#sugar glow kit

[cutiepieautistic]

Roxanne wolf self care/stim kit

Putty/chewy/tangle jr

Squishy/plushie

glow sticks/fidget cube/scented nail polish

Icon credit

[esouliie]

Christmas at the Romanoff’s

(natasha romanoff x reader) & (platonic!yelena belova x reader)

tags | christmas headcanon – friends to lovers, first kiss, fluff and comfort!

notes | hello, pls take this small headcanon as a thank you for reading and supporting all my fics even though i cannot keep up with demand lmao. i promise to do better in the new year. merry christmas! <3

It’s your first Christmas with Natasha, and you quickly discover that the Black Widow is… not exactly a holiday enthusiast. At least, not in the traditional sense. When you first arrived at the apartment she shares with her sister, you were greeted by Yelena’s unholy mix of holiday cheer and chaos. Mismatched ornaments hung precariously from a tree that was way too big for their living room, a plate of burnt cookies sat on the counter, and garish Christmas music blared at an almost concerning volume. Natasha, however, looked like she was about two seconds away from wrapping the excessive lights around her neck.

“I hate Christmas music,” Natasha mutters under her breath as you hang up your coat. Yelena’s halfway through yelling “All I Want for Christmas is You” with a Santa hat perched at an angle on her head. “She’s been doing this for weeks,” she adds, her voice low like it’s some covert confession. It takes you all but twenty minutes to realise that Natasha has a very complicated relationship with Christmas. She doesn’t hate it exactly—she just doesn’t really know what to do with it. With all the joy. When you try to hand her a burnt gingerbread cookie, she looks at it like it’s some kind of alien artifact. “Why would I eat a cookie shaped like a man?” She asks flatly, before breaking it in half like it personally offended her.

She then proceeded to argue how she’d be more likely to eat one of these ‘monstrosities’ if it was shaped like a woman…

But there are little moments where she tries, and it’s adorable in the most understated way. You catch her quietly fixing the crooked ornaments on the tree when she thinks no one’s looking, muttering under her breath about how “the reds need to go next to the greens.” One night, after Yelena goes to bed, you find Natasha scrolling through YouTube tutorials for how to wrap presents, muttering curses in Russian every time the tape sticks to her fingers.

And then there’s the stockings. Yelena insisted everyone have one, even though Natasha grumbled about it. But before you went to bed on Christmas Eve, you noticed that Natasha’s stocking was the most stuffed. There’s a random assortment of things crammed in there—protein bars, an extra pair of thick socks, a tiny first aid kit. You don’t have to ask to know that she filled her own stocking, long before Christmas Eve. The thought makes your heart ache in the sweetest, saddest way. She spent so many holidays alone that it just… became her normal.

Finally, it’s Christmas morning and Natasha is draped over the couch like a cat, one leg tucked under her, watching as you and Yelena clean up the mess from last night. She’s quiet, sipping a mug of tea, but you’ve learned by now that quiet Natasha doesn’t exactly mean unhappy Natasha. In fact, she looks content—eyes crinkling every time Yelena grumbles about your “lack of enthusiasm” in picking up all the decorative pillows.

What really steals the show, though, is the mountain of presents you’ve brought. You didn’t mean for it to get out of hand, but once you started, it was impossible to stop. You’d see something and think, Yelena would love this, or Natasha would smile at that, and next thing you knew, you were hauling six bags into their apartment like some sort of festive mule. When the gift exchange begins, Yelena dives into her pile like a kid on sugar overload. Her laughter is infectious as she opens each one: a set of retro pins for her jacket, a waffle maker, a framed picture of you and her after a mission (that one earns a rare hug). She’s glowing, grinning so wide it’s almost blinding. Natasha just sits there, watching her sister, her fingers loosely holding the edge of the blanket draped over her lap.

You notice she hasn’t opened her gifts yet—not even the ones with her name written in your careful handwriting. You nudge her gently, teasing, “what’s the matter, Romanoff? Afraid you’ll cry if I outdid you?” She gives you a half-smile, the kind that makes your chest ache a little because it’s soft in a way she rarely lets herself be. “Just... enjoying the show” She says, her gaze flicking back to Yelena, who is now holding up a pair of horrible light-up slippers you found at a charity shop.

When Natasha finally opens her gifts, it’s much slower, deliberate. You’re nervous, even though you know she’ll never let you see it if she doesn’t like something. But the small things you picked—a leather journal, a new cream scarf, a rare first edition of a spy novel she once mentioned—earn a quiet “thank you,” each one accompanied by that little smile. It’s the last gift, though, that gets you. It’s a snow globe. Inside, there’s a tiny replica of a mountain standing tall in the heart of Russia, the one Natasha had mentioned missing when she told you about her childhood. The one she only saw once and yet managed to comfort her throughout her life. Her fingers tighten around it, and for a moment, her expression shifts—just enough for you to catch it. Sadness, maybe, or longing.

She doesn’t say much after that. But when you look at her later, as Yelena’s dancing around in her ridiculous slippers and yelling about how she’s making everyone waffles tomorrow morning, Natasha’s looking at you like maybe you’re the best gift she’s ever gotten. And maybe she wouldn’t mind Christmas each year if you were around.

Later that night, you find her in the kitchen with a mug of hot chocolate she swore she didn’t want. The two of you stand there in the soft glow of the tree lights, listening to Yelena snore on the couch. “I don’t really get Christmas.” She admits softly, her voice barely audible over the crackle of the fake fireplace video Yelena left running on the TV. “But… I think this year was nice.” And when she looks at you, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips, you know she means it.

Without thinking, you step closer, reaching out to brush a stray curl from her face. “It’s more than nice. I’m so happy.”

And that’s when you hear it—a distant jingle. You glance up, realising Natasha’s holding a tiny branch of mistletoe above your heads, her expression smug but her cheeks just the faintest flush of pink. “Well, would you look at that…” You murmur, before giggling at her antics. She leans in slowly, her breath warm against your skin. The kiss starts soft, hesitant, like she’s testing the waters. But when you cradle her face in your hands, she melts into it, kissing you deeper, with a tenderness that leaves you breathless.

And when you finally pull back, her forehead resting against yours, she exhales a quiet laugh. “Okay,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper, “maybe Christmas isn’t that bad.”

From the living room, Yelena’s snore breaks the silence—loud and obnoxious. Natasha groans, but you can see the affection in her expression when she shakes her head. “Don’t tell her I said that.” She adds, smirking. And just like that, the moment is gone, replaced by the familiar warmth of Natasha’s dry humor.

But later, when you catch her adding an extra blanket over Yelena on the couch, you realise that maybe, Natasha likes Christmas more than she’d like to admit. And maybe this Christmas might bring more than just holiday cheer.

[theskit]

Stickers AU

Important!!!

Direct linking gets rid of the readmore cuts!

If you came here via direct link, or wish to use the direct links to another part of the story, and DO NOT want to spoil the surprise stickers, please click on my blog name to go to the actual post after using the link.

Part 7

《Prev Next》

Sitting on the hotel roof as he tried to calm down from the high-speed flight away from Batman, Danny looked over his ill-gotten gains.

Ooh, candy! Why did Batman have candy? Did he have a problem with his blood sugar? Shrugging, Danny popped a sucker into his mouth. What else did he get?

Fiddling with one piece of a thin stack of black metal, he managed to click a concealed switch that caused the sides to expand from an unobtrusive oval to razor-sharp, wing shaped edges. Ow!

Shaking the sting from his left hand, Danny inspected the thin, shallow slice on his finger before holding it to the edge of his hoodie to keep his blood off things until he got back to the room for a band-aid.

Getting the now obviously a batarang to collapse back down, Danny beamed. Score! He'd gotten four of the things, one each for himself, Ellie, Sam, and Tucker. He didn't think Jazz would mind not getting a vigilante throwing weapon as a souvenir. She usually used the Fenton Anti-Creep Stick or the Boo-Staff, having been mostly banned from long-range weaponry on account of her inheriting Dad's aim...

Shuddering, Danny banished the memories accompanied by that thought in favor of the last item. Looking it over, it seemed like an airpod? Did he grab one half of Batman's headpho-... Oh, Ancients that was a communicator! Could they track it? Who was he kidding, of *course* they could track it!

Freaking out juuuust a little, Danny stuffed everything else into his pockets, grabbed the comm unit, and high tailed it, phasing through walls and floors in his hurry to get back to the room.

Once there he dove for his luggage, pulling out the Thermos he'd brought along just in case, and dumped the ear piece in before locking it down.

There. Heaving a sigh of relief, Danny slumped down against the side of the bed he'd claimed when they first checked in. The ecto-shielding on the Thermos should block any incoming or outgoing signals until he could get Tucker to look at it and make sure no one could trace the comm back to him.

Wincing against the light as the bedside lamp on the other side of the room flared to life, he saw Jazz squinting at him fuzzily, one hand on the Anti-Creep Stick propped up on wall beside the bed. "Danny? Izzat you?"

"Yeah, Jazz, it's just me. I just got back, sorry for waking you. I'm gunna wash up and head to bed. You can go back to sleep." Danny felt bad that he'd woken Jazz up after she'd had a long day helping set up the Fenton convention booth and gently riding herd on their parents' over enthusiastic responses to the other 'ghost hunters'.

"Okay Danny, glad you're back safe. Night," Jazz mumbled as she turned out the light and laid back down. Danny smiled at her softly before turning to gather his things. It had been a good night, if more eventful than he had planned when he first went out exploring.

Batman had traced the comm unit's signal to one of the larger, more popular hotels in the area before the strangely fluctuating signal had cut out entirely.

Inspecting the roof, he caught sight of a dim glow. Kneeling down, he collected what looked to be a few drops of fresh blood with a swab kit. It appeared that whoever had taken his gear had rested here for a bit before leaving again, possibly to check what all they had taken, then finding and disabling the comm unit. He hoped they hadn't injured themselves too badly, probably on the batarangs, if it was indeed their blood he'd found.

The dimly glowing sticker, still on its backing paper with a drop of blood on the corner, caught half under an air conditioning unit, pointed to it being the same person. Picking it up, Batman inspected it for a moment before dropping it into a separate evidence bag. He'd put both samples through analysis back at the cave.

@mygood-bitch99 @stargazer-luna @easily-broken-by-emotion @dolfay @britcision @cyber-geist @is-this-even-relatable @alcorbearson @fisticuffsatapplebees @thegatorsgoose @my-mom-calls-me-rat @some-rotten-nest @crystalqueertea @meira-3919 @wandererofthestars @seraphinedemort @bjurnberg @blep-23 @stargirl1331 @bianca-hooks123 @addie-lover-of-stories @pickleking8 @iconicanemone @sarina-elais @mur-ururu @sailor-goddess @dragonfirefeather @nutcase8691 @ravenpainter

[huellitaa]

bee's 2024 favourites 🎀

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 music!

🧁𓂃 ࣪˖ singers & bands

tomorrow x together

avril lavigne

pinkpantheress

chappell roan

millionares

pierce the veil

nirvana

girls generation

amy winehouse

megan thee stallion

tommy february6

gwen stefani

kali uchis

charli xcx

🎀𓂃 ࣪˖ albums

strawberry cream soda pop daydream, tommy february6

bling bling bling, millionares

the best damn thing, avril lavigne

tomorrow, tomorrow x together

eternal sunshine, ariana grande

boa, megan thee stallion

nevermind, nirvana

a brief inquiry into online relationships, the 1975

brat, charli xcx

big juicy, ayesha erotica

bleach, nirvana

sanctuary, tomorrow x together

⭐️𓂃 ࣪˖ songs

candyman, christina aguilera

lonely boy, tomorrow x together

eternal sunshine, ariana grande

cherry, lana del rey

beaches, beabadoobee

worthy, megan thee stallion

lottery, kali uchis

hands up!, 6arelyhuman

good luck, babe!, chappell roan

tinnitus, tomorrow x together

supernatural, ariana grande

obsessed, mariah carey

lucky girl syndrome, illit

its not living if its not with you, the 1975

ordinary things, ariana grande

cool, gwen stefani

i like money, millionares

tears dry on their own, amy winehouse

its a wrap, mariah carey

bet u wanna, sabrina carpenter

love, lana del rey

imperfect for you, ariana grande

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 beauty!

🍭𓂃 ࣪˖ bodycare

imperial leather, mallow and rose body wash (🎀🗒 note: one of my signatures!! ♡)

garnier rice water & starch hair mask ♡

barrym pink grapefruit lip scrub

beauty of joseon glow serum ♡

skinny dip london creamy vanilla sugar body scrub ♡ (🎀🗒 note: one of my signatures!! ♡)

💬𓂃 ࣪˖ makeup

no.7 shimmer face palette (highlighter, blush, etc.)

MUA metamorphosis lip & cheek oil (og extra) (🎀🗒 note: one of my signatures!! ♡)

maybelline new york, the colossal (mascara)

barrym "thats swell!" lip plumper

rimmel london sculpting palette (002 coral) (🎀🗒 note: one of my signatures!! ♡)

rimmel london maxi blush ♡

charlotte tilbury collagen lip bath kit

charlotte tilbury pillow talk lip lustre (🎀🗒 note: my autumn / winter signature ♡)

⭐️𓂃 ࣪˖ scents

miss dior, blooming bouquet ♡

sweet tooth, sabrina carpenter

jimmy choo, rose passion (🎀🗒 note: one of my signatures! ♡)

victoria's secret, bare vanilla (🎀🗒 note: my autumn / winter signature ♡)

avon, far away ♡ (🎀🗒 note: my summer signature ♡)

so, strawberry frappe (🎀🗒 note: my summer signature ♡)

so, flower bloom (🎀🗒 note: my spring signature ♡)

👛𓂃 ࣪˖ clothing

leg warmers ♡

low cut long sleeves

long coats ♡

subtle lace and frill accents ♡

tiered skirts

glitzy belts

dangly earrings

beaded jewelry

lots of accessories! ♡

long scarves (🎀🗒 note: my winter /autumn signature ♡)

hairclips hairclips hairclips ♡

flared, low waisted jeans

plaid halter tops (🎀🗒 note: my summer signature ♡)

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 entertainment!

🍬𓂃 ࣪˖ tv shows and series

my little pony!!!!!!!!♡

rick and morty

strawberry shortcake

gilmore girls♡

monster high

inside job♡

true beauty

kimi ni todoke

gossip girl

🧁𓂃 ࣪˖ movies

princess diaries

legally blonde♡

kiki's delivery service

arrietty♡

princess and the frog♡

🎀𓂃 ࣪˖ video games

the witcher 3♡

kirby's return to dreamland♡

animal crossing: new horizons

infinity nikki♡

sky: children of the light

wuthering waves

legend of zelda, tears of the kingdom

honkai star rail♡

genshin impact

project sekai♡

──★ ˙ ̟🎀 misc.!

🍮𓂃 ࣪˖ favourite trinkets

my melody tea party series figure blind box ♡

all the little sanrio trinkets i got from my advent calendar!

sylvanian family baking baby party series blind bag ♡

lalaloopsy sew magical! sew cute! pink button doll

lalaloopsy minis limited edition golden princess figure (🎀🗒 note: i dont remember the series name😭)

my melody afternoon tea series figure blind box ♡

funko pop! my melody lolita limited edition figurine ♡

lalaloopsy sew magical! sew cute! pink button doll mouse

🐧𓂃 ࣪˖ favourite plushies

👛𓂃 ࣪˖ favourite cds

the best damn thing avril lavigne cd ♡

live through this 1994 hole cd ♡

formula of love twice cd

tomorrow ethereal txt cd ♡

this is how tomorrow moves bea cd

norman fucking rockwell lana del rey cd

all my love, and happy new year! 🎆🎀🫶🏻💗

[sosa2imagines]

I swear this is the last idea, don’t mind me😭

If it’s okay, can I please request a Lloyd x fem!reader where he happens to find an abducted woman when he barges into a warehouse to take out an enemy and takes her back home with him. He is really gentle with her and helps take care of her and helps treat her wounds and helps her feel safe for the first time in a while and spoils her. He has no plans of ever letting her go, not that she even wants to leave herself (she is perfectly content staying with and being taken care of by Lloyd forever). Also she def jumped into his arms after he told her he offed the man who had kidnapped her in the first place

Girlie just wants to be held😭

Hey dear, I hope you enjoy this. Lloyd is my most favorite.

Warning- Angst, kidnapped, hostage situation, fluff.

The air is stale, rank with the scent of sweat and grime. Moonlight streams in through a crack in the ceiling, bathing the space in a pale, silver glow. The only other source of light comes from a bulb dangling from an exposed wire, casting wavering shadows on the warped floorboards.

Shifting your raw, chafed wrists slightly, you peer out into the darkness beyond your small corner. Every creak of the old building sets your nerves on edge, your breath catching in your throat with each sound. Who's out there? Allies? Enemies?

You grimace as your cramped muscles spasm, pain rippling through your exhausted body. Every inch of you is bruised or scraped, a tapestry of purples and blues painted across your skin. But it’s not just the physicality that’s tormenting you. It's the helplessness, the uncertainty, the knowledge that you’re at the mercy of others with no hope of escape.

You just want this nightmare to end.

You jerk back as the warehouse door abruptly slams open, the metallic thunk like a thunderclap in the silence. A brief volley of gunfire follows, crisp, sharp detonations that send a shudder through you. Then, silence. The heavy footfalls echo across the floorboards, getting louder with each step until a towering shadow falls across you.

Your eyes widen as he crouches down, your vision blurred by tears. He towers over you, muscular and broad shouldered, his polo shirt stained with smears of blood. But it’s his eyes that draw your attention, those blue depths holding a strange lack of malice.

“Hey there, sugar.” His voice is soft, a low and warm. He gives a small, reassuring smile, the first hint of warmth you’ve seen in days. “I’m not here to hurt ya.”

You blink up at him, surprised by the hint of gentleness in his voice. The man, obviously capable of violence, evidenced by the bodies you’re certain lie behind him, holds out his hand, palm up in a non-threatening gesture. His gaze falls to your wrists, the skin raw and angry from the ropes. A flicker of concern passes across his face, he reaches out and gently wipes away the tear streaks on your cheeks.

“Let’s get you out of here.” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper, as if his volume might break you.

You don't even consider resisting as he picks you up, holding you with a gentle strength that surprises you, his arms warm and strong. The heat of his chest presses through the thin fabric of his shirt, and for the first time in days, you feel a flicker of security in his presence. You collapse into his chest, letting yourself be enveloped by his warmth. 

Lloyd's home is the very epitome of luxury, you’ve only seen in magazines, filled with expensive furniture, expansive windows, and the clean, sharp scent of leather and cedar that dominates the space. He's surprisingly careful with you, gently setting you down on the cushiony sofa before disappearing into another room and returning with a first-aid kit.

“You’re safe now.” he reassures you with a soft, sincere smile. His voice is gentle, his tone earnest as he kneels beside you. “No one’s going to hurt you again.” He lifts the first-aid kit, his movements slow and deliberate as he begins to tend to your wrists, cleaning the raw skin with a touch that’s infinitely more tender than expected.

His touch is precise and patient as he works, his hands gentle and skilled. When you flinch at the pain, he halts, the deep cerulean of his eyes lifting to yours in question. “Too rough?” he asks, his voice low and concerned.

You shake your head, a small sigh passing your lips. “No…It’s alright. Thank you.”

He nods, continuing his work in silence. Once he’s finished, he tosses the used bandages aside and grabs a blanket, draping it over your shoulders.

“Hungry? Thirsty?” he asks, already heading toward the kitchen. “You look like you could use something warm.”

A small laugh escapes from you, as Lloyd begins to bark orders at his men.

Over the next few hours, you unburden yourself, telling him everything, the night at the club, the man who refused to take no for an answer, the terror of the days that followed.

Lloyd listens intently, his jaw clenching tight as the tale unfolds, the muscles in his hands tensing into fists. When you finally finish, he leans back in his chair, his expression chillingly calm, his eyes hard and determined.

“He’s dead!” Lloyd asserts, his voice cold and utterly certain. “You don’t have to worry about him anymore.” His gaze is steady, his eyes locking onto yours, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

“Thank you,” you whisper, tears flowing down your cheeks.

“Shh…” he murmurs, his hand soothingly rubbing your back. “You don’t have to thank me, sugar. I sure as hell wasn’t going to let that bastard get away with it.”

Over the days that follow, Lloyd makes it his mission to take care of you. He spoils you in ways you've never experienced before: your favorite meals, soft, fitted clothes, and an endless stream of affection that leaves you utterly breathless.

He’s constantly there, a watchful presence, his protective nature a soothing balm to your frayed nerves.

You feel yourself starting to relax, the fear that once gripped you evaporating slowly. You can’t imagine leaving, can’t fathom returning to the life you once had before Lloyd.  He’s become your safe haven, your protector, your security and strength. But most importantly your heart belongs to him now.

And Lloyd? He's got no intention of letting you leave his side, his protective nature only growing stronger with every passing moment. The thought of you returning to your previous life is completely and utterly unacceptable to him. Just like you, his heart if he ever considers having one, now belonged to you.

“I’m keeping you, sugar,” he tells you one night, his hand tenderly brushing a strand of hair from your face. “You’re mine now.”

You smile, leaning into his touch, a quiet sense of peace settling over you. “Good,” you murmur, your voice warm and content. “Because I don't want to be anywhere else.”

As time goes by, your bond with Lloyd only deepens. The fear and anxiety of your past life are distant memories, replaced by the safety and security he’s provided. His presence in your life is a constant, his protectiveness unwavering, his affection unquestionable.

Every night, as he holds you close to his chest, he repeats the same words, “You’re mine. Forever.”

Taglist- @blackhawkfanatic @ordelixx @sapphirebarnes @ilovetaquitosmmmm

@differenttyphoonwerewolf @vicmc624 @thezombieprostitute @nekoannie-chan

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@geeky-politics-46 @dexter99 @calwitch

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@pono-pura-vida @renegadesgirl1991 @iwudbutnah @ghalouha @sebastians-love @saranghaey @greatmistakes @baw1066

@bucks-babe @lolzies123r @kandis-mom @purplecolordeer @avioletkurt

@unaxv @pattiemac1 @lovely-geek @hzdhrtss @kpopgirlbtssvt

[acronym-chaos]

Soft and Cutesy ID Pack

[PT: Soft and Cutesy ID Pack].

[ID: A purple thin line divider shaded at the bottom. End ID].

Names

[PT: Names].

Amabel, Anya, Arlo, Beau, Benny, Bibi, Bijou, Bunny, Calla, Charlie, Cherry, Coco, Cotton, Daisy, Dashiell, Delilah, Dolly, Eddy, Ellie, Fawn, Felix, Finn, Florrie, Gabriel, Gigi, Honey, Isla, Jamie, Jasper, Jules, Juno, Kiki, Kit, Lark, Leo, Louie, Lulu, Mabel, Marsh, Micah, Milo, Mimi, Nilla, Noah, Ollie, Peach, Poppy, Remy, Riley, Rosie, Sammy, Snowy, Sofie, Sprig, Sugar, Sunny, Tessa, Theo, Tilly, Toby, Wesley, Will, Winnie, Wren

Pronouns

[PT: Pronouns].

Cud / Cuddle / Cuddles, Flu / Fluff / Fluffeir, Gi / Gig / Giggle, Hu / Hug / Hugs, Lo / Lov / Love, Ma / Marsh / Marshs [Marshmallow], Plush / Plushie / Plushies, Pur / Purr / Purrs, Smi / Smil / Smiles, Snug / Snuggle / Snuggles, So / Sof / Soft, Su / Sug / Sugar, Swee / Sweet / Sweets, Twi / Twink / Twinkle, Whim / Whimsy / Whimsicals

Titles

[PT: Titles].

A Dream Made of Softness, The Cherished One, The Cozy Dream, The Fluffy Wonder, The Gentle Glow, The Hug Collector, The One Wrapped in Ribbons, The Snuggly Star, The Sweet Embrace, The Warm Hug, [Pronoun] Who Brings Comfort, [Pronoun] Who Brings Sunshine to Storms, [Pronoun] Whose Love Feels Like Home, [Pronoun] With Tender Heart

[ID: A purple thin line divider shaded at the bottom, End ID].

Requested by anon!

Also tagging: @id-pack-archive

[in-a-nook-with-a-notebook]

Life Could Be A Dream

Franchise: Star Wars (but modern AU)

Pairing: Poe Dameron x male reader (reader's pronouns are he/him/his)

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: fluff, modern!AU, implied smut (scratch marks on Poe’s back, hickeys, mentions of nudity if you squint), fluff, established relationship, mentions of Poe being an F1 driver, no plot really just a sweet morning with Poe, did I mention fluff?

Summary: Poe always gets cuddly after a race; the more intense the race, the more he wants to be glued to your side. Yesterday's race was pretty crazy, but you’re not complaining.

A/N: This is ridiculously self indulgent, especially with the breakfast foods (I am a slut for a good serving of pancakes) also the inspiration and the song mentioned is Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream) by The Sh-Booms, highly recommend listening while reading; for some reason I imagine Poe being a Formula One racer in a modern AU so voila

You blink your tired eyes open with the sun peering through the curtains of the hotel room. It’s warm and welcome on your skin. A lazy smile drifts over your face. You stretch a little before curling up under the thick blanket again; it’s smooth against your bare skin, perfect for a morning like this.

You slowly roll onto your side, turning your back to the window. Your eyes land on your boyfriend’s sleeping form. Poe is snoring softly, his dark curls tousled and unkempt. He looks so peaceful. His broad back glows in the morning light, the duvet haphazardly covering the lower half of his body. There are faint red marks near his shoulders, reminders of last night. Even after the longest, most intense races, he still has some… pent up energy.

Careful not to wake him, you lean forward and press a gentle kiss between his shoulder blades. You then silently slip out of the bed, tugging on a clean pair of boxers. You’re grateful for the carpeting under your bare feet until you reach the cold tile of the bathroom. You brush your teeth, considering you can taste how bad your morning breath is, but you don’t bother fixing your messy hair. You wash your face with cold water to wake yourself up a little more, padding it dry with a facecloth. You look at yourself in the mirror, your eyes sliding over the hickeys on your neck and chest from Poe last night. Your fingers ghost over them.

After leaving the bathroom, you grab a shirt from last night. It’s either yours or Poe’s. You’re not sure, but you don’t really care all that much - it’s a shirt either way.

You wander to the kitchen, thankful the two of you had booked at an extended stay hotel; full kitchen with a big fridge, living space separate from the bed area; lots of space for you and him to stay for a while. You dig through the fridge in search of ingredients for breakfast. The two of you went out for groceries a couple days before his big race in Melbourne, so you had everything you needed to make a filling breakfast; Poe’s always hungry after a night like last night. You are too, quite frankly. You grab bacon, eggs and milk and put them on the counter, lightly kicking the fridge closed behind you. From the cabinets behind you, you collect salt, baking powder, white sugar, and a small bag of flour.

As much as you don’t like packing heavy when you travel for Poe’s races, you’ve brought it upon yourself to have some essentials so you aren’t eating out all the time. After the first few races, you pretty much put together a travel kit of cooking/baking supplies and other things you guys would usually have at home.

You grab a mixing bowl and a wooden spoon and begin mixing the dry ingredients together. You snag a normal bowl from the cupboard to mix the wet ingredients with a whisk. You then combine them together and leave it on the counter with a dishcloth over it, letting it rise. From the cabinets underneath the counter, you grab two pans; one for the pancakes when they’re ready and one for the bacon. As you set the pan on the stove to heat up, you hear shuffling from the bedroom area; Poe’s awake.

The pan warms quickly and you start laying bacon on it to fry. The sizzling meets your ears just as Poe appears out of the corner of his eye. You focus mostly on the bacon, but you can sense his presence. His arm snakes around your waist and he pulls your back against his warm, bare chest. He rests his chin on your shoulder.

“Good morning,” you say with a smile.

Poe hums, pressing a gentle kiss to your neck. “Morning, baby.”

“How’d you sleep?”

“Like a log, but last night was amazing…” He nibbles on your neck a little, tightening his grip around you. You chuckle, bringing your hand down to squeeze his. “Bacon?” Poe inquires, changing the subject and looking down at the pan in front of you. His chin rests on your shoulder, leaning his head against yours.

“And pancakes,” you add, gesturing lazily to the mixing bowl.

“Mmm, I love your breakfasts.”

“You love all my cooking. And baking, for that matter.”

“Because you, mi amor, are an absolute god in the kitchen.”

“You flatter me, darling.” You reach for the tongs to flip the bacon strips. “I’m assuming you’re hungry. You’re always hungry.”

“For your food, always.”

“Flirt.”

“I’m just speaking the truth here.” He presses a kiss to your cheek. “Want help?”

“I love you, but you can just sit there and look pretty for now.” You turn your head to fully kiss him. “I wanna cook for you.”

“You always cook for me.”

“Yeah, because, no offence, but you can’t cook for shit.”

“I’m a Formula One driver, not a chef.”

“I’m not even technically a chef.”

“You might as well be,” Poe replies, untangling himself from you. “You are probably one of the best cooks I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. And eating with. And, you know, everything else.” He kisses the back of your neck before stepping away to sit at the island, watching you fondly. “You sure you don’t want help?”

“Well, how about you set out the fruit from the fridge?”

“That I can do.”

As you get a plate out for the bacon, as well as a couple pieces of paper towel to catch the leftover grease, while Poe goes to the fridge. You feel Poe’s finger drag down your spine, sending a shiver through your body.

“Tease,” you murmur, looking at him over your shoulder. He smirks at you, blowing a kiss to you. “You wanna put some music on?”

“Absolutely.”

You transfer the cooked bacon onto the plate, then put more bacon on the pan. Poe shuffles around behind you, connecting his phone to the speaker.

Life could be a dream, life could be a dream

Do, do, do, do, sh-boom

A smile crosses your face with you hear the song and you turn to look at Poe. He puts his phone down on the counter. You both begin to murmur the lyrics under your breath.

“Life could be a dream. If I could take you up in paradise up above. If you would tell me I’m the only one that you love, life could be a dream, sweetheart, hello, hello again, sh-boom, and hopin’ we’ll meet again…”

“You look so good in my shirt,” he murmurs, coming up behind you again. He kisses your cheek, resting his hand on your hip. “I ever tell you that?”

“You’ve mentioned…” you reply, relaxing under his touch.

“I love when you travel with me,” Poe says. “Thank you for coming.”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, my love.”

Poe gently takes your chin in his hand to turn your head towards him. He presses a deep kiss to your lips. When he pulls away, he has a piece of bacon in his hand.

“Impatient?” You tease.

“It’s bacon. I’m hungry.”

You laugh when he takes a bite and his face lights up. “You’re cute,” you remark. His face goes red and he dips his head.

“Shut up.”

“No.” You tilt his chin up with your finger, pressing your lips to his. “You’re downright adorable, Poe Dameron.”

“You’re relentless.”

“You love me.”

“I adore you.”

You smirk. “I know.”

Some mornings, the two of you have to rush around, packing for another plane or prepping for another race, but not today. Poe’s got a free day, and he intends to spend every minute of it with you. Even if it’s just swaying in the kitchen, teasing each other. As long as he’s with you, he’s happy.

A/N: I just wanted a soft morning with Poe and the song had me in a fluffy mood so I hope y'all enjoy this because I know I did! Feedback is encouraged and appreciated! Have a lovely day y'all <3

[trans-librarian]

Good Mornings and Model Kits

Tags: M/M, Fluff, Domestic, Established relationship, Team Fortress 2, Medic, Engineer, EngieMedic, Science Party, German Engineering

WC: 1.5k

CW: None this is the fluffiest most self indulgent garbage I have ever written. We die like mercs choking on the sugar of this fluff. You could consider a line or two hinting at suggestive buuuuut it's nothing explicit

Translations:

Mein Leibe - My love

mein bärchen - My teddy bear

A/N: Sooooooo I always promised myself that I wouldn't start writing fanfic because like idk I told myself that it would be cringey to write fanfic and that anything I wrote would suck but to be cringe is to be free and this image was too strong in my brain not to write and gods I gotta let myself be and create what I want instead of what I think is good enough.

I was super inspired by @creedei and his engiemedic art. I was low-key inspired by these posts: (I also love popitdontdropit on AO3 they're transmasc engie fanfic will make you ascend to a higher plane)

https://www.tumblr.com/creedei/727483531127914496/sketch-dump (third image)

https://www.tumblr.com/creedei/721589317420695552/cute-aggression

https://archiveofourown.org/users/popitdontdropit/

Also its not noted in the fic or relevant but my engie is transmasc I need everyone to know because its my favorite hc. I fell in love with creedei's engie. He's mad gender euphoria for me as a transmasc guy with the same body type (also because i simp hard for medic so seeing the character I project onto with the character I like is just *chefs kiss*). And pyro who is mentioned in passing uses they/she pronouns because I like when this shit is as queer as possible and I get to choose what happens in this story.

I'll probably also cross post this on AO3 at some point and link it here. Anyway, Enjoy!!! *runs and hides*

A quiet dawn begins to trickle light into the Red barracks. All is quiet on a seldom day off for the Red Team. Medic drinks in this treasured time. With a cup of tea in hand he turned towards the infirmary where the notes from his most recent experiment await review. He definitely needs to reevaluate the actual size of a gorilla liver before putting it into Demoman again. The muffled sounds of snores creates a lulling tune that echoes in the halls until...

tink tink tink clunk

tink tink tink clunk

"Hm?" Medic's ears perked up to the quiet sound

click click

tink tink tink

"Vhat is zhat?" Medic turns to follow the sound.

A tiny symphony of clicks and clacks emanates from deep in the halls past the common area and the majority of the bedrooms. Medic follows the sound through the hall.

tink tink tink clunk

tink tink tink tink clunk

tink tink clunk

Medic finds himself at the Engineer's workshop.

"He never usually vakes up zhis early on a day off at least not vithout vaking me for some.....private time" Medic smirks to himself thinking of Engie and his previous day off exploits in Engie's room, Medic's room, the infirmary operating table, the shower... Medic gets lost for a moment in a glow of those steamy memories and shakes his head bringing him back to reality. "Vonder vhat he's doing?" Medic thinks and slowly opens the door and sneaks into Dell's workshop.

Dell's back is facing the door as he sits at his desk. The small bulbed lamp on his work desk illuminates a halo of light around the man. The soft sweater he's wearing adds a comforting warmth to the glow. An etheral god tinkering with his realm. Like a moth to a flame, the medic slowly crossed the room beelining to the one place where he slots in perfectly. Once within reach, Medic wraps his arms around Engie leaning his head on Dell's shoulder placing a gentle kiss before resting his head.

"Good morning mein leibe" Ludwig cooed "What's got you up so earl-" tink "Ow! vhat vas zhat"

"Sorry darlin' sometimes the little bits go flyin' because of the nippers," Engie turned "Where did you get hit?"

"Why?"

"So I can kiss it better." Dell smiled.

Ludwig groaned at the horrible pickup line and smirked "I got hit right here" and points to his mouth.

"I'm very sorry" Dell chuckled. He grabbed the Medic's chin with his gunslinger with the lightest touch only he is capable of and gave him a gentle kiss. "What brings you by the workshop this early, dumplin'?"

"I was getting some tea and I heard the sound of..."

tink tink

"Ow!" another small piece of plastic hits Medic in the forehead. "...Zhat. I heard zhat and started following and it brought me here, mein bärchen. Vhat is zhis anyway?"

"Sorry again. The lil bits that come off the model kit pieces can go flying in unexpected places."

"Model kit? I didn't know you even were interested in these let alone where to find them."

"Pyro turned me on to these last time we went to town. They begged me to take her to this store with all these fancy plushies that are imported so they could get a new one for their collection. Real quality y'know. She ended takin' a while but ended up choosing this nice bear fox thing that I learned is called a tanuki and then there was this other one that was an armadillo and I was thinkin' about it but I realized I would never use-"

"Sveetie. You're rambling"

"Thank you" Engie laughs, "what would I do without you?" He places a hand on medics cheek and places a kiss on the other. "So Pyro showed me these model kits they have and they said I would love these and I grabbed a couple to keep 'em around. This is the first chance I've had to put one together."

"Interesting. Vhat's it going to be?" The Medic looks at the subject of their boyfriend's focus and sees....well a lot of pieces that will make something? Small red and black pieces of plastic twinkle under the work lamp. A large pile of injection mold sheets loom next to Engie's work area. Pieces are in various states of progress some starting to take shape like limbs.

"It's gonna be a robot. A lot of these kits are different robots couldn't tell you much because I can't read the Japanese on the box, but it'll look neat when it's done based of the pictures." Dell informed his boyfriend as Medic snuggles closer to listen to the Engineer tell him about his latest project. "This piece is gonna be one of the arms and it bends like this so you can pose it and change out the hands. And this is gonna be the leg."

"Can I stay and vatch vhile you vork?"

"Of course, moon pie!"

Ludwig pulls a stool over behind Dell so he can stay in his current position arms wrapped around the engineer sinking slightly into his plush yet muscular tummy and rest his head on his lover's strong shoulder.

The symphony of click and tinks resumed as Dell settled into a new rythmn of work. The sound of Engie and Medic quietly talking, giggling, or just enjoying the intoxicating calmness together.

Ludwig watches Dell's hands deftly click the plastic pieces together. He marvels at the precise and delicate movement of the gunslinger. The same robotic hand capable of crushing bone and tearing metal also able to pick up fragile things with ease truly is one of the greatest miracles the Medic has ever seen. He can't help and feel so much love when with Dell. He could just...

"Gah! Ludwig, did you just bite me?" Engineer cried out grabbing the side of his neck.

"I couldn't help it." Medic chuckled "You looked so perfect and it's so cozy. I had to bite."

"You're lucky I love you, moon pie"

"I know. Love you too leibe"

Dell refocuses as a faint set of teeth marks bloom on his skin.

tink tink tink clunk

tink tink clunk

tink tink tink clunk

click click click

click click

clunk

"Leibschen you put the thing on upside down."

"Are you sure? this looks right, dumplin'."

"Look at the picture the angular part of the kidney shaped piece should be pointing towards that half frisbee piece on the big piece"

Dell picks up the instructions and squints closely at them. Ludwig reaches his hand over and turns the upside down instructions right side up.

"Oooooooh. I see what you mean"

clunk click claclunk

"Thank you, sweetie"

tink tink clunk

tink tink tink clunk

click click

"Finally finished" Engie and Medic look at the little robot model in all its completed glory. The small figurine shined in the now brighter lit room each piece sanded perfect and each sticker placed precisely. The angular crimson robot sported a long bazooka in one hand and a clenched fist on the other arm. The sleek robot stands posed with one fist raised triumphantly.

"Let me try" Medic gently picks up the robot model and begins to fiddle with it. He pops out the gun hand and puts in a fist. He bends one leg while straightening the other completely. The arms are folded in front of it. After, carefully balancing the model on the table. Medic reveals the robot in a Katosky Kick. Dell and Ludwig chuckle looking at the cutely posed robot. They look at each other. Such a nice moment together. Engie leans forward and kisses Medic lovingly.

"Thank you for spendin' time with me, darlin'." Dell cooed warmly, "havin' company really made my mornin'." He gently places a hand on Medic's cheek and strokes it with his thumb.

Medic places a hand over Engie's. "Of course, my bärchen. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my morning."

Dell and Ludwig bask in each in this moment. Engie looks at his lover and sees the passionate and ambitious doctor he always fell for and keeps falling for every day. Medic sees the strong and beautiful inventor that fought to be here in more ways than one.

"Now vhat?"

"I don't know. Wanna go make a real robot?"

"I've got the perfect spider monkey brain I've been saving for a rainy day!" Medic squealed "You get the supplies. I'll get the brain and bring it back here" Medic planted a hard kiss on Engie's temple before running off.

[headfulloflettuce]

The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

31. I Am Definitely Just a Tourist. For sure. 100%

“I confess I do not know why, but looking at the stars always makes me dream.” 

- Vincent van Gogh

“Holy shit.” Cosette whispered as their boat entered Velaris’s port.

“This is nothing yet, wait until you get into the city.” one of the faeries yelled, laughing at her reaction, helping several crewmates drag rope to help the boat dock.

Cosette closed her mouth, still staring at the city of starlight. Or well, the parts she could see. 

From the ship Cosette saw the city stretch out into the mountains, streets glowing like someone had spilled starlight over the peaks and let them slide down, creating various cascading patterns.

Cosette leaned on the edge of the ship, trying to get a better view of the city beyond the port’s buildings. The wind, chilly, but not nearly as harsh as the one in Winter Court, ruffled her hair and dress. She had taken the cloak and hat off after they entered Day Court’s waters, the weather shifting to one of warmth.

The Sidra River cut through the city, filled with small sailing boats. Several bridges went across, permitting carts and people to travel.

As the boat moved deeper into the port, the Sidra River was partially obscured from sight, making Cosette frown like a child denied a tasty treat.

Alright, well, at least the Velaris hype was real.

Cosette no longer questioned why any individual, faerie or human, would want to come to this place. It was just too pretty to pass up!

“Sorry to wake you from your reverie Miss, but the boat has docked.” the same fae from before gently patted her on the back.

“Oh? Right! Thank you!” Cosette quickly moved from her spot, finding Amelio and Linus ready to climb off the ship, waiting for the gangway to be raised.

Their boat was much larger than most of the other ships in the bay. Thus the faeries at the dock had to raise a platform to make climbing off the freighter easier. 

Otherwise the bridge would be more like a slide.

Cosette walked down the steps, holding onto the railings, her head looking from side to side, earning an eye roll from Linus.

“For spirits sake Cosette, you live in the capital of Winter Court, Velaris isn’t that impressive by comparison.” the man muttered, quiet enough so that the Night Court sailors nearby wouldn’t hear.

Cosette ignored him.

No wonder all the girls want to be isekai’d here. Look at the buildings! Look at the sky! Oh my God the sky!!

Cosette stared at the sky. Despite it being daytime the stars were still visible, with the sky being a darker shade than normal.

Okay, that’s it. If I find a bat boy out on the street I am gonna make them fall in love with me so hard they have to take me in and help me.

Cosette paused.

Wait, none of the bat boys are eligible bachelors though. Damnit, that means I cannot get a sugar baby pass. Whoever put me in this world really forgot to give me the traditional isekai startup kit for a girl. I want my money back.

Similar to the Winter Court, Lesser Faeries were rushing from bay to bay, managing and assisting ships with loading cargo or maintenance, with several large faeries carrying tool kits to a nearby sailing ship that was unloading boxes of fish.

Cosette didn’t even care that Amelio was too busy to chat, there was just so much to see.

Some of the faeries here had grayish skin tones, with a couple blue heads peeking out near the edge of the pier, reporting something to the faeries with tools.

“Cosette?”

“Huh?”

“Back to Prythian Cosette.”

Cosette snapped out of it, turning to blink at Amelio, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

“They have unloaded a part of our cargo which we’re planning on delivering now.”

“What about the rest of it?”

“It’ll be stored in a warehouse and we’ll take care of it during the following days.”

Cosette nodded. 

“Will you be coming with us?” he continued.

“Yes, I don’t really know my way around the city, so I would appreciate some direction.”

Amelio nodded, offering his arm to Solene who took it, and began walking towards the exit of the port, several carts of produce and packages following after them.

“We will be traveling down the roads meant for goods, but afterwards you’ll be able to properly see the city.” 

I don’t know what you’re talking about Amelio, I can already see plenty from here.

Just in the port Cosette had already spotted various shops and restaurants where sailors mingled with regular civilians.

“Miss, head down!”

Cosette barely ducked under as a wooden log appeared where her head was seconds ago.

Two large faeries with skin color of smoke, walked past her, carrying a long wooden log.

“You should move back to your group, Miss, don’t want to get hurt.” one of them warned.

Cosette nodded, quickly moving back to rejoin Amelio and the rest, having gotten separated from them as she was exploring. 

“Seriously…foreigners…so annoying…go back to your own court.” the other faerie muttered to his friend who shook his head in disappointment.

Amelio cast a small glance over his shoulder to Cosette, “Don’t fall behind.”

Cosette picked up the pace, getting into the carriage that was waiting for them at the edge of the port, after Solene and Amelio entered, with Linus begrudgingly, letting her sit down first.

Since they would be returning to the ship to rest for the night, Cosette had just a small bag with her, inside of which was her xeranthemum perfume, the perfume samples, notebook, pencil and a light cloak, in case she got cold in the evening.

The carriage was different from the ones in Winter Court. Instead of the whole thing being enclosed, it had no walls, with curtains hanging off the roof of the carriage, ready to be unfurled to provide privacy if needed.

The moment the carriage took off Cosette leaned over to get the best view she could, looking out at the city in fascination, earning a snort from Linus who quickly coughed to silence it when seeing Amelio’s expression. The road they took was a separate one from the main street passing between shops and businesses, permitting faster and more direct travel to the backs of stores and other warehouses.

Despite this, Cosette could still see quite a bit of the ongoings on the main streets where faeries walked in groups, chatting and laughing. Some were shopping for food, others casually relaxing in cafes. The cobblestone that made up the roads almost shimmered, making it look iridescent. 

In retrospect, she could see just how much their group stuck out by clothes alone. While most of the Velaris citizens wore airy robes and clothes in darker blues or purples, their group wore much more heavy clothing with furs that didn’t suit the weather. Even those that decided to cover up from the chilly breeze wore translucent cloaks or sparkling, light shawls. 

The whole scene seemed almost otherworldly. 

I am sure the Night Court citizens have warmer clothing for venturing into the mountains, or when it snowed.

The carriage eventually came to a stop behind a furniture store, with Amelio and Linus leaving Solene and Cosette to greet the business owner that came out to meet them.

Cosette also got out of the carriage, still not used to the lack of snow separating her from the ground.

Funny how quickly I got used to Winter Court as my new norm, though perhaps, that was a human strength rather than a weakness: adaptability.

Cosette watched Linus delegate and assist in the distribution of goods, doing her best to not get in the way. Solene joined her.

“It’s really pretty here.” Cosette said tentatively, uncertain if Solene’s frost towards her had thawed by this point.

“It is.” Solene nodded, “I especially like the main streets, it’s unlike anything we have back home. Everything  is practically glowing with moonlight.”

“Yes!” Cosette nodded excitedly in agreement, happy that Solene was finally speaking normally to her again.

Amelio approached the group, his employees unloading produce with Linus going down a catalog.

“The next shop is right next door so we can just walk to it to deliver the goods.”

Solene nodded in agreement.

“Amelio, why do you visit all the vendors personally?” Cosette asked.

“Well, I want them to like me.” Amelio smiled.

Like you want me to like you?

Seeing that she wasn’t convinced he elaborated, “It’s to establish good relations in a place that I don’t frequent on the regular.”

“Right.”

The group walked with the carts several shops over to a restaurant, where the amount that faeries began unloading was much more substantial than for the previous stop.

“Don’t you have anything better to be doing than staring at the buildings?” Linus raised an eyebrow.

“You seem to have plenty of time to chat with me even though you’re supposed to be helping.” she retorted.

“Sure, sure, turn it around on me when you’re the one who supposedly came here because of your project.” Linus walked back over to the other Lesser Faeries, checking something off his clipboard.

“We’ll be staying here for about three days, with us leaving midway on the third one.” Amelio spoke up, “If you want to find the information you came here for, it’s probably best to go now.”

Are you trying to get rid of me?

Cosette had to admit they had a point though, she needed to get a move on.

“Where should I go to find weavers and artisans?” Cosette didn’t mention the Rainbow of Velaris since according to her ‘lore’ she shouldn’t know about it.

“You’ll want to head to the Rainbow of Velaris. Just cross the Sidra River and you’ll find it.” 

After giving her directions on how to get to the bridge Amelio turned back to Linus, monitoring his work with the other faeries, Solene wrapping her arms around her husband’s.

They look like a family.

Taking a deep breath, and without looking back Cosette began her journey.

Cosette was starting to fear she would never make it to the Rainbow of Velaris as her eyes kept wandering to literally everything else that was present. Bakeries, forges, clothing shops, cafes, and various food vendors selling fruits she had never seen before. The streets managed to not be too crowded despite the number of buildings, faeries and carts, because of the organized design of roads.

Perhaps it was simply the number of magical elements that prevented it from feeling like New York or any other major city Cosette had visited back on Earth, but something about the streets just felt like an inescapable dream.

It was almost a similar experience to when she first came to Winter Court; except that when she had arrived there she had hiked in heels for several days straight and had been stressed out of her mind for her own and Ophelia’s future. At least, Cosette assumed if she had been in a better state of mind she would have been as blown away as she was now by Velaris.

The human took a deep breath and relaxed, being able to afford to enjoy the scenery around her.

A real privilege in this world - not fearing that Eris would ride up on a horse and bust your secret for the whole of Prythian to see.

Cosette stopped before a small table full of unfamiliar sweets.

Ophelia would like these.

In fact, I should get her and Blanche’s family some souvenirs while I am here. Something for Theo too, he’s hard at work after all.

After managing to pull herself away from the food stalls, Cosette stood in awe of the Sidra River for a few minutes, staring at all the sailboats. It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen a river before. Cosette had seen plenty, albeit smaller ones. The Sidra was simply enchanting, from its shimmering dark blue hues to the sailboats that had various flags and ribbons billowing in the air.

Crossing the bridge, the next place that had caught Cosette’s eye was different from the rest. Instead of a shop, a merchant’s tent or some other vendor, it was a shrine. 

The walls were tall, built out of granite and limestone, forming a large dome. Craning her neck as she walked up the steps, Cosette could see how the stained glass windows, stretching almost the entire length of the wall, depicted great horned owls and unfamiliar planets.

Do they have their own solar system?

Cosette stopped.

Wait, do they even know they’re on a planet? How much has science actually progressed in Prythian?

Do…do they know about gravity?

Cosette couldn’t remember if such details were mentioned in the ACOTAR books.

Walking up the stairs leading to the heavy doors that opened with ease to her touch, Cosette stepped inside the shrine.

It was brighter than she expected. The center of the shrine, which was beneath the dome, was the brightest spot in the building and contained rows upon rows of seats in a circular fashion, surrounding a pool of water. 

Looking up Cosette gaped, unable to tear her eyes off the ceiling decorated in a large mosaic made out of crystal and stone, depicting a night sky full of stars and nightjars. She could swear the crystals shone, being the ones responsible for the surprising illumination within the building.

In the air, specs of green, purple, pink and even orange fluttered across the sky, Squinting, as one flew closer Cosette realized what they were - moths. Moths of various species danced across the fake sky, landing on any object they chose to, before taking flight once more.

The candles placed along the walls provided additional luminance, highlighting how the mosaic sky crept down the pillars and walls, before slowly fading into the limestone peppered with granite, where cabinets with books and scrolls rested, accompanied by small paintings decorating the walls.

“Ahem.” a soft voice made Cosette almost jump.

She turned to face a woman dressed in a dark blue light dress with cold shoulder sleeves, the hem of which was decorated with sparkles. The whole outfit felt casual and relaxed due to its silky and floaty design. At the center of the woman’s chest there was a large ornate star brooch.

“Do you require assistance?”

“I-oh. No, I just came in. Sorry, is that not allowed? No one stopped me…”

“No, no, it’s completely fine.” the lady smiled, “I just ask because I haven’t seen you here before. I know most of our visitors by name.”

Aw shucks, was it the staring that gave me away?

“I am a tourist.” Cosette cringed, deciding to be honest, “I came in because the building looked pretty.”

The lady tilted her head, before smiling, “Ah, well that makes a lot more sense. You had me concerned that something had been keeping you from coming to a Spirit’s shrine all this time. May I ask what court you are from?”

Is there a strict schedule for coming to church, because me and Ophelia haven’t gone once in Winter Court.

“I am from Winter Court.”

“Lovely.”

“Is…is it required to go to a spirit’s shrine, regularly?”

The lady frowned, “No, of course not. Or well, it isn’t in Velaris. We give our citizens the choice of who they choose to worship, but most people come in to pay respect once in a while. A small portion of the citizens choose to worship the minor, supporting spirits instead, along with the Mother, of course. It’s quite funny actually, you can tell whenever exam season is happening in schools, or when merchant families are traveling as High Fae and Lesser Fae kids alike will come in to pray for their success.” she gently brushed her dark black hair, “Times like that make me think we’re truly the same.”

Cosette’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t say anything, “Minor spirits…like the farming spirits?”

How did education work within Velaris? Or anywhere in Prythian in fact?

The lady gave Cosette a look.

Cosette, shut up, you’re digging yourself into an early grave.

“Not exactly…but something similar. Do you not have minor spirits in Winter Court?”

“I-no I am sure they exist, I am just not aware of them. I came here from Winter Court but I am originally from the Faerie Realms.”

“Ahhh.” the lady nodded in understanding, “Do you worship just the Mother then?”

Again, a reminder to self to get a specialized textbook about spirits. My lack of knowledge is absolutely unacceptable at this point. 

Also, when I find your Mister Aristippus I am going to tell you exactly what I think about your vague answers or lack thereof for the spirits. How dare you only focus on the High Priestesses?! I am being quizzed out here and you did not prepare me. I place all the blame on you.

“That was the case for my family and village.” Cosette decided if she was going to bury herself, she would put the final nail in too, “Is there a difference between the priestesses who work here and the ones that worship the Mother?”

“Are you referring to the High Priestesses?”

Cosette nodded.

“Oh, most definitely, although, we too worship the Mother.” she frowned, “Do they not separate the two in the Faerie Realms?”

Cosette shrugged, “Not sure, my family just didn’t worship the spirits as much so…”

“You seem to be quite an uneducated child. The High Priestesses visit the Faerie Realms for important celebrations and events, you should know this.” 

Sorry ma’am.

Cosette looked down at the ground in shame.

Easing up on her though the faerie explained, “The priestesses are High Fae we are Lesser Fae.”

“Always?”

The lady was starting to look very concerned, “Yes…always.”

“I see.” Cosette smiled brightly.

See? I am cute, you can’t stay mad at me for long! 

The faerie tilted her head slightly.

Please don’t stay mad at me.

The faerie nodded, the only sound coming from the shimmering pool of water, and a few other shrine workers, moving around silently in the background.

Deciding to change the topic, Cosette blurted out, “Does the Spirit grant them?”

“What?”

“The wishes of the children?”

The faerie laughed, the sound like an evening breeze, “Sometimes.”

“Well, thank you for having me.” Cosette bowed, unsure where to take the conversation next, “I am sorry for disturbing you.”

The faerie shook her head, “You’re fine, would you not like to come and pray?”

“Can I?”

“Of course child, why would you be turned away?”

The fae led Cosette deeper into the shrine, passed the rows of seats and the pool. 

“My name is Lailah, what about yours?”

“Cosette, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lailah.” Cosette hoped the shrine maidens didn’t have a particular title she was supposed to use.

The faerie stopped and knelt before a stained glass window of a white hooded figure with white sparkling hair, and skin made up of galaxies fading from white to dark, clothed in modest robes from which nocturnal critters peaked out, hiding amongst the stars in the form of constellations. 

Cosette followed her lead.

“Here is where we say our prayers. I assume you do not know how prayers are done in Winter Court?”

Cosette shook her head.

She sighed, tired but not angry, “The youth these days…no respect for tradition.”

“Sorry.”

My apologies for being too busy trying to survive to go to church.

“No worries, I was just curious if it was different from our traditions.” Lailah gave Cosette a slightly annoyed smile.

Right, I forget you all have basically never left Velaris.

“If you would like to go somewhere besides Velaris, where would you go?”

Lailah thought for a minute, “I have always wanted to see the Summer Court.”

“The beach is the best!

“Have you been to Summer Court as well?”

“No, we had a beach back home.”

The faerie nodded, turning her attention back to the stained glass, and lit one of the many candles. Throwing away the match she closed her eyes, and put her hands together in prayer afterwards.

Seems like a waste to get rid of a good match.

Cosette followed suit, staring at the candle she lit herself.

Noticing her tension Lailah jokingly whispered, “You can pray if you wish.”

So Cosette prayed.

Hi, Spirit of the Night Court. I apologize, I am not very good at this due to a lack of experience, but I will try my best.

Cosette sat quietly, thinking.

I pray…please let me find what I am looking for.

She paused; not specific enough.

Spirit of Night, please help me in finding the necessary information for the spirit homes. I would be honored if you assisted. I really want to help the people back in Winter Court and I truly think your court can help me.

Cosette shifted slightly, Lailah beside her not moving a millimeter.

Should I do something else? What else does a perso-faerie do in this kind of situation?

Cosette tried to think back to the times when her mother would take them to see cathedrals in France, claiming them to be better than the ones in America. Or the Sunday service their father would insist on driving them to once in a while to maintain appearances with extended family.

Cosette wasn’t sure why their father insisted on it, considering that he beat up an uncle who claimed he shouldn’t have married an immigrant, but who was she to judge? Maybe he wanted to beat someone up again. 

Cosette and her brother would always be a willing audience, to their mother’s displeasure. Not that she didn’t like the act of honor. She simply didn’t want her children to witness such brutality amongst adults that were supposed to protect them.

Aren’t you supposed to confess to your sins or something?

Cosette thought hard.

Okay. What have I done that’s absolutely terrible?

I guess I did stab a faerie, but he was also trying to kill me and a fellow human so that was somewhat justified.

I did buy the home of two innocent faeries but I also allowed them to stay there, while giving them a job! I lived in a hotel while those two lived in a house I technically owned!

I stole a faerie’s locket and the money of other workers in the Forest House.

Cosette thought hard.

Guess that one is harder to excuse. It was a simple act of revenge. Granted, revenge against the fact that I had gotten whipped and thrown into a cell for that snake’s lie, but nonetheless it was petty. 

Cosette opened her eyes.

The smarter choice would have been to steal something else. Targeting a personal item was too bold a move.

She shook her head.

It was in the past now. Nothing I could do about it anyways.

Cosette almost laughed. 

Aren’t I supposed to be feeling remorseful, not strategizing for how to commit crimes better?

As for an actual sin…apart from the countless minor things I have done throughout my time on Earth, I wish I had said goodbye to my family. A simple text at the end of the messages she had spammed her parents, or the voice memos she had left her brother saying a proper ‘Goodbye.’

Cosette considered that of all things, her greatest sin.

She stood up, Lailah opening her eyes to look at her. The fae’s dark hair looked a dark shade of blue under the lighting, with a couple moths finding their resting spots within Lailah’s locks.

“I will be going.” Cosette said quietly so as not to disturb her too much, “Thank you so much for showing me the shrine and letting me pray here.”

“We welcome anyone who is curious.” she responded, accompanying Cosette back to the front door, trying not to move her head too much so as not to disturb the moths, “I am glad you decided to stop by Cosette. Perhaps this will encourage you to go to a shrine back in Winter Court.” she gave her a slightly pointed look.

“I will make sure to pay my respects to the Spirit of Winter as well.” Cosette gave a small bow, unsure how one was supposed to pay respect to the shrine maidens, “Thank you again.”

“Have a safe rest of your trip.”

As much as the Rainbow of Verlaris was gorgeous, Cosette couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

“Sorry love, but it's a trade secret. I can’t show you how I weave my baskets.” the woman gave her an apologetic smile.

“It’s okay, I understand.” Cosette smiled back. 

This was the twentieth one. Guess I should have expected this strong of a resistance to not share how products are made. 

Cosette let out a small sigh, continuing her walk through the colorful neighborhood.

At least, this lady was nice. The last vendor I asked practically chased me away with a broomstick.

She didn’t let it get her down though, the paper bag she carried crinkled slightly as it brushed against her dress.

If they didn’t want to tell me, I would just figure it out myself!

Cosette had purchased several woven items from various vendors: two baskets of different shapes, and a hair ornament meant to ward off malicious spirits by sensing their aura. The prices were a bit steep but she was certain they would be worth it.

Albeit, Cosette was doubtful of how well a hair accessory could protect someone just by detecting bad vibes.

Despite all this, she still had hope that she could find a faerie willing to explain the weaving process to her. In particular how it related to magic and runes.

Having actual instructions would speed up the process of creating a new prototype since deciphering how the artifacts were created in the first place is time consuming. I am not looking forward to having to work backwards on these works of art side by side with Theo.

Not that Cosette judged the artisans; who would willingly give up a trade secret? Besides, as she continued exploring the neighborhood, despite its clear beauty, certain areas stuck out. Boarded windows, active construction: all signs of the war with Hybern. It made sense why everyone was so on edge. Their city and court were weakened yet borders were open to complete strangers.

Even Velaris wasn’t safe from the aftereffects. Though, they didn’t seem to have much problem with acquiring produce in the city. I wonder where they bought it from? Dawn or Day Court maybe? Thinking logically, they probably have a lot of trade amongst the solar courts.

Cosette made her way over to another stall, spotting tapestries hanging up for display.

Another target unlocked. Let’s hope it goes better than the rest.

She approached the vendor carefully, admiring the pieces on display. The works of art showed scenic images of Night Court’s nature or artistic sprawls of colors in various patterns and designs.”

“Your work is beautiful.” Cosette complimented, taking in the details on the tapestries.

“Well thank you.” the High Faerie’s black hair shifted as she smiled at her new potential customer, her gray eyes watching her movements.

Cosette carefully touched the blankets on display, “They’re so soft.”

“I make them with the highest quality threads Velaris has to offer.”

“How high does that make the price then?” Cosette blurted out.

The faerie laughed, “Certainly on the higher end, but I have some more affordable options if you’re interested.”

Cosette shook her head, “No thank you, I am looking for something more along the lines of your tapestries.”

“Well, you’re in luck! I have many of those.” she smiled, showing some more of her woven works, “What is your name dear?”

“I am Cosette.”

“Nice to meet you, I am Aranea.”

Cosette’s face lit up.

Yes! A character! An actual character with a direct connection to the main cast! And not just anyone in the main cast, Feyre of all people!

Cosette was choosing not to count Kallias, Viviane or Eris. The first two still had an unclear relationship with the Night Court as far as she knew, and the Autumn fae was someone she never wanted to see again.

“Do your tapestries contain magical properties?” Cosette continued the conversation with new found vigor.

“No dear, I just weave for the sake of beauty.”

Admirable, but unfortunately not as useful. Though, I was certain that ‘void’ tapestry of hers was supposed to be magical, was it not?

“Could I purchase one of your smaller pieces?” Cosette asked.

Another time when she had tried to purchase a piece after asking how it was made, the faerie guessed what she was trying to do and threatened her to leave before he called guards on her.

“Of course!” Aranea happily sold her a tapestry of Night Court’s mountains.

Cosette mourned her steadily emptying wallet.

Thank goodness me and Ophelia budgeted before this because 20 gold for a small tapestry that I will have to unravel would have been complete bonkers if no thought had been put into my spending for this trip.

“Wow, it’s just so beautiful.” Cosette murmured, playing up her fascination slightly, “Would it be possible for you to show me how you make your tapestries?”

“No, sorry dear, unfortunately I can’t.” Aranea smiled.

“Ah, it’s okay, I understand.”

“May I ask why you’re so curious?”

“Oh…well…in truth, I am from Winter Court and am currently working on a project that is meant to help our crops grow better...” Cosette mustered up the best downcast, puppy eyes she could, “Unfortunately nothing we have tried has worked, and no one here is willing to speak on the subject.” 

It always worked on my parents. Hell, even my brother would concede to me when I used the forbidden power.

Cosette followed up with a compliment, “The reason I came to Velaris was to seek guidance. I heard you had some of the best weavers so I just knew I had to come here.”

The speech seemed to have somewhat worked as Aranea looked at her with sympathy.

“That is quite terrible, I am so sorry to hear that. Around here we’re also still rebuilding from the war with Hybern, I can only imagine how bad it is in areas where the larger battles took place.” 

Cosette nodded.

The buildings seemed to have been fixed pretty quickly over the two years, but that’s in the nicer areas. If one were to look at streets with less guards patrolling, or even the spot we went with Theo, that would be enough to spot the abandoned buildings and the less than fortunate businesses.

“Say, are you free tomorrow at noon?”

“Yeah, I should be.”

“You’re welcome to come visit an art studio at which I teach free weaving classes. We have a class tomorrow at that time if you’re interested.”

“That would be amazing, thank you so much!” Cosette beamed, practically hugging the faerie.

Aranea laughed lightly, “My pleasure dear, I’ll see you tomorrow then, alright?”

Cosette nodded eagerly.

Finally, a proper stepping stone.

Cosette walked away after getting the art studio’s address, enjoying the scenery, passing by other tents full of pottery, paintings and other creations.

By any luck, I might even get to meet Feyre!

Cosette acknowledged that it was somewhat of a pipedream. Even if Feyre taught art classes, the likelihood that they would cross paths during a weaving class wasn’t likely. She was  High Lady after all. 

As she made her way through the Rainbow she re-entered a main street, spotting a bookshop across the road.

Perfect. 

Cosette’s heels clicked against the cobblestone, as she carefully crossed the street, avoiding the wagons, carriages and other faeries passing through. She stepped inside, determined to find something about the Spirits.

I’ll check in Winter Court when I get home, but it’s quite possible that they have a different selection here that’s not available back there. 

Browsing the store, Cosette migrated deeper into its depth, walking past softly shattering faeries and shelves lined with various books from politics to baking, towards the section labeled ‘Beliefs of Prythian’.

It should be called ‘Belief of Prythian’, these are all on the same subject.

Cosette gently ran a finger down the spines of the books, selecting a ‘The Ways of Spirit Worship’ and a large tome labeled ‘The History of Prythian’s Spirits and Traditions’.

“Excuse me.” a soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Yes?” Cosette turned, to be greeted by a beautiful golden-brown haired woman, with sun-kissed skin and brown eyes so warm that they could melt the harshest winters.

“May I ask what perfume you are wearing? It’s absolutely delightful.”

“Oh, it’s actually one of my own creations.”

“Really? Are you a perfumer?”

“Sure am!” Cosette grinned.

“May I know your shop’s name so I can visit sometime?”

“It’s ‘Serene Fragrances’, however it’s located in Winter Court.”

“Winter Court?!”

Seeing the woman deflate slightly Cosette pulled out a small vial and handed it to her.

Three cheers for Ophelia’s foresight. 

“Here, I brought samples with me just in case. This is goldenberry, the scent that I am wearing right now.”

Cosette had been experimenting back home with adding some of the perfumes she had created to the scent she used to conceal her human smell. According to Ophelia, the added perfume didn’t mitigate xeranthemum’s effectiveness.

I am very careful when it comes to modifying the scent currently protecting me, but if I never wear other perfumes, faeries might get suspicious. Ophelia said I smell fine, so I should be safe.

“Oh wow, can I really have this?”

“Of course.” Cosette smiled, “If you ever get the chance, I would be happy to have you at my perfumery back in Winter Court of course.”

“I will be sure to visit when I can. What’s your name Miss?”

“Cosette, and yours?”

“Elain, it’s wonderful to meet you.”

Cosette’s brain stopped working upon hearing the name.

Elain.

This is Elain.

THE Elain.

“Is everything okay Miss Cosette?”

“Absolutely fine!” Cosette quickly responded, “When you say Elain, do you mean Elain Archeron?”

“Oh, um…yes.” Elain’s face fell slightly upon hearing the last name, although she tried to smile through it.

Wait, she’s with the inner circle do I bow? Is there a sign of respect I am supposed to give??

“Elain, there you are, I lost you after you ran off from the counter.” a man with dark hair and massive Illyrian wings approached the duo. His hazel eyes remained unchanged as they met Cosette’s nervous green ones. 

“Oh, I am sorry Azriel. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”

“It seems your training is going well if you’re sneaking off this effectively.”

“Haha, well I have the best teachers in all the land, no?”

On second thought, Cosette wasn’t prepared for this.

“Azriel, meet Cosette. She’s a perfumer from Winter Court.”

Do I need to bow to Azriel?!

“Ah, Miss Cosette of Serene Fragrances I presume? I heard about you when we last visited Winter Court for the Winter Solstice celebration. Mor tried to purchase a perfume from you.”

When did Morrigan try to purchase a perfume from me?

Seeing Cosette’s confusion Azriel’s lips twisted into a small smirk, “Unfortunately she got held up and never got to place her order.”

Cosette wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

“Have you ever been in Velaris before?” Elain asked.

“No, this is my first time.” Cosette said.

“Then we must show you around! Right Az?”

Azriel nodded, still watching Cosette silently as Elain took the blonde’s hand and led her back out into the street, after she purchased her books.

“Me and Azriel have been out and about for a while now and are ready for some lunch, are you feeling hungry Cosette?”

“Yes actually, I think I am ready for some food.”

Unsure if I’ll eat anything considering that you two are making my stomach complete Olympic level gymnastics, but I appreciate the thought. 

Cosette and Azriel let Elain steer them to a cozy cafe, filled with various plants, flowers and trees. Despite the fact that it was only 5, the sky looked like it was much later in the evening. The stars, now fully visible, shone brightly and the city showed no signs of slumber.

“How do the plants grow here?” Cosette ordered a cup of blackcurrant tea and a sandwich, gently poking the  Purple and shimmering blue flowers decorated the tables. Leaning in closer, Cosette could see that the petals were fluffy, and the inside was filled with a blue powder.

Elain and Azriel sat across from her with their own drinks and snacks, a few shopping bags resting by Azriel’s feet. Dark vines slithered down the walls of the establishment, with leaves akin to flower petals.

“It’s actually quite interesting!” Elain’s face lit up, “The plants here have two stages throughout the day, one is when they take the limited energy they can from the sun, and the rest of the time they rely on starlight!”

“Starlight? Is that really enough?” Cosette sipped her tea.

Azriel nodded, “It is, but due to it some of the plants have stranger shapes compared to what most other court dwellers would consider the norm.”

Cosette nodded, “They certainly are unusual compared to Winter Court.”

She recalled the palace garden Viviane had invited her to have tea in.

Flowers have become expensive, especially ones that would grow during spring. The market had been filled more and more with crystal-like flowers and branches.

I might need to consider raising prices on the existing perfumes and switching to making perfume with the native Winter Court flowers to not lose customers.

“If I may ask, what are you doing all the way in Night Court?” Azriel asked, but his tone screamed that it was a command.

“I am a tourist.” Cosette said simply. 

Something told her she shouldn’t go talking about how she berated every artisan in the Rainbow about their weaving techniques.

Azriel hummed, gently swirling his black coffee with a teaspoon, watching the ripples spread.

Elain added some sugar to her black tea, “How many days are you here for?”

“Only three, technically two and a half as I’ll be leaving midway on the third day.”

“That’s so little time, you won’t be able to see all that Velaris has to offer, you should stay for longer!” Elain said.

Cosette had to admit the offer was tempting, but as of this moment she had obligations back in Winter Court she couldn’t abandon, and she had no guarantee that the inner circle would actually get close to her, or let her near the dead trove. God forbid use the dead trove for her since there was no way she could without severe consequences. 

“I am afraid I can’t, I have people waiting for me back in Winter Court.” Cosette smiled apologetically.

“Aww, that’s unfortunate.” Elain nodded sadly, but with understanding in her eyes, “Do you have any areas you want to visit?”

“Hmm, well I visited the Rainbow today, along with a shrine. I also signed up for a weaving class run by one of the vendors.” Cosette tapped her chin, “I guess I would love to try some native Night Court food, if you have any suggestions for where I should go?”

“Well, how about we show you around tomorrow? We can join you for the weaving class too and then go from there!” Elain offered.

“Oh, I would appreciate that, thank you.” Cosette beamed.

A tour given by the main cast? Sign me up!

“Who is teaching the class?” Azriel took a swig of his coffee.

“Aranea.”

“Oh! So it’s at Feyre’s studio!” Elain clapped her hands together, “You’ll love it there. Everyone is kind and welcoming.”

Cosette took a sip of her tea, doing her best to practice the etiquette listed off in the books Viviane permitted her to borrow.

I should probably return those soon.

“I really wanted to visit you during the Winter Solstice, but unfortunately didn't get the chance.” Elain confessed, “I was curious, how did you get the idea of starting your business?”

“Well, the perfumes sold in Winter Court are different from mine, so I wanted to diversify the market.” Cosette answered politely. 

She could swear Azriel laughed quietly at her statement.

“Did you bring other perfume samples with you?”

“Yes, I brought our entire collection.” Cosette pulled out a sample vial of the vanilla, cinnamon, mahogany teakwood, and goldenberry perfumes, “There’s not many at the moment, but I am working on creating new additions to the catalog.”

“What scent are you working on at the moment?” Elain sniffed the teakwood one.

“I am afraid I cannot tell you, it would ruin the surprise.” Cosette winked.

“Do you do custom perfumes?” Azriel spoke up.

“Yes I do.”

“Any notable customers?”

“I made custom perfumes for Viviane, Kallias and Solene.” Cosette felt bad, as if she was bragging.

Azriel picked up the goldenberry scent, taking a small whiff, “Is this the scent you’re wearing now?”

“Yep!”

He nodded, his eyes narrowing.

Oh please tell me this man will sniff me out.

“Would you like one?” Cosette offered, a bit nervous.

Azriel shook his head.

Right, makes sense, why would a spymaster want to wear a distinct scent?

“What is your favorite perfume?” Elain asked.

“I am partial to the scent of cinnamon.”

“Do you hire a lot of employees?”

“Not really, it’s just me and two other faeries.”

These are all very business oriented questions, is this an interview?

“Would you ever consider moving your business to Night Court?”

“Well, maybe not move permanently, but expanding as a branch could be interesting.”

“Expand? But wouldn’t that be hard to manage?”

Cosette shrugged, “Merchants manage their trade routes, I see no reason why this wouldn’t be plausible.”

Elain nodded, “I guess that makes sense.”

Azriel merely hummed, chugging the coffee.

Cosette hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed when she checked the grandfather clock standing in the corner - 7:30 pm.

“I should go.” Cosette stood up, “It’s getting late and I would like to get back to the ship I came on before any of the crewmembers began to worry.”

“We can walk you there!” Elain offered, quickly standing up.

“No need.” Cosette declined, “I appreciate the offer though.”

You have berated me for the past two and a half hours, and although I do want to get close to you, this feels a bit too intrusive for my tastes.

“It’s unsafe traveling by yourself this late in the evening.” Azriel said.

“I thought Velaris was a safe haven though?”

Oh my, I am practically blushing, are you worried about me Azriel??

“It is, but you can never be too careful.”

Talk about being paranoid.

“Besides, the conversation was flowing so nicely, it would be a shame for it to stop.” he looked at Elain with a soft smile who practically sparkled back at him.

Ah, tis not me you’re worried about.

“Thank you for spending time with me.” Cosette bowed, at which Elain giggled lightly, “I look forward to meeting you both tomorrow.”

“The feeling is mutual.” Azriel said, “Please get back to your ship safely, Miss Cosette.”

On second thought perhaps Cosette should have taken Elain’s offer as she only got back to the ship in the late evening, by which point the sky had turned a dark indigo color and the stars were shining like brilliant jewels. 

“What the hell happened to you?” Linus was relaxing on a chair on the deck of the ship, watching a couple of the smaller sailboats still catch fish, despite the late time, “You look like you just survived a war.”

You have no idea brother, I have just returned from the trenches. 

“I got lost on the way back.”

“Ha, stupid.”

“Excuse me?”

“There are literally street signs?”

“I still got lost.”

“Exactly, so the title ‘stupid’ is deserved.”

“Hm, then the title of ‘asshole’ is equally earned.” Cosette walked away, heading to the cabin where they were staying.

Once she got changed there was a knock on her door, and Amelio’s voice, “Cosette? Are you back?”

“Yeah.” she opened the door after straightening out her new dress, “I just got back.”

“Good, I was about to send out some of my men to go looking for you. You shouldn’t stay out too late by yourself.”

“The streets were still full of faeries.”

“Still, you can never be too safe in a new environment.”

You have a point.

Seeing Cosette concede with a smile, Amelio relaxed slightly, “We’re having dinner with the whole crew on the deck, are you hungry?”

She nodded, after all, getting lost in Velaris was extremely tiresome and she deserved a meal for all her troubles. Cosette followed Amelio back up to the surface of the ship where faeries had already set up tables with food. Cosette sat down opposite Linus, both of them sitting by Amelio who was at the head of the table.

“Where is Solene?” Cosette asked.

“She’s staying at the House of Wind and won’t be coming back until the last day.”

“Wait, what? Why?”

“Did I not mention it? She’s coming to negotiate the import tax with Rhysand and Feyre on behalf of Kallias and Viviane. Well, it’s likely she’ll be negotiating with Morrigan or Amren rather than the High Lord of Night himself.”

“Right…” Cosette nodded.

Well, good thing I didn’t get my hopes up about Feyre. She’ll probably be busy.

“How did your day go?”

“Productive. Linus did a great job coordinating everyone.” Amelio nodded, starting with his salad, “He even managed to secure additional trade agreements with a few of the restaurants.”

Linus’s ears went red, “It was nothing…”

“How about you?” Amelio turned back to Cosette.

“It went alright. Shock of all shocks no one wanted to tell me their strategy for creating magical artifacts.” Cosette began eating her soup.

“Almost like they want to stay in business.” Amelio chuckled.

“Indeed.” she laughed, “I did manage to find a faerie, her name is Aranea, and she offers classes on weaving. I also bought some smaller pieces from various artists as examples for us back home.”

Amelio nodded approvingly.

“I also met Elain and Azriel today.” Cosette dropped a bomb that exploded into thunderous silence at the dinner table.

“You’re just…a magnet for interesting people aren’t you?” Amelio looked at her.

I didn’t choose this life! The magnet life chose me!!

“You met Azriel? The Night Court’s spymaster?” Linus leaned in, his eyes gleaming with curiosity, “What was he like?”

Cosette shrugged, “Quiet and reserved. He was hanging out with Elain when she approached me about my perfumes.” she looked up at Linus, “What do you have to say about my fragrance water now?”

“At least they’re useful socially.”

That’s all?!

“Still think it’s not that hard to make something smell good though.”

Amelio frowned at Linus.

“Go visit the Night Court perfumeries, then we’ll talk about high quality products.”

“If you’re so confident Linus, maybe you and Cosette should switch jobs for a day once we return to Winter Court.” Amelio took a swig of his wine.

“What?!”

“It seems I’ve been too lax on your ego.” Amelio smiled, making Cosette shiver

Something felt off. His smile was usually warm, but this one felt…

As soon as the feeling came it was gone. Cosette felt herself breathe normally again.

“Sorry sir.” Linus murmured, turning back to his food, avoiding Cosette’s gaze.

I feel like I did something wrong…

“Anything else you want to tell us?” Amelio joked, “Perhaps you had tea with another one of the other Archeron sisters while you were at it?”

“I got to stop by a shrine for the Spirit of Night.” Cosette replied, still trying to meet Linus’s gaze, but he adamantly refused. 

“Hmm, yes, their shrines here are quite different from ours back home.” Amelio mused.

“So, about that, are we required to go? To the shrines, back in Winter Court?”

“Wait, have you never gone?” Linus stared at her incredulously, “You’re kidding.”

“I’ve been really busy since arriving at the capital and haven’t gotten a chance to…”

“No excuse!” Linus practically screeched, “If our boat crashes it’s because of yo-”

“Linus.” Amelio’s stern voice interrupted, “Don’t.”

Linus faltered once more, returning to his plate. 

“As for your question Cosette, no, you aren’t required to go, although it is encouraged.” Amelio’s tone softened.

“Are there any laws regarding this?”

“Again, no, you’re welcome to go when you are able to. Kallias and Viviane removed the requirements to attend shrine gatherings officially once Kallias returned from under the mountain.” Amelio’s calm demeanor helped soothe their side of the table, “Most faeries go simply out of respect and tradition. Plus, it would never hurt to have a little extra support in your corner.” he winked.

“Right.” Cosette nodded, Linus’s comment worrying her slightly.

Amelio rolled his eyes, “Our boat won’t sink Cosette just because you didn’t go to a shrine. To truly be in trouble with the spirits you would have had to offend them. Being too busy to go, while contributing to the betterment of their court is not the thing that will set them off.”

“You say that as if you know what they’re thinking.” Cosette noted dryly.

“For once we agree.” Linus said, “If I were a spirit I’d take offense to it.”

“You’d take offense to anything.” she quipped back.

But if we look at most legends, deities, spirits, you name it, tend to be volatile in unpredictable ways. Linus’s concern is valid.

“How did the court react to the change Kallias and Viviane made?”

“Ha, depends on who you ask Cosette.” Amelio smirked.

Ah. I see.

“It wasn’t a favored response, and a risky move by the two of them. Many faeries turned to rather fervent worship during Amarantha’s reign. Making shrine gathering an optional, personal decision, was a slap in the face to some.”

“Because the moment they make it optional faeries won’t go and then you have unhappy spirits and a court that is falling apart because they cannot agree on a belief system.” Linus retorted.

Amelio shook his head, “Faeries still go to ceremonies and regularly provide offerings. Can you name a household that has truly forsaken the faith?”

Linus made a dramatic motion towards Cosette.

“Well that’s not fair, Cosette is not technically from Winter Court. The Faerie Realms may worship some other spirits.”

“Decline of worship and belief is a valid fear. If our borders are open and we’re diluted by nonbelievers, how will that make the Spirit of Winter happy?”

“Beforehand faeries could be persecuted for not showing up to gatherings or events. Innocent faeries were beheaded Linus.” Amelio’s voice wasn’t harsh, but firm, “The whole reason they changed it was because during Amarantha’s reign some faeries didn’t have access to a shrine and couldn’t go. Kallias and Viviane already lost enough of their citizens after the war, they don’t need more useless bloodshed being caused by their own court trying to snitch on each other.”

“I think it could also be a matter of principle; that people get a choice in what they want to worship or believe in.” Cosette pointed out.

Kallias and Viviane seem like they would stick up for such autonomy.

“Principles are great if they’re not actively making the court fall apart.” Linus muttered.

“Sometimes sticking to your beliefs is not without casualties.”

“But if it tears everyone apart, is it worth it? At what point are the casualties too much?”

“I already miss Solene, you two will be the death of me.” Amelio ruffled Linus’s hair, “Have you both considered becoming philosophers?”

“Philosophy doesn’t earn money.” they both said at the same time.

“Well, unless you're in Day Court. Then you’d be paid handsomely.” Amelio pointed out.

Paid? To yap? Sign me up!

Linus looked annoyed, “Don’t call their whole show ‘philosophy’, it’s a disgrace towards critical thinkers.”

“What’s wrong with Day Court’s philosophers?” Cosette asked.

Apart from Mister Aristippus ignoring the spirits, he seems like a cool dude.

Cosette gasped internally.

Is that the problem!? His lack of writings on spirits?

Amelio sighed as Linus began his tangent, “Day Court prides itself on being the court of knowledge and justice but all of their philosophers are on Helion’s payroll meaning that they literally cannot be completely free in their thoughts and opinions because they are sponsored by the court’s ruler. Now, there is no issue with Helion sponsoring skilled or smart faeries, in fact it’s a good thing. Their universities are so great because of the funding, but they deny it whenever faeries point out that their philosophers are actually extremely constricted in their opinions and beha-”

Linus unfortunately didn’t get to continue as a fellow Lesser Faerie approached him, slinging an arm around his shoulder, “We’re playing cards, Linus, Amelio, wanna join?”

“Absolutely.” Amelio dragged Linus away to the group of faes, with the white ash haired faerie squirming, trying to finish his thought.

Cosette giggled lightly, finishing her food, observing the faeries as they played cards. The sailors cursed and cheered whenever they lost or won. Amelio, although still maintaining an air of dignity seemed to relax, his expression more coy and voice louder than when he was with Solene. Linus also seemed to return back to normal, chatting with the cabin boy and a few of the other workers.

Cosette headed back to her room.

Gotta admit, it’s admirable how Amelio teaches Linus. I didn’t expect a faerie in Prythian to be that free thinking, and for his teacher to not only not censor, but encourage him.

Although, my surprise is unwarranted. Looking back at Earth’s history there were always people who were ahead of their time. Granted, they almost always got burnt at the stake.

On the other hand, Linus manages to be conservative in certain beliefs. Maybe that’s why he gets away with voicing his thoughts aloud? Because he still fits into the general status quo?

Getting to her room Cosette changed into her pajamas, redoing her braid before crawling into bed.

Now that I think about it, what were Azriel and Elain doing out and about if Solene is here to discuss trade? Maybe they’re not needed since Azriel’s job is not directly related to taxes, and Elain is just not involved?

Wait, were they on a date?! Did Rhysand cave and approve their union then?

Cosette shook her head.

It didn’t feel like I was third wheeling. I am sure it was nothing.

Cosette pulled out the ‘The History of Prythian’s Spirits and Traditions’, beginning to read it by candlelight. However, she didn’t get far before her drowsiness won out, and her eyes closed, plunging her into darkness.

Next: Chapter 32 -Behind Closed Doors

Back: Chapter 30 - Quiet, the Adults Are Talking

Masterlist

Tag list: @rcarbo1

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[fridgrave2-0]

OKAY AND YOURE GONNA JUST LEAVE ME IN A CLIFFHANGER LIKE THAT? LIKE, WTF. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? IM SO ENTRALLED

HAHA SORRY I was trying to write the most important parts before I had to go to work

so, basically calhoun saves turbo from cybugs in this moment and he glitches out from her to hide in some crack with an aid kit he found. he genuinely believes that he just caused hero's duty to be unplugged, so he stays there willing to go down with the game like he "should've done before". while he tried to heal his arm with the aid kit, but soon he realized that it won't work

he spends there whole day, scared to close his eyes because when he does, he sees the green glowing mouths. being surrounded by the cybugs was a nightmare come true. because if they are him, he would've turn into a monster again and hurt tamora. tamora, who would've seen him being eaten

tamora finds him when the arcade's closed. she reassures him that hero's duty is fine and that the player freaked out about hurting her "favorite npc" more than the fact that he reacted out of game's limits. turbo is still shocked when she brings him to felix, and he doesn't speak much when she tells her husband what happened to turbo

felix couldn't fix his arm with his hammer. direct actions from players impact the characters differently, and without his game and his codebox it was just a matter of time when he'd get damaged beyond fixing. but he's okay with it, he's smart and can figure something out. a prosthetic arm, perhaps. but calhoun and felix feel bad about this, they feel guilty, and turbo hates it. because it was his decision to be in hero's duty, he knew the risks and lived like that for 15 years in sugar rush when each and every one of the races could've been his last. he got used to the adrenaline, to the feeling of constant danger. he had his game only for seven years, not even a half of his lifetime, and accepted the fact that he may die any day. and he lived so, like every day was his last, taking everything what was given to him

he loved every moment he spent with felix and tamora, it was the best time of his life, but he couldn't just sit in his new little house during daytime, waiting patiently for his partners while they do what they were programmed for. something that turbo took away from himself, something that he tried to replace with sugar rush, but the price of that was too high. vanellope didn't deserve any of this, turbo twins didn't deserve any of this, the characters of roadblasters didn't deserve any of this. all turbo wanted is to be a part of a game again, to be needed and not feeling so useless and helpless, but with another try he once again hurted the people he cared about

he glitched away from the niceland when he realized, that he was yelling all this at tamora and felix. they already felt guilty, he didn't want their pity as well. turbo found himself in sugar rush, and the fear of seeing vanellope or ralph was like a hold on his throat. so he moved to a place where no one would think to look

it was warm inside the mountain, wet and hard to breathe. being in this place again was strangely calming, memories of burning alive didn't feel so painful anymore. maybe that's because he went through much worse this day, he couldn't tell

he just wanted to stay alone for some time, think a little about everything, but apparently it was never meant to be. he was looking at his blurred reflection in dark brown liquid when a claw reached out for him out of the cola and tried to drag him down

turbo glitched out of this grasp only to see himself rising from the lava. a giant figure of king candy — a cybug mutant — had rise above him

[the-otherspace]

I guess this is where I'm putting my speculative biology art and worldbuilding stuff at the moment. I made a little freak.

These are called "born-warriors" as part of the mole cats universe and they couldn't be more different than the mole cats.

A long time ago, a young mole cat saw what it described as "an enormous monster that could walk on its hands and eat poison", which is what he told his clan members. From then on, sightings of the beasts kept coming up, so it was time for the mole cats to adapt to a mostly subterranean lifestyle. They dug burrows and stayed well away from the trees, feeding on mushrooms and burrowing invertebrates. Children were told to stay away from the trees and from the territories these monsters roamed or else they may get eaten. The monsters can be seen in a lot of artwork, usually tall and shadowy with glowing eyes.

What the mole cat in this story saw, though, was an arboreal and equally intelligent being who must have looked massive compared to the young kit. The beings were named "born-warriors" by the mole cats because they could take down massive grazers for meat a lot more easily, given their treetop vantage point and muscular upper body.

Where did the young mole cat come up with "It eats poison", you might ask? Born-warriors enjoy a diet of mostly fruit, which is made of sugar that mole cats can't taste. While sugar can't really harm a mole cat, it certainly doesn't taste great as a chemical compound!

The unique feature of the born-warriors, besides their fused bottom jaw (compared to the split bottom jaws mole cats have), is their preferred locomotion. They walk on a pair of muscular arms while their feet, delicate and dexterous, remain off the ground. The extra joint in their legs help them fold these legs and tuck them in close to their bodies. The feet have more digits than the hands, which have pads to help their grip. Their tails are prehensile, allowing them to hang from the trees and throw hunting spears from above. When communicating over long distances, they can inflate a sack in their chest to help carry the sound - this sound is a sharp whooping cry that can be heard for miles.

The entire world I'm building here now has two clades: One with the split bottom jaw (mole cats, grazing beasts, burrowing invertebrates, and similar ground-dwelling species) and the fused bottom jaw (born-warriors, gliding animals, flying animals, and most other species that can climb trees.) What I'll do with marine life, I've yet to decide. It all depends on where the marine life originated.

I have no plans for their culture or language yet. I just really wanted to draw one of these knuckle-walking freaks while I still had a good image in my head. I need to fix up the body so that it looks like it's balancing better. The tail is an iffy detail and had been added sloppily as a last-minute idea. I may allow it to curl up and stay close to the body. Otherwise, it may weigh the body down too much in the back. I'm not sure how this kind of thing works but I'm trying!

The feet-as-hands and hands-as-feet idea came from @jayrockin and their avians, which walk on their hands and use their feet for dexterity-dependent tasks.

[commanderbuffy]

Heart’s Canyon: Chapter *redacted* Snippet

Jade curls up in the plush chair, but despite the backlight built into her Kindle, she isn’t reading. She keeps her eyes trained just above the device. Looking into the kitchen at her girls…at her daughter and her ex. Her friend.

Kit pushes the bag of sugar across the counter that Pia is almost completely on top of, sock-clad feet just barely brushing the top of the stool.

As the sun sets, Kit is lit in a fading orange glow and the lantern flashlights illuminate Pia’s hair in a way that makes it look comically orange in those perfectly crafted braids.

Kit helps Pia level out the cup of sugar and dumps it into the mixing bowl before sliding the flour across the counter.

Jade tries not to think about the fact that it isn’t just breakfast for dinner. It might be for Pia, but not for Kit. It never was for Kit.

Kit’s dad had promised to teach Kit how to cook. It was supposed to be every Sunday, something to give Kit something to do, to keep her from going crazy antsy.

She hadn’t had friends to burn energy off with. Not in middle school. Not before they met.

But that first lesson, making pancakes had been the last. Pancakes. The only meal Kit ever learned to make. Her happiest meal. When they were together, Kit would often tell Jade that she felt closest to her dad making pancakes.

Pia lets out a loud giggle as Kit flicks a bit of flour on her face.

“It’s a critical step to pancake making,” the woman deadpans. “You gotta get a bit messy.”

Taking that as a challenge, Pia takes a large pinch of flour and flicks it back at Kit in return.

Jade tries, and fails, to control her own laugh. Across the room, Kit’s eyes dart up to meet hers, as if she’d forgotten that Jade was in the room with them. She offers Jade a soft smile. And…fuck.

[missannemakes]

More Ombré/Gradient Yarn

More yarn came today! On the one hand, it’s all very pretty. On the other hand, not all of it is what I expected.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lion Brand Ice Cream - Strawberry

This is pretty much exactly what I knew I was gonna get. It is very thin. Which makes sense because it is a three weight and not a four weight. Which I’m pretty sure I knew going in. I will say, the ball band says that you use a size 8 hook with it. Interested to compare this with the premier gradient, which is also kind of thin. Note that this one does not actually call itself an ombré or gradient.

Lily Sugar and Cream Strawberry

OK, not disappointed with this one either. Again, I knew what I was getting. And it’s very pretty. What’s interesting, is that I’m pretty sure the online listing said ombré, but the actual tag on the ball band does not say ombré at all. (Just checked – – the Amazon listing does say the original hombre yarn. The ball band just says the original. So that’s interesting…)

Caron Jumbo Ombré - Blossom

This one I am disappointed. The picture on the Amazon listing was strategic, and only showed the side of the ball, BUT you can see my side picture does show the purple and the cream that are in this ball along with the pink. I just checked on the yarn inspirations website and they use the same pictures. Don’t get me wrong. The colors are pretty – although I am not a huge fan of the neon salmon pink in there. I think it’s going to look nice worked up in all the colors. but it doesn’t necessarily look like an hombre and it doesn’t necessarily look like what was advertised. Maybe it’s a case of dye lot? I did get two in the package and the other one only seems to have one chunk of purple in it and they are the same dye lot… anyway – not superduper impressed there.

Lion Brand Mandala Ombré - Pure

This one is the most disappointing! Can you guess why? It’s gorgeous it’s absolutely lovely, but there’s a whole lot more blue than pink in there! This one I think definitely is a fault of a dye lot issue, but I am allowed to feel disappointed. I also wanted to make sure I showed the picture of the side of the ball band where it has the picture of what the yarn should look like in the pattern. Notice there’s is pink blue pink while mine is blue pink blue.

Red Heart Super Saver Super Craft Kit - Gradients

At some point, I’ll take a picture of the purple and the blue yarn that came in this kit, because I think they did a better job of making a gradient with those colors. The pink colors are not bad, and for all I know they may blend really well into each other when I use them, but the two middle ones perfect pink and light raspberry seem almost identical, and then shocking pink on the dark end is really quite shockingly pink and if I had my way, there would be a couple more colors in between there. But overall they’re pretty and I like that they tell you the names of these yarns so that when you run out of the 50 g or whatever they gave you, you can go and buy a whole skein more if you want it.

Mandala Gradient

Holy neon yarn, Batman! I was not expecting it to be this bright! Seriously, this thing practically glows in the dark! It is very soft. It’s pretty standard for the kind of yarn, I guess. At some point, I’ll get a comparison between just the look of this one and the premier gradient. Still pretty sure somebody was trying to copy somebody else, but I don’t know which side is which.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, at least I have a lot to occupy me.

I’ll try to do some testing and some comparisons this coming week. I am going back  to work on Monday (assuming we don’t get buried in snow 🤞❄️) so I won’t have a ton of time, but this project does not have to be done fast.

Of the yarn on my initial list, I think I still need to get the one that’s exclusive to Michael’s and the other premier ombre one. Those will have to be maybe payday treats for me.

Out of these yarns, which one is your favorite? Which one do you think is the best ombré/gradient?

[louisetaylor]

The novel we all need:

Beatrice's 200-page novel/letter to Lemony containing all of the many reasons why she can't marry him. The darkly elegant turn-of-the-century opera/ballet/high-society vibes of Lemony, Beatrice, Esme, Jerome, Kit, Jacques, and perhaps Olaf, all scheming and murdering and flirting in The Unnamed Big City.

Cab rides fraught with menace and apprehension, with Jacques whistling up in front as he drives. Beatrice narrating everything with a grief (and loquacity) similar to Lemony's, but looking toward the future rather than the past. Sometimes she writes "a word which here means" because Lemony says it so often. Food and fire as recurring themes. Beatrice might have an unnerving attraction to fire...and one instance of intentional fire-setting because she knows two instances would legally make her a pyromaniac.

Her uncertainty between Lemony and Bertrand, two very different men who are equally pretentious in different ways (and subtly fight over her in Clever Verbal Skirmishes, which she loves). The whole story taking place in the melodramatic atmosphere of the opera, perhaps divided into acts. Brief arias of soliloquy from Beatrice, letters from Lemony (!!!) and her friendship with the mysterious Duchess R of Winnipeg. GORGEOUS clothes on absolutely everyone.

Lemony and Beatrice bonding over their love of root beer floats, not to mention questioning the whole system of V.F.D. thinking violence is never acceptable and the world should always be quiet. I've always wondered why Beatrice chose Bertrand over Lemony, and if she really loved Lemony more. LEMONY COOKING FOR BEATRICE AT 2 AM IN HER APARTMENT AFTER A SHOW. Lemony crying on her shoulder at the bitterness of the world, disapproving of her preference for sweet milky tea. Bertrand symbolizing fire (candles, chandeliers in operas and restaurants), and Lemony symbolizing water (rain, the sea, lunch at Briny Beach, splashing with her in the fountain).

The fated tea party, the friendship turned simmering rivalry between Esme and Beatrice, the theft of the sugar bowl when Beatrice finally turns her back on Esme. Kit's subtle glances at Olaf, who's still young and kind and handsome and full of hope and mischief, even though he's a bit of a jerk. Kit believes in him. Everyone else just believes in Kit. Jacques flirting with anything in a skirt just because he likes making people blush and giggle.

The denouement is the grand opera where Beatrice's performance is followed by the death of Olaf's father and the breaking of the fellowship.

Notes in the margins written by Lemony and punctuated by tear stains.

At the end of the book, she quotes Robert Frost. "Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire."

After the quotation, Lemony writes "She burned too bright for this world" from Wuthering Heights, which she loved.

Perhaps the overall meaning of the book could be that Beatrice (a name which here means "she who brings happiness") loves Lemony, and always will, because he symbolizes grief and lost love and wishing for the safe childhood that none of them ever had. But Lemony is the past, and Bertrand is the future. Beatrice has always been surrounded by people who wrote and spoke and sang of the beauty of grief, the glory of sadness. But Beatrice couldn't help holding a happiness as deep as grief. She loves dark stories and art as much as anyone (she's an opera singer, after all) but she's hungry for happiness.

And she had happiness with Lemony when he gave her food, when he hugged her and told her all the ways he would love her, when he played the accordion so well it made her cry. The manuscript is stained with her tears too. She needs to make people happy, and as much as Lemony loved her, she could never make him happy. He saw and adored her deep capacity for happiness, but he couldn't receive it. Like Dante, he admired Beatrice's glow from afar. Now he descends into the inferno, where his angel can't go with him.

The novel is perhaps named A Series of Fortunate Events. Because they all happened with him at her side. Although she has to leave him, she mourns for him, for his endless wandering on the run, and never regrets the time she spent with him. She finally learned to see herself as he always saw her--a beacon of light and warmth who held all the friends together, even as the times grew dark and the force of destiny worked on them all.

Perhaps it was really Beatrice who symbolized fire all the time, not Bertrand. Lemony was water, and water smothers fire and dims its light. But Bertrand might symbolize air. Bertrand might be a fresh breath of air on Mount Fraught, liking the outdoors more than Lemony, making mischievous jokes with Olaf, slurping loudly from a straw while Lemony does a Dramatic Philosophical Monologue, meeting her on windy streets with newspapers (articles written by Lemony) blowing around their feet. Bertrand pining in the background as Lemony kisses Beatrice's hand. She feels more alive and awake with Bertrand. Water reflects fire, but air feeds it.

The whole novel contains foreshadowing of all the unfortunate events to come, some of the references quite clever and amusing even as they break your heart. But one comes away from the book with a sense that though Beatrice was always doomed to die...she LIVED. The book must be warm and full of life, contrasting the books about her children in a world that is often too cold and too quiet. The world is too quiet without her. But it's not a sad ending. Because she left a legacy of warmth and hope and love. Lemony wrote the children's stories for her sake, because he loved her and remembered her.

He loved her for her fiery happiness, even as she loved him for his grief and vulnerability. In the scene where Lemony confesses his love for Beatrice, a moth flies into the candle on the table between them, symbolic of Lemony wishing his heart out to be with her warmth, even as it doomed him to exile in a cold and quiet world.

But even this is not the end. Because someday, after Beatrice and Lemony have had their say, young Beatrice Baudelaire II will drop a note through the ceiling of Lemony's office, and the old Beatrice somehow gave Lemony a child to love and take care of, in a strange and roundabout way.

Edit: Allusions to heaven and hell throughout the work, hell being the arson perpetrated by the Bad Guys, and purgatory being the wide empty hinterlands that lie outside the city. Lemony chooses to stay in hell to help the unfortunate people in it, making him a bit of a Christ figure. Bertrand climbing his way up out of hell and reaching for the heaven of a safe home and family. Beatrice symbolizing an angel who fell, or was pushed, from heaven a long time ago and being a bit of a Christ figure herself for going deep into Lemony's sadness and understanding him, thus saving him even as he saves her.

[infinite-riches]

Bright Lights & Dark Spaces

Summary: “Bad morning?” Price’s motions closely mirror those of Ghost’s from mere moments before, not phased by the Brit’s harsh attitude this morning.

“From the moment I opened my eyes…” Ghost mumbles, lifting the fabric of his mask to take a sip of his favorite blend.

Or: Ghost has a headache and Soap knows just how to help.

Pairing: John "Soap" MacTavish x Simon "Ghost" Riley

Word Count: 1297

Warnings: none :)

A/N: So I may or may not be dabbling with the idea of turning this into something more...? Thoughts?

This lovely one-shot was inspired by this prompt from a member of the CoD babygirls server, much love to them!! <3

And as always feel free to leave feedback/constructive criticism <3

AO3 Link (if you prefer): Bright Lights & Dark Spaces

The sharp ray of light slipping beneath the bottom of the blinds was enough to signal to Ghost that it would be one of those days. The otherwise silent room was only filled with a soft huff and his bare feet making contact with the cold tile floor. No need to turn any light on, the offending ray of light being more than enough to illuminate the small space in a dim yellow glow. 

Hands immediately reached for the well-used and loved pot of eyeblack, muscle memory taking over. Black cream smeared against pale skin, a familiar feeling and borderline necessary practice these days. Just for good measure, a few painkillers are tossed back, knowing today won’t be easy. 

The worn balaclava is next, pulled securely over his head, hiding pale skin and soft blonde locks. Gentle pressure from the fabric eases the discomfort slightly but it's no use against the headache already blooming behind his eyes. 

With a frustrated grumble instincts take over, clothes and gear slipping into place mechanically, as had been ingrained in him so long ago. The last movement before the door is to grab the deep red sunglasses that had become one of the most important pieces of his kit. 

Opening the door allows the offending fluorescent light to spill into his private quarters, immediately eliciting a grimace from the large Brit. The glasses slip easily over his eyes and mask making the light slightly more tolerable. 

He trudges through the halls, irritation rolling off him in waves, rookies practically jumping aside as he makes a beeline for the 141 rec room. He can’t help but be grateful when he takes note that the small, private space is empty, immediately flicking one of the light switches off so the room is half as obnoxiously bright. 

His attention is now fully focused on the well-used and abused electric kettle. With precise motions the kettle is filled and set to boil as Ghost grabs his much-loved mug from the cabinet, followed by a bag of his favorite tea and two anticipatory sugar cubes. The beeping of the kettle rings sharp before he quickly snatches the handle and fills the mug, leaving the rest of the hot water for whichever of his teammates appears later.

The door to the room is pushed open, Ghost’s head snapping to the sound, eyes locked on the hand hovering above the light switch. 

“Price… don’t,” it's a firm warning with no malice behind it, Price nodding quickly in understanding. 

“Bad morning?” Price’s motions closely mirror those of Ghost’s from mere moments before, not phased by the Brit’s harsh attitude this morning. 

“From the moment I opened my eyes…” Ghost mumbles, lifting the fabric of his mask to take a sip of his favorite blend. 

“Well the good news is that I haven’t received a call from Laswell about that intel, means you should be able to hole up in your office if need be…” the older man gives the younger a sympathetic nod, having been aware of the light sensitivity and subsequent headaches for a while now. 

“Morning boys- interruptin’ something?” Soap teasingly wagged his eyebrows at the two older men. “Should I leave? Maybe put a sock on the door?” A light laugh left his lips as he flicked the other switch on. Ghost grimaced again, grip tightening on his mug ever so slightly. 

“M’ gonna go work on those reports, Captain,” Ghost pushed himself off the counter he was leaning against, giving both Price and Soap nods before he was out the door.

-----

The day passed agonizingly slow, headache persisting no matter his efforts. Blinds closed tight, shade pulled over the glass panel on the door, nothing but the small desk lamp on to illuminate the space. He had even opted to print the reports and notate them by hand to avoid the glaring computer screen, much to no avail. The soft knock on the door shook him from his thoughts, a confused look crossing his face.

“LT?” A brief pause from the Scot. “It’s me…” A grunt from Ghost was all the signal Soap needed to quickly slip inside and shut the door. He stood, opposite from Ghost, planted on the other side of the desk.

“I uhh…” Soap sheepishly shrugged. “Brought a few things that I thought might help…” He gently set the small collection of things down on his superior’s desk, including a fresh mug of his favorite tea. “Don’t know what exactly’s goin’ on but thought some of this might be worth a shot…” 

The front of the desk was now covered in a small smattering of things Soap thought might help with his LT’s headache– painkillers, bottle of water, hot and cold compresses– it was obvious Soap had more of a hunch than he was letting on.

“Soap…” Ghost’s voice was soft as he looked expectantly to the Scot for an explanation.

“Ma sister, she had migraines when we were growin’ up… looked like you did in the rec this mornin’…” 

“And you…?” Ghost’s eyes scanned over the things Soap had brought, not ungrateful for the gesture but slightly frustrated at the sight of methods already well tested.

“Got damn good at takin’ care of her… always preferred me massagin’ her scalp though..” Soap chuckled at the memory, a slight blush overtaking his cheeks as he realized the slight overshare. Ghost however seemed more intrigued than not, bottom lip tugged between his teeth as he thought.

“Guess I best be leavin’ you, know that my yappin’ might not-” Soap stopped, already having taken a step towards the door.

“Johnny…” Ghost took a slow breath, steeling his nerves, preparing to cross a line neither of them ever had before. “Would you… would you be willing to try?”

Soap looked the older man over, eyes clearly showing desperation and fatigue, sunglasses discarded long ago. “You sure, LT?”

All it took was a single nod from Ghost for Soap to be behind the man, watching as Ghost slowly lifted the mask up and off his head, blonde locks spilling out, a warm honey color in the dim light. Neither man could ignore the way their hearts fluttered, the soft intimacy of the moment overwhelming but the start of something each had dreamt about for ages. 

Soap gently slid his fingers along the top of Ghost’s head, soft curls brushing against his skin. Using small circular strokes and medium pressure the Scot worked his way across the other man’s scalp, smiling with pride as he watched the tension in Ghost’s shoulders slowly dissipate. 

A soft moan escaped Ghost, so quiet Soap almost missed it, but Ghost was immediately adjusting himself in the chair, posturing a bit to hide his embarrassment. Eventually, Ghost had all but melted into the chair, eyes shut, breathing slow and steady.

“Still alive down there, LT?” there was a light laugh to Soap’s words as he noticed Ghost stir, almost as if he had been about to fall asleep.

“I…” Ghost paused, mulling over his words for a moment, choosing to hold back what he really wanted to say. “Thank you…”

“No need to mention it, LT– you’ve saved my ass more times than I can count, the least I can do to pay you back…” Soap had taken a small step to the side, eyes scanning the rare sight of his Lieutenant's bare face.

Ghost quickly reached out, hand coming to rest on Soap’s hip, eyes tracing up his form till beautiful pools of blue were staring back at him. “I can’t thank you enough, Johnny… best I’ve felt in a while…”

“Course handsome…” Soap said with a wink, leaning down to place a flirty kiss on Ghost’s cheek before he moved to the door. “Couldnae ever say no to you…”

[your-local-uwu-artist]

HELLAO how about 6, 14, 15, and 25 for the Kirby OC ask game!!! :D

🗣️: If you could cast a voice actor to voice your OC who would you choose?

tbh I havn't really been able to nail a voice-claim/hc down for Button. Though I def think he would have a more masculine-sounding voice, but with some sort of quick to it (like being raspy or squeaky) the only thing I know for sure is he needs like, a loser white guy voice.... if that makes literally any sense

also I think they have the vibe of a character whos eng and jp voices are very different but somehow both work equally very well (like calcifur and meowth, both of those have very different directions taken with their voices but both work in the same way somehow??)

ummm some potential candidates are Charlie Day, Jack McBrayer, maybe Jason Ritter? Daniel thrasher has never voice acted but he's def a candidate

for jp something similar to either Nate's pkmn masters jp voice, or like, something very raspy and mascot-character esque

14. 🍱: If your OC had a dish themed around them at the Kirby Cafe, what would it be?

hmm I'm not sure? this isn't really my area of expertise: here's some random ideas tho~

-apple pie flavored waffle? shaped like a star of course

-little button shaped sugar cookies?

-half chocolate half vanilla cupcake? to represent the angel+demon thing, combine it with the sugar cookies maybe? have two of them decorated like his eyes mayhaps?

-apparently there is a way to make drinks glow in the dark but it requires a black light so dead end :(

-mac n cheese, idk how to make it cute but it needs to be involved

-wait! idea: pretzel shaped like a lyra?

15. 🧸: If your OC had any merchandise themed around them, what would it be?

now this one is actually right in my area of expertise I love toy design

for some less simple things:

one of those little craft kits that gives you the supplies to make something simple like a felt plush sewn together with yarn, you could sew a little small star-button billow, and a little kirby plush and the aesthetic is all Button themed. Or maybe a a friendship bracelet craft kit? there's a lot of potential craft kits what with being from patch land

or maybe a merry magoland themed re-ment set that features a little Button working a booth

or you know those little keychain plushies?

dude I could design these ALL DAY

hell I've thought a lot about button merch just with what I could feasibly make happen. Button acryllic charms? Button buttons? a Button themed candy bag keychain? those keychains with the little magnet heart accesories? I could do that with Button and characters he's shipable with. standee with tail wag? glow in the dark standee and the stand part is a magic circle? button enamel pins? button ACRYLIC PINS?

25. ⭐️: If your OC got their own spinoff game what would it be about and what would the gameplay be like?

a few ideas!

-epic yarn style! the story line is Button learns about Kirby's Magic sock and decides to visit home~

-game where you sail across the sea!!! Meta Knight wants you to collect a special flower that only grows on this one island, he's too busy with meta knight stuff to get it himself. So he has sent Button on this fetch quest. i guess you could make it into a platformer, but maybe it could be like a minigame collection? that would involve things like puzzle games to figure out navigation. or upkeep/tidying around the boat. maybe there could be 'events', like finding a waddle dee lost at sea and bringing them home. or needing to fix the boats engine

-prequel game of one of Button's journey's during angst-era. platformer but with a lot of puzzle aspects implemented

-if you wanted a more epic quest with co-op modes and all maybe Button caught wind of some powerful magic source and is seeking it in hopes of restoring his Halo, and of course theres a positive message in the end where no Button doesn't get his halo back but he got his Self worth back or smth. (the true halo was the friends we made along the way I guess) would still want puzzle aspects implemented

-game where kirby and co is on vacation but danger strikes and Button, Magolor, Taranza, and Marx has to take the place of Kirby and co.

-unrelated but take a moment to imagine Merry Magoland but with Button around doing his job. Imagine a special animation of them being shocked when the player gets a high score or smth