorin up and down curiously. “Not to mention how fast you got here, I didn’t even know it was possible to travel from Erebor to the Shire in less than a month.” 

Thorin's face turned red, he looked everywhere but Bilbo’s eyes, muttering something unintelligible. 

“What was that?” Asked Bilbo, a smile pulling at his lips. 

“I also may have wanted to spend Yule with you,” Thorin grumbled, his voice deep and gravely, like a bear. 

Bilbo grinned at Thorin, the tips of his pointed ears turning red. 

“Uncle Bilbo, why is there a dwarf in our parlor?” Came Frodo's voice from the doorway, his curly head peeking out from the corner. 

Bilbo opened his mouth to speak but Thorin beat him to the chase.

“You must be Frodo.” He smiled, wrapping his arm around Bilbo’s shoulder and pulling him close to the dwarf’s side. 

Bilbo coughed, clearing his throat, denying the feeling of warmth that spread throughout his body at Thorin's touch. 

“Frodo, you recall Thorin from my adventures, hm?” He asked, waving a careless hand in the general direction of the dwarf. 

The younger hobbit's pointed ears perked up and he stared up at Thorin in awe. “The king under the mountain?” Frodo exclaimed in astonishment. 

“At your service,” Thorin replied, a soft smile spreading across his face. 

Frodo’s excitement was basically tangible, he was practically bouncing off the walls as he ran up to Thorin, the young hobbit twiddling his fingers in nervousness. 

“Did you really fight a dragon?” He asked in amazement, looking up at Thorin as if he’d saved his life instead of Bilbo’s. 

Thorin was about to answer when Bilbo cut him off. 

“Good little hobbits finish their dinner first, you can bombard him with all your questions after you finish your stew.” 

Frodo grumbled, frowning hard as he glanced back at Thorin. 

“You know…” Said Thorin looking around the room as if he was afraid someone would overhear him. “I brought all these toys from Erebor… But I was strictly told by my advisors to only give them to shirelings who finish their suppers.” He glanced at Bilbo, shooting him a small smile. 

Bilbo rolled his eyes in obvious annoyance, yet his smile told another story. 

Frodo gasped, looking back and forth between Bilbo and Thorin before making a mad dash for the dining room, determined to eat all his soup. 

“How about I show you around a bit? Before the little devil inhales his stew I mean…” Added Bilbo, his eyes still on the doorway Frodo had just sped through. “It's been quite a while since you last visited… Four years if I remember correctly.” 

“Four years far too long.” Sighed Thorin, pulling Bilbo even closer to his side. “If I had my way I’d visit you every year.” 

“You have a kingdom to run.” Rationalized Bilbo. “Besides, it takes three months to travel from Erebor to the Shire… Usually.” He continued glancing up at Thorin. 

The dwarf met him with an exasperated shrug. 

“I would like that tour, however,” Thorin added as an afterthought, looping his and Bilbo’s arms together. “Show me where I’ll be sleeping, hm?” 

“I see you’ve gotten a lot more books in your study since I last visited.” Observed Thorin as Bilbo led him into his office. 

“Elrond half-elven gave me them as gifts since I’ve learned to speak Sindarin and Quenya. told me they’d help expand my knowledge.” Bilbo smiled, patting Thorin’s arm which was still entangled in his. 

Thorin scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Damn elves, next thing you know they’ll be coming to Bag-end to join us for Yule.” 

“They might as well.” Added Bilbo smugly. “I’m told we bagginses are quite good at making foreign friends.” 

Thorin rolled his eyes playfully at the hobbit's remark as Bilbo continued. The hobbit led Thorin through a circular door into his bed chambers. 

Bilbo’s room hadn’t changed much since the four years of Thorin’s absence. A new quilt sat neatly on top of his bed, illustrating the shire and its surplus gardens. On the hobbit's nightstand was an assortment of parenting books stacked to reach a combined height of an average elf. One of Bilbo’s coats (An extremely well-made dwarven garment) sat draped over a cushioned armchair that hadn’t been there previously. Thorin had given the coat to Bilbo as a Yule present eight years ago, part of him melted seeing it displayed. 

“I assume you’ll be staying here with me…” Bilbo dawdled on, looking anywhere but Thorin, the tips of his ears turning red. “That is- if you want to.” He added hurriedly.

Thorin nodded his head furiously. 

“I want to.” 

Bilbo smiled sheepishly, tugging nervously at his copper curls. 

 A silence fell between them and Thorin faltered, grabbing Bilbo’s hand. 

“We need to talk, my burglar.” 

Bilbo stared back at the dwarven king, his smile hesitating. 

“I agree.” 

Bilbo busied himself by straightening invisible wrinkles on his bed sheets and sat down with Thorin next to him. The hobbit sighed, he’d had a feeling they’d be having this discussion one way or another. 

An uncomfortable silence filled the air with thick tension. Thorin was the first to speak. 

“Our original plan isn’t going to work now, isn’t it?” He asked, rubbing his thumb over Bilbo’s knuckles, making the hobbit's face flush and his ears ring. 

“I suppose Frodo does change some things…” Replied Bilbo, his gaze finding the ground much more interesting than Thorin at the moment. 

“Do…” Thorin faltered. “Do you wish to end our courtship?” 

Bilbo didn't waste a second to respond, his eyes darting up to Thorins within milliseconds. 

“No! Not at all! I still want to marry you, Thorin!” He exclaimed, anxiety filling his stomach. “It’s just, a lot changed with the addition of Frodo…” Bilbo pursed his lips. 

“We… Just need time to figure it out.” He sighed, turning to smile slightly at Thorin. “I swear I’ll never leave you. No matter what.” 

“I as well my burglar.” Thorin sighed contentedly, happy with the conclusion of their discussion as he cupped Bilbo’s face with his rough hand. “Aulë I love you.�� 

They sat there for what felt like eons to both of them but was most likely a matter of a few fleeting moments. Both content to be held in each other's arms.

“Did you actually bring dwarvish toys?” Whispered Bilbo, almost unbelieving. He shifted in the dwarf’s arms, breaking the dramatic tension that had filled the air almost suffocatingly with their discussion. 

Thorin pulled away from their embrace and opened the pockets of his big coat, revealing a plethora of small (most likely enchanted) children’s toys, ranging from tops to stuffed animals, and dominos. 

“Don’t worry.” He smirked. “I’m planning to make his Yule present myself.”

Bilbo knew Thorin and Bilbo knew the dwarf was most likely to make something that would get Frodo in lots of trouble with their ever-nosy neighbors. 

“It better not be any hopefully safe and small Dwarven battle gear.” He scolded, looking the dwarf king in the eye. 

“How did you guess?” Asked Thorin with a devious smirk. 

“I had my suspicions.” Bilbo’s annoyance did not last as he laughed shortly, rolling his eyes and returning to Thorin's arms. 

The dwarven king brought his attention to the small trinkets in his pocket. “They were my nephews' favorite nick-nacks growing up. Now that they don’t need them I thought they could be put to good use again.” He explained shyly. 

“That’s an excellent idea Thorin.” Sighed Bilbo contentedly, restraining himself from burrowing deeper into the dwarf’s warm chest. It’d been what felt like decades since he was last able to embrace Thorin like he was currently. 

A harsh knock came from the door to Bilbo’s bedroom, interrupting their moment. 

“Uncle Bilbo, I've finished my soup!” Rang Frodo’s voice from behind the door. “Is Mr. Thorin in there?” 

Bilbo gave Thorin a knowing look as he got up from his arms to answer the door, readjusting his wrinkled clothing as he did so. 

“All of it?” He asked the little hobbit, raising a suspicious eyebrow. 

Frodo nodded violently, his eyes looking expectantly behind him to the dwarf still sitting on Bilbo’s bed. 

“Alright- But if you’re lying so help me Yavannah…” The hobbit sighed, opening the door further for Frodo to dash in, running straight to Thorin. 

Bilbo had a feeling this was going to be the best Yule yet.

I love them (༎ຶ⌑༎ຶ)

[ckret2]

I have a *mighty need* to know all about !!!COSMIC HORROR!!!

u got it zim

This is one of those files for things coming up in the far future: it's little chunks of multiple conversations wherein Dipper tries to ask Bill about the secrets of the universe, and gets told things that are gonna keep him up staring at the bedroom ceiling at 3 a.m. The snips will probably be spread across dozens of chapters; and like the snip I posted earlier today, this is just kind of my first pass at the ideas & concepts I know I want them to discuss, so it's written more in my voice than the characters' and it doesn't have any scene around the conversation.

I can't share the whole file because the farther it gets, the more it creeps toward Big Spoilers about where the story's gonna go, but here's about half. (Ironically, most of the cosmic horror is contained in the parts I have to leave out lmao.) It's 50% "why tf did Bill say the universe is a hologram" and 50% "oh shit it's axolotl time." Bill may or may not be saying things that are objectively true about the universe. Probably not. But he is saying things that tell you about his personal relationship with reality, which is more important.

"If being in the second dimension and seeing into the third is like seeing the cave wall that Plato's casting his shadows on, then being in the third and seeing the fourth is like seeing the film reel projecting the universe. You can see the present moment—the frame that the light is shining through—and you can see the next few frames coming up, how things are going to play out."

[...]

"Do you know what Plato's cave and a movie theater have in common?"

"... Sitting in the dark, staring at shapes on the wall."

"That's right, kid. And in both cases, the show on the wall is just an illusion."

[...]

"So what's in those higher dimensions? What's running the 'projectors' or whatever?"

"Higher beings. Think you met one once."

"I did?"

"Sure! Not here, but in a parallel reality. I don't know what you talked about, I try to steer away from that guy when we don't have business. Maybe you'll remember it someday."

"How can I remember meeting it if it happened in another universe?"

"When things like him speak, they leave vast echoes. You might hear one."

[...]

"There are things so far beyond us that even trying to understand how they think could drive you insane."

"I thought you said you ARE insane."

"Yeah, well, I met the same thing you almost did."

[...]

"I remember the Axolotl now. There was nothing insanity-inducing about him. He was just... nice."

[themousefromfantasyland]

I had this crazy idea last night: a Batman Musical Episode.

Not just any musical episode, Joker's Sweeney Todd.

The Sondheim musical told through the Batfamily and the Rogues Gallery, with Joker as Sweeney himself, and Harley Quinn as Ms. Lovett. There would be some changes to the lyrics and overall story, obviously.

The main story would be like this:

Several times in the comics, it's alluded that the Joker may assume different personalities and memories over time. Sometimes he's a harmless trickster, sometimes he's a total homicidal psychopath. Sometimes he was a failed comedian that was driven insane thanks to a very bad day, and in others he was always an evil gangster.

Imagine if someday the Joker wakes up with a new personality. Now he is a barber and he calls himself Benjamin Barker. He has vague memories of a tragic past that is probably 100% false.

Harley Quinn helps Joker escape from Arkham, and she manipulates his increasingly delirious fake memories and hallucinations in order to finally get closer with him. However, Joker's and Harley's true sadistic and cruel side comes to life, as both reenact the Sweeney and Lovett's scheme of the musical.

Joker starts murdering people in his barbershop, carving smiles on their faces, while Harley uses what's left of their bodies to create "Happy Meals" in her new diner.

We then would constantly jump around two stories: the first one is reality, where we see Batman uncovering the true atrocities of the latest Joker's and Harley's scheme. The second one is Joker's delirious mind, where he is creating a surreal fanfic about himself.

One is naturalistic, the other is meant to clearly take place in a theatre stage. Basically all the musical sequences are just his delirium. And we see how the musical sequences influence on reality and vice versa.

In Joker's story, he was an innocent barber that was sent to Arkham by a corrupt Commissioner Gordon and an evil Batman. Batman was obsessed with his wife, and wanted Joker away so he could have her all for himself. Then after Joker's wife has the same fate as Sweeney's wife in the musical, Commissioner Gordon and Batman took Joker's baby daughter Johanna to raise.

Yeah, in Joker's mind, Barbara is Johanna, Batman is Judge Turpin, and Commissioner Gordon is the Beadle. And I forgot to add that Dick Grayson gets to be Anthony, the wide-eyed sailor that's hopeless in love with Johanna.

Heck in the musical, there's a scene where Anthony breaks Johanna from an insane asylum, allowing the inmates to run free through the streets of London. Imagine this, but with Arkham inmates running through Gotham.

In the end Batman manages to capture Joker, but not before he stabs Harley for lying to him, and kills a beggar woman who got in the way of his plans. Joker's is obsessed that he accidentally killed Lucy, his long lost wife, and Batman is left wondering if there's any truth behind that or if it's just another Joker delusion.

Honestly, I don't know if Batman or comic books fans have anything in common with musical theatre fans, but "Epiphany" could be easily a Joker song, and "A Little Priest" was made for Joker and Harley Quinn.

[icycoldninja]

Hi there! I was wondering if you could write a story about Nero and the Reader where the Reader has a terminal illness. Whatever the story is, the Reader spends their last time with Nero.

Thank u and have a nice day!

I will! You have a good one too!

Time (Nero x Reader angst)

Tw: terminal illness; death.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Life had been nothing but a blur lately, which was odd, considering how little of it you had left. It started when the doctors entered your room, their gaunt faces cast even more in shadow. They spoke to you in soft, comforting tones, probably to try and ease the shock of it all when they told you that you had very little time left in this world.

You cried your heart out almost as soon as they left, and when Nero rocketed into your room with a huge bouquet of flowers and a "get well soon" card, you couldn't help but wail out the jarring news of your fate. The flowers hit the floor; the card drifted down to meet them, and the next thing you knew, you were being strangled with a hug.

From that moment onward, Nero hardly left your side. When he did, it was only because the nurses either forced him to leave by threatening him with security, or when a devil-related emergency arose. Otherwise, he'd be chained to your bedside, refusing to waste even a second.

Your morbid attitude was understandable for someone so close to death's door. Still, you felt that thinking this way--feeling this way--was wasting both your time and Nero's. You should be trying to enjoy what little time together you had left, instead of wallowing in self pity. But you har so many regrets, so many things you still wanted to do, so much life you wanted to live! Why did it all have to end now?! Why?! You wanted to stay a little longer!

"Babe," Nero began for the hundredth time that afternoon. "You alright? You spaced out again."

"I'm...fine," You lied, gripping the blankets tightly, desperately needing something to ground yourself with.

"I don't think that's true," Nero sighed, noticing your clenched fists. "Come on, get it off your chest, what's wrong?"

It took a great deal of effort to choke back the tears, but you managed, feeling the sorrow and anguish temporarily settle in your stomach, sure to bubble back up in a few moments.

"I...I don't want to die." You finally managed to squeak out. "I'm too young to die. I...want to keep living."

"I know," Nero replied, his voice brittle. "I don't want you to leave either. I'm...gonna...miss you. So fuckin' much."

At this point, all speech had left you, that clump of agony you swallowed earlier coming back to bite you sooner than you expected. You simply rested your head on Nero's warm shoulder and cried, taking solace in his comforting embrace, feeling just a little better now that you'd shared your anguish with someone.

"Shh," Nero consoled, pressing soft kisses to the top of your head, adjusting your pillow and helping you lie back down soon after. "I gotcha. I love you. I love you so much, more than you'll ever know."

"Love you too," You mumbled, as Nero pulled the covers up over your shoulders and planted another kiss on your lips.

"You should get some rest now," He suggested, brushing some of your hair away from your face. "I'll be right here when you wake up, don't worry," He added, when you opened your mouth to protest.

"Ok." You responded, obediently closing your eyes.

Nero chuckled to himself softly as he watched you drift off to sleep, admiring how content and relaxed you looked, the sorrow and anxiety of impending death now erased from your face. He hoped someday, preferably someday soon, you would wear that expression as you walked around Devil May Cry once again.

When the doctors told him the next morning that you'd passed away in your sleep, Nero was both devastated and thankful--thankful that at the very least, you died peacefully, free of any mental trouble, soothed in slumber.